50plus LIFE York County October 2016

Complimentary | York County Edition | October 2016 • Vol. 17 No. 10

Once a Trombonist, Always a Trombonist page 4

The Culture of Cigars in Central Pa page 14

Special Focus: Create a Great Funeral page 22

The Beauty in Nature

Migrant Sharp-Shins and Red-Tails Clyde McMillan-Gamber

Legends in Concert Tribute to the Stars October 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Nashville’s Hit Country Songwriters: The Stories Behind the Hits October 7, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

The Summit: The Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 October 11, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Film Screening Party with Barry Bostwick October 29, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

An Evening with Randy Fenoli of Say Yes to the Dress November 5, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

An Evening with Lidia Bastianich Chef/TV Host November 6, 2016 at 4:00 p.m.

An Evening with Jonathan and Drew Scott November 20, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Vienna Boys Choir Christmas in Vienna December 17, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Lisa Williams World-renowned Medium March 3, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

The Branford Marsalis Quartet with special guest Kurt Elling April 20, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

ThePulloCenter.com 717-505-8900 2

October 2016

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On blustery days early in October, almost anywhere off the mountains. not so many years ago, when cold Sharp-shins’ peak of southbound wind blew briskly from the north migration is early in October. or northwest after a couple of days Sharpies are a little smaller than of rain or sullen weather, I drove pigeons and streamlined for swift to mountain lookouts at Hawk flight, alternately flapping and Mountain Sanctuary in northern soaring.

Berks County or They are one Waggoner’s Gap on of the most the Cumberland/ exciting migrant Perry County hawks because of line to experience their speed and migrating hawks numbers going by and eagles. any one ridge. On There usually days of northwest were many different wind, they zip kinds of those along almost one raptors, but mostly right after another sharp-shinned and for the bulk of red-tailed hawks each blustery day. soared along the The stately redsouthwest-running tails push through ridges of those here in greatest Red-tailed hawk. wooded slopes. The numbers late in wind pressure from October and into behind pushed the November. A bone-chilling air— bit larger than and the soaring crows, red-tails hawks—up the cruise steadily and northwest-facing majestically on slopes. outstretched, flat Those wings southwest southbound raptors above southwestsailed for miles on running ridges, those windy days often one after with scarcely a wing another. beat, saving them But on south lots of energy. or east winds, When hawks are they scatter off the ready to migrate mountains and south in fall to sail south almost Sharp-shinned hawk. avoid winter in anywhere, often the north, they one after another go, almost no matter the weather in a steady stream of themselves. and wind direction. On days when Though several species of hawks blustery winds come from the north and eagles migrate over southeastern or northwest, those raptors mostly Pennsylvania in October, sharp-shins sail along the southwest-running and red-tails are the most abundant Appalachians. of those migrants and, therefore, the But when winds are from the most exciting to experience. south or east, or are nonexistent, Go to a local mountaintop or raptors float south on sun-warmed, watch the sky from anywhere to see rising columns of air called thermals some of these migrating raptors. www.50plusLifePA.com

It Was 50 Years Ago Today

‘Walk Away Renée’ Randal Hill

Was there ever a real Renée from “Walk Away Renée,” and was the sad story true about her devastated lover sending her home? Renée did exist, but the rest of the tale? Sadly, it was simply the figment of a forlorn 16year-old’s imagination.

Renée Fladen was an aspiring teenage ballerina whose boyfriend, Tom Finn, played guitar in a New York City rock band called the Left Banke. One night, Finn brought Fladen to a rehearsal. Michael Brown, the group’s keyboardist/songwriter, fell instantly in (puppy) love with the tall, striking blonde.

In agony from his unrequited

in love.” crush, the When he highly strung, wrote his emotional band’s future wordsmith millionseller, Brown started writing wanted to set love songs his fantasyabout crush story Fladen. in a real Brown place. As a boy in would later Brooklyn, confess “Walk Away Renée” The Left Banke to Bob he had October 1966 Shannon in sometimes Behind the hunted Hits, “I was just sort of mythologically praying mantises in a vacant lot at the

corner of Falmouth and Hampton avenues.

It was there that Brown pictured Fladen and himself standing together in the rain below a “one way” sign on Falmouth: And when I see the sign that points one way The lot we used to pass by every day Just walk away Renée You won’t see me follow you back home Brown’s violinist father was Harry Lookofsky (Brown’s real surname). please see Renée page 5

At Your Fingertips Helpful numbers, hotlines, and local businesses and organizations eager to serve you—all just a phone call away.

Active Adult Communities Roth’s Farm Village Roth’s Church Road, Spring Grove (717) 633-7300

Entertainment Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 510 Centerville Road, Lancaster (717) 898-1900

Hearing Services Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (800) 233-3008 V/TTY

Animal Hospitals Community Animal Hospital Donald A. Sloat, D.V.M. 400 S. Pine St., York (717) 845-5669

Funeral & Cremation Services Cremation Society of Pennsylvania Serving Lancaster County (800) 720-8221

Home Care Services Senior Helpers (717) 920-0707

Automobile Sales/Service Gordon’s Body Shop, Inc. 10 Mill St., Stewartstown (717) 993-2263 Coins & Currency Steinmetz Coins & Currency 2861 E. Prospect Road, York (717) 757-6980 Dental Services Susquehanna Dental Arts 100 S. 18th St., Columbia (717) 285-7033 or (717) 684-3943 Energy Assistance Low-Income Energy Assistance (717) 787-8750

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Health & Medical Services Alzheimer’s Association (717) 651-5020 Alzheimer’s Information Clearinghouse (800) 367-5115 American Diabetes Association (800) 342-2383 CONTACT Helpline (717) 652-4400 The National Kidney Foundation (800) 697-7007 or (717) 757-0604 Social Security Information (800) 772-1213 Healthcare Information Pennsylvania HealthCare Cost Containment (717) 232-6787

Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services Hanover: (717) 630-0067 Lancaster: (717) 393-3450 York: (717) 751-2488 Housing Assistance Housing Authority of York (717) 845-2601 Property Tax/Rent Rebate (888) 728-2937 Independent Living Pine Run Retirement Community 1880 Pine Run Road, Abbottstown (800) 683-0706

Pharmacies CVS/pharmacy www.cvs.com Services York County Area Agency on Aging (800) 632-9073 Transportation Rabbittransit (800) 632-9063 Travel AAA Southern Pennsylvania (717) 600-8700 Veterans Services Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon (717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771 Volunteer opportunities RSVP of Capital Region, Inc. (717) 847-1539

Insurance – Long-Term Care Apprise Insurance Counseling (717) 771-9610 or (800) 632-9073

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October 2016

3

Cover Story

Once a Trombonist, Always a Trombonist

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By Chelsea Peifer

the musicians and the musical conducting,” Troxell said.

When Bob The performance was Troxell was 11 years such a success that they old, his neighbor held it for three nights said, “You look in a row for the next like a trombonist. three years to a sold-out Let’s make you a crowd every time. When trombonist!” somebody suggested they His response was, organize a big band, they “What is that?” did that too.

Troxell’s Members of the Big Big Jazz Band The Big Big Jazz Band, neighbor, who was range in age from their 20s to their 90s. a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was a band director, made up of engineers, helped him to order factory workers, doctors, a trombone for $13 lawyers, and all sorts from the Searsof busy musicians who Roebuck catalog didn’t want to play and get started. in dive bars on the And now at weekends but loved to age 92, Troxell play and jumped at the has decades of chance to perform for experience playing audiences who were just as a trombonist and as eager to listen and leading the Big Big dance.

Jazz Band that he Troxell’s Big Big Jazz started.

Band focused on playing “Once a The band is made up of musicians benefits for nonprofit trombonist, always from all kinds of professions. organizations throughout a trombonist,” the county. One year the laughed Troxell, group was brainstorming who grew up in and graduated with a degree in ideas for a fun new venue the coal region engineering in 1948. to mix things up. of Shamokin in an era when “He said, ‘Sixty years from “At first someone said, ‘What big bands and jazz music were now, you’ll thank me.’ And I have about a fall tailgate?’” Troxell thriving. thanked him every night for many recalled. “But someone else said, He served in the United States years.”

‘No, why don’t we do something Navy during World War II. Troxell took a job offer from in the winter when the blahs set He then used the G.I. bill and in?’ And that’s how we came up supported himself through school Armstrong World Industries and worked at plants in Pittsburgh and with the Beat the Winter Blahs at Penn State University.

Macon, Georgia, before ending Ball.”

“I was the first one in my About 800 people showed up, family to go to college, so nobody up in Central Pennsylvania. He worked for Armstrong for 40 years and they ran out of seats. knew anything about college,” he and made lifelong friends that he “People wanted to come and explained. stills sees on a regular basis. dance, and it was delightful,” said Troxell was toying with the “It was a lot like playing the Troxell. idea of pursuing a career in music trombone,” he said. “There are The Beat the Winter Blahs Ball when his professor pulled him always some new tunes.” is still going strong 34 years later, aside to offer a bit of wisdom. He He was even able to play and continues to draw crowds cautioned Troxell against majoring trombone in a jazz combo with every March. in music and encouraged him to some of his coworkers, and Troxell led the band until about consider engineering instead. in 1968 he worked with Don three years ago, when he decided “He said music is a tough Goldstrom, who put together a he wanted a break from all of the racket, but if you become an show that spoofed politics at the administrative work and to “just engineer you’ll always have a job Fulton Theatre. have fun.” and you can make music your “He and Sen. Dick Snyder The Big Big Jazz Band is avocation,” recalled Troxell. wrote the show, and I handled now led by Gary Peters and has Troxell heeded his advice www.50plusLifePA.com

18 members. More information on the band is available at www. bigbigjazzband.org.

“Some of the musicians are right out of college in their early 20s, and the oldest goes all the way up to me,” said Troxell with a laugh.

Music has certainly been one of the key components in making retirement so enjoyable and full for Troxell.

“The essential thing is that

you need to have something that you enjoy, and something that is meaningful,” he said. “And not just watching football on TV or even reading a book, but something where physically you’re interfacing with other people. That’s what keeps you going.”

In addition to playing in the Big Big Jazz Band, Troxell is a substitute trombonist for other big bands and

plays in pickup bands and at his church.

He and his wife, Kay, have been married for 65 years and have two children. For the past 20 years, the couple has traveled to the North Carolina Jazz Festival in Wilmington each February.

“These are the best traditional jazz musicians in the world,” said Troxell, explaining that a highlight

of the festival is when the performers invite musicians in the crowd to come onstage and play along.

“We get to play with the best, and it’s just a very wonderful feeling,” he continued. “It’s sort of like walking back in time to when you were a kid and you thought about doing this, and now you are.”

soaked, minor-key lament “Walk Away Renée,” Lookofsky brought in a string quartet to create a moody, “baroque rock” atmosphere. He also added a lilting flute solo inspired by the Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’.”

Lookofsky then hit the streets to pitch the unusual song that featured reedy lead vocals by band member Steve Martin Cano. Smash Records liked the tune, released it that fall, and watched in amazement as “Walk Away Renée” catapulted to No. 5 on Billboard’s singles chart.

Two years later, the Four Tops took a soulful Motown remake to the Top 20.

The Left Banke hit big once more with Brown’s second Fladen-inspired composition, the hauntingly ethereal “Pretty Ballerina,” which continued Brown’s infatuation with the blond beauty:

Kamm, she forsook ballet to eventually become a highly respected classical singer and vocal coach in the San Francisco Bay area.

Undoubtedly to her chagrin, though, she will be forever linked to the tune that, during the ’80s, was certified as one of history’s few pop songs to ever receive more than 1 million radio airplays.

Photos by George Grotyohann

Renée from page 3 Lookofsky co-owned New York’s tiny World United Studios, where his son and his pals often hung out after school.

The Left Banke members weren’t skilled instrumentalists, but Lookofsky realized that they could harmonize well and in the style of the then-popular British Invasion groups.

Lookofsky had the quartet tape a couple of songs to see how they’d sound on a record, but nothing worked until the night Renée Fladen sauntered into World United.

For the 1966 recording of the tear-

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Her hair so brilliant that it hurt my eyes And Fladen, that unintentional heartbreaker? As Renée Fladen-

Randal C. Hill is a rock ’n’ roll historian who lives at the Oregon coast. He may be reached at wryterhill@msn.com.

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October 2016

5

Agent Orange: What Vietnam Veterans Can Do to Help Future Generations

By Rebecca Hanlon No one noticed it at first. The herbicide used to clear tracts of rainforest during the Vietnam War was given the name “Agent Orange” for the brightly colored stripes on the barrels. And while it did its job of killing vegetation, it also was doing something else in the DNA of men and women who served in the Armed Forces.

While U.S. forces would withdraw in 1973, the Vietnam War didn’t end until 1975. But between 1962 and 1971, the United States sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of dioxin-contaminated herbicides over some 6 million acres of Vietnam, according to a report by the National Organization on Disability.

All the while, veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides were slowly starting to experience their own changes. The

Department of Veterans Affairs received its first reports of conditions related to Agent Orange in 1977.

Since then, it has been a long road of determining how Agent Orange might have affected those exposed to its chemicals—even plaguing future generations—and how the government can now provide assistance.

Vietnam Veterans of America, based in Silver Spring, Md., has been pushing legislation to help collect data from veterans and find ways to help the generations that

continue to suffer from some of the effects, including spina bifida and an incomplete closing of a fetus’ spine, as well as issues related to learning, attention, and weak immune systems.

For decades, Vietnam veterans were denied disability and health benefits for exposure to Agent Orange. It wasn’t until 1991 that certain illnesses were finally linked to the herbicide.

But hope might finally be in sight. In 2015, senators pushed for a bipartisan bill that would allow veterans who served in Vietnam and on the surrounding shoreline

and have a disease associated with Agent Orange to receive health and disability benefits.

Betty Mekdeci of Birth Defect Research For Children, Inc., in Florida knows how hard of a struggle it has been to provide relief for Vietnam veterans.

“It’s a shame that these veterans waited so long for someone to take notice,” Mekdeci said. “The research wasn’t there for such a long time, and it was like we were starting from scratch to get it.”

Working with the Vietnam Veterans of America, Mekdeci was able to start a national birth defect registry to help determine how children and grandchildren of veterans were reacting to Agent Orange exposure.

While spina bifida is the main defect seen in future generations of male veterans, there are 18 birth defects found in the children and

Stories of ordinary men and women called to perform extraordinary military service.

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Upload your hero’s picture, name, and information at VeteransExpo.com/salute-to-service.

Since 1999, writer and World War II veteran Col. Robert D. Wilcox has preserved the firsthand wartime experiences of more than 200 veterans through Salute to a Veteran, his monthly column featured in 50plus LIFE. Now, for the first time, 50 of those stories— selected by Wilcox himself—are available to own in this soft-cover book.

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grandchildren of female veterans, Mekdeci said.

As the data rolled in, Mekdeci said, they expected to see cleft palate and spina bifida pop up in the listings. But it was the nonphysical defects—the pattern of children with learning, attention, and immune disabilities—that caught her attention.

“Doctors didn’t know what to do.

Families were frustrated,” she said.

“We needed to do more research.”

Years later, Mekdeci has closely followed legislators who debate the passing of bills that would bring benefits to veterans and their children.

“Agent Orange turned birth defect research on its head,” she said. “We thought of birth defects as structural things—heart defects, cleft palate, missing limbs. But it isn’t just bones and organs that form during pregnancy. It’s all the things that make our bodies function.”

But getting help for veterans exposed to Agent Orange is still a challenge.

The official list of diseases recognized as related to Agent Orange has grown slowly and sporadically, mostly because of underfunding and uneven research, according to the National Organization on Disability.

More than a decade after the war, the skin disease chloracne, which causes disfiguration, was the only illness officially associated with Agent Orange exposure. Others have been added, including chronic B-cell leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, and several groups of cancers found in soft tissue, such as

muscle, fat, and blood.

Today, 14 illnesses are recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as being a result of Agent Orange exposure.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, biological children of veterans exposed to Agent Orange may receive a monthly monetary allowance based on their level of disability, as well as vocational training for job placement and healthcare benefits.

While Vietnam Veterans of America has focused on the families of veterans, veterans of more recent wars have reported similar heath issues in younger generations.

With hopes of initiating research on all toxic exposures to those in the Armed Forces, the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Agent Orange/Dioxin Committee has been hard at work pushing new legislation.

The organization introduced identical bills in both chambers of Congress, H.R. 1769 and S.901— the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015. Both bills have bipartisan sponsorship.

The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015 directs the VA secretary to select one VA Medical Center to serve as the national center for the research and diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of descendants of individuals exposed to toxic substances during service, according to a news release.

“We needed this type of research done years ago,” Mekdeci said. “It really can’t wait any longer. The more time passes, the more time we’re missing out on opportunities to prevent more harm. Our veterans deserve more than that.”

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October 2016

7

Traveltizers

Don’t Fly Over Nebraska

By Andrea Gross

In my years of traveling I’ve flown over Nebraska many, many times. I’d look out the window and see neat plots of farmland and the winding ribbon of the Platte River, but not much else.

I wasn’t surprised. After all, what else is there between the Miracle Mile of Chicago and the mountains of Colorado? Last summer my husband and I decided to find out.

A former state slogan asserts that “Nebraska is where the West begins” and, as we soon learn, it begins just a few minutes after we cross the Missouri River Bridge that runs between Iowa and Nebraska.

There, in the middle of downtown Omaha, bronze bison crash through buildings, Canadian geese fly through the air, and a giant wagon train prepares to depart for points unknown. More than 100 larger-

It doesn’t take long to fly over Nebraska, but it’s much more interesting to drive.

than-life sculptures, arranged in two nonadjacent but coordinating parks, provide a glimpse of what the pioneers were about to face.

As we fill up our gas tank, a typically pragmatic Nebraskan puts it another way.

Photo credit: Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Parks in downtown Omaha feature more than 100 larger-than-life bronze pieces that depict Nebraska’s past.

“Once those pioneers got to Omaha, they didn’t have much choice. They were pretty much in the middle of what is now the United States, not counting Alaska or

Hawaii. No matter which direction they turned, they had 1,500 miles to go before reaching the country’s edge.”

Our journey suddenly sounds embarrassingly easy. We only have 450 miles to go before reaching the western edge of Nebraska, and we’ll be traveling in a Honda rather than a covered wagon.

But before leaving the town where the West begins, we have to see where Warren Buffett — arguably Nebraska’s most well-known citizen — began.

We drive by his home at 5505 Farnam St., where he has lived for nearly 60 years. It’s a nice enough house — two stories, brick, attached garage — but not exactly a billionaire’s estate. According to Zillow, a similar house would sell today for $875,000.

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Buffett stories and sightings are easy to come by in Omaha. An elderly gentleman tells us that he asked the billionaire if he’d ever used senior discounts. He enclosed a stamped, self-addressed envelope with his query, and Buffett answered immediately.

“I did get in as a senior citizen at the movies the other night,” he wrote, “and take note: I used your stamped envelope for the reply.”

A woman says she saw Buffett and Microsoft founder Bill Gates, the world’s wealthiest person, at Petrow’s, a family diner replete with fountain bar, where they each ordered the value-priced daily special.

But for a quick snack, Buffett is said to prefer Dairy Queen, a holding of his Berkshire-Hathaway company. He usually orders a small Dusty Sundae, which is soft vanilla ice cream topped with malted milk powder. We decide to splurge by spending 60 cents more for a large.

Omaha is one place where we can afford to eat better than a billionaire.

Following our grand indulgence, we head west on Interstate 80, roughly paralleling the route taken by nearly a half million settlers during

Photo credit: Visit Nebraska

Warren Buffett and his bridge buddy, Bill Gates, enjoy the atmosphere and prices at Omaha’s Petrow’s Restaurant.

the mid-19th century. The Great Platte River Road, as it was called back then, was the main path for the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the Gold Rush Trail. Today it’s an interstate trail for modern travelers.

We get another sense of the country’s vastness at Kearney’s Archway, a two-story museum that, as the name implies, arches over the interstate. Inside, a host of exhibits detail Nebraska’s transportation history, from wagons to trains to speeding cars.

Floating down the river in an old feeding tank is a popular activity in western Nebraska.

About 25 miles past North Platte, where we stop to see Buffalo Bill’s ranch and Union Pacific’s giant railroad yard, a small sign advises us that we’re about to enter Mountain Time Zone.

We have to adjust our watches as well as our mindset, for it’s here that the West of our imagination really begins. The neat plots of farmland filled with rows of corn become vast fields filled with grazing cattle. And the traffic — as well as the number of rest stops — thins out.

Off to the north are the Sandhills,

a seemingly endless rolling prairie that covers nearly a third of the state.

Highway 2, which bisects the region from east to west, is ranked as one of the 10 most beautiful highways in the nation.

Interspersed amongst the cattle ranches, there’s water, lots of it. In fact, the Sandhills are a recreational wonderland, filled with rivers and lakes that are perfect for fishing, swimming, tubing, and — my favorite — tanking. This is a Nebraska specialty that consists of using a feeding tank meant for livestock, outfitting it with cushy seating, and taking it on a float down a river.

Thoroughly relaxed and slightly damp, we return to Interstate 80 and head out to Wyoming. We’ve driven the length of Nebraska and one thing is certain: The best way to see Nebraska is by car — not through an airplane window.

For more on Warren Buffett’s favorite haunts as well as other great Nebraska destinations, see www.traveltizers.com.

Photos © Irv Green unless otherwise noted; story by Andrea Gross (www. andreagross.com).

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           

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50plus LIFE t

October 2016

9

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Elder Law Attorneys

Specific areas of elder law in which the firm concentrates:

Blakey, Yost, Bupp & Rausch, LLP Yes

Estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, estate administration, guardianships. York County Bar Association Estate Planning and Probate Law Section, chairman since 2001, friendly and efficient service and staff.

Yes

Asset protection; long-term care; medical assistance; veterans’ benefits (veteran certified); estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney; estate administration; guardianships.

Attorney/CPA on staff.

Yes

Wills; powers of attorney; living wills; estate settlement; probate; estate planning; nursing home planning; Medicaid; asset protection planning; trusts. We make house calls!

Yes

Compassionate guidance with Alzheimer’s and special-needs planning; Medicaid benefits; wills; powers of attorney; trusts; estate administration; care coordination; nurse on staff.

David A. Mills, Esquire

17 East Market Street, York, PA 17401 717-845-3674 fax 717-854-7839 dmills@blakeyyost.com www.blakeyyost.com

1

8

1980

1990

No

Yes

No

Daley Zucker Meilton & Miner, LLC 635 North 12th Street, #101, Lemoyne 4813 Jonestown Road, #106, Harrisburg 325 South Hanover Street, #2, Carlisle 717-724-9821 fax 717-724-9826 ppatton@dzmmlaw.com • www.dzmmlaw.com

3

7

2004

2004

No

Yes

No

Gettle & Veltri 13 East Market Street, York, PA 17401 717-854-4899 fax 717-848-1603 ghg@gettleveltri.com www.gettleveltri.com

2

4

1997

1997

Yes

Yes

Yes

Keystone Elder Law 555 Gettysburg Pike, Suite C-100, Mechanicsburg 43 Brookwood Ave., Suite 1, Carlisle 717-697-3223 toll-free 844-697-3223 karen@keystoneelderlaw.com www.keystoneelderlaw.com

3

3

2010

2010

Yes

Yes

Yes

This is not an all-inclusive list. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services. * Indicates that at least one attorney in the firm is a member. Information contained herein was provided by the firm.

Ghosts, Curses, and Witches: Central Pa.’s Surprising Supernatural History

By Stephanie Hoover Pennsylvania Dutch Country is an idyllic patchwork of farms and industry, suburban developments, and rural homesteads. Perhaps because of its strong, practical German influence, we don’t view this area as a hotbed of supernatural activity.

Surprisingly, though, one of the nation’s most famous “hauntings” originates in this region, as do other intriguing tales of ghosts and witchcraft.

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October 2016

The Blue-Eyed Six Fort Indiantown Gap straddles the line between Dauphin and Lebanon counties. To locals, it’s just “the Gap.” To countless television producers and

50plus LIFE t

A barn with hex signs.

paranormal researchers, it is a mother lode of reported spirit activity.

In 1878, life insurance companies required no proof of “insurable interest.” This meant that anyone willing

to pay the premiums could take out a policy on another individual, even if they had never met the person.

Such was the case when four men purchased policies on destitute widower Joseph Raber, who lived in a cabin at the base of the mountains surrounding the Gap. Yet while the masterminds of the plan were willing to invest in the scheme, they weren’t willing to do the dirty deed of killing the widower.

For the actual murder, two other men were hired. www.50plusLifePA.com

* lde La Natio rL wA n aw tto al A rn cad ey em sM y *P em of e Me nn be Eld mb syl r? er er? van ia Ba *P rA e sso of n n Eld sy cia er lva tio La nia n wA A s t s tor oc *L ne iat oc ys ion al Ba Me rA mb sso er? cia tio nM em be r?

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Elder Law Attorneys

Specific areas of elder law in which the firm concentrates:

McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC 100 Pine Street, Harrisburg, PA 17108 717-237-5433 tsettlemyer@mcneeslaw.com www.mcneeslaw.com

9

135

1935

No

Yes

No

Yes

Mooney & Associates

HARRISBURG: 105 North Front St.; YORK: 40 East Philadelphia St. CARLISLE: 2 South Hanover St.; SHIPPENSBURG: 34 West King St. HALIFAX: 3703 Peters Mtn. Rd.; CHAMBERSBURG: 80 N. 2nd St. GETTYSBURG: 18 E. Middle St.; HANOVER: 230 York St. Additional offices in Stewartstown, Mercersburg, Duncannon, and New Oxford 717-200-HELP; toll-free 877-632-4656 — CALL 24/7 info@mooney4law.com www.PAElderIssues.com; www.Mooney4Law.com

4

12

1997

1997

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Advanced estate planning and all aspects of administration and probate, including all tax returns (CPA on staff); asset protection: Medicaid planning; all trusts, including special needs and charitable giving; guardianships; veterans’ benefits; 12 convenient locations in South Central PA with evening and weekend appointments available, and we make house calls too!

4

6

1986

1986

No

Yes

No

Yes

Estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, estate administration, guardianships.

Yes

Estate planning and administration; long-term care planning; medical assistance; special-needs planning and trusts; guardianships.

Reese, Samley, Wagenseller, Mecum & Longer, P.C. 120 North Shippen Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 717-393-0671 fax 717-393-2969 mcs@trustmattersmost.com www.trustmattersmost.com

Scott Alan Mitchell Rhoads & Sinon LLP Lancaster & Harrisburg 717-397-4431 (L) and 717-231-6602 (H) smitchell@rhoads-sinon.com www.rhoadssinon.com

1

60

1935

1995

Yes

Yes

Yes

This is not an all-inclusive list. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services. * Indicates that at least one attorney in the firm is a member. Information contained herein was provided by the firm.

On Dec. 7, 1878, the contracted killers drowned the old man in Indiantown Creek.

Unfortunately for all of the conspirators, their leader, Israel Brandt, was a talkative drunk. He bragged to the coroner about the life insurance policies, and even offered $20 for a quick finding of accidental death.

Within four months, all six men were found guilty of homicide. Five of them were hanged. The sixth, the only one to hire an attorney, appealed the decision, and was later acquitted.

A reporter covering the case noticed the similarity of their eye color and www.50plusLifePA.com

dubbed the group the “Blue-Eyed Six.” Joseph Raber was buried in the Moonshine Church cemetery. Stories of spectral activity at the church are as varied as they are numerous.

Some say cars of curious visitors, if turned off, won’t restart. Others swear to seeing ghosts peering in through the church windows. Claims of multiple murders on the site are unfounded, yet persistent.

By far, however, the most oftreported story is that of six sets of glowing, blue lights floating through the cemetery. Is it the Blue-Eyed Six begging Raber for forgiveness? Or

is this just the kind of folklore that so often serves as mankind’s coping mechanism when faced with such brutal acts as murder?

Perhaps one of the many paranormal investigators granted permission by Fort Indiantown Gap to research at Moonshine Church will someday find the answer.

A Shunned Witch You might think that by the time the 1880s rolled around, the belief in witchcraft was just a bad memory. But a sad and curious case in Stony Creek, Dauphin County, proves that some superstitions die hard.

When William Gilday’s daughter, Emma, began convulsing, barking like a dog, and hissing like a cat, he had no doubt of the cause.

A few days earlier, a young man had asked to walk Emma home from church. When she refused, the outraged would-be suitor threatened to seek the assistance of Mrs. Boyer.

The old witch, he promised, would cast a fatal spell on Emma for rejecting his company.

Sure enough, shortly thereafter Emma’s strange symptoms appeared.

For three years the superstitious Gilday consulted witch doctors, one please see SUPERNATURAL page 26

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October 2016

11

On Life and Love after 50

Woman, 68, Frustrated with Dating Tom Blake

Dating again after losing a mate can be overwhelming, particularly for mature women. This week, Brenda (not her true name) shared her frustrations.

Brenda said, “I am a widow of two years. A year ago, I was on two internet dating sites for three weeks. I met several men, but they were mostly just awful; they were negative or had issues. So I got off both sites.

“Recently I got back on one to try again! It’s very strange to be ‘dating’ at this age! I am not looking to remarry or even live with a man, but I do want a special relationship. I had a loving and devoted husband for over 30 years, and I miss being someone’s special someone.

“Trouble is, I am 68, and for people over age 60, I read that there are four to five times as many women as men!

had a date in several years, and you are out with a new guy on average about once a month?

Also, in that year, four of the men you dated “for more than a few dates.” That’s pretty darned good also.

Again, it’s not the shortage of men that is the issue.

So, the older men have their pick of women! I have met about 12 or 13 men for coffee dates that I would not be caught dead with!

“There were four men I dated for more than a few dates. So many loser

Volunteer Spotlight ‘Touch a Life’ Volunteer Making a Difference The RSVP of the of McKeesport, Capital Region Volunteer Pennsylvania, and now lives in Hanover. She of the Month for October in York County believes in giving back is Marylou Lewis. She is to the community, and an outstanding volunteer through her volunteer with SpiriTrust Lutheran’s efforts with the Touch a Life Program, she is really Touch a Life program in Hanover since March making a difference in it.

Marylou Lewis 2013.

She likes to crochet and Lewis drives clients to knit.

For more information about appointments and enjoys having conversations with them. Her clients volunteering in York County, call Scott Hunsinger at (443) 619-3842 have a better quality of life because or email yorkadamsfranklin@ of the love she has for them.

Lewis was born outside rsvpcapreg.org.

Do you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly to others? Tell us what makes him or her so special and we will consider them for 50plus LIFE’s Volunteer Spotlight!

Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are encouraged. Email preferred to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mail nominations to 50plus LIFE, Volunteer Spotlight, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.

12

October 2016

50plus LIFE t

men out there. I hate ‘dating!’ I don’t think I am ‘afraid’ to love again—I want to!

“I have a full life with friends (even male friends) and activities. I do volunteer work and take salsa and square dance classes. I am fit, healthy, active, intelligent, and educated. I am attractive, fun-loving, warm, and nurturing. I am financially set and have a nice home.

“How soon is too soon to give up?”

Tom’s response to Brenda: Brenda, I understand your frustration.

Your marriage of 30 years to a loving and devoted husband has set the bar very high for another loving relationship. And I commend you for putting yourself out there on the internet.

Here are five suggestions: 1. Reconsider the number of available men. At age 60, the ratio is not four or five women to each available man, but closer to threeto-one. At 68, it is a bit wider. So, although the ratio is daunting, it’s not quite as bad as you have suggested.

Plus, the lack of men doesn’t appear to be your problem.

You say you’ve met 12 to 13 men for coffee dates, over about a year’s time. That is pretty darned good.

Many women who write me haven’t

2. Soften your attitude toward dating and the men you are meeting.

You say you “hate dating.” Drop the word “hate” from your dating vocabulary.

Also, regarding those 12-13 coffee dates you had, you said you would not be “caught dead” with any of them.

Drop those words from your dating vocabulary as well.

You also said, “… so many loser men out there.” No man will match what you had with your husband.

Lighten up a little on men; there are good ones available.

3. Your problem isn’t meeting men; it is meeting the wrong type of men.

I suggest you be more selective in the guys you agree to go out with.

Try different internet dating sites.

Make a written list of the qualities you want in a mate and date only men who have those qualities.

4. From what you say, you’ve got many positives. You’re fortunate.

Appreciate what you have and get out there and help others who are less fortunate. Give back. Volunteer in several places, not just one or two.

5. How soon is too soon to give up seeking a mate? At 68, you are way too young to give up. Just make a few changes and you will be fine. I know women in their 80s who have met nice partners.

For dating information, previous articles, or to sign up for Tom’s complimentary, weekly e-newsletter, go to www.

FindingLoveAfter50.com.

www.50plusLifePA.com

When you have a health care concierge, you have an advantage.

UPMC for Life is the Medicare Advantage plan that gives you award-winning customer service* and more: · $5 copay for primary care doctor visits (on most plans) · HMO plans starting at $0 for your monthly plan premium** · Brand-name and generic prescription drug coverage

Toll-free: 1-866-416-8870 seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

TTY: 1-800-361-2629 www.upmchealthplan.com/medicare *The UPMC Health Plan Call Center earned the 2015 Award for Best Large Contact Center from ICMI. For more information, visit www.icmi.com.

This award was not given by Medicare. For more information about UPMC for Life’s Star Rating go to www.Medicare.gov. **You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B Premium.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply.

Benefits, premiums, and co-payments may change on January 1 of each year. UPMC for Life complies with applicable �ederal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

UPMC for Life cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

UPMC for Life ᆰࡳҐůĀԕᅨΧ‫ܧ‬ʒझ‫ܩ‬ǭ뻟ăȂƝࢮ뺮‫ټ‬ɡ뺮ΧࢮӉՔ뺮ŭ੔뺮डචͱȡȎƦᓵ˷΀̜ĉᮣ ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-381-3765 (TTY: 1-800-361-2629). ͩNj뻭ƧưǷ̹ů୒ɅġNJ 뻟ǷĻŘы͘ȦīДҶ྽Վ˖ө 뺯ɐَǖ 1-877-381-3765 (TTY 1-800-361-2629) UPMC for Life has a contract with Medicare to provide HMO and PPO plans. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal.

UPMC for Life is a product of and operated by UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Network Inc., and UPMC Health Benefits Inc. Y0069_17_1184 Accepted UPMC Medicare Print 2016 EXPANSION 10.375 x 12.5.indd www.50plusLifePA.com

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9/16/16 10:45 13 AM October 2016

The Culture of Cigars in Central Pa.

By Jeffrey B. Roth Smoking cigars is less about smoking and more about a lifestyle.

To aficionados, the cigar represents luxury, style, comfort, leisure, and camaraderie, said Steven Napper, founder and president of the Harrisburg Cigar Club, a roaming social group dedicated to the experience of the cigar culture. Founded in 2009, the club leads a peripatetic existence.

“We don’t have a physical location—we are a roaming club,” Napper said. “We meet once a month at different cigarfriendly locations throughout Central Pennsylvania.”

Napper was introduced to cigar culture while attending a conference in Rehobeth Beach, Delaware. At the time, Napper did not smoke cigars, but a couple of his coworkers gave

Harrisburg Cigar Club

him a lighter and a cutter.

“I fell in love with it,” Napper, a utilities engineer, said. “They told me what to look for, about different brands of cigars. Once we got back to the office, they were ordering cigars, and they’d say, ‘Try this one.’”

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Food • Microbrews • Wines • Cigars • Automotive • Fitness Outdoor Adventure • Sports • And so much more!

toro, pantelo, and others, there are more than 100 shades of wrappers used to make cigars, according to Jesus Castanon, part owner of Hain’s Pipe & Cigar Shop in York.

Hain’s is one of the oldest tobacconists in the U.S. and has been in continuous operation since 1890. Castanon, a master blender, uses various types of tobacco to create his signature, premium brands.

Watching Castanon roll cigars offers a glimpse into a ritual and craft that is hundreds of years old. In 1996, Castanon was visiting the Cohiba Cigar Jesus Castanon, part owner of Hain’s Pipe & Cigar Shop in York. Factory in Cuba. Impressed by the level of skill required to fashion a cigar, Castanon The club membership fluctuates between 30 and 60 at any given time. applied for a position. It took nine months of training and evaluations While one function of the club is before Castanon had become a cigar social interaction, it also promotes roller. cigar etiquette and educates cigar “I normally look for the bestenthusiasts about different brands and aged tobacco. We have a team of flavors of cigars. rollers [at Hain’s] to make different “It’s pretty relaxing,” Napper said.

“It gives you time—when you light up cigar blends,” Castanon said. “We a cigar, it is going to be a minimum of bring the art of making cigars to an hour. You meet different people in different events—weddings, private parties, political events. Wherever the lounges, and everything goes out people think it might fit, we move the door.” our operation there to provide a Cigars, in this case, are not the demonstration of how it is done.” stereotypical old stogie, clenched in In the late 19th century and the first the teeth of a burly, shabbily dressed, middle-aged hobo. The cigars Napper half of the 20th century, Cuba became is talking about are hand-rolled, using synonymous with the best quality cigars available. After the communist various types of high-quality tobacco takeover of Cuba by Fidel Castro, the leaves.

U.S. banned importation of Cuban Cigars are composed of a wrapper, a binder, and a filter. Made in various cigars.

Many master cigar blenders fled sizes from parejo, corona, robusto,

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October 2016

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The Epic MEN’S Expo committee is looking for volunteers to help at our first-ever Epic MEN’S Expo on Nov. 19, 2016, at the York Expo Center, Memorial Hall West, 334 Carlisle Avenue, York, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you could help greet visitors, stuff Expo bags, or just help out wherever needed, we would be glad to have you for all or just part of the day.

Please call On-Line Publishers at (717) 285-1350.

www.50plusLifePA.com

the country. They settled in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and other countries in South America.

Some moved to Indonesia and the Philippines, where they continued their craft.

Castanon said that now Honduras, Nicaragua, Brazil, Mexico, and Africa are producing premium tobacco.

Tobacco farming has declined sharply in the U.S., but Connecticut is well known for its tobacco varieties, such as double claro, Colorado claro, Colorado maduro, and oscuro, a black tobacco leaf also called double maduro.

“We grow tobacco in the Dominican Republic now to harvest our own tobacco leaf,” Castanon said.

“My father and my cousins roll cigars in our shop. We’ve been at Hain’s about eight or nine years.”

Cigar bars have become trendy hangouts in most major cities, said Daniel Falcon, owner of the Lancaster Cigar Bar. After becoming an aficionado of premium cigars, Falcon, a real estate investor, realized there were no cigar bars or clubs in

Lancaster County.

“It was just a hobby for me, until one day when I was out and about looking for a place to smoke a cigar and have a beer,” Falcon said. “To my surprise, there was nowhere in town where you could do both.

There were a couple of establishments where you could bring your own beer, but that’s not what I was looking for. I wanted something a bit

The Ashton Cigar Bar in Philadelphia.

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classier.”

Falcon turned to the internet and searched for cigar bars. He discovered the Ashton Cigar Bar in Philadelphia, which offered cigar smokers a place to eat, drink, and enjoy cigars.

Falcon said Ashton has a full bar, a walk-in humidor, and a classy ambiance; the company also has its own cigar brands.

“I said, ‘Wow! This is a great

concept,’” Falcon said.

In September 2014, Falcon opened downtown Lancaster’s Cigar Bar, which carries more than 170 cigar selections. The layout and amenities of the lounge attract both men and women, Falcon said, and feature outdoor seating and a place to eat, drink, and smoke cigars.

“And we don’t do filter ventilation,” Falcon said. “We do 100 percent extraction. I pump out over 6,000 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air, which is almost unheard of; and, I grab the fresh air from outside and pump it into the room after I condition it—in winter with heat and in summer with air conditioning. “[Smoking cigars is] a culture in and of itself,” Falcon said. “It is sophisticated, and we see a lot of professional young (and old) men.

Regular smokers appreciate it too.”

Mark Twain summed up the attraction of smoking a premium cigar: “Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man’s enjoyment of his cigar.”

                



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 

Owen Allison, DMD 100 South 18th Street, Columbia At The Columbia Shopping Center

www.susquehannadentalarts.com www.50plusLifePA.com

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Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori

Tailgating with Vintage Flair Lori Verderame

Collectors look for team spirit and old kitchen collectibles when shopping for tailgating items. Autumn is the season for every type of tailgate … football, soccer, whatever the sport.

Team colors are always in style, and vintage pieces from tailgates gone by are sure to make your tailgate party a winner. Condition is important, as is the age of the vintage tailgating items.

Table Settings Printed tablecloths from the 1940s will make that old folding table look great all season long. Some of the best folding tables are the wooden poker tables from the 1950s or the notvery-vintage plastic tables from office supply stores.

Vintage cloths from the Pop Art time period will cost about $50 to $100 each. Add extra aluminum

folding chairs to the backseat so you can host guests from the opposing team at your tailgate.

These won’t cost too much, about $10 each in good condition, because they are easy to come by and always very useful.

Old soda coolers, like those featuring CocaCola or Pepsi logos, will be just the thing to keep your sandwiches and drinks cold while you cheer on your team.

Some of these coolers cost upClassic lithographic tin plaid picnic ward of $500 to cooler, circa 1955. $750 in excellent shape.

Serve cold-cut sandwiches on white Chow Down bread or deviled eggs from plastic Collectibles from the kitchen and garage are all the rage. For a realistrays in bright colors. Don’t forget the printed, tin lunch pails for storing tic vintage tailgate, use metal cups from the 1960s for soft drinks and necessities like napkins, condiments, and toothpicks. smoothies. Fill plaid thermoses with soup to sip before the kickoff.

Yay, Team!

Old, well-worn pennants supporting your team are perfect for decorating your tailgate. Don’t forget to bring along old team sporting equipment, hats, jerseys, and anything in your team’s colors.

Wool blankets, wooly mittens, and scarves are must-haves during those crisp autumn days at the game. And when the team colors are not available, go plaid instead. Sit back and enjoy the game in vintage tailgate style.

Happy tailgating!

Ph.D. antique appraiser and awardwinning TV expert Dr. Lori Verderame is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s international hit TV show Auction Kings and appears on FOX Business Network’s Strange Inheritance. Visit www.DrLoriV. com or call (888) 431-1010.

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Fun!

October 1, 2016

omen’s Expo Cumberland County

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lebanon Expo Center 80 Rocherty Road Lebanon

November 12, 2016 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Carlisle Expo Center

             

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FREE advance guest registration online! ($5 at the door) Talk to us about sponsor and exhibitor opportunities.

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October 2016

17

Calendar of Events

York County

Community Programs/Support Groups Free and open to the public

Senior Center Activities

Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m.

Green Thumb Garden Club Meeting Emmanuel Lutheran Church 2650 Freysville Road, Red Lion (717) 235-2823

Crispus Attucks Active Living Center – (717) 848-3610, www.crispusattucks.org

Oct. 4, 7 p.m.

Surviving Spouse Socials of York County Faith United Church of Christ 509 Pacific Ave., York (717) 266-2784

Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m.

Partners in Thyme Herb Club of Southern York County John Rudy Park 400 Mundis Race Road, York (717) 428-2210 If you have an event you would like to include, please email information to mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.

Oct. 2, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Cider Fest and Open House, Wallace-Cross Mill Oct. 12, 4:30 to 6 p.m. – Geology of Glen Rock, Heritage Rail Trail County Park Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to noon – Raptors Rising Program, Rocky Ridge Park

Collinsville Community Library, 2632 Delta Road, Brogue, (717) 927-9014 Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. – Purls of Brogue Knitting Club Dillsburg Area Public Library, 17 S. Baltimore St., Dillsburg, (717) 432-5613 Dover Area Community Library, 3700-3 Davidsburg Road, Dover, (717) 292-6814

Do and Don’t Say These to People with Depression person’s struggle. Just knowing that someone understands the challenges of depression can help.

Don’t:

Mental Health Awareness Week: Oct. 5–9

• “Let’s do something.” Help them get out of the house. Suggest activities like taking a walk, going to a movie, or getting some coffee.

• “I know this is difficult.” Recognize the other

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Golden Visions Senior Community Center – (717) 633-5072, www.goldenvisionspa.com

Red Land Senior Center – (717) 938-4649, www.redlandseniorcenter.org

Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock, 32 Main St., Glen Rock, (717) 235-1127

• “I’m here for you.” Let people know you’re available to listen when they need to talk. Check in regularly to show that you care.

Eastern Area Senior Center, Inc. – (717) 252-1641

Northeastern Senior Community Center – (717) 266-1400, www.mtwolf.org/SeniorCenter

Library Programs

Do:

Dillsburg Senior Activity Center – (717) 432-2216

Heritage Senior Center, Inc. – (717) 292-7471, www.heritagesrcenter.org

Parks and Recreation

Clinical depression is part of life for 16 million adults in the United States, according to the National Institute for Mental Health.

People with depression often feel isolated and alone, so support is as much a part of treatment as therapy and medication.

Here’s what to say—and not to say—if someone you know suffers from depression:

Delta Area Senior Center, Inc. – (717) 4565753, www.deltaseniorcenter.com

• “You just need _.” Minimizing the person’s pain doesn’t help.

Don’t offer a quick-fix solution to a long-term problem.

• “I get depressed, too.” Yes, everyone feels down from time to time, but clinical depression can feel like a never-ending battle. Don’t compare your occasional blue days to another person’s serious condition.

• “Other people have worse problems.” Comparing your friend’s problem to other people rarely helps—and may make the person feel worse. Show compassion for the situation and help as much as possible.

Golden Connections Community Center – (717) 244-7229, www.gcccenter.com South Central Senior Community Center – (717) 235-6060, http:// southcentralyorkcountysrctr.webs.com Tuesdays, 10 to 11 a.m. – Stretch Yoga Wednesdays, 9 to 9:45 a.m. – Intermediate Line Dancing; 10 to 11 a.m. – Beginner Line Dancing Wednesdays, 12:45 p.m. – HoopFit Stewartstown Senior Center – (717) 993-3488, www.stewsenior.org Susquehanna Senior Center – (717) 244-0340, www.susquehannaseniorcenter.org Mondays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Chorus Practice Tuesdays, 6 to 10 p.m. – Bluegrass/Country Music Jam Session White Rose Senior Center – (717) 843-9704, www.whiteroseseniorcenter.org Windy Hill On the Campus – (717) 225-0733, www.windyhillonthecampus.org Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – Zumba Gold Oct . 11, 1-3 p.m. – Meet and Greet for Single Older Adults at Spring Grove VFW Post 5265 York Community S.E.N.I.O.R.S. – (717) 848-4417 Yorktown Senior Center – (717) 854-0693, www.yorktownseniorcenter.org Just a snippet of what you may be missing … please call or visit their website for more information. www.50plusLifePA.com

Puzzle Page

CROSSWORD

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 20 SUDOKU

brainteasers

Carnegie Hall Performers in the ’50 and ’60s Find the names of these famous musicians and vocalists who performed at least once in Carnegie Hall during the ’50s and ’60s: 1. 1950 – vocalist Ma_____ Ja_____ 2. 1953 – violinist Ja_____ He_____ 3. 1956 – vocalist Bi_____ Ho_____ 4. 1958 – vocalist Pa_____ Ro_____ 5. 1959 – vocalist Ha_____ Be_____ 6. 1961 – vocalist Ju_____ Ga_____ 7. 1963 – violinist It_____ Pe_____ 8. 1963 – vocalist Bo_____ Dy_____ 9. 1963 – jazz musician Da_____ Br_____ 10. 1968 – pianist Vl_____ Ho_____

Federal Actions of the ’50s and ’60s Find the missing words from the federal agencies, programs, acts, and laws that started in the ’50s and ’60s: 1. 1950 – National S_____ Foundation 2. 1950 – Federal Civil D_____ Act 3. 1956 – Interstate H_____ System 4. 1960 – Federal Te_____ System 5. 1961 – P_____ Corps 6. 1964 – V_____ in Service to America 7. 1964 – Food S_____ Act 8. 1965 – Me_____ 9. 1965 – Project H_____ Start 10. 1968 – C_____ Rights Act

Written by Alan Stillson. Please see http://stillsonworks.com

Across

1. Adder 4. At what time 8. Crow noise 11. Hawaiian dish 12. Grade 13. Higher up 16. Courtliness 18. Danger 19. Just about 20. War and Peace author 22. Acclamation 25. Alder tree 26. Record

27. W here overspending will land you 30. Twister actress Hunt 31. Opaque gem 32. Title of respect 33. Secreted 34. Japanese coin 35. Jackals 37. Note taker 40. Sunburned 41. Paycheck (abbr.)

42. Talipot palm leaf 43. Daisylike flower 46. Word study

48. Utter discomfort 49. Existed 50. Greedy king 51. Quest 53. Biscuit 55. Aim at 56. Photo covering 60. Unemotional 61. Aspect 62. Deuce 63. Greatest degree 64. Let it stand!

65. Congeal

22. Aeneid 23. Make do 24. Borrowed money 25. Helps out 28. Persian Gulf peninsula 29. Vase 30. Not hers 33. Steering system 35. Convertible 36. Vote type 37. Trudge 38. Seaweed 39. Time periods 40. Stress

42. Medleys 43. Unit of elec. current 44. Entree forerunners 45. Fortune teller’s aid 46. Consume 47. Egg dish 49. Crone 52. Building block 53. Leave out 54. Impolite 56. Sharp curve 57. Common contraction 58. Be obliged 59. Negation

Down

1. Emulator 2. Sun god 3. Pastry 4. Phantom 5. Suspend 6. Engrave 7. Maiden name 8. Chicken 9. Eve’s son 10. Twisted woolen yarn 14. Critical 15. Run off 17. Twist 20. Three (It.) 21. Hankering

Your ad could be here on this popular page!

Please call (717) 285-1350 for more information.

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50plus LIFE t

October 2016

19

Agencies Have Advantages for Home Care

By Barbara Trainin Blank

Puzzle Solutions

The goal of all home healthcare is to keep loved ones at home. But how do you go about it?

When seeking a home-care worker, what’s best—to rely on independent contractors or on an agency? And if you do choose an agency, what’s best—one that hires workers as employees or as independent contractors?

There are many legal and practical issues to consider.

Sue Heinle, owner of Visiting Angels of York, Inc., uses the workersas-employees model only.

“We had an option to use independent contractors, but I chose the employee model as the safest model for our consumers,” Heinle said.

With independent contractors, the family is the employer of record— responsible for hiring and firing—and there are many risks associated with that scenario.

“The family has to handle taxes.

If the worker is injured on the job or property, it’s the family’s responsibility,” she said.

One major reason family members hire independent contractors is that they’re less expensive, and cost is an issue for most people seeking home care.

“But you get the most for your dollars with an agency,” Heinle asserted.

The agency takes home-care workers through the screening process. They need to fill out an in-depth questionnaire and pass a Pennsylvania State Police criminal

background check, plus an FBI clearance if they’ve been in the commonwealth less than two years’ time.

“We also require two employer references and verification of past employment,” said Heinle. “It’s a rigorous employment process.”

Visiting Angels also conducts a health screening— including for TB—of all hires through a medical practitioner. If an individual leaves Visiting Angels’ employment and returns later, the entire screening process is repeated, including for health.

An agency can also review the requirements of the job with potential workers, such as the ability to lift so many pounds, as well as their skills in such areas as hand-washing and handling privacy and confidentiality.

“We take the worry of legality away from the family,” said Heinle. “All the work has already been done. We carry workers’ compensation in case the worker sprains his/her back or breaks an ankle while lifting the care receiver. The agency is responsible for restoring the caregiver to wellness.”

Another benefit is that an agency has a pool of caregivers to choose from and will generally make every

October 2016

Department on Aging’s local office should have a list of agencies in the area.

If you do want to look into hiring independent contractors, one question to ask yourself is: Who covers that person if he/she is sick, goes on vacation, or simply doesn’t show up to work?

“An agency can’t prevent someone from going AWOL, but at least there’s a pool of caregivers to choose from as soon as possible. If the agency can’t find a worker, the manager will try to minimize the issue. With independent contractors, you might have to find a family member or neighbor to cover,” said Heinle.

Two final points: An independent home-care worker may not have a great deal of supervision; an agency provides more. And if you’re not satisfied with a particular agency, you can always try a different one.

What are some legal considerations in choosing home-care workers?

Not all home-care agencies treat workers as employees rather than independent contractors, pointed out Vicky Ann Trimmer, an attorney with Daley, Zucker, Melton & Miner, based in Harrisburg and Lemoyne.

“But that is changing rapidly,” Trimmer said. “The IRS is cracking down on the ‘gray areas,’ and other agencies … are converting all their workers to employees.”

But each agency has its own policy.

Independent contractors are paid directly by the family. If they make more than $600, the family has to give them a 1099 form for taxes. please see HOME CARE page 25 Brainteasers

Carnegie Hall Performers in the ’50 and ’60s

Puzzles shown on page 19

20

effort to provide consistent care.

Visiting Angels, for example, has a 24-hour service guarantee to replace a worker if the family believes that individual is competent but not a good match with the care receiver in terms of personality.

Agencies often offer ongoing training for workers— something that may not be required for independent contractors.

Many families often find that having a geriatric case manager on board is helpful. Going the independent route may mean hiring a care manager on your own.

“We provide many of the resources of a geriatric case manager, including a quality check [of the caregiving situation] each month,” Heinle said. “This service is not billed separately but is bundled in.”

How do you find an agency you can trust? It’s advisable to conduct interviews with at least two or three and ask lots of questions. For example, find out about an agency’s hiring procedures.

All home-care agencies in Pennsylvania are required to be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The

1. Mahalia Jackson 2. Jascha Heifitz 3. Billie Holiday 4. Paul Robeson 5. Harry Belafonte

6. Judy Garland 7. Itzhak Perlman 8. Bob Dylan 9. Dave Brubeck 10. Vladimir Horowitz

Federal Actions of the ’50s and ’60s 1. National Science Foundation 2. Federal Civil Defense Act 3. Interstate Highway System 4. Federal Telecommunications System 5. Peace Corps

50plus LIFE t

6. Volunteers in Service to America 7. Food Stamp Act 8. Medicare 9. Project Head Start 10. Civil Rights Act

www.50plusLifePA.com

Home Care Services & Hospice Providers All Hands Home Care

Landis at Home

(717) 737-7905 www.allhandshomecare.com

Year Est.: 2014 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, York RNs: No LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

(717) 509-5800 www.landisathome.org Other Certifications and Services: We provide trained caregivers for in-home care for personal, respite, hospice, 24-hour, live-in, and companionship-care services to seniors and individuals of all ages in the Central Pennsylvania region.

Our company is fully insured and bonded. Call now for a free in-home consultation!

Year Est.: 2007 Counties Served: Lancaster RNs: Yes LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

Other Certifications and Services: Providing individualized care and support by competent and qualified caregivers for adults who live in their homes, a senior community, or elsewhere. A home-care service of Landis Communities. Call for an initial home visit.

Central Penn Nursing Care, Inc.

Surrey Services for Seniors

Year Est.: 1984 Counties Served: Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, York RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

Year Est.: 1981 Counties Served: Chester, Delaware RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

(717) 569-0451 www.cpnc.com

Other Certifications and Services: Providing all levels of care (PCAs, CNAs, LPNs, RNs), in the home, hospital, or retirement communities with specifically trained caregivers for Alzheimer’s and dementia clients.

Home care provided up to 24 hours a day to assist with personal care and housekeeping. A FREE nursing assessment is offered.

Homeland Hospice

Other Certifications and Services: Surrey, a nonprofit, provides complete inhome services including the following: certified geriatric care managers and aging life care professionals, RNs, LPNs, CNAs, licensed clinical social workers (LSCW), and home health aides (HHA). Additional services include transportation and house cleaning.

Visiting Angels

(717) 221-7890 www.homelandhospice.org Year Est.: 2009 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, York RNs: Yes LPNs: Yes CNAs/Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: Yes

(610) 647-6404 www.surreyservices.org

(800) 365-4189 www.visitingangels.com Other Certifications and Services: Exemplary personalized care that enables patients and families to live each day as fully as possible.

Registered nurses who are certified in hospice and palliative care for both adults and children.

Year Est.: 2001 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York RNs: No LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

Other Certifications and Services: Visiting Angels provides seniors and adults with the needed assistance to continue living at home. Flexible hours up to 24 hours per day. Companionship, personal hygiene, meal prep, and more. Our caregivers are thoroughly screened, bonded, and insured. Call today for a complimentary and informational meeting.

Keystone In-Home Care

(717) 898-2825; (866) 857-4601 (toll-free) www.keystoneinhomecare.com Year Est.: 2004 Counties Served: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, York RNs: No LPNs: No CNAs: Yes Home Aides: Yes Medicare Certified?: No

Other Certifications and Services: Two- to 24-hour non-medical assistance provided by qualified, caring, competent, compassionate, and compatible caregivers. Personalized service with Assistance for Daily Living (ADL, IADL): companionship, meal prep, bathing, cleaning, and personal care needs. Respite care, day surgery assistance. Assistance with veterans’ homecare benefits.

Medicaid Waiver approved.

If you would like to be featured on this important page, please contact your account representative or call (717) 285-1350.

This is not an all-inclusive list of agencies and providers. These advertisers are eager to provide additional information about their services.

www.50plusLifePA.com

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Create a Great Funeral Day

N

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October 30th is

Savvy Senior

How to Plan an Affordable Funeral Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, When my brother died last year, my sister and I had a regular funeral for him and got stuck with a $12,000 bill.

Can you recommend some funeral costcutting tips or cheaper alternatives? I don’t want to stick my kids with a big funeral bill after I’m gone.

– Looking Ahead Dear Looking, With the average cost of a fullservice funeral running over $10,000 today, many people are seeking alternative options to make their final farewell more affordable.

Depending on how you want to go, here are some money-saving options to consider.

Traditional funeral: If you’re interested in a traditional funeral and burial, your first money-saving step is to shop around and compare funeral providers, because prices can vary.

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Code YSN

If you want some help, go online to the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information page (www.consumer. ftc.gov) and search “choosing a funeral provider.”

When comparing, make sure you take advantage of the “funeral rule.” This is a federal law that requires funeralhome directors to provide you with an itemized price list of their products and services so you can choose exactly what you want. Be sure to ask for it.

Direct burial: Another way to cut your funeral-home bill is to get a direct burial. With this option your body would be buried shortly after death, skipping the embalming, viewing, and use of the funeral facilities.

If your family wants a memorial service, they can have it at the graveside or at your place of worship without the body. These services usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000, not counting cemetery charges. All funeral homes offer direct burial.

Cremation: An increasingly popular and affordable way to go, cremation can run anywhere from around $600 (for a direct cremation) up to $4,000 or higher depending on the provider and services you choose.

Green burial: An eco-friendly green burial is another affordable option that costs anywhere from $1,000 to several thousand depending on the provider.

With a green cemetery burial, the body is buried in a biodegradable coffin or just wrapped in a shroud, without embalming chemicals or a burial vault.

Veteran’s burial: If you are a veteran, you’re entitled to a free burial at a national cemetery and a free grave marker. This benefit also extends to spouses and dependent children.

Some veterans may even be eligible for funeral-expense allowances too.

To learn more, visit the National Cemetery Administration (www.cem. va.gov) or call the VA at (800) 8271000.

Body donation: Donating your body to a medical facility for research is another popular way to go, and it’s completely free. After using your body, your remains will be cremated and your ashes will be buried or scattered in a local cemetery or returned to your family.

To locate body-donation programs in your state, see the Anatomical Board of the State of Florida’s online list (www.anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/ usprograms).

Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior Book. www.savvysenior.org

Visit Our Website At:

50plusLIFEPA.com Central Pennsylvania’s Award-Winning 50+ Publication www.50plusLifePA.com

Create a Great Funeral Day

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October 30th is

Such is Life

Our Last Will and Testament Saralee Perel

On the way to signing our wills, my husband, Bob, said, “I know it’s hard to talk about, but what do you want done with your body?”

“Just take it to the dump.”

“This is no time for jokes,” he said.

“OK, I’ll be serious. I promise.”

“I don’t even know if you want to be cremated or buried.”

“Cremated. Just make sure I’m dead. And that I’m wearing clean underwear.”

Smartly ignoring my responses, he solemnly said, “Would you want a beautiful ceremony and have your ashes scattered in the ocean?”

“Just toss them in the cat litter.”

In spite of himself, he laughed, then grew very serious and said, “If I go first, I want you to go on with your life. Find someone else and be happy.”

I said, “If I go first, and you even glance at another woman, I will haunt you every night. I’ll make the bed levitate. I’ll appear in a long, white, flowing gown, and I’ll bring your evil mother with me. I’ll—” He cut me off. “We’ve never discussed life support. I don’t want to be kept alive on machines.”

“I do. Just make sure the place is kept clean, the laundry’s constantly

getting done, and my husband make that although the years have gone by that I’m well fed.” fun of me again for so quickly, we have each other to hold “I do all that wearing my 20-year- on to, for right now, for this night, for this moment. now.” old blue bathrobe, Maybe I’ll be blessed to fall asleep “And make sure which has holes there’s a TV.” bigger than the holding hands with my best friend We continued biggest pancake ever for many nights to come, to hear his laughter upon seeing me in my blue our drive to the made. appointment with I touched Bob’s bathrobe, to feed our pets together.

That would be heaven on earth. our lawyer. He’s a lovely face. He gentle, fine man. The opened his sleepy only lie I’ve ever told eyes and merely Nationally syndicated, award-winning him was when he said, “I know. I feel columnist Saralee Perel can be reached Saralee and Bob. asked me to swear I the same way.” at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her was of sound mind.

We fell asleep holding hands, aware website: www.saraleeperel.com.

And so, after we signed our wills, we held hands as we walked outside.

I can’t fathom life without Bob. In the middle of that night, I lay awake, crying. I pictured coming home alone someday, and feeding our pets all by myself. I’d need a stool to reach their food.

I pictured seeing the first blossom of our salvia—a hummingbird drinking 50plus LIFE’s editorial content the nectar—without Bob having had just earned awards! the chance to see how beautifully his garden had grown.

Silver Award I pictured sleepless nights with our “2,000 Miles of Happy Trails” cat in my arms, without Bob beside me

by Rebecca Hanlon to share in a three-way embrace.

And I thought about never having

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Medicare Open Enrollment: 5 Things You Need to Do Routines help keep us focused, organized, and even healthy.

However, if your health routine doesn’t include preparing for Medicare’s Open Enrollment, now’s the time to kick-start a new, healthy habit.

If you have a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 and is the time you can make changes to your plan. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, you might find something that’s a better fit for your budget or your health needs.

If you miss an Open Enrollment deadline, you’ll most likely have to wait a full year before you can make changes to your plan.

Here are five important things every Medicare beneficiary can do to get in the Medicare Open Enrollment routine.

1. Review your plan notice. Be sure to read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for

next year, especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Look at your plan’s information to make sure your drugs are still covered and your doctors are still in network.

2. Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year, and so can your health needs.

Do you need a new primarycare doctor? Does your network include the specialist you want for an upcoming surgery? Is your new medication covered by your current plan? Does another plan offer the

Have you photographed a smile that just begs to be shared?

Send us your favorite smile—your children, grandchildren, friends, even your “smiling” pet!—and it could be 50plus LIFE’s next Smile of the Month!

You can submit your photos either digitally to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or by mail to: 50plus LIFE Smile of the Month • 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512 Please include the following information: Your name___________________________________________________ Your town of residence____________________________________________ Names(s) of those in photo_ ________________________________________ Their town(s) of residence__________________________________________ Their relationship to you (e.g., daughter, brother, grandson)_ ______________________ Digital photos must be at least 4x6’’ with a resolution of 300 dpi. No professional photos, please. Please include a SASE if you would like to have your photo returned.

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same value at a lower cost?

Take stock of your health status and determine if you need to make a change.

3. Find out if you qualify for help paying for your Medicare.

Learn about programs in your state to help with the costs of Medicare premiums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, and Medicare prescription drug coverage costs.

You can do this by visiting www.medicare.gov or making an appointment with a local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor for free, one-on-one, nonbiased Medicare assistance.

4. Shop for plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. Starting in October, you can use Medicare’s plan finder tool at www.medicare.gov/ find-a-plan to see what other plans are offered in your area.

A new plan may cost less, cover your drugs, and let you go to the providers you want, like your doctor or pharmacy.

If you find that your current coverage still meets your needs, then you’re done.

Remember, during Medicare Open Enrollment, you can decide to stay in Original Medicare or join a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare.

5. Check your plan’s star rating before you enroll. The Medicare Plan Finder has been updated with the 2016 Star Ratings for Medicare health and prescription drug plans.

Plans are given an overall quality rating on a one- to five-star scale, with one star representing poor performance and five stars representing excellent performance.

Use the star ratings to compare the quality of health and drug plans being offered.

These are a few easy ways to get a jumpstart on your Medicare Open Enrollment. For more information, you can call (800) MEDICARE and say “agent.” TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.

Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends. If you need help in a language other than English or Spanish, let the customer service representative know the language.

Volunteers Needed for Meals on Wheels Program Windy Hill on the Campus in Spring Grove is seeking volunteers for its Meals on Wheels program to assist with meal delivery in Spring Grove and Hanover.

This program provides meals to vulnerable homebound seniors in the community.

Volunteers are needed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from approximately 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for one to two times per month.

For more information, please contact Mary Jane Overby at (717) 225-0733.

www.50plusLifePA.com

Donations of Winter Wear Needed Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Capital Region wants to help ensure none of the residents of York County goes cold this winter by collecting donations for Sock It To Us!, a statewide signature project of Senior Corps of Pennsylvania.

New socks, scarves, gloves, or hats for any age child or adult can be deposited at any of the following drop-off sites Oct. 1-31 (some sites will go into November): • Colonial Manor Nursing & Rehab Center, 970 Colonial Ave., York

• Windy Hill Senior Center, 1472 Roth’s Church Road, Suite 103, Spring Grove • Minuteman Press, 955 Carlisle St., Hanover • Martin Library, 159 East Market St., York • York Housing Authority, 275 Broad St., York • Senior Life York, 1500 Memory Lane Ext., York • State Farm, 2241 W. Market St., York

• Providence Place Senior Living, 3377 Fox Run Road, Dover • Trinity United Church of Christ, 32 W. Market St., York

Just look for the Sock It To Us! sign and bin.

All socks go to residents of York County. Donations will be made to the following organizations and schools for distribution to those most in need:

• Hanover Council of Churches • City of York School District • York Housing Authority • Various other organizations who work with people in need For more information on drop-off sites or volunteer opportunities, call RSVP’s York County office at (443) 619-3842 or the statewide Senior Corps of Pennsylvania hotline at (800) 870-2616.

• Mason Dixon Community Services

The Birth of the Jack-o’-Lantern Have you ever wondered how the practice of turning a pumpkin into a scary jack-o’-lantern started? Here’s the story: Jack-o’-lantern sounds Irish because it is. The flickering, carved

pumpkin faces that animate the American Halloween derive from an old Irish custom

of creating rustic lanterns from vegetables.

The Irish child’s typical Halloween flashlight was a

HOME CARE from page 20 “The IRS may determine that someone hired directly is an employee of the family, and that imposes additional tax and reporting requirements,” said Trimmer. “Just because the family hires them does not make them independent contractors.”

The advantage of using an agency that has the employee model is that it reduces the paperwork for the family of the care receiver, and the agency takes care of workers’ compensation, Medicare, Social Security, withholding tax, unemployment compensation, health insurance, and life insurance of the workers.

“Otherwise, there’s a much bigger burden on the family,” Trimmer explained.

If the person is deemed to be an employee, the family is required to file IRS Schedule H to report the employer’s share of certain taxes. The employee can also request that they withhold income taxes.

One issue that arises when the home-care worker is an independent www.50plusLifePA.com

contractor or direct employee of the family is what happens if the worker is hurt on the job—as a result, for example, of helping the care receiver out of the tub. Who is responsible?

You may have to add a rider to your insurance policy.

Another issue: What happens if the worker steals something? Is that individual bonded?

“Most people looking for care for loved ones go through an agency, since the agency has already pre-vetted the worker and done background checks and criminal checks,” Trimmer said.

When you hire directly, you should do a credit report, verify the Social Security number, and find out if the individual is authorized to work in this country. Those are also tasks an agency can do for you.

In general, there’s a bigger risk if you hire directly.

Of course, there are numerous agencies in Central Pennsylvania, and all follow different processes.

“Some are better than others

from an administrative viewpoint,” Trimmer pointed out. “The family should ask about the ease of changing caregivers—getting replacements when a caregiver is ill or just does not show up.”

Another consideration is terminating a worker’s services.

Pennsylvania is a firing-at-will state, which means you can fire for no reason.

But that doesn’t protect an employer from firing for an inappropriate (hidden) reason, such as the worker’s religion or sexual preference, cautioned Trimmer. If you hire someone privately and fire that person, you may be stuck in litigation.

The bottom line is to know what you’re getting into before you hire a home-care worker. Make sure your loved one not only receives excellent care, but that you also know what your legal requirements and ramifications are if you hire an independent contractor, either through an agency or on your own.

hollowed-out turnip or potato with a candle inside. When the Irish landed in America in the 19th century, they were quick to spot the possibilities in the pumpkin, and a new tradition was born.

WE CAN BE YOUR EXTRA HAND

Our in-home caregivers are available to assist you or your senior loved ones for a few hours a week or around the clock.

Whether it is for personal assistance or expert guidance in working with those who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, call today and let us be your extra hand.

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Visit seniorhelpers.com/harrisburg for more information.

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Social Security News

By John Johnston

You Can Still File and Suspend Despite Recent Changes

You probably heard that changes in the law now affect the way you file for certain benefits.

These changes place limits on when voluntary suspension and reinstatement can begin for you and your family members who might also be entitled to benefits on that record.

This is not the demise of “file and suspend.” It’s still one of your best tools for boosting your Social Security benefit after you reach your full retirement age.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 made changes to the Social Security claims filed by married couples. The law affected an unintended loophole primarily used by married couples to gain more money.

If you’re full retirement age or older and apply for Social Security retirement benefits, you can suspend your benefits for any amount of time up to age 70.

You may do this to earn “delayed retirement credits,” which result in a higher benefit payment when you turn 70 or when you request reinstatement of benefits, whichever comes first.

Under the new law, when you submit a request to suspend your benefits to earn delayed retirement

credits on or after April 30, 2016, you will no longer be able to receive spouse’s or widow(er)’s benefits during this voluntary delay period.

In addition, if you suspend your benefit, any benefits payable to your spouse and children on your record (except for a divorced spouse) will also be suspended for the same time period.

There is an exception. A request for voluntary suspension will not suspend a divorced spouse’s benefit. Also, your

John, filed a defamation suit. The Justice of the Peace at Fort Hunter determined there was enough evidence for the case to proceed but it never made it to trial because the Boyers moved away from Stoney Creek to escape their neighbors’ torments. They went on to live long,

perfectly normal lives.

As for Emma Gilday, perhaps she truly was cursed. Her father, William, dropped dead less than four years after his daughter was first “diagnosed” as being bewitched by Mrs. Boyer. Adding to her sorrow, Emma’s first husband died at age 28.

divorced spouse can receive benefits on your record during this voluntary delay period.

Remember, you can still plan and make the most of your retirement benefit by filing and suspending.

These new rules don’t prevent you from doing what’s best for you and your family. We have a wealth of retirement information at www. socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire.

For more information and answer to your questions about these changes in the law, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/ claiming.html.

John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.

SUPERNATURAL from page 11 of whom confirmed that Emma was indeed bewitched. Emma’s sister even claimed to see a likeness of Mrs. Boyer appear in a bowl of water in Emma’s bedroom.

After years of accusations, the Boyer family finally reached its breaking point. Mrs. Boyer’s son,

Information and support whenever you need it

View online at: www.onlinepub.com (under supplements)

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The Hex Murder On Thanksgiving Day 1928, Nelson D. Rehmeyer was found dead in his York County home. He had been badly beaten and the killers had tried, unsuccessfully, to burn his house—with his body in it.

Three persons were convicted of the crime: John Curry, age 14; Wilbur G. Hess, age 18; and John J. Blymyer, age 28.

The trio believed Rehmeyer to be a witch and went to his home with the intention of obtaining a lock of his hair. Burying the hair was, according to Blymyer, the only way to break the spell they believed Rehmeyer had cast upon them.

Once inside the home, however,

things went terribly wrong. Rehmeyer fought his attackers but was eventually subdued by blows with a piece of firewood. The dismal attempt to cover the crime was futile, and within two months all three were tried and found guilty of murder.

News of the York County killing made national headlines. That it involved “powwowing”—the belief in special powers to cure illnesses and cast spells—fascinated readers and served to cement the widespread view that the “Pennsylvania Dutch” were a closed and superstitious sect.

The “hex signs” on barns, many said, proved the community’s belief in black magic. Today, of course, we know that the only thing frightening about these signs are the high prices paid by tourists who can’t seem to get enough of them.

Stephanie Hoover, whose books include Philadelphia Spiritualism and the Curious Case of Katie King, is a historical truecrime author and folklorist. Information about her books and writing can be found at www.stephaniehoover.com.

www.50plusLifePA.com

HealthAmerica Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 monthly plan premiums and much more.

Come to a sales meeting to learn about our Medicare Advantage plans. HealthAmerica Medicare offers plans that fit the needs, lifestyle and budget of each member.

With our plans, you’ll get: • $0 monthly plan premiums • $2 copay for Tier 1 drugs at preferred pharmacies • Access to doctors and hospitals you know and trust • A limit on the medical costs you pay each year • Fitness membership to multiple gyms at no extra cost So give us a call to learn more. We’ll walk you through your options and help find the plan that works best for you.

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Call to learn more, RSVP to a meeting or make an appointment.

1-855-418-0484 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, 7 days a week A licensed sales agent will answer your call.

Or visit www.coventry-medicare.com/attend

Stop by a sales meeting in your area. We’ll mail you a $10 reward card for attending.

There’s no obligation to enroll.

Aetna Medicare is a PDP, HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage.

Plan features and availability may vary by service area. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information.

Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. Members who get “Extra Help” are not required to fill prescriptions at preferred network pharmacies in order to get Low Income Subsidy (LIS) copays. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. The Part B premium is covered for full-dual members. Our dualeligible Special Needs Plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the state and Medicare. Premiums, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. Other pharmacies, physicians and/or providers are available in our network. The formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-855-418-0484 (TTY: 711). All persons eligible for Medicare may receive a $10 Reward Card with no enrollment obligation. Non Coventry Medicare Advantage members must attend a sales meeting, schedule an appointment, or request an information kit to receive the offer. Current Coventry Medicare Advantage members, must call the number in the advertisement for instructions on how to receive the offer. Not to exceed more than one $10 Reward Card per person. Offer valid while supplies last. Participating physicians, hospitals and other health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna.

The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. Aetna complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, free language assistance services are available. Visit our website at www.aetnamedicare.com or call the phone number listed in this material.

ESPAÑOL (SPANISH): ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, se encuentran disponibles servicios gratuitos de asistencia de idiomas. Visite nuestro sitio web en www.aetnamedicare.com o llame al número de teléfono que se indica en este material.୒ɄġNJ (CHINESE): ɐͩNj쨰ƧưǷĹġNJ뼷ǷĻŗȦīы͘Ā ДҶ৖Վ˖Ө 쁞 ɐҜ਴āĵĀȃν www.aetnamedicare.com ͱٍǖǕࠒնġǨԉĀǖƹ̶Π 쁞 Y0001_4002_8045a_FINAL_3200 Accepted 09/2016 ©2016 Aetna Inc. www.50plusLifePA.com

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Prepared For the journey that is life.

At WellSpan Health, we don’t just treat problems, we help people reach their health goals. And whether yours leads you to a primary care physician, an advanced specialist or even a simple walk-in visit, we partner with you to learn what’s important to you, and create a care plan to help you get healthy, stay healthy and reach your goals. It’s a team approach that starts with your local doctor, backed by a coordinated system of care that includes six hospitals, more than 1,000 experienced physicians and healthcare professionals, and 130 locations across Lebanon, Lancaster, Adams and York Counties.

WellSpan Health and you. Together, let’s make your life’s journey as healthy as it can be.

Learn how to partner with us to reach your health goals right now at WellSpan.org.

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