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True Living Tips, and newsfun andfacts fun facts for active senioradults adults Tips, news for active senior
Inside... Where grandkids take the controls in Chester county
World Series lands in Philly this October
Oil Spill Spells Fall Travel Bargains
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t h i s p u b l i c at i o n i s m a d e p o s s i b l e b y s h a n n o n d e l l at va l l ey f o rg e
Leisure
Around Town Politics aside, the documentary is classic Burns footage, tracing the evolution of national parks from the mid-1800s for 150 years.
Fall Viewing:
The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
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ast year, Yellowstone National Park hosted more visitors than ever before – 3.3 million. And this year, attendance has already topped one million, up 5%. With many Parks now extending their peak season into early fall, we thought this the perfect time to highlight Ken Burns’ recent documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.
Airing on PBS this past fall, this six-part series stirred not only souls but also controversy by its premise that Big Government saved the wilderness and national treasures that private enterprise would have destroyed. While some found this a bit more politically-pointed than most Burns films, many were also quick to highlight the irony in a year when The Tea Party’s stand against Big Government was drawing press and followers.
In the process, you learn about the struggles of conservationists to establish parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. You meet the Parks’ saviors, visionaries and villains. You sweep over gorgeous mountain ranges, gorges and valleys. And like all Burns documentaries, you land safely – albeit twelve hours later – back on your feet, better informed, entertained and wondering just how Ken Burns keeps doing it.
Eagles Kick Off An Uncertain Season
The National Parks: America’s Best Idea is available on DVD and Blu-ray at www.pbs.org and www.amazon.com, among other retailers.
Of course, the most pressure falls on the shoulders of new starting quarterback Kevin Kolb, who replaces Donovan McNabb (traded in April to the Washington Redskins). Just remember, Kolb started in Weeks 2 and 3 of last season for an injured McNabb and became the first quarterback to exceed 300 passing yards in his first two starts.
Grandkids Spotlight:
American Helicopter Museum & Education Center West Chester, PA
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ven the most traveled kids will find this Museum, near the Brandywine airport, fun and engaging. After all, what are the chances your grandkids have had the opportunity to climb in and take the controls of a real military helicopter?
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Appropriately, the Museum is located in suburban Philadelphia, where two of today’s major helicopter manufacturers have their roots, and where much of the earliest development of helicopters in the U.S. took place. Displaying more than 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogiros and convertiplanes, the exhibits span the
history of rotary wing aircraft from the earliest helicopters to the latest addition to our nation’s defense, the V-22 Osprey. Additionally, the Museum includes a special area just for kids and outside picnic tables. For more information, visit www.helicoptermuseum.org Open: W to SA, 10-5; SU, 12-5 Seniors-$8, Kids-$7.
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he Philadelphia Eagles face a brutal 2010 schedule, as the team plays the NFC North and AFC South, as well as San Francisco and Atlanta.
The Eagles open the regular season Sunday, September 12th against a Green Bay Packer team that went 11-5 last year behind a solid Packer defense and QB Aaron Rodgers, who is proving to be the real deal. NFL prognosticators are calling for the Eagles to win no more than 8-10 games this season, with only a slim chance of a wild card berth – just the prediction the team loves to tackle. For more information, including tickets, visit www.philadelphiaeagles.com or call 215-463-5500.
Cleopatra Exhibit Makes World Debut in Philadelphia
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he mystery of the last great Egyptian Pharaoh, Cleopatra, lingers, including the whereabouts of her remains. But two teams of archaeologists are tracking clues surrounding this beautiful, powerful woman. And what they’ve discovered, along the way, comprises this intriguing exhibit that recently made its world debut at the Franklin Institute in downtown Philadelphia. Organized partly by National Geographic, Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt features more than 150 artifacts that stem from two different excavations, none of which have ever been seen before in the U.S.
Narrated by the “voice of Cleopatra,” the exhibit takes visitors on a journey to discover more about this mysterious woman, from the underwater ruins of Alexandria to Egyptian tombs where the ongoing search has uncovered a carved head believed to represent Cleopatra. Or, is it? The mystery continues. But one thing’s for sure: the search is both fascinating and educational – and the perfect combination for an entertaining outing on the town. Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt remains at the Franklin Institute through January 2, 2011. For more information, including tickets (senior pricing starts at $17.50), visit www.fi.edu/cleopatra or call 1.877.TFI.TIXS.
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Spotlight on
Groups & Clubs at Shannondell “Good company and good discourse are the very sinews of virtue.” Izaak Walton
fifty groups and clubs. From bridge, billiards, bocce, table tennis, cryptology, Cribbage and current events, to religious, Veterans and travel groups, birds of a feather find it easy to flock together at Shannondell. “I didn’t realize how much less social I had become, living by myself, even though I often did things with friends who lived near me,” notes a new resident. She adds, “Since I moved to Shannondell, I’m in a walking club, joined a water aerobics class and started art lessons. It reminds me of the summer resort we went to in the Catskills when I was growing up. You make new friends so easily when you’re all learning together.” Learning new things, starting new hobbies and honing lifelong skills with neighbors is a common trait shared by Shannondell residents. It’s also healthy. Social connections have been scientifically linked to happiness in senior adults.
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omewhere between the lecture on foreign policy, the walking class, the lively discussion over Stuart Woods’ new book and afternoon ballroom dance lessons, Mary stops by the front desk to see how many neighbors have signed up for the Widener University class, “What If The Kennedy Assassination Never Occurred,” that she’s helping the staff coordinate this fall. Good news – reservations are up to 75, and counting. Mary smiles, then quickly grabs a pen and makes a note to request more refreshments from the kitchen. Who says good company is hard to find?
Just ask Diane. “I used to teach exercise classes, so it was easy for me to start swimming, walking and using the weight machines in the Fitness Center. But a lot of the residents here have never exercised before. So, it’s been really fulfilling for me to be able to help encourage others to start an exercise program, and it’s been a great way to meet my neighbors,” Diane says proudly. “It’s residents like Diane who spur others to get out and try new things, and even work with our staff to form new
classes and clubs,” says William Ross, Shannondell C.O.O. And maybe that’s the point. The variety, alone, of the experiences, opinions, interests, activities, passions, hobbies and skills of the many residents at Shannondell creates an environment that cultivates sharing.
A Sampling of Groups & Clubs
Academic
Bible Study Book Discussion Cryptology Quest For Knowledge Series On-site College Classes Writing Road Scholar
Arts & Music
Acting Arts & Crafts Brush Meditation Concert Series Model Railroading Music Appreciation Needlework Digital Photography Stained Glass Stone Carving Resident Chorus Wood Carving Wood Working Broadway Concert Series
The World’s Best Play Their Cards in Philly This October
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hink you play a pretty good trick? These players certainly do.
After all, many will travel thousands of miles and spend thousands of dollars for the chance to compete with the best bridge players in the world. The 13th World Bridge Series Championships, the biggest competition of its kind, will be held in Philadelphia, October 1-16. The first such event to be held in the United States since 1994, up to 100 nations are expected to participate in the World Series. Players compete for titles in categories including Mixed Pairs, Open Teams/Pairs, Women Teams/Pairs, Senior and Youth Teams. Most events will occur at the Philadelphia Marriott or the Convention Center. For more information, visit www.worldbridge.org.
The origins of Bridge can be traced back to a card game first played in the 16th century. Can you name the game? (answer below)
For a complete list, including more information about Shannondell, call 610.728.5211.
Not when, like Mary, you live in a vibrant community that’s home to more than
Answer: Whist.
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Health & Wellness
Travel
Leaf Peepers Early Notice “When organized Masters Swimming competition began in 1970, the oldest age group was 45 and over. Now, after almost 40 years, it’s 100 and over!”
Top 10 Benefits of Swimming for Seniors Edited from cafebabyboomers.com
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top shaking your head.
We know swimming takes a little extra effort. There’s finding a pool. Getting to the pool. Changing. Drying off. Then changing again. But before you completely write off the time and effort this healthy habit takes, consider the many benefits that experts peg as “perfect” for senior adults. Given that the human body is roughly the same density as water, one of the main benefits of swimming is that it allows older adults to tone and strengthen their bodies in a totally supported way. As such, there is far less stress placed on joints and bones. And, while swimming, you’re moving in ways that are fundamentally different than when exercising in other ways. So, you’re working muscles that may not get much of a workout otherwise.
You’ll need an energy boost after all that water activity. Take advantage of this tasty drink while you can still find fresh strawberries and watermelon at your local market or fruit stand. Rum is optional.
In fact, there are ten main benefits of swimming for seniors:
Ingredients
1. Improved cardiovascular conditioning
1 1/2 cups frozen diced watermelon
2. Improved flexibility
1/4 cup plain yogurt
3. Improved physical appearance due to muscle toning
2 tablespoons orange juice
4. Improved posture
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
5. Increased muscle strength 6. Eased muscle tension 7. Improved balance 8. Weight and appetite control 9. Stress reduction 10. Reduced risk of osteoporosis According to Michelle, exercise physiologist at Shannondell, “With instructional classes in everything from shallow-end stretching and Continued on page 8...
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Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie
1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries 1/4 cup cream
1 tablespoon white sugar (optional) Mix ingredients in a blender until smooth. Nutritional Information Per Serving Calories: 494 | Total Fat: 23.7g | Cholesterol: 85mg
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lthough it’s hard to believe, given the temperature outside, early signs of fall are just around the corner. Soon, annual festivals and fairs will mark the start of Pennsylvania’s breathtaking fall foliage season.
Oil Spill Spells Travel Opportunities:
While it’s difficult to single out any one community or festival (much less an exact weekend that leaves will reach their colorful peak), the following options are a half-day’s drive or less from Suburban Philadelphia and have a track record (pardon the train pun) for serving up just what leaf peepers’ hearts desire – gorgeous color, a fun atmosphere and great local food and drink.
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Bedford’s Fall Foliage Festival October 2-3, 9-10, 2010 Featuring an Antique Car Parade and Arts & Crafts show with more than 400 artists and craftsmen – www.bedfordfallfestival.com or call 1-800-765-3331 Approximately 3 hours from Audubon Leaf Peepers on Rails October 16-17 and 23-24, 2010 Fall Foliage 1-hour train rides; departs noon, 2 and 4 p.m. $8 seniors, $7 kids www.kiskijunction.com/events.htm Schenley, PA; Approximately 2 hours, by car, further west from Bedford.
Florida Beaches A Fall Bargain onsistently voted among the country’s top beaches, Florida’s Emerald Coast has, unfortunately, felt the wrath of the BP oil spill. Hotel and restaurant parking lots, normally packed with cars and SUVs during summer, are showing a lot more asphalt these days. And the sad part, many of these pristine beaches have been affected only minimally by the spill. “We have tried very hard to assure the world that Florida is not drenched in oil, but they see the reports on TV of all that mess and just assume that Florida is impacted much more than it is,” said Henry Cabbage, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman. In an effort to attract tourists, hotels, B&Bs, RV parks, tourist attractions and entire beach communities are putting out the “Sale” signs. From discount rates at luxury properties like Watercolor Inn & Resort and
nearby Seaside community to more economical choices like Holiday Inns and Days Inns in Panama City Beach, it’s a travelers’ market. Even mid-scale hotels have been forced to cut rates well below $100 per night. And cottage rentals, normally booked well into the fall, are cutting deals to fill homes, some even on the beach. The irony is the area just opened a new airport in May. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (airport code ECP), located near Panama City Beach, is currently served by Delta and Southwest airlines. At press, roundtrip fares from Philadelphia start around $325. For the current status of Florida beaches, visit www.visitflorida.com. For various travel bargains, visit hotels.com, travelocity.com, expedia.com and vrbo.com, or call your travel agent.
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PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 30304 PERMIT No. 2550
1 0000 sh a n n o n d e l l d r audubo n , pa 1 9 4 0 3
Continued from page 6 water walking to hydro-Pilates, there’s a safe routine for virtually all older adults. In fact, many of our residents start out in classes and progress to the point where they’re swimming laps for the first time in decades. It definitely adds some pep in their step.” Although you might not currently enjoy having an aquatics center steps from your front door, there are ample pools in YMCAs, community centers, churches and neighborhood clubs across the city that, during the middle of the day, offer plenty of space and opportunity to improve your health and attitude. So, shake out that swimsuit buried in your dresser and dive right in. The water’s fine.
Discover Freestyle Living Options. Choices. The freedom to plan your day. Do what you want. When you want. That’s freestyle living at Shannondell. Prefer to cook-in tonight? Not a problem. Just know there are six on-site restaurants – from a Bistro to a white tablecloth dining room – just steps from your front door. Feel more like reading a book on your patio than taking on Tai Chi this morning? Again, it’s your choice. The groups, clubs and classes – more than fifty in all – are there when you’re ready. So are all the resort-style amenities: Aquatics & Fitness center, Performing Arts Theater, Library, Arts & Crafts, woodworking, model trains, bocce, residents’ garden, golf course, even a Main Line Health Center where the neighborhood doc is at your beck-and-call 24/7. So, free those thoughts about retirement communities being too rigid – at least, when you think about Shannondell at Valley Forge.
Discover Shannondell over lunch in September. Call 610.728.5211 today!
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