Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

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Andy Leh in front of one of his historic home’s seven fireplaces (six in working order). The 1798 home is the perfect setting for Leh’s extensive antiques collection. She Took a Call from Churchill page 6 Niagara Falls’ New Year’s Bash page 8 Inside: By Rebecca Hanlon Andy Leh’s fascination with antiques started as a teenager. In the summer of 1972, construction crews were digging along a nearby street when they discovered what was left of a glass-recycling facility. The working men would leave at 4 p.m., and the local kids would jump in the pit, digging until dark to collect the unwanted bottles for themselves. “It was a summer fad for most kids, but it stuck with me,” said Leh, now 56. It was the start of a 42-year-long obsession with antiques. Even as a young boy, Leh remembers spending hours in his grandparents’ basement rooting through boxes and examining random items—from glasses to stoneware and furniture. When he started digging up bottles in the streets of his neighborhood, he unknowingly dug up history. If he found bottles he didn’t want, or duplicates, he would sell them to friends. At 16, Leh’s father let him drive the family station wagon to the flea market to sell the bottles, using the profits to buy better ones. By early high school, his collection was worth several thousand dollars. “My dad thought I was crazy,” Leh said. “He was angry with me for wasting my money on frivolous stuff. Now, he stands back and smiles, Historic Home Now Houses Collection of Local Antiques A Treasure Chest of Stories please see TREASURE page 14 Dauphin County Edition December 2014 Vol. 16 No. 12

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50plus Senior News — a monthly publication for and about the 50+ community — offers information on entertainment, travel, healthy living, financial matters, veterans issues, and much more.

Transcript of Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

Page 1: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

Andy Leh in front of one of his historic home’s seven fireplaces (six in working order). The 1798 home is the perfect setting for Leh’s extensive antiques collection.

She Took a Callfrom Churchillpage 6

Niagara Falls’New Year’s Bashpage 8

Inside:

By Rebecca Hanlon

Andy Leh’s fascination with antiques started as a teenager.In the summer of 1972, construction crews were digging along a nearby

street when they discovered what was left of a glass-recycling facility. Theworking men would leave at 4 p.m., and the local kids would jump in thepit, digging until dark to collect the unwanted bottles for themselves.

“It was a summer fad for most kids, but it stuck with me,” said Leh, now56.

It was the start of a 42-year-long obsession with antiques. Even as a youngboy, Leh remembers spending hours in his grandparents’ basement rootingthrough boxes and examining random items—from glasses to stoneware andfurniture.

When he started digging up bottles in the streets of his neighborhood, heunknowingly dug up history.

If he found bottles he didn’t want, or duplicates, he would sell them tofriends.

At 16, Leh’s father let him drive the family station wagon to the fleamarket to sell the bottles, using the profits to buy better ones.

By early high school, his collection was worth several thousand dollars.“My dad thought I was crazy,” Leh said. “He was angry with me for

wasting my money on frivolous stuff. Now, he stands back and smiles,

Historic Home Now Houses Collection

of Local Antiques

A TreasureChest of Stories

please see TREASURE page 14

Dauphin County Edition December 2014 Vol. 16 No. 12

Page 2: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

2 December 2014 50plus SeniorNews H www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

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As On-Line Publishers, Inc. sees the conclusion of yet another year, weare grateful to our dedicated staff, loyal readers, and supportiveadvertisers who have all enabled us to continue to grow in our missionto serve the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50+ community. We wish to thank each of you for helping to make 50plus Senior News

a fun, interesting, and unique source of information and entertainmentfor our readers in Central Pennsylvania.At this special time of giving thanks and reminiscing, the staff of

On-Line Publishers wishes you, our friends, warmest holiday wishes.

Happy Holidays

When readers meet me, theynever want to talk to me.Instead, they excitedly look

all around for my husband, saying,“Where’s Bob?”

Everyone loves Bob. But they feelsorry for him because I often make himlook like a doofus (which he is) in mycolumns. They look at him with pity andsay, “You’re such a good sport.”

Well, I’m here to tell you: Bob adoresit when I write about him. When I don’tinclude him, he’ll ask, “What about me?”with an insanely disappointed look onhis face.

Having said all that, last week he hadto fast for routine blood work, whichmeant no food after midnight. No bigdeal, right?

Early that evening, he was face downon the couch. I knelt down andmassaged his shoulders.

“What’s the matter?” I said.

Ever so slowly heraised his head.“Don’t youremember themedical procedureI’m about to get?”

“It’s not anoperation, sweets. It’sjust a blood test.”

He sat up. “JUSTA BLOOD TEST?”

I quietly tiptoedout of the room.

At five to midnight, I found him inthe kitchen, gorging on frozen pizza.

“Sheesh, Bob. Don’t you want to nukeit first?”

“There’s no time!”I lovingly took his hands but he

crazily pulled away and franticallysearched through the cookie jar.

“Where are the peanut buttercookies?” he said.

Slowly, I steppedbackward andwhispered, “I—I—may have finishedthem last night.”

“WHAT?”“Well, I, um. I

wanted cookies.”“Oh, so you

wanted cookies, didyou? I will neverforgive you for this.”

He draggedhimself off to bed. I quietly got in bedtoo. In exactly three minutes he startedmoaning the song from Oliver. “Food,glorious food—hot sausage andmustard.”

Less than an hour later, he sneezedonce and said, “Starvation has caused meto get a cold.”

Now, I don’t like gender stereotyping.But I take that back when it comes to a

cold. That’s because Bob gets “mancolds.” During his last one, he threwhimself an “I’m going to die” party.

I realized that the way I wasapproaching this was all wrong. So Ichanged. And miraculously, I also foundthe cure to the common cold.

“You’ll be OK,” I said. “Right afteryour blood work, we’ll get rid of yourcold. Instead of heading to your favoritediner like we planned, for a lusciousomelet made with grilled apples, cheddarcheese, and bacon, we’ll keep you onnothing but chicken broth all day.”

Suddenly he stopped sneezing.“Sweets, we couldn’t have gone to the

diner anyway,” I said. “You’re obviouslytoo weak from starvation. We’ll go theresomeday, sometime—far, far from now,since it will clearly take a long time foryou to recover from your horrible fastingordeal.”

And with that, he jumped out of bed

Such is Life

Saralee Perel

When a Man Can’t Have Food

Bob and Saralee at the diner

Page 3: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews H December 2014 3

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Central PA Poison Center

(800) 521-6110

Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging

(717) 780-6130

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5435 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg

(717) 545-6103

Zimmerman Auer Funeral Home, Inc.

4100 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg

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Alzheimer’s Association

(717) 651-5020

American Diabetes Association

(800) 342-2383

Arthritis Foundation – Central PA Chapter

(717) 763-0900

CONTACT Helpline

(717) 652-4400

The National Kidney Foundation

(717) 757-0604

(800) 697-7007

PACE

(800) 225-7223

Social Security Information

(800) 772-1213

Tri-County Association for the Blind

(717) 238-2531

PA Healthcare Cost Containment Council

(717) 232-6787

Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard

of Hearing

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3-D Consultants

(717) 651-5133

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(717) 545-8747

Homeland Hospice

2300 Vartan Way, Suite 115, Harrisburg

(717) 221-7890

B’Nai B’rith Apartments

130 S. Third St., Harrisburg

(717) 232-7516

Dauphin County Housing Authority

(717) 939-9301

Property Tax/Rent Rebate

(888) 728-2937

Apprise Insurance Counseling

(800) 783-7067

Daley Zucker Meilton & Miner, LLC

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1901 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg

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CVS/pharmacy

www.cvs.com

Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging

(717) 255-2790

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American Lung Association

(800) LUNG-USA

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(800) 441-2555

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and said, “I feel great!” After the blood work, we went to the

restaurant, where Bob made a speedyrecovery as he reveled in mouthfuls ofglorious food.

That week, I wound up with amonster cold. I knew Bob would getback at me for how I tricked him intogetting better. I stayed in bed—waiting.

He found my grandmother’s quilt inthe cupboard and placed it on me,tenderly snugging it under my chin.

Between sneezes I said, “This is theworst cold I’ve ever had. Go ahead.Make fun of me. I deserve it.”

“Yep, you do,” he said, putting on hisjacket and getting the car keys.

“Bob, you’re going out when I’m onmy deathbed?”

When he came home, he had a bag

with him. He took out a chicken potpie, my favorite Kleenex made withaloe, a copy of People magazine, and acarton of mint chocolate chip ice cream.

He propped up our pillows. Wespent the day together, watchingMurphy Brown reruns and luxuriating inthe breathtaking nearness of each other.

So, of course everyone loves Bob.That’s because we all know that he isjust like this—sensitive, loving,compassionate, and adoring—evenwhen I don’t have a cold.

Saralee Perel is an award-winning,nationally syndicated columnist. Her newbook is Cracked Nuts & SentimentalJourneys: Stories From a Life Out of Balance.To find out more, visit www.saraleeperel.comor email [email protected].

Winter is Coming …Before the weather gets too cold, you

should protect your house and familyfrom the elements.

Here are some essential areas to check:

Roof• Look for missing shingles, crackedflashing, and broken, overhanging treelimbs.

• Check the chimney for mortardeterioration and loose bricks.Inspect the underside of the roof, fromthe attic, for signs of leakage.

Exterior• Check the foundation for cracks in the

concrete or low spots in the soil wherewater can accumulate against thefoundation.

• Examine the caulking in the sidingand around the window and doortrims.

Heat

• Turn on the heating system and ensurethat the heat is being delivered to alloutlets.

• Check the filter and change it ifnecessary. Keep extra filters around soyou can change it during the winterseason.

Page 4: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

4 December 2014 50plus SeniorNews H www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

50plus Senior News is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc.and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirementcommunities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets

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are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The appearance ofadvertisements for products or services does not constitute anendorsement of the particular product or service. The publisher will notbe responsible for mistakes in advertisements unless notified within fivedays of publication. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to reviseor reject any and all advertising. No part of this publication may bereproduced or reprinted without permission of On-Line Publishers, Inc.

We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information notin compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State lawsor other local laws.

Corporate Office:3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360

Chester County:610.675.6240

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EDITORIALVICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING EDITOR

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Member of

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Winner

Dear Savvy Senior,I understand that there are several

types of flu vaccines being offered toseniors this flu season. What can youtell me about them?– Cautious Senior

Dear Cautious,Depending on your health, age,

and personal preference, there’s abuffet of flu shots available toseniors this flu season, along withtwo vaccinations for pneumonia thatyou should consider getting too.

Flu Shot OptionsJust as they do every year, the

Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) recommends aseasonal flu shot to almost everyone,but it’s especially important forseniors who are at higher risk ofdeveloping serious flu-relatedcomplications.

The flu puts more than 200,000people in the hospital each year andkills around 24,000—90 percent ofwhom are seniors. Here’s therundown of the different options:

• Standard (trivalent) flu shot: Thistried-and-true shot that’s beenaround for more than 30 yearsprotects against three strains ofinfluenza. This year’s versionprotects against the two common Astrains (H1N1 and H3N2) and oneinfluenza B virus.

• Quadrivalent flu shot: Thisvaccine, which was introduced lastyear, protects against four types of

influenza—the same three strains asthe standard flu shot, plus anadditional B-strain virus.

• High-dose flu shot: Designedspecifically for seniors age 65 andolder, this vaccine, called theFluzone High-Dose, has four timesthe amount of antigen as a regularflu shot does, which creates astronger immune response for betterprotection.

But, be aware that the high-doseoption may also be more likely tocause side effects, includingheadache, muscle aches, and fever.

• Intradermal flu shot: If you don’tlike needles, the intradermal shot is anice option because it uses a tiny1/16-inch-long micro-needle toinject the vaccine just under theskin, rather than deeper in themuscle like standard flu shots. Thistrivalent vaccine is recommendedonly to those ages 18 to 64.

To locate a vaccination site thatoffers these flu shots, visitwww.vaccines.gov and type in yourZIP code.

You’ll also be happy to know thatif you’re a Medicare beneficiary, PartB will cover 100 percent of the costsof any flu shot, as long as yourdoctor, health clinic, or pharmacyagrees not to charge you more thanMedicare pays.

Private health insurers are alsorequired to cover standard flu shots;however, you’ll need to check withyour provider to see if they cover the

other vaccination options.

Pneumonia VaccinesThe other important vaccination

the CDC recommends to seniors,especially this time of year, are thepneumococcal vaccines forpneumonia. An estimated 900,000people in the U.S. get pneumococcalpneumonia each year, and it killsaround 5,000.

This year, the CDC isrecommending that all seniors 65 orolder get two separate vaccines,which is a change of decades-oldadvice. The vaccines are Prevnar 13and Pneumovax 23. Previously, onlyPneumovax 23 was recommendedfor seniors.

Both vaccines, which areadministered just once, work indifferent ways to provide maximumprotection.

If you haven’t yet received anypneumococcal vaccine, you shouldget the Prevnar 13 first, followed byPneumovax 23 six to 12 monthslater. But, if you’ve already beenvaccinated with Pneumovax 23, youshould get Prevnar 13 at least oneyear later.

Medicare currently covers onlyone pneumococcal vaccine per olderadult. If you’re paying out of pocket,you can expect to pay around $50 to$85 for Pneumovax 23 and around$120 to $150 for Prevnar 13.

Jim Miller is a regular contributor tothe NBC Today show and author ofThe Savvy Senior Book.www.savvysenior.org

Vaccination Options forSeniors this Flu Season

Savvy Senior

Jim Miller

Keep Stress in Check during the HolidaysThe holidays should be a joyous

time for family and friends, butthey can be stressful if you feelstretched too thin.

Don’t let the pressure bring youdown. Here are some helpful hintsfor keeping your stress levels undercontrol during what should be afun and relaxing time:

Pay attention to your mood.Recognize the signs of stress, suchas irritability and anxiety. Avoidthese by getting a handle on thingsinstead of just letting them happen.

Set reasonable limits. Allowyourself to say “no.” Be realisticabout what you can and cannot doduring this busy month.

Watch your diet. Overindulging in

holiday treats can affect your mood.Sugar overload will make yousluggish, for example, and thestimulating effect of caffeine maymake you overanxious.

Exercise. Take a walk or visit thegym regularly. Not only will itcombat the extra calories you’reconsuming, but you’ll also relievetension and get some relaxation.

Page 5: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews H December 2014 5

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DisabledVeteransDiscount

By John Johnston

With all of the holidayshopping going on this timeof year, both in stores and

online, there is no better time to remindyou to beware of fraud—you never knowwhere it is lurking.

When it comes to doing business withSocial Security online, there is little toworry about—all of our online servicesare protected by strong Internet securityprotocols, and you should haveconfidence that they are safe and secure.

But, there are other ways identitythieves and criminals can obtain yourpersonal information and cause yousignificant harm. Here are some tips tohelp keep that from happening.

If someone contacts you claiming tobe from Social Security and asks for yourSocial Security number, date of birth, orother identifying information, beware.

Don’t provide your personalinformation without first contactingSocial Security to verify if Social Security

is really trying tocontact you. It couldbe an identity thiefphishing for yourpersonal information.Call Social Security’stoll-free number at(800) 772-1213 orTTY (800) 325-0778.

If you receive asuspicious call, reportit by going to http://oig.ssa.gov/report. Orcall (800) 269-0271 from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. ET. You should provide as much ofthe following information as you know:

• Names of the alleged suspect(s) andvictim(s), address(es), phonenumber(s), date(s) of birth, and SocialSecurity number(s)

• Description of the fraud and thelocation where the fraud took place

• When and how the fraud wascommitted

• Why thepersoncommitted thefraud (ifknown)

• Who else hasknowledge ofthe potentialviolation

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America. If you oranyone you know has been the victim ofan identity thief, contact the FederalTrade Commission at www.idtheft.gov;(877) IDTHEFT or (877) 438-4338; orTTY (866) 653-4261.

Another form of fraud that people fallvictim to: businesses using misleadingadvertisements that make it look asthough they are from Social Security.

These businesses often offer SocialSecurity services for a fee, even thoughthe same services are available directlyfrom Social Security free of charge. By

law, such an advertisement must indicatethat the company is not affiliated withSocial Security.

If you receive what you believe ismisleading advertising for Social Securityservices, send the complete mailing,including the envelope, to: Office of theInspector General, Fraud Hotline, SocialSecurity Administration, P.O. Box17768, Baltimore, Md. 21235.

Also, advise your state’s attorneygeneral or consumer affairs office and theBetter Business Bureau. If you see or hearwhat you believe is misleading advertisingrelated to Social Security, you can reportit at the address above, by calling (800)269-0271 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, orby visiting http://oig.ssa.gov/report.

Protect your investment in SocialSecurity and do your part to reportpotential fraud. We rely on you to let usknow when you suspect someone iscommitting fraud against Social Security.

John Johnston is a Social Security publicaffairs specialist.

Being Aware of Fraud is Your First Step to Avoiding It

Social Security News

Page 6: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

6 December 2014 50plus SeniorNews H www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

50plus Senior News continues to bring important information as well asentertaining articles to the 50+ community. We at On-Line Publisherswould like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the

editorial contributors of 50plus Senior News:

It is through the varied interestsand considerable talents of ourcontributors and freelance writersthat such a range of informativeand entertaining content isavailable to read each month.The pages of 50plus Senior News

are enriched by your contributions.

Mike Clark (The Way I See It)

Angelo Coniglio (The Search for Our Ancestry)

Al Goodman (Beyond the Battlefield )

Andrea Gross (Traveltizers)

John Johnston (Social Security News)

Dr. Lori (Art and Antiques)

Gloria May (NurseNews)

Clyde McMillan-Gamber (The Beauty in Nature)

Jim Miller (The Savvy Senior)

Victor Parachin (Fragments of History)

Saralee Perel (Such is Life)

Dr. Leonard Perry (The Green Mountain Gardener)

Ted Rickard (The Squint-Eyed Senior)

Sy Rosen (Older But Not Wiser)

Walt Sonneville (My 22 Cents’ Worth)

Nick Thomas (Tinseltown Talks)

Robert Wilcox (Salute to a Veteran)

Judith Zausner (Creativity Matters)

Thank You,Columnists!

Are You Reading?Join the 2015 One Book, One Community campaign by reading

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

85 libraries in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster,Lebanon, Perry, and York counties and theircommunity partners present the regionalreading campaign.

Visit www.oboc.orgor your library to learn more

Read the book duringDecember and January andattend free library programsand discussions in February!

Geraldine (Jeri) Kopf was a nativeof Central Pennsylvania whokept herself in shape through

her love of playing sports. So, when the Women’s Army Corps

(WAC) was formed in World War II, shefelt ready to enlist in September 1943and serve her country. The fact that shehad a strong background in stenographydidn’t hurt.

Having women in the Army was verycontroversial at the time. But she wasdetermined to go. And she was soon onher way to basic training at DaytonaBeach, Fla. Did she have a tough time inbasic?

“No, not at all,” she laughs. “Theygave us the same training they gave theguys, and because of all the sports I hadplayed, I was ready for it. I enjoyed everyminute of it.”

She was then sent to MacDill Field inTampa and was assigned to

Headquarters Company,where she handledpublic relations for thebase.

“At MacDill, pilotswere being trained to flythe B-26 mediumbomber,” she says. “Itwas such an unstableplane that anunbelievable number ofplanes were being lost.In one 30-day trainingperiod, 15 planescrashed, leading to thecatchphrase: ‘A plane aday in Tampa Bay.’”

Fortunately, theysoon solved that byadding 6 feet ofwingspan andupgrading the engines.

“The other big

excitement,” she says,“was meeting DonScott, who was tobecome my futurehusband. He was amember of the baseband who played all theinstruments, as needed.He also had a wonderfulvoice and was giftedwith perfect pitch.

“We got engagedbefore I shipped out tothe Pentagon, and hewent to the Pacific,where he and the bandplayed at basesthroughout the Pacific.

“At the Pentagon, Iwas astonished to be putin charge of theOverseas ConferenceRoom, where I worked

daily with the Army Chief of Staff,General of the Army George C. Marshalland later with General of the ArmyDwight D. Eisenhower, when he becameArmy chief of staff.

“Officially, the Overseas ConferenceRoom didn’t exist, because everythingthat went in there was absolutely topsecret.

“The room had a thick carpet of deepred with a massive mahogany table andmaps of military facilities around theworld lining the walls. My job was to seethat the room was kept in perfect shapeand to manage all contacts with seniorofficers around the world.

“Where messages were to be encoded,I arranged that through the SignalCorps. And I kept copies of everythingthat was said by anyone and decided foraction. Later I saw that copies were thensent to each general in the meeting.”

How did she get selected for such an

Churchill Told Her How Sorry He Wasto Learn of FDR’s Death

Robert D. Wilcox

Salute to a Veteran

Pvt. 1st Class Geraldine Kopf atMacDill Field, Tampa, in 1943.

Page 7: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

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important post? “I haven’t the slightest idea,” she

says. “But you know the Army. Theydon’t explain what they do. They tellyou what you’re going to do, and youjust do it.”

What about that call from WinstonChurchill, when he shared hiscondolences over President Roosevelt’spassing? Did she expect to be talkingwith a famous man like that?

With a little smile, she says, “Notreally, but most of the people I talkedwith regularly were among our mostimportant generals and admirals. Andwhen the prime minister called, Ienjoyed only a few words with himbefore passing him on to GeneralMarshall.”

By January 1946, she was asergeant, and her hitch was over. AllWACs were asked to reenlist, but sheand her fiancé were discharged on thesame day, Jan. 18, 1946, and shortlythereafter were married. She becameMrs. Geraldine (Jeri) Scott andembarked on a wonderful 58 years ofmarried life.

The Scotts settled down to live inCentral Pennsylvania. And sheimmersed herself in a wide range ofcommunity activities. One close to her

heart was serving as executive directorof the local chapter of the MultipleSclerosis Society.

There, she came up with the idea ofa Readathon, during which childrenwould “solve the mystery of MS” byreading books for credit. WGAL-TVfilmed the skit through which theprogram was presented to the localchildren.

That film was sent to the nationalMS headquarters, who found the filmso inspiring that they adopted theReadathon as a national program,sending copies of the film to MSchapters across the U.S.

In addition to all her other activitiesin the community, in 1991 Scottstarted an art gallery that she still runstoday.

However, when asked what shethinks today about having actuallytalked with Winston Churchill somany years ago, she says with a grin,“At that time, I didn’t think of it assomething so different from what I didevery day. But now I more stronglythink of it as a remembrance to betruly cherished.”

Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber inEurope in World War II.

Page 8: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

8 December 2014 50plus SeniorNews H www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

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Traveltizers Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel

By Andrea Gross

I’m half-submerged in a luxuriouswhirlpool tub, sipping from a glass ofsweet ice wine and looking out the

window at the cascading waters ofHorseshoe Falls, the largest of the threefalls that make up Niagara Falls.

Over there, in the distance, is theUnited States. Here, at the RadissonHotel, is Canada.

Divided in part by the Niagara River,the two countries share the falls, withHorseshoe on the Canadian side andAmerican and Bridal Veil falls technicallyin the United States, although betterviewed from Canada.

They’re not the tallest falls in theworld, but they’re among the mostpowerful, and tonight, illuminated infestive colors, they’re surely the mostbeautiful.

Waterfalls, wine, and a whirlpooltub—could there be a more glorious wayto spend New Year’s Eve? I think not, buta party is waiting outside—not just any

party, but one of the grandest in Canadaand the only one that’s televised fromcoast to coast.

In short, “It’s Canada’s answer toTimes Square,” says Niagara Falls MayorJim Diodati.

My husband and I don our parkas—December weather in Niagara typicallyranges from the low 20s to the mid-30s—and set out for Queen VictoriaPark.

It’s not far from the hotel, and as we

walk along the path bordering the falls,we’re surrounded by trees sparkling withmore than a million lights and more than100 illuminated displays representingeverything from Noah’s ark and an Inuitkayak to humongous Canadian andUnited States flags.

By the time we arrive at the park,music is blaring from the stage, and theplace is packed with revelers. Off to theside, the Skylon Tower rises 775 feetabove the falls.

The circular top, which resembles aspace station, is aglow with lights, andthe exterior glass-enclosed elevator, calledthe “Yellow Bug,” streaks up and down,ferrying visitors to and from therevolving dining room and observationdeck at the top.

The countdown begins shortly beforemidnight. Eight, seven, six … one! TheYellow Bug zooms to the top, fireworksexplode from the tower, and the crowdroars. Then, led by the performers onstage, everyone begins singing “AuldLang Syne.”

Niagara Falls’ New Year’s Bash

Niagara Falls consists of three separate waterfalls.From left, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls.

Horseshoe Falls is wider than sevenfootball fields, and as the water dropsthe distance of a 13-story building, itcreates an explosion of mist.

Page 9: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews H December 2014 9

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It’s almost 1 a.m. when we head backto the Radisson, and we have to run tocatch the Falls Incline Railway before itcloses. This saves us the uphill hike fromthe street-level park to the FallsviewTourist Area, where the hotels, casino,eateries, and shops are located.

We arrive in our room chilled butthrilled, ready to start the new year.

The next day we explore more ofNiagara’s winter offerings.

After walking farther along the 3-mileillumination route, we warm up amongstthe poinsettias and Christmas cacti at theFloral Showhouse and then make ourway to Journey Behind the Falls, anattraction that helps us truly appreciatethe size and splendor of Niagara.

Dressed in waterproof ponchos(distributed free at the entrance), weslosh through tunnels to emerge 13stories below ground level at the pointwhere Horseshoe Falls crashes into theLower Niagara River.

We’re showered with mist as theequivalent of more than 1 millionbathtubs full of water rush over the fallsevery hour, traveling at a speed of 25mph. (During the winter, the lowerobservation deck is closed, but there’sdrama and moisture aplenty on theupper deck.)

Although it’s possible to see all threefalls from the ground-level walkway, wetake a helicopter ride in order to betterunderstand the area’s geography. From up

high we can see how the Niagara River,which begins in Lake Erie and flowsnorth into Lake Ontario, divides as itcircles around Goat Island.

The southern side plummets over acliff to form Horseshoe Falls, while thenorthern side leads to American Falls andBridal Veil Falls. These two smaller fallsare, in turn, separated from each other bythe much smaller landmass of LunaIsland.

Finally, since the Niagara Peninsula isone of the top ice-wine-producingregions in the world, we visit InniskillinEstate Winery, an award-winningproducer of the luxury wine. We see thevineyards, where harvesting of the frozengrapes has just begun; watch a video ofthe production process; and sample threedifferent types of ice wine: Riesling,Cabernet Franc, and Sparkling.

We can’t agree on which one we likebest, so we splurge on mini-bottles ofeach. If we can’t make it back to Niagaranext year, at least we’ll be able tocelebrate at home—but it won’t be thesame without the whirlpool tub and themagnificent view of the falls.

If you go:Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights

runs through Jan. 12, 2015.www.niagaraparks.comwww.radisson.com/niagarafalls.ca

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

Photo courtesy of Winter Festival of Lights

Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lightsfeatures a Christmas Tree Walk that

extends more than 3 miles.

Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission

The Falls are illuminated at night, adding tothe festive air of the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission

Fireworks mark the coming of theNew Year during Niagara’s

New Year’s Eve bash.

Photo courtesy of Winter Festival of Lights

A three-story-tall illuminated flag ofCanada welcomes folks from the

United States, who make up half of the11 million travelers who visit

Niagara each year.

Page 10: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

10 December 2014 50plus SeniorNews H www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

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Ihave been known to say that justbecause something is old doesn’tmean it is automatically valuable. I

have junk in my house, my grandmotherhad junk in her house … sometimes it’sjust older junk.

With those sage words ofwisdom offered to the masses, here aresome creative ideas about what to dowith those keepsakes that you just can’tpart with but you don’t want to storeaway in a plastic tub for the rest of yourlife.

Objects that have some value to youon some level but that really won’t makea big difference when it comes to cashingin are the objects that are the topic ofthis particular column.

Repurposing is very popularnow. There are more people seeking outantiques and thrift-store items in order toreuse or recycle them than people whojust want to collect for collecting’s

sake. Be sure youonly repurposethose objectsthat really are notvaluable.

Of course, youdon’t want torepurpose thatChippendale sidetable or a Picassodrawing, so get itchecked outbefore you moveahead. Once youknow that youhave a low-value object, consider somecreative ideas.

Piecing Up the PlatesPlates can be among some of the most

inexpensive collectibles that nearlyeveryone has hanging around the house,attic, or yard sale. Vintage, decorative

floral plates can beused at partiesand even given awayto guests as favors.They really spruceup a buffet line,block party, orfamily get-together.

Look around yourgrandma’s, aunt’s,and neighbor’scupboards and see ifyou can spot anyplates. I have somechipped yet colorful

examples from the 1970s hangingaround my cabinets that would beprime examples for this project.

Some creative craft aficionadoshave taken such plates, broken them intopieces, and used them in craft projects.Just break the inexpensive plates into 2-to 4-inch pieces and then use them as

you would tiles. Some of the most popular repurposing

objects for old plates are refrigeratormagnets. Just simply stick an adhesive-backed magnet to the back of your platepiece.

Some damaged or chipped plates havebeen recycled into a decorative concreteframe around the kids’ sandbox or kiddiepool area. They will look great stuccoedor glued onto wooden birdhouses,garden jardinieres or birdbaths,and trivets.

Some folks have used broken platesas walkways leading to a garden shed orpool house. These are some great ways touse those damaged and not-so-valuable floral plates and keep thememories, too.

Picking Up JewelryDamaged jewelry or fancy buttons—

particularly cheap pieces of costume

Cool Ideas for the Not-so-Valuables

Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori

Lori Verderame

Photo courtesy staff of www.DrLoriV.com

Vintage china or mismatchedplates with minor damage are

often repurposed.

Page 11: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews H December 2014 11

Dauphin County

Calendar of EventsPrograms and Support Groups

Dauphin County Department of Parks and Recreation

Weekends through Dec. 21, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Festival of Trees, Fort Hunter Tavern HouseWeekends through Dec. 21, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Toy Train Exhibit, Fort Hunter Centennial BarnDec. 7, 12:30 to 4 p.m. – Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration, Fort Hunter Tavern House Summer Kitchen

Free and open to the public.

Senior Center Activities

Dec. 9, 6 to 7 p.m.Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support GroupGraysonview Personal Care Community150 Kempton Ave., Harrisburg(717) 561-8010

Dec. 16, 7 p.m.Longest Night Worship ServiceDerry Presbyterian Church248 E. Derry Road, Hershey

Dec. 17, 1:30 p.m.Parkinson’s Support Group on East ShoreJewish Home of Harrisburg4004 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg(717) 441-8627

Dec. 18, 1:30 p.m.Hershey Area AARP Chapter No. 3466 MeetingSpring Creek Church of the Brethren335 E. Areba Ave., Hershey(717) 832-3282

Dec. 30, 6 p.m.Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Walking Club Gander Mountain5005 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg(717) 991-5232

If you have an event you would like toinclude, please email information to

[email protected] for consideration.

Mohler Senior Center – (717) 533-2002,www.hersheyseniorcenter.comDec. 1, noon – Holiday Card ExchangeDec. 19, 11:30 a.m. – Annual Meeting and Holiday SocialDec. 22, 11 a.m. – Cookies and Carols with Helping Hands

Rutherford House – (717) 564-5682,www.rutherfordhouse.orgMondays, 10 a.m. – Line DancingTuesdays, 11 a.m. – ZumbaWednesdays, 9 a.m. – Computer Assistance

Please contact your local center for scheduled activities.

Dauphin County Library Programs

Kline Branch, 530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-3934Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. – Friends of the Kline Library Meeting

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library,200 W. Second St., Hummelstown, (717) 566-0949Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. – Novel Thoughts Book ClubDec. 4 and 18, 6 to 8 p.m. – Knitting ClubDec. 10, 6 p.m. – Second Wednesday Cinema

jewelry that can no longer be repaired orworn—can be reused and made intoreally cool art objects.

Damaged pieces of costume jewelrycan be the source for jewelrypictures by sewing or gluingthe broken pieces onto a piece of velvet,felt, or fabric. Then, the textile

is framed as you would a collage. Old, broken jewelry or pieces thereof

can be made into a brooch, tussymussy, or brooch bouquet comprised ofboth fresh flowers and colorful, fake-gemstone pins in the shape of flowers.

Country music star Miranda Lambertcarried a brooch bouquet at her country-

themed wedding. It is a cool union ofvintage and Victorian, fresh and faux.

Some pieces of costume jewelry arevaluable, so be sure to check out thevalue with an appraisal before you starttaking apart the jewelry pieces that arestill intact. However, the damaged piecesare fair game for you crafters out there.

Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author,and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lorihosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr.Lori is the star appraiser on Discoverychannel’s TV show Auction Kings. Visitwww.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, Lori Verderame at Google+, orcall (888) 431-1010.

The Squint-Eyed Senior

Theodore Rickard

The best of Christmases and thehigh point of the feast daymarking the beginning of the

Christian era was the year I got theelectric train. An electric train has a lotof pieces. And you can take the piecesapart and put them back together inyour own fashion, any old way you wantto.

The next best part of Christmas wascousin-visiting. Here the cousins—almost all male and within a coupleyears of my own age—became realpeople, not just the last or next wearer ofhand-me-down “Sunday best.”

They were here in person, kids Icould play with, bringing with them thecold-fresh of December into our second-

floor apartment. Gift inspection was the first order of

business for visiting cousins. Even beforehellos, it was, “Whad-ja-get?”—all oneword. Without waiting for a response,this was followed by, “Whad-else-ja-get?”

The year of the electric train was atriumph of familial snobbery.Questioning never got past the first

“whad-ja-get.” Instantly, four cousinswere on hands and knees, takingeverything apart to rearrange it: revisingit to anything but the drearilysymmetrical layout plotted by Lionel.

There was never enough track, ofcourse. There never would be—not forthe fledgling empire builders who were

Cousins for Christmas

please see COUSINS page 13

Page 12: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

12 December 2014 50plus SeniorNews H www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Bethany Village — MapleWood325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055717-766-0279 • www.BethanyVillage.org

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100Assisted Living Residence: YesPrivate: 100Private Pay: YesSSI Accepted: NoShort-term Lease: YesEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: NoOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: YesMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: YesHealth Fee-for-Service Available: Yes

Alzheimer’s Care: YesRespite Care: YesSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: YesPets Permitted: YesComments: One-bedroom suites;secured memory supportneighborhood; skilled nursing – The Oaks.

Homewood at Plum Creek425 Westminster Avenue • Hanover, PA 17331717-637-4166 • www.homewood.com

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 98Personal Care Home: YesPrivate: YesSemi-private: NoPrivate Pay: YesSSI Accepted: NoShort-term Lease: YesEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: NoPart/Totally Refundable: NoOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: YesMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: Yes

Health Fee-for-Service Available: YesAlzheimer’s Care: NoRespite Care: YesSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: YesPets Permitted: NoComments: Excellent care in a lovelyenvironment. Call to schedule a visit.

Longwood Manor Personal Care & Memory Care2760 Maytown Road • Maytown, PA 17550717-426-0033 • www.longwoodassisted.com

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 144Personal Care Home: YesPrivate: YesSemi-private: YesPrivate Pay: YesSSI Accepted: YesShort-term Lease: YesEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes*Part/Totally Refundable: NoOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: NoMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: No

Health Fee-for-Service Available: NoAlzheimer’s Care: YesRespite Care: YesSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: YesPets Permitted: YesComments: Beautiful, homelikeenvironment nestled in the heartland ofLancaster County. Specializing in memorysupport. *One-time community fee only.

The listings with a shaded background have additional information about their center in a display advertisement in this edition.

Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes

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

Colonial Lodge Community2015 North Reading Road • Denver, PA 17519717-336-5501 • www.coloniallodgepa.com

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 70Personal Care Home: YesPrivate: YesSemi-private: YesPrivate Pay: YesSSI Accepted: Yes*Short-term Lease: NoEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: NoPart/Totally Refundable: NoOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: YesMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: Yes

Health Fee-for-Service Available: NoAlzheimer’s Care: NoRespite Care: YesSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: YesPets Permitted: NoComments: *SSI depends onavailability. A veteran-approved“home for heroes” facility, all in abeautiful, rural setting.

Homeland Center1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102717-221-7727 • www.homelandcenter.org

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 50Personal Care Home: YesPrivate: YesSemi-private: NoPrivate Pay: YesSSI Accepted: NoShort-term Lease: YesEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: YesPart/Totally Refundable: YesOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: YesMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: Yes

Health Fee-for-Service Available: NoAlzheimer’s Care: YesRespite Care: YesSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: YesPets Permitted: YesComments: Exemplary care in a caring,beautiful environment has beenprovided for more than 140 years. Ourcontinuum includes a hospice program.

Lakeview at Tel Hai Retirement Community1200 Tel Hai Circle • Honey Brook, PA 19344610-273-4602 • www.telhai.org

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100Personal Care Home: YesPrivate: YesSemi-private: YesPrivate Pay: YesSSI Accepted: NoShort-term Lease: YesEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: YesPart/Totally Refundable: YesOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: YesMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: Yes

Health Fee-for-Service Available: YesAlzheimer’s Care: YesRespite Care: YesSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: YesPets Permitted: YesComments: Come discover a wonderful,faith-based community that has beenvoted No. 1 retirement community byreaders of the Daily Local newspaper!

Mennonite Home Communities1520 Harrisburg Pike • Lancaster, PA 17601717-393-1301 • www.mennonitehome.org

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 150Personal Care Home: YesPrivate: YesSemi-private: YesPrivate Pay: YesSSI Accepted: YesShort-term Lease: NoEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: NoPart/Totally Refundable: NoOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: YesMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: Yes

Health Fee-for-Service Available: YesAlzheimer’s Care: YesRespite Care: YesSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: YesPets Permitted: NoComments: Supportive, encouragingenvironment. Various room types andsuites available. Secure memory careoffered.

The Middletown Home999 West Harrisburg Pike • Middletown, PA 17057717-944-3351 • www.middletownhome.org

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 64Personal Care Home: YesPrivate: YesSemi-private: NoPrivate Pay: YesSSI Accepted: NoShort-term Lease: YesEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: NoPart/Totally Refundable: NoOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: YesMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: Yes

Health Fee-for-Service Available: YesAlzheimer’s Care: NoRespite Care: YesSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: YesPets Permitted: NoComments: Beautifully appointedapartments overlooking the gardenterrace with the safety and security of24-hour nursing care.

Serving from theHeart in the Spirit of

Friendship, Love,and Truth

Page 13: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews H December 2014 13

already looking down the hall to thedining room, wondering how manypieces and how many Christmases itwould take to get there.

There was one other Christmas giftthat, even among my cousins, wouldsquash the “whad-ja-gets.” If you got anErector Set, you simply pointed at thebox.

You tried not to look too superior,acting as though lavish gifts were aneveryday thing with you. You might beinterrupted by your aunt insisting youtry on “at least the jacket” from theSunday outfit her son had finallyoutgrown. But the moment was stillyours.

The Erector Set consisted entirely ofparts. Nothing was put together in thefirst place: hundreds of metal pieces, steelwheels, nuts and bolts—endlesspossibilities for both construction andeventual dismemberment—and theruination of hundreds of vacuumcleaners.

(My Aunt Ella used to claim that theErector Set people were subsidized by theHoover people. But then, Aunt Ella alsoclaimed that opening an umbrellaindoors madethe roof leak,and one rainyspring sheturned out tobe right aboutthat.)

One year, acousin wevisited got anIrish Mail. Thiswas a sidewalkvehicle that you steered with your feetand propelled by working a handlebarback and forth.

It was really a neat machine, and onceyou got the rhythm of it, you could workup some real speed—plenty enough tobecome a pedestrian hazard and getyelled at.

But the Irish Mail was expensive and

thus unheard of in his neighborhood, soit simply had to be “dorky,” which meantit was soon abandoned and left in a darkcorner of the cousin’s basement. It was a

gift from theother side of thefamily: an uncleby marriage wholived in a swellapartmentbuilding thatdidn’t allow kids.

There was asuper-deluxemodel of theErector Set that

actually had a miniature steam enginewith it. None of us cousins had one, butthere was an only child named Arnoldwho lived in a first-floor apartmentdown the block who did.

The engine would have made a lot offriends for Arnold, who could have usedsome help in that department, since henot only had steel-rimmed glasses but

wore braces, too.But his mother wouldn’t let anybody

play with it because it was toodangerous. So we kept pushing Arnoldinto snow banks or bushes for all thenext year until he and his steam enginefinally moved to the suburbs.

Eventually, the cousins went separateways. Some uncles became prosperousand relocated to airier neighborhoods.Today, the children of the cousins andthe cousins of the cousins don’t evenknow one another.

Which is a pity, really. If all thecousins chipped in, we could get theextra track for the train and the ErectorSet with the miniature steam engine.Then we’d get together again and makeall those nifty things that are pictured onthe lids of the boxes.

A collection of Ted Rickard’s family-funessays is titled Anything Worth Knowing ILearned from the Grandkids. It is nowavailable in paperback on Amazon.com.

COUSINS from page 11

Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community625 Robert Fulton Highway • Quarryville, PA 17566717-786-7321• 888-786-7331 • www.quarryville.com

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 45Personal Care Home: YesPrivate: YesSemi-private: NoPrivate Pay: YesSSI Accepted: NoShort-term Lease: NoEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: NoPart/Totally Refundable: NoOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: YesMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: Yes

Health Fee-for-Service Available: NoAlzheimer’s Care: YesRespite Care: NoSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: YesPets Permitted: NoComments: Quarryville assists inmaintaining independence andpreserving dignity in a safe and secureenvironment.

The listings with a shaded background have additional information about their center in a display advertisement in this edition.

Assisted Living Residences/Personal Care Homes

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

Pleasant View Retirement Community544 North Penryn Road • Manheim, PA 17545717-665-2445 • www.pleasantviewrc.org

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 96Personal Care Home: YesPrivate: YesSemi-private: YesPrivate Pay: YesSSI Accepted: Yes*Short-term Lease: NoEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: YesPart/Totally Refundable: NoOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: YesMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: Yes

Health Fee-for-Service Available: YesAlzheimer’s Care: YesRespite Care: YesSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: YesPets Permitted: NoComments: *Three-year private payspending. Maintain independence in anenriching and supportive environment;now offering respite stays.

St. Anne’s Retirement Community3952 Columbia Avenue West Hempfield Township, PA 17512717-285-6112 • www.stannesrc.org

Personal Care Home: YesPrivate: YesSemi-private: NoPrivate Pay: YesSSI Accepted: YesShort-term Lease: NoEntrance Fee/Security Deposit: MinimalPart/Totally Refundable: NoOutdoor Areas/Fitness Center: YesMedication Management: YesOn-call Medical Service: Yes

Health Fee-for-Service Available: YesAlzheimer’s Care: YesRespite Care: NoSocial Programs: YesHousekeeping/Laundry Service: YesTransportation (Scheduled): YesPersonal Car Permitted: Pending ApprovalPets Permitted: YesComments: Select rooms currentlyavailable! Call for details.

If you would like to be featuredon this important page, please contact

your account representativeor call (717) 285-1350.

Page 14: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

because I eventually got him into it,too.”

Leh began to study antiques, learningfrom older people he’d meet at the fleamarkets who would show him what tolook for and what wasn’t worth it.

From there, he gained an interest inblue-decorated stoneware, which hefound more interesting than bottles, aseach was handmade and uniquelydecorated.

“I learned at some point that diversityis good,” he said. “I got into all avenuesof antiquing, buying painted furniture,iron, glass, pottery, oil paintings, baskets,and china.”

While he works full-time as asalesman estimator, Leh has filled hisweekends running to different auctions.He still loves variety, but he keeps asharp eye out for his favorite blue crocks.

He looks for ones with specialdecorations. Tulips and other floraldesigns are most common, with fruitfalling as a close second and birds as athird. The rarest finds have moons, cats,or dogs.

Leh has close to 100 crocks in hispersonal collection and said he can’t evenbegin to count the bottles. No matter

how many he gets, he keeps his findslocal.

His fascination with history pushed

him to sell his home and move inSeptember to a 1798 stone housebuilt by Thomas Pettit, the son of acounty founder.

The architecture is unparalleled,Leh said. There are seven fireplaces,

thick window boxes, and original chairrails and hardwood floors through thehome.

The house was added to the NationalRegister of Historic Places in 1983. It isthe perfect environment for Leh’snumerous treasures, now displayed andincorporated into the house’s décor.

“I just love history,” he said. “It makesperfect sense for me to have a place likethis to fill with the items I am sofascinated with.”

While antiques became a huge part ofLeh’s life, he slowly made it a familyaffair. His father bought a home inupstate New York that was built in 1894,and together, they decorated it withperiod items that fit the theme of thehome.

Over the years, his father’s collectiongrew and he started selling things with

his son, sharing a booth at a localantique mart. Soon, they had two boothsand eventually three. The younger Lehno longer has a booth, but his father stillruns one out of Easton, Pa.

A lot of the antiques Leh tries to sellare higher-end items that can sit too longat a local market. He finds better lucksending those to auctions.

Visiting one is an experience, he said.“It’s the people, it’s the food, it’s the

trip,” he said. “There’s not an auction Idon’t go to where I don’t know people.”

Although antiquing can be expensive,it doesn’t have to be, Leh said.

He’s bought many things for morethan $10,000, including a LancasterCounty farm table he bought thissummer.

But there are a variety of levels atwhich people can get involved, headded.

Every year he goes to the BaltimoreBottle Show, where he sees many kidsgetting started at the same age he did.Some of them walk in with $5 and leavewith 10 bottles, ready to start acollection they can build on.

Many of them can even specialize incertain bottles, such as medicine bottles,or soda and beer bottles.

“My problem was I specialized ineverything,” he said, laughing.

Leh also finds value, not necessarily inthe expensive items, but in the ones thatare the most unusual.

“What they were, wherever they camefrom, what they were used for—thosestories are what interest me,” Leh said.

Early Pennsylvania settlers brought alittle bit of nature into their own homes,he said, painting furniture, pottery, andother decorations.

“Those are some of my favoriteitems,” he said. “At one point, they wereall close to someone’s heart. And I liketo think I can appreciate them now.”

14 December 2014 50plus SeniorNews H www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Please note: submissions must be received bythe 10th of the month prior to insertion.*

* Submissions will be included as space permits.

For more information or to submit your happenings, email Megan Joyce at [email protected] or mail to:

50plus Senior NewsMegan Joyce

3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512

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TREASURE from page 1

Some of Leh’s antique bottlecollection, including figural

bitters bottles, historical flasks,and early medicine bottles.

Back row, from left, Gaudy Dutch cup andplate, Rabbitware plate, Leeds plate. Center,from left, eagle butter print, pewter master

salt, seated Redware dog, and cow butter print.

Leh acquired this local farm table(circa 1820) in summer 2014.

Time is a Priceless GiftDo 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 Senior News’

Volunteer Spotlight!Volunteer Spotlight!Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are

encouraged. Email preferred to [email protected] or mail

nominations to 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight,

3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.

Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are

encouraged. Email preferred to [email protected] or mail

nominations to 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight,

3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.

Page 15: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews H December 2014 15

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April 2, 20159 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA

It’s the premier event for baby boomers, caregivers,and seniors in Dauphin County

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Forty-four travelers on the Hershey Historical Society’s annual “In theFootsteps of Major Dick Winters” tour recently posed at the WintersLeadership Statue in Normandy, France.

Winters, a decorated World War II U.S. Army officer, was a native ofLancaster County.

For more information on next year’s 13-day, five-country tour, contact theHershey Historical Society at [email protected].

If you have local news you’d like considered forAround Town, please email [email protected]

Travelers Follow the Footstepsof Major Winters

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LANCASTER COUNTY

May 14, 20159 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Millersville UniversityMarauder Court

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16th Annual

CHESTER COUNTY

Date and location tobe determined

Please watch website for updates!

12th Annual

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April 2, 20159 a.m. – 2 p.m.Hershey Lodge

325 University DriveHershey

16th Annual

www.50plusExpoPA.com

Limited SponsorshipOpportunities Available

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Page 16: Dauphin County 50plus Senior News December 2014

16 December 2014 50plus SeniorNews H www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com