Dauphin County 50plus Senior News June 2013

Bill Hager astride his bicycle in front of Erb’s Covered Bridge near Rothsville,which is included in his bicycle club’s Covered Bridge Metric Century ride.

By Megan Joyce

Our bodies—no matter their age—are designed to move. Healthprofessionals are continually extolling this wisdom to their patients forimproved physical and mental well-being.

In surprisingly varied ways, Bill Hager has built a lifestyle with this maximat its center. Hager, a successful businessman with a local family history that’sgenerations deep, likes to keep most of his time anything but spare.

Hager is an avid bicyclist, hiker, and scuba diver—not to mentionmagician and photographer.

“I have found that, for myself, if I’m moving, I’m feeling better, and if I’mmoving, I’m less convinced that I can’t do it anymore,” Hager laughed.

Hager’s affinity for the sea and its depths began as a boy, born into afamily that always loved the seashore.

“There were a couple of shows on TV that really motivated me and turnedon my imagination, and one of those shows was Flipper,” he said. “I had thisdream that someday I would live in Florida and have my own dolphin, ofcourse.”

Fast forward a few decades, and Hager has dozens of scuba dives under hiswater-logged belt. In the 18 years since he got hooked on diving—aftertrying out a resort course on scuba diving while vacationing in Nassau—Hager has dived in locales such as Grand Cayman Island and the Turks andCaicos Islands, both in the Caribbean.

He has also taken scuba courses both locally and on subsequent vacations,which culminated in his earning his advanced open water certification.

please see MOVE page 14

Diver, Bicyclist, and Hiker FindsHealth on Land and Sea

Made to Move

Traveltizers:

Follow the Gold

page 8

How Health Insurance

Marketplaces Will Help

Early Retirees

page 15

Inside:

Dauphin County Edition June 2013 Vol. 15 No. 6

2 June 2013 50plus SeniorNews www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

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The Squint-Eyed Senior

What’s all this talk about SocialSecurity running short ofmoney? It seems to have

something to do with “the fiduciary.” “Thefiduciary” sounds very important to me,but it also sounds like something to dowith Wall Street, and that makes me prettyskittish about it in view of what’shappened over the past few years.

I have learned the gist of SocialSecurity’s problems via a seriously baldpundit on TV. Seriously bald men, Ibelieve, should be taken seriously. Jokestersand other trivial people always seem tohave full heads of hair.

Anyway, the concern is that there aretoo many people drawing Social Securityand not enough people paying it. Thatsituation, I can see, could have direconsequences. I have broached this subjectwith the treasurer of our fiscal family unit,she of the lifetime spousal appointment asfamily comptroller.

“I’m sure they’ll straighten it out, dear,”was her response. And the more I thoughtabout it, she was probably right. Again.

For example: The year that two of thegrandkids were old enough to spend thesummer working as lifeguards, they gotgreat suntans—which will delight the localdermatologists a few years from now—andread a lot of trashy novels. Nobodydrowned.

The paychecks were deposited at thelocal bank to provide funding for the nextyear’s freshman college expenses. Theseturned out to include spring break, whichpretty well wiped out the funding. Iremember their father’s remarking aboutthis with considerable emphasis at thetime.

Then as the future rushed upon them,at the end of the year, and before springbreak, each of the lifeguards got an officialform that summarized their year’s incomeand withheld taxes. One could call this the“wage-earner’s great awakening.”

Their father—who hadn’t yet discoveredthe educational necessity of spring breakand was still speaking to both of them—explained what FICA actually meant. Justwhat the initials do stand for escapes mefor the moment. I’ll bet it did him, too,but he also let drop that the FICA tax waswhat paid Social Security checks toGrandmother and Gramps every month.

This proved too much information, inmy opinion. I won’t say it really changed

the children’s attitudes, but they’ve beenlooking at us kind of funny ever since and,sometimes, rather askance or even snootily,I think.

Since then, I have been doing somehead counting. Each of our adult childrenhas a job. Most of their spouses have jobsalso. Since none is behind bars, we canassume each is paying up the tax.

Also, the older of their offspring havejobs. And, likewise, they are at large. Evenaside from the suntanned anddermatologically at-risk lifeguards, severalof the other older grandkids have at leastpart-time or summer employment.

The way I figure it is this: If SocialSecurity taxes total 13 percent, dividedbetween employer and wage earner, as wehave been told, it takes only eight workersto pay us just as much as they are earning,doesn’t it? (Eight times 13 percent equals104 percent if you remember to carry thetwo.)

Since there are a lot more than eight inour family—not counting the idlyfrolicking grandparents—what’s theproblem? We recipients are no longerstraightening teeth, feeding teenageweightlifters, and funding a lot ofexpensive etcetera, so the numbers shouldwork out pretty well. In fact, we should beliving pretty high on this deal.

But knowledgeable financial peoplecontinue to insist that Social Security is indire straits, fiscally speaking. Clearly, then,not everybody has eight or more workersout there, funding their fair share.

Besides which, there are our grandkids’other grandparents out there, someplace.We both send and receive Christmas cardswith/from them. We aren’t close enough toask if they are receiving Social Securitychecks on a regular basis, but it’s just abouta sure thing that they are.

So it’s obvious that we, the more matureportion of the population, must thinkseriously about the future. We must befiscally responsible. However, as politiciansbattle heatedly over all sorts of proposals,nobody even mentions the obvious. Moregrandkids.

Just don’t tell the fathers. They get kindof testy about money sometimes.

A collection of Ted Rickard’s family-fun essaysis titled Anything Worth Knowing I Learnedfrom the Grandkids. It is now available inpaperback on Amazon.com.

Why We NeedMore Grandkids

Theodore Rickard

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews June 2013 3

Zimmerman Auer Funeral Home, Inc.4100 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg(717) 545-4001

Central PA Poison Center(800) 521-6110

Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging(717) 780-6130

Gipe Floor & Wall Covering5435 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg(717) 545-6103

Zimmerman Auer Funeral Home, Inc.4100 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg(717) 545-4001

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

Hershey Hearing Center431 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey(717) 533-7350

Home Care Assistance2304 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg(717) 540-4663

Safe Haven Quality CareServing Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perrycounties(717) 238-1111

Visiting AngelsServing East and West Shores(717) 652-8899 or (717) 737-8899

Homeland Hospice2300 Vartan Way, Suite 115, Harrisburg(717) 221-7890

B’Nai B’rith Apartments130 S. Third St., Harrisburg(717) 232-7516

Dauphin County Housing Authority(717) 939-9301

Homeland CenterCumberland and Dauphin counties(717) 221-7727

Property Tax/Rent Rebate(888) 728-2937

Apprise Insurance Counseling(800) 783-7067

Lincoln Heritage(484) 945-3213

Colonial Park Care Center800 King Russ Road, Harrisburg(717) 657-1520

CVS/pharmacywww.cvs.com

Homeland Center1901 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg(717) 221-7902

The Middletown Home999 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown(717) 941-3351

StoneRidge Retirement Living(717) 866-3204

Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging(717) 255-2790

The Salvation ArmyEdgemont Temple Corps(717) 238-8678

American Lung Association(800) LUNG-USA

Bureau of Consumer Protection(800) 441-2555

Meals on Wheels(800) 621-6325

National Council on Aging(800) 424-9046

Social Security Office(800) 772-1213

Veterans Affairs(717) 626-1171 or (800) 827-1000

CAT Share-A-Ride(717) 232-6100

Lebanon VA Medical Center1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon(717) 228-6000 or (800) 409-8771

Veterans Services

Transportation

Toll-Free Numbers

Services

Retirement Communities

Pharmacy

Nursing/Rehab

Insurance

Housing Assistance

Housing/Apartments

Hospice Services

Home Care Services

Hearing Services

Healthcare Information

Health & Medical Services

Funeral Directors

Floor Coverings

Emergency

Cremation

This Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made an extended commitment to your health and well-being.Resource Directory

Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.

Farmers Market Vouchers Soon Available

Farmers market nutrition voucherswill be available to eligible seniors thismonth.

Farmers Market Nutrition Programvouchers, worth $20, may be redeemedthrough Nov. 30, 2013, forPennsylvania-grown fruits and vegetablesat participating farmers markets androadside stands.

FMNP-eligible food is defined as“grown or able to be grown inPennsylvania.” Vouchers are not acceptedfor citrus or tropical fruits, such asbananas, oranges, lemons, limes,grapefruit, tangerines, pineapples, ormangoes.

FMNP vouchers are not accepted forprocessed food, e.g., jams, honey, nuts,

cider, or baked goods. Eligible seniors will receive four

vouchers worth $5 apiece for a totalvalue of $20. Customers will not receivechange if the FMNP purchase does nottotal $5. They may be offered additionalFMNP-eligible food to make purchasean even $5.

To be eligible, county residents age 60and older must have an annual incomeless than $21,257 for one person or$28,694 for a married couple. Proof ofage and Dauphin County residency arerequired (driver’s license, photo ID,etc.).

Any person obtaining vouchers foranother must present a completed andsigned proxy form from the person for

whom they are receiving vouchers.Contact the agency to have this formsent to you prior to your selecteddistribution date.

Vouchers can be obtained only onceper summer. Supplies are limited and aredistributed on a first-come, first-servedbasis. For more information or to receivea proxy form, contact Dauphin CountyArea Agency on Aging at (717) 780-6130.

Distribution of vouchers will be from9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following sites:

Thursday, June 6 – Essex House, 320Market St., Middletown

Friday, June 7 – Friendship Senior

Center, 5000 Commons Drive,Harrisburg

Friday, June 14 – Zion AssemblyChurch, Fifth and Maclay streets,Harrisburg

FMNP vouchers cannot be used atgrocery stores or supermarkets.

FMNP signs will be displayed atparticipating farm stands, such as: BroadStreet Farmers Market, Harrisburg;Crossroads Sale & Market, Gratz; JoshuaFarm, Harrisburg; Morris Laundromat,Harrisburg; PA Farmers Open AirMarket, Harrisburg; Red Hill Farm,Middletown; and Strites Orchard,Harrisburg.


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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Corporate Office:3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512

Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360

Chester County:610.675.6240

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PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHERDonna K. Anderson

EDITORIALVICE-PRESIDENT AND MANAGING EDITOR

Christianne RuppEDITOR, 50PLUS PUBLICATIONS

Megan JoyceEDITORIAL INTERN

Jessica Johns

ART DEPARTMENTPROJECT COORDINATOR

Renee McWilliamsPRODUCTION ARTIST

Janys Cuffe

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Karla BackAngie McComsey Jacoby

Valerie KissingerDoug Kline

Ranee Shaub MillerSue Rugh

SALES & EVENT COORDINATOR

Eileen Culp

CIRCULATIONPROJECT COORDINATOR

Loren Gochnauer

ADMINISTRATIONBUSINESS MANAGER

Elizabeth Duvall

Winner

Member of

Member of

Joseph Switaj is one of themillions of U.S. Navy veteranswho were unsung heroes of

World War II, enduring countlesscrises and living to tell about them.

Switaj (pronounced Swee-tie), 88,of Camp Hill, served as a gunner onthe destroyer USS Marshall duringits entire campaigns in the SouthPacific from 1943 to 1945,escaping Japanese bombs,torpedoes, gunfire fromplanes and ships, kamikazepilots, and terrible typhoonsand thunderstorms.

With the destruction of theU.S. Naval fleet at PearlHarbor in December 1941, ittook time to build new shipsand planes, attack theJapanese armed forces, andregain islands and territorycaptured by the enemy. TheMarshall was instrumental inaccomplishing this formidabletask and turning the tide inour favor.

A native of the Shamokinarea, Switaj enlisted in theNavy after graduating fromCoal Township High School.He completed basic trainingat the new Naval TrainingCenter in Bainbridge, Md.

Placed in an OutgoingUnit, he was required toreport for roll call daily untilbeing called up to serve on the USSMarshall, DD 676, built by theFederal Shipbuilding and DrydockCo., Kearney, N.J., and launchedAug. 19, 1943.

While the ship was sent to theNew York Navy Yard in Brooklyn tohave its armament installed, Switajwas sent to Naval Gunnery Schoolat Norfolk, Va. He then returned tothe destroyer, which wascommissioned Oct. 16, 1943.

It got under way for sea dutyNov. 9 and proceeded to Bermudafor six weeks of intensive shakedowntraining, during which orders werereceived to rendezvous with the USSIowa in the Atlantic and escortPresident Franklin D. Rooseveltback from the “Big Three”

conference at Casablanca.Switaj was a member of an eight-

man gun crew, one of five on theship. His job was “trainer,” in whichhe was responsible for directing thehorizontal movement of the guns inhis mount. Another gunner, the“pointer,” was in charge of raisingand lowering the 5-inch/38 guns.

On Jan. 6, 1944, the Marshalldeparted New York to report forduty in the Pacific. After passingthrough the Panama Canal, shestopped briefly at San Diego andarrived at Pearl Harbor Jan. 28 foradditional training. This trainingwas interrupted: once to escort theIndiana, damaged in a collision,back to Pearl Harbor and once toaccompany the Aircraft CarrierIntrepid, which had been damagedby an aerial torpedo off Truk.

On March 15, 1944, thedestroyer left Pearl Harbor as part ofthe now-famous Task Force 58, withwhich she operated continuouslyuntil her return to the U.S. in June1945. This Force sent sorties fromMajuro, Marshall Islands, and made

airstrikes against the Palau Islandsduring the latter part of March. Onthe night of March 30, the Marshallrecovered her first pilot and aircrewman from the sea andparticipated in her first antiaircraftaction against three groups of enemyplanes.

“For every pilot we rescued fromthe sea, the aircraft carrier gaveus 10 gallons of ice cream. Thatwas a real treat; we didn’t haveany ice cream on our ship. Weate good for our first 30 days.After that, we started runningout of food and our mealsbecame less varied,” Switaj said,adding, “We ate a lot of rice.”

The next action was insupport of the occupation ofHollandia, New Guinea (April21 to May 1, 1944). Airstrikeswere also conducted againstWake and Truk Islands.

“On the night of April 29, anenemy torpedo plane made alow-level attack on our ship.Fortunately, the torpedonarrowly missed us astern,”Switaj said.

After Hollandia was secured,the Marshall took part in ananti-shipping sweep off Marcusand Wake Islands. This sweepwas carried out by a small,special search group from May18 to 21. It proceeded

northward from Marcus to within900 miles of Tokyo.

“Our destroyer then participatedin the Marianas campaign with airstrikes against Saipan, Guam,Tinian, and Rota starting on June11. These attacks were broken off onJune 17 with the first Battle of thePhilippine Sea, when our Task Forceproceeded to intercept a largeJapanese task force approaching theMarianas from the Philippines.”

To be continued next month …

If you are a mature veteran and haveinteresting or unusual experiences inyour military or civilian life, phone AlGoodman at (717) 541-9889 or emailhim at [email protected].

His Ship Took Part in the Major

Pacific Battles of World War II, Part 1

Beyond the Battlefield

Alvin S. Goodman

The USS Marshall, World War II destroyer.

Joseph Switaj, seaman 1st class gunner.


717.285.1350717.770.0140610.675.6240

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Sept. 18, 20139 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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NEWLOCATION!

NEWLOCATION!

Most veterinary practices haveTVs in the waiting rooms. Justlike in an elevator where

nobody acknowledges the other, everyonestares at that TV.

Our dog, Becky, is terrified at thevet’s. When I cuddled her the last timewe were there, I could feel her shaking. Isaw other dogs crying and tremblingwhile their owners were trying tocomfort them. But did I offer a treatfrom my pocket or even pet them? Nope.

There aren’t many places where we’remore connected to each other than inwaiting rooms. Yet when I’m in one, Ikeep to myself, hiding behind a magazinewhile pretending I can’t hear the voicesof people sitting right next to me. Butthe thing is—basically we’re in theserooms for the same reasons.

In my neurologist’s waiting room,we’re all sitting there with various formsof paralysis. And we don’t speak to each

other? Sheesh! On one visit, when I was wearing my

awful, rock-solid, Darth-Vader-style neckbrace, I actuallyturned away fromanybody who waswearing the samebrace, intentionallyavoiding eye contact.

Double sheesh! It’snot like we don’tnotice these huge,dreadful appliancesaround our necks.Yet we handle thisstrong groupconnection byisolating ourselvesfrom one another.

Last week, I was in a dentist’s waitingroom while my husband, Bob, washaving a tooth extracted. This time Ibrought a book to use as a barricade.

Within a few feet of me, a young boywas crying.

“I’m scared,” he said to his father. Sowhat did I do? I keptreading.

And then I hadthat moment. Thatonce-in-a-lifetimemoment. I made achange—one fromwhich I will neverreturn.

I put my bookdown and whisperedto them, “I’m thesame way at dentistappointments. Afriend taught me tomassage the skin

between my left thumb and forefingerwhenever I’m anxious.”

I showed them what I meant. Then Iwatched as the father cradled his son’s

hand and helped him to relax. “It’s working,” the boy’s dad said to

me, as his son slowly stopped his rapidbreathing and began yawning.

The next time I’m in a waiting room,I will not miss the opportunity toconnect with another who’s scared. Manyare just as frightened as I am, just aslonely, just as needful for a human, ordog, connection.

From now on, I’m going to try tobreak through the isolation andhopefully make it a tiny bit better—forpatients, their families, their caregivers,their friends, for me, for Bob … andespecially for Becky.

Saralee Perel is an award-winning, nationallysyndicated columnist. Her new book isCracked Nuts & Sentimental Journeys: StoriesFrom a Life Out of Balance. To find out more,visit www.saraleeperel.com or [email protected].

Such is Life

Saralee Perel

No More Patiently Waiting


Dauphin County

Calendar of EventsDauphin County Library Programs

Dauphin County Department of Parks and Recreation

June 1, 1 to 3 p.m. – National Trails Day Walk, Wildwood ParkJune 9, 10:30 a.m. to noon – Flower Walk: Peak of Blooming, Wildwood ParkJune 9, noon to 4:30 p.m. – Classics at the Mansion, Fort Hunter Mansion & Park

Programs and Support Groups

East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, (717) 652-9380

Elizabethville Area Library, 80 N. Market St., Elizabethville, (717) 362-9825June 6, 6:30 p.m. – Friends of Elizabethville Area Library Meeting

Harrisburg Downtown Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-4976

Johnson Memorial Library, 799 E. Center St., Millersburg, (717) 692-2658

Kline Branch, 530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-3934June 27, 6:30 p.m. – Friends of the Kline Library Meeting

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library, 2410 N. Third St., Harrisburg, (717) 232-7286

McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-4976

Northern Dauphin Library, 683 Main St., Lykens, (717) 453-9315

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library, 200 W. Second St., Hummelstown, (717) 566-0949June 4, 6:30 p.m. – Novel Thoughts Book ClubJune 6, 6 p.m. – Friends of Alexander Family Library Knitting ClubJune 18, 1 p.m. – Novel Thoughts, Too! Book Club

Free and open to the public.

Senior Center Activities

June 11, 6 to 7 p.m.Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support GroupGraysonview Personal Care Community150 Kempton Ave., Harrisburg(717) 561-8010

June 19, 1:30 p.m.Parkinson’s Support Group on East ShoreJewish Home of Harrisburg4004 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg(717) 441-8627

June 20, 1:30 p.m.Hershey Area AARP Awards and Recognition LuncheonLeader FarmSouth Hanover Township(717) 832-3282

June 25, 6 p.m.Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Walking Club Gander Mountain5005 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg(717) 991-5232

June 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m.Parental Loss Support GroupAseraCare Hospice75 S. Houcks Road, Suite 101, Harrisburg(717) 541-4466

Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about free events occurring in Dauphin County!Email preferred to: [email protected]

(717) 770-0140Let help you get the word out!

What’s Happening? Give Us the Scoop!

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

[email protected] for consideration.

Bistline Senior Center – (717) 564-5633

B’Nai B’rith Senior Center – (717) 232-6757

East Hanover Township Senior Center – (717) 469-7514

Edgemont Senior Center – (717) 236-2221

Friendship Senior Center – (717) 657-1547

Heinz-Menaker Senior Center – (717) 238-7860

Hoy/Latsha Senior Center – (717) 939-9833

Jewish Community Center – (717) 236-9555

Lick Towers Senior Center – (717) 233-0388

Lykens Senior Center – (717) 453-7985

Millersburg Senior Center – (717) 692-2657

Mohler Senior Center – (717) 533-2002www.hersheyseniorcenter.comJune 11, 11 a.m. to noon – Technology Course:

Mastering the MouseJune 25, 11 a.m. to noon – Technology Course:

Mastering the Keyboard

Rutherford House – (717) 564-5682www.rutherfordhouse.orgWednesdays, 12:15 p.m. – Free Aerobics

Steelton Senior Center – (717) 939-0693

Please call or visit the centers’ websites for additional activities.

AARP Driver Safety Programs

For a Safe Driving Class near you, call toll-free(888) 227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org/findacourse.

June 17 and 18, 5 to 9 p.m.Mohler Senior Center25 Hope Drive, Hershey(717) 533-2002


• Breakfast with Ben Barber and News with Dennis Edwards

• John Tesh with Music and Intelligence for Your Workday

• Bruce Collier & The Drive Home

WE PLAY OVER1500 GREAT SONGS!

Harrisburg’sOldies Channel!

Find us at AM 960 or at whylradio.com

During a recent episode ofDiscovery channel’s TV showAuction Kings, I appraised a

Federal-period writing desk that wasonce owned by President ThomasJefferson.

I described the desk as Hepplewhite instyle. Like Jefferson, many of us ownexamples of Hepplewhite furniture today,both originals and reproductions. In itsday, Hepplewhite was often referred to as“city furniture.”

George Hepplewhite (died 1786) wasa London designer and cabinetmaker.His famous guidebook, The CabinetMaker and Upholsterers Guide, waspublished in 1788 after his death.

The guidebook sparked a period ofpopularity for the furniture designsknown as Hepplewhite style from 1780to 1810. Hepplewhite furniture wasespecially popular in American statesfrom New England to the Carolinas

during the Federalperiod.

One of themost popularpieces in theHepplewhite styleis the dining-roomsideboard orbuffet. In the early1800s, a sideboardwas a newfurniture form.Hepplewhitesideboards areoften bow-shaped,Bombay-shaped, or serpentine (curved).In the late Victorian period, circa 1870sand ’80s, Hepplewhite reproductionscame to the market.

One of the distinguishing traits oftrue Hepplewhite furniture is aconsistency of formal design.

The Hepplewhite-style feet are simply

styled andstraightforward.They may be arectangular spadefoot (like thegarden tool) or inthe shape of anarrow (as if thearrow is shotdirectly down intothe ground) at thebottom of the leg

of a chair or sofa. On heavier

pieces of furniturelike a desk, chest, or tall case, bracketedfeet are common.

Also, an H stretcher is common onHepplewhite chairs and sofas. It is areinforcing piece of wood that connectsthe legs of a chair or sofa to form theshape of the letter H.

One of the most characteristic traits of

Hepplewhite furniture is the use ofintricate inlays of contrasting woods andburl veneers. Hepplewhite pieces may bemade of sycamore veneers, birch,rosewood, satinwood, maple, andmahogany. Decorative motifs includeurns, feathers, geometric shapes, shields,ribbons, swags, and leaves.

Today, Hepplewhite furniturecommands high values at auction. Areproduction Hepplewhite sideboard cancommand a few thousand dollars on theopen market whereas a good, originalexample of Hepplewhite furniture canbring $50,000 to $75,000 at auction.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, award-winning TV personality, and TV talk showhost, Dr. Lori presents antiques appraisalevents nationwide. Dr. Lori is the expertappraiser on Discovery channel’s hit TV showAuction Kings. Visit www.DrLoriV.com,www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, or call(888) 431-1010.

Appraising Thomas Jefferson’s Desk

Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori

Dr. Lori

Photo courtesy staff of www.DrLoriV.com

Dr. Lori on the set of Discovery’s AuctionKings with President Thomas Jefferson’s

Hepplewhite slant-top writing desk.

Provider and leader of qualityhealthcare in Central PA for more than145 years.50 renovated Personal Care Suites.Applications being accepted for alimited number.Skilled Nursing Care Unitaccommodates 92, including a 21-bed Alzheimer’s Unit.

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Traveltizers Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel

By Andrea Gross

I enter my hotel room, open thedrape, and there it is—Colorado’s PikesPeak, one of the world’s most famousmountains, outlined against the settingsun. This is the very same view thatgreeted Katharine Lee Bates when, aftera day atop the 14,000-foot granitemound, she penned the words to“America the Beautiful.”

As I look out the window of ourhotel, the Hilton Antler (called theAntler Hotel in Bates’ day), I’msimilarly inspired but less talented.Fortunately, my husband captures thescene with his camera.

Long before Bates wrote about the“spacious skies,” the mountain hadenergized other Americans. As theeasternmost big peak of the RockyMountains, visible for 100 miles, it wasa beacon for gold prospectors as theyset forth on the last, and longest-lasting,American gold rush.

Where it All Began – Georgia, 1826We begin our Gold Route Tour 1,500

miles from Pikes Peak in the small townswest and north of Atlanta. Both theCherokee and the Spanish found nuggetsof Georgia gold as early as the 16th

century, but the real rush didn’t beginuntil the mid-1820s.

We learn this while watching a film atVilla Rica’s Pine Mountain GoldMuseum, which is built on the site of anold gold mine.

Afterward we walk a 3-mile trail that’sdotted with old mining equipment.Interpretative signs tell us that theequipment was abandoned when a manwho was out hunting deer 100 miles tothe northeast quite literally tripped over agolden rock.

Within a year, 15,000 men left VillaRica to go to the new site, Dahlonega,which gets its name from the Cherokeeword for “yellow.”

The town has a charming main square,a museum located in a historiccourthouse, two gold mines, and, best of

Follow the Gold

A tour of Consolidated Gold Mines takesfolks back to the first major gold rush in

American history.

Locals try to strike it rich at theCrisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega.

Katharine Lee Bates wrote the words to“America the Beautiful” while looking at

this view of Pikes Peak.

Dahlonega Square is rich withhistoric buildings that houserestaurants and boutiques.


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all, a place where we can—or so wefantasize—strike it rich.

After touring the undergroundConsolidated Gold Mines, we head toCrisson Gold Mine, where we find severallocals panning for gold.

“I come every weekend,” one confesses.“It’s fun, but I’d be better off playing thestock market.” We leave without investingin a gold-panning experience.

For more information, visitwww.villaricatourism.com andwww.dahlonega.org.

The Rush in the West –California, 1849

The Dahlonega rush paled incomparison to the onethat took place inCalifornia in the late1840s. On Jan. 24,1848, a man namedJames Marshall wasbuilding a mill forCaptain John Sutterwhen he spotted agold rock. Newstraveled fast, and soonan estimated 300,000people headed west totry their luck and test their skill.

The old mill is long gone, but there’s areplica in Marshall Gold Discovery StateHistoric Park near Coloma, along withother reminders of gold rush days: a storemill, a 19th-century school, and twostores that are reminders of the Chinesewho helped settle the area.

Later we drive south on Highway 49,which links old mining towns filled withquaint bed-and-breakfasts and award-winning wineries housed in restoredgold-era buildings.

After about two hours we reachColumbia State Park, where costumedactors show us how folks lived during thegolden days. We visit period-specificstores, see blacksmiths at work, and takea ride in a stagecoach. For moreinformation, visit www.coloma.com andwww.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.

Pikes Peak or Bust – Colorado, 1859Not long after disheartened

prospectors abandoned California, goldwas found in a Colorado creek. Morethan 50,000 ever-hopeful men, urged onby the slogan “Pikes Peak or Bust,” racedto find their fortune in the Rockies. Thenearby towns of Cripple Creek andVictor became go-to, get-rich places.

We begin our tour at the MollieKathleen Gold Mine, where we’recrammed into an elevator for a two-minute ride that takes us 1,000 feetunderground. A guide lets us experiencewhat it was like for the miners byturning off the lights and turning on thedrills. The darkness is oppressive, the

noise deafening. Although I believe

him when he says thatconditions are betternow, I still cross“miner” off my list ofpossible secondcareers.

To learn moreabout the history ofthe area, we board anarrow-gauge steam-engine railroad for a

45-minute ride through rocky hillscovered with spindly pines andabandoned mine structures, some ofwhich sit atop mines that are as deep asthe Empire State Building is tall. Manyfolks estimate that these hills still holdmore than $6 billion of gold.

In the meantime, as trucks and drillrigs race around the stepped walls of thevast caldera where the mineral is hidden,Cripple Creek is almost as well knownfor its casinos as for its mining. It seemsthat the search for gold takes manyforms.

For more information, visitwww.visitcripplecreek.com andwww.pikes-peak.com.

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

Mining is still big business nearCripple Creek, Colo.


Attorney General Issues Warning about Scam

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kanerecently issued a consumer alert about anapparent scam concerning the AffordableCare Act.

In recent days, people across thecountry have received calls asking forpersonal information, in order to obtaina “national medical card” from thegovernment. No such card exists.

“Do not evergive out personal,healthcare, orbank accountinformation overthe phone, unlessyou initiated thecall and youknow who is on

the other end,”said Kane.

Kane said ifsomeone calls,offering to helpyou obtain thisnonexistentnational medicalcard, you should

call the AG’s Health Care Hotline at(877) 888-4877. Any information youcan provide—such as the name,telephone number, or location of thecaller—will be very helpful.

You can learn more about this (and other scams) by visiting theattorney general’s website atwww.attorneygeneral.gov.

“Do not ever give out

personal, healthcare, or

bank account information

over the phone.

“Bethany Village — Maplewood325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055717-766-0279 • www.bethanyvillage.org

Total AL and/or PC Beds: 100

Assisted Living Residence: Yes

Private: 100

Private Pay: Yes

SSI Accepted: No

Short-term Lease: Yes

Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: No

Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: Yes

Medication Management: Yes

On-call Medical Service: Yes

Health Fee-for-Service Available: Yes

Alzheimer’s Care: Yes

Respite Care: Yes

Social Programs: Yes

Housekeeping/Laundry Service: Yes

Transportation (Scheduled): Yes

Personal Car Permitted: Yes

Pets Permitted: Yes

Comments: 1-bedroom suites; secured

memory support neighborhood;

skilled nursing – The Oaks.

Brandywine Senior Living at Longwood301 Victoria Gardens Drive • Kennett Square, PA 19348484-734-6200 • www.brandycare.com


Personal Care Home: Yes

Private: Yes

Semi-private: Yes

Private Pay: Yes

SSI Accepted: No

Short-term Lease: No

Entrance Fee/Security Deposit: Yes

Part/Totally Refundable: No



On-call Medical Service: No

Health Fee-for-Service Available: No


Respite Care: Yes





Pets Permitted: Yes

Comments: At Brandywine Senior

Living – life is beautiful!

Chapel Pointe770 South Hanover Street • Carlisle, PA 17013717-249-1363 • www.chapelpointe.org



Private: Yes

Semi-private: No

Private Pay: Yes

SSI Accepted: No




Outdoor Areas/Fitness Center: No




Alzheimer’s Care: No

Respite Care: No




Personal Car Permitted: No

Pets Permitted: No

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.

Garden Spot Village433 South Kinzer Avenue • New Holland, PA 17557717-355-6272 • www.gardenspotvillage.org



Private: Yes

Semi-private: Yes

Private Pay: Yes

SSI Accepted: No









Respite Care: Yes





Pets Permitted: No

Comments: Ideal for people who relish

independence yet welcome caring

assistance. Live with Opportunity.

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



Private: Yes

Semi-private: Yes

Private Pay: Yes

SSI Accepted: No









Respite Care: Yes





Pets Permitted: No

Comments: Beautiful environment,

rural setting yet within walking

distance of area shopping and

community services.

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



Private: Yes

Semi-private: No

Private Pay: Yes

SSI Accepted: No



Part/Totally Refundable: Yes






Respite Care: Yes





Pets Permitted: Yes

Comments: Exemplary care in a caring,

beautiful environment has been

provided for more than 140 years. Our

continuum includes a hospice program.


By John Johnston

Question: I am receiving SocialSecurity retirement benefits and Irecently went back to work. Do I haveto pay Social Security (FICA) taxes onmy income?

Answer: Yes. By law, your employermust withhold FICA taxes from yourpaycheck. Although you are retired, youdo receive credit for those new earnings.

Each year, Social Security automaticallycredits the new earnings and, if your newearnings are higher than in any earlier yearused to calculate your current benefit,your monthly benefit could increase.

Question: I know that SocialSecurity’s full retirement age is graduallyrising to 67. But does this mean the“early” retirement age will also be goingup by two years, from age 62 to 64?

Answer: No. While it is true that,under current law, the full retirement ageis gradually rising from 65 to 67, the“early” retirement age remains at 62. Keepin mind, however, that taking earlyretirement reduces your benefit amount.

Question: Do I automatically getMedicare benefits if I’m eligible fordisability benefits?

Answer: After you have receiveddisability benefits for 24 months, we willautomatically enroll you in Medicare. Westart counting the 24 months from themonth you were entitled to receivedisability, not the month when youreceived your first benefit payment.Sometimes you can get State Medicaid inthe meantime.

There are exceptions to this rule.People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(Lou Gehrig’s disease) and chronic renal

disease may be able to get Medicareearlier.

Question: Next month I’ll turn 65and, because of my financial situation, Ithought I’d be eligible for SupplementalSecurity Income (SSI). But my neighbortold me I’d probably be turned downbecause I have a friend who said hemight help support me. Is this true?

Answer: If your friend helps supportyou, it could have an effect on whetheryou get SSI and on the amount youreceive. Whether you can get SSI dependson your income and resources (the thingsyou own). If you have low income andfew resources, you may be able to get SSI.

However, if you are receiving supportfrom your friend or from anyone else, thatincome will be considered when making adecision on your SSI eligibility andamount. Support includes any food or

shelter that is given to you or is receivedby you because someone else pays for it.

Question: If I retire and start gettingSocial Security retirement benefits at age62, will my Medicare coverage beginthen too?

Answer: No. Medicare benefits basedon retirement do not begin until a personis age 65. If you retire at age 62, you maybe able to continue to have medicalinsurance coverage through your employeror purchase it from an insurance companyuntil you reach age 65 and become eligiblefor Medicare.

For more information, visitwww.socialsecurity.gov or call (800) 772-1213 (TTY (800) 325-0778).

John Johnston is a Social Security publicaffairs specialist.

Will You Pay FICA Taxes if You Return to Work?

Social Security News

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



Private: Yes

Semi-private: No

Private Pay: Yes

SSI Accepted: No









Respite Care: Yes





Pets Permitted: No

Comments: Excellent care in a lovely

environment. Call to schedule a visit.

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.

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



Private: Yes

Semi-private: Yes

Private Pay: Yes

SSI Accepted: No









Respite Care: Yes





Pets Permitted: Yes

Comments: Discover a vibrant

community of peers where you can

enjoy life and loved ones can relax.

Normandie Ridge Senior Living Community1700 Normandie Drive • York, PA 17408717-764-6262 • www.normandieridge.org



Private: Yes

Semi-private: Yes

Private Pay: Yes

SSI Accepted: No









Respite Care: Yes





Pets Permitted: No

Comments: Private or shared living in

spacious rooms with private baths. Friendly

staff assist where needed to help maintain

your independence.

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



Private: Yes

Semi-private: Yes

Private Pay: Yes

SSI Accepted: Yes









Respite Care: No





Pets Permitted: No

Comments: Supportive, encouraging

environment. Various room types and

suites available. Secure memory care

offered.

Last December, I bought a DNA kitfrom Ancestry.com, the onlinesubscription site for genealogic

records. As a subscriber, I was able topurchase the kit for a reduced price ofabout $100.

A week after making the purchaseonline, I got the kit. I had to partially filla small tube with about 5 cc of my salivaand return it.

In late January came an email fromAncestry.com, saying that my test hadfailed because I hadn’t submitted enoughsaliva. I was sent another kit, put twice asmuch sputum in it, and sent it back.

In two weeks, I got another formemail, saying the same as the other: mytest had failed and they were sending meanother kit!

I asked around with others who hadhad, or had heard of, similar experiences,and it was suggested that the next time, Ichew a little on my inner cheeks before

filling the tube. I did so for the third kit,submitted it, and last week got anotheremail from Ancestry.com, saying theiranalysis would take six to eight weeks.

I had hoped that by now, I could givesome personal comments on DNAtesting, but that will have to wait until Ireceive results. I’ve heard that such“rejection” is not uncommon with any ofthe venues that offer DNA testing.

I previously spoke of the DNA in thechromosomes of the cells of all humanbeings: 22 paired autosomes (sharedfrom mother and father), whichessentially contain a complete geneticrecord, with all branches of a person’sancestry at some point contributing apiece of his or her autosomal or sharedDNA (auDNA).

I also mentioned the 23rd pair, the sexchromosome pair, which, in women, hastwo X chromosomes: one from thefather, one from the mother. In men, the

23rd chromosome has only one X fromthe mother, and from the father, a Ychromosome that contains paternal or Y-DNA.

In addition to the DNA inchromosomes, a special type of DNAexists called mitochondrial DNA,maternal DNA, or simply mtDNA. It ishanded down only from females. A malereceives mtDNA from his mother butpasses none to his children. mtDNAmutates very slowly (approximately every50 generations), so it is valuable ingenealogic analyses.

A chromosome is a single piece ofcoiled DNA, while mtDNA has acircular shape. Both contain the materialthat controls the inheritance of eye color,hair color, and many other humancharacteristics. The contents andarrangement of these elements define anyhuman as an individual, and thesimilarity of certain elements can be usedto determine how closely two differentdonors of DNA are related.

A grasp of these concepts is necessaryin order to understand how DNA testingcan provide genealogic information. Thetesting can be done on shared DNA(auDNA), on paternal DNA (Y-DNA),or on maternal DNA (mtDNA). Thetype of DNA that is used determineswhich genealogic information may befound, and to an extent, how reliable theresults may be.

In early DNA testing, geneticistsstained the appropriate chromosomes ormitochondrial DNA to be viewed undera microscope. This reveals a bandingpattern that appears on the stained

specimens. These bands mark thelocation of genes on each chromosome,and when displayed in drawings calledideograms, they allow visual comparisonof DNA from different species but arenot refined enough for genealogicalanalyses.

Modern testing of DNA is morecomplicated. The genetic material is putthrough a succession of chemical andmechanical processes until the DNA isremoved and sequenced by computer.This gives the order of the nucleic acidbuilding blocks in the DNA or thedegree of repetition of a particularsequence.

These sequences and groups aregenetic markers and are compared tothose of the DNA of other individuals todetermine the closeness of theirrelationship. The closer the relationship,the greater the match between markers.Over the generations, the geneticmaterial passed down from a particularancestor can be so dispersed, or somodified by mutation, that the DNAmatch is minor or inconclusive.

I want to thank my grandnephew D.J.Valint, a graduate student and instructorin biology at the University of Buffalo,for his help in making a complex topicmore understandable.

Write to Angelo at [email protected] orvisit his website, www.bit.ly/AFCGen. He isthe author of the book The Lady of the Wheel(La Ruotaia), based on his genealogicalresearch of Sicilian foundlings. Seewww.bit.ly/ruotaia for more information, ororder the book at www.amzn.to/racalmuto.


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DNA Soup

The Search for Our Ancestry

Angelo Coniglio

ONE GIANT STEPFOR MANKIND!

Bob Hansen is smitten by two young women in Iowa,and one in Lancaster, PA. But he has to find afull-time job and decide which of the three youngwomen to pursue.

Use a gallon of gas and take a beautiful 9-mile trip through Amish and Mennonitefarm country on Route 23 between Blue Ball and Morgantown.

This stretch of road, which follows an old Native American trade route, wasdeclared “The Conestoga Ridge Road Heritage Byway” in the fall of 2012.

Stop off in Morgantown at the Masthof Bookstore (first road after Old Village Inn)and pick up a copy of Choices and Decisions and a local history book.

This may not be the same story you’re thinking of.This one’s about a young, itinerant engineer with job

assignments in two states: Decorah, Iowa, and Lancaster, PA.

The step he is considering is marriage!

Pick up or order Choices and Decisions atMasthof Bookstore – 219 Mill Road,

Morgantown, PA 19543($13.95 plus 84¢ tax and $4 shipping)

610-286-0258 www.Masthof.com— or —

Available on Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle

ADVERTISEMENT


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Celebrate Those Strongly Tied Knots!

Are you or is someone you knowcommemorating a special anniversary this year?Let 50plus Senior News help spread your news—for free!

We welcome your anniversary announcements and photos.Anniversaries may be marking any number of years 15 and over.

(Fields marked with an * are required.)

*Anniversary (No. of years) _________________________________________*Contact name __________________________________________________E-mail ________________________ *Daytime phone ___________________

*Husband’s full name _____________________________________________Occupation (If retired, list former job and No. of years held)________________________________________________________________________________

*Wife’s full maiden name __________________________________________Occupation (If retired, list former job and No. of years held)________________________________________________________________________________

*Couple’s current city and state __________________________________________*Marriage date_____________ Location ______________________________Children (name and city/state for each)___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Riverboat Society OfferingFree Cruises for Military

Members, FamiliesThe Harrisburg Area Riverboat

Society has announced that it will beextending free admission on any 45-minute public sightseeing cruise duringthe 2013 season to veterans, active-duty members of the military, andtheir immediate families, withappropriate ID.

These cruises occur from MemorialDay to Labor Day 2013 and weekendsin the fall.

Each year, the Pennsylvania

National Guard conducts launchingand retrieval of the Pride of theSusquehanna riverboat into and out ofthe water for the society, and withouttheir help, the society would be unableto offer this iconic feature of theHarrisburg skyline.

To learn more about the Pride of theSusquehanna or the free cruises forveterans and military members, pleasevisit www.harrisburgriverboat.com orcall (717) 234-6500.

Book Review

The Erie Canal played animportant part in the westwardexpansion of the United States.

The Towpath Tales are stories of a boywho worked as a mule driver on the ErieCanal in the early 1840s.

In the first book, Towpath Adventures,12-year-old Jonathan Hamilton isinvited to workfor a season ashis uncle’shelper on anewly acquiredcanal boat.Jonathan findshimself helpingescaped slaveson thisUndergroundRailroad thattravels on water,as well as in atornado while lost in the woods incentral New York.

In the second book, TowpathMysteries, Jonathan is two years olderfor his second summer on the canalboat. He finds answers to someperplexing questions. What are mendoing in the graveyard at night? Who isthe stowaway on the canal boat?Jonathan becomes aware that a girl isattracted to him. Of course, he isattracted to her, much to the amusementof his friend.

In Towpath Treasures, the third andfinal book of this series, not yet

published, an older Jonathan ispondering what lies ahead for him—how he will make a living as an adultand determining what is reallyimportant in his life.

The books are available for purchaseon www.towpathtales.com or locally bymail at Towpath Tales, 11 Jordan Drive,Ronks, Pa. 17572.

About the AuthorsTo fill the void left when the last of

their four children left home, and asavid fans ofour country’shistory,teachers Jackand JudithWoods decidedto write a book.

Theirresearch startedat the library ofthe Erie CanalMuseum inSyracuse, N.Y.,where the authorsfound a

missionary’s diary that told of the plightof many of the youngsters who workedon the canal in this time period. Some ofthese true stories are woven into thebook.

Traveling the canal from Albany toBuffalo, they learned more about thelives of the people who worked andtraveled on the Erie Canal.

Towpath Adventures and

Towpath MysteriesBy Jack and Judith Woods


Copyright by Pat Sinclair. Pat Sinclair announces the publication of her secondcookbook, Scandinavian Classic Baking (Pelican Publishing), in February 2011. Thisbook has a color photo of every recipe. Her first cookbook, Baking Basics and Beyond(Surrey Books), won the 2007 Cordon d’Or from the Culinary Arts Academy.Contact her at http://PatCooksandBakes.blogspot.com

Makes 4

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups flaked sweetened coconut3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced1/4 cup sugar1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin3 tablespoons cold water2 teaspoons lemon juice1/2 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

Heat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly spray four muffin cups in a

12-cup muffin pan. Combine thecoconut and butter in a small bowl.Press about 1/3 cup into four muffincups, covering bottom and pressing upsides. Press firmly. Coconut may extendslightly over the top.

Bake 18 to 23 minutes or until coconut is crisp and browned. (Coverpan loosely with foil to prevent over browning if necessary.) Cool on a wirecooling rack. Gently remove cups from pan.

Combine strawberries and sugar in a medium bowl; let stand for about15 minutes or until juicy.

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a microwaveable cup. Let stand forone minute until the gelatin is thoroughly moistened. Microwave 30seconds or until liquid is clear. Mix well. Stir in lemon juice. Add gelatin tostrawberries.

Cool to room temperature or until the mixture mounds slightly whenstirred. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon into coconut cups, moundingover top.

Chill several hours before serving.

Strawberry Cream TartsBy Pat Sinclair

Fresh strawberries at their peak of flavor are the centerpiece in these elegantbut simple tarts. Save a few of the best berries to use as a garnish on each tart.

Strawberries are available year round, but nothing compares with the flavorof locally grown, fresh berries, so I can hardly wait to make this in the summerberry season.

Cook’s Note:

I have also prepared this recipe in parfait glasses. Instead ofmaking individual tarts, I toasted the coconut on a bakingsheet in a 325-degree oven. Watch carefully, as it can turn darkand bitter very quickly.

Once the strawberry filling begins mounding, alternatelayers of coconut and cream in dessert cups or parfait glasses. Garnish withsliced berries.

“I didn’t have to become a master diverto feel safe, but I did feel more secure inthe water if I had the advanced openwater certificate,” he explained. “Youknow more about the sport and thingslike how to navigate under water.”

Of his many dives, there are a few thatrank as his favorites. One occurred in thewater off Providencialis Island. Hager wasscuba diving with a group at night, takingunderwater photographs, when he finallyhad his own long-awaited Flipperexperience.

A lone dolphin was spotted swimmingaround their boat, a rare sight that excitedthe divers. At night, dolphins feed and arenot usually visible; moreover, theynormally travel in pods, not alone.

“Suddenly, everybody’s flashlights werepointed toward me … It turns out thedolphin had come in on this night diveand was resting itself vertically against mytank, nuzzle down,” Hager said.

In the water again two days later,Hager heard a dolphin’s telltale clickingsound—and saw the same dolphinswimming alongside him for a fewseconds before bolting ahead.

“Then it came back! It does a 180 andswims right back to me and puts hismuzzle right up against my mask,” Hagerrecalled. “And it was absolutely fantastic.So I got to have my Flipper fantasyrealized.”

Hager stays active on dry land as well.He is a past co-president and currentboard member of a local chapter of theRoad Runners Club of America, anational organization that includesrunners, hikers, and walkers of all abilitiesand ages.

Hager only began hiking and running adecade ago when his physical therapistrecommended the sport as a way to wardoff his recurring back problems.

“There are runners at all differentlevels. You don’t have to be a marathonrunner or a winner of a 5K race to join,”said Hager. “There are a number of peoplewho just walk, but they belong to the cluband participate.

“Plus, I found that running, hiking,and bicycling on a regular basis—itactually reduced the aches and pains thatwe sometimes develop when we get to bethis age,” he added. “I had more energy,less pain, and felt much better.”

Hager’s legs are also kept in motionthrough his membership in a local bicycleclub. He hits the open road during thewarmer months, often traveling 15 to 30miles per ride, and when the weatherturns cold, he heads indoors for spinningclasses at a gym.

Hager enjoys the solitary freedom ofbicycling, where he can grab his helmet

and take off on his own. He sometimesperforms what is called a “utility ride” thataccomplishes a chore by biking instead ofdriving, like returning a rented movie.

But Hager also benefits from bikingwith a companion, which pushes himathletically and enhances his social life.

“I learn a lot from talking with people,”Hager said. “For those of us who areentering their senior years, I’ve alwaysfound that when I ride bicycle withsomeone who’s better than I am, I have abetter ride.”

Hager participates in three or fourformal bicycling events per year, eitherriding in the event or volunteering histime to help with setup and other supportactivities.

“I don’t consider myself an expert or anathlete, but my claim to fame on thebicycle is that the summer before last Irode the Dream Ride. I rode to raisemoney for UDS [United DisabilitiesServices] service dogs,” said Hager.

“And I broke my record to do that.[My record] had been a 40-mile bike ride,and I rode 100 miles that day. Of course,I trained for it—you don’t go from 40miles to 100 overnight.”

A healthy brain is as important as ahealthy body, and Hager keeps his mind’seye sharp through his keen interest inphotography. And he maintains his mentaland social health by realizing yet anotherchildhood dream.

“My father was an amateur magician;he belonged to a local magician’s club,”Hager said. “After he died, I found hisold, dusty magic bag upstairs—boy, I hadfun with that.”

For the last 25 years, Hager hasmoonlighted as a professional magician.He performs his comedic magic show tolocal, national, and internationalaudiences.

Although he is not yet retired, Hagerviews the coming years through the wiselens of an old neighborhood friend, aman in his 80s who advised him not toretire from his life when he retires fromhis job. He took those words to heart,and now, decades later, Hager has usedthem to form the basis of his lifephilosophy.

“It’s one of the best pieces of advice Iever got from anybody,” he said. “Andthat’s why I’m involved with people. I siton two boards of directors, I’m an avidphotographer, I belong to a couple ofclubs—[socializing] with people is whatkeeps the energy going for me.

“You can only experience your own life,but you can enjoy numerous lifeexperiences by mixing it up with otherpeople, and that’s what’s tremendouslyvaluable for me.”

MOVE from page 1

Dear Savvy Senior,What can you tell me about the new

Obamacare health insurance exchanges thatbegin next year? I am interested in retiringearly at age 61, but I need to find someaffordable health insurance until myMedicare benefits beginin a few years.

– Ready to Retire

Dear Ready,The new health

insurance exchanges—also known as HealthInsuranceMarketplaces—thatbegin in 2014 will bea welcome benefit tomillions of Americanswho need healthinsurance, especiallyuninsured babyboomers and pre-Medicare retirees whooften have a difficulttime finding affordable coverage.

How It Will WorkAs part of the Affordable Care Act,

starting Oct. 1 you will be able to shopand compare health insurance policies inyour area and enroll in one directlythrough your state’s Health InsuranceMarketplace website. The policies will gointo effect on Jan. 1, 2014.

You’ll also be happy to know thatfederal law dictates that Marketplaceinsurers cannot deny you coverage orcharge you higher rates based onpreexisting health conditions, and theycan’t charge women more than men. But,they can charge older customers morethan younger ones—up to three timesmore.

Every state will have a Marketplace,but each state can choose how it willoperate. Seventeen states and the Districtof Columbia will run their own state-based Marketplace, seven states willpartner with the federal government, and26 states will offer federal Marketplaces.Pennsylvania is among the latter.

The differences between federal andstate programs will be subtle. You will beable to access each state’s HealthInsurance Marketplace atwww.healthcare.gov.

The policies available through theseMarketplaces will be sold by insurancecompanies and will provide a package of10 essential benefits, includingemergency services, hospital care, labservices, prescription drugs, doctor visits,

preventive care, andrehab services.

To make shoppingand comparing a littleeasier, the healthplans will be dividedinto four differentlevels—bronze, silver,gold, and platinum—each offering similarbenefits but with adifferent coststructure. The bronzeplan will have thelowest monthlypremiums but havehighest out-of-pocketcosts, while theplatinum plans will

have the highest premiums but thelowest deductibles and co-payments.

The Marketplaces will also offer a toll-free hotline to help you choose a planthat meets your needs and budget. Thesehelpers aren’t associated with anyparticular plan, and they aren’t on anytype of commission, so the help they giveyou will be completely unbiased.

Costs and Tax CreditsPrices will vary depending on where

you live, your age, and the health planyou choose. Exact cost structures formost Marketplaces will be releasedwithin the next few months.

To help make coverage affordable,sliding-scale tax credits will be available ifyou earn less than 400 percent of thepoverty level—that’s $45,960 for a singleperson and $62,040 for couples. Thesetax-credit subsidies will provideimmediate savings off your monthlypremiums.

To find out if you qualify, or to seehow much a tax credit will reduce yourmonthly costs, you’ll need to submit aMarketplace application in October orwhen you decide enroll. In themeantime, you can calculate yourpotential tax-credit premium savings byusing the Kaiser Family Foundation

calculator at http://healthreform.kff.org.Click on “Interactive Features” and thenscroll down to “Subsidy Calculator.”

For more information on the HealthInsurance Marketplaces, including achecklist of things you can do now to

help you choose a plan, visitwww.healthcare.gov/marketplace.

Jim Miller is a regular contributor to theNBC Today show and author of The SavvySenior Book. www.savvysenior.org

How Health Insurance MarketplacesWill Help Early Retirees

Savvy Senior

Jim Miller


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