Lebanon County 50plus Senior News November 2013

Lebanon County Edition November 2013 Vol. 8 No. 11

Chris Roda singing “E Lucevan Le Stelle” from Tosca,a performance that secured his place as the 2013 PA STATE SENIOR IDOL.

PA STATE SENIOR IDOL:Tough Choices for Judges

page 8

How to Get Paid for

Being a Family Caregiver

page 14

Inside:

By Megan Joyce

For a guy looking to take his second chance and run with it, 2013 hasseen singer Chris Roda in a full sprint.

After a four-year battle with a nerve disorder that silenced Roda’spowerful, operatic vocals, his reemergence into the world of music has beenheralded with not one but two talent-competition wins in six months’ time.

Roda’s win at the recent 2013 PA STATE SENIOR IDOL finals competition wasactually his second top-place title of the year: in April, he also won the area’sWelsh Mountain Spring Sing competition.

Not a bad restart for a performer whose voice returned to him a mere 14months ago.

Roda was one of 15 semifinalists who performed during the finals night ofOLP Events’ annual over-50 talent competition, a sold-out affair held at theDutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster and emceed by Diane Dayton ofDayton Communications.

It was Roda’s second time appearing as a SENIOR IDOL finalist, having beenthe second runner-up in 2007.

Roda was one of five children growing up in a musical household. His latefather’s love for the music of American tenor Mario Lanza instilled an earlyappreciation for opera in Roda, who began pursuing his own vocal giftsaround age 20 after his father passed away.

“I’m a diehard opera singer,” he said. “That’s what I love—that’s been themain influence in my style of singing.”

please see TAKE TWO page 15

PA State Senior Idol WinnerDelights in ‘Second Chance’

Take Two

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

17th Annual

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Meeting and Exceeding

ExpectationsBy Christianne Rupp

The premiere Lebanon Countywomen’s expo was recently held at theLebanon Expo Center.

OLP EVENTS, producer of 50plusSenior News and host of the LebanonCounty women’s expo, appreciates theenthusiasm and support the entirecommunity gave toward making thisfirst-year event the hit that it was.

Women began arriving by 8:30 a.m.,eager, energized, and ready to chat withexhibitors, catchthe fashion show,watch ademonstration, orsqueeze in a freemassage, haircut,or manicure. And,of course, do someshopping!

Good vibesflowed from everyone. Italked with women whocame with friends for a girls’day out and many moms anddaughters who were sharingspecial time, happy to findsomething they could enjoytogether.

Kathy K. thought it was“an amazing day” andparticularly liked the spaservices offered.

Lori P. enjoyed the demonstrationsand presentations. She is new to the areaand found the women’s expo to beparticularly helpful because it was a greatintroduction to many of the localbusinesses.

Exhibitors I spoke with who areindependent consultants and rely onbuilding their businesses by having homeparties and demonstrations raved aboutthe many leads they gathered at thewomen’s expo. They were ecstaticabout the number of home shows theymay be able to book before the holidays.

A chiropractor shared that he wasbusy all day performing backadjustments. This presented a wonderfulopportunity for guests to chat face toface with the chiropractor in a non-intimidating atmosphere and to see howgood an adjustment can feel.

There was a lot of wining going ontoo. Wine tasting, that is. Twin BrookWinery was glad to hold a tasting wherewomen could not only enjoy a sample ofits varietals, but also buy a bottle to takehome.

One thing women shouldn’t beshying away from is their finances.There were a few financial professionalsat the women’s expo who offered theirexpertise, answered questions, andoffered information.

Health and wellness is on everywoman’s mind, whether it’s forthemselves, their spouses, their children,or their parents. Exhibitors were onhand to speak with attendees aboutnutrition, home care, rehabilitation, andillnesses such as breast cancer, and

diabetes, andmuch more.

While at thewomen’s expo,the seats werefilled for the allof thedemonstrationsand presentationson stage, from

installing mosaic tile byHome Depot,handwriting analysis byMitzi Jones,accessorizing withjewelry by PremierDesigns, and the fashionshow by EncoreBoutique, to Zumbawith the Stotskys andbelly dancing by

Arabian Nights Oasis.Fun was had by all of the participants

of the Hula Hoop Contest, and MeganHoffmaster from Lebanon won the topprize of $100. Jolene Zidic fromJonestown and Lucy Meade fromCleona were runners up.

We thank Good Samaritan HealthSystem and all of our sponsors:Domestic Violence Intervention ofLebanon County, Inc., CBS 21, FM90.3 WJTL, HOT 93.5, WDAC,WINK 104, WQIC, and ZCOUNTRY106.7.

The Cumberland County women’s

expo, the last event of the fall, will beheld on Nov. 9, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. at the Carlisle Expo Center. Andfor those of you are in the Hershey area,the premiere Dauphin Countywomen’s expo will be held this springon March 22, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. at the Hershey Lodge.

Visit aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.comfor more information about becomingan exhibitor or for free advance guestregistration for any of our women’s

expos.

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

Poison Control Center(800) 222-1222

Food & Clothing Bank(717) 274-2490

Food Stamps(800) 692-7462

Hope/Christian Ministries(717) 272-4400

Lebanon County Area Agency on AgingMeals on Wheels(717) 273-9262

Salvation Army(717) 273-2655

Alzheimer’s Association(717) 651-5020

American Cancer Society(717) 231-4582

American Diabetes Association(717) 657-4310

American Heart Association/American Stroke Association(717) 207-4265

American Lung Association(717) 541-5864

Arthritis Foundation(717) 274-0754

Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services(717) 787-7500

CONTACT Helpline(717) 652-4400

Kidney Foundation(717) 652-8123

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society(717) 652-6520

Lupus Foundation(888) 215-8787

Hearing & Ear Care Center, LLC200 Schneider Drive, Suite 1, Lebanon(717) 274-3851

Melnick, Moffitt, and Mesaros927 Russell Drive, Lebanon(717) 274-9775

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

Good Samaritan Hospital252 S. Fourth St., Lebanon(717) 270-7500

Medical Society of Lebanon County(717) 270-7500

Energy Assistance(800) 692-7462

Environmental Protection AgencyEmergency Hotline(800) 541-2050

IRS Income Tax Assistance(800) 829-1040

Medicaid(800) 692-7462

Medicare(800) 382-1274

PA Crime Stoppers(800) 472-8477

PennDOT(800) 932-4600

Recycling(800) 346-4242

Social Security Information(800) 772-1213

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(800) 827-1000

Hope (Helping Our People inEmergencies)(717) 272-4400

Housing Assistance & Resources Program(HARP)(717) 273-9328

Lebanon County Housing &Redevelopment Authorities(717) 274-1401

Medicare Hotline(800) 638-6833

Pennsylvania Bar Association(717) 238-6715

Lebanon County Area Agency on Aging(717) 273-9262

CVS/pharmacywww.cvs.com

StoneRidge Retirement Living(717) 866-3204

Annville Senior Community Center(717) 867-1796

Maple Street Senior Community Center(717) 273-1048

Myerstown Senior Community Center(717) 866-6786

Northern Lebanon County SeniorCommunity Center(717) 865-0944

Palmyra Senior Community Center(717) 838-8237

Senior Center of Lebanon Valley(717) 274-3451

Southern Lebanon County SeniorCommunity Center(717) 274-7541

Governor’s Veterans Outreach(717) 234-1681

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

Veterans Services

Senior Centers

Retirement Communities

Pharmacies

Office of Aging

Legal Services

Insurance

Housing Assistance

Hotlines

Hospitals

Hearing Services

Health & Medical Services

Food Resources

Emergency Numbers

Resource DirectoryThis Resource Directory recognizes advertisers

who have made an extended commitmentto your health and well-being.

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

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Corporate Office:3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512

Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360Chester County:610.675.6240

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Berks County/Lancaster County/Lebanon County/York County:

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PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHERDonna K. Anderson

EDITORIALVICE-PRESIDENT AND MANAGING EDITOR

Christianne RuppEDITOR, 50PLUS PUBLICATIONS

Megan Joyce

ART DEPARTMENTPROJECT COORDINATOR

Renee McWilliamsPRODUCTION ARTIST

Janys CuffePRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Jessica JohnsWEB DEVELOPER

Kahla Livelsberger

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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Valerie KissingerSusan Krieger

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ADMINISTRATIONBUSINESS MANAGER

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Winner

Member of

Awards

The Squint-Eyed Senior

Theodore Rickard

Everything from halitosis toosteoporosis can be treated,apparently, with the right

stuff. Or, several stuffs, as it turnsout.

My authorities on this are the adsin that thumb-worn magazine abouthealth that’s in my doctor’s office.The cover date is November 2007,and since then, the sheer number ofthings we should be swallowing has,I’m sure, increased.

That’s because there are morethings to be treated, especially forthose of us who have reached moremature years. Mature enough, infact, to have become forgetful abouthow many illnesses we are likely tosuffer from and should do somethingabout.

The problem arises and intensifiesbecause of this: Since I didn’t know Ihad the problem, I obviously wasdoing nothing about it. I was nottaking my daily dose of concentratedvitamins, glandular extract fromnear-extinct animals, or distillate ofjungle fauna.

Somehow I’d survived sinceNovember 2007, despite the newproblems discovered every month—usually just before the magazine’seditorial deadline. This was probablyjust luck, so it was high time I paidbetter attention.

All this seems a far cry from myyouth, when “finish your oatmeal”was about as much nutritional adviceas I ever got. The cereal-bowl battlewas complicated by the maneuvers ofan older brother who, grosslyoveracting, gave every sign of actuallyenjoying the mush. Then with asmug and superior glance at me, he’dput his empty bowl and spoon in thekitchen sink—just as we’d been toldhundreds of times to do.

Meanwhile, I’d be still pushingthe groats around in their puddle ofmilk in the bottom of my bowl inhopes they might somehow simplydisappear. They never did. Whichexplains why I always trailed a fullhalf a block behind my brother onthe walk to school.

(Years later, the same brotherneeded to be bailed out due to a bitof over-enthusiasm on certain civil-liberties issues—something regardingbeverage consumption on public

property. I took my own sweet timegetting there, I can assure you. Infact, I didn’t come up with the cashuntil I’d asked what they served forbreakfast in the First Districtlockup—a point which was lostentirely on my sibling, the bail bondguy, and the desk sergeant. But I feltbetter about it.)

There’s no real reason a seaweedextract from an obscure, third-worldtribal state should work any betterthan “eat your spinach” followed by“or no dessert.” But I’m convincedthat if I just stay alert, somethingwill work to reverse the reality oftime passing … these days withremarkable rapidity.

Exercise is another contentiouslytouted but dubious necessity forcontinued health—or survival,according to the magazineenthusiasts. I do not jog. I no longereven quicken my step to catch the

down elevator. Not even leaving mydoctor’s office. I have learned,concerning the overall realities ofelevators, that there will be anotherone coming along within anotherminute or so.

Were I to act as though it wereotherwise is to assume that all thedownward-bound elevator boxes gothrough the basement floor intosome sort of subterranean,bottomless pit.

I must admit, however, that oncehaving steeled myself to the decisionin this, every ring of the elevator bellseems to presage a green arrow. Allof the elevators are going up.Naturally, I react by repeatedlystabbing the down button. A bellrings and I move swiftly to anadvantageous starting position,guessing which set of doors will slideopen for me.

That’s when the green arrowconfirms “up” and then I quicklychange my position to catch the nextcar. This goes on until the originalcar returns from the topmost floor.By then I am puffing from theexercise—the very thing themagazine article was touting. Thesolution would be to find a doctorwhose office is on the ground floor.

I refuse, however, to change whatthe bureaucracy insists on calling a“primary care provider” (which anymother knows is herself ). I’ll stickwith my present doctor. He’s a good40 pounds overweight. And I suspecthe smokes cigars. He makes me feelbetter about myself. Especially afterall the problems with the elevators.

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.

The Ups and Downsof Better Health

When you patronize our advertisers,please let them know you saw their ad in



Flu and Pneumonia ShotsAvailable at Rite Aid Health & Wellness

Area at the 50plus EXPO

November 6, 20139 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Spooky Nook Sports2913 Spooky Nook Road, Manheim

(Just off Rt. 283 at the Salunga exit)

NEWLOCATION!

NEWLOCATION!

Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists will be giving flu andpneumonia shots at the Lancaster County 50plus EXPO on November 6from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., or until supplies are exhausted.

The cost of the shots are covered by most insurance plans, includingMedicare Part B. Stop by the Health & Wellness Area at the EXPO.

Cost without Medicare

Flu: $29.99 Pneumonia: $79.99

By John Johnston

On Nov. 11, we honor ournation’s veterans for their serviceto America. What better time

than now to tell you—and for you tohelp spread the word—about the manybenefits and wealth of information SocialSecurity has available for veterans andmilitary personnel?

Social Security recognizes those whoput their lives on the line for ourfreedoms. Members of the armed forcesreceive expedited processing of theirSocial Security disability applications.The expedited process is available for anymilitary service member who becamedisabled during active duty on or afterOct. 1, 2001, regardless of where thedisability occurs.

Some dependent children and spousesof military personnel may also be eligibleto receive benefits.

Visit our website designed specifically

for our wounded veterans: www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. There, youwill find answers to a number ofcommonly asked questions, as well asother usefulinformationaboutdisabilitybenefitsavailableunder theSocialSecurity andSupplementalSecurityIncome (SSI)programs.Please payspecial attention to the fact sheetavailable on that website, DisabilityBenefits for Wounded Warriors.

You’ll also find a webinar that explainsthe faster disability process available towounded warriors. The program covers

general information about Social Securitydisability benefits as well as topics uniqueto wounded service members. The onlinevideo is less than three minutes and a

greatintroductionto disabilitybenefits forveterans andactive-dutymilitary.

On thesamewebpage,you’ll alsofind links tousefulVeterans

Affairs and Department of Defensewebsites. The requirements for disabilitybenefits available through Social Securityare different from those from theDepartment of Veterans Affairs andrequire a separate application.

Military service members are coveredfor the same Social Security survivors,disability, and retirement benefits aseveryone else. Although the expeditedservice is relatively new, militarypersonnel have been covered under SocialSecurity since 1957, and people whowere in the service prior to that may beable to get special credit for some of theirservice.

To learn more about Social Securityfor current and former military servicemembers, read Military Service and SocialSecurity. It’s available in our digitallibrary at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

But first, take a look at the woundedwarrior page (www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors). The webinar,factsheet, and pertinent links will briefyou on everything you need to know to“maneuver” your way through the SocialSecurity process. John Johnston is a Social Security publicaffairs specialist.

Social Security Serves Those Who Have Served

Social Security News


Give someone youlove the gift thatentertains, informs,and inspires, month after month!Or renew an existing subscription!

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3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512

Traditions of HersheyIndependent Living andPersonal Care and localcommunity membersrecently came together insupport of a local child,Collin Kratzer, and hisfamily, and were able to raise$810 during a breakfastfundraiser.

Collin, dubbed “CollinCure-ageous,” is a loving,joyful, courageous 4-year-old boy who has beenfighting medulloblastomabrain cancer since he was 16months old.

The local communitycame together to enjoy adelicious breakfast ofpancakes, eggs, and sausage, and in doing so, helped Traditions of Hersheysupport the family as they continue treating Collin’s cancer.

You can follow Collin’s fight with updates from parents Bill and Jen Kratzer attheir Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/CollinCureageous.

Traditions of Hershey staff Chef Dustin Barna, Katie McConnell, Jeremy Keiter, Mitzi Dye, and

Patrick Daugherty present the proceeds from thefundraiser to the Kratzer family: Collin and parents,

Bill and Jen, along with sister, Neya.

Breakfast Raises Funds for

‘Cure-ageous’ Boy

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

Choose the Right TurkeyWith Thanksgiving approaching, you

may be wondering what kind of turkey tobuy for your big feast. The choices can bea little confusing.

Check this quick guide to learn whatthe different labels mean:

Butterball. Despite thename, these turkeysdon’t actually haveany butter. Theturkeys come fresh orfrozen. The fresh oneshave no addedingredients.

The frozen birds are injected in thebreast with a solution of vegetable oil,water, salt, emulsifiers, and a preservative.The solution is made to enhance theflavor and provide moisture that is lostduring the freezing process.

Kosher. Kosher turkeys are soaked incold saltwater even before the feathers are

plucked. The process draws out the bloodand impurities, following Jewish dietarylaws.

Because they go through bothrabbinical and USDA inspections, thebirds are very clean. The saltwater soak

also makes for a more flavorfulbird. Kosher poultry arefed an all-natural dietwith no hormones orantibiotics.

Free-range. These birdsare fed an all-natural diet and

aren’t confined. Often, the birds eatnatural feed that is not organic but istested for chemical residue.

Generally, they have more breast meat,about 50 percent less fat, and a quarterfewer calories than regular turkeys.However, some consumers have foundthat free-range turkeys are a little tougher.That’s because they are less fatty, so becareful not to overcook them.


Mennonite Home Communities1520 Harrisburg Pike • Lancaster, PA 17601(717) 393-1301 • www.mennonitehome.org

Number of Beds: 92

Rehabilitation Unit: No

Alzheimer’s Unit: Yes

Skilled Licensed Nursing: Yes

Therapy: Speech, Occupational, Physical

Long-Term Care: Yes

Respite Care: Yes

24-Hour Medical Care: Yes

Recreational Activities: Yes

Scheduled Entertainment: Yes

Private Rooms Available: Yes

Semi-Private Rooms Available: Yes

Pet Visitation Allowed: Yes

Beauty/Barber Shop: Yes

Medicare: Yes Medicaid: Yes

Accreditations/Affiliations: AAHSA,

LeadingAge PA (PANPHA), NHPCO, PHN,

HPNA

Comments: A beautiful, full-service

continuing care retirement community

with a 145-year history of exemplary care.

Homeland Center1901 North Fifth Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102-1598(717) 221-7902 • www.homelandcenter.org

Number of Beds: 188

Rehabilitation Unit: Yes




Long-Term Care: Yes

Respite Care: Yes









Accreditations/Affiliations: Equal Housing,

LeadingAge PA

Comments: Person-centered care

with reputation for compassion and

excellence. Established in 1903. Respite

care available w/minimum stay.

Number of Beds: 194





Long-Term Care: Yes

Respite Care: Yes









Comments: Continuing care retirement

community with two Myerstown sites

convenient to Lebanon, Berks, and

Lancaster counties.

StoneRidge Retirement Living440 East Lincoln Avenue • Myerstown, PA 17067(717) 866-3200 • www.stoneridgeretirement.com

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

Bethany Village – The Oaks325 Wesley Drive • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055(717) 766-0279 • www.bethanyvillage.org

Number of Beds: 69





Long-Term Care: Yes

Respite Care: Yes









Accreditations/Affiliations: CARF/CCAC;

Eagle, LeadingAge PA

Comments: Maplewood Assisted Living

also available.

Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center1000 Claremont Road • Carlisle, PA 17013(717) 243-2031 • www.ccpa.net/cnrc

Number of Beds: 290





Long-Term Care: Yes

Respite Care: Yes




Private Rooms Available: No





Comments: Claremont provides quality

skilled nursing and rehabilitation

services for short- and long-term stays.

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

Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers

Number of Beds: 375




Therapy: Speech, Physical, Occupational

Respiratory

Long-Term Care: Yes

Respite Care: No




Private Rooms Available: No





Comments: Elm Spring Residence

Independent Living on campus.

Spring Creek Rehabilitation & Health Care Center1205 South 28th Street • Harrisburg, PA 17111(717) 565-7000 • www.springcreekcares.com

Number of Beds: 404





Long-Term Care: Yes

Respite Care: Yes









Comments: A charming campus offering

short-term rehab, long-term skilled

nursing care, ventilator and tracheostomy

support, and Alzheimer’s memory care.

Pleasant Acres Nursing & Rehabilitation Center118 Pleasant Acres Road • York, PA 17402(717) 840-7100 • www.yorkcountypa.gov

If you would like to be featured

on this important page, please contact

your account representative

or call (717) 285-1350.


By Megan Joyce

The mid-October air outside was brisk and calm,but indoors, the PA STATE SENIOR IDOL finalscompetition seemed to generate its own atmosphere:warm and close, with an almost visible hum ofenergy produced by the nerves of the performersand the anticipation of the milling crowd.

Produced by OLP EVENTS, PA STATE SENIOR IDOL

is an annual talent competition that highlights thevocal, comedic, dance, or instrumental abilities ofthe state’s performers over age 50.

The 15 semifinalists for the evening’s show wereculled from nearly 100 contestants who auditionedat regional tryouts in late August and earlySeptember.

There was not a vacant seat to be had inside theDutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, whichhosted the eighth-annual event.

The sold-out crowd was lively and supportive, aswere the four local celebrity judges: RJ Harris ofWHP580, Adrian “Buddy” King of the formerMagnificent Men, Valerie Pritchett of abc27, andJanelle Stelson of WGAL-8.

The show opened up with a performance by lastyear’s winner, Vickie Kissinger of Gap, who toldemcee Diane Dayton of Dayton Communicationsthat her year as the reigning SENIOR IDOL had been“wonderful.”

“It’s just opened up a lot of new doors; it’s givenme opportunities I never would have had,” Kissingersaid.

Being first up is seldom a desirable position, butJohn “Legs” Lawrenzi of Sutersville was likelyunfazed as he sang “An American Trilogy” by ElvisPresley. The state Southern Gospel Music Hall ofFame inductee estimated he’d performed in morethan 3,700 concerts.

“You have like two different voices,” Kingobserved. “You have the lower one, your moreexpressive solo voice, and you have the upper, more

dynamic [voice]. I prefer the more expressive, lowervoice.”

Second in line was Roy “Jake” Jacobs ofThomasville with “Unchained Melody” by TheRighteous Brothers. Jacobs tearfully noted that hededicates that song to his late wife.

“That came through very clearly,” Stelson agreed.“It was very clear that you were singing to someone.”

West Brandywine’s Tom Williams played hisacoustic guitar while singing “Early Morning Rain”by Gordon Lightfoot, a mellow, intimate renditionthat King called “very atmospheric.”

“I felt like I could be sitting with you at acampfire,” Pritchett added. “Your voice is verysmooth, and I really enjoyed it.”

Tammy Estep of York was the first of the night’sfemale performers. She sang a passionate version of“Long, Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt.

“I like the control you had; you could tell youwere really working on control,” Pritchett noted.

The audience buzz increased rather dramaticallywhen dancer Ray Ricke Jr. of York appeared onstage in his Michael Jackson getup. His “SmoothCriminal” routine included the moonwalk as well assome pulsating pectoral muscles thrown in for goodmeasure.

“Let me just politely say on behalf of all mygirlfriends here: That was very enjoyable,” Stelsonjoked.

Ricke may have been a tough act to follow, butDan Kelly of Philadelphia didn’t disappoint with hisconfident rendition of “Maybe This Time” fromCabaret.

“I love the richness in your voice, and I also likehow when you belt it out, you belt it out—you goright down to the belly and bring it up,” Pritchettsaid.

Kelly’s confidence was followed up by MaudieBecker’s version of “At Last” by Etta James, whichKing called “a gutsy, soulful performance.” Stelsoncomplimented the Seltzer resident’s choice of key.

PA STATE SENIOR IDOL Finals

Present Judges with Tough Choices

Judge Calls 2013 Talent Lineup ‘Unbelievable’

Maudie BBecker

Steve GGallion

Paul ZZavinsky

Ray RRicke JJr.


“You sang that kind of low, and I really liked it,”she said. “I thought it really showed you off to yourbest advantage.”

Next up was Chris Roda of Lancaster, who usedhis operatic vocals on “And This is My Beloved”from Kismet. King praised Roda’s use of dynamics.

“Your last note was my favorite note of all,” Kingsaid. “It seemed like you held it for about fiveminutes.”

Adding some variety to the night’s otherwisemusical lineup, Steve Gallion of Lancaster performeda stand-up comedy routine that elicited a solid 3.5minutes of raucous laughter from the audience andjudges alike. King praised the pacing and cadence ofGallion’s delivery.

“I like the way you built the routine, too,” Kingsaid. “You finished on top. It was great.”

Music returned in force with Cheri Coleman ofCoatesville singing “Inseparable” by Natalie Cole.King liked her “sweet and tender way of singing.”

“A couple of those notes you hit, I thought myglass was going to shatter,” joked Pritchett. “Ithought your voice was phenomenal.”

Another phenomenal voice followed in the formof Kevin Pierce, also of Coatesville, who performed“Ol’ Man River” from Show Boat. King and Stelsoncommented on his storytelling ability.

“Your voice and your presentation were both verydynamic,” Pritchett observed. “I was captivated. Ijust kept watching you because you’re so expressive.”

The acoustic guitar then returned on stage withPaul Zavinsky at its helm. Zavinsky, ofHummelstown, sang and strummed “Leaving on aJet Plane” by John Denver.

“Good voices are a gift; they’re not something thatyou just take for granted,” noted King. “You have anice, buttery kind of feel to your singing.”

Constance Kuba Fisher of Mechanicsburg broughta different energy onto the stage with her theatricalrendition of “Ring Them Bells” by Liza Minnelli.

“You’re fun, you’re a storyteller, and your stagepresence was really wonderful,” Harris said.

Nick Ferraro of Harrisburg brought images ofElvis to mind both in his appearance and his sound

as he passionately sang Presley’s “If I Can Dream.”“That was a really soulful performance. You put

your heart and soul into that,” said King.Last but not least, Tom LaNasa of York closed the

evening’s semifinalist performances with a dramatic,spoken-word presentation of Johnny Cash’s patrioticpoem “Ragged Old Flag.”

“I wish you would go down and do that sameperformance before Congress,” Stelson said. “I justdefy them before the end of the day not to have adeal on this [government shutdown] silliness.”

The four judges’ scores for all 15 contestants werethen collected and tallied to determine which threesemifinalists would move on to the finalist roundand present a second performance.

“You have no idea how tough this is tonight,”Harris said. “This is the best lineup we’ve had—every SENIOR IDOL has been great, and we’ve beenhere since the beginning—but tonight isunbelievable.”

After a brief intermission, Ray Ricke Jr., CheriColeman Campbell, and Chris Roda were named thenight’s three finalists.

For their second selections, Ricke danced to“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson; Campbellperformed “Saving All My Love for You” by WhitneyHouston; and Roda sang “E Lucevan Le Stelle” fromTosca.

The judges as well as the audience then voted fortheir favorite, and Roda was named the 2013 PA

STATE SENIOR IDOL.Roda, a customer-service representative for RR

Donnelly in Lancaster, had earlier shared with thejudges and audience that his powerful voice hadreturned only a year ago after conquering a four-yearillness that had ravaged his vocal chords.

“It’s none of our business the health difficultiesthat you went through,” she said, “and it’s alsonobody’s business who you believe in, in terms ofGod or Buddha … but I will say that I think Godgave you a second lease so that we could have you.”

For more information and highlights on the 2013PA STATE SENIOR IDOL finals competition, visitwww.SeniorIdolPA.com.

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Traveltizers Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel

By Andrea Gross

Alife-size model of a cosmonautfloats near the ceiling. A few feetaway, a green Statue of Liberty

holds aloft a plasticized chocolatesundae. And sitting next to me are twomen who might, just might, be makinga deal that will change my life.

This is Buck’s of Woodside, arestaurant in the hills surroundingCalifornia’s Silicon Valley. It’s a placeknown for comfort food, quirky décor,and big deals, like the ones that resultedin funding for Hotmail, Netscape, andPayPal.

“The Valley,” as it’s generally called,is centered in the fertile farmlandbetween Palo Alto and San Jose.

“This area was paradise back in the’60s,” says Phil Consentino, who ownsJ&P Farms, the last commercial orchardin San Jose.

Since then, the valley’s populationhas increased six-fold, and flourishingfruit trees have been cut down to make

room for middle-class homes andapartments.

This transformation from a region ofbountiful orchards to one filled withsome of the world’s most renowned high-tech companies began just a few milesfrom Buck’s in a small garage at 367Addison Ave. in Palo Alto.

Here, in 1939, Stanford graduates BillHewlett and David Packard pooled theirlife savings (a total of $538, whichincluded cash and a used drill press) inorder to start a small electronicscompany.

Today, Hewlett-Packard ranks 43rd onFortune’s 2013 list of the world’s largestcompanies, and the small garage is on theNational Register of Historic Places. Thesign out front dubs the garage the“Birthplace of Silicon Valley.” Myhusband dubs the $538 a goodinvestment.

Another Silicon Valley landmark, thehouse where Steve Jobs lived from themid-1990s until his death in 2011, is a

From Apricots to Computer Chips: California’s Silicon Valley

Phil Consentino owns J&P Farms,the last commercial orchard in San Jose.

The garage where Bill Hewlett andDavid Packard started their small

electronics company has been dubbedthe “Birthplace of Silicon Valley.”

Stanford University has served asan incubator for Silicon Valley

entrepreneurs since the 1930s.

Colorful sculptures give theGoogle campus a welcoming feel,despite the fact that the buildings

are off-limits to visitors. please see SILICON VALLEY page 16


At 10 a.m., Dave began having chest pains. At noon he was rushed to GoodSamaritan. By 1 p.m., the advanced technology of our cardiac catheterization labhad found five arterial blockages. And by 3:30 p.m., Dave was having the bypasssurgery that would save his life. Now Dave has more time to pursue his love ofrestoring clocks. Thanks to the clockwork performance of the cardiac team atGood Samaritan.

For more information or to find a physician, visit comfortingcare.org.

Life-saving cardiac care.

And the gift of time.


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Second Place – Topical Issues“The Surge in Social Media Addiction”by Megan Joyce“Retirement Planning with a ReverseMortgage” by Civia Katz

Second Place – Travel Column“All-Important China” and “There’sMore to Maui than Sun and Surf ”by Andrea Gross

Dick Gautier, a Man of Many Talents?

Tinseltown Talks

Nick Thomas

Of all those zany sitcomsproduced in the ’60s, Get Smartremains a favorite of classic-TV

fans. This show had it all: crazy characters

(Max, “99,” Larabee, Hymie thehumanoid robot), delightfully wickedvillains (Siegfried, the Claw, Leadside),goofy spy gadgets (shoe phone, cone ofsilence), cool cars (Sunbeam Tiger),unforgettable catchphrases (“missed it bythat much!”), a parade of stellar guests(Milton Berle, Don Rickles, VincentPrice), unbelievable save-the-world plots,and that omnipresent ’60s canned-laughtrack.

Don Adams, who played Max, passedaway in 2005. A few years earlier, duringa 75th birthday roast in his honor, Adamsmade a very simple request:

“I don’t want a big funeral. I don’twant a lot of flowers or eulogies,” he toldthe gathering. “I’d just like a few of my

close friends to get together … and tryand bring me back to life.”

Dick Gautier, who played Hymie therobot, wasn’t close friends with Adamsoff the set, but says he enjoyed workingwith him. We talked recently from hishome in Los Angeles.

“He lived a very different kind oflifestyle to me,” said Gautier. “He and hisbuddies were always at the racetrack, butI was never a gambler.”

Incredibly, Gautier’s Hymie character(“his father’s name was Hymie”) onlyappeared in six episodes during the firstfour seasons of Get Smart. Yet he remainsone of the show’s most popular andmemorable characters.

Gautier based Hymie partly on achildhood memory.

“As a kid in Canada, I saw thismannequin-like guy in a store windowwho moved in a very stiff manner. Thedeal was, if you made him smile, you

A 1989 Get Smart Againpublicity still featuring

Robert Karvelas,Dave Ketchum,

Don Adams, andDick Gautier.

Don Adams, Dick Gautier,and Barbara Feldon in aGet Smart publicity still.


Lebanon County

Calendar of EventsSenior Center Activities

Annville Senior Community Center – (717) 867-1796200 S. White Oak St., AnnvilleThursdays, 10:30 a.m. – Origami ClassNov. 18, 12:30 p.m. – Noah Live Performance on DVD with Special Meal

Maple Street Community Center – (717) 273-1048710 Maple St., LebanonNov. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Healthy Steps for Older AmericansNov. 13, 9:30 a.m. – Carpool to Lights’ Victorian FarmhouseNov. 15, 5 to 7:30 p.m. – Holiday Hop Music and Dancing

Myerstown Senior Community Center – (717) 866-678651 W. Stoever Ave., MyerstownNov. 7, 10:30 a.m. – Stitch-N-Craft Class: Scarves for MilitaryNov. 15, 11:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Bus Trip: Inn 422 for Thanksgiving LuncheonNov. 20, 10:15 a.m. – Class: Making Greeting Cards

Northern Lebanon Senior Community Center – (717) 865-0944335 N. Lancaster St., Jonestown – www.jonestownpa.org/senior.htmlNov. 21, 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast Bunch at Esther’s RestaurantNov. 29, 10 a.m. – Pinochle Club

Palmyra Senior Community Center – (717) 838-8237101 S. Railroad St., PalmyraNov. 4, 10:45 a.m. – “Time Sayings” TriviaNov. 18, 10:45 a.m. – Presentation on National American Indian HeritageNov. 26, 10:45 a.m. – Biography of Joe DiMaggio

Southern Lebanon Senior Community Center – (717) 274-7541Midway Church of the Brethren, 13 Evergreen Road, Lebanon

Privately Owned Centers

Senior Center of Lebanon Valley, Inc. – (717) 274-3451710 Maple St., Lebanon

Washington Arms – (717) 274-4104303 Chestnut St., Lebanon

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

If you have an event you would like to include,

please email information to [email protected] for consideration.

Give Us the Scoop!Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about

free events occurring in Lebanon County!

Email preferred to: [email protected]

(717) 285-1350

Let help you get the word out!

What’s Happening?

Programs and Support Groups Free and open to the public

Lebanon County Department of Parks and Recreation

All events held at the Park at Governor Dick unless noted.

Nov. 3, 1 to 4 p.m. – Music on the Porch: Bluegrass and Country Music Jam

Lebanon County Library Programs

Annville Free Library, 216 E. Main St., Annville, (717) 867-1802

Lebanon Community Library, 125 N. Seventh St., (717) 273-7624

Matthews Public Library, 102 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, (717) 865-5523

Myerstown Community Library, 199 N. College St., Myerstown, (717) 866-2800

Palmyra Public Library, 325 S. Railroad St., (717) 838-1347

Richland Community Library, 111 E. Main St., Richland, (717) 866-4939

Nov. 27, 6 to 7 p.m.Personal Care Family Support GroupLinden Village100 Tuck Court, Lebanon(717) 274-7400

could win a gift from the store. I almostgot him to laugh! So I started imitatinghim and discovered I had a flair forentertaining.

“I told that story during my Get Smartaudition, did those movements, and gotthe role of Hymie.”

Not surprisingly, laughter was notuncommon on the Get Smart set.

Gautier remembers shooting onescene where Max takes a rather drunkHymie into a closet and scolds himbecause drinking and spying don’t mix.

“I had to reach over and kiss Don onthe cheek,” recalled Gautier. “But thetwo of us started giggling like high-school girls during every take, and the

crew grew impatient. I finally gotthrough it by not looking at Don.

“When the scene was over, he lookedat me and said, ‘Are you going to say itor am I?’ So I told him to go ahead. Helooked at the crew and said ‘OK, guys,we’re coming out of the closet!’”

In addition to acting in hundreds ofTV shows and movies, Gautier has beena stand-up comedian, writer, producer,director, voice actor, and singer. Duringlean times, he even demonstrated pogosticks at Macy’s. Details can be read onhis website bio, which Gautier describesas “that once grotesquely inflated thingwhich deflates slightly with each passingday.”

Gautier is also an artist specializing incaricatures and has written numerousbooks on drawing.

He’s captured the Burt Reynoldsforehead, the W.C. Fields nose, the JohnTravolta chin, and dozens of othercelebrities perfectly (seewww.dickgautier.com).

He also makes an interestingcomparison between today’s stars to thoseof yesteryear with their more ruggedfeatures (think Bogie, Gable, Connery).

“Many of today’s actors look likefashion models. Take someone like BradPitt, who has those stunning, boyishgood looks. Some are so handsome, theyjust don’t have any distinguishing

features to hang your comic hat on, as anartist.”

In addition to drawing and painting,Gautier has just finished writing a two-character play that he hopes to direct.And at 81, his career achievements justkeep mounting.

“I’ve been around so long,” he says,“sometimes I feel like I was in theoriginal Flintstones—the real ones thecartoon was based on!”

Thomas’ features and columns have appearedin more than 300 magazines and newspapers,and he is the author of Raised by the Stars,published by McFarland. He can be reachedat his blog: http://getnickt.blogspot.com

Dear Savvy Senior,I have been taking care of my elderly

mother for nearly three years, and it’staking a huge toll on my finances. Are thereany resources you know about that can helpfamily caregivers get paid?– Financially Exhausted

Dear Exhausted,To get paid as a family caregiver, there

are various government programs, taxbreaks, and family payment options thatmay be able to help you, depending onyour mom’s financial situation.

Here’s where to look for help.

State AidIf your mom is low-income and

eligible for Medicaid, you may be able toget paid a small amount by the state.

In 15 states, Medicaid offers a Cash &Counseling program(www.cashandcounseling.org) that

provides an allowance that can be usedfor various services, including payingfamilymembers forcare.

Many otherstates havesimilarprograms forlow-incomeseniors, even ifthe personreceiving caredoesn’t quitequalify forMedicaid. Tofind out aboutthese options,contact yourlocal Medicaid office.

Veterans AidIn some communities across the U.S.,

veterans who are at risk of nursing-homeplacement can enroll in the Veteran-

DirectedHome andCommunity-Based Servicesprogram,which allowsveterans tomanage theirown care,includinghiring andpaying theirowncaregivers.

Alsoavailable towartime

veterans and their spouses is a benefitcalled Aid and Attendance that helps payfor in-home care, as well as assisted livingand nursing-home care. This benefit can

also be used to pay family caregivers.To be eligible, your mom must need

assistance with daily living activities likebathing, dressing, or going to thebathroom.

And, her income must be under$13,362 as a surviving spouse—minusmedical and long-term care expenses. Ifyour mom is a single veteran, her incomemust be below $20,795 to be eligible.Her assets must also be less than$80,000, excluding her home and car.

To learn more, seewww.va.gov/geriatrics, or contact yourregional VA office or your local veteransservice organization. For contactinformation, call (800) 827-1000.

Tax BreaksUncle Sam may also be able to help if

you pay at least half of your mom’s yearlyexpenses and her annual income wasbelow $3,900 in 2013 (not counting

How to Get Paid for Being a Family Caregiver

Savvy Senior

Jim Miller


For more information, call (717) 285-1350 or visit www.onlinepub.com.

Since 1995, On-Line Publishers, Inc.has celebrated serving the mind, heart, andspirit of the community of CentralPennsylvania. Our corporate office islocated outside Columbia, Pa.

Publications50plus Senior News is a monthly

newspaper touching on issues and eventsrelevant to the 50+ community.

The Resource Directory for theCaregiver, Aging, and Disabled ispublished annually in distinct countyeditions with information from localbusinesses and organizations that meet theneeds of these groups.

50plus LIVING, an annual publication, is aguide to residences and healthcare optionsfor mature adults in the Susquehanna andDelaware valleys.

(((b))) magazine is Central Pennsylvania’spremier publication for baby boomers,reflecting on the past, examining wherebaby boomers are today, and identifying theissues they may face in the future.

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The women’s expo is a one-day eventfeaturing exhibitors and interactive funthat encompasses many aspects of awoman’s life. It is held in Lancaster andHershey in the spring and in Lebanon andCarlisle in the fall.

OLP EVENTS conducts the annual PA

STATE SENIOR IDOL competition. Fifteensemifinalists vie for the title of PA STATE

SENIOR IDOL during the finalscompetition, held in October at a popularvenue.

POWERLUNCH is held in York in thespring and in the Capital Region duringthe fall. Executive women can network andenjoy lunch, seminars, and informationfrom a select number of exhibitors.

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A girlfriend at the time connectedRoda with her uncle, who was involvedwith the Fulton Theatre. At his urging,Roda also began lessons with renownedvocal coach Romayne Bridgett.

Before long, he began getting gigs atweddings and then sang with theLancaster Symphony Orchestra chorusfor two years in the early 1980s.

By the ’90s, Roda bought somerecording equipment of his own, but hisfulltime job at a printing companymeant that, although music was hispassion, it could only remain a hobby.

“The reality was, I was a family manand I had a job, and I could only spendso much time on the music,” he said.

Roda was then introduced to thePennsylvania Academy of Music inLancaster and connected with a teacherthere who was a retired MetropolitanOpera tenor.

“I was his student for a couple ofyears,” said Roda. “He really refined myvoice … he got me into the style ofsinging that people heard from me [atSENIOR IDOL].”

He was also invited to sing at one ofOperaLancaster Associates’ LemonadeConcerts, but he remained “just a local,low-key, hobby-type singer for the last30 years” before placing in the 2007SENIOR IDOL competition.

After that, he said, he was renderedunable to sing due to the onset of hisillness, which affected his vocal nerve.Years went by in pained silence.

“Music dropped off the radar for me,which was heartbreaking,” Roda recalled.

Things finally began to turn backaround for Roda in fall 2012 when hesuddenly observed increasingimprovements in his voice, which hadbecome raspy during his illness.

“A year ago September, my voicebegan to come back,” he said. “The lastfew months, it’s gotten better than it’sever been. The worst is behind me,thank goodness.”

His win at the Spring SingCompetition was a needed confidenceboost, and Roda began weekly lessons

with vocalcoach JohnDarrenkamp,also retiredfrom theMetropolitanOpera in NewYork City. Heis the first ofRoda’sinstructors totreat him as alyric baritoneand not atenor, aspreviouscoaches had.

“I would gothrough spellswhere I couldn’t sing because I was beingpushed a little too far, a little too high upthe vocal register,” he said. “You’ve got tobe careful with a voice like that.”

Meanwhile, Roda eagerly registeredfor a 2013 PA STATE SENIOR IDOL auditionthis summer.

At the finals competition, hisperformance of “And This is MyBeloved” from Kismet secured him a spotamongst the three finalists. His follow-upperformance, “E Lucevan Le Stelle” fromTosca, earned him the win.

Roda said a chill went up his spineupon hearing his name called.

“It was an amazing feeling. It felt likeI kind of just lifted off the stage a fewinches; it was incredible,” he said. “It wasfulfilling, rewarding … it was relief, joy,and euphoria all wrapped up into thislittle 10-second announcement.”

Despite his success earlier this year,Roda said he was “in no way” feelingconfident of a SENIOR IDOL win as thefinals night progressed and he mingledwith the other semifinalists.

“I was having so much fun. I was veryin awe of the talent of the otherperformers,” he said. “I loved doing it. Iloved meeting all those people backstage.There were lots of little friendshipsformed, lots of joking and banter backthere.”

As the2013 SENIOR

IDOL winner,Roda’s prizeis alimousinetrip for twoto New YorkCity fordinner and aBroadwayshow. Butthat’s notthe onlyjourney tothe BigApple he’ll

be making in the coming months. “I’m going to New York in

November,” he said. “I’m registered forAmerica’s Got Talent.”

He also plans to continue workingwith Darrenkamp, who is groomingRoda to try out for opera roles in theFulton’s 2014-15 season.

Roda noted that many male operasingers, especially tenors as he had been,retire after age 50. But even several yearspast that mark, Roda is optimistic andunconcerned.

“I feel like I’ve been given a secondchance here. I’m not worried about being57 because I’ve got a lot of good years ofsinging left.”

TAKE TWO from page 1

Roda, center, reacts as he is announced as thewinner of 2013 PA STATE SENIOR IDOL. He is flanked bythe other two finalists, Ray Ricke Jr. of York, left, and

Cheri Campbell of Coatesville, right.

Social Security). If so, you can claim her as a

dependant on your taxes and reduce yourtaxable income by $3,900. See IRSpublication 501 (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf) or call the IRS helpline at(800) 829-1040 for information.

If you can’t claim your mom as adependant, you may still be able to get atax break if you’re paying at least half herliving expenses, including her medicaland long-term care costs, and theyexceed 10 percent (or 7.5 percent if

you’re 65 or over) of your adjusted grossincome. You can include your ownmedical expenses in calculating the total.

See the IRS publication 502(www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf) fordetails.

Family PaymentsIf your mom doesn’t financially

qualify for the government aid or the taxbreaks, can she afford to pay you herself,or do you have any siblings that wouldbe willing to chip in? After all, if your

mom had to pay for home care services,the costs would be anywhere between$12 and $25 per hour.

If she agrees to pay you, it’s best thatyou or an attorney draft a short, writtencontract detailing your work andpayment arrangements so everyoneinvolved knows what to expect. Acontract will also help avoid potentialproblems should your mom ever need toapply for Medicaid for nursing-homecare.

Another payment option to consider

is for your mom to adjust her will, soyou receive a larger portion of her estatefor providing her care. But to avoidconflict, be sure all family members areaware and in agreement.

Also, check to see if your mom hasany long-term care insurance that coversin-home care. If she does, in some cases,those benefits may be used to pay you.

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


(717) 285-1350 • (717) 770-0140 • (610) 675-6240 • www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Media Division,MagazineFall 2012

Thank you for readingour award-winningpublications.On-Line Publishers, Inc. was recentlyhonored with two national awards.

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Article:“Solace forWounded

Spirits”BY LORI VAN INGEN


SILICON VALLEY from page 10

few blocks away at 2101 Waverly St. Thetwo-story brick home, which sits onabout a half acre, is fairly large but at thesame time unpretentious and casual.

In fact, a determinedly casual attitudepermeates the entire Valley.

People walk with purpose, but thesuits of Mad Men have morphed into thejeans of geniuses. During our week inSilicon Valley, we see only four men insport coats, none in ties. (The dress codefor women is more liberal. The only rule:Save the stilettos for after-hours.)

Of course, comfortable shoes are morethan a fashion statement. They’re anecessity. In Silicon Valley, workplacesare not clustered in high-rises butsprinkled across “campuses”—a wordthat connotes not only low-slungbuildings interspersed with large, openspaces, but also youth and conviviality.Some companies have such sprawlingcampuses that they provide theiremployees with bicycles.

Except for the Apple store, which isfilled with logoed t-shirts and mugs, thebuildings are closed to visitors, so wemove on to Castro Street in the town ofMountain View.

Unlike Buck’s, which is the restaurantwhere people make deals, Castro Street isfilled with eateries where folks hatchideas. Here, over salads and stir-fry, lattesand scones, ideas are floated, debated,

and often massaged into “the next greatthing.”

In the Red Rock Coffee Company wefind a packed crowd taking advantage ofthe café’s free Wi-Fi. Most people are inbaggy shorts and sandals and look to beabout 19 years old. The fellow at the

next table is typing feverishly on histablet. I wonder if I should ask him forhis autograph, just in case he turns outto be the next Jerry Yang (the founder ofYahoo!).

Finally we set out for the geeky part ofour expedition: a visit to three Silicon

Valley museums that will, we hope, giveus a layman’s overview of high-techwizardry. They succeed beyond ourwildest expectations.

At the Computer History Museum wesee everything from ancient abacuses tothe first Apple computer (made in 1976)to an interactive display that explainshow street-mapping works.

At the Intel Museum we learn aboutsemiconductor technology, and at theTech Museum, which is not as muchabout how things work as it is about howmuch fun you can have when they dowork, we train like Olympic contendersby virtually bobsledding down a virtualhill.

We spend the final day of our visitstrolling among ancient redwoods atHenry Cowell State Park. It’s a delightfulas well as humbling experience,reminding us that nature predates eventhe oldest manmade wonders.

On the plane ride home, we reflect onwhat makes Silicon Valley so differentfrom other places. Our conclusion:Silicon Valley is a state of mind as well asa geographical entity, a place whereoptimism and creativity are as much apart of the environment as buildings andmuseums.

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

The Google Maps Exhibit lets visitors to theComputer History Museum find their own

house on a giant screen.

The Google campus is so large that thecompany provides bikes for its employees.

The Computer History Museum has morethan 1,100 artifacts.

A walk through nearby Henry CowellState Park lets techies escape the

manmade environment of Silicon Valley.

Each month, 50plus Senior News profiles one of your friends or neighbors on

its cover, and many of our best cover-profile suggestions have come from you, our

readers!

Do you or does someone you know have an interesting hobby or collection? A special passion or inspirational experience? A history of dedicated volunteer work?

If so, tell us, and we’ll consider your suggestion for a future cover story!

Just fill out the questionnaire below and return it to 50plus Senior News, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512,

or email your responses to Megan Joyce, editor, at [email protected].

Your name:___________________________ Your address:_________________________________________________________________________

Your phone number/email address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of person nominated (if not you): _______________________________________________________________________________________

Please receive their permission to nominate them. Nominee’s age range: 50–59 60–69 70–79 80–89 90+

Why would you/your nominee make a great cover profile? _______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 18

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1. Lox buddy6. Junky vehicle10. Gay Talese’s ___ the

Sons14. Emulate Cicero15. Women’s magazine16. Coward’s name17. Saint-Germain’s river18. Captain of literature19. Party pooper20. Outaouais River site22. Train component23. Jane Austen novel24. Spline26. Scintillas

28. Nabokov novel31. Nouvelle-Calédonie, e.g.32. Globetrotters founder

Saperstein33. In the same place (abbr.)34. Blackguard35. Galled39. Dedicates41. On a horse43. Ringo, for one44. Shred45. McGregor of Trainspotting46. Day break?48. Cuckoo bird49. Slow-witted

50. ___ fatale52. Adherents (suffixes)54. Au naturel55. Summer shade57. Infant’s garment62. Computer image63. Sin City actress Jessica65. Med. worker66. Before case or drive67. Hang over68. Nag69. Fr. seasons70. Darns71. Artist’s tripod

1. Anjou alternative2. Expanse3. Benefit4. Sicilian smoker5. City on the River Aire6. Biddy7. Chosen8. Diva Gluck9. Illinois River city10. Resolute11. Bellini opera12. Squads13. One of Chekhov’s

Three Sisters

21. Wonderland girl25. Regrettably27. Passing mention?28. Opposite of hinder29. Prima donna30. Decorations33. Psyches36. Fuzzy fruit or flightless

bird37. Cheese type38. Hibernation locale40. Streetcar41. Slangy negative42. Spotted

44. Sky show47. Flower parts50. Aspect51. Toothed53. From that time54. Chomp56. Burn soother58. Mystique59. Those for60. Feudal slave61. Stagger64. Some times (abbr.)

Across

Down

CROSSWORD


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Ihave advised many people that whenit comes to selling your unwantedvintage collectibles, you have to

think outside the box. Why? Many people have the same

unwanted objects that you do, and theywant to cash in on them with ease, too.

Did you know that party planners andprop shops are two outlets looking forvarious objects from the world ofantiques and collectibles?

Antique Party AccessoriesTo cut costs at wedding receptions,

baby showers, and parties, many brides-to-be, florists, and caterers are on thelookout for some relatively commonvintage items, and they are looking forthem in big numbers.

For example, vintage white milk-glasspieces; decorative teacups used as small,

floral centerpiecegroupings; and old,silver-plated traysfor food service arecoveted by caterersand party planners.

Many groomswill seek out sportscollectibles, vintageflasks, beercollectibles, andliquor bottles toserve as gifts forushers andgroomsmen in awedding party.

Brides prefer to provide her attendantswith vintage fashion accessories like hairaccessories (ribbons, barrettes, hairbands, etc.), scarves, and beaded or metalmesh purses.

TV AntiqueTrends

When TVexecs need anobject frombygone days,where do theylook?

Prop shops—the ones thatprovide the majormovie and TVproduction crewswith those obscureobjects that yousee on film—are

always looking for items such as vintagejewelry, period appliances like avocado-green can openers from the 1970s, andvintage clothing and accessories.

Prop shops are often used for TV

shows like Mad Men, The Big BangTheory, and the new sitcom set in the1980s, The Goldbergs. You don’t thinkthat Christina Hendricks spends her freetime searching flea markets for JackieKennedy-esque brooches? And wheredoes Dr. Sheldon Cooper get his ever-growing collection of vintage Star Warscollectibles?

When it comes to considering theresale of your vintage collectibles andaccessory pieces, consider party goers andproduction-house set professionals.

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.

Where to Sell Your Unwanted Stuff

Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori

Dr. Lori

White milk-glass serving pieces like thiscovered dish with a rabbit on the lid may be

just the favor for guests at a baby shower.

Versatile Proteins Could Be New Target for Alzheimer’s Drugs

A class of proteins that controls visual-system development in the young brainalso appears to affect vulnerability toAlzheimer’s disease in the aging brain.

The proteins, which are found inhumans and mice, join a limited roster ofmolecules that scientists are studying inhopes of finding an effective drug to slowthe disease process.

“People are just beginning to look atwhat these proteins do in the brain.While more research is needed, theseproteins may be a brand-new target forAlzheimer’s drugs,” said Carla Shatz,

Ph.D., the study’s lead investigator. Shatz and her colleagues report that

LilrB2 (pronounced “leer-bee-2”) inhumans and PirB (“peer-bee”) in micecan physically partner with beta-amyloid,a protein fragment that accumulates inthe brain during Alzheimer’s disease.

This, in turn, triggers a harmful chainreaction in brain cells. In a mouse modelof Alzheimer’s, depleting PirB in thebrain prevented the chain reaction andreduced memory loss.

“These findings provide valuableinsight into Alzheimer’s, a complex

disorder involving the abnormal build-upof proteins, inflammation, and a host ofother cellular changes,” said NeilBuckholtz, Ph.D., director of theneuroscience division at NationalInstitute on Aging, which helped fundthe research.

“Our understanding of the variousproteins involved, and how these proteinsinteract with each other, may one dayresult in effective interventions that delay,treat, or even prevent this dreadeddisease.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the most

common cause of dementia in olderadults and affects as many as 5 millionAmericans.

Large clumps—or plaques—of beta-amyloid and other proteins accumulate inthe brain during Alzheimer’s, but manyresearchers believe the disease processstarts long before the plaques appear.

Even in the absence of plaques, beta-amyloid has been shown to cause damageto brain cells and the synapses, thedelicate connections, between them.

Source: National Institutes of Health

Gary Levinson found out earlythat the world is full ofcoincidences.

When he was drafted into the Armyin 1966, he took his training at FortRiley, Kan. There was a sergeant incharge of each barracks, and his sergeantmade an effort to know each of his men.

It turned out that both the sergeantand Levinson came from Pennsylvania—what’s more, the sergeant knewLevinson’s family.

Did it help to have that kind ofconnection to the sergeant?

“Well, it sure didn’t hurt,” he says. But he was soon on his way to

Vietnam, in any case. From Oakland,Calif., he boarded the General MauriceRose, a troopship that took him to VungTau, Vietnam. How was the crossing?

“It was hell on wheels,” Levinson says.“It took three weeks, and almosteverybody was sick as a dog the wholeway. By the time we got there, no onewas worried about facing the Vietcong.We just wanted to get off that ship.”

Once ashore, they recovered fast, butthey found that being ashore had its ownproblems. As part of the 9th Division,Levinson’s first assignment was as anammunition handler in a howitzerbattery.

His outfit was unusual in that theyhauled their artillery with them onChinook helicopters whenever they wentto hotspots where they were needed. Thetroops were in the helicopters, with theguns and ammunition towed in anotherhelicopter. The guns and ammunitionwere also moved by truck. Later on,some guns were placed on boats.

There were plenty of helicoptercrashes that killed a lot of men, and theywere always especially vulnerable toenemy gunfire from the ground.

Levinson’s first job was to transportthe 105mm ammunition by truck. Hedrove the truck to the ammunition depotand delivered it back to the base camp orto the field. The ammunition was inheavy, wooden crates that had to beunloaded and stacked up.

Then, the colonel of his battaliontransferred him to a special informationunit. His responsibility was to travel withthe battalion on major missions in thefield, prepare reports on all activities, and

transmiteverything tothe 1st Brigade,9th Divisionheadquarters.

Later,Levinson wastransferred againto a differentartillery unit inthe MekongDelta, where heserved on a guncrew preparingammunitionfor firing.

They wereoften undermortar attack,and he recallsone shell havinglanded justshort of hisbunker. He hasmemories of allthe men whowere killed andthinks aboutthem all the time, but standing out in hismemory is the way one of his buddiesbeat the odds.

Levinson says that the man was veryreligious and always carried a small Biblein his breast pocket. One day, he caught abullet in the chest that surely would havekilled him, except that it hit that Bible,and the bullet stopped just short of theman’s flesh.

One thing Levinson feels stronglyabout is that people have been poundedso much with stories of the combat itself… and so little about what we did in ahumanitarian way for the SouthVietnamese people.

“That, actually, was a major part ofour being there,” he says.

Part of his responsibility in theinformation unit was to travel with CivilAction troops to see firsthand how theVietnamese people lived and thetremendous outpouring of help theAmerican military provided to the peopleof South Vietnam.

Noting that the U.S. spent $222million a year in aid to the SouthVietnamese people, Levinson says that his9th Division alone provided massive help.

They providedmedical care to708,000 SouthVietnamese,reconstructedmore than 350schools, openedEnglish courses inhigh schools foralmost 30,000students,provided 48,256man hours tohelping the localpeople inrepairingdestroyed houses,furnished 89orphanages withconstructionmaterials,distributed 1,000tons of food and8 tons of clothesto refugees, andassisted inrepairing 447bridges and

1,107 kilometers of roads. For that effort, Levinson is proud that

his 9th U.S. Infantry Division wasawarded the Civil Actions Honor Medal.

“Of course,” he says, “little of thatkind of help was reported by the press

back home. We were largely reported asa large power imposing its self-intereston a small Asian nation during a longand bloody war. Which resulted in ourtroops being reviled by so many whenthey returned home after their selflessservice.”

For Levinson, the end of that war cameon Dec. 11, 1967, when he flew fromBien Hoa to Maguire Air Force Base, N.J.He then went to Fort Bragg, N.C., totrain troops headed to Vietnam. Then hishitch was up, and he was discharged. Hethen reenlisted in the Army Reserve andwas discharged as a sergeant.

He worked on Wall Street for a whilebefore coming to Central Pennsylvania towork with the Disabled VeteransOutreach Program. He then becamechief of the recruitment division for thePennsylvania State Civil ServiceCommission in Harrisburg.

He retired in 2004 and now spendsmuch of his time trying to reverse theimage of the Vietnam veteran and helpthe many disenfranchised vets of that era.

He often thinks of his time in combat,and he’s proud of that. But he says heconsiders himself fortunate to have beenpart of the other side of our efforts inVietnam as well.

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

When They Fought in Vietnam,

They Flew Their Artillery in with ThemRobert D. Wilcox

Salute to a Veteran

Guns and ammo were carried byChinook helicopters.


VolunteerSpotlight!VolunteerSpotlight!

Time is aPriceless Gift

Do you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly toothers? Tell us what makes him or her so special

and we will consider them for 50plus Senior News’

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.

Private First Class Gary M. Levinsonin a Vietnam bunker in 1967.


Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to managing a chronic condition like diabetes. Our Diabetes Education program is designed for people who want to learnmore about their diabetes and how to keep themselves well. Our individual and group diabetes education are provided by either a registered dietitian or registered nurse withthe goal of giving our diabetic patients the information and tools they need to takecharge of their health.

Recognized by the American Diabetes Association for the quality of our self-managementprogram, Good Samaritan’s Diabetes Education* program works to empower patients by helping them understand how diet, exercise and medications can affect blood sugarto avoid complications. Also included are topics like care of eyes and feet - two areasprone to diabetic complications - and lifestyle issues like sick days, travel and emergencypreparedness.

If you have diabetes and are interested in how our educational program can help youbetter understand and control your condition, call us with questions or ask your doctorfor a referral to the Good Samaritan Diabetes Education Department.

Powerful medicine and comforting care. Only at Good Samaritan.

Diabetes Education.Promoting diabetes wellness.

www.comfortingcare.org

Diabetes Education | Hyman S. Caplan Pavilion, 3rd Floor | Fourth & Willow Streets | Lebanon, PA 17046 | 717.270.7927

Lebanon County 50plus Senior News November 2013

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Transcript of Lebanon County 50plus Senior News November 2013