York County 50plus Senior News July 2014

Registered horticultural therapist Paula Swearingen, seated, often treats seniorsand people with mobility issues using a ground garden or raised garden table,

such as these offered by certified square-foot gardening instructor Joe Manotti, standing.

By Megan Joyce

In horticulture therapy, a very tangible activity is used to create intangiblehealing.

Much more than simply planting flowers, horticulture therapy is “theengagement of a participant in horticultural activities facilitated by a trainedtherapist to achieve specific and documented treatment goals,” according tothe American Horticultural Therapy Association.

Increasingly, this type of therapy is a highly effective practice for bothseniors and adults with mobility challenges.

Physically, the therapy strengthens muscles and boosts coordination,balance, and endurance. And when it comes to those improved intangibles,horticultural therapy has been shown to increase memory, cognitive abilities,task initiation, language skills, and socialization.

Paula Swearingen, M.Ed. and owner of Floral Touch HorticulturalTherapy and Floral Design, is a registered horticultural therapist who hasseen the evidence firsthand.

“Like most horticultural therapists, I came into this vocation as asecondary career path,” she said.

Swearingen spent 17 years as a mental health and special educationprofessional, working with children, youth, and adults with variousdisabilities.

please see GREEN-THUMB page 14

Horticultural Therapy Helps SeniorsGrow Well-Being

Green-Thumb

Therapy

York County Edition July 2014 Vol. 15 No. 7

Here’s to You,

Mrs. Robinson

page 6

Centenarian Reflects

on the Last Century

page 9

Inside:

2 July 2014 50plus SeniorNews t www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

BUY • SELL • TRADEWe buy all gold, silver, platinum,

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Located on Rt. 30 by LA Fitness • Hours: M–S, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

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Dear Savvy Senior,What can you tell me about reverse

mortgages? I was considering one last year,but now I hear they are more difficult toget. – Ready to Reverse

Dear Ready,That’s correct. Tighter rules on reverse

mortgages that have recently gone intoeffect have made them harder to get,especially for seniors with heavy debtproblems.

The reason the Federal HousingAdministration (FHA) made thesechanges was to strengthen the product,which has suffered from a strugglinghousing market and a growing numberof defaults by borrowers.

Here’s a rundown of how reversemortgages now work in 2014.

Overview: The basics are still the

same. A reversemortgage is a loan thatallows seniorhomeowners to borrowmoney against the equityin their house.

The loan doesn’t haveto be repaid until thehomeowner dies, sellsthe house, or moves outfor at least 12 months.

It’s also important toknow that with a reversemortgage, you, not thebank, own the house, soyou’re still responsible for property taxes,insurance, and repairs.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a reversemortgage, you must be at least 62 yearsold, own your own home (or owe only asmall balance), and currently be livingthere.

You will alsoneed to undergo afinancial assessmentto determinewhether you canafford to make allthe necessary taxand insurancepayments over theprojected life of theloan.

Lenders will lookat your sources ofincome, your assets,and your credit

history. Depending on your financialsituation, you may be required to putpart of your loan into an escrow accountto pay future bills.

If the financial assessment finds thatyou cannot pay your insurance and taxesand have enough cash left to live on, youwill be denied.

Loans: Nearly all reverse mortgagesoffered today are home equity conversionmortgages (HECM), which are FHAinsured and offered through privatemortgage lenders and banks.

HECMs also have home-value limitsthat vary by county but cannot exceed$625,500. See the U.S. Department ofHousing and Urban Development online(hud.gov/ll/code/llslcrit.cfm) for a list ofHUD-approved lenders.

Loan amounts: The amount you getthrough a reverse mortgage depends onyour age, your home’s value, and theprevailing interest rates.

Generally, the older you are, the moreyour house is worth, and the lower theinterest rates are, the more you canborrow. A 70-year-old, for example, witha home worth $300,000 could borrowaround $170,000 with a fixed-rateHECM.

How Reverse Mortgages Work in 2014

Savvy Senior

Jim Miller

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews t July 2014 3

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

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

Roth’s Farm VillageRoth’s Church Road, Spring Grove(717) 633-7300

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

Gordon’s Body Shop, Inc.10 Mill St., Stewartstown(717) 993-2263

Steinmetz Coins & Currency2861 E. Prospect Road, York(717) 757-6980

Low-Income Energy Assistance(717) 787-8750

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre510 Centerville Road, Lancaster(717) 898-1900

Alzheimer’s Association(717) 651-5020

Alzheimer’s Information Clearinghouse(800) 367-5115

American Diabetes Association(800) 342-2383

CONTACT Helpline(717) 652-4400

The National Kidney Foundation(800) 697-7007 or (717) 757-0604

Social Security Information(800) 772-1213

PA HealthCare Cost Containment(717) 232-6787

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

Senior HelpersServing Adams and York counties(717) 920-0707

Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services(717) 630-0067 – Hanover(717) 751-2488 – York

Elm Spring Residence118 Pleasant Acres Road, York(717) 840-7676

Springetts Manor Apartments50 Eisenhower Drive, York(717) 757-1565

Housing Authority of York(717) 845-2601

Property Tax/Rent Rebate(888) 728-2937

Apprise Insurance Counseling(717) 771-9610 or (800) 632-9073

Asset Protectors(717) 699-2336

CVS/pharmacywww.cvs.com

Minnich’s Pharmacy976 S. George St., York(717) 848-2312

A Life Transition Service(717) 799-0648

York County Area Agency on Aging(800) 632-9073

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

RSVP of Capital Region, Inc.(717) 847-1539

RSVP Lancaster County(717) 847-1539

RSVP Lebanon County(717) 454-8956

RSVP York County(443) 619-3842

Volunteer Opportunities

Veterans Services

Services

Senior Move Management

Pharmacies

Insurance – Long-Term Care

Housing Assistance

Housing/Apartments

Home Care Services

Hearing Services

Healthcare Information

Health & Medical Services

Entertainment

Energy Assistance

Coins & Currency

Automobile Sales/Service

Animal Hospitals

Active Adult Communities

Resource Directory

To calculate how much you canborrow, visit the National ReverseMortgage Lenders Association’s website(www.reversemortgage.org).

Loan costs: Reverse mortgages have anumber of upfront fees, including a 2percent lender origination fee for the first$200,000 of the home’s value and 1percent of the remaining value, with acap of $6,000.

There is also a 0.5 percent initial

mortgage insurance premium fee, alongwith an appraisal fee, closing costs, andother miscellaneous expenses. Most feescan be deducted for the loan amount toreduce your out-of-pocket cost atclosing.

In addition, you’ll also have to pay anannual mortgage insurance premium of1.25 percent of the loan amount.

Payment options: You can receive themoney in a lump sum, a line of credit,

regular monthly checks, or acombination of these.

But in most cases, you cannotwithdraw more than 60 percent of theloan during the first year. If you do,you’ll pay a 2.5 percent upfrontinsurance premium fee.

Counseling: All borrowers arerequired to get face-to-face or telephonecounseling through a HUD-approvedindependent counseling agency before

taking out a reverse mortgage. Someagencies are awarded grants that enablethem to offer counseling for free, butmost charge around $125 to $250.

To locate a counseling agency nearyou, visit HUD’s Home EquityConversion Mortgages for Seniorswebpage (hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/hecmhome.cfm) or call (800) 569-4287.

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

Volunteers Needed for Home-Delivered Meal Program

Windy Hill on the Campus in Spring Grove will assumethe responsibility of delivering meals to homeboundseniors in the Spring Grove and Hanover communitiesbeginning in July.

The organization is currently seeking individuals to

volunteer approximately one to two times per month forabout two hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridaymornings to facilitate the program.

To obtain more information about volunteering for theprogram, please contact the center at (717) 225-0733.

If you have local news you’d like consideredfor Around Town, please email

[email protected]


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

serving the senior community.On-Line Publishers, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish

advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters

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

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Awards

Luke Wise grew up in a familyof six boys and six girls. Allthe boys but Wise went in the

Army. His oldest brother served in the

artillery in World War II, and at FortSill he trained under Marine artilleryofficers.

So he gave his kid brother somesage advice that Luke never forgot:“If you ever go into the military,choose the Marines.” So when Wisewas 21, that’s exactly what he did.

The Korean War was on, so afterhis basic training at Parris Island,S.C., he shipped out to Korea.There, he was to have an experiencethat every Marine might havedreamed about. He was to hear,“Wise, the general wants to talk toyou.”

The general was the legendaryMarine “Chesty” Puller, who hadearned an unheard-of five NavyCrosses for valor in combat—although he was best known for hiscomment, “We’ve been looking forthe enemy for some time now. We’vefinally found him. We’re surrounded.That simplifies things.”

Now, “Chesty” wanted to see Sgt.Luke Wise.

“The only thing that came tomind,” Wise says, “is, ‘What couldhe possibly want to talk to meabout?’”

He was about to find out. “Sergeant,” the general said, “they

tell me your IQ is off the charts …and that you have a photographicmemory. I have a hazardousassignment that I won’t order youtake, but I’m sure hoping you’llvolunteer for it.”

He then explained that theyneeded someone to make repeatedforays behind enemy lines and reportdetails of ammunition dumps theenemy had spread out over severalmiles (and one even across the YaluRiver in Manchuria).

What did Wise say? “What do you think I said? You

think I could stand in front of a manlike ‘Chesty’ Puller, who hadspecifically asked for me, and tellhim, ‘No, General, I think I would

really rather not’?”So then, how many missions did

he run, and what were they like? “Well, there were 15 of them in

all, and they were all pretty hairy.They always meant moving only atnight, because the North Koreantroops were everywhere. I wasforbidden to make notes …everything had to be memorized. I

was to zero-in on the ammunitiondumps that our air observers couldsee but could not come close enoughto target on.

“When I got back from missions,the general had me use my codename, ‘Sgt. Dutch,’ and send theexact coordinates for best bombing tothe carrier, USS Oriskany (“TheMighty O”). Her aircraft would thenfly the missions to flatten thoseammo dumps. We could often see thedumps erupt in terrific blasts.”

Wise had to extend his tour tofinish the job, and he says, “When itwas over, Gen. Puller asked me whatkind of assignment I’d like next,saying, ‘You name it, and you’ve gotit.’ I figured I ought to go for it, so Isaid, ‘Sir, I’d like to chauffeur for anadmiral.’

“And the next thing I knew, I wasassigned to the USS Pocono, theflagship for the Commander,Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet.Sure enough, I was the admiral’schauffeur and in charge of the ship’sorderlies.”

One more thing about Gen.Puller: Wise later got a personal letterfrom the general, thanking andcommending him for the work hedid in his clandestine missions.

Aboard the Pocono, Wise touredthe Caribbean, with stops at manyexotic ports, from Jamaica toTrinidad. And yes, he was theadmiral’s chauffeur whenever theadmiral was ashore.

Wise left active duty in July 1954but stayed in the Reserve until 1959as a staff sergeant. He then returnedto Central Pennsylvania and workedin construction and cabinetry beforeretiring in 1999.

In retirement, he had one almostunbelievable “small world”experience. He was shopping one dayat a local farmers market, wearing hisMarine Corps cap.

A man stopped him and said, “Wesure needed you Marines in Korea.”When Wise asked him how he knewabout that, the guy said, “I was flyingoff the Oriskany, bombing the ammodumps that you guys pinpointed forus.”

When Wise asked him if he couldremember the code name of thespotter who gave him the info, theguy said, “I’ll never forget it. Hiscode name was ‘Sgt. Dutch.’”

To which Wise said, “Well … I’mSgt. Dutch.”

Wise laughs and says, “You shouldhave seen that guy’s jaw drop. Hecouldn’t believe he would everactually run into Sgt. Dutch. And atthe [farmers market], of all places.Turned out he was from Florida, justpassing through. What were thechances of that? Maybe one in abillion.”

Wise now lives in retirement withhis wife, Collette, in a comfortableretirement community in CentralPennsylvania. But he keeps acollection of Marine Corps caps thathe wears … always glad for thechance to meet other vets with whomhe swaps stories of those terrible—but wonderful—days in the Marines.

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

Marine General ‘Chesty’ Puller Made

Him an Offer He Couldn’t Refuse

Robert D. Wilcox

Salute to a Veteran

Sgt. Luke Wise uponhis return to the U.S.

in 1953.


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Limited SponsorshipOpportunities Available

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Sept. 17, 20149 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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Oct. 22, 20149 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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Nov. 5, 20149 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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FREEPARKING!

Venus is more than a celestial body.Venus is one of the most popularClassical figures in the history of

art. The goddess of love and gardens,Venus gets a lot of press this time of year.

In Renaissance art, Venus’ imageadorned the headboards of the bedsbelonging to the famous Medici family ofFlorence. By the Victorian period,sculptures of the classical beauty were allthe rage.

At more than 150 antiques appraisalevents all overthe world everyyear, I tell peoplewhat they’ve gotand what it isreally worth.Venus wasushered into arecent appraisalevent by twoother lovelyladies—thesculpture’sowners.

At theEvansville HomeShow, I appraiseda Belleeksculpture of a Crouching Venus for 13-year-old Jess and her mom, Holly. Jesskeeps the sculpture in her closet so herpets don’t get at it, and her mom saysthat it is a good place to keep thesculpture safe. They were right since thepiece, dating from the late 1800s, didn’thave a scratch on it. It was in finecondition.

The black mark on the underside ofthe sculpture was used by Belleek startingin 1891, and it indicated the age andorigin of the piece. In 1891, theMcKinley Act became law in America,stating that any goods imported into theUnited States had to specify their countryof origin. So, Belleek complied with anew black mark that included a ribbonbanner and the words “Co FermanaghIreland.”

As Dad looked on, Jess and her momwere shocked to learn that her sculpturewas worth $10,000 to $15,000 on theretail market. Some similar pieces in faircondition have sold at wholesale auctionsfor $5,000.

Some of the other notable antiques

and collectibles that I appraised recentlyduring my Antiques Appraisal ComedyTour included:

Pittsburgh, Pa. – A $50,000 baseballsigned by Honus Wagner from the early1900s when the Pittsburgh Pirates werethe baseball team to beat

Evansville, Ind. – An Art Deco diamondbrooch that belonged to 12-year-oldMadison (she had just received it from

her grandmother)worth $1,500

Deal, N.J. – Amodel ship thathad been exhibitedat the ExpositionUniversalle in Parisin 1900, completewith documentsfrom the famousWorld’s Fair, worth$3,000

Charlotte, N.C. –A Europeanminiature paintingworth $8,000

Rochester, N.Y. – A Dutch still lifepainting worth $100,000

Akron, Ohio – A World War II Nazidagger worth $800

Indianapolis, Ind. – A souvenir coinfrom the World’s Columbian Expositionof 1893 (a.k.a., Chicago World’s Fair)worth $250

Suffice it to say, my shows are ahistorical circus of sorts starring me, theaudience members, and the storiesgleaned from their antiques. At myevents, held worldwide, we laugh, welearn, and we make some new friends—both human and manmade.

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

Dr. Lori DiscoversVenus

Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori

Lori Verderame

Photo courtesy of staff of www.DrLoriV.com

Dr. Lori with Holly, left, and Jess, right,holding her Belleek Venus sculpture at

Dr. Lori’s Antiques Appraisal Comedy Tour.


York County

Calendar of EventsSouth Central Senior Community Center –(717) 235-6060,http://southcentralyorkcountysrctr.webs.comJuly 1, 10 a.m. – Blood Pressure and Weight CheckupJuly 3 – Podiatrist Available; Preregistration RequiredJuly 30, 8:15 to 9 a.m. – All-You-Can-Eat Public

Breakfast

Please contact your local center for scheduled activities.York County Library Programs

York County Department of Parks and Recreation

Pre-registration is required for these programs. To register or find out more about these activities or anyadditional scheduled activities, call (717) 428-1961.

July 13, 2:30 to 4 p.m. – Forest Canopy Walk, Nixon County ParkJuly 20, 2:30 to 4 p.m. – Red-Bellied Turtle Program, Nixon County ParkJuly 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Panning for Gold Program, Spring Valley County Park

Programs and Support Groups Free or minimal charge

July 1, 7 p.m.Surviving Spouse Socials of York CountyFaith United Church of Christ509 Pacific Ave., York(717) 266-2784

July 17, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.Alzheimer’s Support GroupSenior Commons at Powder Mill1775 Powder Mill Road, York(717) 741-0961

Collinsville Community Library, 2632 Delta Road, Brogue, (717) 927-9014Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. – Purls of Brogue Knitting Club

Glatfelter Memorial Library, 101 Glenview Road, Spring Grove, (717) 225-3220Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m. – Knitting and Spinning Group

Senior Center Activities

Give Us the Scoop!Please send us your press releases

so we can let our readers know about free eventsoccurring in York County!

Email preferred to: [email protected]

(717) 285-1350

Let help you get the word out!

What’s Happening?

When NASA honored JuneLockhart last October, itwould have been quite fitting

to borrow the above lyrics from apopular Simon and Garfunkel song tosalute the 89-year-old actress.

Best remembered by sci-fi fans for herrole of TV space mom MaureenRobinson in the ’60s series Lost in Space,Lockhart told me recently that theNASA recognition was a highlight ofher long career, which includes a TonyAward, an Emmy nomination, and acouple of stars on the Hollywood Walkof Fame.

“I was presented with the ExceptionalPublic Achievement Medal for my workwith the space agency,” she explained.“I’ve been to two space shuttle launchesand worked with NASA since the1970s, addressing their employees andtraveling on NASA’s behalf to promotethe agency.

“So I’m absolutely thrilled by thisrecognition,” she said. “No other actress

has received this honor.”One of her memorable experiences

occurred during a space shuttle missionin 1992.

“I called NASA one day and spokewith astronaut Ken Reightler and toldhim I had a good wake-up song for themto use,” recalled Lockhart.

She was referring to “The World isWaiting for the Sunrise,” a catchy ’50shit by Les Paul and Mary Ford. The songheld special significance because thelyrics were written by her father, belovedcharacter actor Gene Lockhart.

“So I went to mission control inHouston, and at around 2 a.m. theyplayed the song for the crew of theColumbia mission,” she explained.“Then a voice from space came over thespeaker: ‘Some of us up here want toknow what Lassie’s mother is doing inmission control at 2 o’clock in themorning!’”

Here’s to You, Mrs. Robinson

Tinseltown Talks

Nick Thomas

The1960 cast of Lassie. Pictured areJune Lockhart, Hugh Reilly, Jon Provost,

and Lassie.

Publicity photo of Guy Williams andJune Lockhart promoting their roles on

the television series Lost in Space.

Edgar Buchanan as Uncle Joe,June Lockhart as Janet Craig, andHiggins from Petticoat Junction.

please see ROBINSON page 11


Quality ResultsIn a recent national survey conducted with LIFE Program participants andcaregivers, Senior LIFE’s care and services were found to be among the best inthe country. Across all of its centers, Senior LIFE’s overall satisfaction rating was93%. This places Senior LIFE in the enviable 88th percentile nationally.

Senior LIFE gets high marks from Caregivers and MembersSenior LIFE can achieve such results because of its commitment to quality — inpersonnel and in process. “Providing excellent care to our members is our firstpriority,” says Mark Irwin, Chief Operating Officer of Senior LIFE. “Our goal isto exceed expectations. We always want to know how we are doing, and I am verypleased by the high marks our members give us. Senior LIFE members can trustthat we will always strive to deliver the highest quality of care.”

This member-centered approach does not go unnoticed. Member Anna M. notes,“Before Senior LIFE I was in and out of the hospital and nursing home, but I’mso much better and stronger now. Senior LIFE helped me to walk again.”

“My mother hasn’t looked or felt this good in a long time.Senior LIFE saved her life and mine.”

Among Senior LIFE members, 99% said that they would recommend SeniorLIFE to a close friend or relative, and most caregivers agree. “My mother hasn’tlooked or felt this good in a long time,” says the daughter of a member. “SeniorLIFE saved her life and mine. She was declining and needing more and morecare. I have children in school and I work full time. The entire family dideverything we could for Mom, but we needed help… a nursing home was out ofthe question. I was beside myself. Senior LIFE was our savior.”

For More InformationSeniors and their families who are interested in more information or would like toschedule a tour and complimentary lunch may call Senior LIFE at (717) 757-5433.

Senior LIFE delivers completehealthcare – and great satisfactionMembers and families give Senior LIFE high ratings

A better quality of life. A caring, qualified healthcare team. The Senior LIFE program is a great alternative to nursing

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• U.S. COLLECTIONS• 1/2 Cents through U.S. Gold• All U.S. Coins and Currency• All Silver Dollars

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Steinmetz is Buying & SellingAll Gold & Silver — Call for Quotes!

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WE WILL TRAVELMichael Steinmetz

[email protected]

YORK2861 E. Prospect Rd. (Rts. 24 & 124)

757-6980 or 866-967-2646


For more than 18 years, 50plus LIVING hasbeen the guide to living and care options.

Will they find your services there?

Call about Early Bird Savings!Must reserve by Aug. 29, 2014

Your guide to choosing the right livingand care options for you or a loved one:

• Active adult and residential living

• Independent and retirement livingcommunities

• Assisted living residences and personalcare homes

• Nursing and healthcare services

• Home care, companions, and hospicecare providers

• Ancillary services

To include your community or service in the 2015 edition

or for a free copy of the 2014 edition, call your representative or

(717) 285-1350 or email [email protected]

Online &In Print.

onlinepub.com

The Squint-Eyed Senior

Theodore Rickard

Afew weeks ago the news markedthe 100th anniversary of theopening of Wrigley Field in

Chicago. Wrigley was and still is thehome of the so-often last-place ChicagoCubs.

Despite this, Wrigley still retains asacred, cathedral-like status to anybodyraised, as I was, on Chicago’s Northsideduring the ’30s and ’40s. Summer dayswith the Cubs in town were special.

On game days, the front car on theRapid Transit “El” trains bore detachablemetal signs that read, in capital black onwhite, “BASEBALL TODAY.”

For kids, the best baseball day was aweekday since there’d be lots of emptyseats, even in the bleachers. This was the’30s. The baseball fans who had jobswere at work and the ones that didn’thave jobs didn’t have any money either.

My baseball buddy, 10 years old as Iwas, was David Schwarzen, who went by

the name of “Yankee.” His parents hadcome from someplace in central Europeand his repeatedinsistence on hiscitizenship as anickname seemedsomehow related tothat.

In the ’30s, 10-year-olds were notexactly flush withpocket money. Mostwere thankful theirfathers were wieldingshovels on WPAprojects while theirmothers waited for theprecinct captain tobring the next “Kellybasket” full of cannedgoods, oatmeal, and flour so she couldcook something for dinner.

My baseball buddy and I were lucky.

Our fathers had jobs. And so did we.Yankee had a break-of-dawn paper route

and I had developed agroup of regularcustomers to whom Isold the SaturdayEvening Post everyThursday. When thePost went from 5 centsa copy to 10, thecommission on eachcopy bounded from1.5 cents to 3 cents. Iwas simply rolling inthe stuff.

The alternative towalking 20 blocks wasto ride the El to theAddison Street station,a block east of the

Wrigley Field bleachers. Half fare on theEl was only 3 cents, but you had to beaccompanied by an adult.

The trick, of course, was to wait inthe El Station until an adult came alongand then to follow immediately behindand plunk down the three pennies at thecashier cage and just keep going.Somehow we convinced ourselves thatthe cashier didn’t guess what we weredoing.

Once past the cashier, we’d dash to theplatform and pretend to be breathlesswith having escaped pursuit, even thoughwe knew there really was none.

On game days, the old wooden carsbuilt for the 1892 Columbia Expositionwould be put into service and we wouldride on the open platform of the last car.From here, to the passing world, we’dwhoop cheers for the Cubs on our wayto Wrigley Field.

The game would have started beforewe got there. There was no point ingetting there earlier since the bleacherushers didn’t abandon their posts until

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Centenarian Reflects on the Last Century

Caroline Grachen, a Senior Commonsat Powder Mill resident, turned 100 yearsold last month and happily reflected onthe life she has lived the last century.

“My dad spoiled me,” she said. “Hewould take me shopping and allow me topick out any clothing I wanted, even if itwasn’t on sale.”

Grachen was born June 15, 1914, inZeigler, Ill. She was the only child ofAngel and Teresa Mincheff. She spent therest of her childhood in Benton, Ill.

Her father worked as a mininginspector and machine repairman. Hewas fortunate to keep his job during theDepression—he even got a promotion.Although times were tough in the those

days, he made sure hisonly girl was treated to afur coat for Christmas.

Her mother was ahomemaker and wasexcellent at what she did.Grachen said houseworkwas harder in the early1900s because there wasno running water—families had to use anoutdoor water pump.

“My mom did it all,”she said. “She evenmade her ownfastnachts.”

Grachen always

enjoyed trips. She and herparents traveled to all ofthe states by train. Shealso looked forward todrives with her dad. Roadswere not paved then, andthe car would often getstuck in the mud. Sheremembers her dad havingto walk to the nearest farmto have a farmer and hishorses pull the car out.

She met her latehusband at age 23 at afall festival in Chicago.During their marriedlife, he worked as a

journalist for the Chicago Daily News.Grachen originally went to college fornursing but quit once she got married.She decided to be a stay-at-home mom.They had two children together, Caroland Joseph.

Grachen doesn’t have a special secret toher longevity, but she said, “I didn’t abusemyself. I took care of myself and listenedto the doctor’s recommendations.”

She always strives to live by the goldenrule as her father taught her, and shenever lied or cheated. Her words ofwisdom are to “have patience.”

Grachen always makes sure to live dayby day and counts her blessings foreverything she has.

Caroline Grachen recently celebratedher 100th birthday with a party atSenior Commons at Powder Mill,

where she is a resident.

sometime in the sixth inning. Then theywould wander into the stands to watchthe game or simply sit on the steps andsmoke cigarettes.

But before dashing in, Yankee and Iwould pool our financial resources topatronize Louis’s hot dog wagon. Louis’shot dogs were 15 cents. This was apremium price for a hot dog, but Louis’swere extra long as well as extra fat, or atleast that’s how they looked to us. Louis

would cut the hot dog in half for us. Wealways ordered “ever’thing on it.”

Usually by the time we’d polished offthe hot dog and licked the last of the“ever’thing” off our fingers, the ushershad given up and we slipped into thestadium and up the stairs that led tobleacher seats along the right-field foulline. We were convinced that left-handedbatters hit most homeruns and by beingpast right field, we would have a better

chance of retrieving a homerun ball. Butwe never did.

The Cubs right fielder was BillNicholson. You could yell “Hi, Bill” tohim from the bleachers. “Big Bill” wasconsidered a homerun threat, althoughwe never saw him hit a homer. He wassaid to be fond of chewing tobacco. Avidadult fans would throw packages of chewto him in dull moments, and at the endof a slow inning, he’d trot back into the

dugout with a bulging shirtfront full ofPlow Boy or Red Man Plug. These treatscost at least 15 cents each.

The display of such adult extravagancewas a wonderment to both of us. In fact,there are moments when it still seems so— at least to me. 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.

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By Lori M. Myers

Hospice has become a way to die withdignity and receive appropriate care inthe last phase of life. It has become partof the care continuum for patients, andmedical interns and residents are beingmade aware of this option and thenecessary empathy needed toward notonly the patient, but also the family.

Hospice is not a place. It is a specialkind of healthcare focused on keeping thepatient comfortable once the patient andphysician have decided that theunderlying disease, despite all efforts, canno longer be treated or cured. It helps thepatient, their families, and othercaregivers during a most stressful time; itis care that could take place in a varietyof settings and is focused on the beliefthat quality of life is as important aslength of life.

But it’s more than reassuring familymembers or providing emotional andspiritual support. Hospice staff members

also help manage pain and symptomsand can make those last months, weeks,or days more comfortable. The patient isrelieved of discomfort, yet still alertenough to enjoy the people aroundthem.

According to the American CancerSociety, all hospices must provide certainservices, but they have differentapproaches and types of support offered.Along with pain and symptom control,the hospice can arrange for inpatient careand will stay involved in your care andyour family.

Spiritual care can be arranged to meetthe patient’s specific needs and/orrequests. It might include helping youlook at what death means to you, helpingyou say goodbye, or helping with acertain religious ceremony or ritual.

A hospice nurse or social worker alsosets up regularly scheduled familyconferences to keep family membersinformed about your condition and whatto expect. These conferences give

everyone the opportunity to sharefeelings, find support, and realize stressrelief.

Hospice is a seven-days-a-week, 24-hours-a-day service that may also includeother community professionals such asthe pharmacist, clergy, and doctors. This“team” can be contacted at any time —someone is always on call to help oranswer any questions, assuring you andyour family that you are not alone duringthis time.

If a doctor has certified the prognosisas not longer than six months, anindividual is eligible for hospice. Thisapplies to anyone of any age, with anytype of illness, including Alzheimer’sdisease. It generally costs less thaninpatient care in a hospital, nursinghome, or other facility because withhome hospice, you pay only for thespecific care that you need. In addition,volunteers may be able to provide manyservices at little or no cost.

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private

insurance plans cover hospice services.Medicare regulations require that yourhospice care be provided at home, withonly short stays in an inpatient facility.

In order to qualify for the Medicarehospice benefit, your physician must re-certify you at the beginning of eachbenefit period, and you must sign anelective statement indicating that youunderstand the nature of your illness orcondition and of hospice care.

By signing the statement, yousurrender your right to other Medicarebenefits related to your illness. If you areunable to sign the document, a familymember may sign the election statementfor you.

While patients usually pay out ofpocket for any services not covered byinsurance, hospice services are generallyprovided without charge if you havelimited or nonexistent financial resources.

Don’t think of hospice as simplydying. Think of it as dying with dignity,grace, and support.

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Winner of $50 Giant Food Stores Gift Card:

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Who Has the Best Bites inCentral PA?

50plus Senior News readers have spoken!

Here are the York County dining favorites for 2014!

Breakfast:

George’s Family Restaurant

Lunch:Menges Route 30

Diner & Dairy

Dinner:

Round the Clock Diner

Ethnic Cuisine:

Aroma Buffet & Grill

Celebrating:

Heritage Hills

Bakery:

Giant Food Stores

Coffeehouse:

Dunkin’ Donuts

Fast Food:

Wendy’s

Seafood:

Red Lobster

Steak:

Logan’s Roadhouse

Outdoor Dining:Bogey MacawsAmerican Grille

Romantic Setting:

Accomac Inn

Smorgasbord/Buffet:

Hoss’s Steak & Sea House

Caterer:

Porky’s Place BBQ Catering

ROBINSON from page 6

Lassie, one of TV’s longest-runningshows (1954-1973), was Lockhart’s otherbig hit in which she dispensed maternalwisdom, this time for six seasons as afarm mom. Later, she morphed frommatriarch to medic as Dr. Janet Craig forthree seasons on Petticoat Junction.

“Petticoat Junction was a delight to dowith wonderful scripts,” said Lockhart.“It was great playing comedy after Lost inSpace, which was more dramatic, andLassie, which didn’t have many laughs.”

On the big screen, 12-year-oldLockhart made her debut in the 1938holiday classic A Christmas Carol,alongside both her parents, Gene and

Kathleen Lockhart, who played theCratchits.

While she went on to costar withgreats such as Gary Cooper in SergeantYork and Judy Garland in Meet Me in St.Louis, A Christmas Carol is special sinceit was the only time she appeared withher parents in a motion picture.

But it was memorable for otherreasons, too.

“My daughter, Junie, andgranddaughter, Christianna, have neverlet me forget that the first words I everspoke in movies were: ‘I know, I know–sausages!’” said Lockhart, referring to heron-screen guess for the contents of a food

package Mr. Cratchit brings home. “Weall shriek with laugher when we watch itnow.”

In addition to being an advocate forNASA and many other causes, Lockhartcontinues to work and co-starred in thecomedy spoof Zombie Hamlet, which hadits world premiere at the 2012 PalmBeach International Film Festival and wasreleased on DVD in December 2013.

In 2013, she appeared in theinteractive movie series Tex Murphy, agaming platform that combinesanimation with full-motion video of realactors.

“That was a new experience, and I

really enjoyed it. And in December, Ialso celebrated my 80th year as a paidperformer in the business! I made mydebut at the age of 8 in Peter Ibbetson atthe Metropolitan Opera House.”

While actors are used to receivingaccolades for career milestones, Lockhartadmits to still being quite overwhelmedby the NASA recognition and is, shesays, “over the moon about it!”

Congratulations, Mrs. Robinson!

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

Labor Dept. Awards $3.2M in GrantsThe U.S. Department of Labor

recently announced a one-timedemonstration grant award of$3,224,509 to 14 community serviceorganizations to improve services to low-income older workers through the SeniorCommunity Service EmploymentProgram.

“Older workers are essential to thefabric of our nation, but it can bedifficult for many of these Americans to

access good jobs,” said Portia Wu,assistant secretary of labor foremployment and training.

“The federal grants we’re announcing… will help these individuals overcomechallenges in re-entering the workforceand attaining economic stability.”

The grantees awarded will developprograms focused on the following threepriorities: improving unsubsidized jobplacements through increased employer

engagement, enhancing services toSCSEP participants throughdevelopment or improvement ofpartnerships, and expanding trainingoptions for SCSEP participants.

Grant recipients included AARP Inc.,Experience Works, Goodwill Industries,National Able Network, and theNational Caucus and Center on BlackAged, among others.

The SCSEP (http://www.doleta.gov/

seniors) provides part-time, communityservice-based job training for low-income,unemployed individuals 55 and older.

SCSEP participants gain workexperience in a variety of communityservice activities at nonprofit and publicfacilities, including schools, hospitals,daycare centers, and senior centers.

Participants also have access toemployment assistance through AmericanJob Centers (http://jobcenter.usa.gov).


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Did This Player Deserveto Be Tossed

from the Casino?

Deal Me InBy Mark Pilarski

Dear Mark: I was asked to leave acasino by security for, if you canbelieve this, playing someone else’sleftover $12 worth of credits that theyhad left on a slot machine and didn’tcash out.

Although not banned for life, I wasrudely told it was against the law, madeto return the $12, and told not to comeback for 30 days.

You have got to be kidding me!Whatever happened to “finder’skeepers, loser’s weepers?” – Matt N.

For starters, Matt,the casino made yougive back the moneysimply because itdidn’t belong to you.

“Finder’s keepers,loser’s weepers” is nota defense for takingcredits discovered ona slot machine. Youare basing yournewly found booty on the premise thatwhen something is abandoned, whoeverfinds it can claim it.

Unfortunately, within the casino walls,this raises ethical and legal challenges.

On the casino floor, credits left onmachines do not belong to the personwho finds them, but it doesn’t necessarilymean that they belong to the casinoeither. Casinos, as well as some gamingjurisdictions, have specific policies onhow to handle abandoned credits.

The children’s rhyme, “finder’skeepers, loser’s weepers” may apply inchildren’s games but doesn’t pass musterin gambling establishments.

Like a pair of sunglasses left at ablackjack game, in the joints where Iworked, we regarded credits left on a slotmachine specifically as “lost property”and did our best to find their rightfulowner. Today, especially if one uses his orher Player’s card, it is relatively easy totrack the previous player.

Nevertheless, a tip to you and otherslot-playing patrons: before you walkaway from any slot machine, don’t forgetto press the cash-out button.

As for you being 86’d from the casino,well, that might have been a bit over thetop. I have never heard of any leftover-

credits-playing player being given theheave-ho.

That said, that doesn’t mean there arenot swindlers who make a livingscavenging the millions lost each year bygamblers who forget their stored credits(winnings).

The pretender who purposively circlesthe casino floor looking for orphancredits on a slot machine, or even changeon the floor for that matter, can warrantthe dreaded permanent 86 for making afull-time occupation of cruising thecasino eyeing easy pickings.

I will buy,however, that youweren’t a creditconniver looking foran easy score.

So, playing slotmanager for just amoment, my casino-management stylewould not have evenwarranted a wristslap. I was one to

operate more in the spirit of the law, notthe letter of, although, I mustacknowledge that every gamingsupervisor will handle your scenario theirown way.

All I would have told you was that thenext time you find credits remaining onthe machine, you should inform someslot-floor personnel, and then I wouldhave gone on my merry way. Had wefound the previous player, I just wouldhave credited him or her $12.

Now let’s look at the positive here,Matt, of which there is one. For the next30 days, you won’t be playing on amachine that has a house edge of up to20 percent.

Gambling Wisdom of the Week: “Ihave seen a pregnant woman stand at a21 game, oblivious to labor pains, untilwe thought we were going to becomemidwives, and leave only when wesummoned an ambulance.” – Harold S.Smith Sr., I Want to Quit Winners (1961)

Mark Pilarski is a recognized authority oncasino gambling, having survived 18 years inthe casino trenches. Pilarski is the creator ofthe bestselling, award-winning audio bookseries on casino gambling, Hooked onWinning. www.markpilarski.com


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1. Harp (it.)5. Zealous9. Skin injury13. Wizard of Oz lion,

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54. Daytimes (abbr.)57. Grains60. Negatives61. Affability63. Mortgage payer66. Spoken67. Poker term69. Scintilla70. Twilled woolen fabric71. Building part72. Stumble73. Visionary74. Crafts’ buddies75. Plan of action (abbr.)

1. Assist2. Make over3. Some elections4. Connect5. Loser6. Tub7. Unreactive8. Object9. Wedding words, ___

ring ...10. Dutch cheese11. Toil12. Sticker16. Minerals

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short41. King of Judah42. Benefactor

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Puzzl

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“As the new millennium approached,it became more important to me tocreate a more balanced life—one where Icould experience joy and pleasure whilestill serving others.”

More than a decade ago, Swearingenresigned her job as an assistant directorof special education in a public schooldistrict, sold her house, and started fromscratch working as a landscape gardenerat a local retirement community.

After completing coursework andinterning under the direction of ahorticultural therapist, Swearingenearned a certificate in horticulturaltherapy from Temple University,effectively combining her background inhuman services with her love of plantsand flowers.

The therapeutic benefits of gardensand gardening have been documentedfor centuries, but it was Dr. BenjaminRush, the “father of Americanpsychiatry” and a signer of theDeclaration of Independence, who firstrecorded the positive effects the therapyhad on patients with mental illness in the1800s.

In the mid-20th century, horticulturaltherapy was used to aid the rehabilitationof hospitalized war veterans, expandingthe practice beyond the confines ofmental-illness treatment.

“Seniors often find themselves facingloss of all types,” Swearingen said. “Theymay often find that they are offeredfewer opportunities to contribute to thehappenings within their family, theirchurches, or their communities.”

Swearingen cited the example of apastor’s wife named Jane who hadcreated the flower arrangements for herchurch for 40 years. After her husbanddied, she moved to a skilled nursing carecommunity and her health deteriorated.

She also became withdrawn andclinically depressed, refusing to leave herroom for months until she gradually

began participating in flower-arrangingprograms.

“Eventually, she proudly found herdesigns on display in the main lobby. Shebecamerecognized bythe entirecommunity forher beautifulcreations,”Swearingenrecalled. “Sheimprovedemotionallyand physicallyto the pointthat she wasable to leavethe skilled carecommunityand move inwith herfamily.”

Swearingenalso recountedher experience with three men whoregularly grew and harvested vegetablesfor the local food bank, raising manypounds of food for their community“despite having ailments such ascongestive heart failure, dementia, andlimited mobility,” she said.

“They grew all of their vegetables inraised garden beds, harvesting from thecomfort and stability of their chairs.”

Raised garden beds are the specialtyand passion of Joe Manotti, certifiedsquare-foot gardening instructor for YourGarden Solution. These gardens consistof soil enclosed by a square frame,usually made of wood, which is raisedabove the surrounding soil.

Raised garden beds are available intwo types: a ground garden is raisedabout 8 inches off the ground, and agarden table stands on legs 3 feet high, aperfect height for those unable to bendover to garden.

Manotti was inspired to offer raisedgarden beds after his aging father, alifelong gardener, had not gardened in 15years due health issues and limited

mobility.“Two years

ago, we builthim a gardentable, and thishas enabledhim to dowhat he haddone almostall of his life,and that wasto grow hisownvegetables,”Manotti said.“We thought,if he neededthis, so did alot of otherpeople.”

YourGarden Solution’s garden tables arecreated by local Amish craftsmen out ofDouglas fir, sassafras, and cedar woods.Manotti recommends a technique calledsquare-foot gardening, where the 4-footby 4-foot garden bed is filled with 6inches of soil and subdivided into 16square-foot sections.

Each square foot grows differentvegetables or flowers, enabling a gardenerto grow a lot of plants in a small space. Asquare-foot garden bed typically yieldsmany more vegetables than traditionalrow gardening and with fewer weeds.

“The average person quits gardeningafter 2.5 years. Why? Because of themaintenance involved, such as weeding,”Manotti said. “Raised beds eliminatemuch of the maintenance since the soil[we offer] is formulated to provide plantswith the optimal growing environment.”

Manotti said that garden tables cangrow most vegetables, with the exception

of some deep-rooted plants like potatoesor garlic, which need more than 6 inchesof soil.

Raised garden beds—both groundgardens and garden tables—have becomeimportant elements of horticulturaltherapy, enabling horticultural therapiststo bring the practice to patients withphysical limitations.

“Seniors and those with limitedmobility love the garden tables! It enablesthem to enjoy gardening again,” Manottisaid.

Manotti shared the story of a CentralPennsylvania woman with severe arthritisin one knee that prohibited her fromkneeling to tend to a vegetable garden.

As a result, she had not had a gardenfor many years and missed it greatly—until her son told her about square-footgardening and purchased her a gardentable, which quickly yielded so manyvegetables she was able to share themwith others.

Swearingen noted that horticulturetherapy is often used as a complement totraditional therapeutic treatments.Therapists, she said, are trained tosupport participants who have physicallimitations through the use of adaptivetools and proper body mechanics.

“Horticultural therapy is unique inthat it involves tangible outcomes thatare valued by the participant and thecommunity. The activities provideopportunities for decision making,creative expression, and contribution toothers,” she said.

Avid gardeners as well as those whohave never tended a garden in their livescan benefit from horticulture both inand out of a therapeutic setting.

“Plants are not influenced by povertyor wealth, by age or ability,” saidSwearingen. “Nurture them, and theywill grow. The same is true for us—if wenurture ourselves, we will grow. It isnever too late.”

GREEN-THUMB from page 1

Seniors gardening in raised garden beds.


VolunteerSpotlight

VolunteerSpotlight

Do you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly to others? Tell us what makes him or herso special and we will consider them for 50plus Senior News’ Volunteer Spotlight!Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos are encouraged. Email preferred [email protected] or mail nominations to 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight,3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.

York County Area Agency onAging Director Dianna Benaknin wasjoined by York CountyCommissioners Doug Hoke andChristopher Reilly at a recentluncheon recognizing the work of theagency’s volunteers.

In the past 12 months, YCAAAvolunteers have volunteered a total of12,890.3 hours.

Receiving awards for 25 years ofvolunteerism with the agency wereSandra Forbes and Ruth Hartnett.Fellow volunteer Dick Bear receivedan award for 30 years of service to theagency.

Forbes has volunteered in a varietyof different areas: the ombudsmanprogram, Senior Farmers MarketNutrition Program, flu immunizationprogram, and as a financial counselor.

She started helping 25 years ago asa bookkeeper and clerk for the formerHeart ‘N Hands Gift Shop.

Forbes is always willing to lend ahand in her desire to support theindependence of others.

Hartnett is a member of theagency’s advisory council and hasserved as a volunteer ombudsmansince 1999. She provides the listeningand patience necessary to helpresidents have a reasonable quality oflife at a very critical time.

Before serving as an ombudsman,she assisted with the Senior Gamesand the Disaster Recovery Center.

Dick Bear began as an agencyvolunteer in 1983 in the friendlyvisitor program and has been amember of the advisory council since2000.

Bear also assists with the SeniorFarmers Market Nutrition Programvoucher distribution, helps to organizeand deliver gifts during the holidaysfor the Senior Santa program, makesphone calls for the agency, and helpswith registration during Senior Gamesand coordinating the Senior GamesWii bowling event.

Bear is an outstanding volunteer,not only with YCAAA, but also in thecommunity as a whole.

From left, York CountyCommissionerChristopher Reilly;Sandra Forbes;Ruth Hartnett;Dianna Benaknin,director of YCAAA;and York CountyCommissionerDoug Hoke.

From left, York CountyCommissionerChristopher Reilly;Dick Bear;Dianna Benaknin,director of YCAAA;and York CountyCommissionerDoug Hoke.

York County 50plus Senior News July 2014

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Transcript of York County 50plus Senior News July 2014