lancaster county 50plus senior news january 2015
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50plus Senior News — a monthly publication for and about the 50+ community — offers information on entertainment, travel, healthy living, financial matters, veterans issues, and much more.TRANSCRIPT
Janice Ballenger, volunteer EMT and former deputy coroner, with a New Holland Ambulancevehicle. The ambulance association was on the scene with Ballenger during the aftermath of
the shooting at the West Nickel Mines School in October 2006.
Costars RememberElvis the Actorpage 6
Veterans’ Expo & Job FairHighlightspage 12
Inside:
By Chelsea Peifer
Whenever Janice Ballenger’s name was listed on the schedule as deputycoroner, the 911 dispatchers joked that they knew they were in for ademanding day.“My initial years as deputy coroner were filled with a lot of horrific calls,”
said Ballenger. “Scenes that I can never erase from my mind.”Ballenger, 62, had been working at a bank for 23 years when she read a
headline stating a need for volunteers for emergency situations—noexperience necessary.The Ephrata native began volunteering as a vehicle rescue technician
before becoming an emergency medical technician and then serving asLancaster County’s first female deputy coroner from 2004 to 2008.“It was quite the struggle to balance working full time, volunteering as an
EMT, and doing deputy coroner calls 24 hours a week,” Ballenger said. “Theamount of time that is required to be a volunteer is unbelievable.”Ballenger volunteered for nearly 20 years. While beginning in her 40s was
a “late start,” she said that just proves that it is never too late to follow yourdreams.Volunteers are the world’s greatest unsung heroes, and many people have
no idea how much money is saved thanks to volunteer efforts, said Ballenger.“If I could say something to those aspiring to enter any of these fields, it
please see NEW NORMAL page 16
Volunteer EMT, Former Deputy
Coroner Heals by Writing Memoir
Penning a‘New Normal’
Lancaster County Edition January 2015 Vol. 21 No. 1
2 January 2015 50plus SeniorNews • www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
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Jan. 24 – The criminal trial of O.J. Simpson began inCalifornia. On Oct. 3, the Los Angeles jury found him notguilty of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson,and her friend, Ronald Goldman. A civil court would award awrongful-death judgment against Simpson in 1997.
April 19 – A car bomb detonated outside the MurrahFederal Building in Oklahoma City, Okla., killing 168 people.Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols were later convicted ofthe antigovernment plot to avenge the Branch Davidianstandoff in Waco, Texas, exactly two years prior.
Oct. 16 – The Million Man March, a political demonstrationto promote African-American unity and family values, drewhundreds of thousands of African-American men toWashington, D.C. Louis Farrakhan organized the event;speakers included Jesse Jackson, Maya Angelou, and Rosa Parks.
Dear Readers,Notice anything different on this issue’s front cover? It’s been 20 years since
the first issue of 50plus Senior News hit newsstands, and some traces of a rich,green hue signal the arrival of our “emerald anniversary”! A lot has changed for us in two decades. 50plus Senior News has expanded
to encompass six counties in Central Pennsylvania. Its contents now “come tolife” at six annual 50plus EXPOs. This publication that began as a humble yet passionate local effort to bring
news and entertainment to Central Pennsylvania’s seniors has gone on to garnerdozens of national awards.The designs of our logo, pages, and cover have evolved over the years, but
our commitment to serving the mind, heart, and spirit of the 50-plus communityhas stayed the same.Keep an eye out in the coming months for some special retrospective
features as we peek back at our beginnings in 1995—while still focusing on2015 and the exciting future ahead.
Happy New Year,
Donna Anderson, President On-Line Publishers, Inc.
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews • January 2015 3
Woodward Hill Cemetery
501 S. Queen St., Lancaster
(717) 872-1750
Steinmetz Coins & Currency, Inc.
350 Centerville Road, Lancaster
(717) 299-1211
Advanced Denture Center
39 E. Main St., Ephrata
(717) 721-3004
Dental Health Associates
951 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster
(717) 394-9231
Lancaster Denture Center
951 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster
(717) 394-3773
Smoketown Family Dentistry
2433 C Old Philadelphia Pike, Smoketown
(717) 291-6035
Central PA Poison Center
(800) 521-6110
Office of Aging
(717) 299-7979 or (800) 801-3070
Lancaster County Office of Aging
(717) 299-7979
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Road, Lancaster
(717) 898-1900
Internal Revenue Service
(717) 291-1994
Richard H. Heisey Funeral Home
216 S. Broad St., Lititz
(717) 626-2464
Regional Gastroenterology Associates of
Lancaster (RGAL)
2104 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster
694 Good Drive, Suite 23, Lancaster
4140 Oregon Pike, Ephrata
(717) 544-3400
Alzheimer’s Association
(717) 651-5020
American Cancer Society
(717) 397-3744
American Diabetes Association
(888) DIABETES
American Heart Association
(717) 393-0725
American Lung Association
(717) 397-5203 or (800) LungUSA
American Red Cross
(717) 299-5561
Arthritis Foundation
(717) 397-6271
Building You, LLC
804 New Holland Ave., Lancaster
(888) 769-3992
Consumer Information
(888) 878-3256
CONTACT Helpline
(717) 652-4400
Disease and Health Risk
(888) 232-3228
Domestic Violence
(800) 799-7233
Flu or Influenza
(888) 232-3228
Interventional Vein & Vascular Institute
6 N. Penryn Road, Manheim
(844) 438-4884
Patient Advocates Lancaster
(717) 884-8011
Hearing and Ear Care Center, LLC
806 W. Main St., Mount Joy
(717) 653-6300
Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard
of Hearing
(800) 233-3008 V/TTY
CoolTrains
106 W. Main St., Landisville
(717) 898-7119
Connections at Home VIA Willow Valley
(717) 299-5673
Senior Helpers
1060 S. State St., Suite E, Ephrata
(717) 738-0588
Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services
Hanover: (717) 630-0067
Lancaster: (717) 393-3450
York: (717) 751-2488
Eastwood Village Homes, LLC
102 Summers Drive, Lancaster
(717) 397-3138
Marietta Senior Apartments
601 E. Market St., Marietta
(717) 735-9590
Medicare
(800) 633-4227
CVS/pharmacy
www.cvs.com
Health Depot Wellness & Pharmacy
Granite Run Square, Lancaster
Pharmacy: (717) 509-4844
Store: (717) 509-4434
Wiley’s Pharmacy
Locations in Lancaster, Millersville,
Quarryville, and Strasburg
(717) 898-8804
May•Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology
Women & Babies Hospital with other
locations in Brownstown, Columbia,
Elizabethtown, Willow Street, and Intercourse
(717) 397-8177
Prudential Homesale Services Group
Rocky Welkowitz
(717) 393-0100
Colonial Lodge Community
2015 N. Reading Road, Denver
(717) 336-5501
TLC Ladies
(717) 228-8764
Transition Solutions for Seniors
Rocky Welkowitz
(717) 615-6507
Wells Contemplative Solutions
255 Butler Ave., Suite 301-B, Lancaster
(717) 208-3633
Passport Information
(877) 487-2778
Lebanon VA Medical Center
1700 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
Building You, LLC
804 New Holland Ave., Lancaster
(888) 769-3992
Retirement Communities
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Healthcare Consultants Women’s Services
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Gastroenterology
Coins & Currency
Veterans Services
Hearing Services
Dental Services
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Emergency Numbers
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Resource DirectoryThis Resource Directory recognizes advertisers who have made
an extended commitment to your health and well-being.
Not an all-inclusive list of advertisers in your area.
4 January 2015 50plus SeniorNews • www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
50plus Senior News is published by On-Line Publishers, Inc.and is distributed monthly among senior centers, retirementcommunities, banks, grocers, libraries and other outlets
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.
We will not knowingly publish any advertisement or information notin compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania State lawsor other local laws.
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Corporate Office:3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360
Chester County:610.675.6240
Cumberland County/Dauphin County:717.770.0140
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 COORDINATORRenee McWilliamsPRODUCTION ARTIST
Janys Cuffe
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTACCOUNT EXECUTIVESAngie McComsey Jacoby
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ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVESChristina CardamoneKristy Neideigh
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Kimberly Shaffer
CIRCULATIONPROJECT COORDINATORLoren Gochnauer
ADMINISTRATIONBUSINESS MANAGER
Elizabeth Duvall
Pete Billis was born in Greece.His home was the island ofChios, one of those
picturesque Greek islands that todaydraw millions of tourists to sharetheir beauty.In 1970, however, his dad found
the U.S. a lot more attractive, andhe, with his wife and three children,left for Lancaster, Pa. WhyLancaster? “Because that’s where my dad’s
sister and friends of our family wereliving,” Billis says.Lancaster quickly became home to
Billis, and he was soon speakingEnglish without an accent. Aftergraduation from McCaskey HighSchool in 1982, he enteredMillersville University, graduating in1986. He then “wanted to do something
for his country and to see theworld,” as he puts it. So he enlistedin the Air Force.He had basic training in Texas at
Lackland Air Force Base. Whilethere, an Air Force master sergeanthe knew suggested that he take in-flight refueling as a career field. Normally, you had to complete a
more basic assignment for three ormore years after basic training beforerequesting assignment to in-flightrefueling, but a special Air Forceprogram briefly opened the programup, and Billis took it.After air crew training at
Sheppard AFB in Texas, and thenland- and water-survival training atFairchild AFB in Washington, he wasassigned to advanced training as anin-flight fueling specialist at CastleAFB in California. Upon graduation, he was qualified
to fly in KC-135 Stratotankers asthey refueled aircraft in flight. Hewas home-based at Grissom AFB inIndiana while flying missions inmany parts of the world.The KC-135 was the Air Force’s
first jet-powered refueling tanker. Itwas needed in order to keep up withthe speed of the Air Force’s new jetfighters and bombers. Holding more than 30,000
gallons of aviation fuel, it was able to
transfer the fuel in flight that ourbombers and fighters needed inorder to extend their range for longflights or, for the fighters, to extendthe loiter time on station.The fuel was transferred through a
boom at the tail section of the KC-135, with the receiving plane onlyfeet from the tail of the tanker. Thepilot of the KC-135 and thereceiving airplane had to carefullymaintain exactly the same speed andposition throughout the refueling. The boom operator of the KC135
lay on his belly while he peered out asmall window and carefullymaneuvered the boom through asmall port near the nose of theairplane following behind and belowhim. At that time, the success of themission was literally in his hands.
Did it take a lot of skill to do hisjob? “Not according to the Air Force
after all the training they gave us,”Billis says with a grin. “But livesdepended on our ability to do itright. Both bombers andinterceptors routinely flew missionsthat required in-flight refueling. Andthat happened around the world.” Did Billis ever have a time when
things didn’t go well? “Well,” he reflects, “there was one
time when our F-16s were scrambledto meet Russian bombers off Icelandthat were trying to penetraterestricted airspace. It was nighttime,and we were at 30,000 feet when Ineeded to refuel an F-16 whose lighton the receiving port had failed, andI had to find the port in the dark. “It was touch and go, but
fortunately, I was able to handlethat, and the F-16 pilot was savedfrom a stark experience, since the F-16s, because of the foulest weatherat Iceland, had to fly on to Englandto land after the mission.”Often they were called upon to
refuel the AWACS aircraft we usedin order to conduct missions in Iranand Afghanistan. And they weresometimes tasked to fuel aircraftbeing flown in efforts to controldrug trafficking.In October 1993, Billis, by then a
sergeant, was discharged and camehome to Lancaster. He became adistributor of Pepperidge Farmproducts, and then in 2002established his own eBay business,selling collectibles, mostly stampsand coins.Asked what he thinks about his
years in the Air Force, he says,“They were wonderful years. I metsome of the finest people in thisworld. In fact, one of my greatestregrets is that I didn’t stay in untilretirement. “It’s not that I’m not happy now
… but for me, the Air Force was awonderful and very special place tobe.”
Colonel Wilcox flew a B-17 bomber inEurope in World War II.
In an Air Force Plane, He Brought theGas to You … 30,000 Gallons at a Time
Robert D. Wilcox
Salute to a Veteran
Sgt. Peter Billis in the pilot’scompartment of a KC-135 Stratotanker.
Sgt. Billis on leave in 1992 athome in Lancaster.
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews • January 2015 5
Serving Lancaster County for over 30 Years!© 2014 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Camp Hill 3401 Hartzdale Drive 717-730-6240Lancaster 103 Rohrerstown Road 717-390-3063Lebanon 37 South 8th Street 717-274-8607Lititz 245 Bloomfield Drive 717-560-1056York 2300 East Market Street 717-755-8200
from
Year of the Sheep
Best Wishesfor a Joyful2015!
id you get a piece of jewelrythis holiday season? Jewelry is a very popular
type of collectible. In addition tosprucing up an outfit, jewelry pieces,precious metals,and gemstones holdtheir value well inthe antiques andvintagemarketplace. So, storing these
valuables isimportant. Gold and silver
pieces can getscratched whenstored next to eachother or next to other pieces in a jewelrybox. These precious metals can damagefragile jewelry items, like pearls andshells, too.
Store gold pieces by themselves or ina felt- or velvet-lined box when possible.Gold necklaces ideally should be storedhanging up by their clasp to preventdamage. Gold bracelets should be stored
flat when possible. Bangles need their
own storage boxes toprevent dents anddamage too. Always store
pearls separately in apadded case orjewelrycompartment. Thiswill prevent damageto the soft, culturedpearl’s luster surface.
And, pearls should be restrung assoon as you notice that the individualknots are getting stretched out or loose.
Jewelry Storage Tips
Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori
Lori Verderame
D
please see TIPS page 8
6 January 2015 50plus SeniorNews • www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
951 ROHRERSTOWN RD., LaNcaSTER
(717) 394-9773Emergencies & New Patients WelcomeEvenings Available
Denture RepairsWhile You Wait
You can get new dentures started, repaired, or relinedthe same day. With our on-site dental lab, most repairsare done while you wait. Initial consultation is freeand most insurance plans are accepted.
1st Annual
RISING STARSBENEFIT VARIETY SHOWSunday, February 15, 2015•1-3 p.m.
Ephrata Main Theatre
124 E. Main St., Ephrata, Pa (Brossman Business Center)
$15/ticket
Featuring local talents, including:
Jugglers, Singers, Magicians,Improvisation, Motown, and More!
Come and see some of your
pa StatE SENior idoL favorites!
Peggy Keller, Charles Lee, Tom and Randi LaNasa
All proceeds donated to local ‘rising star’ artist orathlete that is selected by the performers.
For tickets: Peggy Keller (717) 715-6469 or [email protected]
Brunch will be served 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Lily’s On Main
10% of proceeds will be given to the benefit (must show ticket)
Silent Auction, 50/50 raffle, concessions, and bar available during the show
For many, the title “King of Rock’n’ Roll” is reserved for one man:Elvis Presley. Had he lived, the
King would have celebrated his 80thbirthday on Jan. 8, 2015.Unlike most departed singers who are
remembered largely for their music,Presley lives on through a phenomenalnumber of appearances in scriptedmotion pictures—31 in all—beginningwith Love Me Tender in 1956 and ending13 years later with Change of Habit in1969. His movies provide a unique glimpse
into another dimension of one of the 20thcentury’s greatest entertainers.Although his films were often
dismissed due to weak and predictablescripts, critics generally regarded Presleyas a surprisingly good actor. But whatdid costars think about working withPresley?In 1966, 10-year-old Donna
Butterworth costarred in Paradise,Hawaiian Style, the second Presley filmset in Hawaii.“My mom and dad took me to see
Blue Hawaii when I was just a little girl,and I fell in love with him right then andthere,” said Butterworth. “I used to listen
to his records, and I couldn’t get enoughElvis.”Butterworth recalls filming her first
scene on the cliffs of Makapuu, onOahu.“I had to run up into Elvis’s arms and
call out, ‘Uncle Rick, Uncle Rick.’ But I
had only met him a few minutes beforethat. So when the director called ‘action,’I ran up and got in his arms and his facewas about 4 inches from my face. “After all the anticipation of meeting
Elvis Presley and working with him, Ijust froze. I couldn’t believe I was so closeto this beautiful man! All the crewcracked up because they knew I was soenamored. In fact, Elvis laughed thehardest—he just loved to laugh.”Unlike Butterworth, 7-year-old Susan
Olsen wasn’t a Presley fan when shebriefly appeared in the talent-contestaudition scene in Presley’s second-to-lastfilm, The Trouble with Girls (1969).“I couldn’t understand all the hype
over him, and I didn’t even think he wasgood-looking!” said Olsen, who went onto play youngest daughter Cindy on thepopular ’60s TV show The Brady Bunch.That changed after their first brief
encounter.
Costars Remember Elvis the Actor
Tinseltown Talks
Nick Thomas
Donna Butterworth and Elvis inParadise, Hawaiian Style
Marlyn Mason and Elvis in The Trouble with Girls
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews • January 2015 7
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It’s our mission to ensure a better quality of life, both for our clientsand their families. We provide companion, personal, andspecialized dementia care, so you can enjoy living independently athome or as a resident in a facility setting. We are honored to beguiding and educating our veterans on benefits available to off-setthe cost of home care. We are an approved provider with the Officeof Long Term Living Waiver Programs and the Lebanon VA MedicalCenter. Call today for your FREE in-home meeting.
1060 South State Street, Suite E.Ephrata, PA 17522
www.seniorhelpers.com/lancastercounty717-271-7531
“I remember that a bunch of the kids’mothers suddenly started screaming.Elvis had come out of his dressing room,and they crowded around him forautographs. So I thought, ‘What theheck! I’ll get one too.’ “So I went up to him—and I’m not
making this up—when he looked at me,I thought, ‘Oh, I get it! I see why theylike him so much.’ He had this specialaura about him. I was just dumbstruck; Icouldn’t say anything. He signed thephoto, handed it to me, and said, ‘Hereya go, darling.’”Presley’s leading lady in The Trouble
with Girls came away with more thanjust an autograph. Marlyn Masonsnagged an on-screen kiss.“It was a comedy kiss,” said Mason,
indicating that the only fireworks werethe real ones in the movie scene.“He was great fun to work with,
because I could throw anything at himand he’d just throw it right back.”She also recalls a private moment
when Presley shared thoughts about hisacting.“The saddest thing Elvis said to me
was, ‘I’d like to make one good filmbecause I know people in this town laughat me.’ I’ll never forget that,” she said. “But he was always down to earth and
comfortable with himself. Some of that
dialogue wasso corny, buthe managedto bring arealness to it.And I thinkthat’s justhow he wasin real life.He was anaturalcomedian,and histiming wasjustimpeccable. Ijust found him tobe a very genuineperson.”Despite his
fame, WillHutchins saysPresley didn’t playthe celebrity,although he wasusuallyaccompanied onmost of his filmsby pals—the so-called MemphisMafia.“On the set, Elvis was like a host—a
Southern gentleman—making sure
everyone washaving a goodtime,” saidHutchins,who firstworked inSpinout(1966).The
following yearhe costarredwith Presleyin Clambake,whichfeatured a lotof ad-libbing
and foolingaround on the set.“It was more
or less a de factostag party becauseElvis was gettingmarried soon afterthe filming wasfinished,” recalledHutchins. “Elvisand his buddieswould set offfirecrackers. It waspretty wild, but a
lot of fun. For the director’s birthday,they had a cake and pushed it right in hisface!”
Wilda Taylor appeared in three ElvisPresley films but strutted into Presleymovie history as exotic dancer LittleEgypt in Roustabout (1964).“We rehearsed for about two weeks,”
said Taylor. “Elvis was in and out of therehearsal hall every so often between hisother busy filming days for the otherscenes. He knew his material and musicwell, and I grew to admire him a greatdeal. “It’s amazing, through the years, how
many people know about me and LittleEgypt from that film. Oddly enough, Ireally didn’t know much about Elvisbefore we worked together, but I foundhim to be a lovely, darling person, and Iwas just pleased to be a small part of hislife.”With each passing decade since his
death in 1977 at age 42, the Elvis Presleylegend and legacy continue to grow.When viewed in the context of the oftenzany ’60s TV and film period, it isgratifying that there exists such anextensive film library of the mostcelebrated entertainer in history.
Thomas’ features and columns have appearedin more than 400 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
Wilda Taylor as Little Egypt with Elvis in Roustabout
Will Hutchins and Elvis in Clambake
8 January 2015 50plus SeniorNews • www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Lancaster County
Calendar of EventsCocalico Senior Association – (717) 336-7489Jan. 8, 11 a.m. – Lunch OutingJan. 22, 10 a.m. – Medicare ProgramJan. 27, 6 p.m. – Senior Social
Columbia Senior Center – (717) 684-4850Jan. 5, 10:15 a.m. – Musical MemoriesJan. 21, 10:15 a.m. – Senior Driving … What to KnowJan. 27, 10:15 a.m. – Songs of Yesteryear
Elizabethtown Area Senior Center – (717) 367-7984 Jan. 7, 1:30 p.m. – Bingo for BucksJan. 8, 10:30 a.m. – Hearing and Ear CareJan. 21, 10 a.m. – Medication Take-Back
Lancaster House North Happy Hearts Club SeniorCenter – (717) 299-1278Tuesdays, 1 p.m. – Varied ActivitiesThursdays, noon – Pinochle
Lancaster Neighborhood Senior Center – (717) 299-3943Jan. 9, 9:30 a.m. – How to Use the iPad Training StartsJan. 14, 9:30 a.m. – Haircuts and ManicuresJan. 22, 9:30 a.m. – Chorus Practice
Lancaster Rec. Senior Center – (717) 392-2115, ext. 147Mondays, 1:30 p.m. – PickleballJan. 14, 10:30 a.m. – Craft with PreschoolersJan. 22, 10:15 a.m. – Music by Marty’s One-Man Band
Lititz Senior Center – (717) 626-2800Fridays, 9 a.m. – Tai ChiJan. 8, 10:15 a.m. – Music and DancingJan. 29, 10:15 a.m. – History of Reading and Columbia
Railroad
Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center – (717) 295-7989Jan. 6, 10 a.m. – Three Kings Celebration with MusicJan. 13, 10 a.m. – The New School of Lancaster Spanish
Students Visit
Millersville Senior Center – (717) 871-9600Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m. – Healthy Steps in
Motion ExerciseJan. 14, 10 a.m. – Music for a Wintry DayJan. 21, 10 a.m. – Brain Teasers
Next Gen Senior Center – (717) 786-4770Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. – ExerciseWednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – Bible Study Jan. 6, 10:30 a.m. – Penn State Nutrition Program
Rodney Park Happy Hearts Club Senior Center –(717) 393-7786 Tuesdays, noon – Pinochle Wednesdays, 1 p.m. – Varied Activities Thursdays, noon – Bingo
Please call or visit the centers’ websites for additional activities.
Community Programs Free and open to the public
Support Groups Free and open to the public
Jan. 7, 7 to 8:15 p.m.Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support GroupWillow Lakes Outpatient Center212 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street(717) 464-9365
Jan. 12, 10 to 11 a.m.Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support GroupGarden Spot Village Concord Room433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland(717) [email protected]
Jan. 15, noonBrain Tumor Support GroupLancaster General Health Campus Wellness Center2100 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster(717) 626-2894
Jan. 26, 2 to 3 p.m.Parkinson’s Support GroupGarden Spot Village Concord Room433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland(717) [email protected]
Jan. 28, 6 to 8 p.m.Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania SupportGroupLancaster General Hospital – Stager Room 5555 N. Duke St., Lancaster(800) 887-7165, ext. 104
Jan. 5, 6 p.m.Red Rose Singles MeetingHoss’s Steak & Sea House100 W. Airport Road, Lititz(717) 406-6098
Jan. 16, 6 to 9 p.m.Music FridaysDowntown Lancaster (717) 341-0028
Senior Center Activities
Library Programs
Lititz Public Library, 651 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz, (717) 626-2255Jan. 15, 7 p.m. – Lititz Garden Club: All About OrchidsJan. 16, 10 a.m. – Literary Travelers Book Discussion: Please Look After Mom by Kyun-Sook ShinJan. 17, 1:30 p.m. – Lititz Historical Foundation Program
If you have an eventyou would like to include,please email information to [email protected] for
consideration.
You will lose the pearls if thestring breaks—I guarantee it. For gemstones set in rings, use
ring holders that separate setstones and their settings from oneanother. This will prevent scrapesand scratches and retain a stone’sclarity, too. Watches should not be stopped
when stored. Let the watch run soyou do not damage the battery ormovement. Store watches flat, anduse a soft cloth to cover the dialand protect the crystal face whenstoring them. When it comes to fine jewelry,
protecting your investment goeshand in hand with proper storage.
Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser,author, and award-winning TVpersonality, Dr. Lori hosts antiquesappraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori isthe star appraiser on Discoverychannel’s TV show AuctionKings. Visit www.DrLoriV.com,www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, LoriVerderame at Google+, or call (888)431-1010.
TIPS from page 5
What’s Happening? Give Us the Scoop!Please send us your press releases so we can let our readers know about free events
occurring in Lancaster County! Email preferred to: [email protected]
Let help you get the word out! (717) 285-1350
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews • January 2015 9
In today’s healthcare environment,you need your own advocate.
Anne L. Miller RN, BSN, MHAPrivate Patient Advocate
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The Beauty in Nature
Clyde McMillan-Gamber
Snow geese, snowy owls, andsnow buntings are birdspecies that nest on the
ground of the treeless Arctictundra and often winter in openhabitats in the Lower 48,including farmland in LancasterCounty, which must remind themof the tundra. They are a bit of the Arctic
come south for the winter. Butonly snow geese come this farsouth every winter. These species are mostly white, which
camouflages them in snow. Snow geesewinter in noisy hordes that blanketharvested cornfields and winter rye fields,where they feed on waste corn kernelsand the green shoots of rye. They rest on larger, human-made
impoundments between feeding forays.And their clamorous takeoffs andlandings on fields and water are
spectacular and inspiring. Theirdeafening masses in flight block thebackground from view, as does a blizzard.In Lancaster County, snow geese are
most likely seen at Middle CreekWildlife Management Area from mid-February to the middle of March,depending on the weather. But by mid-March they begin their migration northto their breeding territories on thetundra.
A few snowy owls winter in LancasterCounty, as in much of the Lower 48,after lemming populations crash on thetundra about every five years. Most of the owls here are young of the
year come south, looking for any preyanimals they can handle. And they arethrilling to birdwatchers and othersbecause they are rare here and aremagnificent creatures from a distantwilderness.
Flocks of white and brownsnow buntings by the score fly lowto the ground in local farmlandwhile uttering buzzy notes. Theyare a little larger than sparrowsand the colors of fields partlycovered with snow. Some individual snow buntings
may be in groups of horned larksin the fields. Snow buntings eatweed and grass seeds and grain infields through winter. But by April
they are going north to their tundranesting grounds. This winter, or succeeding ones, try to
get out to see these tundra birds in localfields and impoundments. They arethrilling to experience because we don’tsee them every day, and they came fromwilderness.
Clyde McMillan-Gamber is a retiredLancaster County Parks naturalist.
Their First Name is Snow
Snow geese winter in harvested cornfields. A snowy owl in flight.
10 January 2015 50plus SeniorNews • www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
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STARTING AT
Traveltizers Travel Appetizers: Stories that Whet the Appetite for Travel
By Andrea Gross
I’m a sucker for superlatives. Mypersonal bucket list demands that Ivisit as many “ests” as possible, places
that hold the record for being thehighest, hottest, or in some way the verybest of their category. I thought compiling the list would be
simple, especially after I limited it to theUnited States, but of course it wasn’t. Iran into myriad problems ofmeasurement and definition. Eventually I came up with my own
criteria, based as much on practicalityand desirability as on quantifiable data.Here, my recommendations for the
Best of the Ests:
Highest I have no intention of actually
climbing the tallest peak, which rules outAlaska’s Mt. McKinley (20,237 feet), yetI want to do more than peer toward theheavens. Thus I head for Colorado’s Mount
Evans. At 14,265 feet, Mount Evans is apigmy among giants, but—and this isimportant—it’s home to the highestpaved road. This means I can drive almost all the
way to the country’s highest parking lot,
walk a mere quarter mile to the summit,and voila, I’ll be standing atop thehighest reasonably accessible peak in theU.S.The highway was built between 1917
and 1927 as a means of drawing tourists.
It worked. Today, the scenic drive—atwo-lane ribbon that winds betweentowering evergreens, open meadows, andlovely alpine lakes—is one of Colorado’stop attractions. (www.mountevans.com)
Lowest Choosing the lowest spot is easy. Since
I quickly rule out deep-sea diving anddescending into a mine, I’m left withDeath Valley, Calif., which is the lowestpoint of dry land that was formed bynature as opposed to by man-and-shovel.The valley’s precise lowest point (282
feet below sea level) is near BadwaterBasin, which sits amidst nearly 200square miles of salt flats. A boardwalk lets visitors walk part
way into the basin, but most folks stepdown onto the actual flats. Thelandscape is bizarre but beautiful, apattern of interlocking shapes created bythe valley’s unique combination ofextreme heat, minimal rainfall, and lowelevation. (www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm)
A Quest for the Ests: Visiting the Extremes of the United States
Photo courtesy of National Park Service
A boardwalk at Badwater Basin leads froma parking lot to the salt flats that mark the
lowest point in the United States.
Photo courtesy of National Park Service
The salt flats of Death Valley are nothospitable to plants or animals.
People who take a short hike fromthe highest paved parking lot in theU.S. to the summit of Mt. Evans canbrag that they’ve climbed one ofColorado’s famous Fourteeners(mountains that rise more than14,000 feet above sea level).
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews • January 2015 11
DriestHere I run into trouble. Calexico, a
small town on the California-Mexicoborder, has the lowest annual rainfall, butDeath Valley has the most consecutivedays with no rainfall. In the end I opt for neither. In my
mind, “dry” suggests a place where I canmount a camel and ride endless milesacross towering sand dunes. Calexico isdune-less, and while Death Valley hasdunes, they aren’t record-setters. For that I have to go to Great Sand
Dunes National Park in Colorado,which, although devoid of camels, has750-foot-tall sand piles, the highest inNorth America. Later I learn that the dunes aren’t
really dry. In fact, it’s the moist layer ofsand right under the surface that holdsthe upper dry sand in place. But that’s OK. At this point in my
Quest-Est, I’m more concerned withimagery than scientific accuracy.(www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm)
Wettest As for the wettest place, I must choose
between the soggiest land or the drippiestsky. Since I don’t have a pair of wet bootsbut own several umbrellas, I decide onHawaii’s Mount Waleleale. Then I learn that the mountain’s
average rainfall exceeds 38 feet a year—a
fact that greatly dampens my enthusiasm(pardon the pun)—so I restrict mysearch to the contiguous United Statesand end up on Washington’s OlympicPeninsula.While the Aberdeen Reservoir is the
rainiest place, with 130.6 inches a year,Forks is the rainiest town, with 120
inches a year. More important, it’s given this
accolade not only by the NationalClimatic Data Center, but also byStephenie Meyer, who used it as a settingfor her Twilight book series. Why, I may even spot a vampire along
the shore or amidst the trees, and this
makes Forks a double superlative—winner of both the wettest and theweirdest categories. (www.forkswa.com)
ColdestOnce I exclude non-contiguous
Alaska, Rogers Pass, Mont., holds therecord for a one-day temperature low(minus 70 F), but the peak of NewHampshire’s Mount Washington winsthe title for all-time year-around cold(annual average temperature of 27 F). In addition, with wind gusts that
sometimes reach more than 230 mph, it’salso considered the windiest place in theUnited States.Therefore, with masochistic
determination I head to the summit. Theroad is steep, narrow, and bordered withdeadly drop-offs. But am I glad I went? Absolutely. The
view on top is spectacular and, what’smore, at the Weather Discovery Centerin nearby North Conway I learn thatMount Washington holds bragging rightsto the best Est of all: Home of theWorld’s Worst Weather.It’s a perfect way to end my search.
The title of “worst” makes MountWashington the “best.”(www.mountwashington.org)
Photos © Irv Green unless otherwise noted;story by Andrea Gross (www.andreagross.com).
Photo courtesy of Forks Chamber of Commerce
Forks, Wash., is the gateway to therainforests of Olympic National Park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park has thetallest dunes in North America.
Photo courtesy of Mount Washington Observatory
Scientists at the Mount WashingtonObservatory work in a place that’sreputed to have the worst weatherin the world.
12 January 2015 50plus SeniorNews • www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
Explore Your Future Volunteer Workshops
Lancaster County RSVP
-
Connects Community and Hundreds of Local Vets
By Molly Carl
State Representative Angel Cruz, with helpfrom the Pennsylvania House ofRepresentatives, named 2014 as the Year ofthe Veteran—and OLP EvENtS, with the helpof Lancaster County, hosted the area’s firstVeterans’ Expo & Job Fair Nov. 14 at theEden Resort, Lancaster.The Veterans’ Expo was open to all active
military and veterans, men and women fromall branches of service, and their families witha mission of ensuring all eligible individualsare aware of the benefits they have earnedfrom their service to our nation.“In 1960, when I came home from
Vietnam in my uniform, people spit at us aswe got off the plane,” said Gene Conylman ofEphrata, Air Force. “Veterans need to behonored and respected better than that.Anything for the veterans is beneficial.”There were a total of 33 Expo vendors and
65 Job Fair exhibitors present at the sold-outevent, which began with an openingceremony. After a welcome from Donna Anderson,
president of On-Line Publishers, the RedRose Veterans Honor Guard performed thePresenting of the Colors, honoring allbranches of military service. Peggy Keller, 2011 Pa StatE SENiOr idOL
winner, sang the national anthem, andAnderson led the attendees in the Pledge ofAllegiance before Lt. Gen. Dennis Benchofftook the stage as the keynote speaker. Benchoff addressed the importance of
helping veterans secure employment and therole the day’s event played in making thathappen. He also commented on veterans’benefits—both the fact that they are availableand how they are earned.Tom La Nasa closed the opening ceremony
with a performance of Johnny Cash’s “RaggedOld Flag.”
Along with the Expo & Job Fair
exhibitors, there were also a number ofseminars and presentations for visitors toattend. Audrey M. Bergstresser from the
Department of Pennsylvania Veterans ofForeign Wars hosted “You and Your VABenefits”; Beth A. Lovell of EmploymentIssues! presented “Resume Writing to Improveand Shorten Your Job Search” and “Winningthe Interview”; and Jack Marino, SCOREcounselor, gave a presentation called “So YouWant to Start a Business?” With more than 500 visitors in attendance,
the response to the first Lancaster CountyVeterans’ Expo & Job Fair was positive. “There are a lot of veterans out there who
don’t even have jobs, so I think it’s nice thatthis event is here for them,” said TerrySchaffer of New Holland, Marines.The event also brought out organizations
looking to recruit other veterans to providethem with the resources they deserve and togive them the support network they may needat home. “We’re an organization that honors
veterans in Lancaster County and IndiantownGap National Cemetery,” said Clyde R.Snyder, Army, of the Vet 21 Salute HonorGuard. “We’re looking for new members to join
our current 43 and improve our ranks,”Snyder said. “We wore our uniforms outtoday hoping to catch somebody’s eye andmaybe gain a new member or two … We’veonly been at this 15 months, and we’vealready honored 1,500 veterans.” Snyder also said he would love to see this
event next year because it “helps these menand women find whatever it is that broughtthem out today.”Keep an eye out for the return of the
Veterans’ Expo & Job Fair in 2015 andvisit www.veteransexpo.com for more details.
A special thank-you to our sponsors!Principal Sponsors: Program Sponsor:
USAAVisitor Bag Sponsor:Susquehanna Bank
Liberty Sponsors:Fulton Financial Corporation
The SYGMA NetworkWells Fargo
Worley & Obetz, Inc.
Marketing Sponsor:Pennsylvania Veterans
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Media Sponsors:Blue Ridge Communications
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wake up between 2:30 and 4 o’clockalmost every morning. A force inside my head flips a
switch, lights go on, and rollers andgears begin to turn. It’s like the startupshift in a manufacturing plant. As theminutes slowly pass, the lights getbrighter, the sounds inside becomecacophonous, and all attempts to sleepare futile.Then the neuronal network within
my normally sedate noggin fires away atfull speed to conjure all kinds ofworriment that I think should beimmediately considered. Problems go back and forth as though
going through acerebral rollingmill, and eachproblem isforged intosmaller, moredetailed elementsthat demandmore intensescrutiny witheach pass.Concrete
solutions to some problems are so elusivethat I must store them in mysubconscious until the next morning—or even the morning after that. And theywill again appear between 2:30 and 4a.m. to bedevil me.It is necessary, then, to try to solve
these problems as soon as possible beforethey pile up on all the other woeswaiting to steal my sleep. I am too oftenconfounded, and the frustrationexacerbates my troubles.My wife tends to stir knowingly when
I’m in the “worry” mode. She usuallysays nothing until about 6 a.m. when Istumble downstairs, bleary-eyed andunsteady.I know that my tossing and turning
keeps her from sleeping soundly, whichmakes me worry even more. She has togo to work in the morning. I, on theother hand, can take a nap during theday to recover from my sleeplessness,which can create some resentment.I find it odd that my wife doesn’t
worry much about anything. And thatoften drives me crazy—I worry aboutwhy she doesn’t worry. Oh, she pondersover the same things that worry me; she
just does not let those thoughts devolveinto a condition of hyperventilation likeI do.What are some of the things I worry
about? I’ll tell you. But, keep in mindthat the following is far from acomprehensive list. There isn’t enoughspace in this column to elaborate on allof my vexations.For example, my roof is almost 20
years old. Each time there is a downpourthat lasts more than several minutes, Iroam around the house looking forleaks. So far, so good. But should I replace this roof soon?
Will it hold up for a couple more years?I forget what thelife was on theshingles Ibought. Was it20 years? Ormaybe it was 25. If I could just
find the originalcontract, maybeI could stopworrying.However, maybe
I would worry more if I found theanswer.I’m beginning to wonder how long a
car with 161,000 miles on it willcontinue to start up and take me where Ineed to go. I have put more than acarload of money into repairs for thething, believing that it is more desirablethan four years (or more) of carpayments. Whenever I hear an unusual noise
under the hood, I worry. Should I justgo ahead and strap myself with carpayments?Our water heater started to leak
several months ago. I installed it myselfand it lasted much longer than it wassupposed to. But this time around, I decided to
have somebody else do the installation. Ialso installed a new garbage-disposal unitand a new dishwasher many years ago. Ihad the disposal replaced last year by aplumber. So, when will the dishwasher go on
the fritz? I cross my fingers and continueto worry on that one.
The Way I See It
Mike Clark
Morning Woes
I
please see WOES page 15
14 January 2015 50plus SeniorNews • www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
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Dear Savvy Senior,What constitutes age discrimination in
the workplace, and where can I turn forhelp if I think I’ve got a case?– Demoted at 64
Dear Demoted,Age discrimination has become a
much more frequent complaint in recentyears as more and more people areworking into their retirement years. But, you need to be aware that proving
it is extremely difficult to do, especiallysince the 2009 Supreme Court decisionthat raised thebar for thetype of legalproof thatworkers needto win age-discriminationlawsuits.With that
said, here arethe steps you’llneed to take tofight agediscriminationif you think you’ve been treatedunlawfully.
ADEA ProtectionThe Age Discrimination in
Employment Act (ADEA) is your firstdefense against age discrimination. Thisis a federal law that says an employercannot fire, refuse to hire, or treat youdifferently from other employees becauseof your age. Some examples of age discrimination
include:
• You were fired because your bosswanted to keep younger workers who arepaid less.
• You were turned down for apromotion, which went to someoneyounger hired from outside the company,because the boss says the company “needsnew blood.”
• When company layoffs are announced,most of the persons laid off were older,while younger workers with less seniorityand less on-the-job experience were kepton.
• Before you were fired, your supervisormade age-related remarks about you.
• You didn’t get hired because theemployer wanted a younger-lookingperson to do the job.
The ADEA protects all workers andjob applicants age 40 and over who workfor employers that have 20 or moreemployees—including federal, state, andlocal governments as well as employmentagencies and labor unions.If your workplace has fewer than 20
employees, youmay still beprotected underyour state’santi-age-discriminationlaw. Contactyour state labordepartment oryour state’s fairemploymentpractices agencyfor moreinformation.
Another protection for older workers isthe federal Older Workers BenefitProtection Act. Under this law, anemployer cannot reduce health or lifeinsurance benefits for older employees,nor can it stop their pensions fromaccruing if they work past their normalretirement age. It also discourages businesses from
targeting older workers when cutting staffand prohibits employers from forcingemployees to take early retirement.
What to DoIf you think you are a victim of
employment age discrimination, yourfirst step is to file a charge with the EqualEmployment Opportunity Commission(EEOC) usually within 180 days fromthe date of the alleged violation. You can do this by mail or in person
at your nearest EEOC office (seewww.eeoc.gov/contact) or by calling (800)669-4000. They will help you throughthe filing process and let you know if youshould also file a charge with your stateanti-discrimination agency.Once the charge is filed, the EEOC
will investigate your complaint and find
How to Fight AgeDiscrimination
Savvy Senior
Jim Miller
When it finally goes out, I’ll have topay someone else to install the new one.Can you say “expensive”?Two of my grandchildren moved to
another state back in June. It wassudden, unexpected, and disheartening. Iam still disheartened by it. I miss themterribly.I am always wondering if they are
adjusting to their new digs. Are theyhappy? Are they making friends? Arethey doing well in their new school?They call, and I am reassured that all iswell. My wife takes them at their word.Still, I worry.And so it goes until the bright lights
and noise inside my head subside, and Islowly go back to sleep for what remains
of the time left before the alarm goes off.My wife reminds me that in all of our
years together, things have alwaysworked out. Then I worry about apossible exception.For the new year ahead, I’m going to
have to find ways to banish my morningwoes. After all, my wife really needs hersleep. Happy New Year.
Mike Clark writes a regular column for TheGlobe Leader newspaper in New Wilmington,Pa. He has a Bachelor of Science degree inorganizational behavior/applied psychologyfrom Albright College. Mike lives outsideColumbia, Pa., and can be contacted [email protected].
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews • January 2015 15
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either reasonable cause to believe thatage discrimination has occurred or nocause and no basis for a claim. After the investigation, the EEOC
will then send you their findings alongwith a “notice of right to sue,” whichgives you permission to file a lawsuit ina court of law.If you decide to sue, you’ll need to
hire a lawyer who specializes inemployee discharge suits. Lawyers.comand FindLaw (www.findlaw.com) aretwo websites that can help you locatediscrimination attorneys in your area.Another option you should consider
is mediation, which is a fair andefficient way to help you resolve youremployment disputes and reach anagreement. The EEOC offers mediation at no
cost if your current or former employeragrees to participate. At mediation, youshow up with your evidence, youremployer presents theirs, and themediator makes a determination withina day or less.
Jim Miller is a regular contributor to theNBC Today show and author of The SavvySenior Book. www.savvysenior.org
If you have local news you’d like considered forAround Town, please email [email protected]
As part of Landis Homes’ recent50th anniversary celebrationculmination event, hundreds ofcelebrants stepped outside to view the1,000 luminaries lining the walkwayfrom the community’s Harvest ViewApartments to the site of the plannedLeaman Woods paved walking path.The walkway stretches nearly
three-quarters of a mile. Each litluminary represented a $50 gift,given in memory or in honor of aloved one.The $50,000 goal for the Leaman
Woods Accessibility Project to createa paved walking path was farexceeded, with the total amounttopping $70,500.
In addition to a new paved paththrough the woods, additionalbenches, a gazebo, and two entrancearches are planned to be added to theLeaman Woods in 2015.
Luminary Walk Will AidAccessibility
WOES from page 13
Never Miss Another Issue!Subscribe online at
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
would be that these ‘jobs’ are not asglamorous as portrayed on television,”Ballenger said. “They require a hugeamount of commitment and an ever-larger amount of caring and compassion.“They are not for the faint of heart,
but you will make a difference—andthat’s what it’s all about.”Her goal was to express empathy and
caring on every call she responded to.“Even if it was a man with knee pain
he’d had for three weeks and [he then]decides to dial 911 at 3 a.m.,” said
Ballenger. “In their opinion, when theydial 911, it is one of the worst days oftheir lives, and I respect that.”Performing CPR on calls for people
she knew was very difficult.“I literally had to be pulled off of the
one man by the doctor at the hospital ashe announced time of death,” Ballengersaid. “A little bit of you dies with theperson.”Successful and unsuccessful suicides,
as well as calls involving children, arealways the most difficult, she said.
But on Oct. 2, 2006, she respondedto a call in Bart Township that nothingcould have prepared her for.Ballenger was one of the first
responders to the shooting at the WestNickel Mines School, where a manentered theschoolhouseand lined up10 youngAmish girlsbeforeshooting themexecutionstyle. Five ofthe girls died;the gunmanlater took hisown life.“I was one
of the few toenter the school with the dead bodiesstill inside,” Ballenger said.She asked the crew from New
Holland Ambulance to clean one of thegirl’s faces because she did not want thechild’s mother to see her face entirelycovered in blood.“They said they had been told not to
touch her. I said, ‘I will take fullresponsibility and will risk my job on
it,’” Ballenger recalled. “They agreed andwere flawless in their work. I am foreverindebted.“I was on scene from approximately
11 a.m. until midnight,” she said. “I stillhave no idea how I made it home.”
That night,Ballenger had tocomplete herreports from thehaunting tragedythat she hadbarely begun toprocess.“As I
downloaded thepictures, it allseemed surreal,”said Ballenger.Before she
could beginprocessing any further, her phone beganto ring nonstop. “CNN called to say they were on their
way to my home. I said, ‘Absolutelynot.’”Ballenger took two weeks off from
everything. She visited the New HollandAmbulance crew to thank them foreverything that they did for the victimsand families.
16 January 2015 50plus SeniorNews • www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
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LANCASTER COUNTY
May 14, 20159 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Millersville UniversityMarauder Court
21 South George StreetMillersville
16th Annual
CHESTER COUNTY
June 9, 20159 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Church Farm School1001 East Lincoln Highway
Exton
12th Annual
DAUPHIN COUNTY
April 2, 20159 a.m. – 2 p.m.Hershey Lodge325 University Drive
Hershey
16th Annual
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www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews • January 2015 17
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Are You Reading?Join the 2015 One Book, One Community campaign by reading
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
85 libraries in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster,Lebanon, Perry, and York counties and theircommunity partners present the regionalreading campaign.
Visit www.oboc.orgor your library to learn more
Read the book duringJanuary and attend freelibrary programs anddiscussions in February!
(717) 285-1350 • (717) 770-0140 • (610) 675-6240 • www.50plusSeniorNewspa.com
Gold AwardWinter 2013 issue
Bronze AwardSpring 2013 issue
Merit Award“Life’s Second Draft”
BY CHELSEA PEIFER
Merit Award“Take Two” BY MEGAN JOYCE
On-Line Publishers, Inc. was recently honoredwith four national awards.
Thank you for readingour award-winningpublications.
“It was very emotional. I couldn’tthank them enough for cleaning herface,” Ballenger said. “And I didn’t getin trouble.”She met with counselors and visited
with the Amish families who lost theirchildren on that day.“I still keep in contact with them. I
always leave their homes feeling a littlebetter,” Ballenger said.Her mind kept revisiting the inside
of the Amish school, and in an effort tofind a “new normal,” Ballenger decidedto move and sell nearly everything thatshe owned.“In hindsight, I wish I hadn’t done
that,” Ballenger said. “But I wasdesperate to try to find a normal placein my mind.”She tried crafts and other endeavors
to occupy her mind, but writing amemoir about her experiences was whatfinally gave her a greater sense of peace.Ballenger had been keeping journals
of her experiences since she startedvolunteering.“As I began seeing some gruesome
sights, I needed a way to vent myemotions. My brother, John, gave me alined journal and when I would returnhome from a call, I recorded myemotions in the journal—which turnedinto many, many journals,” Ballengerexplained.
She spent the next two years writingher first book, Addicted to Life & Death:Memoirs of an EMT & Deputy Coroner.She gives free talks in the community
about her book and experiences andbrings a guest speaker with her todiscuss suicide and its effects on thoseleft behind. She includes instructions ongiving CPR in her talks.“Some people have said, ‘I guess you
get used to seeing the things you see.’No, you never get used to it. If you do,then it is time to get out of doing thatwork,” Ballenger said. “Others ask how I could do that
work. I reply, ‘Everyone has their placeon Earth. I am blessed that I was able todo that work for many, many years.Someone has to do it. But don’t ask meto be a dental hygienist—I could neverdo that work.”Ballenger is a still a certified EMT
but does not run on calls. She works ata skilled nursing facility near Ephrata. Ballenger is available to speak about
her experiences and can be reached at(717) 606-3494, [email protected], or at her Facebook page:www.facebook.com/AddictedToLifeDeathMemoirsOfAnEmtDeputyCoroner. Her book is available online or can
be purchased directly through Ballenger;she will sign them as requested.
Midnight’s sleek, black fur andwatchful, golden-green eyes give him avery distinguished look.But it’s his friendly, down-to-earth
attitude that makes this 8-year-old kittya wonderful companion.Not only does he love attention from
humans, but he likes the company ofother kitties too.When he’s not busy socializing, you’ll
find Midnight making the most of awarm window seat or happilymunching on his kibbles. He’s already
neutered and litter-box trained.Midnight would love to be your loving companion morning,noon, and night. Come visit Midnight to find out if he’s the
friend you’ve been searching for! Midnight ID No.9718834For more information, please contact the
Humane League of Lancaster County at (717)393-6551.
Humane League Pet of the Month
Midnight
18 January 2015 50plus SeniorNews • www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com
LANCASTER COUNTY
EMPLOYERS NEED YOU!!
For more job listings, call theLancaster County Office of Aging
at (717) 299-7979or visit
www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lanco_aging
Lancaster County Office of Aging150 N. Queen Street, Suite 415
Lancaster, PA
cARe PROviDeRs – PtLocal organization needs caring persons to assist adults with developmental disabilities living in group
homes by helping with hygiene, medications, cooking, cleaning, and using company van to transport
guests to appointments. Need valid driver’s license/good record.
Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? How about making a resolution that will enrich your life and the life of an older person in yourcommunity?The volunteer opportunities available at Lancaster County Office of Aging are diverse, offer flexibility, and require a minimal time commitment. As a volunteer, you can choose to provide a consumer with hands-on help with laundry, grocery shopping, or cleaning. You can also provide
socialization as a Phone Pal or Friendly Visitor. There are also several specialized programs for volunteers through our agency. They include the Volunteer Ombudsman and APPRISE volunteer
programs. Volunteers are also invited to participate in several special events during the year, such as distribution of donated chicken barbecue dinners and
the Christmas holiday program.For more information about any of these opportunities and others, contact Bev Via, volunteer coordinator, at (717) 299-7979 or
[email protected]. Becoming an Office of Aging volunteer is one resolution you’ll enjoy keeping!
PicKuP DRiveRs – Pt
Service provider desires courteous,
friendly persons to operate a box
truck/van to transport medical/
hazardous waste materials. May
require pulling a trailer behind the
vehicle. Need PA class C driver’s
license, clean driving record, and
ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
SN120035.02
DiRect sALes RePResentAtive – Ft
Large media service provider is
looking for someone with the special
qualities of tenacity, good listening
skills, a technical mindset, and the
ability to structure/close a sale.
Determine clients’ needs, explain
products/services, and offer
solutions. Commission plan/benefits.
SN120049.04
E.O.E.
vieW OuR JOb List
We list other jobs on the Web at
www.co.lancaster.pa.us/
lanco_aging. To learn more about
applying for the 55+ Job Bank
and these jobs, call the
Employment Unit at
(717) 299-7979.SN-GEN.03
SN120002.01Age 55 or over? Unemployed? The 55+ Job Bank is one ofthree services offered by Employment Unit at the Office ofAging. Jobs are matched with those looking for work. Based on an
evaluation of your skills and abilities, we can match you with aposition needed by a local employer. Some employers arespecifically looking for older workers because of the reliabilityand experience they bring to the workplace. There is a mix offull-time and part-time jobs covering all shifts, requiringvarying levels of skill and experience, and offering a wide rangeof salaries. The other services available through the Office of Aging are
the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)and the regularly scheduled Job Search Workshops.
— Volunteer Opportunities —
Job
Opportunities
Dear Mark: I know that you haveclearly stated multiple times in yourcolumn that casinos do not cheat. I amstill leery of your belief. I guess myquestion is: Who monitors the casinoto ensure their slot machines are on theup-and-up? – Jared J.
Every state that offers land-basedcasinos has some form of a gamingregulatory agency that provides you, thecasino patron, with protection fromplaying on a rigged machine.Let’s begin with the machine itself.
Each new slot machine goes throughroughly a six-month process to beapproved before it hits the casino floor.A state’s gaming regulatory agency
tests the machine to make sure that itoperates randomly by scrutinizing how itselects the reel stops on a slot machine. The agency does a thorough
inspection of the machine’s source code
for any possible problems and then peeksat the principles behind how the randomgeneration occurs. Only then is the machine placed out
in the field(casino) for moretesting beforefinal approval.After the
proverbial twothumbs up, themanufacturer canthen sell thatconfiguration ofthat slot machineto the casino.Testing thencontinues once the machine is placedinto operation.For starters, the machine will run self-
tests to make sure it hasn’t beentampered with; plus, it makes sure it runswithin certain parameters—meaning it
doesn’t pay out too little or too much. These internal tests also look out for
the casino’s best interest in that theymake sure the slot machine isn’t
susceptible tocheating.In most (if not
all) states,machines are alsosubject to randomspot checks inwhich someonefrom gamingverifies that amachine isidentical to theapproved
configuration, it has not been tamperedwith, and the chips in the machinematch the reference chips approved bythe agency.Agents in the field show up
unannounced and armed with a laptop
computer that has a database of all thechip signatures. Each chip has a codenumber that contains all its attributes,including its return percentages. Agents will know on the spot if the
chip is legit by inserting the chip intotheir specialized laptop; it reads the chipand all its contents to certify that it is anapproved value chip. Any hanky panky (Tommy James and
the Shondells, 1966), and we’re talkingthe possible loss of a gaming license.Besides, most casinos today are publiclytraded companies not interested inexposing their gaming license to loss withany suspicion of monkey business goingon.Furthermore, in some states, casinos
can’t even access the logic boards in theirmachines. Only the gaming authoritycan either make the change or witnessthe swap.Some states do allow casinos to make
Who Watches Them?‘Them’ Being the Casino
Deal Me InBy Mark Pilarski
We may not be moving toward acashless society, but for some people,paying with plastic is the preferred wayto go. A survey from CreditCard.com found
that 51 percent of adults under 30 willuse a credit or debit card for purchasesless than $5, while 77 percent of people50 or older prefer to pay cash whenbuying something for $5 or less.
Debit cards are more popular thancredit cards among the youngergeneration by a 3-to-1 margin and hold a2-to-1 lead among users of all ages. Americans held balances on credit
cards in the amount of half a trilliondollars by the end of the first half of2014, according to the Federal ReserveBank of New York.
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And, so much more!
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variations to slot machines under thatstate’s regulations. By variations, I meaneither a paytable modification or a chipswap inside a machine to make it returnmore or less. As long as “approved” chips are used,
and the payback is within the minimumlimit set by each state’s law, it is legit.Another reason the slot machine is on
the up-and-up is that every machineoffered is mathematically in the casino’sfavor. It is the way they make theirmoolah—by paying you less than thetrue odds on every machine on thecasino floor. Why cheat? There isn’t any need to
swindle you beyond what the statealready allows them via the casino hold.They don’t call slot machines “one-armed bandits” for nothin’.
Please take into account, Jared, thatmy above answer is to some degreegeneralized. Each gaming jurisdictionmay use a slightly different approach,but you can rest assured that who’swatching whom is watching out for you.
Gambling Wisdom of the Month:“Slot machines are the cotton candy andthe McDonald’s of the casino. Everyoneknows that they’re bad for you, but fewcan resist their junk-food appeal.” –Andrew Brisman
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
Disk Damage: Watch Your BackA herniated spinal disk can cause
severe pain. Spinal disks act as cushionsbetween your vertebrae, and if theybecome damaged or slip out of place,they can irritate surrounding nerves. The result: weakness, numbness,
and/or pain in arms, legs, or back. Watchfor these risk factors to assess yourvulnerability:
Age. Spinal disks degenerate over time,becoming less flexible and more likely totear as you grow older.
Weight. Extra weight puts more of astrain on your lower back.
Lifting. If your job (or your personallife) requires you to do a lot of heavylifting, be sure to pick objects upproperly and safely to avoid injury.
Genetics. The Mayo Clinic websitepoints out that some people inherit atendency to develop disks that herniateeasily.
Is Cash Losing its Cachet?
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please let themknow you sawtheir ad in
www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews • January 2015 19
