Fran Horkowitz, founder of the Senior Theatre Players, backstage at the Little Theatre ofMechanicsburg, where exposed brickwork from the original building can be seen.

It was first constructed as a one-room schoolhouse in 1863.

By Chelsea Peifer

Theater has been a pivotal part of human culture since the most primitivetimes. Once the lifeblood of every community, today local theaters mustcompete with entertainment formats like television and movies for theattention of audiences.

But in Central Pennsylvania, local theaters continue thriving because ofpassionate individuals like Fran Horkowitz.

Horkowitz, 87, has acted, directed, and served on the board for severaltheaters, and her primary involvement has been with the Little Theatre ofMechanicsburg.

But in 2009, she saw an empty niche for seniors who wanted to remaininvolved with performing arts but without the commitment of memorizing atremendous amount of lines or attending several months’ worth of rehearsals.

Ever the go-getter, Horkowitz decided to form the Senior Theatre Playersto fill that void.

The Senior Theatre Players began with six players traveling to seniorcenters, assisted and independent living homes, and various locations inCentral Pennsylvania to perform short skits. The group has grown to include15 players ranging in age from 50 to 91.

please see LAUGHS page 15

Theater Group and its Founder SpreadHumor and Active Aging

For SeniorLaughs, the

Play’s the Thing

Dauphin County Edition September 2014 Vol. 16 No. 9

The National

September 11 Museum

page 5

The Other Side of

Leonard Nimoy

page 8

Inside:

There are several firms that cater tothe general public for testing ofindividual DNA. Most of them

actively promote their services and can befound on the Internet.

The “big four,” with the main thrustsof their services, are: 23andMe (medical,genealogical, and personal ancestry);Family Tree DNA (genealogical, personalancestry); AncestryDNA (genealogical,personal ancestry); and Genographic byNational Geographic (population geneticsresearch, personal ancestry).

The first three charge about $100 for abasic test, while NG charges about $200for a more comprehensive test. For adetailed comparison of these firms, seehttp://bit.ly/DNATestVendorsCompared.

The premise behind all of these tests isthat humans, like all living things, have agenome—a set of biological “plans” thatdetermines the details of our veryexistence: hair color; eye color; body

shape; susceptibility to asthma, ortuberculosis, or color blindness; ability toprocreate; etc.—the very things that makeus individuals.

These traits,however, havebeen passeddown from ourancestors via thecoding describedby substancescalleddeoxyribonucleicacids: DNA.

We receivesome of theDNA from one parent, some from theother. Since our parents had parents, they,too, received some from each parent,meaning that part of our DNA is fromour grandparents—and from our great-grandparents and our great-great-grandparents, back to the first humans.

Our DNA is contained mostly ingenes, in our chromosomes, of which wehave 23 pairs. Most of our DNA is of atype called autosomal, contained in 22 of

the 23chromosome pairs.The 23rd pair is theone thatdetermines oursex. In males, thepair comprises oneX and one Ychromosome, andin females it hastwo Xchromosomes.

Thus, the DNA in the Y chromosome (Y-DNA or paternal DNA) is passed onlyfrom male to male.

Another key form of DNA ismitochondrial DNA (mtDNA ormaternal DNA), which can be passedfrom a woman to both male and femaleoffspring but cannot be further passed onby the males. These characteristics meanthat paternal and maternal DNA can(separately) be compared to known DNAcharacteristics of various ethnic andgeographic groups (called haplogroups)that existed in the distant past.

Last time, I noted that one of thegenealogical reasons for DNA testingincludes the desire to know one’s broadethnic or national origins. Many peopleare intrigued by such questions. Do theyhave black, or Jewish, or Native Americanancestry?

While the test vendors use DNAanalyses to indicate a subject’s “ancestrycomposition,” I believe many researchersput undue weight on such descriptions.

For example, my 23andMe ancestry

composition shows 87.7 percentEuropean, with 75.1 percent SouthernEuropean and 59.9 percent Italian, and itfound that less than one-tenth of 1percent of my ancestry is Irish or British.

Those findings are not surprising,because I have found by traditional “papergenealogy” that most of my ancestorsback to the sixth generation in the mid-1700s were from one of only two townsin central Sicily. The part about 5.1percent being Middle Eastern or Africanis intriguing but no more surprising.

The “small print” says that theseestimates are for one’s ancestryapproximately “500 years ago, beforeocean-crossing ships and airplanes cameon the scene.”

Other results claim to define one’sancestry as far back as 5,000 to 50,000years, but I feel that such “ancestry”simply refers to stages or regions that thefamilial forebears passed through duringthe long history of mankind. I happen tobelieve that all mankind descended fromthe first humans in Africa, so that if theDNA studies were all completely accurate,everyone’s ancestral composition would bethe same: 100 percent African.

Next time, I’ll discuss what DNAtesting can do to answer the questions I’mmost interested in: those surrounding“personal ancestry.”

Coniglio is the author of a novella inspired byhis Sicilian research entitled The Lady of theWheel, available in paperback atamzn.to/racalmuto or in an e-book atbit.ly/LadyOfTheWheelKindle. For moreinformation, check out his webpage atbit.ly/AFCGen or email him atgenealogytips@aol.com.

How Can DNA Results Help Our Search?

The Search for Our Ancestry

Angelo Coniglio

“One of the genealogical

reasons for DNA testing

includes the desire to

know one’s broad ethnic

or national origins.

“

2 September 2014 50plus SeniorNews www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Never Miss Another Issue!Subscribe online at

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Veterans’ expoand Job Fair

H

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November 14, 20149 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Eden Resort • 222 Eden Road, Lancaster

Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available

www.veteransexpo.com

Special appearances, including theRed Rose Veterans Honor Guard,

who will recognize all branches of service

Sponsored by:

Liberty Sponsor:Fulton Financial Corporation

Program Sponsor:USAA

Media Sponsors:Blue Ridge Communications

WKZF

Hosted by:

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www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews September 2014 3

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

Central PA Poison Center(800) 521-6110

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

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

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

Alzheimer’s Association(717) 651-5020

American Diabetes Association(800) 342-2383

Arthritis Foundation – Central PA Chapter(717) 763-0900

CONTACT Helpline(717) 652-4400

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

PACE(800) 225-7223

Social Security Information(800) 772-1213

Tri-County Association for the Blind(717) 238-2531

PA Healthcare Cost Containment Council(717) 232-6787

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

3-D Consultants(717) 651-5133

Senior Home Repairs(717) 545-8747

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

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

Dauphin County Housing Authority(717) 939-9301

Property Tax/Rent Rebate(888) 728-2937

Apprise Insurance Counseling(800) 783-7067

New York Life Insurance Co.William Gumbinger(717) 230-0648

Daley Zucker Meilton & Miner, LLCAttorneys at Law635 N. 12th St., Lemoyne(717) 724-9821

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

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

CVS/pharmacywww.cvs.com

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

The Salvation ArmyEdgemont Temple Corps(717) 238-8678

American Lung Association(800) LUNG-USA

Bureau of Consumer Protection(800) 441-2555

Meals on Wheels(800) 621-6325

National Council on Aging(800) 424-9046

Social Security Office(800) 772-1213

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

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

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

Veterans Services

Transportation

Toll-Free Numbers

Services

Pharmacy

Personal Care Homes

Nursing/Rehab

Legal Services

Insurance

Housing Assistance

Housing/Apartments

Hospice Services

Home Modifications

Hearing Services

Healthcare Information

Health & Medical Services

Funeral Directors

Floor Coverings

Emergency

Cremation

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

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

By John Johnston

If you’ve ever watched funny videosshowing thieves undoing themselves,or read weird news stories about

criminals who do stupid things, you havean idea of how we feel at Social Securitywhen we learn about some of the peoplewho try (and fail) to defraud taxpayers.

Social Security’s employees and ourOffice of the Inspector General diligentlywork to uncover fraud and prosecuteoffenders to the full extent of the law. Wetake fraud seriously. Here are some realSocial Security fraud stories.

Police rushed to the house of a Floridaman who’d been shot in the face. Thegunshot victim was in possession of

about 250 stolen Social Security checks.He got batches of checks from a postalworker who was stealing them from themail and had beenselling the stolenchecks on the street.

The gunshotvictim cooperatedwith authorities andreceived a sentenceof two years infederal prison fortheft of governmentfunds and theft ofmail.

A Maryland waterman falsely certifiedhe was not working, even though heowned and operated two profitable

fishing boats while collecting disabilitybenefits. He racked up $36,691 indisability benefits and $35,610 in

Medicare services. He has been

indicted and faces upto 10 years in prisonfor theft ofgovernment propertyand five years inprison for making afalse statement toSocial Security andfor improper receiptof benefits.

A Pennsylvania man pled guilty topocketing more than $304,000 of hisdeceased mother’s Social Security benefits

for 40 years after her death in 1973. While Social Security employees are

always on the lookout for fraud and havehistorically been one of our best weaponsagainst it, we also rely on you to let usknow when you suspect someone iscommitting fraud against Social Security.They are, in fact, stealing your taxdollars.

Reporting fraud is a smart thing todo. It’s easy to report fraud online byvisiting the Fraud, Waste, and Abusepage at www.oig.ssa.gov/report.

Reporting fraud is the smart (andright) thing to do.

John Johnston is a Social Security publicaffairs specialist.

“When someone is

committing fraud

against Social

Security, they are

stealing your tax

dollars.

“

Committing Fraud is Stupid and Illegal

Social Security News

4 September 2014 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.

Corporate Office:3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512

Phone 717.285.1350 • Fax 717.285.1360Chester County:610.675.6240

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EDITORIALVICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING EDITOR

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Dear Savvy Senior,Can you recommend any credible

resources that rate the best vehicles forolder drivers? My wife and I are bothin our 70s and are looking topurchase a new automobile but coulduse some help choosing one that’s agefriendly. What can you tell us? – Car Shoppers

Dear Shoppers,While there are a number of

websites that rate new vehiclesfor older drivers, one of themost credible is Edmunds.com,a top-rated online resource forautomotive researchinformation.

For 2014, they developed alist of “top 10 vehicles forseniors” based on user-friendlyfeatures that help compensatefor many of the physicalchanges—like diminishedvision, arthritis, and range-of-motion loss—that can comewith aging.

But before we get to the list,here is a rundown of differentfeatures that are available on manynew vehicles today and how theycan help with various age-relatedphysical problems. So depending onwhat ails you or your wife, here’swhat to look for.

Knee, hip, or leg problems: Forcomfort, a better fit, and easierentry and exit, look for vehicles thathave six-way adjustable power seatsthat move the seat forward,backward, up, and down and theseat-back forward and backward.

Also look for low door thresholdsand seat heights that don’t requiretoo much bending or climbing toget into. Leather or faux-leatherseats are also easier to slide in andout of than cloth seats.

Limited upper-body range ofmotion: If you have difficultylooking over your shoulder to backup or merge into traffic, look forvehicles with a large rear windowfor better visibility; wide-anglemirrors, which can minimize blind

spots; backup cameras; activeparallel-park assistance; and blind-spot warning systems that alert youto objects in the way.

Also, for comfort and fit,consider vehicles that have a tilt andtelescoping steering wheel,adjustable seatbelts, and heated seatswith lumbar support.

Arthritic hands: To help withdifficult and painful gripping andturning problems, features that canhelp include a keyless entry and apush-button ignition, a thickersteering wheel, power mirrors andseats, and larger dashboard controls.

And in SUVs and crossovers, anautomatic tailgate closer can be areal bonus.

Diminished vision: Look forvehicles with larger instrumentpanels and dashboard controls withcontrasting text that’s easier to see.

And those with sensitivity toglare will benefit from extendablesun visors, an auto-dimmingrearview mirror, and glare-reducingside mirrors.

Short and/or overweight: Lookfor six-way adjustable seats,adjustable foot pedals, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

2014 Best VehiclesHere is Edmunds’ list of top 10

vehicles for 2014 listed inalphabetical order. Each offersfeatures designed to support driverscoping with the conditionsdiscussed above.

Their picks include both sedansand SUVs and range from top-of-the-line luxury models to those withmore affordable price tags.

• Acura RDX SUV

• Audi A8 sedan

• Ford Taurus sedan

• Honda Accord sedan

• Hyundai Sonata sedan

• Lexus ES 350 sedan

• Mazda CX-9 SUV

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan

• Toyota Avalon sedan

• Volkswagen Passat

To read more about the detailsof these choices, visit

www.edmunds.com and type “top 10vehicles for seniors for 2014” intotheir search bar.

AAA ResourceAnother excellent resource that

can help you chose a vehicle thatmeets your needs is the AmericanAutomobile Association’s online toolcalled “Smart Features for OlderDrivers.”

At www.seniordriving.aaa.com/smartfeatures you can input the areasyou have problems with—like kneeproblems, arthritic hands, or a stiffupper body—and the tool willidentify the makes and models thathave the features that will bestaccommodate your needs.

Although this tool looks atmodel-year 2013 vehicles, in manycases the features shown are carriedover for 2014 models.

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

Savvy Senior

Jim Miller

Top-Rated New Vehicles for Seniors

Like many others, I lost friends onSept. 11, 2001. As a museumprofessional and historian

dedicated to the study of objects andtheir role in culture, I am pleased tohighlight the September 11 Memorialand its new Museum that recalls thathistoric day.

The National September 11 Memorial& Museum debuted with ceremony andremembrance recently. The Memorial &Museum are located on 8 of the 16 acresof the World Trade Center site in lowerManhattan (New York City).

The memorial, designed by MichaelArad and Peter Walker, honors the 2,983people who were killed in the attacks ofboth Sept. 11, 2001, and Feb. 26, 1993.The memorial consists of two reflectingpools formed in the footprints of theoriginal Twin Tower buildings.

The National September 11 Museumis sited below ground and displaysartifacts linked to the events of 9/11,while telling the stories of loss,compassion, and recovery of the 2001and 1993 attacks. This is achievedthrough displays, multimedia, andinteractive exhibits.

Davis Brody Bond is the lead architecton the museum project, sited below thememorial plaza. The architectural firmwas established in 1952 by Lewis Davisand Samuel Brody and became DavisBrody Bond in 1990.

“The magnitude of the historicimportance of the site and its symbolismmade it essential for us to find a balancebetween the collective and the individual

experience,” saidarchitect StevenDavis, FAIA.

Over theyears, DavisBrody Bond hasdesignedbuildings forprestigiousuniversities suchas Cornell,Northwestern,Princeton, andColumbia. Also,they designedmuseumbuildings including The Frick Collectionand the National Museum of AfricanAmerican History and Culture.

Before the public opening of TheNational September 11 Memorial &Museum, there were a few days set asidewhen the museum hosted 9/11 families,President and Mrs. Obama, firstresponders, rescue and recovery workers,survivors, and residents of lowerManhattan.

The museum was kept open for 24hours to host these individuals in thesame way that rescue and recoverypersonnel worked continuously atGround Zero in the aftermath of the9/11 tragedy.

The museum boasts 110,000 squarefeet of exhibit space, which featuresinteractive multimedia displays, personalnarratives, and impressive monumentaland uniquely personal artifacts.

The breathtaking “In Memoriam”

exhibitionremembers thepeople lost. Athree-part,mainly historicalexhibition leadsvisitors throughthe backgroundof the attacks, theevents of the day,and theaftermath.

“The museumtells heartbreakingstories ofunimaginable loss

but also inspiring stories of courage andcompassion. Its opening honors thecommitment we made to 9/11 familymembers and to all future generations:that we would never forget those we lostor the terrible lessons we learned thatday,” said Michael Bloomberg, chairman

of the memorial and museum and formerNew York City mayor.

Museum donations came from peopleacross the country and around the world,including New York City schoolchildren,who donated their pennies to the project.

The museum opened to the generalpublic on May 21, 2014. Admission is$24 for adults with discounted rates forseniors, U.S. veterans, U.S. collegestudents, and youths. Admission is freeon Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.

For more information, seewww.911memorial.org. I urge you tovisit, learn, and remember.

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.

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews September 2014 5

Home ModificationsAging-in-Place Specialists

PHIC#012495 MHIC#100216

Helping people live independently and safely in their homes

Please call for a free, in-home consultation.

We provide installation of:•Handrails, grab bars, walk-in showers and tubs, and support systems

•Barrier-free bathrooms and kitchens•Walkway and ramp installation Threshold ramps (rentals available)

•Automatic door openers•Door widening/structural alterations/room additions

•Stair lifts

Keith Davis (717) 651-5133 (Office) (717) 433-2143 (Cell)www.3-DConsultants.com

3-DConsultants

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Art and Antiques by Dr. Lori

Lori Verderame

Photo credit: Jin Lee, courtesy of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

On exhibit is the NYFD Ladder 3 at theNational September 11 Memorial & Museum,highlighting the role of the first responders.

Learning a Language

Benefits Cognition

If you’re concerned about sufferingfrom Alzheimer’s disease or other formsof dementia as you grow older, youmight want to try learning a foreignlanguage.

Scientists at the University ofEdinburgh studied data on 835 nativeEnglish speakers living in or nearEdinburgh, Scotland. They found that

those who had learned a secondlanguage, even as adults, had bettercognitive skills than those who weremonolingual.

The research was published in thejournal Annals of Neurology and suggeststhat acquiring a second language evenlate in life can be a practical mental-health benefit as people age.

6 September 2014 50plus SeniorNews www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

Dauphin County

Calendar of EventsPrograms and Support Groups

AARP Driver Safety Programs

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

Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Mohler Senior Center, 25Hope Drive, Hershey, (717) 533-2002

Free and open to the public.

Senior Center Activities

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

Sept. 16, 10 a.m.Profiles of Five First LadiesDerry Presbyterian Church248 E. Derry Road, Hershey(717) 533-9667www.derrypres.org

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

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

Sept. 21, 3:30 p.m.The Russian Vocal Ensemble of St. PetersburgDerry Presbyterian Church248 E. Derry Road, Hershey(717) 533-9667www.derrypres.org

Sept. 24, 7 p.m.Piecemakers Quilt Guild of MiddletownSt. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran ChurchSpring and Union streets, Middletown(717) 915-5555gsk1308@gmail.com

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

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

mjoyce@onlinepub.com for consideration.

Mohler Senior Center – (717) 533-2002,www.hersheyseniorcenter.comMondays starting Sept. 8, 9 to 10:30 a.m. – Aging

Mastery Program Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Free iPad Consultations

by AppointmentSept. 26, 10:30 a.m. – Spirit of America Concert at

Giant Center

Rutherford House – (717) 564-5682,www.rutherfordhouse.orgTuesdays, 11 a.m. – ZumbaThursdays, 10 a.m. – Healthy Steps in MotionFridays, noon – Chair Yoga

Please contact your local center for scheduled activities.

Dauphin County Library Programs

East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, (717) 652-9380Sept. 23, 9:30 a.m. – Friends of the East Shore Area Library Meeting

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

McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-4976Sept. 23, 5:15 p.m. – Friends of the McCormick Riverfront Library Meeting

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library, 200 W. Second St.,Hummelstown, (717) 566-0949Sept. 2, 6 p.m. – Novel Thoughts Book ClubSept. 16, 1 p.m. – Novel Thoughts, Too! Book ClubSept. 16, 6 p.m. – Friends of the Alexander Library Meeting

Alden Thorpe just missed WorldWar II, but he knew it well fromhis two brothers, who fought in

Europe during the Battle of the Bulge.They wrote to give him a gritty pictureof those desperate days of combat ourtroops went through during “the Bulge,”the largest land battle the U.S. Armyever fought in.

Thorpe was seeking adventure,

though, and the Navy poster that said,“Join the Navy and see the world”looked mighty good to him. So, at age17, he got his parents to sign theirpermission for him to join the Navy.And he was on his way.

After boot camp at Bainbridge, Md.,he was picked for duty on destroyersand was sent to Great Lakes BasicEngineering School in Michigan. There

he learned to operate and service boilers,pumps, engines—every moving part of acombat ship.

His exam results qualified him to be afireman, and he was off to San Diego,where he became part of the crewaboard the destroyer USS Hawkins.

The destroyer had been assisting inoccupation operations in Japan and inescorting ships to and from the

Marianas before returning to San Diego,where Thorpe joined the crew. Heremembers being surprised that many ofthe crew members were scarcely olderthan he, mostly 17- and 18-year-olds.

The next few months were spent intraining operations off the West Coastbefore the Hawkins sailed again for theFar East in January 1947.

They stopped briefly in Hawaii, and

Life in the Navy Was Great …Except for the Typhoons

Robert D. Wilcox

Salute to a Veteran

then headed forGuam. On the waythere, they ran into amammoth three-daytyphoon that at timescaused their ship toroll 45 degrees. Thorpesays he asked one ofthe chiefs, “Does it getany rougher thanthis?” To which thechief answered grimly,“If it does, we won’t bein it; we’ll be under it.”

When the stormsubsided, theycontinued on toGuam and then toChina. There, theysteamed betweenChinese and Koreanports, assisting andsupporting American Marine units intheir attempts to stabilize the explosiveChinese situation at that time and toprotect American lives.

During the summer of 1947, theHawkins steamed up the Yellow River,dodging the many sandbars as theymade their way to Shanghai to evacuatethe American Marine detachmentthere. Thorpe says he decided to take ajeep ride to see the Great Wall … until,on the way there, he got fired on byCommunist Chinese and gave up thatidea in a hurry.

For a time, their home port wasTsingtao in northern China, where itwas often 20 degrees F at noontime,and there was ice everywhere. Theystayed busy, chipping off the ice thatconstantly coated the ship. Their mainduty there was to keep an eye onRussian ships while following them upand down the coast.

One of their ports of call was HongKong. Thorpe had a day off to spend inthe town, and he remembers thatalthough all was glitter in that bustlingcity, and anything you could ever thinkof was available to buy, you could stillsee in the harbor the hulls of ships thatwere sunk and overturned in combat.

In Hong Kong, they got anemergency call from the Chinesesteamer SS Hong Kheng that had runaground on the rocky island shore atChilang Point, 8 miles north of HongKong, and was breaking up.

Steaming north at flank speed, theHawkins joined another Americandestroyer and a British destroyer inbraving the rough seas, successfullyrescuing the crew and some 2,000Chinese men, women, and childrenand delivering them to Hong Kong.

Thorpe says, “Everything was soscarce in China that any time a vessel

was beached, theChinese would swarmover the wreck, takingeverything they couldfind. All wood wasvaluable, but especiallythe mahogany thatmany ships were fittedwith.”

When the Hawkinsreturned to the U.S.,they brought withthem a detachment ofMarines that theydropped off at Guam.Continuing on, theyran into anothervicious three-daytyphoon beforereaching San Diego.

There, Thorpe saidhe could have signed

up for another hitch and gone on a tripthat the ship was scheduled to makeliterally around the world. But he saysthat civilian life sounded pretty good tohim right then, and he took hisdischarge in December 1948.

Although he later used the G.I. Billto learn to fly, Thorpe says, “I neverflew anything larger than a Greyhoundbus. For the next 37 years, I drove—and for a while dispatched—Greyhound buses on seven-day tours.”

On one of his trips from Manhattanto Tidewater, N.J., an interesting mantook the seat behind him, and theytalked a lot about The 700 Club andPat Robertson’s ministry. It turned outthat the man was the personal relationscontact for Robertson’s ChristianBroadcasting Network.

He introduced Thorpe to Robertson,who then offered Thorpe the chance toserve the ministry through manning thenational prayer call line two or threetimes a week.

“That appealed to my own strongfaith,” Thorpe says, “and was a richexperience for me for the two years Iwas able to do that before my workpattern changed and drew me away.”

Thorpe retired in 1990, and in2008, he discovered what he calls “anideal retirement community” in CentralPennsylvania, where he has lived eversince. Thinking back to his years in theNavy, he says, “I enjoyed every minuteof my time in the Navy … exceptduring those typhoons that had mewondering what I was ever doingthere.”

Shaking his head, he says with alittle smile, “I sure wouldn’t ever wantto do that again.”

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

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews September 2014 7

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Here are some ideas of what we hope you will contribute:

• a birthday or anniversary milestone

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As Star Trek’sMr. Spock,Leonard

Nimoy created oneof the most iconiccharacters intelevision history.But for the pasttwo decades,Nimoy hastransported hiscareer to the otherside of the cameraand is nowregarded as aleadingcontemporaryAmericanphotographer.

Early in hisacting career, herecognizedphotography couldbe more than justsnapshots onlocation.

“I carried acamera with mewherever I wentand began torealize I wasmissing the place Iwas in because myeye was behind thecamera so much,”Nimoy recalledfrom his home inLos Angeles. “I hadthe photographs,but I hadn’t hadthe experience. SoI began using thecamera when I wason a specific,thematic quest.”

Thephotography bugeventually bit him hard at the pinnacleof his career.

“I had finished three seasons of StarTrek and two seasons of Mission:Impossible, and I actually consideredchanging careers,” Nimoy explained. “Iwent to school at UCLA to studyphotography under master artphotographer Robert Heineken andbecame very excited about the prospect.”

But with noenthusiasm forcommercialphotography, herealized a career infine-artphotographywould be difficultat the time.

“So I decidedto stay with myacting anddirecting,although Icontinued tostudyphotography andwork at it.”

Around 1994,he became a full-time photographer(while continuingto tackle somefilm and TVprojects ofinterest),producing workthat was largelyconcept driven—themes that told astory, rather thanrandom,individual photos.His diversesubjects includehands, eggs,landscapes, nudes,and dancers, allshot with black-and-white filmcameras.

“I have twodarkrooms and domy own printingup to a 16- by 20-inch image. I liketo be in touch

with the whole process.”His provocative Full Body project,

published in book form in 2007,featured mostly naked, full-figuredwomen.

“My original idea was to replicatesome rather famous images shot by otherphotographers who had used fashionmodels, and to use these women in thosesame poses.”

The Other Side ofLeonard Nimoy

Tinseltown Talks

Nick Thomas

William Shatner asCaptain Kirk and Nimoyas Mr. Spock in Star Trek.

Photo courtesy of Seth Kaye PhotographyNimoy has transported his career to the

other side of the camera and is nowregarded as a leading contemporary

American photographer.

Photo courtesy of Seth Kaye PhotographyNimoy in 2010 posing with a subject

and her life-sized Secret Self.

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews September 2014 9

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More recently,for his Secret Selvesproject—his firstshot in color—hephotographed 100people from allwalks of life, eachacting out afantasy identity.

Nimoy, who isrepresented by R.MichelsonGalleries inNorthampton,Mass., had threeconcurrentexhibitions in theBoston area thatbegan in lateMarch, when theartist turned 83.

“The exhibitscover about 20years of my career,so it’s quitecomprehensive.”

AlthoughNimoy’s workscan be pricey (upto $18,000), more affordable imageswith a Spock theme (e.g., the Vulcanhand salute) are sold through a sitemanaged by his granddaughter(www.shopllap.com).

“She’s quite the entrepreneur andoperates it like a classy boutique,” saidNimoy. “There are t-shirts, tote bags,and photographs signed by me. Thethings we do for our grandchildren!”

In February, reports surfaced thatNimoy was suffering from chronicobstructive pulmonary disease, a lungailment that affects some 13 millionAmericans, according to the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention, and iscaused primarily by smoking.

“Before I stopped smoking 30 yearsago, I was deeply addicted,” he said. “Ihad to go through various programsbefore I quit. But by then, the damage

was done. In mylate 70s and early80s, I recognizedthat I did nothave greatbreathingcapacity, so Iwasn’t surprisedby the COPDdiagnosis.

“I usemedication dailyand give myself ajolt of oxygenwhen I need it,”he said. “Themain difficulty ishigh altitudes.We’ve had ahouse in LakeTahoe for 20years, which is abeautiful retreat.But at 6,000 feet,I just can’t gothere anymore.Other than that,I’m still veryactive and not

ready to cash it in yet!”Despite rumors throughout his acting

career that he resented being typecast asSpock, Nimoy says he regards thecharacter with fondness.

“I’ve always been proud to beidentified with Spock.”

And what if J.J. Abrams, theproducer/director of the new Star Trekfilms, approached him for another filmrole?

“I’d take his call, but doubt I’d do anyacting,” he said. “I don’t want to go offon location again. I’m enjoying life withmy family too much.”

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

Photo from Nimoy’s earlyShekhina series.

Photo courtesy of Seth Kaye PhotographyNimoy’s diverse subjects include hands,

eggs, landscapes, nudes, and dancers, allshot with black-and-white film cameras.

Time is a Priceless GiftDo you know a 50+ volunteer who gives selflessly to others?

Tell us what makes him or her so special and we will consider them for 50plus Senior News’

Volunteer Spotlight!Volunteer Spotlight!Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos areencouraged. Email preferred to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mailnominations to 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.

Submissions should be 200 words or fewer and photos areencouraged. Email preferred to mjoyce@onlinepub.com or mailnominations to 50plus Senior News, Volunteer Spotlight, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512.

September 6, 2014Long’s Park, Lancaster

Registration at 8 a.m. • Walk at 10:30 a.m.

Asheleigh Forsburg, Constituent Events ManagerAlzheimer’s Association

(717) 651-5020 aforsburg@alz.org

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Registration brochures, team packets, and sponsorshippackets available. Please call (717) 651-5020 or email

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Volunteer opportunities available.•

Teams and individuals welcome.

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September 20, 2014City Island, Harrisburg

Registration at 8:30 a.m. • Walk at 10:30 a.m.

September 27, 2014Morgan Cousler Park, York

Registration at 9:30 a.m. • Walk at 11 a.m.

We’re on the Move to EndAlzheimer’s

September commemorates WorldAlzheimer’s Month, and within thatmonth is World Alzheimer’s Day onSept. 21. There is a lot to stop and pausefor during September, but theAlzheimer’s Association GreaterPennsylvania Chapter does theopposite—we make people get up andmove!

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is theassociation’s largest annual awareness andfundraising event, which occurs duringSeptember and October.

The money raised allows our chapterto contribute to research—breakthroughs that we hope will one daybe life-changing for people withdementia. The funding will allow forincreases in the accurate and timelydiagnosis of people with Alzheimer’s andother dementias.

As well, added dollars will ensure wehave a significant increase in affordable,high-quality care and support for peoplewith the disease and their caretakers.

And while we know what the walkmeans for us, we are keenly aware that itis personal for many of you. Some walkto honor and remember those they havelost. Some walk to share stories of livingwith Alzheimer’s or related dementias.Some walk so that future generationswon’t have to face the debilitating anddevastating effects of the disease. Somewalk because they want to help make adifference and fight back.

For our Greater Pennsylvania Chapterboard chair, Deb Pierson, this walk is awalk toward breaking the chain ofyoung-onset Alzheimer’s that hasdramatically linked itself in her family. Ina recent meeting, she was asked to jotdown a personal goal.

From there, she was told to imaginethat the goal was accomplished, and then

posed with the question, “Now what ispossible?” This is how Pierson responded:

“Imagine a world where every childhas a committed, active grandparent orgreat-grandparent to love them,encourage their gifts, and pass on values,family, and cultural history. Imagine ifour seniors had the funds available intheir retirement accounts to travel andenjoy life. Imagine when our governmenthas billions in extra funds per year toallocate to the greater good. What you’vejust imagined is a world withoutAlzheimer’s.”

The Greater Pennsylvania Chapter canimagine it. Can you?

Join us in the move toward a worldwithout Alzheimer’s. Let’s transform ourimagination into realization. Registertoday at www.alz.org/walk or call ourhelpline, available 24 hours, seven days aweek, at (800) 272-3900.

Your local walks include:

Saturday, Sept. 6Lancaster, Long’s ParkRegistration at 8 a.m.Opening ceremonies at 10 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20Harrisburg, City Island Park Registration at 8:30 a.m.Opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27York, Morgan E. Cousler ParkRegistration at 9:30 a.m.Opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m.

For more information on your localWalk to End Alzheimer’s, visitwww.alz.org/walk or contact AsheleighForsburg at (717) 561-5020 oraforsburg@alz.org.

10 September 2014 50plus SeniorNews www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

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How We Pay for ThingsThese Days

We depend on automatic tellermachines for cash, and more and morewe’re relying on electronic paymentswhen we don’t want to write a check.

According to the Federal Reserve,ATM withdrawals from 2006 to 2009numbered 6 billion transactions, for atotal of about $600 billion.

That was an increase from 5.8 billionduring the 2003-2006 period, whenwithdrawals came to $578 billion.

The Federal Reserve also notes thatduring the same period, consumersdepended on electronic transfers viasuch instruments as debit cards andprepaid credit cards for more than three-quarters of their transactions—a 9.7percent increase.

Debit card payments rose 14.8percent from 2006 to 2009; prepaidcard transactions grew 21.5 percent.

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews September 2014 11

WORD SEARCH

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Solutions for all puzzles can be found on page 14

Your ad could be here on this popular page!Please call (717) 770-0140 for more information.

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28. Egg dish30. Pain33. See 17 Across36. Accumulations38. Threshold39. Dudgeon40. Nitty-gritty41. Playwright Neil43. Moving vehicles45. The Mystery of ___ Vep

(Charles Ludlam play)46. Cloud of gas48. Time zone50. Measure out51. Old oath

53. Spoil56. UN agency58. Awaken60. “Prince ___” (Aladdin

song)61. Roof parts64. Authorized66. Less damp67. Glimpsed68. Auto need69. Food shop70. China’s Lao-___71. Cheetah

1. Run off2. Slipknot3. Society girl4. Unit of capacitance5. Playing marble6. Scruff7. Oversized8. Acapulco gold9. Attorney10. Fergie’s ex11. Border12. Discord14. Pouch16. Caterwaul

20. Lost Horizon actor Jaffe25. Agent (abbr.)26. Draw out27. Organism28. Doomsayer’s sign29. Tenure30. Circulars31. Doubloon32. Amateur picture show34. Opera star35. Altar in the sky37. Body of water42. Pecan44. Add spice to

47. Grazing land49. Goulash51. Cupolas52. Nepalese money53. Opera singer Callas54. Wary55. Amusement park

feature56. Espouse57. Difficult59. Musical interval62. Moray63. ___ Lanka65. And so on (abbr.)

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12 September 2014 50plus SeniorNews www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

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

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Dear Mark: With apologies toGeneral Douglas MacArthur, thequestion still remains: What happensto old slot machines that have outlivedtheir usefulness? I have noticed thatsome of my favorite machinesmysteriously disappear, one casino at atime, until they are just a fleetingmemory of spinning reels and flashinglights. Gone, but not forgotten. Isthere a graveyard for our dearlydeparted friends?

– Leigh H.

Any time you see a slot machinedisappear from the floor, from thecasino’s point of view, that machine wasmisbehaving, or better stated,underperforming.

All machines, Leigh, need to showreasonable results, or their replacement isinevitable. A gaming machine’sperformance is measured by two factors:

the amount of coinswagered daily (“coinin”) and the amountcollected daily by thecasino (“win”).

If a machine’sperformance faltersever so slightly, a slotmanager could decidea change is needed inthe slot mix, meaningthe placement andpositioning ofmachines on thecasino floor.

My guess here,Leigh, is that youmight also beinquiring about those20th-century antiquemachines frommanufacturers likeMills and Jennings or some of the later

IGT or Ballymachines from the’70s or ’80s.

Their restingplaces have a varietyof possibilities. Thefirst being, as withany slot machine,they are usually sentto a facility that stripsthem for usable partsand sorts the rest forscrap.

Also, stored in thebasement of manycasinos is that slotgraveyard you speakof, where they liveout their livescollecting dust.

Some machinesmight go to a private

collection, but, depending on local law,

they may have to be rendered inoperable.Many a man cave has one sitting in thecorner to pilfer quarters from the owner’sfriends.

A collector like yours truly wouldnever part with his 1934 Mills Star“Firebird” QT nickel machine, as it paysfor the free Guinness or PBR, theirchoice, offered when some sucker isyanking its handle.

Then there are retail establishmentsspecific to the selling of older slotmachines in gambling towns like Renoand Las Vegas, where selling gamblingequipment is legal. Some of these storeshave a decent-sized collection on site.

If you are a want-to-be buyer of a“dearly departed friend,” it is importantto check state and local laws before youpull the trigger (handle), although,generally speaking, antique slot machinesare legal in most states if they are over 25years old.

Where’d Ya Go?

Deal Me InBy Mark Pilarski

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews September 2014 13

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You can also do an online search for“old slot machines for sale,” or go toeBay, where a plethora of slots is alwaysfor sale.

Even though Nevada may be thegambling capital of the United States,the slot machine was actually bornelsewhere, in San Francisco.

The first mechanical slot machine,the Liberty Bell, was invented in 1895by Charles Fey, a San Franciscomechanic. Fey’s machine housed threespinning reels, each decorated withdiamonds, spades, hearts, and onecracked Liberty Bell per reel. When thebells lined up, they produced yourbiggest payoff: 10 nickels.

The original Liberty Bell used to beon display at the Liberty Belle Saloon &Restaurant in Reno, but since its closingin 2006, it is now exhibited at theNevada State Museum.

Back in the ’40s and early ’50s, thoseolder mechanical slots were chock full ofsprings and gears that were powered by aplayer pulling the handle, which startedthe reels spinning. The problem withthese early machines was that they werelimited in the size of the jackpotsbecause they could only accept one coin,which restricted the number of coinsthey could pay out.

Once the electromechanical machineappeared, it allowed multiple-coin play,which included electrically poweredhoppers that could pay out much largerjackpots.

When the computerized slots wereintroduced in the ’80s, machines withprogressive jackpots were linked amongdifferent machines hundreds of milesapart, offered huge jackpots starting inthe millions.

Essentially, Leigh, slot machines keepadvancing and getting morecomplicated, necessitating new homesfor the older ones. I will write in afuture column about some new three-reel mechanical slots with the feel of atraditional slot that are now hitting thefloor.

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

Have you photographeda smile that just begsto be shared?

Have you photographeda smile that just begsto be shared?

Send us your favorite smile—your children,grandchildren, friends, even your “smiling” pet!—and it could be 50plus Senior News’ next Smile of the Month!

You can submit your photos (with captions) either digitally tomjoyce@onlinepub.com or by mail to:

50plus Senior NewsSmile of the Month3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512

Digital photos must be at least 4x6'' with a resolution of 300 dpi. No professional photos, please.Please include a SASE if you would like to have yourphoto returned.

14 September 2014 50plus SeniorNews www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com

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Simply mail this form and $15 for an annual subscription to: 50 plus Senior News • 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512Or, subscribe online at www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com!

The Beauty in Nature

Clyde McMillan-Gamber

Wheel bugs, praying mantises,and hanging flies are insectpredators that feed on

invertebrates. These unrelated insectshave much in common, including beingcamouflaged, adaptable, andcommon in southeasternPennsylvania and across much ofNorth America.

They each have a uniqueappearance and produce onegeneration of young each year. Andthey live among shrubbery and tallweeds and grasses in thickets,hedgerows, and suburban lawnswith their bushes, including in mybackyard.

Wheel bugs are true bugs, whichis a family of insects. Adults are 1.5inches long, dark gray, and have half a“cogwheel” on the upper side of theirthoraxes, which helps protect them. Theylive on shrubs mostly, where they stab

other insects with their long beaks, injectparalyzing venom into their victims, andsuck out their juices. That stab, by theway, is painful to us.

Female wheel bugs lay eggs in clusters

on the foliage of shrubs. Young wheelbugs are red with black markings.

Praying mantises are up to 6 incheslong at maturity in fall and are green or

brown. They look like prehistoricmonsters when they fly. Adult mantisesgrab invertebrates, small frogs,hummingbirds, and other little critterswith their two clawed front legs.

Mantises eat their prey alive, chewingthem with powerful mouth parts. Somefemale mantises consume their malepartners after mating with them. Theirmates provide a large, easy meal that

helps nourish the females’ developingeggs.

In October, each female mantis laysscores of eggs in a foamy mass on a plantstem, most likely in an overgrown field

of tall vegetation where she grew up.The foam hardens quickly andprotects the embryos inside throughthe cold winter. Young mantisesemerge from that protection duringMay and spread over vegetation toeat tiny invertebrates.

Hanging flies are large, yellowish-brown, and long-legged. They havelarge eyes to spot flying insects andbig mandibles to chew up theirvictims. Hanging flies hang fromleaves and twigs in shrubbery by

their two front legs and reach out withtheir back legs to catch passing prey.

Look for these predatory insects fromJuly into October. They help make theoutdoors more interesting.

Unique Predatory Insects

Wheel bug Praying mantis

www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com 50plus SeniorNews September 2014 15

Their performances are usually nolonger than 30 to 40 minutes, saidHorkowitz.

“It’s just enough. We work with booksin hand and we don’t memorize lines,”explained Horkowitz.

The technique is sometimes referredto as “Readers Theater,” and shecompares their style of performance tothat of a live radio presentation.

“Our skits are always humorous,” shesaid. “Our purpose is to make peoplelaugh a little.”

One comedic skit that always seems tobe a crowd favorite is called Sure As HellGrowing Old.

“They love it because all of the mencan see themselves in it. One can’t hear,one can’t see,” laughed Horkowitz.

After the show, audiences always tellthe players that they made them laugh.

“That’s what they always say, andthat’s what matters,” Horkowitz said.“We just want to make people laugh.”

Plays with a local historical focus arepopular too, added Horkowitz.

Local playwright Cindy Dlugoleckiwrote The Ghost of Mechanicsburg, andthe audience thoroughly enjoyed theconnection to places they knew andloved.

Former Harrisburg resident BarbaraBlank wrote How to Marry a Rabbi, andthe Senior Theatre Players performed theskit to a roaring audience at the JewishCommunity Center.

If the skits the Senior Theatre Playersuse are not written by local playwrights,they are usually selected by Horkowitz

from a seniortheater catalog.

Horkowitzfirst becameinvolved withtheater in herlate 40s andwas recruitedfor a role asone of thesinging nuns ina performanceof The Soundof Music.

Herhusband,Gabe, served asan Armydentist, andtheir family was stationed at theAberdeen Proving Ground in Marylandat the time.

Theaters on military bases used toserve as a central source ofentertainment, said Horkowitz. And,perhaps more importantly, they helpedto keep the troops from getting intotrouble elsewhere, she laughed.

Horkowitz sang in choirs at each ofthe posts they were stationed. Every posthad men’s and women’s choirs to provideentertainment at formal dinners hostedby the generals.

But once she tried acting in her firstmusical, she was hooked. After TheSound of Music came her role as apregnant widow in a comedy.

“It was hysterical, and nobody elsewould take the role because they didn’t

want to go onstagepregnant,”Horkowitzsaid. “Butyou’re acting,and that’s thepoint.”

Since then,Horkowitzbranched outto countlessacting anddirectingroles,includingproductions atlocal theaterslike Theatre

Harrisburg, Molly Pitcher Troupe, OysterMill Playhouse, Allenberry Playhouse,and Gretna Theatre.

The talent in Central Pennsylvania is“extremely strong,” said Horkowitz.

When Horkowitz was performing atthe various Army posts where herhusband was stationed, sometimes shealmost did not even have to audition forroles.

“But when I came here and saw thecompetition, I was intimidated,”Horkowitz said. “We have so much talenthere, and I have a great deal of respect foreveryone here.”

Horkowitz is president emeritus at theLittle Theatre of Mechanicsburg and nowfocuses solely on leading andparticipating in the Senior TheatrePlayers.

“Theater is really my favorite pastime,and that’s why I do Senior Players,” saidHorkowitz.

Horkowitz has found that the group’sskits can also help perpetuate themessage that senior living doesn’t have toequal sedentary living.

A friend of Horkowitz’s was worriedabout her parents spending too muchtime watching television, so she askedher for a copy of the script she saw theSenior Theatre Players perform aboutsomeone in a retirement home who didnot want to do anything.

“She really wished her parents wouldget involved,” Horkowitz said. “There isa lot out there to do.

“My husband is 91 and he still jogsfor an hour every morning,” she said.“He doesn’t jog like he did when he was80, but he still moves his legs.”

In addition to the Senior TheatrePlayers, Horkowitz teaches theater tochildren at vacation Bible school over thesummer. She plays bridge a few times amonth and is an active member of herchurch.

“I keep very busy. I like people,”Horkowitz said.

She and her husband are Penn Stategraduates and have three children—allPenn State graduates—and twograndchildren.

Anyone who is interested in joiningthe Senior Theatre Players as a performeror who would like to request that thegroup performs at their event or locationmay contact Fran Horkowitz at (717)243-1941.

LAUGHS from page 1

Members of this season’s Senior Theater Playersinclude, standing, from left, Charles Smith, FranHorkowitz, Linda Draper, and Gabriel Horkowitz.

Seated, Carvel Markley.

The History of Labor Day

Labor Day is a creation of the labormovement and is dedicated to the socialand economic achievements of Americanworkers. It’s a national tribute to thecontributions workers have made to thestrength, prosperity, and well-being ofthe United States.

Some records show that Peter J.McGuire, general secretary of theBrotherhood of Carpenters and Joinersand a co-founder of the AmericanFederation of Labor, was first to suggest aday to honor those “who from rudenature have delved and carved all thegrandeur we behold.”

But other research seems to supportthe contention that machinist MatthewMaguire, later the secretary of Local 344of the International Association ofMachinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed

the holiday in1882 whileserving assecretary of theCentral LaborUnion in NewYork.

The CentralLabor Unionadopted a LaborDay proposaland appointed acommittee toplan ademonstrationand picnic.

Either way,the first Labor Day holiday wascelebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, inNew York City, in accordance with the

plans of theCentral LaborUnion. Theunion held itssecond LaborDay holiday justa year later, onSept. 5, 1883.

In 1884, thefirst Monday inSeptember wasselected as theholiday. As labororganizationsgrew in size andpower, so didthe idea of

Labor Day. In 1885 Labor Day wascelebrated in many industrial centers ofthe country.

The first governmental recognition ofthe holiday came through municipalordinances passed during 1885 and1886. While the first state bill proposingthe holiday was introduced into the NewYork legislature, Oregon passed the firstlaw on Feb. 21, 1887.

Four more states—Colorado,Massachusetts, New Jersey, and NewYork—created the Labor Day holiday bylegislative enactment that same year.

By the end of the decade,Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvaniahad followed suit. By 1894, 23 otherstates had adopted the holiday in honorof workers, and on June 28 of that year,Congress passed an act making the firstMonday in September of each year alegal holiday in the District of Columbiaand the territories.

Labor Day:Sept. 1

16 September 2014 50plus SeniorNews www.50plusSeniorNewsPA.com