You load sixteen tons, what do you get?

Another day older and deeper in debt.Saint Peter, don’t you call me, ‘cause I

can’t go;I owe my soul to the company store.

—“Sixteen Tons”Merle Travis

Are two federal programs critical for seniors, Medicare

and Social Security, in jeopardy because of federal deficits?

America is in debt. This is nothing new; debt has been a part of America’s

history from the very beginning, when the Continental Congress had to find creative ways to finance the Revolutionary War. But how much debt is too much? Much of our debt today is owed to foreign creditors. What if they demand higher interest rates, which may make borrowing

prohibitively expensive, or cut us off altogether? And in a country where advocating tax increases is often viewed as a form of

political suicide, what are the options if America is taking on too much debt?

To confront these problems, a new organization has been created, the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (NCFRR).

Inside

orizonsENLIGHTEN t ENRICH t ENGAGE Issue Seven

Federal Commission To Weigh DeficitsWill Social Security’s Huge Surpluses Protect It From Cuts?

Retirement Communities Promote ‘Green’ LivingResidents, Planet Benefit From Healthier LifestylesAmericans have been

making the move to active 55 and retirement communities for many reasons, but the draw of a healthier, ‘greener’ lifestyle is one of the big ones.

“With a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), we believe that the sharing of resources and energy among residents will do more to conserve than when those residents are scattered in their individual houses,” says Herb Kaiser, Secretary of the Board for American Heritage Communi-ties, the management firm for The Heritage of Green Hills. “I think the older, smarter, and more experienced people want to save on energy and save the environment.”Studies Examine Impact

Experts agree. Research-

ers at Cornell University cite a number of ways that CCRCs can be environmen-tally friendly. CCRCs can deliver “efficient service provi-sion for a group that has specific needs — service providers come to them. This can be energy efficient in the sense that transportation costs of numer-ous people driv-ing or being driven to ser-vice providers individually are reduced.”

In addition, they note that CCRCs provide “[r]ight sizing of dwellings for older people, typically in more

compact layouts, while freeing up larger homes in the wider community and reducing the need for new construction.”

On the other hand, the Cornell researchers note that when seniors remain in

their homes, they’re often in environments where the “automobile is the main, and often exclusive, mode of transportation,” and “walking is neither facili-tated nor encouraged.”

Federal Deficits & YouViews of Senate candidates ....... 2

Eating On The RoadHow to avoid acquiring excess ‘baggage’ .......... 2

The Doctor Is InStaying physically active is a key to good health ..... 3

Building A New WorldTrain aficianados get head start on building Christmas display .............4

Upcoming Events ............... 4

Sudoku .............. 5

Green Thumbs UpResidents enjoy the great outdoors ...........5

Crossword Puzzle ................ 5

A Good InfluenceGrandparents share the calm that comes with experience .... 6

Discover The HeritageFull-Service Retirement Living ............... 8

There is a new attitude toward the golden years. Retirees are no longer

content to sit back and just relax on the front porch. They’re living active, pro-ductive lives filled with fun and adven-ture. To reap the rewards of a lifetime of hard work, seniors understand the great importance of maintaining their physical and mental health.

“Seniors today enjoy active lives that previous generations would have envied,” says Elizabeth Proffitt, Retirement Spe-cialist at The Heritage of Green Hills. “And they are keenly aware of just how important it is to take care of their health so they can stay active. They can see the advantages of our Well By Design® pro-gram right away.”

Well By Design® is The Heritage’s

Residents’ Active, Healthy Lives Are No Accident At The Heritage

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SEE “DEFICITS” ON P. 2

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Analysis

Residents and staff of The Heritage of Green Hills gathered to plant trees during Earth Day 2010.

Heritage Retirement Specialist Elizabeth Proffitt

July 2010HorizonsPage 2

Your Vacation Can Please Your Palette And Still Be Healthy

The commission’s website proclaims, “The Commission is charged with identi-fying policies to improve the fiscal situ-ation in the medium term and to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run. Spe-cifically, the Commission shall propose recommendations designed to balance the budget, excluding interest payments on the debt, by 2015.”The Future of American Debt

It’s an ambitious goal. The cumulative impact of spending for two wars, bailouts, the Bush-era tax cuts, diminished revenues from the economic downturn plus the stimulus to combat it have all combined to raise deficit spending to levels higher (relative to the economy) than at any

other point in the post-World War II era.

Looking further into the future, Ameri-ca’s aging baby

boomer generation will require more Social Security and Medicare spending, which will potentially create tremendous deficits if no adjustments are made, according to the nonprofit organization, America Speaks. This organiza-tion projects that federal spending could be more than double its revenues by the middle of the century.Social Security’s Confusing Role

Debate about Social Security’s exact role in contributing to the federal deficit can be confus-ing because of the way its outlays are indirectly connected to its revenues. For more than two decades, Social Security has not contributed

to federal deficits at all. In fact, the pro-gram has been racking up huge surpluses, as Americans — particularly the baby boomer generation — have been paying a lot more into the system than retirees have been collecting.

Those extra funds have been ‘invested’ in Treasury bills. That is, the federal gov-ernment has been borrowing that money — basically borrowing money from itself, so to speak — to pay for other programs

(such as helping fund the Cold War buildup in the 1980s and later financing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan). Borrowing these funds instead of having to go to the private market helped keep interest levels down. On the Social Security side, if it had invested in stocks instead of government debt, it may have been able to grow, but it would also have risked incurring the same enormous losses that other investors experienced with the bursting of the tech bubble and the housing mar-ket meltdown.

Social Security is only now beginning to pay

Vacations are supposed to be an escape from the routine, where

you overindulge on the pleasures of the world. However, when travel-ing, we should never escape from

the routine of healthy living, and the only thing you should overin-dulge in is common sense. Here are a few tips to stay healthy on your next trip, whether it’s by land, air or

sea. Shift to a Snacking Gear

Ignore those blue signs on the side of the interstate that list the tempting fast-food options at the next exit. Instead, bring a snack-attack pack of fruits, nuts, yogurt, granola bars and carrot sticks, along with a big bottle of water. Not only is it a healthier option, but you’ll also get to your desti-nation sooner by not stopping so often.Snacks on a Plane

While the

rules for items you can take on air-planes have grown stricter recently, you can still take solid snacks like apples, trail mix, bananas and energy bars. All of those are better options than the salty snacks pro-vided in-flight.Fly Veggie Airlines

On your next long flight, request vegetarian meals, which tend to be lighter and healthier than their meaty counterparts. Some airlines provide choices for vegetarians — including vegan, Indian and Asian — giving you plenty of options to suit your palate.Be Keen on Kitchenettes

Let us find you a hotel with a kitchenette. On one of the first days of your vacation, hit the local super-market and stock up on healthy basics you can cook right in your room. The fewer times you have to eat at restaurants, the better. Plus, the supermarket is a great place to learn about local foods if you’re in a foreign country.Start the Day Right

A hotel’s continental breakfast or morning buffet gives you a wide choice of options, some healthy, most not. Stay clear of the Danishes and doughnuts, and stick to the

fruits, cereals and yogurt. With a big day ahead of you, you’ll want to get off to the right — and healthier — start.Stay in Shipshape Shape

Keep a healthy focus when faced with cruise ships’ massive buffet bars. Split one of those large plates with your mate, and only hit the buffet once per meal. After your food has settled, tackle some of the ship’s onboard activities — such as the fitness center or ice skating rink — instead of plopping down next to the pool.

We all want to return from a vacation looking invigorated and well-rested. That’s hard to do when you spend the entire time gorg-ing yourself on local delicacies or opting for the motorcoach over the volcano hike. So keep these tips in mind the next time you travel so that when you return, everyone will shriek with jealousy when they see how great you look.

Boscov’s Travel is pleased to be a Community Partner with The Heritage. Visit a Boscov’s Travel Counselor on site at The Heritage. Dates and hours will be made avail-able in your mailbox.

Restoring the long-term financial security of our nation must be a top priority in Congress. I support focused efforts to close

the deficit and bring down the debt, including a commission, as long as we keep our promise to hard-working Americans who have funded Social Security.

President Clinton left a budget surplus that was projected to eliminate the entire federal debt by 2012. Instead, Congressman Toomey and his Republican colleagues tossed out pay-as-you-go rules and squandered the surplus on upper-class tax cuts and reck-less spending that doubled the debt and generated unprecedented wealth for those at the top, but tremendous hardship for working families and retirees.

We need to restore pay-as-you-go budgets, close costly tax loopholes for corporations, end earmarks, and reform the payroll tax, allowing Social Security to remain solvent for another 50 years without cutting the benefits seniors count on. I respect my opponent, but what we can’t do is follow Congressman Toomey’s plan to privatize Social Security and entrust the nation’s retirement to bankers and hedge fund managers. That would mean massive fees for Wall Street, but it would come at the expense America’s seniors.

From a statement Congressman Sestak released June, 2010.

Congressman Joe SestakDemocrat

According to President Barack Obama’s administration’s Office of Management and Budget, the country’s publicly held debt for

the fiscal year 2010 will total an unprecedented $9.3 trillion. That is the amount by which our cumulative budget deficits have exceeded the rare surpluses throughout our history. As the federal government continues its unprecedented borrowing and spending, that number is projected to rise to $14 trillion in 2015, or 73 percent of our national output. …

The administration also passed a whopping $3.6 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2010 and additional spending bills stuffed with waste-ful pork projects. …

In 2008, Bush’s final budget deficit totaled $459 billion. Now, that is a lot of money, and Republicans should never have allowed it to get that high. But even that large number constituted only 3.2 percent of GDP. One year of complete Democratic control and our deficit sky-rocketed to $1.6 trillion, or nearly an astonishing 11 percent of our GDP in 2009. …

Reigning in out-of-control spending that is creating unsustainable debt should not be subject to political gamesmanship. It is imperative that Washington politicians join together in a bipartisan movement to save our country from financial ruin. …

From an op-ed piece Congressman Toomey wrote April, 2010.

Congressman Pat ToomeyRepublican

What Do Our Senate Candidates Think About Social Security And The Deficit?

With Deficits Climbing, Will Politicians Protect Commitments To Social

Security?

SEE “COMMISSION” ON P. 6

FROM “DEFICITS” ON P. 1

Page 3 HorizonsJuly 2010

Exercise is one of the key ingre-dients to a healthy, long life and

staying mentally sharp. But if you haven’t been active lately, how much exercise should you do? Perhaps you are newly retired and have moved into a senior community to take advantage of the fitness center. Where to begin?

The experts at National Institute on Aging offer many suggestions on how to gauge your current fitness and what exercise frequency and intensity is best suited for you. Studies indicate that people with arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease can benefit from regular exercise, but should get their doctors’ approval before undertaking a new regimen. You should also check with your doc-tor first if you have any new, undiag-nosed symptoms, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, joint swelling, severe shortness of breath, or you recently had surgery or other health issues. Ask if there are any activities you should avoid. Additionally, be sure all your preventive care is up to date.Set Your Goals

The first step is to keep an activity log of your current lifestyle over two weeks. Record what activity you performed and for how long. In the meantime, write down your long and short term

goals. Short term goals are the things you need to do in order to make daily exercise easier. You may need to purchase appropriate sneakers or loose fitting clothing, for example. If you are currently active, your short-term ambitions may include increasing the frequency or intensity of your work out. Short-term objectives are gener-ally easier and quicker to obtain, and will boost your confidence as you strive toward long term targets.

Your long-term goals should be broken into six months, a year or two year increments.

Remember to keep these comprehensive aims realistic, attainable and a priority to you. And specific. For instance, in a year you will suc-cessfully run three miles by running every other day. Expound on what, why and when you will do these things. Make a habit of checking on your written plan, so you can update it and achieve cumulative suc-cesses. Often, people find committing their exercise plan to paper helps them keep their promise to themselves. And involving others in your plan can increase your commitment.Strive For A Balanced Approach

Try to incorporate activities that are enjoy-able, fit your budget and health. Even if you have no major health concerns, if exercise is not something you’ve been doing, you may want to check with your physician for any spe-cific safety tips prior to getting started with your new health regi-men, and then gradually start activity. Consider working with a personal fitness trainer if you are new to all this.

The best plans will include the four types of exercise: endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance. Each form has different benefits, and the variety will help prevent boredom and injury. The National Institute on Aging rec-ommends that you “Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity endurance activity on most or all days of the week. If you don’t have 30 minutes in your daily routine to be active, look for three 10-minute

periods. Getting this amount every day is best, but doing anything is better than doing nothing at all.

When you do strength exercises, try to do them for all of your major muscle groups on two or more days a week for 30-minute sessions each, but don’t do strength exercises of the same muscle group two days in a row.” Be sure to warm up before you begin any form of exercise with a few minutes of walking or other light endurance exertion.

Endurance exercises increase your heart rate and breathing for a prolonged period of time. You should gradually increase your endurance, even if you start with five minutes, aiming to eventually attain 30 minutes of moderate-inten-sity endurance activity on five to seven days a week. Less than 10 minute increments will not benefit your heart or lungs, but a smaller incre-ment is OK to build up from as you first imple-ment your fitness program.

Here are some suggested moderate endurance activities for the typical baby boomer: walking briskly, swimming, and dancing. More vigorous activities include: basketball, jogging, climbing stairs and hills, shoveling, bicycling, gardening, mowing, raking, stationary bicycle, and tennis. Once again, if you have been inactive for awhile, be sure to work up to these activities gradually.

To build muscle, perform strength exercises. Even a small improvement in muscle strength will lighten your burden when you go to lift something. To avoid injury, start with light weights that you can lift or push a weight eight times in a row, and slowly increase the weights as the weeks go by. When you can do two sets of 10 to 15 repetitions, it’s time to increase the load.Stretch Yourself

To avoid debilitating falls, incorporate bal-ance exercise in addition to your strength rou-tine. If you feel unsteady, have a chair or person close by to hold onto and check with your doctor about any specific move that makes you unsure (perhaps after surgery, etc.).

Finally, incorporate stretching exercises to increase flexibility. The resulting freedom of movement will be helpful when performing everyday activities. Start by performing your stretches three to five times each. You should not feel pain, so don’t overdo it. As you prog-ress, reach further. Do not “lock” your joints or “bounce.”

Try to maintain your new active lifestyle. Sometimes vacations, company or illness can interrupt your routine. If the break was long, allow yourself to gradually get back into the routine. If the event was life altering you may need to try new strategies, like doing an exercise DVD while your ill spouse naps.

To reach your goals, you’ll ultimately want to make it a priority to exercise daily. Be sure to incorporate activities you enjoy! Performing all four types of exercise — endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility — will help give you variety. Review and update those short and long-term goals. Then reward your accomplishments, maybe with a movie or day in the park. Go forth and conquer!

Dr. Newman and his associates at Green Hills Family Medicine hold regular hours at The Heritage’s on-site medical center.

It’s Never Too Late To Start (Or Restart) Being

Physically Active

Dr. Roland Newman II, D.O.

How To Avoid Injury When You Start An Exercise Program

The National Institute on Aging recommends these tips to avoid injury while exercising:•Whenstartinganexerciseprogram,beginslowlywith

low-intensity exercises.•Waitatleasttwohoursaftereatingalargemealbeforedoingstrenuousexercise.

•Wearappropriateshoesforyouractivityandcomfort-able,loose-fittingclothingthatallowsyoutomovefreelybutwon’tcatchonotherobjects.

•Warmupwithlow-intensityexercisesatthebegin-ningofeachexercisesession.

•Drinkwaterbefore,during,andafteryourexercisesession.

•Whenexercisingoutdoors,payattentiontoyoursur-roundings—considerpossibletraffichazards,theweather,unevenwalkingsurfaces,andstrangers.

Stopexercisingifyou:•Havepainorpressureinyourchest,neck,shoulder,or

arm•Feeldizzyorsicktoyourstomach•Breakoutinacoldsweat•Havemusclecramps•Feelseverepaininjoints,feet,ankles,orlegsSource: http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide/03_go.htm

For specific exercises go to: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/toc.html

July 2010Page 4 Horizons

Here are some highlights of activities residents will be enjoying in the month ahead. For more information, contact us at 484-269-5143.

ON CAMPUSMonday in the Art Studio:

Mondays at 1 p.m.July 5: Fresh flowers with Monika.

$10July 12: Dried flowers with Gene. $5July 19: Creative Writing Class. FreeJuly 26: Dried flowers with Gene. $5

Phillies Games in Tavern: $1 hot dogs and $2 domestic beers: Sunday July 11, Saturday July 17, Sunday July 18, Saturday July 24. Check team schedule for exact times.

Monday Games: Outside at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.Ladder GolfBocce BallHorseshoes

Wednesday Games: Meet On The Patio at 7 p.m.

July 7 Ladder Golf & CroquetJuly 14 Ladder Golf & Bocce BallJuly 21 Ladder Golf & CroquetJuly 28 Ladder Golf & Horseshoes

Tuesday, July 6Heritage Literary Dinner Club:

Still Alice, Lisa Genova. Dinner at 5 p.m., discussion at 6 p.m.Wednesday, July 7

Alvernia Sr. College Breakfast: Presentation on golf injuries and prevention with Dr. Zellers of Kulp Chiropractic Clinic. 8:30 a.m.

Comedy with Linda: “Chocolate Date” celebration with biography of Milton Hershey, founder of Hershey Chocolate, plus a sweet surprise.Wednesday, July 14

Summer Pool Game Day I: Stay

cool, exercise, have fun, enjoy patio picnic & beer on patio afterwards. $10/off meal plan for picnic. 3 p.m.Thursday, July 15

Pina Colada & Patio Open House: Join us for BBQ and show off your new community to friends and neighbors. Food, drinks, and music provided. 3 p.m.Wednesday, July 21

Summer Patio Potluck: Relax with friends and bring your favorite summer dish to share. 5 p.m.Wednesday, July 28

Summer Pool Game Day II: Stay cool, exercise, have fun, enjoy patio picnic & beer on patio afterwards. $10/off meal plan for picnic. 3 p.m.

ONGOING ON CAMPUSMondays: Outdoor Games

1 & 7 p.m.Tuesdays: Bridge 1 p.m., Dancing

2 p.m., & French 3:30 p.m.Wednesdays: Outdoor Games

7 p.m.Thursdays: Spanish 2 p.m.Fridays: Wii Bowling 2 p.m.Saturdays & Sundays: Movies

7 p.m.Saturdays & Sundays: Bridge

1 p.m.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIESJuly 1: Muhlenberg School. 6 p.m.July 3: New Holland. 6 p.m.*July 4: Conrad Weiser. 12:30 p.m.*July 7: New Holland. 6 p.m.*July 11: Grings Mill. 5:15 p.m.*July 18: New Holland. 6 p.m.*July 24: New Holland. 6 p.m.*July 25: Grings Mill. 5:15 p.m.*July 31: New Holland. 6 p.m.*

* Chairs needed

OFF CAMPUSSaturday, July 3

Reading Pagoda: View city of Reading; visit café and gift shop. Noon.Tuesday, July 6

Kutztown Folk Festival: Enjoy history and the finest in PA Dutch cooking, crafts, music, folk life and more; $9. 10 a.m.Thursday, July 8

Elmwood Zoo: This Norristown zoo’s mission is to foster an appreciation of wildlife in their habitat; $7. 10 a.m.Friday, July 9

Glick’s Greenhouse Summer Celebration: Take in the sights of Manatawny Creek Farm’s 400 varieties of hybrid daylilies in peak bloom. Produce, bargains, food and fun.10 a.m.Saturday, July 10

Summer Yule Festival: The National Christmas Center in Lancaster holds “Christmas in July” with craftsmen, songs, food and gifts. 10 a.m.Wednesday, July 14

American Helicopter Museum: This museum restores and displays over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogiros and convertiplanes; $8. 10 a.m.Wednesday, July 14

Midsummer Night Stroll: Local ecologist Bob Hopkins points out the fascinating flora and fauna of the Heritage Center. 6:30 p.m.Saturday, July 17

Hopewell Furnace Operation Days: Living history lessons, furnace start up, crafts, flea market and food. 10 a.m.Saturday, July 17

Reading Country Club Dinner & Dancing: Enjoy dinner and dance

to the Maria Damore Trio. 6 p.m.Wednesday, July 21

Intercourse Canning Company/Pretzel Factory: Two stops in Intercourse. One, the canning company offers products freshly packed by local Mennonite and Amish folk. Two, overlook the room where people are making pretzels and learn to twist your own. 10 a.m.Thursday, July 22

Kimberton Whole Foods/Michael’s Diner: Striving to bring you the best local, natural and organic products available. Support your healthy lifestyle. 10 a.m.Friday, July 23

The Ecological Indian: Dave “Big Owl” McSurdy takes a look into whether American Indians were true ecologists and stewards of the land. 6:30 p.m.Saturday, July 24

Landis Valley Civil War Village: Go back to 1863 for a day with Union Soldiers encamped on historic grounds, demonstrations and food; $10. 9 a.m.Sunday, July 25

125th Anniversary of Reading Liederkranz: German song, dance, music and culture on the mountain. 12:30 p.m.Thursday, July 29

Herr’s Factory Tour: No fake machinery or actors — it’s the real process Herr’s has perfected to make their snacks taste really great. 9:30 a.m.Saturday, July 31

Kempton Railroad & Kempton Hotel Lunch: Take a ride through some of the prettiest scenery in Pennsylvania on the “Hawk Mountain Line”; $8. 11 a.m.

Upcoming Events

What is even more fun than enjoying a hobby on your own? Sharing and collaborating with other enthusiasts!

At The Heritage of Green Hills, individual model train experts and min-iaturists come together to to create something even more grand than they previously had in their old houses. At their new home, they meet together in a special room set aside for trains. Here they can contribute to a scale landscape with model trains and tiny houses. Residents that enjoy making dollhouse furniture will use their talents to create small houses and garden elements, while others create mountains and rivers.Hop On For A Joy Ride

Rodney Focht, who moved to The Heritage last year with his wife, Mary Ann, is happy to bring his collection out to the delight of other res-idents. What began for him as a childhood Christmas display turned into a yearly tradition that overtook the family garage every fall. He enter-tained their five children — and later their eleven grandchildren — with the wonderful locomotives. Rather than give them up when they moved to the community, he inquired if he could have a space for them, and the The Heritage happily obliged him with a room dedicated to the hobby.

Rodney explains that the group is working towards exhibiting during The Heritage of Green Hills open house.

“What we’re doing back here is building a mountain,” he explains as he guides an inquirer through the room’s arrangement. “And at the top of the mountain, there’s a lady who’s very good at making miniature towns and people, so she’s making a pagoda for it. And we’re going to have it right on top of that mountain. … We’re going to have a waterfall. And a log cabin back here. Another lady is making a circus tent.”

In addition to Rodney’s pre-war Lionel, resident Bob Zinn has con-tributed his collection, and spends time embellishing the scenery and watching the engines whiz by. They look forward to welcoming others to the group, where the sum is most definitely greater than the parts.

Heritage Resident Rodney Focht

Train Garden Artisans Get Early Start On Christmas

July 2010 Horizons Page 5

Planting For The FutureKathy Wagner, Kathy Maier, Lois Beam, and Susan Johnson were just a few of the many Heritage residents and staff who pitched in recently to plant flowers and trees during Earth Day.

What is even more fun than enjoying a hobby on your own? Sharing and collaborating with other enthusiasts!

At The Heritage of Green Hills, individual model train experts and min-iaturists come together to to create something even more grand than they previously had in their old houses. At their new home, they meet together in a special room set aside for trains. Here they can contribute to a scale landscape with model trains and tiny houses. Residents that enjoy making dollhouse furniture will use their talents to create small houses and garden elements, while others create mountains and rivers.Hop On For A Joy Ride

Rodney Focht, who moved to The Heritage last year with his wife, Mary Ann, is happy to bring his collection out to the delight of other res-idents. What began for him as a childhood Christmas display turned into a yearly tradition that overtook the family garage every fall. He enter-tained their five children — and later their eleven grandchildren — with the wonderful locomotives. Rather than give them up when they moved to the community, he inquired if he could have a space for them, and the The Heritage happily obliged him with a room dedicated to the hobby.

Rodney explains that the group is working towards exhibiting during The Heritage of Green Hills open house.

“What we’re doing back here is building a mountain,” he explains as he guides an inquirer through the room’s arrangement. “And at the top of the mountain, there’s a lady who’s very good at making miniature towns and people, so she’s making a pagoda for it. And we’re going to have it right on top of that mountain. … We’re going to have a waterfall. And a log cabin back here. Another lady is making a circus tent.”

In addition to Rodney’s pre-war Lionel, resident Bob Zinn has con-tributed his collection, and spends time embellishing the scenery and watching the engines whiz by. They look forward to welcoming others to the group, where the sum is most definitely greater than the parts.

Residents Eager To Enjoy Amazing Atlantic City Air Show In August

On Wednesday, August 25, residents will travel to Atlantic City to take

in the truly spectacular air show, “Thun-der Over The Boardwalk.” The show features breathtaking aerial maneuvers by the U.S. Air Force squadron, “Thunderbirds” (which fly the F16C Fighting Falcons, above), as well as intriguing flights by vintage aircraft like the famous World War II P51 Mustang (below).

Reserve your seat today to take in one of the greatest air shows in the world. Seating is lim-ited. Call 484-269-5143 for details.

Answers on page 7

ACROSS1 First principles5 Small goby9 Bird12 Vegetable13 Hence14 Yellow Sea arm15 Evening (Ital.)16 Bosh18 Grandfather of

Saul20 Weight

allowance21 Hog’s guts23 Biddy24 Begin25 Daughters of

the American Revolution (abbr.)

26 Double (abbr.)29 Ibsen character30 Science class31 3 (Rom. numeral)32 Sp. article33 Fishing line cork34 Desolate36 Bird37 Headstrong38 Scientific name

(suf.)40 Card41 Dire43 Freshwater

worm

46 Grab47 Gray wolf48 Eight (pref.)49 Father: Arabic50 Elbe tributary51 Interpret

DOWN1 Able-bodied

seaman (abbr.)2 Stinging insect3 Horned viper4 Firm5 Fr. artist6 Absent without

leave (abbr.)7 Son of Hermes

8 Edible shellfish9 Without (Ger.)10 Old-style verb11 Tall tale17 Sea eagle19 Comparative

ending21 Cure22 Handle23 Habakkuk (abbr.)25 Drop26 Shame27 Chew28 Song (Ger.)30 Afr. eye-worm33 Church officer34 Cooking vessel35 Trojan hero36 Cyclades island37 Sorrow

38 Arabic (abbr.)39 Phil. island40 Rood screen41 Genetic letters42 Daze44 Thus (Lat.)45 Arabic letter

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers on page 7

July 2010HorizonsPage 6

My grandson Justice and I were prowling his favorite

urban landscape, the alley, when he turned to me and held out his arm.

A yellow fluff crawled on his hand — a bumblebee. Brusquely I whisked it off, sweeping up the 2-year old in my arms to look for the sting. Justice began to cry. I hurried him home to get ice.

As I checked the hand, however — no sting.False Alarm

All of us — child, me, bee — had been calmly going about our business. When I brushed away the bee, however, Justice read the change perfectly. I was scared. He got scared too.

As it turned out, we were all fine, including the bee. This is a story about find-ing peace — so let’s turn to war.

In 1940 Eng-land was enduring weeks of German bomb-ing. A British officer stationed in London sent his wife and children away for safety.

Ten miles from any town, mother and children were amazed one day to see explosions in nearby fields. No one was hurt by the bombing gone astray. The expla-nation for the off-target raid long remained secret.Churchill’s Secret

Prime Minister Winston Churchill was among the few who knew the secret — and it was one reason he could maintain a sturdy self-assurance in those dark days.

British intelligence knew the Nazis had developed a radio beam to guide German planes to targets at night or in bad weather — bad news for English cities. British scientists, however, soon found a way to “bend” the German radio beams. Bombers missed targets. Some completely missed cities.

German fliers knew some-thing was up but couldn’t spot it. Churchill told only a tight inner circle. “The very few who knew,” writes Churchill in his history of World War II, “exchanged celestial grins.”

Churchill became prime minis-ter in 1940 at age 65 — kind of a

grandfather to his gen-eration. He had been through all this before, having been deeply involved in

World War I. He had been in battle himself. Courageous, unafraid of adversity, he knew England would prevail — and he knew how.Veterans Of Life’s Battles

In a way, we grandparents are like that, are we not? We’ve survived times we hope our grandchildren never experience. We made it. We know how. What we know may still be secret, or at least too complicated to tell children. Secret or not — why try to explain?

We just know. Consequently, we can carry an authentic air of calm and self-assurance for our grandchildren, as Churchill did for England.

Sociologists confirmed it in a survey of older adults earlier this year: As we age, we do find peace. “It seems to be a positive thing about aging,” says researcher John Mirowsky, age 59, of the Univer-sity of Texas in Austin, “and the more balanced emotional state is something to be enjoyed rather than dreaded. …”

We can’t explain all of what we know. Why try? Someday, our chil-dren and grandchildren will know too. Meantime, while their parents are busy — we can be our grand-children’s peace.

Churchill never soft-pedaled what England faced. “I have noth-ing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat,”

he said in his first speech as prime minister. “We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind.”

Throughout, however, Churchill urged calm. My own grandfather spread such calm without saying a word — rocking in his chair with a smoldering grin that made it look as though he’d just gotten away with something.

In fact, he had. We all have. We’ve gotten away so far with this wild adventure called life. It’s not as if we can tell our grandchildren how. It’s rather something we can be for them.

We can be their peace — the occasional bumblebee notwith-standing. And the next time that happens, I’ll try to be calmer.

Author note: Marc Hequet has covered the world as a freelance journalist and as a longtime con-tributor to Time magazine — but he somehow always finds his way back home to Minnesota.

This article is abridged from an article that appeared in

the November/December 2008 issue of GRAND Magazine. Reprinted with permission of GRAND

Media, LLC, copyright © 2010. All rights reserved.

out more than it is taking in. The program itself is in great shape, though, thanks to all those years of surpluses. It has a trust fund of more than a $2 trillion in treasury bills it can redeem, and will have no problem covering all of its expenses for another two and a half decades. At that point — in the year 2037, according to pro-

jections — it will have exhausted its trust fund and would have to reduce benefits by about 25 percent unless it was given additional revenues. If it didn’t cut benefits and the government bor-rowed to cover the cost, Social Security would, at that point, be contributing to the country’s long term deficit problem.

So, Social Security is healthy and solvent for at least the next two decades. But — and here’s the confusing part — the federal government is not in such great shape. All the money that the federal government has borrowed from that huge Social Security trust fund has all been spent. It now has to find the money from somewhere to give that money back to Social Security so Social Security can con-tinue to pay out benefits.Enter The President’s Commission

This is one of the issues that the NCFRR is going to try to address. Though just starting, the NCFRR has already begun to generate controversy. It has pledged that its main meetings will be open … but the meetings of the working sub-committees of the commission have

been closed to the public.Moreover, liberal groups have raised con-

cerns about the views and associations of the NCFRR members. Former Senator Alan Simp-son (R-WY) co-chairs the commission, along with President Clinton’s former Chief of Staff, Erskine Bowles. Some fear ‘the deck has been stacked’ with members partial to taking aim at two of the biggest components of future federal spending: Medicare and Social Security. Accord-ing to liberal blogger Jane Hamsher of FireDo-gLake, 14 of NCFRR’s 18 members are either on record or “likely” to be receptive to cutting benefits for current or future retirees, while 10 of the members appear to be open to some kind of Social Security privatization approach. Ham-sher also points out that several NCFRR mem-bers have ties with financial corporations that may derive highly profitable business handling the investments of a privatized Social Security system, should that be the direction approved by Congress.

The NCFRR’s ultimate recommendation to Congress must be approved by 14 of its 18 members. Its recommendations are non-binding, but they are likely to carry considerable weight with Congress as it wrestles with the politically difficult issue of closing the gap between spend-ing and revenues.

GRANDparents Corner

Commission Appointed To Help Fix Nation’s Fiscal Balance Sheet

To get a FREE subscription and access all

issues of GRAND, the Online Magazine for Grandparents, visit

http://tinyurl.com/freeGRAND

FROM “COMMISSION” ON P. 2

Sociologists confirmed it in a survey of older adults earlier this year: As we age, we do

find peace

by Marc Hequet

Economic Downturn, Financial Rescues, And Legacy of Prior Policies Drive Record DeficitsDeficit, in trillions

Wars in Iraq and AfghanistanBush-era tax cuts

Recovery measuresTARP, Fannie, and FreddieEconomic downturn

– Current deficit projection

– Deficit without these factors

-$1.5

-1.2

-0.9

-0.6

-0.3

0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Source: Center on Budget Policy and Priorities (cbpp.org) chart based on Congressional Budget Office estimates. Copyright CPBB; used with permission.

Page 7July 2010 Horizons

“CCRCs offer seniors a return to a lifestyle that is both healthier for them, and more sensible for the environment,” notes Kevin Glover, senior architect and principal for the development firm KGRW. Kevin has overseen the design of over two dozen full-service retirement communities.

“Retirement communities that have services and amenities on site are doing more than giving their residents access to a pool or shop,” he adds. “They’re provid-ing their residents with the tremen-dous social and health benefits of a walkable community … and doing great things for the environment by reducing our reliance on cars!”The Health Benefits Of Natural, Walkable Settings

Internationally, researchers have confirmed the importance of living in attractive communities in natural settings which encourage residents to be both socially and physically active. It is precisely these quali-ties that have made The Heritage of

Green Hills such a popular choice. Researchers discovered that living in areas with walkable green spaces was directly related to longevity for senior citizens, and had a mea-surable effect on their perceived health. They even discovered that having a window with a view can help someone recover from surgery!

The health of residents and the health of the com-munity at large is a priority for Green Hills. Its apartments and villas are outfitted with high-efficiency GE Energy Star appliances with lifetime warranties, and villas are equipped with rainfall collection systems for landscaping. In addi-tion, the assisted living facility on site, The Manor, uses a geothermal system to help power its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

system.But The Heritage at Green Hills

does not intend to rest on its laurels, says Herb. “We’re in the process of putting in monitoring and control systems which can better match usage with need,” he explains. Green Hills is also evaluating further investments in systems that

produce renew-able energy or use energy more efficiently, but will move ahead with them only if they make eco-nomic sense for residents.

“I think our residents would like to set an exam-ple for their children and grand-children,” Herb says. “To protect the environment, it’s important that we explore generating energy in a renewable and sustainable way. It’s important for the long-term viability of the country.”

Sources used in this article:“Residential Environments for

Older Americans and Their Sus-tainability: From the Room to the Region”; Ann Forsyth, Esther Greenhouse, Nancy Wells, Lor-raine Maxwell, Joseph Laquatra, David Kay, Jennifer Tiffany; proceedings of the Aging and Environment Conference, Ithaca, NY: July 23 - 24, 2009.

“Green space, urbanity, and health: how strong is the relation?” Jolanda Maas, Robert A Verheij, Peter P Groenewegen, Sjerp de Vries, Peter Spreeuwenberg; Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2006

“Urban residential environments and senior citizens’ longevity in megacity areas: the importance of walkable green spaces”; T Takano, K Nakamura, M Wata-nabe; Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2002

“View through a window may influ-ence recovery from surgery”; Ulrich RS; Science, 1984.

Retirement Communities Point Towards A Green Future

Personalized Guidance Helps Residents Stay On Courseunique, holistic philosophy geared toward helping each resident find a personal path to wellness. The program has been developed around the six dimensions of wellness: social, spiritual, physical, intel-lectual, emotional and vocational. Heritage residents work with an experienced team of wellness experts, who help them set and achieve goals for all aspects of a fulfilling retirement.

Studies show that exercising the brain is no less important than exercising the legs or back. Well By Design® encourages residents to pursue new experiences and chal-lenges through lectures, social inter-action, and the availability of a host of cultural and artistic opportunities in the community. Residents at The Heritage enjoy the many interesting classes and outings that help to keep them young at heart.A Community On Your Side

“It is so much easier to maintain a physically and socially active life-style when you have a whole com-munity that cares about you,” says Well By Design® Director, Cheryl Anderson. “Fitness Specialist Lind-say Hallman is just great at helping folks stay on track in keeping fit.”

The Well By Design® program encourages residents to participate

in the physical activities they enjoy most. They have a wide variety of activities to choose from: fitness classes like yoga and low-impact aerobics, swimming, walking out-doors, personal training sessions, activities for cardiovascular endur-ance, muscular strengthening and

flexibility. Health screenings help guide residents to pick what is most appropriate for them, and their personal coach helps them set their goals and tailor a workout plan to their fitness level.

As part of the Well By Design® program, residents of The Heritage have endless opportunities to stay connected with neighbors, friends (old and new), family and the com-munity at-large. They enjoy trips to area attractions, entertainment, clubs, social engagements and much more.

Well By Design® recognizes the satisfaction residents get from using skills they have in meaningful, productive activ-ity, and helps them to maintain those skills. For example, resi-dents are encouraged to foster their skills through volunteer-ing, mentoring, leading a class, or even continuing to work.

In addition to exercising their faith, residents maintain their spiritual wellness listen-ing to expert speakers, engag-ing in group discussions, and

taking part in activities in the larger community.

“It is really gratifying to see new residents of the Heritage take advantage of the many opportu-nities here to increase their well being,” Cheryl adds. “Our calendar of upcoming events is filled with fun options for interaction, learning and exercise.”

It’s all part of the program’s philosophy: wellness in each of the six dimensions doesn’t happen by chance, but by design.A

NSWERS

FROM “BY DESIGN” ON P. 1

“CCRCs offer seniors a return to a lifestyle that is both healthier for them,

and more sensible for the environment.”

FROM “GREEN LIVING” ON P. 1

Fitness Specialist Lindsay Hallman leads residents through aquatic exercises in the community’s temperature-controlled indoor pool.

From spacious villas with garages to gener-ous three-bedroom/two-den apartment homes, to amazingly designed one-bedroom apartment homes, you’re sure to find a maintenance-free Heritage home to suit your style and budget.

But no matter what home suits your style, you won’t have to spend any more money or time taking care of it!

From the shingles to the shoveling, from the appliances to the house-keeping, the staff takes care of everything inside and out. All of which leaves you with the time to do the things you really want to do!Adding Years To Life And Life To Years

From the on-site Medical Center to deli-cious dining and an

array of activities, The Heritage is a healthier place to live, thanks to American Heritage’s Wellness By Design® Program. Top-notch athletes and actors have help practicing healthy living, why shouldn’t you?Unmatched Home Styles And Financial Choices

Just like we offer more apartment styles than anyone else, we also offer more financial options which is why

The Heritage is selling so quickly. This unique community provides three financial options: the 100% refundable entrance deposit, the 75% refundable deposit, and the declining deposit. Regardless of which plan you choose, you’ll discover unbe-lievable value at The Heritage. In fact, most of our residents tell us it cost about the same or less than it did to live in their old house.

These Retirement Villas Come With Maintenance-Free Living

The kit tells you everything you need to

know about this incredible mainte-nance-free lifestyle, including details on prices, the amenities, services, and the important access to on-site health care, or just request your kit online at http//tinyurl.com/AHGHkit. Call today to receive your free, comprehensive retirement kit. (484) 269-5090

� Yes, please send me my free retirement information kit.

Fill out this coupon and send to:The Heritage of Green Hills

200 Tranquility Lane, Reading, PA 19607www.HeritageOfGreenHills.com

(484) 269-5090

Name ___________________________________________

Address _________________________________________

City ______________________ State ______ Zip ________

Email ___________________________________________

Phone#____________________________ AdCode Hrzn7

Water aerobic classes help you stay healthy and have fun.

Enjoy the good life. Villas at The Heritage of Green Hills offer spacious living close enough to The Heritage Clubhouse for easy access, yet removed enough to enjoy the scenic tranquility. Plus, a private garage and extra storage space. In other words, the best of both worlds! Amenities at The Heritage include:• Hobby Train Room• Tavern• Maintenance-Free Villas • State-Of-The-Art Fit-

ness Center• All-Season Indoor

Swimming Pool• Art Studio And Pottery

Kiln• Woodworking Shop• Nature Trails• Two Restaurant-Style

Dining Venues• Resident Gardening

Spaces• Computer Center• Exercise Studio• Inviting Lounge Areas• Day Spa And Salon• Full-Service Bank• On Campus Doctor

Office• Rehab Center

Achieve A Healthier Lifestyle

More than physical amenities, The Heritage of Green Hills’ life-style embraces Well By Design®. This holistic approach emphasizes working with an experi-enced team of wellness experts. You’ll have the opportunity to set and achieve goals for all aspects of a fulfilling lifestyle, whether you’re exercising your mind, strengthening your spirit or invigorating your body.

You’ll enjoy great

trips, interesting classes and spectacular on-site amenities.A Great Location

The superb amenities at The Heritage are all in an ideal location!

With 78 acres of roll-ing hills and mature trees — and just across the street from The Flying Hills Golf Course — The Heritage of Green Hills offers exceptional natural beauty.

At The Heritage of Green Hills you’ll find unmatched value AND an unmatched location!

Take Away The Chores And Replace Them With Fun

Live Life To The Fullest

Every villa comes with a golf cart, which allow residents like Susan Johnson and Cliff Key easy access to The Clubhouse.

“The first time my wife and I glanced at The Heri-tage’s information kit, I thought it was too expen-sive but then I looked again and compared the prices to the cost of staying in my old house. I soon realized that the costs were about the same … but at The Heritage, I was getting all these additional services and amenities. This place is awesome!”

- Arden EblingArden and Bonnie Ebling

“Here, when I come home from work, I can play. I can go swim, I can work out at the fitness center, I can go to dinner, and I don’t have to cook, I don’t have to do this or that. I get cleaning service every other week and it’s wonderful. I go to work and I can leave work there, and I come home and I play. And that’s great.”

- Bonnie Ebling

EQUAL HOUSING OPPOR TUNIT Y

Free Information Kit!

July 2010HorizonsPage 8