Council Communicator

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c OcOmmUNIcaUNcIl

cOmmUNIcaTOR Delaware County’s Bimonthly Guide to Aging Services

V OlUmE 21 NO. 4

www.growingolder.org

website (http://www.ohioattorney general.gov/), the grandparent scam involves con artists posing as grandchildren. The website states “they may call and say, ‘Hi Grandma’ or ‘Hi Grandpa,’ then make up a story explaining that they are stuck in another country and need you to send money via wire transfer. Of course, any money you send will go to the scammer, not to your real grandchild.”

The description is one with which Lucille is all too familiar.

“It was on a Saturday morning, and when my phone rang, the caller said my grandson wanted to talk to me Scams against older adults are “Then she left for a minute and when and was in jail in Mexico,” Lucille said. prevalent, but precautions can keep she came back, she said ‘You aren’t “My grandson lives in Phoenix, so I said you from becoming the next victim sending this. This sounds like a scam to ‘What are you doing in jail in Mexico?’ me.’”

He said he and a couple buddies decidBy Jeff Robinson It was a scam. Specifically, it’s ed to take a vacation and they were Lucille Hessey knows she was this known as the “grandparent scam,” drinking and had a wreck, and he close. and unfortunately, it’s one of several needed $2,000 to get out of jail.”

The Delaware resident was at the that happen frequently to older adults.

At the time, Lucille had the presstore counter, writing out the telegram Lucille said she hopes sharing her ence of mind to know that that would accompany the $2,000 she story will prevent others something didn’t was about to wire to her grandson. from becoming vicsound right.

Thankfully, the store employee who tims.

She even told “That did somewas helping her write the telegram According the voice thing to me.

It thought things sounded a little suspito information on on the shocked my whole cious.

Attorney phone system.”

“She looked at me and said, ‘I General Mike that he did— Lucille Hessey on nearly don’t know about this,’” Hessey said.

DeWine’s n’t sound

Be a

Scam

Stopper!

being a scam victim INSIDE

THE

JUly / aUgUST 2013 like her grandson. But the voice explained that he’d had two teeth knocked out during the wreck, which made the story a little more convincing.

“Then someone who said he was their lawyer came on and told me I needed to send $2,000 to this person in Mexico,” Lucille said. “That’s when I went to the telegraph office.”

Lucille knows she nearly lost $2,000 to a total stranger. She credits the store employee for helping her make a wise decision, and said when she returned home the first thing she did was call her grandson.

“He was home, and when I told him what happened, he said if he ever did something like that, I should just leave him in jail,” Lucille said.

The incident happened to Lucille a few months ago, but when she talks about it she still gets upset.

“That did something to me. It shocked my whole system,” she said.

“On the Monday after it happened, I was taken to the emergency room with a bad nosebleed. I was traumatized.”

Lucille wants to prevent that same trauma from affecting someone else.

She encourages anyone who gets a similar call to look into the situation before sending money, and to keep an

SCAM continues on page 18

c O m m U N I c aT O R

Bill Sheehy & John Smith – Cherishing Our Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2 One Million Served . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8 Trace Your Family Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 10 Dementia: The Whole Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 21 Seniors Shine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 25

Center for Older Adults • 800 Cheshire Road • Delaware, OH 43015 Phone: 740-363-6677 • www.growingolder.org

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bill sheehy and John smith — bringing a Garden to life It started with a flagpole.

Specifically, it started with the flagpole at the Center for Older Adults, which, when the Center was completed in late 2007, was located near the east entrance of the building.

Thinking the flagpole needed to be more visible to those visiting the Center, several people commented that it should be moved to the front entrance. The powers that be at the Center agreed, and in its search for a way to fund the flagpole-moving project, Senior Citizens Inc. received support from the Raymond B. Austin Post #115 of the American Legion.

But in the end, Senior Citizens Inc. and the Center received much more than that.

When word of the flagpole’s new location reached Legion members Bill Sheehy and John R. Smith, both of whom are past commanders of the Post, the World War II veterans thought they could take the project a step further.

“John and I just looked at each other and said, ‘Wouldn’t that be a great place for a veterans’ memorial?’”

Sheehy said.

Sheehy, Smith and other Post #115 members had wanted to build a veterans’ memorial in Delaware County for some time, but couldn’t find an ideal location.

“A cemetery was not the place,” Smith said.

Sheehy said they also considered the Delaware County Courthouse, but there wasn’t ample space available.

“It was a thought process,” Smith said. “We thought about the fairgrounds, but knew it wasn’t the place.”

When the new flagpole location was mentioned, it struck a chord with

senior

profile

Jeff robinson Editor

COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR Smith and Sheehy. They took the idea to their fellow Post #115 members.

“Everyone loved the idea,” Sheehy said. “We all agreed that one of the things we could get from this was a lasting legacy for our Post, and something that honors both past members and present.”

With unanimous support, American Legion Post #115 agreed to fund the construction of a veterans’

Sheehy and Smith said funding for the Post’s portion of the construction came from a popular annual Post ritual — selling race programs during Delaware County Fair week.

“The selling of the race programs goes back to the start of the races and to our World War I veterans,” Sheehy said. The tradition has grown so popular that Sheehy said veterans come up from Florida to help peddle the programs at the fairgrounds.

Sheehy said the Post’s work over the years enabled it to earn funds for various projects, including annual scholarships for students, sending delegates to the Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State each year and

John R. Smith, left, and Bill Sheehy proudly stand in the veterans’ memorial garden.

memorial at the Center, which would be complete with a memorial garden, a granite monument honoring service members, plantings and benches, and personalized engraved bricks that honor Delaware County veterans. The Legion Post would pay for the construction of the memorial, while sponsorships would be sold for the bricks, which would be engraved and placed at different spots within the memorial.

helping to provide the fireworks and music for Delaware’s 4th of July celebration. When the time came to build the veterans’ memorial, money for the project was already set aside.

Smith said they wanted the memorial to be a fitting tribute to the county’s veterans.

“We got black granite for the monument that came all the way from India. That took a while to come in,”

Smith said.

Sheehy and Smith said they both were pleased with the end result, for which the Raymond B. Austin American Legion Post #115 donated more than $15,000. Hundreds of county residents gathered on Veterans Day, 2009 to dedicate the new Veterans Memorial Garden at the Center for Older Adults. The first batch of engraved brick pavers was unveiled, and the ceremony concluded with the raising of the flag – in the flagpole’s new location – and the debut of the two-ton, black granite monument that reads “Remembering those who defend our freedom. All gave some.

Some gave all.”

For their efforts, Smith, Sheehy and the rest of American Legion Post #115 were given the Outstanding Service to Seniors Award at this year’s Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame ceremony. See article on page 5.

But Smith and Sheehy will tell you that more important than any award is having a way to remember those who have served our country.

Today, there are more than 300 engraved bricks in the memorial garden, and sales of the bricks continue.

Sheehy and Smith said all proceeds from the brick sales benefit Senior Citizens Inc., and funds raised so far have been used for remodeling at the Center and to create an activity room out of a space that used to be used for storage.

As Past Commanders of the Raymond B. Austin post, Smith and Sheehy continue to be active members and continue to give back to their community, just as they gave back to their country.

CounCil the Council Communicator newspaper is a publication of delaware County’s Council for older Adults, 800 Cheshire road, delaware, oH 43015. the Council Communicator is published six times a year during the first week of January, March, May, July, september and november.

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Thanks to you

Jeff robinson, editor Cynthia Croce smith, design snP Printing, Print Production donna Meyer, Production Coordinator the Council for older Adults is a non-profit organization serving the older population throughout delaware County. the Council was created to plan, coordinate and develop services designed to enable older persons living in the county to remain independent in their own homes and community.

Board of Directors President: larry Harris, Delaware ViCe President: roger Van sickle, Delaware seCretAry: Ali solove, Powell treAsurer: tansukh J. salgia, Ph.d., Galena PAst President: Karen Pillion, Sunbury Alice frazier, M.d., Delaware robert Gaffey, Ph.d., Delaware dwayne Gardner, Ph.d., Delaware Jan Garlock, Westerville George Kannapel, Powell susan lasley, Powell ross long, J.d., Delaware Jane nance, r.n., Galena dick skuce, Powell George speese, Delaware robert sprengnether, Galena Bob Walsh, r.n., Delaware John Watkins, Radnor the Council Communicator is made possible through the generosity of advertisers, donations from individuals, and the contributions of volunteers. the appearance of advertising in this publication does not represent an endorsement of products, services, or political candidates and issues by the Council for older Adults. the Council Communicator cannot guarantee the return of articles or photographs submitted for publication.

About 45,000 copies of each edition are printed and distributed throughout delaware County. in the City of delaware, the Council Communicator is distributed in The Delaware Gazette. to sunbury residents, the Council Communicator is distributed in the Sunbury News. the Council Communicator is also distributed to subscribers of the Columbus Dispatch, wherein it is included as part of the sunday paper with the release of each new issue of the Communicator. in addition, the Council Communicator is available at social service agencies, healthcare providers, public offices, libraries, and over 50 other locations throughout delaware County. if you do not receive The Delaware Gazette or the Columbus Dispatch and would like to find a nearby pick-up site, please contact the Council for older Adults at (740) 363-6677 or (800) 994-2255 or visit www.growingolder.org.

To advertise or to submit articles or for comments, please contact donna Meyer, Associate director of Communications, (740) 363-6677, (800) 994-2255, or donna@growingolder.org.

We reserve the right to refuse advertising from any business or organization whose mission may conflict with the Council’s.

The Board of Directors of the council for older adults meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at noon, at the office of the council for older adults, located at the center for older adults, 800 cheshire road, Delaware, ohio. Meetings are not held in June and august.

Dear Friends, On behalf of the board of directors, staff, volunteers and — most of all — the thousands served by the Council for Older Adults, we thank the citizens of Delaware County for approving our recent senior services ballot request.

Your confidence and faith evidenced by this continuing support are true blessings.

Larry Harris Board President

CounCil

for

older Adults

The funding will help enable the continuation of services for existing clients and put us in position to serve what we know will be the continuing fast-paced growth of our older population.

BoB Horrocks Nobody likes paying taxes and we hate to executive director CounCil for older Adults ask for even a small increase. Your continuing support acknowledges both the reality of our aging society and the true caring and compassion that our community has for its most vulnerable.

As we always have, we will work every day to provide great service, to be good stewards of these funds and to be worthy of your trust.

Larry Harris

Board President Council for Older Adults

Robert Horrocks

Executive Director Council for Older Adults

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Delaware Residents Honored at the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame On May 15, Delaware County was well represented at the 38th Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. This recognition, presented by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, honors older adults who lead meaningful lives and enrich the quality of life for others.

Receiving the Outstanding Service to Seniors award was the Raymond B. Austin Post #115 of the American Legion in Delaware. Nominated by the Council for Older Adults for its assistance in planning and funding the Veterans Memorial Garden, the nomi-

nation specifically recognized the work of past Post Commander John R. Smith as well as past Vice Commander Bill Sheehy for their leadership in the project (see the profile on page 2).

Delaware residents Gary and Sandy Must received an honorable mention at the Hall of Fame event. Nominated by the Council for Older Adults for their extensive volunteer work in the community, the Musts volunteer more than 1,000 hours each year at the Council as well as with the Humane Society of Delaware County, 4H, Andrews House, Senior Citizens Inc. and the Delaware

County Fair.

Also receiving honorable mention was Senior Citizens Inc. volunteer Pat Coleman. Pat volunteers for special events as well as the Council for Older Adults Meals On Wheels program. She

Senior Citizens Inc. nominated Pat Coleman as an inductee into the 2013 Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for her many contributions to the Center for Older Adults and to her community. Pat was recognized at the event with 22 others as a nominee.

From left, Larry Dawson, Commander American Legion Raymond B. Austin Post #115; Charlene Browning, Executive Director of Delaware County Senior Citizens Inc.; John R. Smith, past Post Commander; and Bill Sheehy, past Vice Commander.

also volunteers at St Ann’s Hospital.

Colleen Marshall of NBC 4 served as the emcee at the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, which was held at the Martin Janis Center in Columbus.

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FinAnCiAl FOCus Help Older Parents Avoid Financial “Scams” Here’s a disturbing statistic: One out of every five Americans over the age of 65 has been victimized by a financial scheme, according to the Investor Protection Trust, a nonprofit organization devoted to investor education. If your parents are in this age group, should you be concerned? And can you help them avoid being “scammed” so that they maintain control over their finances?

The answer to the first question is “yes” — you should be concerned. Of course, as the numbers above show, most aging Americans are not being swindled, which suggests they can take care of themselves quite well.

Still, it’s no secret that many fraud schemes target seniors because of their concentrated wealth and in many cases, trusting nature. And as much as you’d like to think otherwise, your parents could be susceptible to rip-off artists.

Fortunately, in regard to the second question above, you can indeed take steps to help prevent your parents from being fleeced. Here are a few suggestions: • Observe their behavior. If you live close to your parents, listen closely to any new friends, investment deals or sweepstakes they mention during your normal interactions. If you’re in a

different city, try to stay abreast of your parents’ behavior by communicating with them frequently and by checking in with other family members or friends who have occasion to see your parents.

• Urge them to watch out for suspicious e-mails. You’ve probably seen them — the e-mails offering to “reward” you with huge amounts of money if you will only contact suchand-such from a distant country and then put up a “small” sum to initiate some ill-defined transaction. You probably “spam” these without a moment’s thought — and you should urge your parents to do the same.

Remind them that any offer that sounds “too good to be true” is, without question, neither “good” nor “true.”

• Encourage them to further their financial education. Law enforcement agencies, health care professionals and reputable financial services providers all offer personal financial management programs designed specifically for seniors. Look for these types of programs in your area, encourage your parents to attend — and even consider going with them.

• Become familiar with their financial situation. Having a serious discussion with your parents about

their finances may not be easy — but it’s important. The more you know about their investments, retirement accounts and estate plans, the better prepared you’ll be to respond helpfully if they mention an action they’re considering taking that, to you, just doesn’t sound appropriate.

• Suggest professional help. If your parents are already working with a qualified financial professional, they’re probably less likely to be victimized by fraud than if they were managing their finances on their own.

And it’s a good idea for you to know their financial advisor, and for him or her to know you, as you may well be involved in your parents’ legacy planning. But if your parents don’t already have a financial advisor, you may want to recommend one to them, particu-

larly if it’s someone you already know and trust.

It’s entirely possible that your parents won’t need any assistance in avoiding financial scams. But, just in case, be prepared to act on the above suggestions. Your intervention could help preserve your parents' financial independence.

— Copyright © Edward Jones 2013

Visit the Council for Older Adults online.

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CARegIveR CORNeR Caregiver Workshops The Council for Older Adults provides monthly support opportunities for active caregivers who provide assistance to their family members and friends. These workshops allow caregivers to learn, grow and gather support. Presentations are provided by various members of our community and focus on a host of topics. Workshops are held on the second Tuesday of the month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Upcoming workshops include: July 9: “Detecting Fraud: How to Protect Yourself from the Big Bad Wolf,” presented by Yolanda Robinson of the Attorney Generals’ Office Aug. 13: “Caring for a Difficult Family Member,” presented by Paula Taliaferro of Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Sept. 10: “Finding Your Way Through the Medicare/Medicaid Jungle,” presented by Paula Dean of the Council for Older Adults Oct. 8: “Making Decisions About End of Life Care,” presented by Doug Cluxton, MA, LPC of HomeReach Hospice Nov. 12: “Elder Law Planning: Health Care & Asset Protection for Older Adults,” presented by Louis Borowicz of Baxter & Borowicz Workshops are free and are held at the Center for Older Adults, 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware. Please feel free to bring a friend. To register, please RSVP to Jen Spicer at (740) 203-2377.

Council for Older Adults volunteer, Beth Fisher prepares to deliver flowers to local caregivers for Caregiver Recognition Day, held on May 22.

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Meals On Wheels Marks One Million Served from the Center for Older Adults On June 5, the Council for Older Adults, in partnership with the Delaware County Bank, celebrated delivering its one millionth meal from the Cheshire Road facility in Delaware.

This special recognition began at a reception at the Center for Older Adults and ended with the delivery of the meal to the client’s home.

Receiving the millionth meal was Norma Jenifer of Delaware. She has received services through the Council for Older Adults since 2008 and is the caregiver for her 100-year-old mother, who lives with her and also receives services.

Several dignitaries, including Marc Molea from the Ohio Department of Aging and Cindy Farson, executive director of the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, spoke at the reception.

Meals On Wheels volunteer Judy Wheels program served meals out of Grady Memorial Hospital.

Domire correctly guessed the date of the meal delivery and delivered the momentous meal. She received a $100 Visa gift card donated by the Delaware Over the past five months, in recognition of serving the one millionth County Bank. meal, the Council for Older Adults set a goal to collect one million pennies.

“The Delaware County Bank is This celebration served as the culmination of the Drive for a Million fund-raiser, honored to partner with the Council sponsored by the Delaware County Bank. Area schools, 4-H groups, businessfor Older Adults and their Drive for a es, organizations and individuals have been collecting pennies throughout the Million promotion,” said Ronald J. community to assist in reaching that goal. Delaware County Bank supported Seiffert, the bank’s president and CEO. this effort with donation boxes placed at the branches. More than $9,000 was “The Meals On Wheels program is a collected within the community and the Delaware County Bank donated the very important service to the seniors of remaining $1,000 needed to reach the $10,000 goal. Funds collected will prothis county and we are proud to supvide 2,200 meals for the county's senior citizens – enough to feed 68 clients port this worthy cause.” for a month.

Serving about 800 meals per day, Each month, more than 270 volunteers deliver nearly 15,400 meals to the Council for Older Adults Meals On homebound older county residents who are unable to prepare healthy meals.

Wheels program has been cooking and Lunches are also available at four senior dining centers throughout Delaware delivering meals out of the Center for County. This service, provided on a donation basis, is designed to help seniors Older Adults facility on Cheshire Road remain living at home while maintaining good nutrition. since 2008. Before moving to the current location, the Council’s Meals On Thanks to the following groups, schools, clubs and

The Power of the Penny

Delaware County Bank president and CEO Ron Seiffert (left) presents COA director Bob Horrocks a check that represents the total amount raised in the fund raiser. The Delaware County Bank was the million penny fund raiser sponsor and donated $1,000 toward the effort.

Millionth meal recipient Norma Jenifer receives the momentous meal from Meals On Wheels volunteer Judy Domire.

individuals for contributing to the Million Penny Drive: Delaware County Bank, Smith School, Woodward School, Willis School, Conger School, Delaware Christian School, Delaware Area Career Center, Ohio Wesleyan University – Delta Gamma, Olentangy Orange Interact Club, Delaware Riding Club, Girl Scout Troop 1493, Del Clovers 4-H, Bellepoint 4H, Easy Rider 4-H, Tops club, Willow Brook Delaware Run, Alice Frazier, Suzanne Wyant, Joe DIGenova, Sherri Hanes, Debra Yacovone, Carolyn Riggle, Eileen Fogel, John Jackson, Foot & Ankle Wellness, Connections, DATA, Visiting Nurses, Pizza Cabin, Walmart, Arbors at Delaware, and all those who threw their money in collection jars – a BIG THANK YOU! We exceeded our goal to collect one million pennies.

Students at the Delaware Area Career Center held a “ penny war” to see which class could raise the most pennies. Congratulations to the Junior Auto Body class which collected more than $103 and was rewarded with a pizza party donated by Marco’s Pizza. Students at DACC raised a total of $940.

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CRosswoRd Puzzle A Bit

of

RuBBle

By Ed Canty

By GFR Associates Visit our Web site at www.gfrpuzzles.com answErs on pagE 22

Are you puzzled about your medical bills? our Insurance and Medical Bill specialist can help. this free service, offered to older adults, can identify and correct billing errors.

Call (740) 363-6677 or 1-(800) 994-2255

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Trace Your Family Tree Using DGHD’s Vital Statistics Registrar A couple weeks ago, a man came to the Delaware General Health District to obtain a birth certificate.

As our clerk was processing the information, he started asking about our Registrar’s death certificate service.

From there, a service that usually takes minutes turned into an hourlong journey of self-discovery when an inquiry about one ancestor lead to the finding of several more.

The Health District’s registrations of births and deaths date back to 1867; unfortunately, many of them are incomplete and lack information.

These records include the names of the parents and their place of residence. It was not until 1908 that the obligatory recording of births and deaths was adopted in Ohio. Ohio birth records usually contain a child's name; place and date of birth; sex; race; name and birthplace of father; and maiden name and birthplace of mother. Ohio death records usually contain the name of the deceased; place and date of death; sex; age at death; marital state; place of birth; parents; occupation; cause of death; and last residence.

Since 2003, the Delaware General Health District has been unable to issue uncertified copies of

FROM THE DELAWARE

GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT TRACI WHITTAkER

Public Information Officer

Delaware General HealtH DIstrIct

birth and death certificates. For those who are mostly interested in obtaining this information for genealogy reasons, DGHD invites you to call or visit the health department and write the information down on paper. If you have a lengthy request, we are happy to assist you; however, there are times that DGHD clerks are busy handling other matters. In these situations, we ask that you include your name and daytime telephone number with your request. Our staff will tend to your request as promptly as possible to assist you in adding members to your family tree.

Our staff can issue a birth certificate to anyone born in any county in Ohio; however, our death certificates

are issued only for those who passed away in Delaware County. DGHD clerks are able to process requests for certified birth and death certificates online or by phone, walk-in and mail order. Certified copies cost $24 per

copy. The DGHD’s Registrar is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to issue certificates. For more information on the DGHD Vital Statistics Division, visit us online at www.delawarehealth.org or call (740) 368-1700.

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Medicare’s competitive Bidding Program — What You need to Know The Competitive Bidding Program changes the way and the amount that Medicare pays suppliers for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), and changes who can supply these items to you. (The program does not affect which doctors you can use.)

The Competitive Bidding Program replaces outdated Medicare prices with lower, more accurate prices. Under this program, Medicare uses bids submitted by suppliers to furnish certain medical equipment and supplies at a lower price than what Medicare now pays for these items. Qualified, accredited suppliers with winning bids are chosen as Medicare contract suppliers. This program helps you and Medicare save money, limit fraud and abuse in the

To participate, you’ll need to use a Medicare national mail-order contract DesK supplier to pay for diabetic testing supplies that are delivered to your home. If Medicare Program, while ensuring you you don’t want diabetic testing suphave access to quality medical equipplies delivered to your home, you can ment, supplies and services from sup- go to any local store (local pharmacies pliers you can trust. or storefront suppliers) that’s enrolled On Jan. 1, 2011, Medicare started with Medicare and buy them there. phasing in a new Competitive Bidding This new program doesn't require program, and effective July 1, 2013, that you change your testing monitor.

Medicare expanded this program to If you're happy with your current moniadditional areas including Columbus tor, look for a mail-order contract supand its metropolitan area, which plier or local store that can provide the includes Delaware County. supplies you need. If you get your testing supplies through the mail, you can Diabetic Supplies continue to get your supplies from any Also starting in July, Medicare Medicare-approved supplier. implemented a National Mail-Order If you switch suppliers, you might Program for diabetic testing supplies. need to get a new prescription for testing supplies or arrange to have your current prescription transferred. Plan ahead before you run out of supplies.

The Competitive Bidding Program applies to original Medicare beneficiaries only. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, such as an HMO or PPO, your plan will let you know you if your supplier is changing.

If you're not sure, contact your plan.

If you have original Medicare and use equipment or supplies included in the program, you will almost always have to use Medicare contract suppliers if you want Medicare to help you pay for the item.

Medicare will pay for a walker furnished to you by your doctor or treating health care provider (including physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners), even if he or she isn’t a Medicare contract supplier, as long as the walker is supplied in the office during a visit for medical care.

If you’re hospitalized and need a walker, Medicare will also pay for a

insurance

walker furnished to you by the hospital while you’re admitted or on the day you’re discharged from the hospital.

If you rent oxygen or certain other durable medical equipment, and your current supplier isn't a contract supplier, you may be able to continue renting these items from your current supplier if the supplier decides to participate in the program as a “grandfathered” supplier. If you don't use a Medicare contract supplier or a grandfathered supplier, Medicare usually won't pay for the item and you likely will pay full price. It’s important to know if you’re affected by this new program to make sure your item is covered and to avoid any disruption of service.

If you need a specific brand of equipment or supplies, or you need an item in a specific form, your doctor must prescribe the specific brand or form in writing. Your doctor must also document in your medical record that you need this specific item or supply for medical reasons. In these situations, a Medicare contract supplier must do the following: • Furnish the exact brand or form of the item you need • Help you find another contract supplier that offers that brand or form • Work with your doctor to find an alternate brand or form that is safe and effective for you If you don’t use a Medicare contract supplier, the supplier may ask you to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice.

This notice says Medicare may not pay for the item or service, so the supplier will probably require you to pay for the full cost of the item.

It’s important to know that for any equipment or supplies that are included in the competitive bidding program, the Medicare contract supplier can't INSURANCE continues on page 13

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VOlUNTeeR VIsIONs Volunteers “ROCK” Annual Recognition Event More than 250 volunteers attended the Council for Older Adults' annual volunteer recognition event on April 20 at the Center for Older Adults. This

Home Depot employees received the Group of the Year award.

Shirley Philpott received the Lifetime Presidential Award for serving more than 4,000 hours with the Council for Older Adults. Shown here with Philpott is Council for Older Adults Executive Director Bob Horrocks.

yearly event, held in conjunction with National Volunteer Week, celebrates the work of more than 1,000 COA volunteers who contributed nearly 47,000 hours of service to our clients in 2012.

Amy Brown, the Council's manager of volunteer programs, welcomed the group of enthusiastic COA volunteers to the brunch for the day.

Council Communicator Editor Jeff Robinson served as the event emcee, and Council Executive Director Robert Horrocks shared some of the highlights from the volunteers' 2012 accomplishments.

Delaware Mayor Gary Milner

Pat Shroyer received a certificate to recognize 15 years of volunteering.

observed the kick-off of National Volunteer Week with a proclamation recognizing the volunteers. State Representative Andrew Brenner was on hand to recognize Lifetime Presidential Award Winner Shirley Philpott for providing more than 4,000 hours of service with the Council for Older Adults. Additional President’s Volunteer Service Awards were given out to volunteers that served more than 100, 250 and 500 hours of service in 2012. A new plaque was presented that lists all of volunteers that have served 1,000 hours or more; it will be displayed in the COA lobby. Pat Shroyer received a plaque for more than 15 years of service, and Jan Horrocks received a plaque for more than 20 years of service to the Council.

Cindy Patrick from Enticing Icings was awarded the business of the year plaque for her monthly donation of cupcakes for all COA client birthdays.

Bethany Holland was recognized as student of the year and Home Depot was awarded the employee group of the year for its landscaping work at COA and also for helping with the annual client leaf raking event. Klatte Photography provided photography services for the event, and members of the Delta Gamma sorority at Ohio Wesleyan University helped to serve the breakfast to our volunteers. Fred

Astaire Dance Studio of Delaware was on hand to provide entertainment.

Door prizes provided by many businesses in the central Ohio area were awarded. The Council would like to thank all of the volunteers that support our work to provide services to the older adults of our community.

Breakfast with Bob The Council for Older Adults recognized volunteers at Breakfast with Bob on May 14. This quarterly event gives volunteers the opportunity to be recognized for their achievements, share volunteer experiences and ask executive director Bob Horrocks questions. Volunteers that met milestone awards and that donated their mileage were present at the event.

Volunteers that were awarded their milestone awards were: 100 Hour Award: Melissa Beach • Dan Bickley • Judy Domire • Lynn Foreman • Mahsa Ghassab • Susan Harle • Karen Hunter • Christy Jones • Patty Laakso • Timothy Leidinger • Bethany Majovsky • Trudy Poole • Carla Ramey • Allan Sherman • Carolyn Turley 300 Hour Award: Thomas Berg • Marilyn Forbes • Mary Hetrick • Julie Hope • Susan Kyaw • Ronald Lehman • Ulrike Martin – Campfire Girls • Mary Maze • Diane Meier • Diane Mungovan • Ingeborg Noyes • Warren Wright • Nancy Zaiser 1,000 Hour Award: Dottie Haggard • Anita Keesecker • Sue Postle 2,000 Hour Award: • Delaware Christian Church • Patricia Milner • Bernice Workman

Jan Horrocks received recognition for volunteering 20 years. She is shown with Council for Older Adults Executive Director (and husband) Bob Horrocks.

Donations We would like to thank the following companies that made donaBethany Holland won the Student of the Year award.

Cindy Patrick (center) of Enticing Icings received the Business of the Year award.

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Klatte Photography • Lexington Embroidery • Magic Mountain Polaris • Max & Erma’s Polaris • Meijer • National Lime & Stone Company • Shadowbox live • Something Sweet Coffee and Bakery • The Chiller Ice Rink • Tyler Elementary School in Powell • Walmart Welcome to our new volunteers Pat Holobaugh • Charlotte Kidwell • John Weppler

Olentangy Orange Interact Club Members Recognized Dottie Haggard received a 1,000 hour badge at the Breakfast with Bob event.

tions to the Council for Older Adults Volunteer Program during April and May: Cheryl & Company • City Barbeque • Delaware County Cultural Arts Center • DelCo Pizza • Enticing Icings and Custom Cakes Ltd. • El Vaquero • Fargo Herbs • Girl Scout Troop 1452 • Jacqueline’s Cupcakes •

Council for Older Adults volunteers and Olentangy Orange High School Interact Club members Ray Jay, Shipra Khatri and Brandon Simon were recognized for their volunteer work at the annual Interact awards ceremony on May 16. The Council was presented with an award for outstanding partnership in service to othVOLUNTEER continues on page 14

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OhioHealth, Council for Older Adults Announce New Partnership The Council for Older Adults and OhioHealth recently entered into an innovative new partnership that will broaden and support the mission of both organizations and enable a wider reach into the community, as they continue to serve Delaware County’s older adults. OhioHealth has been recognized as the Council’s first-ever annual Health and Wellness Partner.

This culmination of a long-standing relationship between the two organizations will provide opportunities for older adults to receive care from OhioHealth personnel at the Center for Older Adults on Cheshire Road in Delaware, such as health screenings and educational seminars.

In the future, the partnership may grow to include on-site services at the Center that would be provided by OhioHealth medical personnel, such as aquatic therapy by an OhioHealth therapist.

This affiliation will provide mutual education for staff members of both nonprofit organizations as well as new avenues for OhioHealth physicians, nurses and other medical staff to reach out to older adults in the local community. OhioHealth will facilitate a speaker series, which will take place at the Center and incorporate topics that affect people of all ages, including allergies, women's health at midlife, physical fitness, sepsis and other health-related topics. Additionally, one-on-one opportunities for the local community to learn from OhioHealth's medical experts will be offered.

For more information on services and programs available at the Center for Older Adults, visit www.growingolder.org. For more information on OhioHealth’s resources in the Delaware County community, visit www.ohiohealth.com.

INSURANCE continued from page 11 charge you more than the 20% coinsurance and any unmet annual deductible. If you suspect that you are paying more coinsurance than the Medicare-allowed amount, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227). TTY users should call 1-877486-2048. You can also call the Fraud Hotline of the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-447-8477. TTY users should call 1-800-377-4950.

To find a Medicare contract supplier, or to check if an item you use is included in the program, call 1-800-

MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) Consumer Hotline at 1-800-686-1578, or visit www.medicare.gov/supplier, enter your zip code for a complete list of competitive bid and non-competitive bid DMEPOS categories impacted by this program, click on your DMEPOS categories, then click on “Search.”

Click on “Show All Results” to see the complete list. TTY users should call 1877-486-2048.

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nies for the Drive for a Million Pennies.

The drive celebrated the delivery of the millionth Meals On Wheels at the Council for Older Adults.

We would like to extend a big thank you to the students and teachers at Delaware Area Career Center that participated in this event.

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ers through action and leadership with the Interact Club. The Olentangy Orange Interact Club is sponsored by the Lewis Center/Polaris Rotary Club.

Interact Club President Ray Jay was awarded the Senior Honor Cord for completing the criteria for Interact Club membership throughout each year for a total of four years. This criteria includes attending club meetings and acquiring a minimum of 24 hours during each year of membership. The students receiving honor cords have shown exemplary service to their community and club. He was also recognized for volunteering more than 72 hours of service for 2013 and serving as president.

Brandon Simon was recognized for more than 48 hours of service.

Brandon also is in charge of the penny drive for Meals On Wheels at Olentangy Orange High School.

Shipra Khatri, the club's communi-

Volunteer Spotlight: Traci Bender – Making an Impact Volunteers from Delaware Christian Church Impact Delaware prepare to mow the lawn of a senior in our community.

cations officer, was recognized for more than 24 hours of service during 2013 and for serving as a club officer.

This Means (Penny) War! The Delaware Area Career Center’s North and South campuses held a penny war with all of their classes to see who could collect the most pen-

Traci Bender has been volunteering with the Council for Older Adults since November of 2008.

She came to the Council wanting to involve people from Delaware Christian Church in a service ministry program it was developing. Each year, Traci is in charge of coordinating a weekend of service that involves many families from her church in an event called “Impact Delaware.” This year, their congregation has chosen to assist the Common Ground Free Store and the Council for Older Adults in its service weekend.

“Impact Delaware” offers an opportunity for people at Delaware Christian Church to get out in the community and serve the people in Delaware through their Christian faith.

Older adults in the community get jobs

done such as painting, mowing, yard clean-up, garden planting, gutter cleaning, window washing and mulch spreading. The volunteers from the church assist an average of 40 to 50 Council clients each year. They also have groups that go to the Common Ground Free Store to sort clothes, build shelving, paint, prepare meals and help their clients. The Impact Delaware programs that Traci has coordinated have provided more than 2,100 of volunteer service to Council clients.

Traci also serves as the children’s director at Delaware Christian Church and counts many of the members as family. Through her work with the children’s program, she has helped to develop a Special Needs Ministry, which provides a safe sensory classroom for children with special needs while their parents are in church.

Traci and her family – husband of 22 years, Bob (whom she met in college), college student son, Josh, and Delaware Hayes student Halle have also been involved in three mission trips to Haiti that provided food, clothing and a service ministry. She enjoys the gift of serving and helping people and feels her faith directs her to serve others.

Traci is a great organizer and planner, and those at the Council consider themselves lucky to have her as a volunteer. Thanks to Traci for leading others to impact their community!

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Golden Reflections The Funny Thing about Aging Is ...

By Donald E. Pearse, Sr. The funny thing about aging is that actually there are MANY funny things about it, as listed below!

1. The way aging creeps up on you. When you are young, you can’t wait to grow older. Along the way, middle age hits you, and before you know it, you begin to get invitations to join AARP, and you have begrudgingly become a SENIOR CITIZEN! However, senior citizen discounts become more and more welcomed!

2. Your mind doesn’t believe your age. Although your body has begun to deteriorate, your mind refuses to acknowledge your calendar age. You see yourself as being younger than you really are, as when you attend a class reunion and wonder why your former classmates are all so much more elderly in appearance than you are.

3. Most of the things you used to worry about have become insignificant. You no longer have a desire to keep up with the Joneses, nor are you obsessed with accumulating more earthly possessions. Instead, you slowly begin the process of downsizing, or at least you envision it in your mind.

Since you have retired, you no longer strive to keep your job or get promoted, and you don’t have to spend time with anyone that you would rather avoid.

4. All the spare time you dreamed about when you retired evaporated into thin air. Suddenly you find yourself so busy that your todo list seems to grow instead of shrink!

Hobbies, volunteering, spending time with friends and relatives, exercising, partaking in Senior Center activities, traveling and learning new skills more than occupy the available time.

5. The older you grow, the more quickly the years pass. To a child, the week before Christmas seems like an eternity, but the older you get, the more quickly those holidays roll around again.

6. You become more health conscious than ever before in your life. In younger days, you may have felt invincible enough to drive recklessly, overindulge in things harmful to your body, fail to have physical examinations and/or eat a healthful diet. As you begin to realize that your remaining time is more limited, you begin to take better care of your body.

7. You begin to appreciate the little things in life. What a treat to smell the roses in your garden or in the park, or to watch the sun come up or go down. Small favors bestowed by others are more readily acknowledged, and you savor the feelings when you have done a favor for someone else.

8. As your time on earth nears its end, you spend more time pondering the hereafter. One by one, relatives, friends and acquaintances pass away, reinforcing how much more tentative and temporary your own life becomes with each passing day.

Religion takes on more relevant meaning than in past years, and you spend more time preparing yourself for the final journey.

Do you want to know the funniest thing of all about aging? The funniest thing about aging is that it is not funny at all! However, since it is inevitable, it behooves us to make the very best of our life with every breath we take.

After all, the alternative to aging is totally unacceptable!

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charity friend Versus charity fraud Charity fraud — two words no nonprofit organization wants to hear or see.

Most charities and nonprofits are legitimate organizations. They strive to do the best they can with donated funds to fulfill their worthwhile mission. They serve the poor; help prevent obesity and improve food nutrition; provide arts education; or help with mental health services.

These organizations, like so many in Delaware County, depend on donations, grants, sponsorships and some fee-for-service to provide for needs in our communities.

Whenever there is an issue in the media regarding a charity scam, it unfortunately reflects negatively on the many legitimate charities.

So how can you tell the difference between a legitimate request for your financial donation from a viable nonprofit organization and those that are not?

The following tips can be helpful for older adults, as well as relatives or caretakers of all ages. These precautions were developed by Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), a leading independent charity evaluator. These tips help ensure seniors contribute to legitimate charities: Don’t succumb to pressure tactics. Well-run charities don’t use pressure tactics to garner support for their mission; they don’t have to. Their good work and financial health speaks for itself.

Verify their claims that you’ve contributed in the past. If a caller or an appeal letter indicates that you’ve given in the past, but it doesn't sound familiar to you, be sure to check it out for yourself. Look up previous entries in your checkbook, past credit card bills or tax forms, and confirm for yourself that you supported this charity before.

delaware county

foundation Marlene A. Casini President

DELAWARE COUNTY FOUNDATION

Do not feel compelled to give because you received a gift. Just because you received some mailing labels, cards or an umbrella, it doesn’t mean you’re required to reciprocate with a donation. Be especially wary of sweepstakes that require a contribution to enter.

Be careful of imposters. Scam artists often use sound-alike names to trick you into thinking they represent a legitimate charity.

Hang up the phone. Ask the fundraiser to send you written information about the charity, hang up the phone and do some research on your own. Once you feel comfortable with the charity, send the organization a check directly in the mail, thus ensuring 100% of your gift goes to the charity.

Make sure your donation is tax-deductible. Before giving a donation to any organization, make sure it is a 501(c)3 charity. That means the group is on file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), registering it as a U.S. nonprofit and enabling its contributors to take a tax deduction for their gifts. To confirm the organization's status, check with Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), Guidestar (www.guidestar.org) or the IRS web page on charity information

(www.irs.gov/Charities-&-NonProfits/Charitable-Organizations).

Send your donation directly to the charity. Never divulge your personal or credit card information to those initiating contact. Once you’ve done your research, send your contribution directly to the charity you wish to support. Don’t send cash as it can be lost or stolen. Also, you’ll want to have paid by check or credit card so you have a receipt of your donation when it comes time to take the taxdeduction.

Tell the charity not to share your personal information. When you send a charity a small donation, say $10 or $25, there is a high probability that a large charity can then sell or trade your contact information with other charities. As a result, your mailbox is overflowing with solicitations.

Often older Americans get caught up in this cycle because they respond with a small donation to each new appeal.

To prevent this, tell the charity up front that you do not want it to share your personal information with any other entity.

A list of nonprofits supported by the Delaware County Foundation and links to their websites is available at www.delawarecf.org. Each nonprofit organization receiving a grant from the Foundation made a written application, and received a thorough review and site visit. A volunteer or staff person visited the organization to review the request, financial documents and other important information about the nonprofit and its programs. In addition, each grantee provides a report to the Foundation on how grant dollars were used, their impact on their nonprofit’s mission and an accounting of the funds spent.

Other funders such as United Way chapters and corporate foundations list their grantees on their websites. This is another place to look for qualified

Know the difference between “tax exempt” and “tax deductible.” Tax exempt means the organization doesn’t have to pay taxes. Tax deductible means you can deduct your contribution on your federal income tax return. charities in your area and elsewhere.

Likewise, you can ask family and friends who they support and why.

For all gifts of $250 or more, the charity is required to provide a receipt for the gift. However, most charities will provide a receipt or thank you letter referencing your gift for any amount donated. Only donations to a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization are deductible.

Some other tips to help make your giving a rewarding act as excerpted and updated from the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Information: • Never wire money to someone claiming to be a charity. Scammers often request donations to be wired because wiring money is like sending cash — once you send it, you can’t get it back.

• Be wary of charities that spring up too suddenly in response to current events and natural disasters. Even if they are legitimate, they probably don’t have the infrastructure to get the donations to the affected area or people.

• If a donation request comes from a group claiming to help your local community (for example, local police or firefighters), ask the local agency if they have heard of the group and are getting financial support.

• If you text to donate, the charge will show up on your mobile phone bill. If you’ve asked your mobile phone provider to block premium text FOUNDATION continues on page 17

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FOUNDATION continued from page 16 messages — texts that cost extra — then you won’t be able to donate this way.

Make an annual donation plan.

Decide what organizations you want to support and at what financial level.

Be sure to leave room in your charita-

ble budget for the new or unexpected request such as an anniversary event, new building campaign or memorial gift.

Giving to charity should be a rewarding experience.

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Make a Splash at the Aquatic Pool’s Fifth Anniversary Bash A fun day of fitness at the Center for Older Adults is planned for Friday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrating the 5th anniversary of the opening of the aquatic pool, visitors to the Center at 800 Cheshire Road in Delaware will see demonstrations of different levels of classes as well as water volleyball.

The state-of-the art fitness room will feature demonstrations of a variety of exercise programs. The Center’s personal trainer and massage therapist will be on hand to answer questions.

There will be drawings for gift certificates for memberships and pool or fitness room fees.

This event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Non-members are encouraged to visit.

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eye out for other warning signs.

“The guy who said he was my grandson said he didn’t want me to tell his mom and dad about this. I didn’t think that sounded right,” she said.

Spotting a Scam Delaware County Sheriff Russ Martin said someone tried to pull the grandparent scam on his in-laws, and said questioning such phone calls is the right thing to do. His office encourages people to ask the caller a question that only a family member would know, and follow up with family members before sending any money or providing any credit card information.

“The scammer will tell you not to call other family members because it will upset Mom or Dad. But if a family member says they are in trouble, please reach out to confirm that what they say is going on is really going on,” Martin said. “We just want people not to take those calls at face value.”

Martin said phone solicitations are among the most common scams that are reported to his office.

“We continue to get calls from people who were told that they were prize winners, or that they've won some money but that they need to provide some bank information in order to get it,” Martin said.

“Sometimes, scammers will say ‘You have to front us $300 so we can get you $10,000.’ Ultimately, if it sounds too good to be true, it's probably not true.”

Easy Targets?

Martin said older adults are common targets of scammers for various reasons.

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“Many of our senior citizens have some financial hardship,” Martin said.

“The economy has been bad, and many seniors are living longer than they may have anticipated and are possibly outliving their money. You have senior citizens who may not have the resources they had hoped to have, and they are more susceptible to a scam because they are in need of money.

And they want to be trusting.”

In addition to the telephone scams, Martin said the spring and summer months bring out the home improvement scam artists. He said his office always encourages people to get references from anyone who might come to your door asking to complete a home improvement project.

“You might have someone coming to your door and saying they’ll fix your roof for $3,500, and you might think that’s much less than what you thought it would cost,” Martin said.

“But again, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.”

Other home improvement scam artists say that they will give you a model home discount or free furnace inspection, or have leftover supplies from repairing another house in the neighborhood, according to the Attorney General’s website. To avoid becoming a victim, research reputable contractors, don’t make large down payments and avoid paying in cash, as credit cards offer stronger protection if something goes wrong.

With home sales on the rise, the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio encourages those looking to move to watch out for moving scams in which moving companies quote a low price, load furniture and other belongings into a truck, then demand more money before the items will be released. The BBB suggests researching several moving companies before making a decision; to learn more, log on to centralohio.bbb.org.

A Disaster Waiting to Happen Scammers like to prey on the mis-

fortune of others, and Martin said it’s not uncommon to find scams that revolve around disaster relief efforts.

Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and even the recent Boston Marathon bombing all are events that bring scammers front and center to seek donations that seemingly will go to help victims.

“What people have to be careful of is, just because it’s available on the Internet doesn’t mean it’s safe,” Martin said of organizations that seek online donations in the wake of a disaster.

“Make sure these organizations are credible. It’s easy for older adults who might spend a lot of time watching TV to become more emotionally drawn to the tragedies they see and become more susceptible to the scams related to those.”

In addition to being vigilant when it comes to watching for phone and Internet scams, Martin encourages older adults to be especially careful when using credit and debit cards.

“We are really encouraging people to, as much as possible, watch their debit and credit cards when they leave their hands for any type of retail exchange. It is getting easier and easier for thieves to have a separate piece of equipment to scan information — called skimming — from debit and credit cards,” Martin said. “We encourage people to use cash as often as possible, and if using cards, be as careful as you can.”

Martin said his office recently dealt with a local fast-food restaurant where a girl was skimming credit card information at the drive through window and selling the information to an organized crime unit.

“They were able to abscond with thousands and thousands of dollars as a result of this skimming at a local fast food restaurant,” he said.

What to Watch For Other common scams affecting older adults, according to the Attorney General’s website, are as follows:

Credit Repair Scams Beware of these scams that advertise that bad credit can be erased and debts can be consolidated. Many charge hundreds or thousands of dollars but do little or nothing to improve your credit. If you want to improve your credit, contact a credit reporting agency or your creditor directly. You may be able to arrange a payment plan yourself — for no cost.

Fake Check Scams Someone sends you a check or money order and asks you to deposit it in your account and then wire-transfer the money, minus a nice “thank you” bonus for your help. The check or money order is a counterfeit; it will be returned to your bank unpaid, and the full amount will be deducted from your account. Never send money to a stranger.

Foreclosure Rescue Scams These scams target homeowners who are having trouble making their mortgage payments. A phony foreclosure rescue company might contact you and promise to negotiate with your mortgage lender. You pay thousands of dollars, but the company makes little or no contact with your lender.

Living Trust Scams A living trust is a legal arrangement where assets are transferred into a trust while the consumer is still alive, keeping the assets from going through probate court when the consumer dies. Trusts can be useful estate planning devices, but scam artists have been known to make exaggerated or false claims about probate costs or about the tax advantages of living trusts. These scams usually target lower-income consumers, whose limited estates likely would incur minimal probate costs, by using high-pressure sales tactics.

The website encourages you to contact an attorney directly for individual advice before signing any contracts or making any purchases. There are also legal aid programs that offer free help for seniors. Never buy legal services from door-to-door salespeople or SCAM continues on page 21

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The Best Little Pig Roast Celebrated with Great Music, Food and Fun Classic cars and delicious food were enjoyed by 843 guests at the Council for Older Adults’ Best Little Pig Roast, held at the Center on Friday, June 14. The Council’s Pig Roast featured a pulled pork dinner that was available for indoor dining or drivethrough. Grassahol entertained guests inside the Center with its lively bluegrass music. Event-goers strolled through the classic car show and came inside the Center to play bingo with our neighbors at Senior Citizens Inc., who also provided an old-fashioned bake sale.

The Council would like to thank the many volunteers and organizers for helping make this year’s event The Best Little Pig Roast in central Ohio. Special thanks to our sponsors, without whose financial support this event would not be possible:

Major Sponsors Presenting Sponsor: OhioHealth / Grady Memorial Hospital Pig & Corn Roast Sponsor: Hiram Masonic Lodge #18 F & A.M. Entertainment Sponsor: Delaware County Bank & Trust Co. Special Supporting Sponsor: Willow Brook Christian Communities Classic Car Show Sponsor: JEGS Supporting Sponsors Manos, Martin & Pergram Co., LPA • Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center • Foot & Ankle Wellness Center •

Glenross Golf Club • Sarah Moore Health Care & Assisted Living Block of Ticket Sponsors Fidelity Federal Savings & Loan Association • Country View of Sunbury Nursing & Rehabilitation Center • Community Action Organization of Delaware, Madison & Union Counties • Haller Wealth Management Group • Delaware Speech and Hearing Center • Beth Fisher – Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate • HelpLine of Delaware & Morrow Counties, Inc. • Marion Goodwill

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dementia: Understanding the whole Story Most of us have a basic understanding of “dementia” as a memory impairment affecting older adults, but this is not the whole story. Dementia is likely to impact each of us at some point in our lives in one way or another. A breakdown in communication can often be the most distressing issue encountered in managing the disease.

By age 85, nearly one-third of the adult population will develop a subtype of dementia.

There are a number of different types of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, making up approximately 70% of all diagnosed dementias. Some types of dementia are reversible, but most are irreversible.

Each type has a unique onset profile and impacts a person’s behavior and communication in different ways.

Despite recent advances in diagnostic procedures, an autopsy continues to be the “gold standard” for making a definitive diagnosis of the disease.

Dementia is a multi-faceted cognitive impairment and its implications are widespread. Affected areas of cognition include memory, attention, problem solving and language skills.

Dementia is usually progressive, but can be brought on suddenly with a traumatic brain injury.

Dementia impacts a person’s abili-

ty to function in activities of daily living. Verbal and written communication, swallowing, personal hygiene, continence, meal preparation, driving and leisure activities all may be affected. Commonly associated mental and behavioral issues, including depression, anxiety, confusion, delusions, aggression and agitation further affect a person’s quality of life. Recent research suggests that some medications may prolong a person’s ability to attend to and interact more meaningfully with others.

Speech-language pathologists are vital members of the diagnostic team and also play an important role in developing intervention approaches.

Direct intervention approaches may take place in small groups or individually. Direct intervention may focus on

SCAM continues on page 21 telemarketers.

Work-at-Home and Business Opportunity Ploys These scams use sales pitches claiming that you can make good money working from home or getting involved in a business opportunity. You will be urged to pay up-front for materials or start-up costs.

Ultimately, the only people who will profit are the scam artists. Beware of seminars that promise money-making advice but deliver only high-pressure

sales pitches.

If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam, or wish to report suspicious phone calls, e-mails or house visits where money is requested, contact the Delaware County Sheriff’s office at (740) 833-2800, or Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office at 614-4664986. To directly report a scam to the Attorney General’s office, visit http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/A bout-AG/Contact/Report-A-Scam.

delaware

SPeeCH & HearING Meghan Stafford, MA CF-SLP

Delaware Speech & hearing

social interactions, responding appropriately to cues and strategies to compensate for skills lost.

Indirect intervention is equally as valuable. It involves educating and training family members and caregivers to help persons with dementia function more effectively in daily life.

According to ASHA, useful techniques include: • Repeating key information to help maintain focus • Giving the person choices rather than asking open-ended questions • Keeping information/questions short and simple • Using written cues for tasks (such as how to prepare a simple meal) and to remind the person about appointments/take medications • Attending support group for caregivers of people with dementia and using adult day cares or respite

cares to reduce caregiver burnout When caregivers are trained to anticipate communication breakdowns and overcome communication hurdles, they become empowered to cope with the daily struggles associated with dementia.

Communication is a fundamental component of the human experience and helps people to remain connected to the world around them. As a whole, dementia negatively impacts communication abilities. Early detection and intervention are critical to help preserve communication skills and cognitive functioning for as long as possible. Intervention approaches, guided by speech-language pathologists, help to improve and prolong the quality of life in individuals with dementia and those who care for them.

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Council for Older Adults Board of Directors Seeks Nominations The nominating committee of the board of directors of the Council for Older Adults is seeking interested candidates to serve on the board beginning in 2014. The Council for Older Adults of Delaware County is a nonprofit local organization responsible for planning, developing and coordinating local services for older adults, their families and caregivers in Delaware County.

The Council’s volunteer board of directors is responsible for planning, policy development, resource development, financial oversight, evaluating the performance of the executive director and ensuring that the organization is addressing its mission of service to the older population of Delaware County. The board of directors meets no less than 10 times annually, and board members are also expected to actively participate

on at least one board committee and volunteer at various annual special events. Board appointments are typically for a three-year term.

The board is seeking a diverse mix of community members and it is not required that board members be an older adult to serve. This year the nominating committee is particularly seeking individuals with experience in accounting, marketing or fundraising, as well as those living in the southern and eastern parts of Delaware County. Application deadline is Thursday, Sept. 12.

The Council is located at the Center for Older Adults, 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware, OH 43015.

For more specific information about the Council for Older Adults and to download a board of director’s application, visit our website at www.growingolder.org.

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Get Ready to Celebrate Grandparents Day Join us on Thursday, Aug. 1 as we celebrate Grandparents Day with several fun activities, including an old-fashioned cakewalk, a puppet show, dancing, crafts for grandchildren and grandparents, and entertainment from our own Elastic Band. Plus you can shop at the farmers’ market from noon to 2 p.m.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., where you will sign up for the various activities mentioned above that interest you and your grandchildren. Lunch will be offered in the Radebaugh Room and Studio 60, and the Elastic Band will entertain you while you eat. This event is organized by Senior Citizens Inc. For more information, costs and menu, call (740) 369-5133.

9:30 a.m. – noon..................Registration 10 – 10:30 a.m.....................Art Project 10:45 a.m. ............................Cake Walk 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ......Photos 11 – 11:30 a.m.....................Art Project 11:45 a.m. ............................Cake Walk 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. ........Lunch with entertainment by the Elastic Band 12 – 2 p.m. ...........................Farmers’ Market 12:30 – 1 p.m.......................Dancing 1 – 2 p.m. .............................Puppet Show by Mo Willems, presented by the Delaware County District Library

Senior Farmers’ Market Voucher Program Each year, the Council’s voucher program provides Delaware County residents age 60 and over with vouchers for fresh foods from farmers’ markets in Delaware, Sunbury and Powell. The vouchers can be used to purchase fresh fruits and veggies, herbs, baked goods, honey and even food-bearing plants.

Participants who sign up before Sept. 2 will receive 25 vouchers with a total value of $50. Those who sign up after Sept. 2 will receive 15 vouchers with a total value of $30. All vouchers are valid through Oct. 31 but participants will need to check with their farmers’ market to determine how late in the season each one will be open, as market dates differ.

Applicants must be 60 and over, and certain income restrictions apply.

Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available at the Council office, online at www.growingolder.org, or at the local farmers’ markets. Voucher distribution information will be available online, or contact the Council for Older Adults for additional information.

The Council for Older Adults Senior Farmers’ Market Voucher Program is funded by the Delaware County Senior Services Levy.

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Walk in the Parks and… Stay Sharp?

The Preservation Parks preserves are a great place to breathe and relax Fun OuTDOORS after you become a completely stressed-out victim of scammers. Just Sue Hagan Marketing & Communications Manager kidding; I certainly hope that no one PreServation ParkS of Delaware reading this ever becomes a victim of County fraud.

It does stand to reason, though, that if you stay mentally sharp, you are more likely to pay attention to the warning signs of fraud. And there are a number of studies that indicate staying physically active helps you mentally, too. more clearly? And can it prevent the So let’s talk about that. decline in mental acuity I fear as I get Have you ever been working on a older? project and become stuck? It happens The research is still pretty new, and to me all the time, especially if I’m trythere are differing opinions, but there ing to write and the words are just not are indications that physical activity and flowing. When that happens, I take to mental sharpness go hand in hand. the trails here at Hogback Ridge Here is a quote from a 2010 Preserve, where my office is located.

Washington Post article by writer Lenny For some reason, when I walk the Bernstein: phrases come together neatly… and “Researchers have shown that more creatively! (Of course, I still must exercise helps produce a protein called remember them when I get back to my ‘brain-derived neurotrophic factor,’ computer… .) which ‘improves the function of neuFor me, this begs the question: rons, encourages their growth, and Does walking really make me think strengthens and protects them against

the natural process of cell death,’ according to (John J. ) Ratey’s book.

Working out also may improve blood flow in the brain, as it does in other parts of the body.”

Ratey is a Harvard University psychiatrist who points to “overwhelming evidence” that exercise improves cognitive ability.

In the article, Bernstein pointed out that a National Institutes of Health panel was more cautious. While conceding that evidence suggests that participation in physical or leisure activities (such as club memberships, painting or gardening) may help with cognitive function, for the NIH panel, it’s too early to directly relate exercise with mental acuity.

So I guess, for now, it goes back to personal experience. When I get my body moving and my heart racing, my mind snaps into gear too. So scam-

Committee to Save Senior Services Fundraiser Kicks Off Sept. 5 The Committee to Save Senior Services will host its 15th annual fundraising event on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Brookshire, located at 405 Greif Parkway on the southern edge of Delaware. Last year’s Buckeye football theme was a blast, and considering the excitement around this year’s team, the planning committee decided to relive the fun with another kick-off to an Ohio State football season. Once again, guests will enjoy our live and silent auctions, delicious food, wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks and live entertainment.

This popular affair will serve as this year’s only fundraiser for the Committee to Save Senior Services. The Committee depends on the Delaware County community to support this worthwhile event. If you are interested in being an event sponsor or assisting in obtaining items for our silent or live auction, please contact the Council for Older Adults at (740) 363-6677. More details will be available soon on our website at www.growingolder.org, or in publications and fliers throughout the community.

mers, beware. I’m ready for you.

Here are a couple of Preservation Parks events that might get YOU out and moving in the parks: • Our Thursday Evening Concert series starts July 11, and will continue every week through Aug. 15. Concerts are 7-8:30 p.m. at Gallant Woods Preserve. Come early and hit the trails first for a little exercise.

• The Golden Marathon meets every Monday for a 1- to 2-mile hike geared to older adults. Information is available at the Senior Center.

• Our annual Green-Wise Fair will be held Aug. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Deer Haven Preserve. You can couple your visit to this eco fair with a walk along the three miles of trail at Deer Haven and the adjacent Havener Park.

Information is available about these and all programs and events on the Preservation Parks website, www.preservationparks.com.

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seniors sHIne in July Did you know that every year Connections Volunteer Center sets aside a month to focus on senior citizens and their volunteer impact? Each year in July, Connections designs a project with one or more local nonprofit agencies especially for seniors.

These projects have seniors of all activity levels in mind and are seniorsonly events. These events are called “SHINE” events. SHINE is an acronym that stands for Seniors Helping Impact Neighbors Everywhere. The purpose of these events is two-fold; first, the specially designed events allow seniors to volunteer in an area they may not have tried before and lend their insights and strengths to the program.

Also, the SHINE events, from planning process through the event conclusion, help agencies better prepare their projects and facilities to welcome senior volunteers.

In the past years, SHINE has been held at Common Ground Free Store in Delaware, where senior volunteers took over the whole store and ran it for the day. Their jobs included serving food; assisting customers with check in, shopping and checkout; and sorting donation and restocking the store.

Lori Falk, Common Ground Free Store’s executive director, said, “Senior volunteers bring life experience and just a special energy to the Free Store.”

The event has also been held at FEED, a local food pantry. At the food

N O W

COnneCtIOns Colleen Dennis

ConneCtions Volunteer Center

pantry, volunteers stocked shelves and made food bags that would be distributed to families in need throughout the month. Volunteers worked for three hours at the pantry, and in the end, the pantry’s leadership was amazed at the amount of work done in such a short period of time.

This year’s SHINE event will focus on the issue of homelessness in our county. We will have a variety of projects in late July that will include making mats and sleeping bags for the homeless, assembling kits to be distributed to the homeless and baking items that will later be delivered to organizations that focus their efforts on homeless populations. Our goal is to have more senior volunteers help this year than any year in the past. Please help us meet our goal by coming to help.

For more information about how you can help, please contact Sherri at Connections at (740) 363-5000 or sfitzpatrick@helplinedelmor.org.

A C C E P T I N G

Applications for our HUD Section 8 Senior Program for 62 and older 1 & 2 Bedrooms • Includes: Appliances & Utilities Ceramic Tile • Carpet • Central Air 300 Chelsea Street Delaware, Ohio Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – Noon & 1 – 4 p.m.

Call 363-1235 TTY 800-750-0750

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Council for Older Adults Accepting Applications for Inhome Care Providers The Council for Older Adults is seeking to contract with qualified providers of in-home and community-based services for 2014 and 2015 under its Senior Choices program. Applications are being accepted for providers of the following services: adult day care, homemaker and homemaker escort services, nursing services, personal care, respite, institutional respite, emergency response, medical transportation, durable medical equipment and supplies (including incontinence products), minor home repair/modification and chore services.

To be eligible for consideration for approval as a service provider beginning Jan. 1, 2014, an application and nonrefundable fee of $250 for new applicants must be submitted to the Council for Older Adults no later than Aug. 30, 2013.

The renewal fee for existing Senior Choices providers is $125. Not-for-profit, public and proprietary firms may visit our website, www.growingolder.org, to obtain application materials and Conditions of Participation and Service Specifications. For more information, contact Fara Waugh at the Council for Older Adults: 800 Cheshire Road, Suite A, Delaware, OH 43015, or call (740) 363-6677 or 1-800-994-2255.

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suppOrt GrOups AlzHeimer’s AssOciAtiOn DelAwAre cOunty suppOrt GrOup Contact: Bernie Sanders, (740) 363-1365, bsanders@alz.org Meetings: Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Support Group meets at Willow Brook Delaware Run, 100 Delaware Crossing, on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and at Asbury UM Church, 55 W. Lincoln Ave., Delaware on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Please call with any questions. “Reflections: A Forum for Individuals with Early Stage Memory Loss and their Care Partners,” is a seven-week educational and supportive series to explain the whats, whys and hopes to individuals with Early State Memory Loss and their care partners.

For more information or to be added to the interest list, contact: Bernie

Sanders at (740) 363-1365 or 1-800272-3900. Reflections is funded by The Healthcare Foundation of Delaware County ArtHritis FOunDAtiOn, centrAl OHiO OFFice Contact: Morgan Patten, mpatten@arthritis.org Ongoing Activities: Warm-water exercise classes are offered at the Comfort Inn, the Center for Older Adults, the Powell/Liberty Township YMCA and the Dublin Community Recreation Center. Tai Chi hosted at Willow Brook Communities. Schedules and class fees vary; please contact the facility or the Arthritis Foundation for more information. cAnDiD cAreGiVer wOrksHOps Council for Older Adults Contact: Jen Spicer, (740) 203-2377

The Council for Older Adults provides monthly opportunities for caregivers to learn, grow and gather support.

Presentations are provided by various members of our caregiving community and focus on a host of topics, ranging from self-care/recreational activities to informative discussions on various services available within our local community. Please feel free to bring a friend.

To register, please RSVP to Intake & Referral Specialist Jen Spicer at (740) 203-2377. Workshops are held at the Center for Older Adults, 800 Cheshire Road, Suite A in Delaware.

Future Activities: July 9: “Detecting Fraud: How to Protect Yourself from the Big Bad Wolf,” presented by Yolanda Robinson of the Attorney General’s Office; Aug. 13: “Caring for a ‘Difficult’ Family Member,” presented

by Paula Taliaferro of Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.

DelAwAre AreA pArkinsOn’s suppOrt GrOup Contact: Al Ulrich, (740) 363-3841, albaulrich50@yahoo.com We meet at 1:30 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Delaware Township Hall, 2590 Liberty Road, Delaware. Parkinson’s disease affects about one in every 1,000 persons. Medication helps, but there is no

Honoring Our Veterans Save the date! We will honor veterans on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11 at the Center for Older Adults. A complimentary breakfast will be sponsored by Carriage Towne Chrysler-Dodge-JeepRam. All veterans will be honored, and the theme this year is the Vietnam War. More information will be forthcoming as to how you can reserve your seat!

cure for this brain disease. Symptoms include tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, a forward lean, absence of arm swing, low voice volume and drooling, to name a few. Daily exercise does help.

Ongoing Activities: In addition to our regular meeting we offer the following: Speech classes meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. at the Center for Older Adults, 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware.

Exercise Class: Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at Willow Brook Christian Communities, on U.S. 23 across from Bob Evans.

Contact Bill or Doris at (740) 417-4145 or Al or Barb at (740) 363-3841 for more information.

Future Activities: July 17: Planning and Care & Share picnic. tHursDAy niGHt tOps Take Off Pounds Sensibly, #OH 2079, Delaware Contact: Georgeanna Mills, (740) 881-4497, Gam740@aol.com Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weightloss support club. We meet on Thursday evenings at William Street United Methodist Church, 28 W. William St., Delaware, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with weigh-in from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.

Answers: A Bit of Rubble

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Let the Library Help You Win the War on Scammers Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines a scam as “a confidence game or other fraudulent scheme, especially for making a quick profit.” Regardless of social humilities, anyone could become the target of a scammer — they are clever, devious, practiced and rehearsed. Nearly one in nine Americans will be the victim of a scam, and for older adults, the number is even higher.

According to a June 2010 survey

by Investor Protection Trust, more than 7.3 million senior citizens — roughly 20 percent of Americans aged 65 or older – already have “been taken advantage of financially in terms of an inappropriate investment, unreasonably high fees for financial services, or outright fraud.”

Senior

reading

MarY Jane SantoS Director

Delaware County DistriCt library

The Delaware County District Library is also a great resource in your war against scammers. Our Internet resources and the expertise of librarians searching them can provide you with valuable information on the types of scams that are being perpetrated, how the scam works, how you can

protect yourself, and what you should do if you think you are the victim of a scam.

The Better Business Bureau’s website (www.bbb.org) is a tremendous resource for protecting yourself against a scammer, identifying several active scams currently targeting senior citizens in the areas of lottery and sweepstakes, Medicare, bereavement, and investment and work-at-home opportunities. You can also find great details on the most recent fraud attempts, and the organization also offers advice on avoiding and reporting suspected scams. It is a very robust website, with dozens of links to other equally authoritative online resources. You can even subscribe to the BBB’s Scam Stopper and get alerts in your email about potential schemes.

You can search hundreds of magazines for articles on scams by clicking on “Research” on the Library’s home page (www.delawarelibrary.org).

“MasterFILE Premier” is a database of full text articles from a wide variety of periodicals covering general reference, business, health, education and much more. You can also access back issues of the Columbus Dispatch and The Delaware Gazette (in house only), along with full-text articles from 30 newspapers nationwide from “America’s Newspapers” database.

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The Library also has several books to help you in this confusing arena, too. Here are a few that I found when I searched “scams” in the online catalog: There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute: A Revelation of Audacious Frauds, Scams, and Cons – How to Spot Them, How to Stop Them by Jeffrey Robinson. An investigative journalist explains a wide range of frauds, from pyramid schemes to Nigerian asset transfers, examines the psychological weapons notorious fraudsters use to entice, and provides details on how to prevent becoming a victim.

How to Cheat at Everything: A Con Man Reveals the Secrets of the Esoteric Trade of Cheating, Scams and Hustles by Simon Lovell. Guides you through the setup, the talk, the sell, everything about the con, and how you can be suckered into one. You'll meet wild, eccentric and larcenous characters and learn how they work their money-making deeds.

How to Smell a Rat: The Five Signs of Financial Fraud by Kenneth L. Fisher.

A trusted financial expert provides readers with an insider's view on how to spot potential financial disasters before they become a part of them, in a book that looks at recent and historic examples of fraudsters, how they operated, and how they can be easily avoided.

If you need help finding information about frauds, scams or anything else, check with one of the Library’s knowledgeable and skilled librarians.

See You at the Fair!

It’s almost time for that great community tradition: The Delaware County Fair.

Stop by our booth in the Merchants Building during fair week beginning on Sept.

14 to learn about our services and volunteer opportunities, and to meet our staff and board members. Senior Citizens Day at the Fair is Tuesday, Sept. 17, and your Council for Older Adults will be providing free coffee and donuts at our booth during the morning. Admission to the fair on this special day is only $2 for people 55 years of age or older. (The admission price does not include rides.)

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HAPPENINGS Senior Citizens Inc. of Delaware County 800 Cheshire Road, Suite B (740) 369-5133 President: John McDavid Director: Charlene Browning Membership Dues: Delaware County Residents, $25 *NOTE: Check our website, www.delawareseniorcenter.org, to get the latest information on programs and to find out who the instructors are for the various programs.

Weekly Events: We are open Mon.Thurs., 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., and Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed Sat.) Warm Water Exercise – Aquatics: Mon.-Thur., 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.

Classes cost $36 for a six-week series.

Warm Water Exercise – Pool Walking: Mon.-Thurs., noon -12:45 p.m. and Fri., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Cost $2 for 45 minutes. Tues. & Thurs., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Cost is $4 for 45 minutes.

Nutrition Meals Site: Mon.- Fri., 11:30 a.m. Call (740) 203-2432 or (740) 2032433. Reservations required by 8:30 a.m. the day of the meal. We have two meal sites: 420 Park Ave. and 800 Cheshire Road.

Drop In Programs: Mon.-Fri. Our pool tables, table tennis, poker throw and dart board are open — just walk in! We also have board games and cards available for those who walk in. Our Wii is available on Wed. afternoons.

AT THE

Hiking Club: Mon. 9:30 a.m. (summer schedule) – we hike at the Preservation Parks in Delaware County.

Screenings by Wexner Heritage Village – blood pressure, pulse, pulse ox, blood sugar: Mon. Jul. 8 & 22, Aug. 12, & 26, 10-11 a.m.

Bridge: Mon., 10 a.m.-noon Chair Yoga: Mon. 11 a.m.

Mat Yoga: Mon., noon Oil Painting Group: Mon., 1-3 p.m.

Taking Aug. & Sept. off – back Oct. 7.

Watercolor Class: Mon., 1-3 p.m., Aug. 19-Sept. 30.

Caring & Sharing: Widow and widower support group: 1st, & 3rd, Mon., 1-2 p.m.

Euchre: Mon. 1 p.m.

Book Club: 3rd Mon., 1:30 p.m.

Creative Writing: Mon., Jul. 29 & Aug. 26, 2 p.m.

Tai Chi – Introduction: Mon., 5-6 p.m.

Zumba Basic: Mon. & Wed. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

CENTER

Subacute & Rehabilitation Center.

New York Life Agent Erik Brown will do a special sponsorship on July 9. At break time (12 p.m.) Erik will share ideas on insurance and investment.

Scrappy Crafters: Tues., Jul. 16 23, 30, Aug. 20 & 27, 11:30-2 p.m.

Duplicate Bridge: Tues., 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Dominoes: Tues., 1 p.m.

Darts: Tues. & Thurs. 1 p.m.

Open Line Dance: 4th Tues., 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Water Volley Ball: Tues. & Thurs., 22:45 p.m.

Chime Choir “Del Chimers”: Tues., 2-3 p.m.

Quilters Rule: Tues., 3-5 p.m.

Pool Walking: Tues. & Thurs., 4:30 & 6:30 p.m.

Aquatic Low Impact Aerobics Class: Tues. & Thurs., 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS Foot Care: 2nd Wed., 8:30 a.m., & 4th TUESDAY PROGRAMS Thurs., 8:30 a.m. Please call to make Wood Carving: Tues., 9-11 a.m. reservations on the first working day of Zumba Basic: Tues. & Thurs. 9-10 a.m. month.

PACE: Tues. & Fri., 10-11 a.m.

Travel Golf League: Wed., 9 a.m.

Line Dancing (Beginners +): Tues., 11 through Oct. 29. Please call (740) 602a.m.-noon 0768 for information.

Romeo Club: (Retired Old Men Eating Coffee and Conversation: Wed., 9 Out) Tues., Jul. 2, 11:30 a.m., lunch (on a.m. Nice time to meet new friends and own) at Generations Pub, 5 N. Sandusky see those you have not seen for a while.

Street, Delaware. Red ball caps are a Do For Others II: (800 Cheshire, Suite must!

MONDAY PROGRAMS B) Wed., 9-10:30 a.m. This group will be Full-Body Workout: Mon. & Wed., 8-9 Romeo Club: (Retired Old Men Eating working on several different projects.

Out) Tues., Aug. 6, 11:30 a.m., lunch (on a.m.

Massage Therapy: Wed., 9:15 a.m.-1 Do For Others: (Park Avenue) Mon., 9- own) at Fiesta Mexico, 12 W. William p.m. Call to make appointment.

Street in Delaware. Red ball caps are a 11 a.m. make quilts for Grady Hospital Delaware General Health District and do some sewing and needlework for must!

Clinic: 4th Wed., 9:30-11:30 a.m.

We Be Jammin’: Tues., Jul. 9, & Aug. “Project Linus.” (Sewing & Crafts).

13, 11:30 a.m. Lunch can be purchased MediGold: 1st Wed. 9:30-11 a.m.

OSU Extension Office – Good Food How Does Your Garden Grow: Wed., for Dummies: 2nd Mon. and 4th Fri., 9 in Studio 60 or bring a brown bag lunch 10 a.m. Taking the summer off will be and join us for this funtastical day! a.m. back Sept. 11.

Sponsored by Kingston Residence of Table Tennis: Mon. 9 a.m.-noon Marion, and Arbors at Delaware Stock Market Discussion Group:

Wed., 10 a.m. They are taking the summer off and will be back in Oct. New Member Orientation Party: Last Wed. of each month, 10 a.m. *NOTE cancelled Aug. 28.

The Music Gathering: Wed., 10 a.m.

Bookmobile: Wed., July 10, 31 & Aug. 21, 11 a.m.-noon Health & Wellness Seminars – Wexner Heritage Village: Wed., July 10 & Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-noon Creative Expressions – Open Studio: Wed., July 3, 10 & Aug. 28, 1-3:30 p.m.

Liquid Stained Glass: Wed., Aug. 7, 14 & 21, 1-3:30 p.m.

Creative Expressions – Wooden Bunny: Wed., July 17 & 24, 1-3:30 p.m.

Table Tennis: Wed., 1 p.m.

Parkinson’s Support Group – Speech Therapy: 2nd & 4th Wed. 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Mah Jongg: Wed., 1-3:30 p.m. Please sign up at Center if you want to attend these classes. We play the National League Rules.

Bingo: Wed., 1-3 p.m.

Personal Enrichment – Learn to Knit: Wed., Jul. 3-Aug. 28, 6-7:45 p.m.

Evening Euchre Club: Wed. 5-7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY PROGRAMS Pinochle: Thurs., 10 a.m.

Line Dancing (Intermediate): Thurs., 11 a.m.

Life’s A Stitch: Thurs., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Red Hat Society “Delaware Dollies”: Thurs., July 11, 11:30 a.m. Lunch Corner Cafe, Delaware. Wear your red hat and purple outfit!

Red Hat Society “Delaware Dollies”: Thurs., Aug. 8, 11:30 a.m. Lunch at Generations Pub, Delaware. Wear your red hat and purple outfit!

ACBL Sanctioned Bridge Play: 1st & 3rd Thurs., 12:30-4 p.m.

Computer Classes: Thurs., 1 p.m.

Please call the Center regarding the classHAPPENINGS continues on page 33

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travel Olentangy area SeniOr CitizenS You are invited to travel, at your own expense, with the Olentangy Area Seniors on escorted package tours. All motorcoach tours depart from McDonald’ s at U.S. 36/Ohio 37 and I-71, east of Delaware, and from Bob Evans, 960 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Worthington. For additional information or for a detailed flier, call 614-8826822 or 800-686-9640.

July 5: Tall Ships Festival, Cleveland The fleet of 10-12 replica historic vessels of magnificent Tall Ships returns to Cleveland in commemoration of the War of 1812 including the Battle of Lake Erie. The ships will sail on all five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, visiting 21 cities in the U.S. and Canada. You will have an opportunity to board the ships, meet the crew and experience the heritage these ships symbolize. An optional cruise is available for an extra cost. Rate per person, including dinner, is $75.

July 11: A Diamond in the Ruff – Syndicate, Newport, KY A tribute to Neil Diamond by Denny Diamond.

Since his appearance on Dick Clark’s “Your Big Break” television show in 2000, Denny has become one of the top Neil Diamond tribute artists worldwide. His voice has an uncanny similarity to that of Neil Diamond’s distinctive baritone voice and his stage presence is second to none. These, combined with music by one of America’s favorite singer/songwriters, guarantees a performance enjoyed by everyone. We'll also shop at the vendors’ mart at the Syndicate. Rate per person, including lunch, is $86.

July 18-26: Best of Wyoming, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore & Frontier Days We’ll visit Bear Country, USA, a wildlife park in the Black Hills of South Dakota; Custer State Park for a Buffalo Herd Jeep ride;

Note: All rates are per person ever staged at Mount Rushmore, unless otherwise stated. where we'll view the LaComedia. It will be a colossal sculpted heads memory you and your of George Washington, grandchildren will never Thomas Jefferson, forget! Rate per person, Abraham Lincoln and including lunch, is $77 Theodore Roosevelt; for adults, and $63 for the Crazy Horse children age 11 and Memorial, the largest under ($5 discount if statue in the world; a paid by July 22).

Frontier Days Old West Aug. 29: Half-Stitched, Museum exhibit that captures the true Carlisle Inn, Sugarcreek Sit alongspirit of the west; and the Cheyenne side a group of unlikely quilters in an Frontier Days Rodeo. We’ll cross the Amish widow’s quilting class and Continental Divide and make our watch as they learn to piece together descent into Jackson Hole where we’ll their lives, one stitch at a time, in stay for two nights. We’ll visit Grand "Half-Stitched," the new musical based Teton National Park and tour the park on a novel by best-selling author famous for its mountains, scenery and Wanda E. Brunstetter. You will have wildlife. We’ll go to Yellowstone time for shopping in Amish Country.

National Park to see “Old Faithful” and Rate per person, including lunch, is $99 wildlife. We’ll visit the Buffalo Bill ($83 if paid before July 29).

Historical Center, founded in 1917 and Sept. 4: “Ohio, The Mother of regarded as America’s finest western Presidents” In the 50 years before museum. This is an air tour, on Delta the roaring 1920s, 10 men were electAirlines from Columbus to Rapid City, ed president of the United States and S.D. and returning from Billings MT. eight hailed from Ohio, giving the state Rate per person, including eight break- its nickname, Mother of Presidents. fasts and seven dinners, is $3,103/dou- Today we visit the homes of two forble; $2,903/triple; $2,833/quad and mer presidents: Harding’s Home, $3,656/single. A deposit of $100 per Marion: This restored house was built person is required. Airline luggage in 1891 and contains almost all original change is not included. Photo ID furnishings owned by President required.

Harding and his wife, Florence.

Aug. 7: Cincinnati Reds vs. Oakland Adjacent to the Harding Home is a Athletics, Cincinnati Infield box press house used during the 1920 seats, under cover, on the fist base line campaign, which now serves as a for this afternoon game. Rate, includ- museum dedicated to President & Mrs. ing lunch at the Golden Corral, is $80. Harding’s lives. Rutherford B. Hayes Aug. 22: Peter Pan, LaComedia, Home, Fremont: Occupying a 25-acre Springboro Fantastic adventure site known as Spiegel Grove is the 31awaits you and your grandchildren as room Victorian mansion and wooded we fly away to Neverland in the magi- estate of President and Mrs. Rutherford cal classic, "Peter Pan." This is one of B. Hayes. Also on the grounds is the the world’s most celebrated musicals, first official presidential library, which featuring show-stopping songs “Never contains family papers and books of Never Land,” “I Won’t Grow up” and the president and his family. Rate per “I’m Flying.” This production features person, including lunch, is $79 ($74 if beautiful sets and dazzling flying paid before Aug. 4). effects, and is one of the largest shows

Harlem rOad United metHOdiSt CHUrCH Oct. 4-8: Washington D.C. and Gettysburg, PA Guided tour of D.C. includes U.S. Capitol, White House, National Archives and all monuments including the new Martin Luther King Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Smithsonian Institute, Gettysburg Battlefield and much more.

For flier and details of trip, call Pat Reed at 614-392-2139 or Diana Robertson at (740) 965-4543. A $75 deposit guarantees seating. Deposit is refundable if trip is cancelled. Total cost of trip is $478 per person, based on double occupancy.

SeniOr CitizenS inC. Of delaware COUnty For additional information on trips, call (740) 369-5133. Stop in to tour Senior Citizens Inc. at the Center for Older Adults and get a list of the new programs we will offer! Delaware County non-residents will pay $2 more for trips and non-members will pay $5 more per trip costing $59 and under and $10 more per trip for a trip costing $60 or over. For all trips, you must sign up and pay at least two months to five weeks in advance of the departure date. Please call the Center for more information if you are interested in any of these trips. day trips & Hiking experiences (out of the area) July 18: Lake Erie – Put-in-Bay A fun day is planned on Put-in-Bay! We will depart the Center at 7 a.m. and head for Miller Ferry at Catawba. On the island, we will board a tram and our driver will give you an overview of the island letting you know what there is to see and do. You will be able to hop on and off the tram when you TRAVEL continues on page 30

30 JULY / AUGUST 2013 TRAVEL continued from page 29 want. When you hop off, you will need to pick up the next tram to take you to your next destination. The tram will drop us off in town where you can eat at a restaurant of your choice for lunch (on own). After lunch you may shop, or hop on another tram to continue to explore the island. We will report back to the Depot for transport back to the ferry dock at 4:15 p.m. (by school bus) and ferry back to Catawba at 5 p.m. Fee for this trip is $85 member in county, $87 member out of county, and $95 non-member. Fee includes transportation (land & island) and drivers’ tips and lunch (on own).

July 22: Golden Marathon Hiking Trip – Ohio Caverns A unique experience is planned for the Golden Marathon group! We will be hiking at the Ohio Caverns in West Liberty, Ohio. We will be doing two different hikes at the Caverns. When we arrive at 10 a.m. we will do the Historic Tour with a guide. Then we will go to lunch in West Liberty at the Liberty Gathering Place. After lunch we will return to the Ohio Caverns and do the Natural Tour with a guide. After our last tour we will stop for ice cream and then head back to Delaware. Bring a lightweight jacket and wear your hiking shoes. We will leave the Center at

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9 a.m. and return around 3:30 p.m.

Fee is $57 and it includes transportation, driver’s tip, entrance fee and guide for two hikes. Lunch is at the Liberty Gathering Place (on your own).

Aug. 15: Malabar Farm & Landoll’s Mohican Castle Join us on this fun trip to Malabar Farm for a house tour and wagon ride. Malabar Farm was the dream of author Louis Bromfield and was the wedding site for Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

After we experience the house tour and wagon ride, we will travel to Loudonville for dinner at the Landoll's Mohican Castle - The Stepping Stone Restaurant. After dinner you will have some free time to explore the grounds.

The fee is $79 member in county, $81 member out of county and $89 nonmember, and this fee includes transportation, driver's tip, entrance fee, wagon ride and dinner. We will depart the Center at 1 p.m. (we will not be stopping for lunch) and arrive back in Delaware around 8:30 p.m.

Overnight Trips: August 22-29 – Rivers, Gorges & Monuments Experience this unique trip through Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota! These eight days will be packed with rivers, gorges and monuments. Some of the highlights are Brigham Young's Ranch, Olympic Park

Our free monthly classes can help you make sense of Medicare.

Stop scratching your head and call us now for information on our “New to Medicare” classes.

Salt Lake City, Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, float trip on the Snake River, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park, Mt. Rushmore and more. Trip cost: $3,199/single; $2,699/double; $2,669/triple and $2,639/quad. Cost covers transportation, driver's tip, all baggage handling, insurance and more.

Looking Ahead 2013 Trips: Daytrips: Sept. 5 _ Amish Country Oct. 3 – Hollywood Casino – Columbus, Ohio Nov. 21 – LaComedia “A Christmas Spectacular” Dec. 12 – Christmas Lights Trip Hiking Trip: Sept. 23 – Golden Marathon Hiking Trip – Yellow Springs, Ohio Overnight Trips: Oct. 7-20 – Italy Dec. 4-6 – Biltmore – Ashville, N.C. Please call the Center for more information if you are interested in any of these trips.

Two Chore Programs, One Goal The Council for Older Adults has partnered with the Delaware County Department of Job and Family Services as well as Delaware County Juvenile Court to offer two helpful programs for seniors. If you need assistance with certain household chores, such as heavy cleaning, yard work/yard clean-up, planting, minor painting, minor home repairs or window washing, we can help arrange for supervised youth and young adults to complete those projects through the Seasonal Chore Program offered by the Delaware Department of Job & Family Services.

Please note that ongoing lawn mowing will be limited this year to yards that are only one acre or less, and individuals must meet certain financial guidelines to be eligible for mowing services. The Seasonal Chore program began on April 29.

Seniors who are interested in utilizing this program must complete a Seasonal Chore application and return it to the Council’s office by Friday, Oct. 18.

For those individuals needing assistance with their yard chores such as leaf raking, planting, picking up sticks/limbs, mulching, etc., they may request the chore program offered by Juvenile Court.

For both programs, seniors must have the tools and supplies necessary to complete chore requests, and must be home for their chores to be completed in a timely fashion. The services are free, and certain eligibility requirements may apply. For details please call the Council at (740) 363-6677 or (800) 994-2255.

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ClUB NeWs Ashley seNIOR CITIzeNs Meets at: Ashley Villa, 240 S. Main St., Ashley Regular meeting date and time: 3rd Monday at noon Contact: Dave Thurston, (740) 7472658 or dmthurston2@msn.com Dues: $5 per year Ongoing Activities: We have a potluck at noon followed by entertainment and business meeting. Come and enjoy the fellowship and good food. We play euchre every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Villa. All are welcome.

BellpOINT seNIOR CITIzeNs Meets at: Buehler’s Community Room, 800 W. Central Ave., Delaware Regular meeting date and time: Every Monday, 1 to 4 p.m.

Contact: Bob Burr, (740) 369-0652 Ongoing Activities: We play cards on Mondays. We also walk inside Mingo Park, 7 to 9 a.m. weekday mornings.

BIg WAlNUT seNIOR CITIzeNs ClUB Meets at: PJ’s Pizza, 571 W. Cherry St., Sunbury Regular meeting date and time: 1st Thursday (except July) at 11:30 a.m.

Contact: Janey Cook (740) 936-5109, Sharon Souder (614) 855-9243 Dues: $8 per year Ongoing Activities: Guest speakers cover many areas of interest — entertaining, informative, funny and educational. We are a very active and friendly group and would welcome new people to visit and perhaps join us.

We have our picnic in July and play Bingo in December. There is no meeting if Big Walnut Schools are closed for bad weather. We are planning a trip to The Wilds for sometime this summer.

DUBlIN COMMUNITy seNIOR CITIzeNs Meets at: Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Road, Dublin Regular meeting date and time: 2nd Monday (except May & December) at 11:15 a.m.

Contact: Wanda Kamler, 614-4104550.

Ongoing Activities: For information about activities and trips, contact the City of Dublin Senior Adult Program Office at 614-410-4550. geNOA TWp. seNIOR CITIzeNs Meets at: Genoa Community Bldg., 5111 S. Old 3C Hwy., Westerville Regular meeting date and time: 2nd Thursday at noon Contact: Beulah Fritsche, (740) 9652640 Dues: $10 per year Ongoing Activities: Seniors 55 and over in Genoa Township are encouraged to attend. Come with fresh ideas. At our regular meetings we usually have our potluck, but sometimes we have a catered meal. We offer a variety of programs. hyATTs AReA seNIOR gROUp Meets at: Fireside Room, Center for Older Adults, 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware Regular meeting date and time: 2nd Tuesday Contact: Barb Spellman, (740) 3693500 Ongoing Activities: Our meetings begin at noon; however, the location and starting time may differ depending on the activity for the day. If you have questions about times or locations, please call the president. The goal of the club is to provide members with a social time, a learning activity, a

new experience and a good meal. We are open to new members in the area at all times.

OleNTANgy AReA seNIOR CITIzeNs Meets at: Orange Township Hall, 1680 E. Orange Road, Lewis Center Regular meeting date and time: 1st Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

July and November meet 2nd Wednesday.

Contact: Sheri Scott, (740) 879-3233 Meeting: Music soothes, laughter heals and fel¬lowship bonds. A potluck luncheon is fol¬lowed by a program of music, fun, fel¬lowship and shared community to brighten your day and lighten your spirit on the first Wednesday at Orange Township Hall from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for all interested persons 55 plus years young. The Delaware General Health District will be available for free screenings beginning at 10 a.m. before each luncheon. All are welcome! Please feel free to join in the upcoming festivities.

Ongoing Activities: In addition to the luncheon meetings, we offer the following weekly programs: Monday discussion group held in the private group room at Panera Bread on U.S. 23 in front of Meijer. The coffee fellowship begins at 9 a.m. followed by guest presenters speaking on topics and issues pertinent to Delaware County and senior citizens at 9:30 a.m. A Monday card group is held between 2 and 4 p.m. in the North Orange Park Community Room. We offer fellowship and mind-sharpening activities such as euchre, bridge and other card or board games. We also have occasional day trips to concerts, parks, movies and membership gatherings. Dates and times are determined by the group. For information on any

or all of the above three pro¬grams, contact Sheri Scott at (740) 879-3233 or Kathy Oster at (740) 548-1985. The current membership survey offers new and current members 19 activity and interest group selections in an attempt to meet the needs of active vital seniors.

OsTRANDeR seNIOR CITIzeNs Meets at: Ostrander Community Center, 3737 Ostrander Road, Ostrander Regular meeting date and time: 4th Thursday Contact Person: Wilma Rolfe, (740) 363-0948 Dues: $5 per year Meeting: Those over 55 years of age are invited to join.

Ongoing Activities: We have our regular meeting on the fourth CLUBS continues on page 32

How to list your club or group All clubs and support groups have received information forms for 2013. If you are not sending in your activities for the entire year, please be sure to mark your calendars so we receive your information in time for each publication. If you have not received your packet, please contact Brenda Durfey at (740) 203-2357 or 800-994-2255.

Please keep us informed of any changes in officers. Include a contact person, phone number with area code, meeting dates, times and locations, ongoing information, recent news (previous two months) and future news (next two months or any upcoming important dates). We will try to publish as much information as possible.

Send in those pictures! Trips, special occasions or recognitions such as a milestone birthday or anniversaries are great reasons to show off your members.

Pictures should be clear and bright with names of those pictured.

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CLUb neWS Thursday of each month. We have entertainment before the meeting and refreshments after. On the second Thursday, we have a birthday dinner at different locations. Come out and join us for games every Thursday at 1 p.m.

The Delaware General Health District is at the building from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on our regular meeting date.

PrOSPeCt SeniOr CitizenS Meets at: Prospect Senior Citizens Building, 318 N. Elm St., Prospect Regular meeting date and time: Every Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact Person: Marjorie Fox, (740) 360-8639 Dues: $10 a year for those 55 and older.

Meeting: On Thursdays, lunch is available for $3.50 per person. We are also open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2

p.m. for games with a brown bag lunch. All card games are played such as euchre, pinochle, bridge, hand & foot, and pool. The last Tuesday of each month a potluck is held at noon with cards all day. We are located in southern Marion County and we have many Delaware County members.

Ongoing Activities: A free blood pressure clinic is held the last Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon.

A business meeting is held the second Thursday immediately after the noon lunch.

WeSterViLLe AAUW The American Association of University Women Westerville Branch (AAUW) presents a program for women and men. These meetings are free and open to the community and held on the 2nd Thursday of the month. The

meetings begin with a “meet and greet” starting at 7 p.m., followed by the program at 7:30 p.m. For more information on the monthly meeting place and topics of discussion, call 614-891-4677. Our regular meeting place is Westerville Area Resource Ministry, 175 E. Broadway Ave., Westerville.

DeLAWAre AAUW Contact: Roberta Clark, (740) 3633965 Dues: Dues are calculated according to membership status, as described on the website.

Meeting dates, time & location: Meeting dates, times and locations vary as shown on the schedule for this year. Those with a “ *” are scheduled jointly or by another group and we are attending their function. Please notify Robert Clark at (740) 363-3965 when

planning to attend a dinner meeting.

All meetings are open. If there are changes to the schedule, they will be updated on the website at www.delohioaauw.wordpress.com.

LeAGUe Of WOmen VOterS Of DeLAWAre COUnty Contact: Karen Rainey, (740) 3689001, Karengr@yahoo.com The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization advocating citizen participation in government.

Our organization is active at the local, state and national levels of government, with each level setting priorities for study and action. Membership is open to all citizens of voting age – women and men. All meetings are open to the public. Call for more information or check www.lwvdelawarecountyohio.com.

Grants for Programs, Services Available for Older Adults in Delaware County Applications are now available for the 2014 funding of community programs and services for older adults in Delaware County. Grant funding will be made available by the Council for Older Adults to other nonprofit organizations serving Delaware County. The grants are intended to address a variety of needs for those adults age 60 and older. The grants can be used to continue services funded through previously awarded grants from the Council, to create new services or to expand existing services.

The Council for Older Adults has annually awarded funding to local nonprofit service organizations since 1995, with a total of $625,205 awarded for 2013.

Funding is made available to the Council through Delaware County’s local senior services levy.

Deadline to apply is Aug. 19. For more information or to request an application, visit the Council for Older Adults website at www.growingolder.org, or contact us at 800 Cheshire Road, Suite A, Delaware, Ohio, 43015. You may also call (740) 363-6677.

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SPECIAL EVENTS: Mt. Carmel Mammography Mobile: Mon., July 1, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. es that will be taught and to sign up.

Line Dancing (Basic/Beginner): Thurs., 1 Rainbow Kids from Willow Brook Christian Community – USO Program: p.m.

Wed., July 3, 10-11 a.m.

Dominoes: Thurs., 1 p.m.

Photography Group: 4th Thurs., July 25 I’m Retired… Now What? Tues., July 9, 10 – 11 a.m. & Aug. 22, 1-2:30 p.m.

Reminiscence Theatre: Thurs., 2:30-3:30 Savvy Social Security Planning: Tues., July 9, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. p.m.

Info Meeting – Biltmore at Christmas: Hand Work with Friends (knitting & Wed., July 10, 10 a.m. crochet group): Thurs., 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Health & Wellness Series/Lecture – Tai Chi Classes: Thurs., 4 & 5 p.m.

Wexner Heritage Village – Healthy & Weight Watchers Meeting: Thurs., 5 Economical: Wed., July 10, 10 a.m.-noon p.m.

AARP Driver Safety – for Educators 55 Aquatic Low Impact Aerobics: Thurs., +: Wed., July 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

5:30-6:15 p.m.

Personal Enrichment – Wine Senior Center Dining Group: 3rd Thurs., Exploration 101: Wed., July 31, 5:305:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Grandparents Day & Farmers Market: FRIDAY PROGRAMS See article on page 23 for details and Golf Hidden Valley: Fri, 9 a.m. through schedule.

Sept. 27.

Healthy U – Diabetes Self Coffee & Conversation – Park Avenue: Management Program: Mon., Aug. 5Fri., 10 a.m.

Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. *NOTE will Open Play Bridge: Fri., 10 a.m. not meet on Monday Sept. 2.

Think Positive: A Little Bit of Matter of Balance: Mons., Aug. 5-Sept.

Inspiration: Fri., July 12 & Aug. 9, 10-11 30, 3-5 p.m. Call Delaware General Health a.m.

District (740) 368-1700 to take part in Computer Help/Support: 1st, 2nd and these classes.

4th Fri., 11 a.m.

Matter of Balance: Weds., Aug. 8-Oct. 3, Mind Aerobics: Fri., 11 a.m.-noon *NOTE 9:30-11:30 a.m. cancelled Jul. 5.

The Big, Bad Wolves: Tues., Aug. 13, 10Bingo: Fri. 1-3 p.m.

11 a.m.

Genealogy Forum: 3rd Fri., July 19 & Life Care Plan: Tues., Aug. 13, 1-2 p.m.

Aug. 16, 1-3 p.m.

Health & Wellness Series/Lectures – Creative Expressions – Open Studio: Wexner Heritage Village – Brain Food: Fri., Aug. 2 & 30, 1-3:30 p.m.

Wed, Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-noon Creative Expressions – Wood Angel or Savvy Social Security Planning: Thurs., Kokopelli: Fri., Aug. 9 & 16, 1-3:30 p.m. Aug. 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Creative Expressions – LOVE Project: Delaware Speech & Hearing Center: Fri., Aug. 23, 1-3:45 p.m.

Mon., Aug. 19, 10 a.m.

Liquid Stained Glass: Fri., July 12, 19 & Life Line Screening: Thurs., Aug. 22, 9 26, 1-3:30 p.m. a.m.-5 p.m. If you want to do this screenThe Golden Notes: Fri., 1:15 p.m.*NOTE ing, please call 1-800-324-9458 to make your appointment. The Center cannot take this group not meeting July & Aug. They your reservation for an appointment. will be back Sept. 6.

The James Mobile Mammography Unit: Thurs., Aug. 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

PARK AVENUE ONLY: Euchre: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Cost is $1.50.

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carefully Monitor Medications to Prevent Problems health senior

Nearly one in three American adults takes at least five medications, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But as you age and develop more health problems that number can be even higher.

Taking multiple medications increases the likelihood of errors that can result in injury and, in rare cases, death. Studies have shown that the majority of medication errors occur among seniors.

Medicines generally are safe and effective when taken as prescribed, but adverse drug events — injury resulting from the use of medication — continue to be a significant public health problem.

They were responsible for more than 700,000 visits to hospital emergency departments last year and 120,000 hospitalizations after emergency treatment.

People over the age of 65 are twice as likely as others to visit emergency departments for adverse drug events and seven times more likely to require hospitalization, the CDC reports. Proper management is needed to ensure that the medications are not only safe, but effective.

Gretchen roeGer

PharmD, BCPS, Grady Hospital

OHiOHealtH

swallowing, remembering or paying.

Often your doctor or pharmacist may have a way to help you overcome your difficulties. Ask your physician or pharmacist to explain your medications in terms you can understand. Here are some important things to know: • What are the brand and generic names, and active ingredients?

• What is this for, and how will it help me?

• How and when should I use it?

• How long should I use it?

• What should I do if I miss a dose or use too much?

• When will the medicine start working?

• Should I avoid any other medicines, drinks, food or activities?

Keep and Report a List. Make a list of • Are there any side effects and all your medications — including overwhat should I do if I get any? the-counter medications, herbal prod• Will I need tests to check the meducts, vitamins and other supplements, icine’s effects? How often are the tests creams, inhalers, eye drops and ointand how do I get the results? ments — and give this list to your healthcare providers; also include any allergies Use your medications correctly. Take your medicines for the entire time they or problems you may have had with are prescribed. Check first with your medications. It is important for your healthcare team to know everything you physician or pharmacist before you stop are taking because there are many drugs or change a medication. Take only your that can cause problems if taken togeth- medicines; not all medicines are safe for everyone. Make a chart that lists the er. names of the drugs, and how and when Ask Questions and Find the Facts. they should be taken so you don’t have Choose a physician and pharmacist that to rely on your memory. The National you feel comfortable with so you can Institutes of Health has a printable verfreely ask questions that can prevent sion of such a chart on its website at problems later on. Discuss any problem www.nihseniorhealth.gov/takingmediyou might have that could affect your cines/. use of the medicine, such as trouble

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need a living Trust? it Depends “It depends! That is the answer to every question a client will ever ask you.”

I will never forget those words.

They were the first words I heard from a professor’s mouth on my first day of law school. I have been asked repeatedly during my career: “Do I need a trust?” I always respond the same way: “It depends. Tell me about your situation.”

Undoubtedly, many who read this article have been told by a slick sales person that they absolutely need a living trust because everyone should have one. Anyone who makes such a broad statement is either ignorant or dishonest, and is almost certainly involved in a “trust mill” scam. If anyone makes a statement of this nature to you, end the conversation and call the consumer

legal

briefs

Jason seabury, esq.

Manos, Martin, & PergraM Co., LPa

protection office of the Ohio Attorney General to report the person. There has been a significant problem in our state with scams involving the “sale” of living trusts. The Ohio Attorney General, Mike DeWine, has issued this statement about these kinds of scams: Living Trust Scams A living trust is a legal arrange-

ment where assets are transferred into a trust while the consumer is still alive, which keeps the assets from going through probate court when the consumer dies. Trusts can be useful estate planning devices, but scam artists have been known to make exaggerated or false claims about probate costs or about the tax advantages of living trusts. These scams usually target lower income consumers, whose limited estates likely would incur minimal probate costs, by using high-pressure sales tactics. If you or someone you know is considering buying a living trust, consider all your estate planning options and be wary of "one-size-fits-all" offers. Contact an attorney directly for individual advice before signing any contracts or making any purchases.

There are also legal aid programs that offer free help for seniors. Never buy legal services from door-to-door salespeople or telemarketers.

This warning from DeWine provides a good general description of the living trust scam. A scammer’s sales pitch always contains subtle twists or exaggerations of mostly true information. What follows is a list of common false statements made by living trust scammers, followed by the countering true statement. I hope this will help us put an end to the living trust scams in our communities.

False: It is appropriate for a nonattorney to approach you in an attempt to give advice about estate planning, and to “sell” you a living trust.

True: Estate planning always involves the giving of legal advice and the preparation of legal documents.

Only an attorney licensed to practice in Ohio may give legal advice and prepare legal documents in this state. Any nonattorney who provides these kinds of services is engaging in the unautho-

rized practice of law.

RED FLAG: Beware of the person or company that contacts you by mail, phone or door-to-door and tries to convince you to purchase a living trust.

False: Avoiding probate should be the highest estate planning objective of every person in every circumstance.

Only ignorant people fail to take all necessary steps to avoid probate, regardless of what it costs to do so.

True: Avoiding probate is one of many valid estate planning objectives that should be considered by all and pursued by many.

False: The only or best way to avoid probate is to transfer ownership of all your assets to a living trust that you create.

True: One way to avoid probate is to transfer ownership of your asset to a trust during your lifetime. There are several other ways to de-probate your estate.

False: The cost of probate administration of all estates is higher than the cost of creating and funding a living trust.

True: The cost of probate administration of some estates is higher than the cost of creating and funding a living trust. It depends on the nature and extent of your assets.

False: Creating and funding a living trust will result in estate tax savings.

True: Creating and funding a living trust may result in estate tax savings in limited circumstances for very wealthy individuals.

False: Creating and funding a living trust will result in protection of your assets from all claims of creditors, during and after your lifetime.

True: Creation and funding of a living trust may result in protection of your assets from some claims of creditors, but only after you pass away.

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