TI SL 05-26-2012

May 2012

Older

Citizens Day More Inside • Moriah historian settles into new job ........p2 • Be careful when traveling .........................p3 • Family fights cancer in father’s memory ..p4 • Assessing your driving abilities.................p5 • Senior housing on schedule.......................p6 • RSVP News & Notes ................................p7 • Living with fibromyalgia ..........................p8 • Schroon seniors purchase defibrillator....p10 • Moriah seniors name officers ..................p11 • Reviving an industrial icon ....................p13

katherine@denpubs.com KEESEVILLE — There were a lot of new faces around the Keeseville Elementary School last week.

On May 8, 9, and 10, kindergarten through second grade students had a chance to invite someone to join them for lunch during “Older Citizens Day.” Second grade teacher Sally Smithson said the school has been holding the event for 16 years.

“It’s called Older Citizens Day but it can be anyone the students want to share the day with, aunts, uncles, neighbors, grandparents, parents or siblings,” Smithson said. “For our kids anyone over the age of 9 is an older citizen.”

Second grade student Kacie Whitford, who invited her

grandparents Sharon and Dale MacDougal to the event, got dressed up in a sparkling blue dress for the occasion.

Similarly, student Charm Snyder picked out her outfit three days in advance to have lunch with her grandfather Roger Baker, her father Leonard Snyder, his girlfriend Shelby Pecor and her 2-year-old daughter Lilly Pecor.

“She was so excited for us to come she tried to trick CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Pictured above: Second Grader, Charm Snyder fills out her questionnaire with her Grandfather (right) Roger Baker, her father, Leonard Snyder (left), and father’s girlfriend’s daughter Lilly Pecor, on Older Citizen lunch day at Keeseville Elementary.

Photo by Katherine Clark

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Students invite parents, grandparents to school

2 - Senior Life

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Spring 2012

Moriah historian settles into new job Betty Lamoria replaces retired Joan Daby

By Fred Herbst

fred@denpubs.com PORT HENRY — Betty Lamoria has big shoes to fill. The new Moriah town historian is replacing Joan Daby, who has retired after 20 years.

“Nobody is ever going to replace Joan,” Lamoria said. “She was instrumental in forming the Town of Moriah Historical Society and the construction of the Iron Center Museum. Joan can never be replaced. Luckily, we don’t have to.”

Daby still volunteers her time with the historical society and assists Lamoria.

“We’ve changed roles,” Lamoria said. “I was her volunteer; now she’s my volunteer.

She’s a host of knowledge.”

Lamoria became interested in her own family history several years ago. Her research took her to the Iron Center Museum and to Daby.

“Joan helped me with my genealogy and really sparked my interest in Moriah history,” Lamoria said. “Eventually I started working with her as a volunteer. I’ve been doing that the past five or six years.”

Lamoria hopes to continue the work start-

ed by Daby. A major ongoing project is digitizing thousands of old records and photos.

“That’s a major undertaking,” Lamoria said. “It would be great if we could get everything online some day.”

Work is also under way to prepare the Iron Center Museum for the 2012 season and the Town of Moriah Historical Society is selling the book “Adirondack Civilian Conservation Corp. Camps,” which contains contributions by local residents. It was written by Martin Podskoch.

The town historian is also available to assist people interested in learning more about Moriah. She is in her office at the Iron Center Museum noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. She’s also available by calling 546-4165 or Emailing moriahhistsoc@aol.com The appointment as town historian comes at a good time for Lamoria. Her husband died last November.

“This gives me something to do, it’ll keep me busy,” she said. “It came along at the right time for me.”

Moriah Supervisor Tom Scozzafava praised the work of Lamoria.

“We’re fortunate to have Betty step up and do this,” Scozzafava said. “She’s been working with Joan for a number of years and is well-versed in town history.”

Joan Daby, above, has retired after 20 years as Moriah town historian. Betty Lamoria has taken her position.

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Spring 2012

Senior Life - 3

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Precautionary measures older travelers must consider Whether retired or simply an empty nester, older men and women often love their increased opportunities to travel and see the world. Without kids to cater to or college tuition to pay, men and women approaching retirement age, or those who have already passed it by, find themselves with more free time to take to the highways and skyways and experience other cultures.

While traveling is a great way to make the most of one's golden years, traveling as an older adult isn't the same as it might have been back when you were a carefree teenager or twenty-something backpacking through Europe. Before setting out to see the world, older travelers should consider a host of factors.

Documentation Older travelers tend to travel abroad more than they do domestically, so be sure all documentation, including passports for each traveler, is up-to-date. If you're traveling for an especially long period of time, be sure your passport is valid beyond the length of the trip. The United States Department of State also notes travelers must determine if the country they plan to visit requires a visa to enter.

In addition to passports and any visas you might need, make sure your driver's licenses and auto insurance policies are current and will remain so through the trip. This is

important for travelers who plan on renting a car during their vacation. Don't forget to bring your driver's license and proof of auto insurance (as well as contact information for your insurance company should an accident occur) on your trip.

Climate & Geography It's also important to consider geographical conditions before establishing any travel plans. Older men and women tend to have more health issues and might even be on prescriptions that can make it challenging to travel to certain areas. Before committing to a trip, consult your physician about the possible effects a certain climate might have on you personally. Some people might be sensitive to altitude and therefore unable to travel to high-altitude locations without putting themselves at serious risk.

When considering climate and geography, don't overlook a region's history or likelihood of natural disasters. If a given destination has a history of hurricanes, earthquakes or tsunamis, then consider that before making plans. It's still possible to enjoy such destinations, but you'll want to travel when such storms or natural disasters are not in season.

Luggage & Wardrobe When traveling, it might be comforting to

overpack because it can give you the feeling you're prepared for any situation that might arise. But don't pack so heavily that your luggage becomes a nuisance to take from place to place. If you're traveling to especially touristfriendly regions, keep in mind such locales often have all a traveler needs should he or she have forgotten something or experiTraveling as an older adult might require more caution and planning than it does ences an emergency. for young jetsetters, but such measures won't diminish the joy of your travels.

When packing your clothes for a trip, keep home have your itinerary and know where your wardrobe as conservative as possible. you will be staying should an emergency ocAnything too flashy could draw the attencur. If traveling abroad where you won't tion of con artists or thieves, as tourists ofhave cell phone service, choose resorts or hoten make for easy marks. But don't forget to tels with Internet access and ensure friends pack some formal attire as well, as clothing or family members you will check in periodthat is too casual might make it hard for you ically via e-mail. While staying in touch to gain access to certain tourist destinations might not be reminiscent of the carefree travor restaurants. els of your youth, doing so will help your loved ones rest easy and will prove invaluable should something unexpected occur.

While a vacation is an escape for many When traveling, older men and women people, you don't want to escape from the should consider a host of factors before makworld entirely. Make sure loved ones back ing plans and always make safety a priority.

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4 - Senior Life

Spring 2012

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Family fights cancer in father’s memory

By Fred Herbst

fred@denpubs.com PUTNAM — Never under estimate the power of ice cream.

Jim Dayton loved dessert. Now, in his memory, his family has formed “Team Ice Cream.”

Lynne Dayton, his daughter, and his niece Kristi Watts Warters will participate in his honor at the 2012 Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research on Sunday, May 6, in New York City. They are asking people to support their walk by donating the cost of Jim’s favorite dessert.

Checks made out to the Lustgarten Foundation can be mailed to Lynne Dayton at 250 East 40th Street, #3C, New York, NY 10016 or people can donate online at CUREPC.org or call 1-866-789-1000. Donations are tax deductible and every dollar raised goes directly to pancreatic cancer research.

Dayton, who lived in Putnam and had a Ticonderoga mailing address, died Sept. 19, 2011, of pancreatic cancer. He loved Ti and Putnam, according to his daughter.

“I not only mourn the loss of my father, but also the loss of a man that truly believed in the importance of small town values,” Lynne Dayton said. “I may live in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan now, but I hope I never forget to just slow down, let somebody else go first, hold open that door and when times get tough, have a dish of ice cream, because my dad believed it was impossible to be unhappy while eating ice cream.”

Jim Dayton was born and raised in a small town in Michigan and af-

ter being stationed at the Air Force base in Plattsburgh, he met and married Colleen Grimes. They lived in Ticonderoga and Putnam Station early in their marriage and after Jim retired as an electrician.

“Living in a small town meant long time neighbors became family, adopting titles like ‘Aunt’ and ‘Uncle’ and that you would lend a helping hand to others, without being asked, whenever it was needed,” Lynne Dayton said. “It also meant working with the barter system. I am convinced that my dad planted home improvement projects in my ‘Aunt’ Belva Blood’s head just so he could get paid in her famous homemade pies and doughnuts!”

Ticonderoga and Putnam were important to Jim Dayton, according to his daughter.

“Small town values to my dad, meant supporting Ticonderoga’s small business community and looking for the ‘Made in the USA’ labels,” she said. “On Memorial Day, it meant quietly visiting the grave sites of family and friends in town, that had long since departed and especially acknowledging the sacrifice of veterans, because it was the right thing to do.”

Jim Dayton became ill unexpectedly.

“My father passed away on Monday, Sept 19, 2011,” Lynne Dayton recalled. “He was diagnosed with end stage pancreatic cancer the first week of August 2011 with no prior symptoms or health issues.

He never drank, never smoked, (had) perfect weight, and led a physically active lifestyle working for Bill Blood Construction. He had just had his annual physical that spring where his doctor complimented him on his excellent

Jim Dayton, who lived in Putnam and had a Ticonderoga mailing address, died Sept. 19, 2011, of pancreatic cancer. He loved ice cream, especially when sharing it with his granddaughter Janessa Boswell, his grandson Christopher Dayton and his Goddaughter Elena Watts Warters.

health.

“We learned that pancreatic cancer usually is symptom free until it is so far advanced that the patient does not have a fighting chance,” she continued. “That is what happened with my dad. The tumor silently grew until it blocked his bile duct causing mild nausea and later yellowing of the whites of the eyes due to jaundice.

“The doctors we met with at

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Fletcher Allen Hospital said it is the cancer they fear the most of getting themselves because it is so hard to detect,” she said. “That is why it is so important to raise money for research. Scientists are hoping to develop a screening test much like the PSA test to detect early stage prostate cancer to give those who develop pancreatic cancer a fighting chance.”

After he became ill, Jim Dayton

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appreciated his community even more.

“All of the small town kindnesses he had shown others in the past came back to him during those weeks,” Lynne Dayton said. “The lawn was mowed, food magically appeared, and when my dad was too sick to stay home, those friends who became family, made countless trips to Burlington by ferry to visit my dad in his hospice room.”

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Spring 2012

Senior Life - 5

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Assessing your abilities as an aging driver When a person first earns a driver's license, they've earned more than just the right to legally operate an automobile. To many drivers, a driver's license is symbolic of freedom and self-sufficiency.

The significance of a driver's license never truly dissipates, which makes it difficult for aging men and women to address their abilities as a driver and whether or not they can still safely share the road with other motorists. Though many drivers can safely stay behind the wheel well into their golden years, others begin to recognize their skills are starting to diminish as they approach senior citizen status. For those who want help gauging their abilities as a driver, some self-examination can help.

Assess your eyesight Healthy eyes are essential to being a safe driver, and drivers can assess their eyesight in a number of ways. In addition to visiting an eye doctor for an eye examination, drivers should look for signs that they're having difficulty with driving. If signs and street markings aren't so easy to read anymore, you might need a new prescription for eyeglasses. When the glare of headlights at night makes it difficult to see, your driver's seat might need to be adjusted or you might want to consider antiglare eyeglasses that make it easier to see at night.

Assess your comfort level

Aging drivers should weigh a host of factors when determining if it's still safe for them to be on the road.

Safe drivers are also comfortable drivers.

To assess your comfort level as a driver, ask yourself the following questions before getting back behind the wheel. * Is it troublesome to look over your shoulder and change lanes? * Has steering become difficult? * Has your reaction time when switching from the gas pedal to the brake pedal decreased?

If you can answer "yes" to any of the questions above, then it could be that you're beginning to lose strength, coordination and/or flexibility, which can make it more difficult to operate a motor vehicle. Answering "yes" doesn't mean you have to give up

your driver's license. In fact, your doctor might be able to prescribe therapies or medicines or suggest a fitness regimen that can make it easier for you to comfortably drive a car. In addition, if you're having trouble steering or operating a motor vehicle in any way, you might just want to find a vehicle that's easier to drive, such as one with an automatic transmission that has power steering and brakes.

When assessing your comfort level, also examine your mental state while driving. If other drivers make you uncomfortable or traffic signs are confusing, this can make it difficult to safely operate an automobile.

Such feelings when driving could also be a

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Honestly address loved ones' concerns Aging drivers are often the last to notice if their abilities behind the wheel are starting to diminish. Loved ones are often put in the position of talking to aging drivers about their abilities, and this can cause friction. If loved ones have expressed concern about your abilities as a driver, honestly address these concerns, even if it's initially hurtful or

embarrassing to do so. Your loved ones are sharing their feelings out of genuine concern for your well-being, so don't look at it as an assault on your self-sufficiency. Some organizations, including the AARP and AAA, offer driving classes for mature drivers to help them more adequately handle the challenges aging drivers might face.

Aging drivers face obstacles they may or may not be prepared for. When such challenges arise, that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to stop driving entirely. Instead, honestly weigh a host of factors before deciding if it's still safe for you to be behind the wheel.

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6 - Senior Life

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Spring 2012

Senior housing project on schedule Construction to start in June

By Fred Herbst

fred@denpubs.com TICONDEROGA — A project to make the former Moses Ludington Hospital a senior citizen housing complex is on schedule.

Liberty Affordable Housing Inc. and InterLakes Health have informed town officials they expect to begin work on the $7 million project in June. Completion is anticipated in September 2013.

The project will turn the now-vacant facility into 31 one-bedroom units for low-income seniors. It will be called Moses Circle Senior Apartments.

Liberty and Ti officials began working on the project in 2006. The process included an Adirondack Park Agency map change in 2007 that made the project exempt from Adirondack Park Agency oversight.

The old MLH building is owned by InterLakes Health, which owns and operates the current hospital, nursing home and adjacent Lord Howe Estates senior housing complex.

The plan is for the senior apartments to be

operated by CRM Rental management, a division of Liberty, which now operates Lord Howe Estates in conjunction with InterLakes Health.

Funding for the project was announced last fall. Earlier attempts to secure funding had failed.

Moses Circle Senior Apartments is one of 35 projects chosen statewide to receive funding to build and preserve affordable housing under New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s competitive 2011 Unified Funding round.

Funding for the project is through New York State Homes and Community Renewal with a $1.36 million low-interest HOME loan and an allocation of federal low-income housing tax credits. The tax credits will be converted to a private equity investment of $5.66 million.

Moses Circle Senior Apartments will include modern, energy efficient apartments with central air conditioning and EnergyStar appliances. The building will include an elevator, large community room with kitchen, outdoor covered portico overlooking Moses Circle, a computer room, laundry facilities and management office. The entire

building will be handicap accessible with four units fully adapted for people with mobility impairments.

The project will include onsite parking, new landscaping with seating areas and a walking path surrounding the building that

will also connect to the crosswalks on Montcalm Avenue.

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Ben Dunkley meets with his grandparents in the physical therapy room at the Adirondack Tri County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in North Creek. Harold Ross, right, is Ben’s grandfather on his mother’s side, and Leona Dunkley, left, is Ben’s grandmother on his father’s side.

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Native Ben Dunkley returns to work in his hometown NORTH CREEK — Ben Dunkley, a 2003 Graduate of Johnsburg Central School has returned to his roots.

Dunkley attended Daernen College in Buffalo and graduated in 2010 with a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy. After graduation, he worked for over a year at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

Now he’s working at the Adirondack Tri County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and living in Lake George.

Dunkley is engaged to be married to Elizabeth Krzywicki, who is also a physical therapist. An August wedding is being planned.

“It is a pleasure and rare opportunity to come back to your hometown and do what you enjoy doing with the ones you know and love,” Dunkley said. “Having worked here over a month, l feel lucky to work alongside such skilled clinicians.”

Dunkley has two grandparents that are residents at the Adirondack Tri County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center: Harold Ross and Leona Dunkley, both formerly of Bakers Mills.

Dunkley is a physical therapist and helps Tri County with its inpatient and outpatient physical therapy patients.

Spring 2012

Advisory Group members and all the people and stations you serve we salute you for all you do for your community and your county.

Volunteer of the Year 2011: This year RSVP of Essex County is pleased to announce that our Volunteer of 2011 is Ida Atkinson of Essex. Ida celebrated her 100th birthday in January but that hasn’t slowed her down a bit. Each weekday she arrives at the Essex/Willsboro Nutrition Site, dons an apron and asks what she can do to help. She also participates in the Essex Arts & Crafts projects. Ida has been an RSVP volunteer since 2000 and served 101 hours in 2011. Dennis Everleth, nutrition site manager says, “I have been here 12 years and Pictured above is the Willsboro Osteoporosis exercise group. Come join the fun! Free Osteoporosis exercise Ida has been here every day. classes are held each week in Ticonderoga, Willsboro and Elizabethtown. Trained RSVP volunteers lead the She is a good worker.” classes. Call the RSVP office for more details at 546-3565.

Director ’s Award: The RSVP Director ’s Award is Williams, 538 and Earl Barber, 538. for perseverance and this year it goes to Jean Clifford. Jean Welcome to our newest Station: Friends of the Schroon is a trained osteo leader for this weekly RSVP exercise proLake Public Library is our newest station. Michel Lee is gram and a volunteer since 2005. Each week her group the president and Larry Vanderburgh is the treasurer. Volgathered at the Town of Keene Senior Center for the 1.5 unteers do fundraising for the library programs and collechours of exercise and socializing. When Hurricane Irene tion development through membership, grant applications hit on August 29, 2011, it hit Keene hard. The building and fundraising. They run a used bookstore, conduct housing the senior center was completely flooded. Osteo fundraisers and do library newsletters and mailings. No weights, manuals and supplies were all washed away. In experience is required for volunteers but having a general the end, the building had to be torn down. But did Jean’s knowledge of books helps if helping out in the book store. class miss a beat? After only one week they were back in Computer literate volunteers are welcome. Contact the action. Jean had contacted us for supplies, regrouped and RSVP office to sign up! for weeks classes were held in someone’s home. We are happy to report that a new building has been constructed and things are relatively back to normal but Jean’s dedicaWe have any over 80 stations who would welcome voltion is to be admired and she highly deserves the 2011 unteers! Anyone interested in giving back to the communiRSVP Director ’s Award. ty please contact the RSVP office. Membership is free, you The RSVP 500 Club: Hours have been tallied for 2011 receive a free background check, and free door-to-door liaand we have a total of 18 volunteers with over 500 hours bility insurance coverage. for the year. A tip of the hat and a thank you to the 500 Not interested in a weekly commitment? We are always Club members, as well as ALL of our volunteers. Whether looking for volunteers for parades, car shows, and festiyou serve 5 or 105 hours they are all appreciated. vals of all types. A few hours of your time on one of these The volunteers include: days would go a long way.

Marilyn Cross, 1640; June Curtis, 1461; Bernice Mayer, If you are 55+ and interested in joining the RSVP team 1332; William Dolback, 1312; Archie Rosenquist, 1168; Evethen give Janet or Barb a call at 546-3565 and we will find lyn Mingo, 1137; June Turr, 1090, Teresa Stitt, 1081, Madea niche for your talent. Tickets for the annual Memorial line Genier, 930; Ann Dolback, 842; Margaret Beuerlein, Day drawing are still on sale! Contact us to purchase 831; Teresa Pearson, 697; Judy Brassard, 670; John Viestenz, yours.

591; Phyllis Smith, 561; Rose Sheffield, 558; Emma

Pictured is Marilyn Cross, the RSVP 2011 volunteer with the most hours shown here with her rescue cat Rusty.

Photo provided

RSVP News and Notes

By Barbara Brassard rsvp@logical.net

M

ay is ‘Older Americans’ month and what better organization to recognize this group of people than the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Essex County? From January 1st to December 31st, 2011, we had 350 RSVP volunteers serving at 84 stations. They did everything from serving at thrift stores, food pantries, meal sites, historical societies, museums, nursing homes and libraries. They transported clients to doctor visits, grocery shopping and on errands. They assisted with income tax preparation and conducted osteoporosis exercise classes. They made friendly phone calls to shut-ins and crocheted and knitted hats, scarves and mittens for the children of Essex County. They volunteered at our partner agencies Literacy Volunteers of Essex & Franklin County, High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care, Mercy Care of the Adirondacks, Essex County Transportation Department, Adirondack Community Action Program and Office for the Aging. They stood at ready when needed for one-time events from assisting at a chamber event to providing relief for Hurricane Irene victims. In total 48,077 hours were served by our wonderful volunteers.

In these trying, economic times and severe budget cuts, the service of our volunteers becomes even more valuable and critical. The 48,077 hours multiplied by $7.25 minimum wage equals $348,558 of service. So from RSVP staff,

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8 - Senior Life

Spring 2012

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Living with fibromyalgia Few look forward to getting older, and that is largely because of the toll the aging process can take on the human body. While certain conditions may be largely associated with the senior population, middle age women are paying more and more attention to fibromyalgia, a condition that affects roughly 4 percent of the American population and 1 percent of those living in England. Statistics Canada indicates that 390,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

While those figures are considerable, there may be even more people living with fibromyalgia. That's because fibromyalgia, despite its prevalence, remains somewhat mysterious. What is known is that the illness primarily affects women and is characterized by widespread pain throughout the body.

Those with fibromyalgia experience pain in response to stimuli that for other people would not be perceived as painful. Experts surmise that elevated levels of a particular nerve chemical signal, called substance P, could be to blame for those who are affected. There is also evidence that more nerve growth factor in spinal fluid, as well as a decreased amount of the brain chemical serotonin, could be other influences.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease says that stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, illness, certain diseases, and repetitive injuries, could be linked to the onset of fibromyalgia.

The pain of fibromyalgia may be widespread, and often affects the neck, shoulders, arms, upper back, chest, and buttocks. There may be tender points that elicit more pain than other areas, clues that the condition is in fact fibromyalgia. Other symptoms include fatigue, not enough non-REM sleep, anxiety, forgetfulness, and irritable bowel syndrome.

To receive a proper diagnosis, it is important for individuals to discuss all of their symptoms with a physician. Each patient is unique, and the symptoms may come and go.

The Mayo Clinic identifies certain risk factors that increase the liklihood a person will experience fibromyalgia. * Gender: Females are diagnosed more than men. It is believed that female reproductive hormones may play a role in pain perception. * Rheumatic disease: A history of arthritis or lupus could increase the risk of fibromyalgia. * Family history: Members of the family who have fibromyalgia may pass the condition on through genetics.

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Getting diagnosed may require a series of tests and questions. The American College of Rheumatology developed certain criteria for a diagnosis. These include widespread pain that lasts at least 3 months, in addition to 11 tender points on the body out of a possible 18.

Some doctors will diagnose it with less stringent criteria.

Treatment is a customized approach depending on symptoms and may include analgesics that reduce pain, antidepressants that help with fatigue and sleeplessness and antiseizure drugs that may also reduce pain can be prescribed. Physical and mental therapy can also alleviate stress, which seems to exacerbate symptoms. Some people find success with the use of alternative therapies, such as yoga, massage and acupuncture, to alleviate pain.

Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, getting an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan in place can help alleviate the multitude of symptoms that seem to accompany the illness.

Fibromyalgia can cause pain throughout the body.

Hospice remembrance gathering scheduled for June 7 in Port Henry PORT HENRY — On June 7 at 6 p.m. High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care will hold a special memorial service to honor the memory of those we have served and who died between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2011. Each person is remembered by name and loved ones are invited to light a candle in their memory.

With this spring High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care service, we are extending a special invitation to other members of the community who have suffered a loss. All are warmly welcomed to attend the memorial service and time will be allowed for their remembrances also. The service will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall located on 72 South Main Street in Port Henry.

High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care is a rural, not-for-profit health care corporation, certified and licensed by New York State. Our hospice is composed of a caring team of professionals and volunteers who provide the full range of quality hospice services, primarily in the home, to all terminally ill individuals and their families in portions of Franklin and Hamilton Counties and all of Warren and Essex Counties. Our health care team provides physical care, emotional support and education to the entire family regardless of age, gender, nationality, race, creed, sexual orientation, disability, diagnosis or ability to pay. Hospice is covered under the Medicare Hospice Benefit.

For more information call 942-6513. RSVP appreciated.

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Spring 2012

Senior Life - 9

www.denpubs.com

Older Citizens Day from page 1 “She was so excited for us to come she tried to trick us to come early, she told us to be here at 10 a.m.,” Shelby said. “It meant a lot to her that everyone come.”

During the lunch the teacher’s passed out an assignment sheet with questions for students to ask their visitors about what it was like when they were in school.

“Grandpa what was it like when you were in school?” second grade student Emma Zmijewski asked her grandfather.

“It was a very different world, I was born in Poland and I went to school 6 days a week with no busses,” Mike Zmijewski said.

Second grade student Matt Goodrich, who is new to Keeseville and Older Citizen Day, said he was very

excited to have his grandmother visit him for lunch.

“I haven’t been at this school that long and I really liked that my grandma got to come,” Goodrich said.

Goodrich had been so excited to have his grandmother come to lunch, he and his mother had gotten a yellow rose to give to his grandmother at their lunch date.

Smithson said the lunch is always fun for both the kids and the friends and family who come and visit.

“We’ve done this for a while and it’s always a fun day for the kids,” Smithson said.

The older students of Keeseville elementary in grades three through six will be having their own lunch with older citizens on May 23 and 24.

Pictured at right: Second Grader, Jonathan Dehnel has lunch with his friend and classmate’s grandfather, Cliff Lewis on Older Citizen’s Lunch Day at Keeseville Elementary school.

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10 - Senior Life

www.denpubs.com

Spring 2012

Schroon seniors purchase defibrillator fred@denpubs.com SCHROON LAKE — Schroon Lake’s senior citizens are serious about the health of the community.

The local senior citizen club has purchased a Power Heart Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) to serve the community in case of a cardiac emergency.

And members known how to use it.

The Schroon Lake Senior Citizens have 14 members certified in CPR and use of the AED. “Therefore, there is a high probability that a trained senior will be present if the AED is needed,” said Ed Donley, club first vice president. “Dr. Joseph Schwerman of the Schroon Lake Health Center has volunteered to be the medical control physician for this AED.” Dick Newell, president of the club, said that he is “proud of the participating seniors for their accomplishments in getting qualified for this life saving endeavor.”

The AED was purchased with the help of several anonymous sen-

ior citizens who feel this AED is an important life saving addition to the Senior Citizens Center.

The AED unit is portable so that it can be taken on long senior citizens bus trips, if there is a qualified individual to operate the device.

The defibrillator is also available to help in the community.

“The senior citizens want the community to know of its intent to provide public access defibrillation and that the AED can be available in case it is needed in the downtown Schroon Lake area,” Donley said.

He advised that people call 911 and initiate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) before sending for the AED. The senior center is at 1108 Main St. and is open 5 days a week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and until 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

At right: The Schroon Lake senior citizen club has purchased a Power Heart Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) to serve the community in case of a cardiac emergency. Looking at the equipment are Ed Donley, left, club first vice president, and Dick Newell, president.

Senior Cats Make Excellent Companions for Senior Humans

38166

By Fred Herbst

As we grow older, companionship becomes more important than ever. This is true not just for humans, but for animals as well. Cats that end up in shelters have often lost both their human and feline friends. They can become depressed and withdrawn, not unlike people who grieve the loss of dear family and friends. Cats long for companionship; and are ever so grateful when they find it.

The North Country SPCA is introducing a new program, Seniors for Seniors, that will help both cats and people find the friendship they crave. The program is available to adults aged 60 or older who would like to be matched with one of the shelter ’s eligible cats, selected by our knowledgeable staff.

The cats in the program are aged 3 or older; or have been in the shelter more than a year; or are shy or withdrawn in a shelter setting. A discount of 50% Allex has a sunny optimistic outlook on off the adoption fee is available until May 1. Cats life and a non-stop purr. She is an adult will be spayed or neutered and up to date on rou- cat available at the North Country SPCA in Westport. tine shots.

There are many reasons why adopting an adult cat is a great decision, especially for an older person. Adult cats are generally calmer, already trained, and their personalities are well developed. The devotion shown by older rescue cats is extremely rewarding. A cat can provide loving companionship and an opportunity for a person to interact and bond, especially when their family is far away.

Having a pet helps reduce stress and can improve one’s mental and physical health.

If you’re ready to welcome a new friend into your home please call the North Country SPCA today at (518) 962- 8604 to find out who’s waiting for you.

Spring 2012

Senior Life - 11

www.denpubs.com

How to reduce prescription medication costs

For the millions of people who rely on prescription medications every day, the day when a drug faces generic competition is one many circle on their calendars.

That's because generic prescriptions are often significantly less expensive than brand name medications, and consumers are able to save substantial amounts of money once a brand name drug faces generic competition.

But many men and women currently taking a brand name prescription might be quick to point out that, while generic medications cost less, brand name prescriptions often rise in price in the months before they face generic competition.

Such was the findings of a 2011 study from the AARP Public Policy Institute that examined the 217 brand name drugs most commonly used by people in Medicare. Prices of drugs facing generic competition in 2010 rose by an average of nearly 14 percent in 2009, an increase that was nearly twice the amount of all other drugs. So while drugs might be more affordable

once they can be purchased generically, consumers can expect brand name drug manufacturers to drastically increase their prices in the months prior to facing generic competition, as the manufacturers are, in a way, looking for one last big revenue score before their patents expire.

That's a troublesome reality for anyone taking a brand name prescription, but especially so for older men and women living on fixed incomes. Though drug manufacturers aren't likely to change their practices, there are still ways men and women can reduce prescription medication costs. * Ask for generics. If there are generic alternatives to brand name medications available, always ask a physician for those medications instead of their more expensive brand name counterparts. Don't just assume a physician will prescribe generics. Sometimes doctors prescribe brand name medications despite the availability of cheaper and equally effective generic medications.

* "Test drive" a drug first. Just because a doctor prescribes a drug doesn't mean the patient will respond to that drug. Many men and women find they are too sensitive to a given medication and stop taking it after just a few days. Unfortunately, they paid for a full prescription and cannot return the pills they don't plan to use. Individuals who have a history of sensitivity to medications should "test drive" a drug first, ordering just a few pills or asking a physician for samples to see how well the body handles them. This won't necessarily matter for people with flat-dollar copayments (you will essentially have to pay two copayments if the drug proves effective), but

those without such a plan can save themselves some money if medication does not work out. * Buy in bulk. Men and women who have been taking a certain medication for a long time and expect to keep taking it might want to consider buying the medicine in bulk. This can save money; just make sure pills purchased won't surpass their expiration date before you take them. * Inquire about combination medications. Sometimes medications used to treat the same condition can be purchased as combination pills. This will only require one prescription instead of two.

On a similar note, men and women taking medications for two

different conditions might also be able to take just one medication that treats both conditions. For instance, some blood pressure medications have proven effective at treating other conditions as well.

But don't experiment on your own.

Consult your physician about your medications and ask if any of them can be used to effectively serve double-duty and save you money. * Look for programs that offer relief. There are programs that offer some relief with regards to paying for prescription medications. Discuss such plans with a physician to determine your eligibility, which might be determined by your age or current prescriptions.

Moriah seniors tab officers McCaughin elected president PORT HENRY — The Town of Moriah Senior Citizens Club has elected officers for 2012.

Patsy McCaughin is the president/treasure. Ruth McDonough is first vice president. Betty Pattison is second vice president.

Lorraine Kordziel is secretary.

Monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at the senior center/train station. Before each meeting members have lunch prepared by the Essex County Nutrition Program. People are asked to call the site manager at 546-7901 to make a reservation.

Any senior in the town of Moriah is welcome to join and take part in club activities.

Club volunteers greeted 2,011 visitors to the Port Henry train station in 2011. The volunteers are all members of RSVP/Essex County.

A pot luck supper is scheduled for the third Friday of each month. People are asked to bring a dish to share and their own plate setting.

Monthly trips are taken for shopping and other activities and the club is always looking for card players.

The club is recruiting new members. Interested people can contact a club member or attend a club meeting.

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12 - Senior Life

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Spring 2012

Holocaust survivor releases memoir Fast hopes by sharing her story no one forgets the tragedy of the holocaust

By Katherine Clark

katherine@denpubs.com LAKE CLEAR — Lake Clear writer to share experience in Warsaw Ghetto and survival through Nazi occupied Poland in her newly released memoir, “My Nine Lives.”

Dana Fast released her book Jan. 6 as a tribute and a legacy to her family and others to never forget the terrible tragedies and lives lost in the Holocaust in Europe during World War II. Fast’s memoir follows her life story from when she was a little girl after Germans invaded Poland, her time in the Warsaw Ghetto, her escape from the ghetto, her life in hiding, and into her return to Poland as an adult.

Born in March 1931, Fast’s comfortable life was changed forever as Germans moved into Poland in September 1939 and later sent her family into the Warsaw Ghetto. The memories, of which she kept from her daughter and friends for many years, she now shares in her memoir so others will never forget.

“Here in America, the Holocaust is a part

Dana and Yvona Fast hold the English and Polish version of Dana’s memoirs.

Photo by Katherine Clark

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of history, but in Poland and in Europe it is closer to the skin,” Fast said.

The stories of her time in Nazi-occupied Poland were memories Fast said she originally didn’t want to remember. In the book, however, she has recounted her life for the sake of her relatives, children, and her brother, who was only 3 years old during their time in the Warsaw Ghetto. This is her legacy to the family.

“When I started this, it didn’t start as a book,” Fast said. “My friends and family wanted me to write what happened, and so I wrote small bits at a time.”

Her memoir was a 20-year labor of love that started merely as stories she would type here and there and her daughter, Yvona Fast, would edit.

Yvona said that throughout her childhood her mother would not talk about her experiences during the war. Through her mother ’s book, Yvona said she can see her mother as a young girl and understand how difficult it must have been for her being unable to have a childhood.

“When you read her book you can see how much she grew up from the time she was 8 years old to when she was 14 years old,“ Yvona said.

Friends in Poland encouraged her to write because her experiences should be written before those who experienced it are gone.

“In a few more years, the people who were there will be gone,” Dana said. “If these things aren’t written now, they will die, too, and this terrible tragedy should never be for-

gotten.”

The book has been described as containing every emotion — from crying to laughter — from readers of the Polish version of her memoir that was released in 2010 titled, “A Jednak Sa Dobrzy Ludzie,” translated, “There are good people everywhere.” Dana hopes readers will take from her book that she and her brother couldn’t have survived without the help of those who put their lives on the line to help them.

“People can surprise you. Those who helped us could have been punished by death and yet they still did it,” Dana said.

“In the worst of times you can find people who are absolutely caring and have the potential to help.”

The world has seen many tragic holocausts since the extermination of approximately 6 million Jewish men, women and children between 1933 to 1945.

“We can’t forget these things,” Dana said.

“People think this was the last holocaust, but what about the genocide in Dar Fur or Rwanda? I would like to say never again, but it’s not like that.”

Dana left Poland when she was 31 years old. She traveled many places and eventually settled in the Adirondack Park almost 40 years ago. She said the Adirondacks will be the place she will spend the rest of her days.

Copies of Dana’s book are on sale at the Community Store in Saranac Lake and other local venues. For more information, call 8913827 or e-mail Yvona at yvonawrite@yahoo.com.

Spring 2012

www.denpubs.com

Senior Life - 13

Reviving an industrial icon in Willsboro

By Katherine Clark

katherine@denpubs.com WILLSBORO — In 1845, the old grist mill in Willsboro received a second chance after a fire, and 167 years later, Will Heintz is rebuilding the town’s industrial icon for a third revitalization.

Heintz, a longtime winter resident of Willsboro, bought the building in 2006 with his wife, Linda. For the past five years, he has single handedly cleaned out the rotted floor boards and fallen roof.

The grist mill stands downstream from the fish ladder on the Boquet River. Will, who has rebuilt several other buildings, including an old schoolhouse said he was compelled to bring the building back to life.

From the outside walls, people passing by can see the old limestone and brick walls with a plaque that reads “Phoenix Mills Wm. D Ross, 1845.” So far, he has cleaned out and stabilized the structure.

The vision for the building came from the outside in, Will said, taking in the natural beauty of the river and the breathtaking quality of the original limestone walls. They hope to restore the building and open it up for others to enjoy.

“I can just imagine opening up this building, maybe adding a deck on the back for everyone to enjoy,” Will said.

Linda, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, would like to eventually serve the community in a cafe style with sweet treats and sandwiches. Though Will said their shared vision for the building isn’t about financial gain, they want to eventually bring the beautiful and historical structure back to life for the town of Willsboro.

“I just love this building and the view of the river. I just have to do something with it,” Will said. “It’s sensory overload when you are out here.”

Since beginning the project, Will said he has enjoyed residents and visitors stopping by to see his progress, and when the property is finished it will be something everyone can share.

“This place is an icon for a different time here, and I can’t wait for the day when someone comes and tells us they have photos of this mill in its glory days,” Will said.

Every winter Will has been working little by little through the weekends to bring the building back to life. During the summer, he manages a country club in Connecticut. He said the mild winter this year has allowed him to be productive in his restoration efforts.

“The town didn’t want it; no one wanted the building, but I just love the stone walls, and its history as the last standing piece of Willsboro’s industrial period,” Will said.

The mill was one many industrial buildings on the Boquet River. According to a town census in 1835, other industrial businesses in the town were eight saw mills, one wool fulling mill, one carding mill, two iron works and one ashery in the town.

Will Heintz stands on the remaining third floor of the former Willsboro grist mill he has been restoring for the past 6 years.

Photo by Katherine Clark

Later, a paper pulp mill piped its smoldering “black liquor” waste into lagoons dug into the riverbank. By the time the mill closed, the cooled liquor or “black ash” covered 10 acres, and in places was 16 feet deep.

Although not toxic, it could not support vegetation and river currents easily eroded the embankments.

Will said over time and with the help of a water treatment facility there is no sign the river was ever polluted when he looks from the riverbank on the backside of the building or from the open roof of the top floor of the mill.

“Mother nature has cleaned this whole back yard from the mess of the saw mill, paper mill and grist mill,” Will said. “Now I want to restore this building and hopefully invite others to see this incredible part of the river and this town.”

The next step in construction will be for the new roof and floor frames to be constructed.

Will said he hopes by next winter for the roof to be completed.

“I’ve been saying next winter for the last six years, but I’m not going to stop or give up on this project,” Will said.

Though the project has slowly come together over the past few years, Linda and Will said it is an amazing experience to restore the industrial icon for Willsboro.

“Owning the property comes with a responsibility to take care of it and bring it back to good use. Which we will do that to the best of our ability. It is a labor of love,” Linda said.

Pictured is Ida Atkinson our 2011 Volunteer of the Year with Essex County RSVP Advisory Group member Dennis Everleth.

14 - Senior Life

Spring 2012

www.denpubs.com

Treatment options abound for arthritis sufferers Arthritis affects millions of people and can be a debilitating condition that impacts a person's mobility and quality of life. The March 2010 issue of Arthritis Care & Research revealed that 18.7 percent of Americans and 16.9 percent of Canadians suffer from some type of arthritis.

The word "arthritis" refers to more than 100 separate medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis-related joint problems cause pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures. Such damage can lead to joint weakness, instability and visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere

with the most basic daily tasks, including walking, climbing stairs, using a computer keyboard, cutting food, or brushing teeth.

Arthritis has no cure, though medications and physical therapy may be prescribed to help manage pain and improve mobility.

There are many different medicines that may be used to treat arthritis. Here is a look at some of the most common.

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These pain medicines may be over-thecounter or prescription drugs. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are common painkillers, as are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS. Prescription doses may be helpful for more painful symptoms.

These drugs are applied to areas of concern and are absorbed by the body to relieve pain. They are generally effective for people who have mild symptoms in just a few areas of the body.

Anti-inflammatory pain relievers

Narcotic pain relievers For pain that is not controlled by NSAIDS and other methods, arthritis sufferers may be prescribed narcotic drugs that are more

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Steroids For a variety of reasons, steroids are very useful at reducing inflammation in the body.

But prolonged use -- especially when taken orally -- can result in a number of side effects, including weight gain and acne breakouts. Doctors try to avoid these problems by injecting the steroid into the affected joint or trying other medications in combination with steroids to keep the dose of steroids as low as possible.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) These drugs are often used for diseases of the autoimmune system, especially rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. These medications work by interfering with or suppressing the immune system that attacks its own joints in people with these conditions. These medications can cause serious side effects because they essentially slow down the body's ability to fend off illnesses. But for some people they are the best plan of attack for symptoms.

Spring 2012

Senior Life - 15

www.denpubs.com

Author recalls growing up in Port Henry Memories compiled in new book

By Fred Herbst

fred@denpubs.com PORT HENRY — A Crown Point woman has written a book about her memories as a child growing up in Port Henry.

Jean Arleen Breed has authored “Paper Girl — A Nostalgic Look at Port Henry During the 1950s and 1960s.”

“It is a historical reminiscence about the people and places that were in Port Henry when I was just a kid delivering newspapers to those folks,” Breed said. “It has 50 historical photos of the people and

places that were in Port Henry then.

“Many of them are just distant memories now so I wanted to capture all these photos and memories together in one place,” she added.

“It was just a wonderful time and place and I wanted to write this book so folks could see just how great the Port Henry area was in the booming 50s and 60s. I was the only little girl delivering newspapers then so I think folks took me under their wing and helped me out.”

The book is expected back from the publisher in April and will then be available locally. A portion of proceeds will go the Sherman Free Library in Port Henry.

“I want the library to benefit

from this book and make a profit on my book that they can spend on their library,” Breed said. “I so enjoyed going to that library when I was just a kid and now I want to give something back to the community of Port Henry.”

Breed believes the book will be especially entertaining for people who lived in Port Henry during that time period.

“I hope people will really enjoy reading it and seeing the photos as much as I enjoyed writing it,” Breed said. “I want to leave a lasting keepsake of the place I was born and where I grew up — a place I dearly love and I think this book will do the job.”

The book was written for people who have fond memories of Port

Henry in 1950s and 1960s, the author said.

“This book is for you if — if you ever sat on Hubbard Brothers’ porch and ate a maple frosted donut on a summer day; if you ever cheered for Johnny Podres, or stood around a bonfire the night before the Mineville-Port Henry football game; if you were blessed

by Monsignor Stai and helped by Doctor Glavin; if you can close your eyes and smell the coffee beans that Jenny ground in the A&P; if you remember walking down to see Gene and Alice on a summer night and getting a Michigan; if Miss Hennessey taught you to type, Mr. Davis taught you to paint, and Father Paul taught you to pray,” Breed said. “Then this

Jean Arleen Breed has authored “Paper Girl — A Nostalgic Look at Port Henry During the 1950s and 1960s.” book is for you.”

This is Breed’s third book. She has also penned “The Loss of the Lake Champlain Bridge” and “Poems from the Champlain Valley.”

Delaying retirement has financial, social benefits The need to save for retirement is something professionals start hearing about from the moment they begin their careers. Whether it's parents extolling the virtues of retirement plans or employers who encourage their employees to take advantage of their retirement programs, saving for retirement is never far from the minds of professionals.

As important as such savings can be, many workers are deciding to delay their retirements.

As much as men and women envision retiring to a faraway seaside villa for their golden years, such retirements are not terribly common, and many older workers have begun to recognize the economic and social benefits of delaying retirement. Those undecided about when they want to say goodbye to the office should consider the following benefits to delaying retirement. * Fewer years to worry about financing your lifestyle. Thanks to advancements in medicine and more and more people living healthier lifestyles, men and women are now living longer than in years past. While living longer, healthier lives is a plus, it does have an effect on retirement.

Because people can now expect to live longer, they must ensure their money lasts long enough.

By delaying retirement, men and women will

have fewer retirement years to finance. * More chances to save money. It might be your dream to retire early, but you could be doing yourself a great disservice by ending your career prematurely. Men and women at or near the end of their careers are often making more money than they ever have, which enables them to save more than they have in the past, especially if children are full grown and supporting themselves.

Take advantage of these high-salary years, even if it means working an extra few years. If you do, when you retire you could have substantially more in savings than you would have had you retired early. * Stay socially active. In addition to economic benefits, delaying retirement has social benefits as well. Many people get the bulk of their social interaction with colleagues and coworkers. When men and women retire, these opportunities for social interaction can dwindle rather quickly, and it's not uncommon for retirees to battle feelings of isolation. Delaying retirement allows you to easily maintain contact with friends and colleagues, and can lead to a better quality of life. * The chance to give back. Many older professionals view retirement as being put out to pasture, where their years or experience aren't uti-

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At right: More and more men and women are choosing to delay their retirement, a decision that has both economic and social benefits.

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lized. However, individuals who delay retirement can use their extra years around the office as an opportunity to leave a legacy for the next generation. This is something professionals find especially valuable as their retirement draws nearer and they want to leave a lasting mark, be it on their company, within their industry or in the community in which their company operates.

Delaying retirement provides more time to build this legacy, and can create a greater sense of fulfillment when men and women do decide to retire.

Delaying retirement is growing increasingly popular. Men and women often see it as a chance to build a bigger nest egg and leave a more lasting legacy within their company and community.

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