November 2015
This Issue VETERAN
GRAND MARSHAL
Buckley a ‘humble hero’ PAGE 3 RSVP
New volunteer coordinator announced PAGE 4 ACTIVITY
Adult coloring newest kick among seniors PAGE 6
Mineville’s Julia Podres (front passenger) was named the grand marshal for the annual Port Henry Labor Day Parade.
Schroon Lake Senior Citizens Club turns 40
SCHROON Ñ On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Schroon Lake Senior Citizens Club turned 40. The doors opened for seniors on Oct. 20, 1975. During the first year, members met at St. Andrew’s Parish Hall. Some of the original founders were Dorothy Tubbs (the first president), Francis Bohrmann, Lucille Smethurst, Alma Joos, Lee Vanderwalker, Lucille Morrison, Leonore Johndrow, Carol Hoffman, Lt. John Rowan and Howard Hall. On March 1, 1976, the seniors rented a building, which was a former diner located next to where Stewart’s is now. On Oct. 18, 1976, the Club incorporated. There were 221 members at that time. On Feb. 28, 1977, Alma Joos found a new home for the Senior Club, located at its present site, 1108 Rte 9. With the efforts of many volunteers and contributions from the towns of Schroon Lake and North Hudson, as well as dues, donations and fundraisers, the Club has become the heart of the community. Having its own bus, there are trips to Ticonderoga every week, trips to Glens Falls twice a month and many other bus trips to concerts, museums and events. Nutrition is served Monday through Friday and meals are delivered to those who can’t make it into the Club. The Club offers so many wonderful activities to keep our seniors active and busy. They are always looking for volunteers and new members. The Open House brought more than 50 people to event where they enjoyed food, videos and music, provided by our members. The Club is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call the Club at 532-7755.
RIGHT: Michael Marnell, Supervisor of the town of Schroon Lake (pictured on the left), presented a proclamation to Club president, Don Searles (pictured on the right). This plaque will hang on the wall in the main dining room.
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Humble hero
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“I can’t see why I did anything out of the ordinary,” says World War II vet By Pete DeMola
pete@suncommunitynews.com
ELIZABETHTOWN — Before he went to Washington, D.C., Thomas Buckley just has one question: “Why is my opinion important?” Buckley says his stint in World War II was nothing more than a vacation — a way for a self-described hick like himself to spend a week in Switzerland before heading off to Italy. The honor and accolades Ñ a police escort to Plattsburgh, parade and day spent taking in capital memorials — is unwarranted, he said. Buckley, 89, first heard about Pearl Harbor as a teenager cruising back from his uncle’s place on Silver Lake. But the Plattsburgh native was too young to be drafted. That had to wait until July 1945, just before Japan quit. After making his way through a series of stateside camps for training — Shanks, Jackson — the 19-year-old found himself headed to Italy on the SS Blue Ridge Victory. Buckley arrived in a destroyed train station in Naples. The windows and roof were blown out and survivors took refuge in the remnants. From there, he took a troop train to Cividale, a mountain town on the border with Yugoslavia. “It was pretty bleak,” Buckley recalled. “The railroad tracks were shot to hell and there wasn’t too much left of them.” His assignment was to drive a truck hauling materials used for reconstructive efforts, bridges and roads. Buckley would watch food rations come into Trieste, the northeastern
seaport. Gift to the People of Yugoslavia from the People of the United States, read the stamps on the crates. “We were feeding them during the day so they would shoot at us at night,” said Buckley. “I’ve seen it happen.” One of the biggest supply bases was in Livorno on the west coast. Every two months, troops had to reposition boxes of explosives stored at the munitions depot. If all of the materiel was allowed to gather at one end, the explosives would become unstable and dangerous, said Buckley. Relations with locals were largely cordial. “Some of them had a rough going,” said Buckley. “You’d see women coming out of the woods carrying baskets of twigs and small pieces of lumber to sell in the square.” Buckley never saw combat. The only time he heard rifle fire was when a soldier accidentally discharged his
weapon during a changing of the guard. One year later, Buckley found himself on a boat back to the United States. He made a career at the New York Phone Company, got married and had six kids. “I never had any hobbies because my main hobby was working,” said Buckley. “When you have six kids and a wife, and they all want their own shoes, you have to listen.”
Buckley will head to DC on Saturday with three other veterans: John McAlevey, of Jay, Maurice Guerrette and Arthur Niederbuhl, both of Bloomingdale. “I can’t see why I did anything out of the ordinary,” said Buckley. “I don’t think it’s deserved.” ABOVE: Thomas Buckley go to Washington, DC on Saturday as part of North Country Honor Flight, the program that shuttles World War II and Korean War veterans to the nation’s capital to honor their service.
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Welsh new volunteer coordinator at RSVP A
Schroon Lake Senior Citizens Club members recently held a box lunch social on top of Prospect Mountain in Lake George. Following lunch, they played bocce ball and walked around the grounds. Photo provided
Westport couple celebrates 50 years
Ann and Paul Mahoney of Westport celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday, Sept. 18. The couple were married at St. Philip Neri Church. Reverend Edward Delaney officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Dodge of Westport and the groom is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John F. Mahoney of Elizabethtown. Miss Bonnie Bigelow was the maid of honor and Cheri Phillips was the flower girl. Mr. Jack Mahoney, late brother of the groom was the best man. Ushers were Arthur Dodge, brother of the bride, Albert Daniels and Peter Blackmore. Following the ceremony, the couple were greeted by 250 guests at a reception help at the old Westport Inn. Ann and Paul spent their early years of marriage raising a family in Rockland County. The couple, who reside in Westport, enjoy time on the lake and spend a few months during the year in Florida. They have two children and three grandchildren.
fter serving as coordinator of Essex County RSVP since 2010, Barb Brassard has moved on to a new experience, retirement. Barb states, “I have enjoyed working with everyone connected with RSVP. It has been a very rewarding five years and I thank everyone for being a part of it. I know you will enjoy her ied working with the senior population.” Barb is continuing with RSVP as a volunteer. Nina Welsh began work as Volunteer Coordinator for RSVP Essex County in September. Nina is a senior certified geriatric care manager with over 20 years experience working with seniors in senior centers, housing, and promoting health and wellness programs for elders. Nina reports “I am very grateful for the opportunity to continue the mission of RSVP to engage men and women age 55 and better in meaningful volunteer service that strengthens the well-being of both self and community. I look forward to meeting all of the volunteers and to recruit new volunteers to join this valuable program.” We are currently in need of volunteers to assist seniors with preparation of income tax forms. Training is provided soon. Please contact the RSVP office if interested. To contact about all volunteer opportunities, please call RSVP at 518-546-3565 or e-mail rsvp@logical.net
R S V P
N e w s & N o t e s
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Senior Life • Fall 2015 | 5
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How to manage while living with Arthritis
By Craig W. Armstrong
A
s we age our bodies become susceptible to many illnesses and conditions. One of the most common is arthritis. Arthritis is caused by the inflammation of the tissue lining your joints. This inflammation causes pain, aching, stiffness and swelling. Arthritis is most common in people 65 years old or older and it affects more than 50 million adults, in the U.S. alone. Arthritis comes in many forms. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually comes with age and affects your hips, knees and fingers. Rheumatoid arthritis affects your joints and bones and sometime
your internal organs. It can be accompanied by fever or general malaise. Two other types of arthritis are gout and lupus. Gout normally affects your big toe, but can affect other joints as well. It results when uric acid levels in your blood are too high. These high levels cause crystals to form on your joints. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can not only affect your joints but your internal organs. Lupus can cause not only joint pain, but fever, rash and extreme fatigue. If it spreads to internal organs, more serious complications can occur. So how do you know if you have a form of arthritis? Most likely your body will tell you when something
is wrong. The most common symptoms are: joint pain, fever, rash and sometimes trouble breathing. The best thing to do if you experience these symptoms or any others is to see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will likely prescribe medication and exercise. The medication will most likely be nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory or NSAIDs. They reduce swelling and relieve pain. NSAIDs can be prescription or over-the-counter. Along with medication, exercise and weight control are very important. Exercise will help in many ways. It will improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles around your joints and help maintain bone strength. Exercise will also give you more energy
and help you sleep at night. Obviously it can help with weight control. The less you weigh, the less weight will be on your joints and bones. There are many types of exercises that will be beneficial. Try range of motion exercises, strengthening and aerobic exercises. However, do not start any exercise routine without consulting your doctor. In some cases your doctor might prescribe physical or occupational therapy. Other things that can relieve your arthritis pain are a warm bath or shower, ice on affected areas and rest. Living with arthritis is no picnic, but there are things you can do to reduce the pain and keep it from interfering with your life. Don’t let it slow you down.
Tips to help in avoiding slips and falls
By Craig W. Armstrong
A
s we get older, things that we never considered dangerous can become a risk to our safety. More than half of the injuries suffered by seniors are the result of a fall and happen at or near home. That fact that they happen at or close to home is a positive. It means we can prevent them. Here’s a look at what you can do to stay safe in your senior years. The risk of falling increases with age because our bodies are changing. Things like loss of clear vision, loss of hearing, impaired balance, and the side effects of medication can all result in a fall. First, be aware of these factors and more importantly do something to fix them. That means, wearing your glasses and hearing aids, as well as compensating for your balance issues. There are many things that can be installed in your home to help prevent falls. For example, all stairways should have handrails, no exceptions. All
Don’t Just Sit There By Craig W. Armstrong
Y
ou have worked all of your adult life; you have raised children, enjoyed grandchildren, all the while dealing with life’s ups and downs. Now you are retired and in your golden years. Some may read “golden years” and think they are destined to spend their remaining years watching the world go by. That’s not the case, not even close. Don’t just sit there! It’s called golden for a reason. Enjoy yourself, find a hobby or two or a bunch! Many seniors have trouble adjusting to a life that doesn’t require going to work five days a week. Now you can use those five days for doing things you’ve always wanted but could never fit into your
stairways should be brightly lit and clear of items. Showers and bathtubs are another place where handrails should be mandatory. Showers and tubs are slippery even for young and coordinated people, keep yourself safe, install handrails. Speaking of tubs and showers, make sure have non-slip surfaces. These aids come in many forms, from little ducks to fish, to flowers. They can brighten up your tub and keep you safe at the same time. While we’re in the bathroom, let’s talk about the toilet. Do you have trouble getting on and off the commode? If so, have a handrail installed there as well. Making sure your path is clear is a great way to avoid falls. Always watch where you are going. This includes making sure there are no electrical cords, shoes or anything that can trip you. This applies to the outdoors as well. You can’t control what’s on the ground, but you can look out for it. Take extra care on sidewalks, driveways and grass. Be extra cautious in the rain, snow or ice. Again, schedule. What do you like to do? For some folks, the arts might be something they have always wanted to try and now is the time. Take a painting class, a sculpting class, a drawing class or maybe all three. Your community undoubtedly offers these types of classes at low costs and some might even be free. Have you always wanted to be on stage? You’re not too old to give it a try. Again, your community is the place to start. Most likely they have a local community theater that are doing productions all year long. Want to be more active? Take up golf, tennis, bowling or whatever interests you. How about >> Story Continued | pg. 10
even the most sure-footed person can fall in those conditions. Always wear the proper footwear. Avoid anything with a smooth sole. Function over fashion is the key to staying safe. If you need a walker or cane, don’t be afraid to use them. A broken hip or knee will leave you unable to walk and that’s when you’ll wish you had used the aid of a cane. Take your time. Take sure steps. The faster you walk, the easier it is to fall. Have a plan in case you fall and injure yourself. Consider a medical alert device, or at the very least, always have your cell phone with you. No one wants to admit they are slowing down or that they need to take extra care and time, but it will happen to all of us. Taking a little extra time and using things to make us safer is nothing to be ashamed of. Consider the alternative, if you break something you will be far more helpless and dependent on others.
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Adult coloring craze comes to local senior centers By Keith Lobdell
keith@suncommunitynews.com
SCHROON — Members of the Schroon Lake Senior Citizen’s Club have gone back to their elementary days, turning the club into a classroom thanks to a new trend which is sweeping the nation. Adult coloring. “I became interested in the adult coloring books from articles on the internet,” said Sheila Yanko, who has brought the old hobby made new again to members of the senior citizen organization. Ò The articles said that coloring is relaxing and stress relieving. As a retired special education teacher, I used coloring with my students to help them become calmer while learning.” Yanko said she got her inspiration for the adult coloring class from her
church Sunday School
class. “As a Sunday school teacher at the Schroon Lake Community Church, the children enjoyed coloring mandalas,” she said. “Manda-
las are beautiful designs in a circular shape. They are said to promote healing and calm the mind.” Yanko has been coloring herself for the past three years, recapturing
the joy of younger days. Ò I enjoy planning and presenting programs for adults,” she said. “It provides a means for me to use my skills as service to others.”
Yanko presented the idea of adult coloring as an activity for the Schroon Lake Senior Citizens Club as a member of the events committee. “Each month the committee plans events for the members,” she said. I suggested the adult coloring idea. I think it is important to provide activities that the members can do at the club.” Ten people showed up for the first coloring class Oct. 13. “I brought various adult coloring books, crayons, markers, and colored pencils. The coloring provided an opportunity for seniors to socialize and be creative,” Yanko said. “Because people were interested in continuing adult coloring, upcoming dates are Oct. 27 and Nov. 10, 10 a.m. at the Senior Club. I’m hopeful that the interest will continue and it will be a semi-monthly activity.” Yanko added, for coloring, “no experience is required and it is a fun way to spend time with friends and make new ones.” ABOVE: The Schroon Lake senior citizens are keeping up with the latest trend - adult coloring. The group met at the Club recently to color intricate pictures provided by Sheila Yanko. Sheila read an article about adults getting together to color and decided it would be a relaxing pastime.
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ILH helps to keep public on their feet
TICONDEROGA — Fall is just around the corner, but FALLS should not be just around the corner. InterLakes Health (ILH) wants to help keep people on their feet. While falls are the leading cause of injury for people 65 years of age and older, they do not have to be an inevitable part of aging. The Rehab Team at ILH would like to raise awareness about how to prevent fall related injury among the aging population. A combination of behavioral changes can significantly reduce falls. Experts recommend participating in a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components; consulting with a health professional to obtain a fall risk assessment; having medications reviewed periodically; getting eyes and ears checked annually; making sure the home environment is safe and supportive. The ILH Rehab Team is comprised of two Physical Therapists, Merribeth Elling, PT, Director of Rehab Services and Wilson Lebita, PT; one Physical Therapist Assistant, Heather Winters PTA, CLT; one Occupational Therapist, Sarah LaPointe, OTR, one Occupational Therapy Assistant, Cindy Joubert, COTA ; and one Speech Language Pathologist, Kate VanDerZee, SLP all of which are committed to helping our patients achieve their maximum level of function and independence. We welcome you to get a prescription from your local provider and schedule an evaluation to begin your fall prevention. In addition to Fall Prevention, they offer physical, occupation and speech therapy to meet everyone’s needs from Pediatric to Geriatric, including balance, coordination, strengthening, flexibility, batca weight systems, NuSteps, treadmills, myofacial release, kinesio taping, whirlpool, electric stimulation, ultrasound, paraffin, vestibular therapy, lymphedema (complete decongestive and manual lymph drainage and compression garment fitting), pre and post surgical treatments (knee, hip, shoulder, hand, ankle), orthotic and prosthetic training, gait training. ILH also offers a Wellness Program which is available to all PT/OT patients after full completion of your rehab program. The Rehab Team will design a wellness program to maintain someone’s progress using our facility equipment for only $5 a month, for three months following discharge. For more information regarding our Rehab Department or to make an appointment, call 585-3810.
Pictured at the Inter Lakes Health rehab center are Heather Winters, PTA, CLT with Roger Nolfe. Photo provided
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Is It Time for a Hearing Aid? By Craig W. Armstrong
N
o one wants to get older. You lose your hair, you gain weight and your parts generally start wearing out. Some of the aging process we can’t control, but other effects of aging can be compensated for. As we age, our sense of sight and hearing tend to suffer. For our sight we wear glasses or contacts, for our hearing, we use hearing aids. Most people don’t have a problem wearing glasses or contacts, but when it comes to a hearing aid, they see it as surrendering to age. Here is the bottom line, your hearing is affected by age, and you can either suffer with hearing loss or do something about it. If you decide the latter, here are a few things to consider. First, what are the signs of hearing loss? While the symptoms of hearing loss may seem obvious, sometimes they occur so gradually that they may be hard to recognize. Do you suffer with any of the following? •People seem to be mumbling •You are always asking people to repeat themselves •You need the TV or radio louder than anyone else •It’s hard to understand people when you are in a group •It’s hard to understand someone when you can’t see their face •You have trouble hearing voices over the phone If you think you have hearing loss what do you do? Your first step is to see your doctor. They will be able to assess your hearing and most likely refer you to an audiologist. This spe-
cialist will test your hearing and provide you with a definitive answer. If hearing aids are recommended, it’s not the end of the word. Today’s technology offers many options, some of which are undetectable. Consider living in the days of yore when people had to put a horn-looking device up to their ear. Now a tiny hearing aid doesn’t sound so bad, does it? A basic hearing aid consists of 3 parts, a microphone, which picks up the sound, an amplifier to make the sound louder and a speaker to deliver the sound into your ear. Hearing aids come in many forms, but here are the most common: Behind the ear or BTE hearing aids are just what they sound like. The device is positioned behind your ear with a tube, leading to an ear mold which fits into your ear. Technology has given us a mini version of the BTE, which is obviously smaller and the tube leading into the ear is considerably less noticeable. In-the-ear or ITE hearing aids are also available. Again, this is just what it sounds like. Instead of the aid itself being positioned behind your ear, it is placed on the outer portion of the ear. In-the-canal or ITC hearing aids fit partially or completely within the ear canal. Hearing aids can also be surgically implanted. This is normally done for severe hearing loss or when someone cannot wear an external hearing aid. The more advanced the technology and the more inconspicuous the hearing aid is, usually means the most costly. Before deciding on the type that is best for you, be sure to check
Don’t just sit << Continued from | p. 5
swimming, fishing, or salsa dancing? A word of caution, it’s a good idea to see your doctor before taking on new physical activity. Make sure you are up to it and then get going! How about delving into cyberspace? How much
your insurance coverage. Even with good insurance coverage, find out about return policies and any warranties that exist. While a hearing aid can restore some of your hearing, it is still a piece of technology and most technology fails at some point. Once you have decided on the type of hearing aid that is best for you, you will still go through a period of adjustment. Your doctor will help you through this process with suggestions and patience.
do you use social media? Your kids do, your grandkids do. Maybe it’s time to spend some time online. Most seniors are a little wary of the Internet. If they didn’t use it in their career, they may not be comfortable with it. The younger generation has never known a world without technology, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch up. Again, your community may offer free classes on Facebook, Twitter or whatever the latest computer is. If not, your kids or grand kids can surely get you started. Don’t be
Growing old is a double edged sword. You know far more today than you did as a young person and most likely you are far more sure of yourself. But where time has given you wisdom, it has also taken a toll on your body. There is no shame in using a hearing aid, wearing glasses or even taking more time getting up and down the stairs. You may need a little help, but you’ve earned your place, just by growing older.
afraid of technology, you won’t crash the Internet. Have you ever considered going back to school? Some folks enjoy the challenge and take pride in learning something new. What interests you? Maybe astronomy, psychology, or art history? Whatever it is, take a class in it. You may be on fixed income and think; all these activities are going to cost me. This isn’t always the case. If you do your homework, you will find that many are free of cost or cost very little. If they do cost, choose your favorites. Just decide what appeals to you and go for it. When you retire, your life is far from over, in a sense it’s just beginning. Enjoy what you have earned and do what makes you happy.
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12 | Fall 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Senior Life
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