Prime November 2011

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november 2011

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responder

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yclist shares journal of trip from skaneateles to fenway park.

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Prime events

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asis offers free concert in celebration of 10year anniversary.

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Reflections on 40 years with Rural/Metro 3

Prime opinion

Plant now for spring beauty

Here we go again…

Yep, it’s that time of year yet again – the start to the holiday season, when trick-or-treating turns to turkey with all the trimmings followed by a tree full of tinsel Jennifer or a twinkling menorah.

Many across Central New York will now turn an eye to the extensive preparation that goes into planning those few days where it all comes together – the décor, the food, the gifts and, of course, friends and family Momsense that go along with the celebration of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah.

And, yet again, I will prepare for my seasonal tradition…Black Friday. Through the years my preparation has evolved from merely glancing through the advertisements in the Thanksgiving paper to a strategic plan of where to go for what item and when.

Visiting internet sites, comparing prices and figuring out what store opens first are all part of this master plan.

As my strategy firms up, so too has it changed its focus. When my children were younger, my list consisted of toys, toys and more toys, with the necessary socks and clothes thrown in for good measure. Without giving too much away in case my children should happen to read this, my list of places to visit on Black Friday does not even include Toys R Us this year – a first.

Sure, there are items that will be on my list that can be found at that store with a giraffe for a spokesperson, but those items can be found at stores that have the other, “non-toy” gifts as well. I think it is safe to say that Fisher Price and Playskool will not be brands found under the tree. Instead there may be some Nike, Nintendo and Justice (a brand known by any parent of a “tween” girl.)

This year I also hope my children will appreciate even more the less commercial aspects of the season – the story of the first Christmas and what it means to us as well as what I think are the best moments of the season – conversation with loved ones around the Thanksgiving table, the baking of cookies to share with friends and family and the beauty of a chorus of voices raised in song on Christmas Eve. I do believe that as they grow older they will learn that these are the true gifts of Christmas, not the shiny, beribboned boxes to be found under the tree.

Wing

Readers: Submissions wanted Send your photos, events, letters and announcements to: jwing@eaglenewsonline.com or Prime, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206

Prime your life...your time

A monthly publication devoted to Central New Yorker’s in the “Prime” of their lives.

Prime is published monthly by Community Media Group LLC, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.

Publisher David B. Tyler

Editor Jennifer Wing, 434-8889, ext. 340 Sales Heidi Tyler 434-8889 ext. 320 Joan Brockway Griffiths, 662-3690 Jack Gardner, 434-8889 ext. 304

questions, comments, news? email jwing@eaglenewsonline.com 2

november

Add bulbs this fall for a colorful spring display

by Melinda Myers Don’t miss a chance to color up your spring landscape. Get busy now planting spring flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths.

Look for creative ways to use bulbs in your landscape. Plant a massive ribbon of blue squills or grape hyacinths to create the illusion of a river in your spring landscape. Or fill the front lawn with shorter bulbs for added color. Just wait until they are done blooming to mow the grass at its highest possible setting.

Mix bulbs to double the bloom power or extend their flowering beauty. I like to mix the equally assertive daffodils and squills for a double layer of color. Try combining early blooming crocus with mid spring daffodils, late spring tulips, and even later blooming allium for months of enjoyment.

And force a few to enjoy indoors or outdoors in areas where you can’t plant bulbs in the ground. Give these bulbs 15 weeks of temperatures between 35 and 45 degrees to initiate bloom. Forcing bulbs video Plant spring flowering bulbs outPlant spring flowering bulbs outdoors in fall, so winter’s chill can doors in fall, so winter’s chill can set set the flower buds for the beautiful spring flowers. the flower buds for the beautiful spring flowers. Those gardening in the south need to look for bulbs that require minimal chilling or are pre-cooled for winter planting. Northern gardeners have until the ground freezes to get their bulbs in the ground.

Plant bulbs 2 to 3 times their vertical height deep in properly prepared soil. Add a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer like Milorganite to the soil at planting. Water thoroughly as the bulbs are putting down roots before the ground freezes.

Those tired of battling the animals may want to plant resistant bulbs such as daffodils, hyacinths, Fritillaria, alliums, Camassia, glory-of-the snow, snow drops squills, and grape hyacinths.

Or protect animal favorites like tulips, lilies, and crocus with a bulb dip of Bobbex.

Start with a pair of waterproof gloves for this task. Bobbex is safe and natural, but not a fragrance you want to wear all day long. Carefully remove the papery cover and soak the bulbs for 3 to 5 minutes in Bobbex. You will have the best results using the concentrated formula of Bobbex-R Animal repellent. Allow the bulbs to dry before planting.

The scent of Bobbex masks the smell of the bulbs protecting them from hungry critters throughout the winter.

Then next spring apply Bobbex to your bulbs and other landscape plants as soon as they emerge and leaf out, protecting them from hungry rabbits, deer, and other animals.

So get a jump on the spring season with a bit of fall landscape care.

Nationally known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening. She hosts the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments which air on over 89 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and writes the twice monthly “Gardeners’ Questions” newspaper column. Melinda hosted “The Plant Doctor” radio program for over 20 years as well as Great Lakes Gardener on PBS. She has written articles for Better Homes and Gardens and Fine Gardening. Melinda has a master’s degree in horticulture, is a certified arborist and was a horticulture instructor with tenure. Her web site is melindamyers.com.

Correction In the October issue of Prime the Cicero Senior Center’s hours of operation, which are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday were incorrectly reported.

We apologize for the error.

Prime 2011

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Cover story

Prime people

40 years, and counting

From Skaneateles to Fenway Park by bicycle

When I first started working on the ambulance

By Ned Campbell Friday, Oct. 7, marked 40 years of dedication — everyone always asks, “How many people to Rural/Metro Ambulance for Ed Moser, who have you saved?” I don’t remember, but I can tell you the first one I defibrillated has lived in Minoa with his wife, … and brought back. I can rememKathleen, for two decades. Moser ber that like it was yesterday. I can is the proud father of Nathan, 34, remember my first maternity call and Kelly, 36, and a grandfather to like it was yesterday … Then I went Kelly’s two sons. into dispatch and I started doing preMoser has cared for thousands of arrival instructions and telling people patients, taught CPR to thousands what to do until the ambulance got of residents and trained hundreds there. I loved doing that, but then of people to become Emergency I lost my hearing, [so I was moved Medical Technicians. He is currentMoser to] public education. Now what it ly supervisor of public education for Rural/Metro. We spoke with him Wednesday, is very rewarding is I’ve had some people now Oct. 5, about how he got started at Rural/Metro who have gone through my class over the last Ambulance, now located at 488 W. Onondaga 10 years, they started out with me knowing nothing about ambulance work, I got them St., Syracuse, and what’s kept him going. their basic EMT [training], and now some of How did you get started with Rural/ them have progressed into being paramedics Metro?

The way I started working here is I became and field training officers. To be able to take an EMT … through the Nedrow Fire Depart- someone who walking in here [like] a deer ment. I was a volunteer fireman, and they looking in the headlights, and now have them needed day people that were EMTs. And I kind as a major part of the EMS system, that’s very of fit the mold because I was going to school at rewarding for me.

OCC . After about a little over a year, Eastern What has been the biggest challenge?

Well when you first start working, the Ambulance at the time, which is now Rural/ Metro, started what they call a south station, biggest challenge was trying to make enough and we worked like a volunteer type thing, money to survive, and we did a lot of overtime but when we went on a call we were paid per ... And being away from the family. You have to hour, and we got some standby time as well. work nights, weekends, holidays. You don’t say, So what happened is the person who was in “Well we’re gonna shut down today because it’s charge of the south crew was also the fire chief Christmas.” So being away from the family has [Eric Salisbury], and he suggested to me that I probably been the biggest challenge. work part-time and run ambulance calls. And How many years have you been married I’ve really been doing it ever since. After one to Kathleen?

38 years. year of school I said, you know, this is what I She’s been with you for most of this time? want to do.

Most of the time, yes [laughs]. As I tell my What were you going to school for?

I was going to to be a history teacher. Some- EMT classes, she probably will be Saint Kathhow along the way I got sidetracked into the leen for putting up with me for 38 years doing this business … She knew what I did when she ambulance work. married me, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Can you believe it’s been 40 years?

It’s hard to believe. It’s gone by so fast. I did 18 How have you seen Rural/Metro change?

It has changed dramatically. We’ve been in years on the road, I did 12 years in dispatch, and three different locations. Our first building was 10 years has been in public education. a small building over at 411 North State Street.

How does it feel to hit 40 years?

It’s gratifying in a lot of ways. Because when I You could put five ambulances comfortable in first started working in the business, no one got it. And we had a bunk room, we worked 24 over 15 years because it was tough on your body [hours] on, 24 [hours] off. Every other weekend … and now that they’ve invented the different was a long weekend, so you basically lived for stretchers where you don’t have to lift as much, your long weekend … That was a very small it’s gotten easier to go the distance. Forty years is company run by the Barnes family. Then Mr. Barnes died and the company expanded, and just, I look back and I’m in amazement to it. we went to Eastern Paramedics and moved Can you describe the public education from 411 N. State St. to West Onondaga Street, aspect? What is a typical day for you?

My main job here at Rural/Metro is to teach which is the building up in front of us … As we the EMT classes. Right now I’m teaching one at outgrew that and we got bigger, and the city got the equal opportunity center, which I just came bigger, and we started putting more vehicles on, back from, through SUNY, and at night I teach we moved over into this building. And then we our night classes here. And that’s my main job. were taken over by Rural/Metro and now it’s And then I fill in with CPR, first-aid, I do all the nothing like it was in the old days. It’s not run by public speaking, I go into schools, I do the job a family; it’s run by a major corporation.

How has that affected the service you provide? fairs, and then I work with the press.

You know, it really hasn’t affected the service What has been most rewarding on the job?

Working with the people. Each phase I’ve we provide. It’s always been the same. When done has been rewarding in its own sense.

See Moser on page 5

By Jack Haggerty Day 1 As I pulled out of our driveway in Skaneateles it was just light enough to safely ride my bike. I had been planning this trip to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, for a few months and it was now time to start my adventure.

The skies were threatening moisture but the general forecast did not look too foreboding. My Route, which I had laid out using the Delorme New York and Massachusetts Atlas and Gazetteers, was not set in concrete. My goal had been to take a fairly direct route, miss most of the heavy traffic and not overdo it with major hills. I was marginally successful. My wife Karen was to rendezvous with me in Boston at Karen Haggerty some time yet to be determined to After a four-day bicycle ride from Skaneateles to Boston, Jack Haggerty take in a Red Sox game. stands with his Trek 2100 road bike at the Gate B entrance to Fenway Park, As I passed through Marcellus in front of the Teammates statue of baseball greats Ted Williams, Johnny the rain began to fall and on came Pesky, Bobby Doerr and Dom DiMaggio. the foul weather gear. I would take which looked to be a nice flat road and would Howlett Hill Road to Onondaga, then through eventually lead me back to Route 5 and perhaps the Valley and intercept Rock Cut Road to be a bit shorter.

Route 5. Anything to avoid the brutal hills of As I descended off the 1,200-foot plateau Route 20. west of Fort Plain, I realized it may have been The morning started out well but I was a a better choice to follow Route 5 along the bit chilled as I stopped at the Hamlet Diner in Mohawk River. It had been by far my toughest Chittenango for a hot cup of coffee. The rain climb so far and had taxed my strength and was on and off but my feet would remain wet endurance. The elevation change of about 900 for the day. It was great to be on the road again feet gave me an inspiring view of the Mohawk and thus far my entanglements with vehicular River Valley to the north and higher hills to the traffic had been minimal. south surrounded by pristine farm country. I My bike, a Trek 2100 road bike which I guess it was worth the pain. had treated myself to after retiring three years After a hot turkey sandwich at a diner in Fort ago, was far superior to my trusty vintage 35- Plain I continued on to Canajoharie to rejoin year-old Peugeot PX10 but not really suited for Route 5 and find a place for a nap. I had included cross-country travel. The narrow tires and the a one man tent, sleeping pad and fleece in my inability to fasten the panniers (saddlebags) 30 pounds of traveling gear, but tonight I would low enough over the rear wheels because of the treat myself to a room in the local Rodeway Inn. graphite frame made this bike top heavy and I had cycled 111 miles (12.4 mph average) and more difficult to handle. was simply too tired to set up the tent.

Route 5 was a good road to make time on Day 2 and the shoulders, where bike riders spend most On the road at 6:20 a.m. and well rested, of their time on heavily trafficked roads, were I pedaled eastward toward the foreboding not bad. After waiting out a thunderstorm for Massachusetts’ mountains. Fog was rolling off about 20 minutes under the overhang of a closed the Mohawk River a few feet to my right, the restaurant east of Vernon, I detoured south sound of New York State Thruway traffic just around Utica and made it to a beautiful park in beyond. downtown Clinton for lunch. My wet running Route 5 was an acceptable road but from shoes and socks came off as I sat in the now time to time the shoulders would deteriorate emerging sunshine warming myself and eating and make it more difficult to deal with the deterthe sandwich my Karen had packed. mined morning commuter traffic. I was sailing It felt good to rest but I had many miles to go. along quite well however, on the level smooth Through Washington Mills and on to Frankfort road and made it to Steward’s in Amsterdam I met my first challenging hills. I do not like in good time for my breakfast of homemade hills! The drudgery of hill climbing is somewhat granola and milk. placated by the exhilaration of the rapid descent I was making such good time that I missed on the other side, but there is nothing like a nice my turnoff to the north of Schenectady which level stretch of smooth pavement.

I hoped would keep me from major confronAfter I flew down the hill west of Frankfort tations with the Albany traffic. It was reroute I made the first of many Route changes and time as I stopped to ask folks a couple of times picked up Route 5 South instead of Route 5, See Fenway Park on page 4

Minoa man reflects on career at Rural/Metro

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Fenway Park for ideas on directions. I ended up on Route 7 toward Troy even after reading a sign that implied I was not welcome on this major highway.

The reason for the bicycles prohibited sign became apparent as the 70-mph heavy traffic with merging lanes kept me on my toes for about 10 miles. Climbing the steep hill out of Troy I took a lunch break for my body and nerves at a local diner. Not too smart Jack!

I would soon be on Route 2 climbing into the hills of the Taconic Range and crossing the fearsome Petersburg Pass that I had been forewarned of. Several people had asked me why I wanted to take that route so I assumed it must be quite challenging.

By this point I was committed without making a major detour so on I proceeded. Route 2 is a bad road. The surface is very rough and the shoulders mostly nonexistent. The traffic was not heavy but steady with many construction vehicles. The elevation at the base of the hills is about 550 feet with Petersburg Pass itself at 2,067 feet. There are lots of ups and downs and it somewhat levels out around Grafton (1,650 feet), where I had a milkshake in one of the few restaurants in these parts.

I was planning on camping out somewhere because I had no idea where I would be and how difficult the pass climb might be.

As I descended the steep hill into the small village of Petersburg (554 feet) I looked forward to a stop at Papa’s Pizza which I knew was the only food in town. With two slices of great cheese pizza and some water for fuel I checked in at home on the cell phone, amazed that it worked in this steep valley community.

The afternoon sun was waning as I started the 1,500-foot ascent to the summit. It was grueling but after a few short stops on the steady climb upward I crested the pass, parked the bike and took a short hike around to enjoy the spectacular view of the soon to be setting sun to the west and the Berkshires to the east.

The four-mile descent into Massachusetts was absolutely thrilling and effortless at 30 to 35 mph. At the bottom of the mountain I rested, contemplating my next move.

It was getting late as I rolled into beautiful Williamstown, home of the prestigious and I am told quite pricey William’s College. What a neat place and such a contrast to the rural areas I had recently passed through. This was to be a sleep outside night and it was getting late, but I could not resist stopping at a welcoming semi-outside drinking establishment called The Purple Pub for a cold beer before settling in somewhere for the night.

Soon after I sat down an older couple sat down at the table next to me. We had a very nice conversation and before long they invited me to stay the night at their condo in town. Ned is a retired investment banker from New Jersey and an active bike rider who happens to have friends who summer in Skaneateles.

He and his wife, Jill, were extremely gracious hosts and I did not mind leaving the tent bagged up for the night. It had been an 87mile day averaging 12 mph and I was tired once again.

from page 3

Day 3 After a great breakfast with my host family I hit the road soon after 8 a.m. I was prepared for a fairly easy day to my next destination of Amherst, where I was going to spend the night with a friend’s daughter, Anne, who lives in the area. Ned had left me with the impression that this was about a 60-mile ride so that’s what I was prepared for. Personally, I believe that most physical challenges are about 90 percent mental. Today the mental part was not in my favor, as before the day was done I would travel 87 miles which I was not prepared for.

My hosts had also suggested taking the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail south out of Adams toward Pittsfield. This would take me a few miles out of the way but avoided some bothersome hills. The trail was awesome! Smooth with fantastic scenery of lakes and hills for about 11 miles which also kept me out of harm’s way on the highway. The trail end dropped me off just north of Route 9 which I would take all the way to Boston.

Route 9 is a moderately hilly road most of the way across the state and although it has some cycling friendly stretches I would say overall it was not a safe road. Far too much traffic and marginal shoulders but it was a somewhat direct road to my ultimate destination.

Making contact with any type of powered vehicle is a cyclist’s worse nightmare. I was decked out in a lime green traffic vest, flashing lights fore and aft and a 16-by-24 inch American flag on a four-foot fiberglass pole flying proudly behind me. This I thought might alert the texters, cell phone users and other similarly distracted drivers from threatening my continued existence on this planet. Another item of incalculable worth is a good rear view mirror. Remember, you are the fly, not the fly swatter.

I wanted to be in Amherst long before actually arriving. It was one of those days where I did not feel like I was making good time although by day’s end I had averaged 11.4 mph. Detouring north of Northampton I took a shortcut back to the meandering Route 9 and discovered another bike trail.

The Norwottuck Bike Trail ran all the way to Amherst, about seven miles and kept me off the now very busy Route 9. The trail was in need of repair and quite bumpy, especially felt with my narrow tires carrying 100 pounds of air pressure. My lunch had been a mixed rice salad at a crowded deli and later a moose tracts ice cream cone to power me through the afternoon.

As I descended upon Amherst on this hot and humid day however, I had an intense craving for a cold beer in an outside setting. At an establishment appropriately named Spokes, I enjoyed a cold brew before calling Anne for finite directions to her home.

After reaching Anne’s place a few miles away and thankfully along my route, I cleaned up and took my hostess out to a great hole in the wall Mexican place called Bueno Y Sano (Good and Healthy). It was both!

Back at the house I watched the first inning or two of the Sox game but advised Anne that I really needed to be on the road

East Syracuse woman named ‘Aide of the Year’ Margaret Lynn Szabo of East Syracuse was recognized as the “2011 Aide of the Year” at Home Aides of Central New York’s Annual Aide Recognition Dinner.

The event celebrated the hard work and dedication of the agency’s 175 home health aides, who provide vital in-home services to our community’s aging, ill and frail individuals, giving Szabo them the caring support they need to live at home with dignity and independence.

“Lynn is highly motivated, and strives to provide the high-

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est level of care to each of her clients,” said Sandra Martin, president of Home Aides of Central New York. “She is an exceptionally compassionate and hardworking individual, and her devotion and expertise are assets to both her clients and the agency. We are proud to have Lynn on our team, and we commend her for her accomplishments.”

Szabo has received specialty training for hospice, mental health and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She has been an integral part of Home Aides of Central New York for 25 years, and has devoted almost 50,000 hours to caring for her clients.

Home Aides of Central New York Inc. is a not-for-profit agency and local leader in eldercare services since 1966. Licensed by the New York State Department of Health and accredited by the Joint Commission, the agency provides critical eldercare services, including home health aide, personal care and companionship services; Lifeline Personal Emergency Response System; and respite care.

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Prime 2011

no later than 6:30 a.m. and was soon resting my tired body in preparation for what I hoped would be the last day of my trip.

Day 4 Up before 6 a.m. and anxious to hit the road I had some of my granola and one of Anne’s delicious waffles and orange juice with an apple to go. It was going to be a challenge to make Fenway by the close of the day. My original plans would take me off Route 9 and bring me to Boston via Route 117 to avoid traffic. After discussing this with a few folks along the way I abandoned that idea and went for broke on Route 9. This way I at least knew my enemy.

Leaving Amherst I was faced with overcast skies, threatening rain and occasional gusty winds in my face, accompanied by the ever-present rolling hills and traffic. A few hours out in the town of Ware, I asked two different folks just how far it was to Fenway Park. One said 50 miles and the other said 90 miles.

It’s amazing how different perceptions of distance people have.

Most think only in how long it takes to drive and have no idea whatsoever of the mileage. Massachusetts, at least on Route 9, is totally bereft of mileage signs so you are totally on your own in this department.

Making fairly good time but dealing with more and more traffic as Boston closed in, I approached Worchester where I somehow got lost. Thinking I had sailed through this heavily congested metropolis, I noticed the lack of Route 9 signs and discovered the reason. I had veered off course and had to reroute back through the heavy traffic to get the sun at my back at the proper latitude.

Traffic now became intense and I was very alert to the challenge ahead. About two o’clock I finally took shelter at a Quiznos near Southbourough for lunch as a thunderstorm caught up with my torrid pace eastward.

When the heavy rain stopped after about 20 minutes, I started out only to make it about 100 feet before another downpour forced me into a nearby Starbucks where I decided one of those big chocolate chip cookies might do me some good. A lady customer asked her Smart Phone how far Fenway was and it told her 24 miles, which turned out to be correct. The Starbucks folks were nice enough to fill my water bottle and I was once again on my way.

With feet wet again from the now puddled road, I pushed into the worsening traffic. It was hot and humid and Route 9 had become a major thoroughfare with many off and on ramps complicating my progress. As I raced toward Fenway Park through Framingham and into Boston I had become somewhat aggressive with the vehicles but still kept the fly / fly swatter rule in proper perspective. Actually, as I got to within about five miles of my final resting place the road was easier on me and I began to relax. Soon I was on Brookline Avenue which would take me all the way to the ballpark.

Could this four-day adventure be coming to an end? I had mixed emotions. It had been an awesome trip and I had pushed myself physically right up to the end. Admittedly, however, I was ready for a rest and had accomplished what I had set out to do and most importantly had not been hurt doing it.

There it was, my beloved Fenway Park: at 99 years-old the oldest major league base stadium currently in use, and home of the Boston Red Sox. Today’s tally had been 78 miles averaging 11.5 mph for a total journey of 353 miles.

It was 4:20 p.m. Thursday as I sat down outside at The Cask’n Flagon Pub bordering Fenway and ordered a beer. With the threatening skies ever present this day, I sat there alone waiting for Karen to join me for dinner after her drive from home.

We saw the Red Sox lose to Oakland the next night from our seats atop the Green Monster, but that didn’t matter. It was a beautiful night at the ballpark and all was good with life.

Thank you Lord for watching over me.

Jack Haggerty has lived in Skaneateles with his wife Karen for the past 26 years where they raised their two children, Seamus and Breanna.

He retired three years ago as a pilot for the Flying Tiger Line and Federal Express after 30 years and enjoys an occasional adventure.

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Estate planning includes the monument purchase

Do you know the real truth about hearing loss and hearing aids?

Here are some helpful answers to some of the most common myths about each.

Myth: If I had hearing loss, my family doctor would have told me.

Truth: Only 15 percent of doctors routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical exam. Even when a doctor does screen for hearing problems, the results may be suspect since most people with hearing problems hear pretty well in quiet environments – like a doctor’s office.

Without special training on hearing loss, it may be difficult for your family doctor to even realize you have a hearing problem.

Myth: Nothing can be done about my hearing loss.

Truth: People with hearing loss in one ear, with a high-frequency hearing loss, or with nerve damage may have been told by their family doctor that nothing can be done to help. Modern technology has changed that.

Now, nearly 95 percent of people with hearing loss can be helped, most with hearing aids.

Myth: Only people with serious hearing loss need hearing aids.

Truth: Your lifestyle, your need for refined hearing and the degree of your hearing loss will determine whether you need a hearing aid. If you’re in a profession that relies on your ability to discern the nuances of human conversation – such as a lawyer, teacher or group psychotherapist – even mild hearing loss can interfere with your life.

Myth: Hearing aids are big and ugly. Wearing one will make me look old or disabled.

Truth: Untreated hearing loss is far more noticeable than today’s hearing aids. If you

Volunteer I was on Eastern Ambulance, one thing we always prided ourselves on was we were on the cutting edge of EMS, and they were one of the first private ambulance companies in the area or in the state, maybe even in the country, who provided coronary care work; we were the first to go to paramedic service. We’ve always been the first to do things so not much has changed along that line. You would think that with a big corporation that it would be different, but we’ve always tried to be on the cutting edge of EMS

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miss the punch line of a joke, or respond inappropriately to a comment or question, people may wonder about your mental capacity.

Hearing aid makers realize people are concerned about how they will look wearing a hearing aid. Today, you can find miniature hearing aids that fit totally within the ear canal or behind your ear, making them virtually invisible.

Myth: Hearing loss is an inevitable part of growing older and there’s nothing I can do to prevent it from happening to me.

Truth: You can take steps to prevent hearing loss. Noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss; 10 million Americans have already suffered irreversible damage to their hearing from noise. Yet a third of all hearing loss could be prevented with proper ear protection.

Myth: I cannot afford hearing aids.

Truth: There is a wide price range in hearing aids on the market just like there is for other consumer products. There are also financing options available that can make purchasing hearing aids very affordable.

Myth: Hearing loss only affects the old, right?

Truth: Hearing loss affects all age groups.

Only 40 percent of people with hearing loss are older than 64. The largest age group with hearing loss is people between 18 and 64 – about 19 million people compared to 14 million at retirement age.

More than 1 million school-age children have hearing problems as well.

If you want to avoid hearing loss, it pays to know the truth behind the myths and the basics of hearing loss prevention. from page 8

in Syracuse.

So what’s next?

Wow. Retirement [laughs]. It’s not going to be in the near future, but eventually I want to look towards retirement and be able to sit back and enjoy life with my wife.

I can imagine that will be a long time coming.

I don’t know. I’m 60 years old now, and as I jokingly say, 62. But we’ll see. It’s going to depend on a lot of things. I guess the biggest thing is, as long as I enjoy my work, I’ll keep doing it.

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the statue of St. Joseph located at St. Joseph’s hospital entrance; the Korea-Vietnam memorial in downtown Syracuse; the Onondaga County Sheriff and Fire Department memorial at the Public Safety building in downtown Syracuse; the Taras H. Shevchenko memorial on Tipperary Hill; and the Kenneth Brand memorial at Moyers Corners Fire Station 1.

Most of the carving on monuments is done in their shop, where you will find state-of-theart equipment for design and sandblasting.

Their professional staff provides the installation. Each of these employees has been with the company in excess of 25 years.

The sales staff at each location has had several years in the monument industry.

Their gentle guidance and recommendations assist families when planning for a memorial at time of need.

As a testimonial to their commitment of providing quality in memorialization, you will find their memorials in just about every cemetery in Syracuse and surrounding counties.

Glenn and Jeanne Candee invite you to stop in at one of their three locations. The locations are open Monday through Saturdays, and home appointments and after-hour appointments are welcome. Call 695-3376, 468-0616 or 676-2333.

MOVE IN and be SPECIAL!

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Those 62 and older, or any age with a mobility impairment, and income limits For 1 Person: $22,550 For 2 People: $25,750 Will pay just 30% of your adjusted income For More Information, Please Call Pompei North at: 143 Mary Street Syracuse, NY 13208 315-472-2614 TDD/TTY 1-800-662-1220 www.christopher-community.org

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inspiration.

Monument designs are very personal and there is no single design than can be declared appropriate for every memorial.

When purchasing a monument, keep in mind that this will last forever. The monument you create may serve as a source of genealogical reference for future generations.

As such, it should be made without hurry, using great care and consideration.

Pre-planning for your memorial is assuming a more important role in our lives.

Why pre-plan for your monument?

There are several reasons: You and your spouse can be the decision-makers on what type, style, size, and color of granite you prefer. Lower cost today as compared with future prices; select what you are financially comfortable with, rather than financially burdening your family after you are gone. Protects your family from high-pressure sales tactics that can occur at a time when they are under emotional stress, and relieves their emotional burden.

Peace of mind.

In addition to personal memorials, the companies design many civic and community projects. Some of the more notable features are: Fowler High School’s memorial homage to the Columbia Space Shuttle;

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to offer families an everlasting and personal tribute to their loved ones.

Since the beginning of human history, men have always built monuments for one basic reason‌ they want to remind present and future generations of the accomplishments of generations past. The very word monument means “to remindâ€? or “to remember.â€? This “need to rememberâ€? is universal.

Monuments are built because someone lived, and not because someone died. Their purpose is to encourage respect, hope, and

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Sweet-Woods Memorial Company has been serving families throughout Central New York and surrounding areas with their memorial needs since 1932.

Their philosophy is simple: they provide you with the best quality granite, workmanship, and service possible, through the selection and personal design of a fitting memorial. They understand that this can be a positive part of the grieving process,

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Stay Independent

Medicaid and the state gone wild

B R U C E S T E WA R T , DDS

On April 1 the New York State LegislaAbout David J. ture together with Governor Cuomo passed Zumpano, CPA/Esq. his 2011/2012 budget. Unbeknownst to many, A Central New York native, the budget contained a provision to change the he started the Law Offices of rights the state has, specifically the department David J. Zumpano, remainof Social Services, who administers Medicaid in ing “of counsel� to his former New York. The budget bill provides the Med- firm, now known as the Estate Planning Law Center, David J. icaid Department may now pursue recovery of all monies paid on behalf of individuals for Zumpano CPA, Esq. Estate Planning Law Center offices their cost of care during their lifetime. No one are located in Syracuse, New Hartford and Miami, Fla. would object to such a recovery except, on Sept. Contact Mary Brewer at 446-3850 to register for a free 13, the regulations were released to identify educational estate planning workshop or schedule a exactly what Medicaid will pursue. complimentary consultation. Visit eplawcenter.com.

Under the new regulations, the government will be able to pursue assets that are not owned by the Medicaid beneficiary or their Estate.

This includes a joint account held with someone else, a beneficiary designated account like an annuity, life insurance policy, and even IRAs. Perhaps the most egregious reach by New York State is they are even going to pursue reimbursement from homes that were transferred to children with a life use retained. Essentially this means that if you conveyed your home to someone and reserved a life estate, after you die, Medicaid will go after your children or whomever you transferred it to and force them to sell it to be reimbursed for any payment Medicaid made on your behalf.

This should sound extreme to most readers. But as an attorney, it’s even more concerning. For hundreds of years our country has been founded on a principal of common law and contract law. Common law and contract law provide when an individual enters a contract, the terms of the contract are enforceable. A life insurance policy identifies the beneficiary when you pass. That happens by contract law. This new law permits the state to undo the hundreds of years of contract law that has been in place and take the life insurance away from your beneficiary. Further, if you retained a life estate in your home, under the common law, your interest in that home after your death is zero. The new regulations, however, treat your ownership as the value at the moment prior to your death, even though you’ve died. The new law permits the state to sue the children or the individuals who own the home, to be reimbursed based on a value that does not even legally exist.

We all must acknowledge that the government has a financial crisis and is struggling with its need to pay all the benefits it offers its citizens. Medicaid is just one of those benefits. But I find it troubling that once someone qualifies for that benefit under the government’s own rules that later, the government can come back and change hundreds of years of precedents to be reimbursed for something they say you have qualified for. If you have not been in to see an estate planning attorney recently we encourage you to come and get a review to determine how these new regulations impact you specifically. We also encourage you to contact your state senators and assemblypersons to share with them your displeasure in this rogue new law and accompanying regulations. Medicaid has gone wild. Who is protecting you?

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By Kelly Quinn Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Franciscan Companies It’s easy to become overwhelmed when trying to find a reliable contractor, arrange for financial services or obtain legal advice. Who do you trust? Who will give you sound advice? Who will perform the service for a reasonable fee? That’s where Franciscan Companies steps in.

Franciscan Companies, an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, launched Embracing Age in September. The membership service creates a comprehensive network of professionals who senior citizens know they can rely on. It builds on Franciscan’s nearly 30 year tradition of ensuring that people receive the care they need for improved health, comfort and quality of life. “Embracing Age eliminates the stress associated with not knowing where to turn for services, assistance, companionship and guidance,� said Susan Clancy-Magley, executive director of Franciscan Companies. “It’s an exciting new opportunity to assist seniors to be able to live in their homes and live independently,� Mary Downey Gualtieri, M.S. of Jamesville, said. Gualtieri is an Embracing Age Eldercare Specialist, who works one-on-one with members. She provides person-centered plans designed to meet the unique needs of each member.

Acting as the members’ personal assistant, Gualtieri coordinates services including medication management, home health care, snow removal, Lifeline Medical Alert system, pet care and a snowbird car courier.

Seniors no longer need to agonize over who to hire or who to trust. Embracing Age has done all the leg work. The company screens local professionals to make sure they are trustworthy, reliable and fair. The Eldercare Specialist handles all communication with the service provider and holds their work to high standards. Members have the confidence in knowing there is a strong organization like Franciscan Companies looking out for them and helping solve their problems. “What happens is that a lot of seniors don’t reach out until there is a crisis,� Gualtieri said. “Embracing Age is a proactive program. People can become members when they are active and healthy. The services will evolve with them over time, providing the support they need as they age. For now, they may need a snow plow service but in the future they may need added supports such as a home health aide or respiratory care.� “At Embracing Age, we feel it is a privilege to serve our members in their homes.

By providing a continuum of customized services, members can live life to the fullest right where they want to – at home,� Clancy-Magley said.

Information on Embracing Age is available at 1 (855) MY-HELP-2 or EmbracingAge.org.

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For nearly 30 years, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been helping seniors live at home safer and longer.

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While making a difference in someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life you can be enhancing your own. While you may want to make a difference in someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, the benefits to you are monumental. The benefits of volunteering are also enormous to your family and the community in which you volunteer.

The right volunteer job match can help you find new friends, build your confidence, improve your mental & physical health, learn new skills, and even have some FUN. You as a volunteer will get a lot out of the experience. Good Volunteering is rewarding for everyone involved.

Make new friends One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to a community. It also exposes you to people with common interests while doing fun and fulfilling activities. It is a way to engage and be a part of your community. It is a way to plug yourself in again and get charged up.

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Improve Your Confidence Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence. You are doing well for others, which provide a sense of accomplishment.

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A 10-year study of the physical, health and social activities of 2,700 men in Tecumseh, Mich., found that those who did regular volunteer work had death rates two and a half times lower than those who did not. A study at the Cornell University documented a similar trend in womenthose who volunteer are 16 percent less likely to experience a major illness during the course of their lifetime than those who do not.

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Learn New Skills and havefun Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests or find a new passion. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine. Volunteering can also provide you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal life.

Volunteering is not just something that you do for others that are less fortunate; it is an exchange of services. You may be in need of help at some point in your life, so you may be the recipient of another volunteer in the future. That is the exchange.

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CareConnect bridges gap between caregiver, resident It is often frightening for someone who suffers from Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease or other forms of dementia, when others donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t under-

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and concern. This is something that Hearth to interpret residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs better. Haynes Management, Inc., who offer senior living, as- offered several examples to help illustrate the sisted living and memory care services, stresses program in action.

Nursing Solutions Services at their communities located at the Hearth â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a resident in his late 80s who -- Home Health Care -at Greenpoint and Keepsake Village on Old seemed to have a fear of water and would not Liverpool Road in Liverpool. step in the shower. Once we realized he was Nursing Solutions Services -- Home Health Care -â&#x20AC;&#x153;Care Connectâ&#x20AC;? is a training program once a coal miner, and therefore was afraid Beth Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor -- HomeNurse/CPR HealthInstructor Care -which combines classes and Health situational learn-- Home Careof--enclosed spaces, we were able to solve the Beth Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor ing. Janet Haynes, director of clinical services problem by simply handing him a flashlight.

Nurse/CPR Instructor at Hearth Management, was an integral part in Other facilities might chemically medicate the (315) 256-3210 bringing the program to life in 2005. patients, but for us that is a last resort.â&#x20AC;? elizabetha.oconnor@yahoo.com â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our main goal is to learn about our Another patient enjoyed crocheting, and (315) 256-3210 Nurse/CPR Instructor Nurse/CPR Instructor Madison/Onondaga/Oneida/Cortland Counties residents and their specific needs, â&#x20AC;?

Haynes taught a class for other residents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By doing elizabetha.oconnor@yahoo.com explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Care Connect takes it back to the this, she was empowered and helped her feel Madison/Onondaga/Oneida/Cortland Counties basics of the disease - what is Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and that she was still productive. Just because a dementia, and how it affects everyday life in resident might have cognitive impairment, we 256-3210 (315) 256-3210areas such as safety, dining, nutrition, nursing need to recognize that they have much to offer and family dynamics. and can apply what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned from Care etha.oconnor@yahoo.com elizabetha.oconnor@yahoo.com â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have the added benefit of sensory Connect to benefit our patients.â&#x20AC;? on/Onondaga/Oneida/Cortland Counties Madison/Onondaga/Oneida/Cortland Counties training, where we would simulate arthritis or Haynes likens it to a puzzle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned the loss of hearing and sight with our employ- to understand that Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and dementia ees, in what we call a dementia virtual tour.â&#x20AC;? donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affect just one small part of life for our Haynes said the program concentrates on residents, but that it encompasses everything. educating employees and on problem solving, The world can be overwhelming, but to a perworking as a team and treating each resident son with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the world is like a 50,000Camillus Ridge Terrace individually. piece puzzle. Our goal is to help them interpret 2453 West Genesee Turnpike (Rte. 5) â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are common signs of disease - like that puzzle in the best way possible.â&#x20AC;?

Camillus, NY 13031 short-term memory loss - but there are many In addition to the three communities loPhone: (315) 672-3790 ways to react to a situation due to long-term cally, Hearth Management company has eight Fax: (315) 672-5607 memory loss,â&#x20AC;? Haynes said. facilities in New York, Connecticut and IndiEmail: jasonsantiago@centralny.twcbc.com Care Connect is designed to help caregivers ana. For more information on Care Connect Website: camillusridgeterrace.com find new and creative solutions to problems. or Keepsake Village, call 451-4567 or visit their Employees learn to simplify things and how website at the hearth.net

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Sacred Heart Apartments The Hearth on James: Your home away from home 8365 Factory Street, Cicero, NY 13039

Home care: Essential to health care Contributed by Kimberly A. Graf Organized home care began more than a centuryagoanditsessencehasremainedconstant—it improves the quality of life by enabling individuals to live with dignity and independence within the comfort and security of their own homes during times of illness, disability and recuperation.

There are more than 7 million Americans ranging in age from newborns to the elderly that receive home care for both acute and long-term needs. By 2040, the number of Americans over the age of 80 will triple to 26.2 million.

Thus, caring for sick Americans at home will continuetoassumeasignificantplaceinourhealth care delivery system.

Professionals delivering home care range from

nurses,physicalandoccupationaltherapists,home health aides, dieticians, medical social workers to speech pathologists.

For patients requiring home making and personal care services, home health and personal care aides are also available.

Together, these professionals are able to deliver cost effective services by reducing hospital stays and preventing or delaying institutionalized care.

The cost for delivering home care is paid for by a variety of private and public sources, including Medicare and Medicaid.

To learn more about home care, please contact the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New York, Inc. at 476-3101.

If asked how we would like to live out our later years, many of us would say we want to stay in our homes and remain independent. And while that may seem like common sense to us, it is really a very American ideal. In this country, we strive for independence and “taking care of oneself.”

In many other countries, the expectation is that when older adults need assistance they are taken in by their loved ones and cared for. While independence is certainly not a bad thing to hope for, it is not always possible or appropriate for older adults to stay in their own homes, especially for those who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. And, unfortunately, it is not always possible – especially in this economic environment – for adult children to provide the level of care that the older adult requires. Luckily, there are a variety of services available in our community such as adult day care and home care services that can assist the caregiver. But for those who need 24-hour care and supervision, assisted living may be the perfect option.

The Heritage is an assisted living facility specifically designed for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Services include supervision of medications and personal care tasks, meals, housekeeping, and laundry. In addition, residents are engaged in purposeful activities that promote mental and physical wellness. Most importantly, the safety of the resident is paramount. The building is secure and safety checks are conducted every two hours. The peace of mind of family members is a major priority for the Heritage staff. From the very beginning, experienced care managers work closely with family members, learning important information about their loved one’s history and needs.

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia at home and it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, call the Heritage at 492-1329 and find out what other options you may have. We are here to help you every step of the way. The Heritage is a member of the Loretto family of Care.

699-1509  699-1660 fax SUBSIDIZED HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND MOBILITY IMPAIRED Applications for rent subsidized apartments for senior citizens age 62 and over and mobility impaired disabled persons regardless of age.

For more informations and an application, please contact

Sacred Heart Apartments 699-1509

Monday - Friday, 8am to 4 pm

Equal Housing Opportunity

08049

on James.

“Our residents like to have fun. Whether it is bowling in a a Wii league, participating in karaoke or meeting an exotic animal during a presentation by the zoo, we have plenty of reasons to leave your apartment.”

Short-term stay program Individuals who are being discharged from the hospital but aren’t quite ready to go home alone, are interested in moving to a senior community but are not sure if it is the right moved for them or are ready to move but their furniture is not can find a solution for their dilemma at The Hearth on James.

The Hearth on James is offering a short-term stay program that will fit the needs of those indivIduals who are seeking housing for a short duration. Their beautifully furnished apartments that have all the amenities of home are available at a reasonable daily rate. Those who are there for the short-term stay program will receive the same services all of The Hearth on James’ residents enjoy, including home-cooked meals, outstanding service, scheduled transportation, activities and much more.

The Hearth on James is located at 830 James St. in Syracuse. Call 422-2173 to find out more about how you can make the Hearth on James your home away from home.

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Syracuse’s premiere independent senior living center, The Hearth on James has a sterling reputation.

“What sets us apart is our trained, professional staff,” said the Hearth on James Administrator Kelly Kiggins. “We have a good team that really cares and gets involved.”

The Hearth on Janes offers independent, carefree living services for seniors on a beautiful campus in the heart of Syracuse. Restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, laundry and scheduled transportation are all provided. Each wheelchair accessible living space has a fully-equipped kitchen, individually controlled air conditioning and heating and wall-to-wall carpeting. Even personal assistance is customized to an individual’s needs.

“We will sit down with each resident to determine what kind of daily assistance is needed, “said Kiggins. “Some of our residents require help with dressing and showering; others may just need help managing their medications.”

Kiggins said emergency help is only a call away.

Every room is equipped with an emergency call system. In addition to the 24-hour on-site professional staff, The Hearth on James offers a wide variety of planned activities and excursions.

“There is no need to be bored around here,” said Kiggins. She said the opportunities to engage themind,bodyandsoularelimitlessatTheHearth

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There are options available for those who need assistance

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OF THE M ONTH BECOME A MEMORY CHAMPION

Clare Bridge at Manlius provides alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and dementia care

By Ellen Somers, MA, LMHC

Clare Bridge Manlius is an Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Dementia Care community where residents enjoy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Daily Moments of Success.â&#x20AC;? Together with its sister Brookdale Senior Living communities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wynwood Manlius for Assistive Living; and The Villas Summerfield for Independent Living â&#x20AC;&#x201C; residents have access to a continuum of care to meet their evolving care needs. Clare Bridge residents receive the physical, social and emotional nurturing that can make a positive difference in the quality of their lives. Clare Bridge combines a beautiful, homelike residence with a gentle daily program seven days a week. This structured lifestyle helps residents maintain their abilities and encourages the use of their remaining skills.

Clare Bridge also offers attractive and peaceful surroundings designed to recreate environments people have enjoyed throughout their lives. Recognizing the need to wander as characteristic of individuals with dementia, Clare Bridge is outfitted with interior walking paths and outdoor garden areas that encourage residents to explore without fear of becoming disoriented or lost.

Just as important as the physical design and layout of our community is our extensive line of services and programs. These activities are incorporated into the Clare Bridge Daily Path, an individualized, person-centered initiative designed to meet the specific needs of each resident.

Programs include: Morning Mental Workout â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Daily late

Coordinator for Cognitive Health Services, The Centers at St. Camillus

Frustrated by your inability to remember certain things? Jealous of those people who seem to have remarkable memories?

Did you know that â&#x20AC;&#x153;memory championsâ&#x20AC;? donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have above average cognitive skills?

The difference is that they have learned strategies that help them recall more information and they practice these strategies routinely.

In our early days, as hunter-gatherers, our memories evolved to remember spatial locations and visual images.

Unfortunately, our brains did not evolve to remember pin numbers, passwords, cell phone numbers or a host of other facts that we are presented with every day. So, the key to improving our memory capacity is to build on our naturally strong visual memories by associating visual images with spatial locations.

How might this work? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imagine that your friend has just gotten a new cell phone and you want to remember her phone number: (418) 256-7934.

Instead of repeating the number over and over, try to visualize these numbers on a clock face. For example: picture the time as 4:18 p.m. followed by 2:56 a.m., 7 a.m. and 9:34 a.m. Picture your friend in her house and the activities she might

be doing at those times: e.g. getting dinner ready at 4:18 p.m., going to the bathroom at 2:56 a.m., getting dressed at 7 a.m. and leaving the house at 9:34 a.m. The more outrageous, funny, or strange the visual images, the more likely the memory will stick (hint: you need not share these images with anyone!). It also helps to add other sensory images (e.g. the smell of getting dinner ready; the steam rising from the stove top).

This sounds complicated, but give it a try and see if it helps! If you want to read more about this and other fascinating strategies that could help you become a memory champion, read Joshua Foerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything.â&#x20AC;? Or come to St. Camillusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Memory Academy to develop your brain fitness.

Call Ellen Somers at 703-0676 for information about upcoming sessions.

813 Fay Road, Syracuse, NY 13219 www.st-camillus.org

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

morning mental exercises including discussions, brain stimulating games, and reminiscing.

Daily Physical Activity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A variety of exercise opportunities including group exercises, walking programs, and dancing.

Daily Life Skillsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Individual or group activities throughout the day which provide sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging as the residents complete tasks related to everyday life.

Person Centered Life Enrichment Programming â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Activities designed using the residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own social history information as a foundation.

By honoring past interests and involvements, programs tap into remaining skills and support successful experiences.

As a Brookdale Senior Living community, Clare Bridge draws upon the resources of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest owner and operator of senior living communities. Brookdale is committed to providing an exceptional living experience through properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents.

Currently, the company owns and operates independent living, assistive living, dementia care and continuing care retirement communities serving approximately 52,000 residents.

For more information, call 637-2000 or visit brookdaleliving.com.

Daily Moments of Success is a Service Mark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, Tenn..

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Madison County OFA News Registered dietician to visit SNACK site

Weather emergencies and SNACK deliveries

Caregiver Respite Program offered

Dina Lawson, RD, CDN will be at the following SNACK sites to do a nutrition presentation dairy and soy information and tasting on the following dates: Cazenovia – Tuesday Nov. 8, Cazenovia Village Apartments, 24 Nelson St, Cazenovia Oneida – Wednesday Nov. 16, Oneida Towers, 226 Farrier Ave, Oneida.

Hamilton – Wednesday Nov. 23, Madison Lane Apts, Building #5, Hamilton.

Participants should arrive 30 minutes before lunch is served.

If severe weather conditions occur, the Madison County Office for Aging could be forced to cancel both SNACK Congregate Meal site dining and home delivered meals.

Listen to the following radio and television stations for information regarding cancellations; or call the Office for the Aging at 697-5700: WMCR Radio 1600 FM/106/3 WTVH (CBS) Channel 5 WSTM (NBC) Channel 3.

Providing daily care to older members of your family or a friend can, at times, provoke feelings of frustration, guilt and even anger.

The Office for the Aging recognizes these feelings as very normal and is available to provide assistance to caregivers. As caregivers, the constant attention given to a loved one may create a great deal of fatigue and stress. They may experience shortness of temper, sleeplessness, withdrawal from those close to them, family problems, physical ailments or depression. All are normal reactions and warning signs that caregivers need a

Help protect yourself against influenza

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A few simple steps will go a long way in helping to prevent getting the flu.

-Get a flu shot -Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.

-Avoid people who are ill -Stay home if you are sick -Use tissues when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue in a covered trash bin.

-Keep hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth -Clean shared space and items such as telephone receivers, steering wheels, etc.

-Refrain from sharing personal items such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.

-Your best preventive medicine is to simply follow good sanitary measures every day.

break from the caregiving routine.

Respite, a time off from caregiving, is extremely important. It relieves stress, protecting your physical and mental health. Respite prolongs the caregiver’s ability to continue providing care at home. Taking a long weekend or going away on a short vacation can make a big difference in the caregiver’s ability to cope with day-to-day tasks. This grant will help pay for an aide to stay with the older relative while the caregiver takes a break. For some caregivers, it is the first time in years they have had time to themselves. For more information about the Office for the Aging services call 697-5700.

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News

Madison County Office for the Aging Inc. From the desk of the executive director

November is National Family Caregivers Month

SNACK can help this winter As winter becomes a reality, is it harder and harder to get out and shop for food? Are you in need of a home cooked meal? Have you heard of the SNACK Program? SNACK, Senior Nutrition and County Kitchen, is a nutrition program sponsored by the Office for the Aging. Anyone over the age of 60 is welcome to enjoy a noontime meal, conversation and activities.

Approximately 450 hot nutritious meals are prepared in the central Theresa Davis, OFA kitchen located in Canastota each day. The congregate meal site locaexecutive director tions are in Brookfield, Canastota, Cazenovia, Chittenango, Earlville, Hamilton, Morrisville, and Oneida. The days of service vary so if you are interested; give us a call for more information.

A registered dietitian presents interesting information on a regular basis. Topics have included, menu planning for special diets, food additives, and understanding food allergies.

If poor health makes it difficult to attend a meal site, SNACK will provide home delivered meals. The home-delivered meal program is intended to assist seniors regain their health and independence. The SNACK program provides additional meal service by furnishing a combination of hot and frozen meals, totaling seven meals per week.

Voluntary and confidential contributions are encouraged for the meals provided. For more information about the SNACK Program call the Office for the Aging at 697-5700.

Office for the Aging Senior Nutrition (SNACK) Sites

Brookfield – Open Tuesday and Thursday, 1st and 7th Day Baptist Church, Elm and Beaver Creek Rd Canastota – Open Monday thru Friday, Stoneleigh Apts, 400 Lamb Ave Cazenovia – Open Tuesday and Friday, Cazenovia Village Apts, 24 Nelson St Chittenango – Open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, American Legion, 70 Legion Drive Earlville – Open Wednesday and Friday, American Legion -113 N Main St Hamilton – Open Tuesday thru Friday, Madison Lane Apts, Bldg 5 Morrisville – Open Monday and Wednesday , St. Joan of Arc Church, Brookside Dr Oneida – Open Monday thru Friday, Towers II Community Room, 226 Farrier Ave Monthly health education topics are provided by a Registered Dietitian. For more information and to sign up to enjoy a hot noontime meal at a SNACK site call Madison County Office for the Aging at 697-5700 or visit ofamadco.org.

November SNACK Menu Tuesday Nov 1– Hearty beef stew w/potatoes, peas and carrots, dinner roll, vanilla pudding Wednesday Nov 2 – Chicken parmesan, pasta w/sauce, tossed salad, fruit cup Thursday Nov 3 – Meatloaf and gravy, mashed potatoes, corn niblets, yogurt Friday Nov 4 – Veggie quiche, hash browns, veggie blend, applesauce Monday Nov 7 – Reuben casserole, broccoli, peaches Tuesday Nov 8 – Meatball sub w/sauce, green beans, pineapple tidbits Wednesday Nov 9 – Lemon pepper fish, brown rice, sweet peas, pears Thursday Nov 10 – Roast beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, cauliflower, chocolate cake Friday Nov 11 – OFA and SNACK Closed for Veterans Day

Monday Nov 14 – Chicken breast la orange, boiled potatoes, spinach chocolate pudding Tuesday Nov 15 – Roasted pork loin, baked sweet potato, Harvard beets, pears Wednesday Nov 16 – Meatloaf and gravy,

mashed potatoes, squash, Mandarin oranges Thursday Nov 17 – Spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, tossed salad, dinner roll, fruit cocktail Friday Nov 18 – Fish on a bun, blend of veggies, coleslaw, gingerbread cake

Monday Nov 21 – Boiled ham dinner, parsley potatoes, cabbage and carrots, peaches Tuesday Nov 22 – Roast turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, dressing, green beans, pumpkin pie Wednesday Nov 23 – Chicken spiedie on bun w/peppers and onions, peas, tapioca pudding Thursday Nov 24 – OFA and SNACK Closed for Thanksgiving Friday Nov 256 – OFA and SNACK Closed Monday Nov 28 – Sloppy Joe on bun, lima beans, vanilla pudding Tuesday Nov 29– Baked chicken thigh, rice pilaf, corn niblets, Mandarin oranges Wednesday Nov 30 – Baked ham w/pineapple, boiled parsley potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, apple crisp

Appointments, please We know many of you like to just drop by our office when you have a question or concern. However, we would appreciate it if you would call the Office for the Aging at 697-5700 to set up an appointment. This allows us to better prepare for your visit.

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During this month we recognize the nearly 44 million Americans who care for their relatives, friends, and neighbors. You are appreciated, caregiver! It is very important that you are paying attention to your own needs to ensure that you live a long and healthy life. Don’t neglect your health. Caring for someone can be time consuming, but remember to take the time to make periodic visits to the doctor and stay healthy. To manage stress, make it a priority to take leisure time for you. Read a book, get in contact with old friends, or exercise. All of these activities keep your mind stimulated and keep your spirits up.

Accept help! In areas all over the world, you will find agencies that offer group support, counseling and caregiver training sessions. National support is also a wonderful resource. You can get a tremendous amount of information, cost free, from National resources like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging. Many of these resources can be located very easily on the World Wide Web. These sources provide caregivers like you with information about health conditions, long term care services and so much more. By letting someone help you with your responsibilities as a caregiver you will allow yourself more time.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging states, “Caregivers supply 257 billion dollars a year in services for their loved ones, such as transportation, supervision, financial management, feeding, bathing, lifting and toileting.” This Thanksgiving and holiday season, accept praise. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and so many people are thankful for you. Whether you are caring for a family member or you are a grandparent caring for children in your family, you deserve thanks. Just as importantly, you also deserve support and connections to other people who are just like you. There are many resources that you can look to for more support. Thank you again for all you do.

For more information: caregiving.org; aoa.gov/prof/aoaprog/caregiver/caregiver.asp; caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/indexcfm?pageid=3279.

Online Plan Finder offers unbiased resource for people with Medicare to review 2012 plan options

People with Medicare began reviewing plan benefit and cost information on Oct. 1. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched access to its popular web-based Medicare Plan Finder that allows beneficiaries, their families, trusted representatives, and senior program advocates to look at all local drug and health plan options that are available for the 2012 benefit year.

“With Open Enrollment coming early this year, it is important that people with Medicare take advantage of the next couple weeks to review their current coverage and compare it with the options that are available for next year,” said CMS Administrator Donald M. Berwick, M.D. “The information that’s available now on the Plan Finder will also help caregivers, health providers, and partners that support and counsel seniors and people with disabilities in selecting the best plan for their needs.”

The annual enrollment period began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. People with Medicare will have seven weeks to review Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage benefits and plan options, and choose the option that best meets their unique needs. The earlier open enrollment period also ensures that Medicare has enough time to process plan choices so that coverage begins without interruption on January 1, 2012.

People can use the Plan Finder - available at medicare.gov -by inserting their home zip code to find out which Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug (Part D) plans are available in their areas.

Madison County Office for the Aging Health Insurance Information Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP) is available to all Madison County residents who are struggling to understand and make decisions regarding Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage. Call 697-5743 for information.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) offered Last year, Senior HEAP helped more than 20,000 seniors! Again, there will be an early HEAP application mail out for Senior Citizens who received HEAP. If you do not receive an application for the 11-12 HEAP season in the mail by the end of October, please call 366-2361 for an application.

The HEAP letter will have a return address of the Madison County Department of Social Services. Please complete and mail the application back as soon as possible for quickest service.

The early mail-out does not include senior citizens in receipt of Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance, as those individuals will generally receive the regular HEAP benefit automatically without the need for a mail-in application. Eligibility letters for are usually issued in November or December, and benefits are generally credited to heating bills in December or January.

Eligibility for this federal program is based on household income, not the amount of your utility bill. Income guidelines for this year are: for a 1 person household income must be below $2,146 per month and for a 2 person household income must be below $2,806 per month. The Department of Social Services is requiring a copy of an applicant’s social security card if they do not have one on file. Call the OFA at 697-5700 and make an appointment to see an Outreach Worker.

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Madison County OFA News Commission offers landline telephone service protection The New York State Public Service Commission has directed Verizon, the state’s largest provider of traditional landline telephone service, to focus its repair and maintenance efforts on “core” customers in need of regulatory protection. The definition of a core customer includes customers living in areas that do not currently have a landline competitive alternative, those subscribing to Lifeline discounted telephone service, and customers with special needs including the elderly, blind or disabled and those with medical emergencies as defined in the Commission’s Rule 609.5, a copy of which is available at dps.state.ny.us/Rule 609.5.pdf.

Although Verizon has already taken steps to notify potential “core” customers, some Verizon customers may remain unaware of this new protection.

Customers having a disability as defined in the Human Rights Law, those who are legally blind, and customers aged 62 or older, are encouraged to notify Verizon of that information and, upon doing so, will automatically become eligible for priority repair service. Such customers are also provided special protections concerning disconnection of phone service if they have trouble paying their bill.

To sign up for this protection service, contact Verizon SRC, PO Box 33075, St. Petersburg, Florida 33733-8075.

Pies offered for Thanksviving OFA offers 10-inch frozen pies that can stay frozen for up to 6 months year round for $8 each. Flavors include: Dutch Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Red Raspberry, Pumpkin, Banana Cream, Boston Cream, Chocolate Cream and Coconut Cream. Also offered are sugar free pies.

Pie sales support programs and services offered by Madison County Office for the Aging and can be picked up between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Madison County Office for the Aging, 138 Dominic Bruno Blvd, Canastota or at any SNACK Site (on the days they are open). Call 697-5700 for details.

Caregiver Resource Center offered “Caregiving”, helping an older person stay as independent as possible, is both a rewarding and stressful experience. Most caregivers are family and friends. Many caregivers are part of the “sandwich generation”, meaning they are caring for a parent as well as children. Family caregivers provide assistance to people who cannot care for themselves, and often at considerable sacrifice; many caregivers also juggle the traditional demands of home, family, and career.

Statistics cannot fully measure the physical, emotional and financial costs that family caregivers incur.

The Caregiver Resource Center, located at the Office for the Aging in Canastota, can help.

Through training, support groups, individual and group counseling caregivers can learn how to balance feelings of frustration and reward. The Caregiver Resource Center also provides books, videotapes, and other sources of information pertaining to Caregiving issues. For more information about the Office for the Aging services call us at 697-5700. Help is a phone call away.

Help with budgeting available Do you need assistance in budgeting your money to meet your expenses, are you confused on how to get started? The Madison County Office for the Aging has the answer. Working together with an experienced volunteer you can develop a budget and plan to improve your financial outlook. The volunteer will assist you in drafting a budget that fits your needs and follow up with you to see how you are progressing. This program is free and confidential. If you are interested in meeting with the volunteer contact the Office for the Aging at 697-5700 and the volunteer will contact you to schedule an appointment.

Computers for sale Office for the Aging has three Dell brand desktop computers for sale: Dell Dimension 3100, 2.8 ghz, 1gb memory, 108 g hard drive, Dell Dimension 2400, 2.6 ghz, 512 mb memory, 40 g hard drive. Both come with monitor, key board, and mouse for $150 each.

Call 697-5700 if you would more information or are interested in purchasing one of these computers.

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of physical activity. A team of four to five, self-directed volunteer adults lead the children in up to 25 sessions.

The program equips children with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices, and nurtures their intention to make healthy choices. Older adults also improve their health and well being as a result of volunteering.

Join OASIS to discover more, develop your talents and connect with others who share your interests. If you would like to become a member, please call OASIS at 464-6555 and a volunteer will sign you up over the phone. You can also sign up online by visiting oasisnet.org/Syracuse.

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to make a profound difference in the lives of children.

Tutors are volunteers who have a love of reading and a love of children and are trained to use a curriculum specially designed by reading professionals for K-4 students. Special relationships develop across generations to reap benefits for both children and adults.

In 2009, OASIS partnered with the Syracuse City School District to help address the problem of obesity in our community.

The Catch Healthy Habits Program connects adults age 50 and up with children in grades K-5. Each two-hour session meets after school and includes a nutrition lesson, a healthy snack and 30-40 minutes

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OASIS: Celebrating 10 years OASIS inspires people 50 and over to engage in lifelong learning and service programs.

The Syracuse chapter of the OASIS Institute is celebrating 10 years in Syracuse. The Institute, a national not for profit membership organization based in St. Louis, inspires people 50 and over to discover vibrant, healthy, productive lives by engaging in lifelong learning and service programs. Being one of 18 centers across the country, Syracuse is recognized as an exemplary center in the OASIS Network.

The Syracuse chapter has been sponsored

by Upstate Medical University since its inception. With this generous support, OASIS is able to offer a broad range of programs in

Central New Yorkers, OASIS Members and Friends are Invited to Attend a Special 10th Anniversary Celebration, FREE and Open to the Public

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Classical Music Performance by Concert Pianists Patricia De Angelis and Dr. Steven Rosenfeld Showcasing the beautiful Ivers & Pond eight-foot concert grand piano, generously donated to OASIS by Dr. Harold and Barbara Jones

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm “Dying Isn’t What It Used To Be” Presented by Gregory L. Eastwood, MD SUNY Professor of Bioethics, Humanities and Medicine Past President, SUNY Upstate Medical University

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Retrospective Discussion “Syracuse OASIS Then and Now” Refreshments will be served during the discussion Come join Upstate’s OASIS program as we mark this milestone!

6333 State Route 298, East Syracuse For more information call 464-6555

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discover more

the arts and humanities as well as health and technology.

Each trimester a catalog of classes is mailed to the members with approximately 130 selections to choose from. That works out to roughly 65 classes per week. Some of the classes such as Facebook and iPad Basics are a single session lasting a couple of hours.

Like the concerts, they don’t require a long term commitment.

Other classes; Restoring Your Old Family Photos, and Basic Digital Photography are two sessions. For more in depth learning and lots of lively discussion there are World Affairs, meeting three times and State of the Union which runs for nine weeks. Similarly, one can learn a foreign language, learn to play piano, or learn to paint in watercolor or acrylics. For fitness there is Hiking, Yoga, Zumba and T-N-T just to name a few. One can learn about Safe Exercises for a Healthy Heart, and also for Osteoporosis from knowledgeable Upstate health professionals.

This is a rich course catalog that is well planned and always changing as new suggestions come in from members, volunteers, the Education Committee, current instructors and many other sources. Many OASIS instructors have been educators their entire lives, teaching at universities and high schools. All are recognized as knowledgeable in their field.

The level of quality classes offered at OASIS is why the membership has grown to nearly 9,000 since it launched in 2001. With a full time staff of four, OASIS relies heavily on its 165 volunteers, including a 12-member Leadership Team. Volunteers actively participate in the Center’s day-to-day operations, including registration, coordinating classes, teaching, orienting new volunteers, and so much more. Teaching at OASIS offers volunteers an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others by sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Originally located at Shoppingtown Mall, OASIS moved in 2010 to 11,000 square feet on the ground floor of the spectacular blueglass building (formerly Telergy). Situated next to the DoubleTree Hotel just off Carrier Circle in East Syracuse, the Center offers plenty of free parking and easy access. The facility boasts a large lecture/concert hall which accommodates 140 people, two studio classrooms with AV equipment, a state-ofthe-art computer lab with 20 computers and a fitness room with flexible padded flooring for dance and exercise classes. OASIS shares space with Upstate’s HealthLink seminar series.

Outreach Programs In 2004, OASIS began the Intergenerational Tutor Program. This evidence-based program promotes literacy with a proven approach to help high-need children read at grade level. The program taps the tremendous potential of committed volunteers who have the time, patience and life experience See OASIS on page 15

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