Active Seniors
The Official monthly publication of the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center
DECEMBER • 2012
Contact Information General Information Judy Crist: 541.883.7171
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome:
Letter from Marc Kane, Executive Director
Entertainment:
Christmas Meal with Kathy Lynn Jones
Feature:
Donations - Shawn McGahan:
A
ll content for this publication has been provided by the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center. For questions, suggestions and general information regarding this publication, please contact the Klamath Basin Senior Center at 541.883.7171. Thank you.
Bulletin
541.883.7171 ext. 136
Nine Tips to Help Someone Grieving During the Holidays
Meals on Wheels Assistance and Bingo Information Linda Breeden:
Bulletin Board Bulletin:
Center Applies for Additional Transportation Funds
541.883.7171 ext. 129
Medicare Counseling 541.883.7171
Volunteer Opportunities Cheryl Gibbs: 541.883.7171 ext. 128 Executive Director Marc Kane: 541.883.7171 ext. 122
Where are we located?
The Klamath Senior Center is located at 2045 Arthur street
5
Feature: About Senior Transportation Feature: From the Volunteer Coordinator Entertainment:
BINGO, BINGO, BINGO
7
9
4
Poet’s Corner:
Expressions of Heart and Mind
Calendar of Events Bulletin:
The Lake County Senior Center Schedule
Bulletin:
2012 Annual Senior Christmas Basket Drive.
Donor List
11
6 8 10
Feature: Assistive Technology for Hearing Bulletin: Spokes Unlimited December Schedule Menu
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Produced in conjunction with the Herald and News
DECEMBER • 2012 | Active Seniors • 3
Welcome
Two events this last month stand out above all the others. I was fortunate to participate in the senior meal one Tuesday in Bonanza where we celebrated the 102nd birthday of Iola Hankins, and later in the month I participated in the Thanksgiving meal at the Klamath Senior Center with more than 265 in attendance. Look for pictures in this issue from both events.
Want to know what’s going on at the Senior Center? Come back here every month. This insert comes with your newspaper every first Wednesday of the month. My thanks to those businesses who advertise here. They make this publication possible at no cost to the Center. Please take a moment to thank them. Join Us! We Celebrate Life! Marc Kane Executive Director
Marc Kane, Center Director
There are many reasons I’m sure why Iola continues to celebrate life with her friends and family. I would guess the most important of which is that she chooses to do so and that she maintains many connections and attachments of support. That’s why we have senior meals and services. They facilitate socialization, support and life. Our Thanksgiving meal was absolutely awesome for both its food and friends. We were pleased to have many guests join us from the Tribe that day, and that really added to the meaning and tradition of the day. We will be having another special meal day on December 21st in honor of Christmas. In one we emphasize thanks and in the other the spirit of giving, especially the giving of support, friendship and encouragement for which we are all thankful. I am especially thankful to all the staff and volunteers that make our events and services as successful as they are. When our cook was hospitalized the day before the thanksgiving meal everyone pulled together, worked as a team and made it all happen as it was planned. Great work! We continue to face many challenges in responding to State demands that we split our organization into two separate corporations, one for the Area Agency on Aging (the part that distributes funds) and one for the Center, the services side of the organization (the part that receives funds). It makes sense that the funding agency and services agency should be separate entities, but change is nevertheless hard to accept for some. By far most patrons will never notice any change at all. Even the new corporate name is so similar that most don’t even notice. Yet we continue to hear that for some the sky is falling. We are doing our best to be as good or better than ever. We brought movies back to the Center in November and they have been well received. Oh, and thanks again to our County Branch Library at the Center for making this possible. The next movie to be shown will be on Tuesday, January 15th. We are awaiting word on two pending grant applications, one to establish a creative writing class, and the other to expand our transportation services. See related articles in other parts of this publication.
Entertainment JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MEAL ON FRIDAY – DECEMBER 21ST. We will begin serving at 11:00 A.M. Entertainment During Lunch The Sweet Country Sounds of
Kathy Lynn Jones Come, eat, join the fun and sing along!
Please contribute to our senior programs All donations accepted and appreciated. Many of Klamath’s seniors need your help. Please mail your donation to: Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Council P.O. Box JE, Klamath Falls, OR 97602 Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Donation: Check Cash KBSCC is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation
4 • Active Seniors DECEMBER • 2012
Feature
Nine Tips to Help Someone Grieving During the Holidays Hospice Professionals Offer Advice
Iola Hankins celebrates her 102nd birthday at the Senior meal site in Bonanza. Meal sites are located throughout the County.
For many people, the holiday season is a special time of year marked by celebrations and gatherings with family and friends. For those struggling with the death of a loved one, the holidays may be a difficult time full of painful reminders that emphasize their sense of loss. Often, friends and family members of those affected by a loss are unsure how to act or what to say to support their grieving loved one during the holidays. Hospice professionals, who are experienced at helping people deal with grief and loss, offer some suggestions: 1. Be supportive of the way the person chooses to handle the holidays. Some may wish to follow traditions; others may choose to avoid customs of the past and do something new. It’s okay to do things differently. 2. Offer to help the person with decorating or holiday baking. Both tasks can be overwhelming for someone who is grieving.
7. Never tell someone that he or she should be “over it.” Instead, give the person hope that, eventually, he or she will enjoy the holidays again. 8. Be willing to listen. Active listening from friends and family is an important step to helping some cope with grief and heal.
Servers preparing meals at the Senior Meal Site in Bonanza. Meals are provided every Tuesday at noon at the Longhorn Saloon and Restaurant.
9. Remind the person you are thinking of him or her and the loved one who died. Cards, phone calls and visits are great ways to stay in touch.
3. Offer to help with holiday shopping. Share catalogs or online shopping sites that may be helpful.
In general, the best way to help those who are grieving during the holidays is to let them know you care and that their loved one is not forgotten.
4. Invite the person to join you or your family during the holidays. You might invite them to join you for a religious service or at a holiday meal where they are a guest. 5. Ask the person if he or she is interested in volunteering with you during the holidays. Doing something for someone else, such as helping at a soup kitchen or working with children, may help your loved one feel better about the holidays.
Many people are not aware that their community hospice is a valuable resource that can help people who are struggling with grief and loss. More information about grief is available from Caring Connections, www.caringinfo.org/grief. Article submitted by Klamath Hospice
6. Donate a gift or money in memory of the person’s loved one. Remind the person that his or her loved one is not forgotten.
Holiday Grief Support
Shirley Chapmen recently added ceramics to her class offerings at the Senior Center. She now offers oil painting and ceramics classes. Call the center for more information
The winter holidays can serve as an annual reminder of the loss of a loved one—not only of that person, but of tradition and celebration.
Drop in support groups will be held: Come to one or come to all. Free to the December 5 & December 12 community and no registration required. Just drop by: 4745 S 6th Klamath Falls 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
It was a full house for the Thanks giving meal at the Senior Center. All are welcome again for the Christmas meal at 11 am on Friday, December 21st.
Bulletin CENTER APPLIES FOR ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS The Klamath Senior Center submitted a grant application last week for additional Federal Transportation Funding. The aim of the funding request is threefold. First to acquire funds enabling the center to sustain existing levels of service now operating at a significant loss and restore services cut back this last year. Second, to expand the service area outside the Transportation Services District Boundaries where residents have petitioned for transportation services between the city and rural areas of the county. And, third, to replace an older vehicle to best meet the needs of the above. The Center hopes to acquire the new grant funds as early as this coming Summer.
DECEMBER • 2012 | Active Seniors • 5
Feature
About Senior Transportation
Transportation support is needed by many seniors who no longer drive their own vehicles, or who simply want to use public transportation for its efficiency. The Klamath Falls area is served by the Basin Transportation Services District (also known as BTS) and a number of other providers including private cab and charter services, the Tribe and of course the Klamath Senior Center as well. Seniors’ need for transportation may be classed in various levels. Most can get their needs met by the public transit system which offers both fixed route services and a para-transit service known as Dial-A-Ride. The Dial-A-Ride program will come right to your home and take you to your specific destination. Many who have disabilities that present transportation barriers use this system. For information and assistance with BTS transportation a call can be made to 541-883-2877. To use the Dial-A-Ride system each individual must certify their need for that level of support in advance. Additional information about BTS services is also available at their WEB Site at www.basintransit.com . Passes for the BTS Dial-A-Ride and Fixed Route systems can be purchased at the Senior Center at 2045 Arthur Street among other locations. Some seniors need more service than provided by other services. For example if assistance is needed from the vehicle to the doorstep and/or into the home the Senior Center Transportation Program offers that additional service. The Center encourages its patrons to use the other forms of transportation if those special needs are not required. Others can come on board on a space available basis. In fact the Senior Transportation System is open to the General Public on a space available basis. Membership at the center is also not required to use this or most other services. The Senior Center Transportation System is a demand responsive system. This means services are provided on demand and usually through a dispatcher. So if a ride is needed a call is made to the Center at 541-883-7171. Services are generally available on weekdays from early morning through the afternoon. The service is most requested by those needing a ride to the Senior Center for services and activities, but is also provided for medical, shopping and other transportation needs as well. Again, it is open to the general public on a space available basis. The Senior Center also contracts to provide transportation with a service known as TransLink. This service provides medical transportation rides throughout the State. Rides are provided by Center volunteers to those in need of medical appointment transportation. It is funded by the State Medicaid Program and requests can be made by calling 1-888-518-8160.
Feature
From the Volunteer Coordinator
AGE: Is it just a state of mind? If you want to feel 70, you will! But if you are 70 and feel 50-then you are! This is the time of year when we don’t get out as much, there’s not as much warmth and sunshine, it’s getting darker earlier, and the days seem to drag on forever. I think this makes us feel A LOT older than we really are. So, what can we do to change and/or recharge our “state of mind”? Volunteering is an option. KBSCC is always in need of volunteers to help with BINGO, shopping, visiting, delivering meals to those who can’t get out.
OR maybe take up a new adventure: Dancing - every Wednesday from 1pm to 3:30 pm Exercise with Body Recall - Mon.,Wed., &Fri. (for advanced 9am to 10am; and beginners -10:30am to 11:30am) or Thursdays 10:15 am to 11:15 am Oil painting and ceramics class - Tuesdays from 12:30pm to 3:30pm Golden Age Club BINGO and cards (Bridge, pinochle) - Mondays & Thursdays 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm Klamath County Library Branch - Open Monday & Fridays 9:30am to 1 pm and Thursdays from 1:30 pm to 4pm Tap Dancing Classes - Fridays from 12 noon to 2 pm Craft Group - meets informally every Thursday from 9 am to 11 am. NEW: Movies - First and third Tuesdays at 12:30 pm starting January 15th (since the first Tuesday is New Year’s Day) There may be a minimal charge for some activities- but be ADVENTUROUS: Maybe try something you’ve always wanted to try; OR, share your special talent. Learn by doing at no charge. All our volunteers are trained, so don’t hesitate to pitch in. We’ll be happy to show you the way WHATEVER you decide:
GET OUT AND DO IT AND CHANGE YOUR “STATE OF MIND” Cheryl Gibbs, Volunteer Coordinator 541-883-7171 ext. 128
6 • Active Seniors DECEMBER • 2012
Entertainment
B
I
N
Party With Us New Year’s Eve BINGO at the Senior Center
G
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This is our biggest BINGO Event of the Year! Last New Year’s Eve we paid out over $6500 DOOR PRIZES and FREE SNACKS TOO! Advance Purchasing Available During Business Hours at the Center Mondays thru Wednesdays from 8 am to 4:00 pm, and at Thursday and Saturday Evening BINGO During December. Only 300 seats available. Only 60 Traveler Machines available.
Welcome Back, Jesse! Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner At JJ’s, everything is homemade and cooked to order. Never cooked ahead. 2323 S. 6th Street Klamath Falls, OR 541.884.5008
TRY OUR $9.95 PRIME RIB DELICIOUS BREAKFAST $9.50
CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
HOMEMADE CLAM CHOWDER • EVERY FRIDAY
YOUR SENIOR CENTER WANTS YOU! VOUNTEER to assist with BINGO Fundraising. Call our Volunteer Coordinator at 541-883-7171 Ext 128
FAMILY DAY! This Sunday
Thursdays & Saturdays! OPEN at 4:30pm CALL at 6:00pm GUARANTEED BLACKOUT Thursday ~ $700.00 Saturday ~ $1000.00 Want to be part of Bingo? We need Volunteer Callers & Floor Help.
Klamath Basin Senior Center
2045 Arthur Street
541-883-7171
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DECEMBER • 2012 | Active Seniors • 7
Poet ’s Corner
Expressions of Heart and Mind
Please submit something for us to consider printing in our next issue. Submittals should be sent to the attention of Marc Kane, Executive Director, Klamath Basin Senior Citizens Center.
God’s Shadow
The window pane By Audrey E Davis
By Gordon R. Ross
We take so many things for granted Just like the window pane. We never think what it would be like without them, The darkness would drive us insane!
As chapel bells cut sleep, giant birds begin their slow spiral upward. Following ancient paths above hillside rooftops, ebony wings float in slow circles toward tan, green and purple mountains basking in dawns first light. They surf on the soft air of daybreak, leaving tree nests among the mission buildings far below. Winged shadows soar up and over rocky slopes, cresting San Gabriel mountain ridges far above the city, intent on plucking away at yesterday’s even riper meals in their ancestral feeding grounds. Gliding silently, they focus on the unmoving, other senses sniffing out today’s delicacies. Competition from separate species is surveyed cautiously. Only when those are satisfied and gone do the graceful fliers descend, changing to garbage collectors as they fight and argue for the opportunity to do their jobs. Heavier, their working landscape cleaned of yesterday’s life, ebony birds float back over the ridges, dropping unseen into the deep blue dusk. Only wind through dusty wing feathers signals a return as dark shapes coast to their roosts around the mission. Tomorrow there will be another thermal, perhaps another feast. “It’s God’s will,” we tell ourselves, shivering slightly in the shadows.
We look through them, from the inside. We look into them from the outside. We wash them, and shine them, and make them so pretty. The sun shines through them. The rain hits against them, and stays outside. The winds blow softly at them at times, and you can see the birds in the trees through the window pane. The window pane comes in all shapes and sizes, Some are thin some are thick, some square and some round. Some are triangle, rectangular, And other shapes abound. And yes, we’d surely miss this common thing We call the window pane If it wasn’t around!
Lovesick By Dotte Shaffer Am I in love or am I ill Do I need you or just a pill? My heart's in my mouth so I can't eat a bite And I'm so starry-eyes I can't sleep at night When my heart starts to ache and I'm alone and blue Do I call a doctor or do I call you?
Scott Stevens, M.D. Physician/ Surgeon of the Eye
Mark Fay, M.D. Physician/ Surgeon of the Eye
I can't figure out what it is I've got Do I need a kiss or a penicillin shot? When you touch my hand and I breathe a sigh Am I filled with love or am I going to die? When the look in your eyes sets me all aquiver Is it passion I feel or cirrhosis of the liver? When my head starts to pound at the sound of your name Am I crazy with love or just plain insane?
Jennifer Springstead, O.D. Optometrist
New Patients Welcome
2640 Biehn St. • 541.884.3148 • www.klamatheyecenter.com
It's all much too much I don't understand But be it sickness or love I like it! It's grand!
8 • Active Seniors DECEMBER • 2012
Calendar of Events All activities are at the Senior Center, 2045 Arthur Street, Klamath Falls, unless otherwise stated.
Wills, Power of Attorney, or Medical Directives: Call for Appointments
Golden Age Club Bingo & Card Playing:
Tap Dancing: Every Friday
Every Monday and Thursday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
KBSCC Bingo: Every Thursday and Saturday, 18th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. doors open at 4:00 p.m. Games start at 6:00 p.m. Family Bingo: Sunday, December 9th Open at 12:00 p.m., call at 1:30 p.m.
(541 883-7171). Appointments are not held at the Senior Center.
Nickel Bingo: Every Saturday from 12:00 p.m.
Body Recall Exercise Classes: Every
to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
KBSCC Board of Directors: Tuesday, Dec.
Old Time Fiddlers: Tuesday December 11th &
SHIBA Medicare Counseling (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program): By Appointment Only. Call 541-883-7171 to arrange an appointment.
NEW! Oil Painting & Ceramics Class:
Every Tuesday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
NEW! Movies: Tuesday December 4th, 12:30 p.m. Open Pool Playing: Monday thru Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Klamath County Library Services Branch: Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursdays 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4th & Jan. 22nd, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Hot meals are served Monday through Friday at Computers are available for senior use upon request
KBSCC Members’ Council: Tuesday, December 18th, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
the Senior Center (2045 Arthur Street). Serving starts at 11:30 a.m. and is over at 12:30 p.m.
AAA Advisory Council: Thursday, December
Transportation: Monday through Friday,
Vendor Table Offerings: Atrio Health Plans Tuesday, December 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Audiology Hear Again Friday December 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Blood Pressure Checks: KBSCC now has a Blood Pressure Machine in the LOBBY for checking your pressure from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Ask for assistance if you need.
Gift Shop: Inside the lobby of the Senior Center,
Special Events: Special Annual Christmas Lunch at the senior Center - Friday, December 21st.
MS Support Group: Thursday, December
Ballroom Dancing: Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.
20th, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Spokes Unlimited.
Hearing Aid Checks: Third Thursday from 10:15 a.m. to 12 noon of each month.
Medical appointments have priority. Open to the general public as space is available. For more information regarding the transportation program call Cindy at 541-850-7315. 2045 Arthur Street, Klamath Falls. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
13th, 1:30 p.m. Community Lounge, Pine St.
to 3:30 p.m.
Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday,
Craft Group: Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to
December 18th, Pelican Point at 1:30 p.m.
11:00 am
Senior Veterans Social Club: Thursdays,
Legal Aid - call KBSCC for referral:
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
541 883-7171
J. Eric Brunswick, M.D.
Licensed Physician On Duty • On Site X-Ray, Lab, EKG Evaluation • Treatment • Physicals Occupational Health Services • Insurance Billing
Thomas C. Koch, M.D.
New Years Eve BINGO The Senior Center will be closed for Christmas on December 24th & 25th Kathy Lynn Jones - Friday, December 21st. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. TRIPS: Kla-Mo-Ya, Mondays 10:15 a.m. and Sundays 3:00 p.m.
When Caring, Quality & Commitment make a Difference Also Call Today for Your FREE Assessment, Providing Personalized In-Home Care 24/7
Laura L. Moore, M.D.
Kathie J. Lang, M.D.
Open mOn-Fri 8-7, Sat 9-6, Sun & hOlidayS 9-3 3737 ShaSta Way, Suite a • Klamath FallS (541) 883-2337 • Fax: (541) 883-2504
www.aqhcinc.com 905 Main Street, Suite 512 Klamath Falls, OR 97601 (541) 880-5594 • Fax: (541) 273-0156
• Personal Care • Housekeeping • Appointments • Bathing • Companionship • Respite Care • Errands • Memory Care • Cognition
• Groceries • Blood Pressure Checks • Meal Preparation • Laundry • Home Care • Grooming • Medication Assistance • Insurance Billing • Insured, Bonded, Licensed
DECEMBER • 2012 | Active Seniors • 9
Lake Health District
Long Term Care
Bulletin
The Lake County Senior Center 11 North G Street – Lakeview, OR 97630
• Medicare Skilled Care • Physical Therapy • Rehabilitation The ONLY 5-STAR RATED Medicare facility in Southern Oregon
700 South J Street | Lakeview, Oregon 541.947.2114 | 1.866.543.4325 www.LakeHealthDistrict.org
Some things we have coming up in December are: Every Monday from 11:00 AM to Noon - Blood Pressure checks Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Noon to 1:00 PM Hot Meals at the Senior Center (11 North G Street) Every Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Senior “Game Day” Tuesday, December 11th 8:00 AM - Klamath Falls trip (Weather permitting) Friday, December 14th - Birthday Lunch Monday, December 17th 10:00 AM - Board of Directors Meeting
• Luxurious East Medford Location
Wednesday, December 19th 9:00 AM to Noon - Hearing Specialist (Weather permitting)
• Spacious Cottages and Apartments
Thursday, December 20th Noon to 5:00 PM - Red Cross Blood Drive
• Restaurant-Style and Outdoor Dining
Friday, December 21st 8:00 AM to Noon - Red Cross Blood Drive
• Impeccable Service
Tuesday, December 25th Center is closed for Christmas
• Pet Friendly Campus
Tuesday, January 1st Center is closed for Holiday
• Month-to-Month Rentals No “Buy In” Fees
1st & 3rd Wednesday’s 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Duplicate Bridge
• Home Moving and Selling Program
1st Saturday 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Old Time Fiddler’s 3rd Thursday’s 7:00 PM - Lake County Horseman’s Association Thrift Shop (behind Senior Center) open Monday through Friday 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Experience the Finest in Retirement Living... Call us for Complimentary Stay!
800-205-4777
VerandaParkLiving.com
If you have questions, concerns or want to make a suggestion, please don’t hesitate to call me at 541-947-4966. - Connie Steward, Director
10 • Active Seniors DECEMBER • 2012
Bulletin
2012 ANNUAL SENIOR CHRISTMAS BASKET DRIVE.
Donations needed for 175 Christmas Baskets Baskets are to be given to Seniors in need of support. Seniors who are on the Meals-On-Wheels Program and/or who are living alone will be selected for a Christmas Basket to be assembled at the Senior Center. Donations are needed by the 14th of December and can be brought to the Center at 2045 Arthur Street in Klamath Falls. Items needed are blankets and throws, hats, gloves, scarfs and other miscellaneous items. The center also has a tree at the Center from which a tag can be taken to be paired with a wrapped gift. The gift should also be returned to the Center by the 14th so that it can be placed in one of the baskets. Senior Center staff and volunteers will be assembling the baskets on the 18th and distributing them. Want to volunteer? Come in and give us a hand.
O’Hair FUNERAL CHAPEL
& Klamath Cremation Service serving the Klamath Basin since 1905
dignity. trust. peace of mind. 515 Pine St., Klamath Falls, OR 97601
541-884-3456
Donor List October Donations of $3934 were received from the following individuals: Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God James & Kathleen Kovarik Ernest & Marline Palmer
Brenda Kucharski
Marianne Ray
Hollis & Lois Kiger
Dorothy Rowland
Charlotte Moseley
Elizabeth LaForce
Sharon Heffler
Jim & Gayle Frank
Jahala Shaffer
La Vera Petersteiner
Etta Holly
Robert & Gloria Stimson
Joyce Moore
Esther Ramirez
Ruth Poole
Eva Ross
Bill & Marsha Watson
B & R Sheetmetal
Mary Clark
Charles & Marjorie Maxie
E. & S. Middleton
Constance Schuetze
Gail Hollander
Guy & Grace Turnage
Charlotte Moseley
Robert Watson, Jr
Joan Thompson Fermin & Susan Melgares
Unidentified contributions in October for Congregate Meals and Transportation Services amounted to $ 6275. The Center, its patrons and staff all thank our contributors for their support. Without contributions the Center would be unable to operate. Contributions and the services of volunteers make the Center what it is – a community collaboration in strong support of a worthy community program. We thank the individuals named above for their assistance and hope that more of our readers will recognize the value of our services with a contribution. Please note the contributions coupon on page 3. We have many uses for donations and look forward to your support.
The first contract signed in the month of December 2012 will receive a $500 credit towards move-in cost.
IT’S OUR GREAT (541) 882-1636 HighDesertHospice.com
MOVE IN SPECIAL!
1000 Town Center Drive • Klamath Falls, OR 97601 (541) 885-7250 • Fax (541) 882-8882
Free Tours 7 Days a Week!
DECEMBER • 2012 | Active Seniors • 11
Feature
Assistive Technology for Hearing Submitted by SPOKES Unlimited
Hearing loss can impact the ability of individuals to communicate with others and participate in social activities. This change can lead to a reduced quality of life. Advances in technology have provided the opportunity to lesson these impacts. Home: When thinking of aids for better hearing, we rarely think about our housing. Just having a view panel on the hinge side of the door will allow us to see who is at our door, while windows and skylights allow us to see if it’s raining or snowing, or what’s happening in the yard, etc. Carpet and curtains help to absorb sound from the outside and prevent echoes. A flashing alerting system can alert us to the ringing phone, doorbell, crying baby, smoke and fire alarms, or even the motion detector being activated. Listening systems such as “tv ears” can enable us to hear the tv, radio, or stereo without disturbing others in the room. One can also turn on the closed captioning option on the tv set. For telephones, there are inline amplifiers as well as phones which have built in, adjustable amplification. Telecommunication devices (TTYs) with a visual display of the conversation are available and can be used tty to tty, or used with the 711 relay system to communicate with an non-tty user. Shake awake type alarms can wake us up in the morning, and extra loud horns or flashing lights on the smoke detector can alert us to smoke/fire. Another form of assistance is the use of a trained hearing dog to alert us to these sounds. Out and About: Many auditoriums, theaters, and churches have sound systems. Some systems can be used with a hearing aid, while others need a receiving device. At health care offices, we need to be proactive. When making an appointment, make sure they know about our hearing loss and what accommodations will be needed, whether it be an interpreter, pencil and paper, speaking face to face, or other accommodations. We can also ask to have a note or sticker put on our file to indicate a hearing loss. We may need to remind them during our visit about getting our attention, and we, in turn, need to repeat what we think we heard. In restaurants, we can ask for a “quiet” table away from large parties and the kitchen, and
Bulletin
Spokes Unlimited December Schedule
SPOKES Unlimited • 1006 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601• 541-883-7547 v/tty 5th OCB Vision Class 1:00-3:00 pm SPOKES office 11th TBI/I Support Group 1:00-2:00 pm SPOKES office 12th Recreation Group , Project: Winter Craft 1:00-3:00 pm SPOKES office 13th M S Support Group 1:30-3:00 pm Community Lounge, 200 N 7th Street 25th Christmas Day. SPOKE office closed. All meetings/events listed are held in a wheelchair accessible location. Please notify SPOKES 48 hours in advance if you need an assistive listening system, sign language interpreter or materials in an alternate format. Call 541-883-7547 v/tty.
try to eat during a less busy time of day. A small device like a “pocketalker” can amplify close sounds while reducing background noise. In dealing with family and friends, we need to make sure there is enough lighting for us to see their face/lips, and ask them to repeat something if we aren’t sure of what was said. When traveling, motels should have a “guest kit” available for their hearing impaired guests. Depending on the kit, there will be a tty, telephone amplifier, a wake up system, visual/audio smoke detector and door knock signaler. Contact SPOKES Unlimited at (541) 883-7547 or state public utility commission for information on telecommunication devices and programs. Article sources: Facing the Challenge Center for Accessible Housing News.
12 • Active Seniors DECEMBER • 2012
Menu December 5, Wednesday:
December 20, Thursday: Fish
Chicken Enchilada, Casserole, Refried Beans, Salad Bar, Dessert
Patty or Chicken Strips, French Fries, Vegetables, Salad Bar, Dessert from Crystal Terrace & Atrio Health Plans
December 6, Thursday: Tamale Pie, Refried Beans, Vegetables, Salad Bar, Dessert from Crystal Terrace & Atrio Health Plans
December 7, Friday: Pork Chop, Whipped Potatoes, Vegetables, Salad Bar
December10, Monday: Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, Potatoes, Vegetables, Salad Bar
December 11, Tuesday: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Roast Beef, Whipped Potatoes, Buttered Carrots, Salad Bar, Birthday Cake & Ice Cream
December 12, Wednesday: Sweet & Sour Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Vegetables, Salad Bar, Dessert from Pelican Pointe
December 13, Thursday: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Italian Vegetables, Garlic Bread, Salad Bar, Dessert from Eldorado Heights
December 14, Friday: Navy Beans with Diced Ham, Homemade Cornbread
December 17, Monday: Sloppy Joes, Jo-Joes, Vegetables, Salad Bar, Dessert
December 18, Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli, Salad Bar, Dessert from Shasta View Retirement
December 19, Wednesday: Salisbury Steak, Whipped Potatoes, Vegetables, Salad Bar
December 21, Friday: CHRISTMAS DINNER With all the Trimmings!
December 24, Monday: MERRY CHRISTMAS! The Center will be CLOSED, SORRY
December 25, Tuesday: MERRY CHRISTMAS! The Center will be CLOSED, SORRY
December 26, Wednesday: Chili Dog, Tatar Tots, Vegetables, Salad Bar, Dessert from Pelican Pointe
December 27, Thursday: Beef Tips Over Noodles, Vegetables, Salad Bar, Dessert from Eldorado Heights
All Days, All Ways, we are here for you
December 28, Friday: Oven Baked Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Vegetables, Salad Bar
December 31, Monday: Swiss Steak, Whipped Potatoes, Vegetabless, Salad Bar
January 1, Tuesday: HAPPY NEW YEAR! The center will be CLOSED
January 2, Wednesday: Roast Pork Gravy over Whipped Potatoes, Peas & Carrots, Salad Bar NOTE: The menu is subject to change, depending upon availability of supplies. Tea, coffee, milk & juice are available at each meal. Sugar free desserts and salads available for diabetics.
2680 Memorial Drive • Klamath Memorial Park
541-883-3458
Family owned & operated, faithfully serving your funeral needs since 1978