CONNECTIONS VOLUNTEER CENTER 39 W WINTER STREET DELAWARE, OH 43015
Senior NewsNotes
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F I R S T
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Time Marches On
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Time Marches On ……..…………….. P. 1 Pen Pal Info………………………..…. P. 2 Calling all Seniors...……………..… .. P. 2 Make A Difference Day ………….,,. P. 2 Winter/Holiday Safety..………….... P. 3 Winter Fun…….. ……………….….. P. 4 Resume’ Tips … ………………..…... P. 5 Volunteer Spotlight …………..…..… P. 5 Senior Drivers ………………………. P. 6 Cooks Corner ……………………….. P. 7 Just for Fun …………………...…….. P. 8 Senior Companion Program...……… P. 8 Fundraiser ………………………….. P. 8
I remember when I was just a wee bit younger, my parents always remarked about how quickly time passed. I couldn’t see it. It seemed to take forever to hit those milestones of getting taller, reaching double digits, and finally learning to drive the car. Graduating from high school, finding the right spouse and raising a family were all in the far distance future, and it seemed like time just stood still. I couldn’t wait to grow up, to be independent and have the freedom I thought was so important. All of a sudden, however; I’ve noticed that time is racing by and I wonder, can life go any faster? I still feel like I’m in my twenties, well maybe thirties, but in reality that’s the age of my own children and believe it or not, I’m soon to be a grandparent! I try to do the things I use to do; but my body screams back especially the morning after any physical exertion. Time marches on and in a blink of an eye I go from the Fourth of July to Christmas without having time to decorate or enjoy holidays such as Labor Day, Halloween or Thanksgiving. Forget my birthday...I generally have to do the math to figure out how old I really am these days. I find myself asking, “How can it go any faster?” My very wise father replies, “Rest assured, “It will.” So what do I do with the time that remains? Do I sit back and reminisce? Dad says, “No….just move forward.” Don’t worry about climbing up, don’t worry about what you can’t to do. In fact, don’t worry...just be happy and enjoy what life has to offer.” Sounds good, but how do I do that? How do I make my life count? First of all I should be grateful for all my blessings, share my abundance, and mentor my children and grandchildren. Secondly, I need to make a positive impact on my community. Take time for others and give what, where and when I can. Thirdly, I need to find out what makes me happy and “Just Do It!” Serving others and opening my mind and heart to possibilities that I would have never let myself imagine when I was younger, just might give me all the satisfaction I need. If I can do these three simple but challenging steps, I just might have a legacy. But I can’t wait for the right time to start...Why? Because there may never be a right time or even enough time. What I have to do is... start TODAY. Are you with me? Let’s make a resolution to march forward with commitment to change the world making it a better place not only for us, but our children, grandchildren and all those who will come after us. Time waits for no one….we know that from our own experiences. Let’s make today the best day of our life and move forward!
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Pen Pal Sign Up NOW! Our annual Pen Pal Program will begin in January 2012. If you are interested in being a pen pal with a 5th grade student from Buckeye Valley, please contact Margie West at Connections Volunteer Center at (740) 363-5000 Monday-Thursday between 8 am to 4 pm or email her at mwest@helplinedelmor.org. Deadline for signing up is December 28th. Space is limited due to the number of students which is 25% less this year and acceptance into the program is on a first come first serve basis. For the safety of our children, a background check will be required for all seniors. This will be provided and paid for by HelpLine of Delaware & Morrow Counties, Inc. Pen Pals will read a book of the student’s choosing (provided by Delaware District Library), exchange letters (January-April) discussing the book and life experiences, and meet their pen pal at the close of the program. You must be able to attend the “Meet the Pen Pal Party” in May...no exceptions! Once registration is closed we will notify all pen pals by letter. This is a wonderful and very successful program. Call 740-363-5000 to reserve your spot.
Calling All Seniors Volunteers are needed throughout our community and it’s time one of our most valuable resources, our senior population, steps up to the plate. Your expertise, experience, and skills are valuable resources that many of our non-profit agencies need. Whether you decide to become a board member or volunteer on an as needed basis, your assistance will help our community and have a ripple effect on the success of our current programs. We are looking for volunteers with specific skills like carpentry, bookkeeping, grant writing, and research to name a few. We also need people who are willing to help with mailings, special event needs, and tutoring. If you have a few hours or more to spare and can help improve the lives of others, now’s the time to act. Please call Margie at Connections at (740) 363-5000. After a brief phone interview concerning your interests, skills, and availability, we will be able to place you in a volunteer position that will suit your needs. By volunteering you can increase your circle of friends, take on a new purpose, nurture you passion, and become physically active. Now is the time for all good men and women to join forces and place your footprints on our community.
October 22, 2011, was a day to remember in Delaware County Ohio. Four hundred seventy-one volunteers from every walk of life join forces to Make A Difference in our community. Fifty one senior homes received outdoor services including leaf raking, window washing, garden clean-up, and painting. Many seniors were thrilled when strangers gave of their own time to assist them with the physical and emotional burden these tedious and sometime impossible chores posed upon them. Twenty six non-profit agencies also benefited by our volunteers as they helped improve existing infant and middle school playgrounds; stained, painted, organized, and cleaned facilities; landscaped community gardens and agencies buildings; moved agency inventory to new locations, as well as made sleeping bags for those finding themselves without a home. Because of the generousity of volunteers ranging in age from youth to seniors , a positive impact was made throughout Delaware County. Connections would like to thank all those who participated in this national day of service and encourage others to consider joining us next year for Make A Difference Day on Saturday, October 27th. This is perfect way to help others, be a role model for your family, and just make our community at better place to live.
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The following are home safety tips to help provide you with a warm, healthy winter season Prevent home fires. In the winter, more fires are started by heating equipment & fireplaces. In order to prevent them: • Make sure your portable space heater has been tested for safety. Provide plenty of space around them, providing at least three feet away from anything that can burn including curtains, furniture, pets and people. Turn off the space heater before leaving the room or going to sleep. Always supervise children and pets while in use and never use the space heaters to dry clothing or blankets. •
Fireplaces should only burn seasoned hardwood. Do not burn trash, Christmas trees or boxes in the fireplace. Have your chimney inspected by a professional and clean out the chimney on a regular basis. Burn creosote logs to reduce the build-up of creosote. Open flues before using the fireplace and keep study screens or glass doors over the open fire to prevent embers from escaping. Keep all children away from the fireplace and matches or lighters which are used to start the fire.
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Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure to check the batteries periodically.
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Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
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Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside you home.
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Portable generators must be used outside only.
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Stock up on batteries, flashlights, portable radios, canned foods, manual can openers, bottled water and blankets.
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Holiday candles add a pleasant fragrance to your home, but they can be a danger if left unattended. Try purchasing the no flame candles or use a holiday room freshener for that special fragrance.
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Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid possible fire hazards
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If power goes off and it is below freezing, run water at a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
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Store perishable food outside in the snow or in an unheated outside building if the power goes off.
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Check Christmas lights carefully if the stings are damaged, buy new ones.
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Don’t string more than three sets of lights together and do not plug too many things into one outlet at one time.
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Unplug all lights when you go to sleep or leave the home. Timer are an easy way to ensure that the lights are not left on by mistake.
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Don’t run electrical cords under the rug.
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Winter Fun for The cold air might take your breath away but don’t let it keep you housebound and out of touch. There are so many activities to brighten your day and keep the winter blues from coming your way. Here is a list of a few opportunities to get our and enjoy the winter wonderland that Central Ohio provides.
Holiday Concert-Central Ohio Symphony & the Young Strings. December 11th @ 2pm &4:30pm Gray Chapel on the Ohio Wesleyan Campus Delaware, OH 43015 Be filled with the holiday spirit as you listen to these accomplished musicians. Call 740-362-1799 for ticket information. Sunday, January 1—New Year’s Day Hike 10 am Char Mar Ridge Preserve, 7741 Lewis Center Road, Westerville, OH 43081 Start the new year right by getting some exercise and enjoying nature’s beauty. The annual hike will be lead by Len Fisher. Meet in the parking lot afterward for hot drinks and cookies. (Free & all ages) 2nd & 4th Fridays beginning January 10am-4pm Talk to the Trainer— Senior Citizens, Inc., 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware, OH 43015 Receive a personalized exercise program to get fit in 2012. Then exercise Monday—Thursday 8 am-8pm and Friday 8am-4pm. (Free) Tuesdays beginning January 17th—May @ 4pm Sr. Citizens, Inc., 800 Cheshire Rd, Delaware Ballroom dance lessons. (free to seniors)
No one is immune from the impact of the struggling economy these days. Whether you have been forced to deal with financial cutbacks, layoffs, or wage freezes at work or as a retiree watched your investments take a downward trend, some of you might be thinking about changing your employment or reentering the workplace. According to a 2010 bulletin from AARP, more than half of unemployed people age 55-plus were out of work for at least 6 months. If you are considering a job change, the following suggestions can help you improve your current resume’ and make you more noticeable when cruising the job market. •
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Be Specific. In a competitive job market, it can help applicants to be as specific as possible on their resumes. Forgo traditional buzzwords. Today’s hiring managers are more likely to remember candidates who tout verifiable accomplishments like money raised, special projects and quotas met. Abandon the Rules of Yesteryear. Resumes can be more than one page as long as the information is relevant to the job. Don’t include positions held that have nothing to do with the one you are seeking. List details. Stay Current. Submit your resume’ electronically. Use key terms and include al the current technological terms necessary to perform the job for which you are applying. If there is something required in the job description for which you are applying, start learning what is necessary. You are never too old to learn. Market Yourself. Ask yourself why a prospective company should hire you and make sure your resume’ addresses the question effectively. Include Training Along With Education. Chances are you finished schooling years ago. Include additional professional training you have had over the years and in addition to the “Education” section. Include a “Training” section that shows prospective employers that you have kept up-to-date in your field.
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Born and raised in New Jersey, Lois Benton took a risk, moved to Ohio, and enrolled in Ohio Wesleyan University. Her thoughts were to receive her degree and move back home to pursue her career. However, upon arriving in central Ohio she met her future husband, Jim Benton, from Delaware and the rest was, shall we say, history. After their wedding, Jim and Lois made their home in Delaware. Jim worked in the family business of Benton Furniture, and Lois as a stay-at-home mom raising their four children. When Lois had time, she volunteered in many of her children’s activities and in the coffee shop, sleep clinic and library of Grady Memorial Hospital. Keeping busy and active in the community was important to Lois. As her children grew, she took a took a part time job as secretary of Grace United Methodist Church until a full time clerical position became available at Hayes High School. Today in retirement, Lois remains active in the community through volunteering at her church, Asbury UM Church, and is an on-call volunteer for Connections Volunteer Center. This gives Lois the opportunity to give back to many agencies including People in Need, Inc., HelpLine of Delaware & Morrow Counties, Inc., Delaware General Health District, and the Andrews House. When asked why she continues to volunteer, Lois remarked, “I enjoy helping my community, I meet many nice people, and find it a rewarding way to spend her free time.” Lois would encourage everyone to get involved and reach out to others. Margie West, Senior Leadership Coordinator of Connections stated, “Local non-profits need volunteers like Lois. Her experience and skills enhance the agencies in which they are placed and ultimately improves their outreach to the community. In addition, volunteers receive a new network of friends, a feeling of giving back to society, become a valuable resource to our community.” “I don’t know what Delaware County would do without Lois and volunteers like her. They are an inspiration and a role model to us all.” If you would like to become a volunteer in the community, but don’t know where to start, please call Connections Volunteer Center at (740) 363-5000. We have a variety of volunteer needs from long-term needs like board members to one day special events. Make today the day you decide to give back. Give a little of your time to make a BIG difference in the lives of others.
Lois Benton, on call volunteer for Connections Volunteer Center, assisting Andrews House during Christmas Cupboard preparation.
~ Author Unknown
SENIOR DRIVERS—ARE YOU SAFE??? For seniors to drive safely it is important for us to pay attention to any warning signs that age is interfering with our driving safety and make appropriate adjustments. By reducing risk factors and incorporating safe driving practices, many of us can continue driving safely long into our senior years. Aging tends to result in a reduction of strength, coordination, and flexibility, which can have a major impact on your ability to safely control a car. For example:
• Pain or stiffness in your neck can make it harder to look over your shoulder to change lanes or look left and right at intersections to check for other traffic or pedestrians. • Leg pain can make it difficult to move your foot from the gas to the brake pedal. • Diminished arm strength can make it hard to turn the steering • •
wheel quickly and effectively. As reaction times also slow down with age, you may be slower to spot vehicles emerging from side streets and driveways, or to realize that the vehicle ahead of you has slowed or stopped. Keeping track of so many road signs, signals, and markings, as well as all the other traffic and pedestrians, can also become more difficult as we lose the ability to effectively divide our attention between multiple activities. In addition, modern technology provides more distractions such as the radio, TV, DVD, GPS, and cell phones.
Health problems don’t always mean that driving needs to be stopped, but they do require extra vigilance, awareness, and willingness to correct them. Some health problems include: •Conflicting Medications. Certain medications or combinations of medications can affect senses and reflexes. Always check the label on medications and double check with your healthcare team if you are taking several medications or notice a difference after starting a new medication. •Eyesight problems. Some eye conditions or medications can interfere with your ability to focus your peripheral vision, or cause you to experience extra sensitivity to light, trouble seeing in the dark, or blurred vision. Can you easily see traffic lights and street signs? Or do you find yourself driving closer and closer, slowing by the sign to see it? Can you react appropriately to drivers coming from the back or on the side? •Hearing problems. If your hearing is decreasing, you may not realize you’re missing out on important cues to drive safely. Can you hear emergency sirens, or if someone is accelerating next to you or honking the horn? •Problems with reflexes and range of motion. Can you react quickly enough if you need to brake suddenly or quickly look back? Have you confused the gas and brake pedals? Do you find yourself getting more flustered while driving, or quick to anger? Is it comfortable to look back over your shoulder or does it take extra effort?
Problems with memory. Do you find yourself missing exits that used to be second nature, or find yourself getting lost frequently? While everyone has an occasional lapse, if there’s a pattern that is increasing, it’s time to get evaluated by a doctor. Even if you find that you need to reduce your driving or eventually give up the keys, though, it doesn’t mean the end of your independence. Seeking alternative methods of transportation can offer many other health and social benefits, as well as a welcome change of pace to life. In Delaware County we have many options for our seniors including the DATA bus, cab service, and transportation services like those offered through Council for Older Adults. First and foremost….BE SAFE!
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Homemade Herbed Chicken Noodle Soup
Cook’s Corner
Fresh herbs like rosemary, tarragon, thyme and parsley and a garden variety of veggies come together for one of the most delicious chicken noodle soups. This recipe uses low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth for a light, nutritious lunch.
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • •
3 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 onions, diced 6 stalks celery, diced 6 carrot, diced 3/4 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 3/4 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon 3/4 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 3/4 tablespoon chopped Italian flat leaf parsley 4 quarts low-fat, low sodium chicken broth 3-1/2 cups cubed skinless, boneless chicken breast meat 1 (16 ounce) package egg noodles salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onions in oil until translucent. Stir in celery, carrot, rosemary, tarragon, thyme and parsley and cook, covered, until vegetables are soft, 5 to 10 minutes. 2. Transfer vegetable mixture to a large pot and pour in chicken broth. Simmer over low heat, covered, for 30 minutes. Stir in chicken breast pieces and egg noodles and simmer, covered, 30 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper. Preparation Time: 20 min.
Cooking Time: 60
Ready In: 80 min.
Servings: 12
When you have a cold or the flu, a major symptom includes congestion in the nose, chest, and throat. Chicken soup has specifically been shown in studies to thin mucus secretions. Broth and noodles provide carbohydrates for maintaining your energy levels, potentially helping you feel less lethargic. If you add vegetables, you’ll boost the level of nutrients in the soup, which will help support immune function. Slurp away on low-sodium soups that contain 30% less salt. You want the soup to contain some salt, though, because sodium helps regulate the amount of fluid in the body. Basically, the saltiness in soup may help encourage hydration, says Lawrence D. Rosen, MD. This is important because
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Just for Fun !
SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM Are you a Senior who needs extra money? Are you 55 years or older and on a limited income? Do you enjoy helping others? The Senior Companion Program has a unique volunteer opportunity for people who have a sincere desire and interest in helping older adults. Volunteers must meet income guidelines.
Benefits include: * Stipend of $3.40 an hour * Reimbursement for transportation expenses * Paid sick and vacation time * 10 paid holidays * Annual physical and on-duty insurance
FOR MORE INFORMATION Please call Senior Companion Program @ 614-857-1260 or Suzanne Pingry at Connections, 740-363-5000.
Senior Companion Program, Catholic Social Services 197 E Gay Street, Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 857-1260 The Senior Companion program is funded by Catholic Social Services, the Corporation for National Service, and the Council for Older Adults of Delaware County.
Unscramble the following words to name a few things you might have found in your Christmas stocking. 1. ooyy ____________________________ 2. uagpnc __________________________ 3. dguiikcrnpn ______________________ 4. pelap ___________________________ 5. lsvridelaolr _______________________ 6. ishteslw__________________________ 7. yendcnaca ________________________ 8. colctoeah ________________________ 9. hrbosoibran_______________________ 10.bactxmsrhcoa _____________________ 11. abll _____________________________ 12.meabsrl__________________________
Due to recent funding cuts, Connections will be completing a few fundraising events. Our next fundraising event will be an Italian dinner provided by Olive Garden. This event will be held in April with the date to be announced later. Please consider supporting this event as it will provide the volunteer center with funds to assist with day to day operations and special volunteer events like Make A Difference Day.
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“If you see someone without a smile ....give them one of yours.” —Unknown Answers to Just for Fun: 1. yoyo, 2. cap gun, 3. drinking cup, 4. apple, 5. silver dollar, 6. whistle, 7. candy cane, 8. chocolate, 9. hair ribbons, 10. matchbox cars, 11. ball, 12. marbles
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