September-October 2023 Beaver County Senior News

Circle of Friends opens in Conway; hosts grand opening in October

By Gina Mazza

T he highly anticipated opening of Circle of Friends in Conway has finally ar rived! About a year af ter the Baden center was closed, Circle of Friends has relocated to 305 11th Street and Third Avenue in Conway.

The soft opening occurred on June 1, and the center will host an official grand opening celebration in early November—date to be announced soon. Chris tine Albaugh is serving as the director of both the Conway and New Brighton Circle of Friends locations.

The new Conway center, which is open every Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. has already been going strong with a full roster of activities.

“We are very excited to be in Conway,” comments Susan Scott, manager at Conway Circle of Friends. “A lot of folks from the former Baden center are returning and new people are learning about the new center all the time—mostly by word of mouth. New members are joining every week. We’re also excited about all of the activities that we have planned. Everyone seems to be having a good time and enjoying being able to get together again.”

The new Circle of Friends is now open in Conway! Read our cover story to learn about activities that are on the schedule and in the works, including a grand opening celebration in October.

Make your voice heard at an upcoming listening session about the Master Plan for Older Adults; turn to page 17 for details.

The Beaver County Senior Resource Guide is hot off the press! See page 16 for how to get a copy.

Lynn Hogan Webster Editor: Gina Mazza Graphic Designer: Brian Svoboda Contributing

Gina Mazza, Angela Gentile, Kimberly Blaker

Circle of Friends opens in Conway; hosts grand opening in October

Continued from page 1

Regular weekly activities are:

• Lunch: Served every day at noon

• Bingo: Mondays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon

• Healthy Steps in Motion (chair exercise): Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon

• Pinochle: First and third Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Bowling: Second Wednesday of the month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Baden Bowl

• Pancakes and Pokeno: Fourth Wednesday of the month; pancakes served from 9 to 10:30 a.m. followed by Pokeno from 10:30 a.m. to noon

• Make It, Take It Mondays: Make a craft that you can take home on the third Monday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon

• Easy Recipes: Learn about recipes and desserts that are easy to make for one person on the second Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon

• Green Thumb Gardening Class: Do garden planting from a raised tabletop on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon

In addition to regularly scheduled activities, members can enjoy access to an exercise room with a treadmill, bike, stepper and a recumbent bike; a library room where they can both take out and donate books; a craft room; a puzzle table; a tech room where members can learn how to use iPad and mobile devices; and a pool table room with brand new equipment. All lunches and bingo are held in the dining hall.

Another popular feature is the center’s Lunch and Learn series, where members can stay informed and learn useful tips while enjoying their lunches. Currently, health and nutrition expert Julia Evans from Adagio Health in Beaver County is presenting information about the benefits of nutrition, healthy eating, tai chi and gentle exercise.

Come in and join the fun!

To learn more about Circle of Friends Conway, visit circleoffriendsbeaver.com, call (724) 869-4224 or email susanscottcof@gmail.com.

with Vintage Debbie Walking Down Memory Lane

By Debbie Smith Wagner

There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of them! Most of us can remember special occasions where dancing was important; but our question today is all about our memories of learning to dance.

I perform for many senior communities and the one thing that everyone has in common is memories of music and dancing. Dancing evokes so many feelings related to family, friends and school years. I hope the following answers from our readers inspire you to put on your favorite music and strut your stuff!

Who taught you how to dance?

“I learned how to dance to polka from my folks.”

– Jenda George, Pittsburgh

“When we were young, there was a hotel in my mom’s hometown that had a small ballroom. We would have something to eat then my dad would dance with each of us girls, then with Mom. Funny, I don’t remember my brother dancing at all.”

– Holly Mathias, Ambridge

“My mom taught me all types of dances. It was always fun to go to weddings and parties with dance music playing because she would always be the first one on the dance floor”

– Sabina Simpkins, Florida (formerly Beaver)

“I always loved dancing. I learned from a show on television.”

– Litza Beers, Pittsburgh

“Family, dance instructors and just danced my way through life with my husband. We were known for our dancing prowess.”

– Judith Bridge, Cincinnati

“I was taught by my dance teacher Miss Janet and I really loved doing competitions. My favorite ones were held at Seven Springs. They were like a mini-vacations because we’d swim and play in the arcade.”

– Jaye Borowsky, Hopewell

“My mother said I came out the womb dancing! I enjoyed watching mom and dad dance. They were lovely together.”

– K. M. Moffett, Pittsburgh

“Sock hops and Friday night dances at school.”

– Adele Fatur, Zelienople

“My mother and father were jitterbug champions in Cincinnati. I learned to dance from both of them, and absolutely love all my memories of it!”

– Debbie Wagner, Beaver County

Vintage Debbie is a vintage history buff and performance artist with a unique style of era-specific music, dance and dress. She entertains area seniors through an interactive and fun music memory experience in Beaver, Lawrence and Butler counties. To learn more, follow Vintage Debbie’s World on Facebook, search Vintage Debbie’s music videos on YouTube, or view videos of her performances by visiting pittsburghseniornews.com.

To book her for an event, email wagner.debbie@ymail.com.

Kathy Steines (pictured right) attended a dance studio in Beaver County in 1956.

Indoor fun with grandkids: Activities to brighten a gloomy day

Make a tent or fort. Indoor tents and forts make fun play areas as well as cozy retreats for reading or watching movies. To build a tent, take several bed sheets, tablecloths, or blankets, and hang them over tables or backward-facing chairs. For a more permanent structure, connect PVC tubing into the shape of a box. Then drape it with sheets.

Hold an art workshop. Gather the basics such as paper, paint, and markers. Then scrounge for a variety of recyclables such as boxes, toilet paper rolls, plastic bottles, caps, old magazines, and anything else you can think of. If you have any crafting supplies such as yarn, fabric, or glitter, pull those out as well. Then let your family’s inspiration flow, and create to everyone’s heart’s content.

By Kimberly Blaker

Don’t let the weather get your grandkids down, because there’s no better occasion to enjoy cozy indoor fun. Try some of these ideas to brighten everyone’s spirit and strengthen your family bond.

Koppel Terrace Senior Apartments

Maintenance Free, Garden Style Apartments

For persons 55 years of age and older

Corner of 1st Avenue and Richard Street in Koppel

19 spacious, fully carpeted 1 and 2 bedroom apartments

One Bedroom $400 Two Bedrooms $500 plus electric Water, sewage and garbage included. Fully equipped with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal. On-site laundry facilities are also available. For additional information and application packet, call (724) 775-4535.

Income restrictions apply. Annual income must not exceed: $25,450 one person; $29,050 two persons

1008

Do a read-in. First, head to the library and have everyone pick out some books. When you return home, pull out pillows and blankets in the family room, and spend the day lounging and reading. Another option is for everyone to take turns reading aloud from a book that’s geared toward all ages.

Learn self-defense. Rent or buy a martial arts DVD on basic self-defense. Then gather your grandkids to prac-

Francis A. Farmer Apartments

274 Friendship Circle, Brighton Township, Beaver, PA 15009

Rent-Assisted Housing for Persons Ages 62 and Older

Accessible 1 bedroom apartments with equipped kitchens, A/C, balconies, community room, laundry facilities, parking lots and Secure Intercom System. Newly-renovated accessible apartments with roll-in showers also available. There is an admission priority for very low-income persons whose incomes are:

• 1 Person hh...$17,450 • 2 Persons hh...$19,950

Maximum income for eligibility is: • 1 Person $46,500 • 2 Persons $53,150

Application or assistance available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Housing Authority of the County of Beaver, 300 State Ave., Beaver, PA 15009 Or call (724) 775-1220 for additional information

www.beavercountyhousing.org

tice techniques that could help them escape a dangerous situation.

Hold a magic show. Pick up magic trick books or watch magic videos online. Then practice up, and invite the neighborhood kids to come and watch your act. Have a dance-a-thon. Crank up the volume to some pop, hip-hop, or whatever your grandkids’ favorite music, and see whose energy holds out the longest.

Play bakery. What better way to warm up on a chilly day and enjoy family time than to bake up some tasty treats? Make a day of it, and get all your baking done in advance for an upcoming gathering or so you have treats to store. After you’ve sufficiently sampled the goodies, freeze the remainder.

Sizzling science fun. Search online for fun experiments you can conduct at home with basic household products and ingredients. Perform a few. Then make a video of a really cool one to post on Youtube.com.

Do a workout. Physical fitness is vital for the entire family. Look for a HIIT, Zumba, or another cardiovascular exercise video with today’s hottest music and moves. Paint a wall mural. Is your family artistic? If so, choose a wall in your basement, garage, mudroom, or playroom in need of a personal touch. Before you begin, draw your mural idea on a piece of paper. Then buy a couple quarts of primary color paints plus a quart of white and black. Mix the colors at home to create additional colors and shades.

Hold a game night. Pull out the cards and board games, and gather some snacks. Then start keeping score to see who will be the night’s grand winner.

Enjoy a picnic. Who says picnics are only for outdoors? Put together all the fixings of a picnic complete with a picnic basket, if you have one. Then spread out a blanket in your family room, and enjoy the grub.

Tell stories. Write a dozen or so story prompts each on a separate piece of paper, and toss them into a bowl. Then take turns pulling out a story prompt and telling a story. Another option is for one person to start the story. Then, go around the room, and each of you adds a sentence to the story. See how long you can keep the story alive.

Get cultured. Choose a culture your grandkids would like to experience and learn more about. Look for recipes from that culture online as well as mealtime customs for a fuller experience. Then have everyone pitch in and help cook the international fare.

Perform a puppet show. Pull out old socks or brown paper lunch bags, and make your own puppets. Draw on the faces, and use yarn or string for the hair. Then take turns performing your acts.

Kimberly Blaker owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more Visit sagerarebooks.com.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Enjoy the fall season . . . before it leaves

By Angela Gentile, Administrative Officer II Beaver County Office on Aging

by November 30 at the markets for Pennsylvaniagrown fruits and vegetables.

• Stop by the Beaver County farmers markets in Ambridge, Beaver, Beaver Falls, Chippewa and New Brighton and grab some apples for homemade apple crisp or butternut squash to make soup. You can even get some locally produced ground meat at the market to use in a pot of chili.

• When it is time to head indoors, do not forget about all the great activities available at our senior centers: Center at the Mall in the Beaver Valley Mall and Circle of Friends in Conway and New Brighton. Check out their activities listed in this issue of Senior News.

• There are always opportunities to borrow some great books to read and DVDs to watch from the Beaver County libraries.

Don’t forget to “fall back” at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 5. Turn your clocks back one hour as we return to Standard Time. Sunrise and sunset will be one hour earlier, plus there will be more light in the morning.

Take some time to slow down and enjoy the season of fall. Here are some simple ways to enjoy sweater weather that do not cost much.

• Why not get some spiced tea bags or pumpkin spice coffee to make at home and sip in a big mug while sitting outside on some of these last days prior to cold weather arriving?

• Take a stroll or get in the car and plan a drive to enjoy the leaves changing to those vibrant orange, red and yellow hues. Be sure to bring your smartphone and take some photos to enjoy later.

• Get some homemade apple butter or jams at the various fall festivals happening around the area. There’s nothing like a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich to enjoy.

• If you have not used your Senior Farmers Market Program vouchers yet, be sure to redeem them

Angela savors a warm cup of spiced tea.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

SPOTLIGHT on Senior Concerns

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

Do you need help with paying for your rent and utilities?

If you have lost a job or income because of COVID-19 and rent your home, assistance may be available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). It can cover rent and utility arrears accrued since March 2020, upcoming rent and utility costs, rehousing costs and other costs related to housing.

To apply, you will need to provide your:

• name, address, contact information and number of people in the household.

• landlord or property manager’s name and contact information.

• utility provider’s information and your account number.

• income information for you and anyone else in the household, such as wages, unemployment, Social Security, SSI, etc.

• monthly household expenses and how much you owe, if you have arrears.

Gather these documents before applying:

• Proof of identity

• Proof of lost employment or income, like an unemployment qualification or benefits or pay statements

• Proof of income for anyone in the household over age 18, including paystubs, W-2’s, tax filings, unemployment qualification or benefits

• Proof of monthly rent or arrears owed

• Proof of utility costs or arrears owed

• Proof of other housing costs incurred due to COVID-19

Photocopies, digital photographs of documents, and emails or attestations from an employer, landlord or utility provider are accepted. If you are applying through COMPASS, the documents can be uploaded directly with your applications. If documents are not available, the county ERAP office can work with you to sign a written statement.

To apply, visit compass.state.pa.us or call the local ERAP office run by the Housing Authority of Beaver County at (724) 498-4129 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Are you interested

We have different opportunities available.

For information, contact Jason Chalupiak at 724-847-2262.

QA &

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin Medicare Open Enrollment

By Rebecca Barnes, PA MEDI Coordinator Beaver County Office on Aging

Question: What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Answer: Medicare Open Enrollment is the time of year when Medicare beneficiaries can change their Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D Drug Plan. During Open Enrollment, a Medicare beneficiary can:

• join, drop, or switch to another Medicare Advantage.

• switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.

• join a Medicare Part D Drug Plan if you’re in Original Medicare.

• switch from one Medicare Part D Drug Plan to another if you’re in Original Medicare.

Question: When is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Answer: Medicare Open enrollment begins on October 15 and ends on December 7, 2023. Coverage for your new plan begins on January 1, 2024.

Question: What should I look for when comparing Medicare Advantage Plans?

Answer: Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan may seem intimidating, but Medicare beneficiaries should consider the following factors when comparing plans:

• Do the costs of the plan fit in my budget? Costs include the plan premium, deductibles, co-pay and co-insurance amounts for services.

• Are my doctors and other providers in the Medicare Advantage Plan’s network? Remember that Medicare Advantage Plans have networks of providers that you may need to utilize for the plan to pay for service.

• Are my medications on the Medicare Advantage Plan’s formulary?

• Is my preferred pharmacy in the Medicare Advantage Plan’s network?

• Does the Medicare Advantage Plan provide additional benefits like routine dental, routine vision or gym memberships?

Question: How do I compare Part D Drug Plans?

Answer: Medicare Part D Drug Plans are standardized by Medicare and sold by private insurance companies. Part D plans have a drug formulary, which is a list of

outpatient prescription drugs that they will cover. Each Part D Plan has a premium. The Part D Plan may have a deductible as well as co-pays or co-insurance amounts for covered medications.

When comparing Medicare Part D Plans, consider the following factors:

• Do the costs of the Part D Plan fit into my budget? Cost includes the plan premium, the deductible and prescription co-pays or co-insurance amounts.

• Are my medications on the Part D Plan’s formulary?

• Is my preferred pharmacy in the Part D plan’s network?

Question: Is it necessary to renew my current plan if I do not want to change plans?

Answer: If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plan and do not want to change plans, you do not need to do anything during Open Enrollment. Your plan will automatically renew for the following year. If your plan is being discontinued or not being renewed, then you should receive a non-renewal notice from your plan. If this happens, you will need to choose a new plan.

Question: Does open enrollment affect those with Medigap Supplement Plans?

Answer: If you have a Medigap Supplement Plan, Open Enrollment does not affect you unless you want to leave the Medigap Plan and switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Question: What online resources are available to help?

Answer: The Medicare Plan Finder is an online resource to help you view and compare all available Medicare Part D Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. To find and compare available plans in your area, visit the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov/find-a-plan. Search by your zip code or use your Medicare.gov account for information tailored to you.

Question: Can PA MEDI help with Medicare Open Enrollment?

Answer: PA MEDI advises Medicare beneficiaries to take the time each year to review their current plan to see what changes have been made to their plan for the following year. It is not uncommon for changes to a plan’s drug formulary or co-pay structure. Additionally, plan premiums and deductibles may increase. If plan costs increase or no longer fit your lifestyle, PA MEDI can help compare plans that are available in your area. In addition, PA MEDI counselors screen to determine if someone might be eligible for additional assistance programs that may reduce out-of-pocket costs.

The Beaver County PA MEDI Program can be reached at (724) 847-2262. The office is in the Human Service Building, located at 1020 Eighth Avenue in Beaver Falls.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Caregivers recognized at annual event; program seeks caregivers

The Caregiver Support Program is actively recruiting more caregivers. The goal of the program is to provide financial reimbursement, emotional and educational support to caregivers in the community so they can continue to care for their loved ones at home. Caregivers cannot be paid for care provided but are reimbursed for preapproved expenses. Caregivers and care receivers can-

not be receiving services from any Medicaid-funded Waiver or long-term care, in-home program. Grandparents or other relatives ages 55 and older acting as the primary caregiver for children under age 18 may also participate.

The Beaver County Office on Aging held its 19th Annual Caregiver Support Program event on June 28 at Monaca Turners—the first in-person CSP event since 2019—with the theme “Growing Great Caregivers!”

The hall was beautifully appointed with garden décor. Caregivers and their guests were welcomed by Care Management Supervisor Tesi Dye, and keynote speaker Melissa Chambers provided valuable information on handling caregiver stress.

Attendees were treated to a buffet lunch and cake from Kretchmar’s Bakery. Entertainment was provided by magician Chuck Caputo. Caregivers also participated in a raffle. The afternoon concluded with the caregivers being recognized by their care managers. Each caregiver received a gift bag that included a book and brochures on caregiver topics, Eat’n Park gift cards and a special mug.

To learn more or to make a referral, call the Beaver County Office on Aging at (724) 847-2262 or email CSP@bcoa.us.

BCOA Options Care Management and Caregiver Support Program staff planned the caregiver event. (First row) Tesi Dye, Kelly Newhouse, (second row) Melinda Stevenson, Aimee Grundberg, Christy Dupree, Leslie Lotito, Dawna Bott and Teresa Helbling.

Care Manager Kelly Newhouse with caregivers Mary Leitao and Patty DeFerrari.

Caregivers Lester and Deann Fraser.

Keynote speaker Melissa Chambers discusses how to deal with caregiver stress.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Circle of Friends

Senior Community Centers

Circle of Friends host fun activities and events

Join in one or several of the many activities being held at Circle of Friends, located at 1851 Third Avenue in New Brighton. For more information, call (724) 846-1959. Circle of Friends Conway is now open at 305 11th Street in Conway. To learn more, call (724) 869-4224.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS NEW BRIGHTON

September:

• 6 and 20: Pancakes and sausage at 9 a.m.; Pokeno at 10 a.m.

• 13: Card Party at 10 a.m.

• 11: Make it Monday! Craft with Susan at 10 a.m.

• 12: Apple Bingo; $5

• Every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Line Dance

• 19: Blood pressure checks at 9 a.m.

• Every Friday at 9 a.m.: Exercise with Connie

October:

• 4 and 18: Pancakes and sausage at 9 a.m.; Pokeno at 10 a.m.

• 9: Make it Monday! Craft With Susan at 10 a.m.

• 11: Card Party at 10 a.m.

• 31: Halloween Party; $5

• Every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Line Dance

• 17: Blood pressure checks at 9 a.m.

• Every Friday at 9 a.m.: Exercise with Connie

November:

• 1 and 15: Pancakes and sausage at 9 a.m.; Pokeno at 10 a.m.

• 13: Make it Monday! Craft With Susan at 10 a.m.

• 8: Card Party; $5

• 21: Thanksgiving Bingo; $5

• Every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Line Dance

• 17: Blood pressure checks at 9 a.m.

• Every Friday at 9 a.m.: Exercise with Connie

Find us on Facebook at Circle of Friends Beaver County, or just stop in for a visit and say hi!

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS CONWAY

Mondays: Walking club and lunch at noon

Tuesdays: Bingo at 10 a.m., lunch 12:30 p.m., beginner exercise at 12:30 p.m.

Wednesdays: Bible Study at 10 a.m., beginner exercise at 11 a.m., lunch at noon

Thursdays: Cards and Pool Table, Line Dance at 10 a.m., lunch at noon

Fridays: Pool Table, lunch at noon

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

BCOA Ombudsman Department celebrates new PEER graduates

The Beaver County Office on Aging Ombudsman Department celebrated the graduation of seven Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (PEERS) on April 27 at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph Nursing Home in Baden.

The PEER program trains resident advocates to work with facilities, staff, and residents to enhance quality of care and quality of life for their peers. The program was initiated by the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman in an effort to assist long-term care residents in volunteering their time and expertise to self-advocate issues that will resonate for their peers. Each resident received a certificate, a starfish pin, a door sign, a badge and a bag with several gifts.

Staff ombudsman Dawna Bott and volunteer Jean Dobay led the residents through five two-hour training sessions in March and April. Former ombudsman Leslie Lotito provided ongoing assistance. A training session was also provided for several staff members.

Residents and their guests enjoyed a lunch catered by Olive Garden. Sylvia Testa’s daughter, Linda, crafted a starfish-themed cake for dessert.

The 2023 Beaver County Senior Resource Guide is now available

The 2023 Beaver County Senior Resource Guide is now available and is free.

It is a comprehensive listing of services of the Beaver County Office on Aging, along with other community and home-based services in the county. The guide is ready for pickup at the Beaver County Office on Aging, Center at the Mall, Circle of Friends Conway and Circle of Friends New Brighton. It is available online at pittsburghseniornews.com and at beavercountypa.gov/departments/office-on-aging (under the Related Links tab).

The BCOA Ombudsman program celebrates the graduation of the Concordia at Villa St. Joseph PEER class (seated, from L): Sylvia Testa, Patrica Vular, Jean Dempsey, Susan Elliott, Harry Walter, Carol Ours, (standing, from L) Dan Tomazeski, Jean Dobay and Dawna Bott.

PEER graduate Jean Dempsey celebrates her completion of training with her daughters Lonna Miles and Kelly Newhouse.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Make your voice heard! BCOA invites public to a listening session on Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults

The Beaver County Office on Aging will host two listening sessions on the Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults—a 10-year, state-led and stakeholderdriven strategic plan designed to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians. The master plan will reflect the needs and preferences of this population to live where they choose and access the supports they need to thrive and age in place.

The listening sessions will take place at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 12 at Circle of Friends New Brighton, 1851 3rd Ave, New Brighton (Madonna Hall of Holy Family Parish) and at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, September 21 at Center at the Mall, located at 284 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd. in Monaca.

Stakeholders, older adults and people living with disabilities, their families, caregivers and community leaders are invited to hear an overview of the plan and why it is needed for Pennsylvania. Attendees will have opportunities to provide comments and input on the plan. Give your input on issues such as housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, civic participation and employment, communication and information, respect and social inclusion, social participation, and health services and community supports.

Individuals who are unable to attend can still provide input on the plan by emailing AgingPlan@pa.gov, providing feedback through an online form at aging. pa.gov, or by sending a letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, c/o Master Plan, 555 Walnut St., Fifth Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

Ombudsman

(724) 480-8589

ombudsman@bcoa.us

(to report resident rights issues in nursing homes, personal care homes and long-term care services)

Linda L. Hall, Administrator

1020 Eighth Ave. Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (724) 847-2262 (local)

(888) 548-2262 (long distance)

TDD (724) 728-5700

Website: beavercountypa.gov/departments/office-on-aging

Beaver County Commissioners

Daniel C. Camp III, Chairman

Jack Manning

Tony Amadio

Protective Services for Older Adults

(724) 775-1786

(TO REPORT ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION - 24 HOURS)

Services

• Information and Referral

• Care Management

• Benefits / PA MEDI – Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight

• Pre-admission Assessment

• Caregiver Support Program

• Domiciliary Care

• Ombudsman

• Adult Day Care

• Home Delivered Meals

• Homemaker

• Personal Care

• Legal Services

• Protective Services

• Senior Centers

• Transportation

Property Tax/Rent Rebate program expands for first time in 17 years

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program is expanding for the first time since 2006. In August, Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed expansion of the program, which is administered by the Department of Revenue, was signed into law. It benefits older Pennsylvanians and people living with disabilities.

Under HB1100, nearly 175,000 more Pennsylvanians will qualify, including 16,500 seniors in Allegheny County and 6,900 in Westmoreland County. Many of the 400,000 seniors who already qualify will see their rebates nearly double. The maximum rent rebate has been increased to $1,000, up from $650, and the income cap for renters and homeowners to be eligible is now $45,000.

“This is the largest targeted tax cut for seniors in nearly two decades in Pennsylvania and we got it done,” Governor Shapiro comments. “For the 400,000 Pennsylvania seniors already qualified, you will potentially see your rebates double in order to give you the relief you need.”

Those income limits will also be tied to the cost of living going forward, which means that individuals who

receive a rebate won’t have to worry about losing their eligibility through no fault of their own in the years to come, and no senior becomes ineligible just because their Social Security payment increased.

To learn more, visit governor.pa.gov.

Beaver Elder Care Rehabilitation Center

A GUARDIAN ELDER CARE FACILITY

616 Golf Course Road

Aliquippa, PA 15001

Phone: (724) 375-0345

Now offering Outpatient Therapy along with Short-Term Rehabilitation

www.beavereldercare.com

Crossword Puzzle

Crossword #W67F7AT8

(Answer on page 2)

Down 1. Bernhardt and Jessica 2. Money paid to get money 3. Common summer allergy 4. Win by ___ 5. Frog genus 6. Creative output 7. Maxima and Sentra 8. Beatific being 9. Restaurant reading 10. First name in whodunits 11. Carpenter's support 12. Church towers 13. Singer Anthony 15. Countercurrents 20. Predecessor of Pope 22. Republicans, for short 25. Bit of folklore 26. Breakfast staples 28. "Her name was

29. Seasonal song 31. Greedy 32. Iron Maiden

Across

1. Extremely dry

8. Accrue

13. Infamous Dutch spy

14. Refute

16. Little pests

17. Worked like beavers

18. Basketry fiber

19. Played detective

21. Root in the stands

22. Scotsman

23. Southwest Indian

24. Unspecified number (abbr.)

25. ___ avail (hopeless)

26. “Copperhead Road” singer Steve

27. Time passing

30. French possessive

31. “Deck the Halls,” e.g.

33. Really mean people

35. Physician, familiarly

36. Syrians’ neighbors

40. “Was There ___ Pal Like You?” (Irving Berlin tune)

42. Phnom Penh cash

Leetsdale Manor

27 Spencer Street, Leetsdale, PA 15056

Rent-Assisted Housing for Persons Ages 62 and Older

1 bedroom apartments w/ equipped kitchens, wall-wall carpet, A/C, balconies, community room, laundry facility, limited off-street parking and Secure intercom system.

HUD has mandated that an admission priority be implemented for households whose incomes are 30% of the area median income or less.

Income limits apply (gross annual income):

• 1 Person hh...$14,600

• 2 Persons hh...$16,700

Maximum income eligibility • 1 Person...$24,350

(800) 238-7555

• 2 Persons ...$27,800

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

43. Baseball’s Dykstra

46. Majeste start

47. Talk show pioneer Griffin

48. Tijuana tykes

50. Unworldly

52. Stupefy

53. Place to go?

54. Launch

56. City in Oregon

59. Ancient ascetics

Down

1. Bernhardt and Jessica Parker

2. Money paid to get money

3. Common summer allergy

4. Win by ___

5. Frog genus

6. Creative output

7. Maxima and Sentra

8. Beatific being

9. Restaurant reading material?

10. First name in whodunits

11. Carpenter’s support

12. Church towers

13. Singer Anthony

15. Countercurrents

20. Predecessor of Pope Hilarius

22. Republicans, for short

25. Bit of folklore

26. Breakfast staples

28. “Her name was ____...”

29. Seasonal song

31. Greedy

32. Iron Maiden song

34. Organized faith

35. Eradicate

37. California’s La ____ Tar Pits

38. El Al or Alitalia

39. Carson City’s st.

41. Angler, at times

44. Mesh, like gears

45. Actor Nick and family

47. Rationed (out)

48. Dame preceder, in football

49. Observed

51. Descartes or Magritte

52. Smidgens

55. Silly utterances by Monty Python