December 17 BuCSN by Pittsburgh Senior News

Butler County Senior News

December 2017

Volume 12, Number 3

FREE

There will be no January Butler County Senior News. We will resume in February. Find us on Facebook under our corporate name, “Pittsburgh Senior News.”

Be the first to know when news happens Send your email address to pghseniornews@icloud.com and we will deliver our publication to your inbox monthly.

Depositphotos.com

Ring in the holidays with family and friends at one or more of these local holiday shows and seasonal exhibits By Gina Mazza For Butler County Senior News It’s that magical time of year again to make special memories with family and friends. When it comes to holiday happenings, Butler County and the City of Pittsburgh never lacks for plenty of options to take in a special holiday show, activity or event. Here’s our annual roundup of our favorite things to do in and around the region.

In and near Butler County Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Big Butler Fairgrounds Big Butler Fairgrounds, 1127 New Castle Rd., Prospect. Call (866) 856-8444 or visit Shadrackchristmas.com. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is back at the Big Butler Fairgrounds this holiday season. This Christmas light and music extravaganza is unlike any show you’ve

seen. Simply tune into your car radio and watch the magic unfold as you drive through hundreds of thousands of brilliant LED lights dancing in perfect synchronization with the music. The lights will glow every night from dusk to 10 p.m., including holidays, through January 7. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are popular nights to visit the light show, so please Continued on page 3

Do you need help with caregiving? * Visit our website at Pittsburghseniornews.com to view our Butler County Senior Resource Guide.

Do you have an event to share? If you would like us to publicize a Butler County event, send information by the 10th day of the month prior. Email submissions will be reviewed and every effort will be made to run qualified submissions if page space is available. All submissions to pghseniornews@icloud.com.

Visit Us Online at pittsburgh seniornews.com Enjoy 80+ free comics everyday. Plus games and news.

Publisher’s Corner

Owner/Publisher: Lynn Webster Editor: Gina Mazza Art Director: Shantessa Burnfield Sales Executive: Wallace Webster

ON SITE SURGICAL CENTER

It’s that most wonderful time of the year to make memories with the family. Treat the grandkids to one or more of the holiday events listed in our cover story. Everyone here at Senior News wishes you a very happy holiday season!

Lynn Webster

Photographer: Chuck LeClaire

• No stitch, no patch cataract surgery at adjacent surgical center • Laser surgery for secondary cataracts, diabetes and glaucoma • Facial rejuvenation treatments, including Botox®, dermal fillers and eyelash enhancement • Complex retinal care with Drs. Hoffman, Rosenberg, and Kondapalli • Eye Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery with Dr. Randall Beatty

Printing Company: Knepper Press

C.A. Balouris, M.D.

Intern: Kara Makkos

Comprehensive Retinal Services are available at Balouris Eye Center, PC. Drs. Hoffman, Rosenberg, and Kondapalli of Everett & Hurite Ophthalmic Association provide complex retinal care in our office. They treat all conditions affecting the retina including macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and advanced diabetic retinopathy.

Melissa A. DeRenzo, M.D.

102 Technology Dr.•Butler•724-482-0090•www.BalourisEyeCenter.com

Visit our website at pittsburghseniornews.com

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

Proofreader: Jeff Makkos Volume 12, Number 3 Published monthly by Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc. for Butler County Senior News 8280 Tanglewood Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 760-5914 Visit our website at pittsburghseniornews.com or email us at pghseniornews@icloud.com

View the most recent issues of • Butler County Senior News • Pittsburgh Senior News • Beaver County Senior News •Butler County Senior Resource Guide • Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide •Beaver County Senior Resource Guide

Crossword Puzzle Answer (See page 15)

Contributing Writers: Brittany Buzzelli Gina Mazza

Live Independently…Not Alone Medical help at the push of a button. Get medical help in an emergency at the push of a button with the Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) from Vector Security®. Simply wear the system on your wrist or neck and press the “help” button to be connected to a trained operator 24 hours a day. Call now for more information and a free consultation…because living alone doesn’t mean being alone.

1-800-756-9161 www.vectorsecurity.com

Butler County Senior News is distributed monthly in the Butler County area. Copy right 2017 by Butler County Senior News. All rights reserved Reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All advertisement in Butler County Senior News is subject to the approval of the publisher. Publication of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

In Memory of John A. Hogan, Sr. Carmella M. Hogan Michael J. Hogan, Sr. Wayne Hogan

Ring in the holidays with family and friends at one or more of these local holiday shows and seasonal exhibits

Heritage Elder Law & Estate Planning, LLC The Holiday Season and Estate Planning: The Perfect Time of Year

Continued from page 1

The holidays are a time for family. Families get together frequently this time of year. People tend to do lots of traveling to go visit relatives from far away. We’re also thinking about buying gifts for our family for the next two months.

anticipate long lines and wait times. Visit Monday through Thursday to avoid extended wait times. Fee is $25 for cars and family vans; $40 for mini-bus, limousine or activity van; $80 for school and tour busses. Items in Santa’s Village are an additional cost. Christmas Wonderland supports local charities. Tickets can be purchased onsite from the comfort of your vehicle. Public Skate UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, Cranberry Township. Call (724) 900-2799 or visit upmclemieuxsportscomplex.com. Come enjoy a family fun activity of indoor ice skating on Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.; and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Adults $8, children 12 and under $6. Skate rental $3. Butler Symphony Orchestra Butler County Symphony Orchestra, Butler Intermediate High School, Call (724) 283-1402 or visit butlersymphony.org. Don’t miss this annual holiday concert, “Holiday Traditions”, featuring traditional and contemporary pieces on December 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Breakfast with Santa Butler Township Park Building, 468 S. Duffy Rd., Butler. Call (724) 284-5383 or visit co.butler.pa.us/Parks-and-Recreation. The Butler County Parks and Recreation Department has teamed up with Butler Township to host Breakfast with Santa from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, December 2 at the Butler Township Park Building. Enjoy a fun-filled breakfast with crafts, goodies and the big man in the red suit. Perfect for ages toddler through 10. Cost is $7 per child (under age one are free, but must be registered). Pre-registration required. Continued on page 4

I always find it ironic that most parents spend way more time thinking about Christmas presents for their children and grandchildren than they spend thinking about estate planning. They spend more time and energy on a $50 Christmas gift than they do about the control and transfer of their entire life’s work. Jeffrey D. Banner, Owner Heritage Elder Law

This annual focus on family makes this time of the year an excellent time to do estate planning. While executing a will or a trust may not be as exciting as a big present under the tree, it is far more important. Your child’s excitement surrounding this year’s hottest toy fades by New Year’s Day, but the importance of proper estate planning could last generations. At our law firm, we also see an annual uptick in long term care planning for seniors around this time of year. It is common that family members have not seen a senior family member for several months or even years. At a holiday dinner, they’ll notice that Dad has gotten a little forgetful or that Mom needs a little more help getting around. This usually causes the kids to think about whether Mom and Dad have their documents in order. Common questions families ask include: who’s in charge in the event of an illness? Do we have a plan for long term care? Can we protect assets? Do we understand the plan for when someone passes away? You should not leave these questions unanswered. The first step is to become educated by attending one of our FREE Informational Estate Planning Workshops. Call our office at (724) 841-0004 or visit HeritageElderLaw. com to view workshop dates, times and locations.

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

Photo credit: shadrackchristmas.com/pittsburgh-pa/

Ring in the holidays with family and friends at one or more of these local holiday shows and seasonal exhibits Continued from page 3 The Strand Theater 119 N. Main Street in Zelienople. Call (724) 742-0400 or visit thestrandtheater.org. Catch a holiday movie or show at The Strand. Holiday offerings include It’s a USO Christmas (two shows only) on December 16 and 17, which harkens back to the beloved variety shows made famous by Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe and The Andrew Sisters. The Strand will also air the popular holiday movies Elf, The Polar Express and It’s a Wonderful Life. Photo credit: cmoa.org

Girls and Dolls Holiday Tea Succop Nature Park, 185 West Airport Rd., Butler . Call (412) 963-6100 or visit aswp.org. Bring your favorite little girl, along with her doll, for a tea party fit for a princess from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 2 at Succop Nature Park. Enjoy tea, snacks, holiday carols and a craft in Succop Nature Park’s historic mansion. The park is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Cost for tea is $20 members, $25 non-member. Artisan Gift Market Portersville Shops and Studios, Portersville. Call Nicolette’s Tailor Shop and Specialty Gifts at (724) 368-1100. All month through New Year’s Day, enjoy a treat for your all your senses at Portersville Shops and Studios. Catch local artists creating and displaying their works. Christmas Open House at Glass Blowing Center

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

114 Leonard Rd., Hilliards. Call (724) 791-2100 or visit glass123. com. Come out the Glass Blowing Center on December 1 through 3 to see blown glass Christmas ornament demonstrations and enjoy refreshments. The center also has educational displays and offers lessons and glass repair. Spectators are welcome to ask questions in which the demonstrating artist can directly answer and show how various glass techniques are accomplished on a torch. Little Shops of Butler County Shopping Tour The Meridian Station Gift Shop & Confectionery, 298 Meridian Rd., Butler. Call (724) 482-4436. Join in this shopping adventure and get to know the little shops of Butler County. Travel at your own pace and direction—from Butler to Portersville—with 12 stops on the tour.

In and around downtown Pittsburgh Carnegie Museum of Art Holiday Trees and Presepio The Carnegie Museum Group, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. Call (412) 622-3131 or visit cmoa.org. Kick off your holidays with a visit to this popular seasonal display, brought to you by the Carnegie Museum of Art Women’s Committee. The exhibit runs through January 7. Seniors ages 65 and older, $12; adults, $15; ages 3 to 18, $11. Price of admission includes both art and natural history museums. Cirque Dreams Holidaze Friday, December 29 and Saturday, December 30. The Benedum Center, Downtown. Call (412) 456-6666 or visit Trustarts.org or cirqueproductions.com. Cirque Dreams Holidaze’s soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, elaborate production numbers and illusions will leave you mesmerized. Experience this 2-hour theatrical phenomenon. Appropriate for all ages. Tickets start at $40. Holiday Magic Laser Show Carnegie Science Center, One Allegheny Ave, North Side. Call (412) 237-3400 or visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org Experience the magic of the holiday season with a little science at this magical holiday laser show perfect for the whole family. Featuring traditional holiday tunes from across generations to contemporary artists performing their personal favorites, this matinee laser show is guaranteed to be a hit with all ages. Shows daily through December 30.

Hayden: The Creation Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown. Call (412) 392-4900 or visit pittsburghsymphony.org. A Musical Christmas Carol The Byham Theater Friday, December 8 to Saturday, December 23. To order tickets, call (844) 765-8432 or visit Trustarts.org. The Nutcracker

Cultural District, Downtown. Call (412) 456-6666 or visit Firstnightpgh.org or TrustArts.org. Join Pittsburgh’s 2018 New Year’s Eve Party! A production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, First Night is an arts-focused and family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. It is the largest single-day celebration in the region, offering about 150 events at nearly 50 indoor and outdoor locations within a 14-block area. The celebration offers something for everyone, including a countdown to midnight and fireworks display, parade with giant puppets, live music and dance, a Sing-Off competition and art displays both indoors and outside. Admission buttons are $10 (children under age five are free).

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Highmark Holiday Pops Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, Friday, December 8 to Sunday, December 17. Call (412) 392-4900 or visit Pittsburghsymphony.org The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO): The Ghosts of Christmas Eve PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Downtown, Friday, December 22, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. To purchase tickets, call (855) 335-9722 or visit Pittsburgh-theater.com; prices from $73. Continued on page 6

With one of the broadest networks of care in the region, odds are we have the senior and health care services you’re looking for. • Home and Community Services • Hospice Services • Retirement Living • Personal Care, including Adult Day Services

• Rehabilitation Services • Outpatient Therapy • Skilled Nursing

134 Marwood Road • Cabot, PA • 16023 • 1-888-352-1571 • www.concordialm.org

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

First Night Pittsburgh

The Benedum, Downtown, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Friday, December 1 to Wednesday, December 27. Call (412) 456-6666 or visit pbt.org or trustarts.org.

Ring in the holidays with family and friends at one or more of these local 20 ACTS holiday shows and seasonal exhibits

0 ARTISTS 300 COSTUMES 0 COSTUMES 20 ACTS “ DAZZLING ”

ZZLING ”

Continued from page 5

-The Washington Post

Photo credit: pittsburghsymphony.org

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh, Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown. Call (412) 392-4900 or visit pittsburghsymphony.org. PPG Place Wintergarden Call (412) 434-1900 or visit ppgplace.com Festivities feature Spirits of Giving Around the World; Gingerbread House and Train Display; Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides; and the MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place. Miniature Railroad & Village Carnegie Science Center. Call (412) 237-3400 or visit Carnegiesciencecenter.org.

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

DECEMBER 29 & 30 BENEDUM CENTER TRUSTARTS.ORG BOX OFFICE AT THEATER SQUARE 412-456-6666 GROUPS 10+ TICKETS 412-471-6930

ons.com

CirqueProductions.com /CirqueDreams

/CirqueDreams

Take a walking tour of western Pennsylvania at the worldrenowned Miniature Railroad & Village at the Carnegie Science Center. The display has 250,000 trees, 105 animations, 85 automobiles and 14 aircraft, and much more. Winter Flower Show and Light Garden: Holiday Magic! Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park in Oakland. Call (412)-622-6914 or visit Phipps.conservatory.org. Daily hours for Winter Flower Show are 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 5 to 11 p.m. for the Winter Light Garden. Phipps closes at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 24 and reopens at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26. Admission is $17.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors and students, and $11.95 for children ages two to 18). Members and kids under age two enter free. Other festivities include: Candlelight evenings; Santa visits; and Gifts and Greens Market. BCSN

Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Express

Ombudsman volunteers give a voice to longterm care residents By Brittany Buzzelli Community Liaison/APPRISE Coordinator Butler County Area Agency on Aging For Butler County Senior News

ennsylvania has approximately 88,000 residents living in longterm care facilities, and giving them a voice is the job of a small army of volunteers.

“They become the eyes and ears for us,” says Vanessa Gussey, Area Agency on Aging staff ombudsman. Volunteers come from all walks of life. Many previously had relatives in a nursing home and saw how meaningful it was to have the visitor ombudsman come by and chat. There are no particular qualifying skills, except for being responsible and consistent. Ideally, participants should make at least a one-year commitment, Gussey suggests. There are background checks and possibly interviews and references, just like any job applicant might expect. Volunteers are given initial and continuing training, and are mentored by staffers until they are ready to make visits on their own.

These volunteer visitors drop in regularly to talk with residents and build relationships.

How to help

Not everyone is a good fit. Sometimes people want to volunteer because they have had bad experiences with long-term residential care of relatives, Gussey notes. They want to come in and straighten everything out. But that’s not the job of the volunteer ombudsman, she explains. Having those interested in the program ride along with staff ombudsman allows them to see what they’re getting into before they sign up. “Ombudsman are not regulators, that’s not what we do,” Gussey says. “We talk with residents and ask them about their experiences. Our mission is to advocate for the residents.”

Ombudsman volunteers are trained to listen to the concerns and problems of residents in long-term care facilities. Certified volunteer ombudsman receive additional training to help residents by investigating and working to resolve concerns. Volunteers should show compassion, respect and common sense. They need to have a positive attitude, ability to communicate effectively, and the available time to make regular visits. BCSN To learn more about volunteering in the Butler County Area Agency on Aging Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, contact the Area Agency on Aging directly at AAAOmbuds@co.butler.pa.us or by calling (724) 282-3008.

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

These volunteer visitors drop in regularly to talk with residents and build relationships. They come as friendly helpers. If anyone has a problem or concern with the care or facility, they are encouraged to speak with the volunteer, who will ask their permission to write down and pass the information along to a supervisor in the local Agency on Aging office.

Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Express

Apprise Program Volunteers: Joyce Callen, Lorna Gavin, Darlene Geibel, Kathleen Lauteri, Gary Rauschenberger, Mark Stewart, Delmar White

Ar A L

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers: Pam Croyle, Bonnie Fiel, Carol Israel, Lorraine Klinger, Janie Myers Sue Shultz, Ginny Stadler, Douglena Spencer

Friendly Visitor: Mary Jo Nebel

Advisory Board Members:

December 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Butler County Senior News

Dolores Bertuzzi, Martha Brown, Gretchen Cararie, Tariogh Crawford, Marge Harding, Michelle Jamieson, Margaret King, Rick Kremer, Kathleen Ligday, Roni Lucas, Charlotte Lutz, Bob Lutz, Sue Murray, Betty Nanni, Judy Neigh, Leslie Osche, Commissioner; Don Roberts, Marjorie Smith, Carole Stolz

The Butler County Area Agency on Aging salutes APPRISE Program Volunteers, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Volunteers, Friendly Visitors and Advisory Board Members. Thank you for your continued excellence in volunteerism!

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION December 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Butler County Senior News

Th e

Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Express

Senior Center events

_ Chicora Senior Center, lower level of Moose Hall, 117 West Slippery Rock St., offers the following events: UPMC rehab exercise at 10 a.m. December 5; bingo at 10 a.m. and Cotton Candy Day December 7; stroke support group at 10 a.m., Wheel of Fortune at 10:30 a.m. and blood pressure at 10:30 a.m. December 12; bingo at 10 a.m. and birthday party at 11:30 a.m. December 14; Christmas carols December 18 through 27; leadership meeting at 10 a.m. December 19; bingo at 10 a.m. and Christmas party December 21; table chess at 10 a.m. December 27; and bingo at 10 a.m. December 28. Call (724) 445-2551. _ Cranberry Senior Center, Municipal Building, Rochester Rd., offers the following events: catered Christmas party at 11:30 a.m. December 5; open conversation with New York Life at 11 a.m. December 7; game day from 2 to 5 p.m. December 12, cost is $5; general wellness program at 11 a.m. and birthday celebration December 14; mind matters at 10:30 a.m. December 15; Christmas dinner December 21; wellness Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. December 27; and leadership meeting at 10:30 a.m. and New Year’s party December 28. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 772-6086. _ Evans City Senior Center, 426 East Main St., offers the following events: doughnut talk from 10 to 11 a.m. December 5; adult day care program at 12:30 p.m. December 6; drum circle at 12:30 p.m. December 13; leadership meeting at 1 p.m., blood pressure and birthday celebration December 14; Wii Bowling from 1 to 3 p.m. December 20; Christmas party December 21; and karaoke time with Christmas singalong from 1 to 3 p.m. December 27. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Call (724) 538-9414.

_ Mars Senior Center, Penn Mar Plaza, Gilkey Dr., offers the following activities: snack bingo at 12:45 p.m. December 5; seniors eating well program part 1 at 12:45 p.m. December 7; movie day December 12; birthday party at 11:45 a.m. and seniors eating well program part 2 at 12:45 p.m. December 14; gift card bingo at 12:45 p.m. December 19; cookie and cake decorating at 12:45 p.m. December 20; seniors eating well program part 3 at 12:45 p.m. December 21; Christmas movie marathon at 10 a.m. and Christmas party at 11 a.m. December 22; nickle bingo at 12:45 p.m. December 26; and leadership meeting at noon and craft class at 1 p.m. December 28. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 625-4466. _ Mount Chestnut Senior Center, Presbyterian Church, 727 Old Route 422, will offer the following events: leadership meeting at 12:45 p.m. December 4; blood pressure screening at 11:30 a.m. and program on gifting at 12:45 p.m. December 7; birthday celebration December 14; Bible study at 12:30 December 18; and a visit with the Butler County Dairy Princess at 12:30 p.m. December 28. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Call (724) 282-6006. _ Slippery Rock Senior Center, Township Building, 155 Branchton Rd., will offer the following events: holiday craft 10:15 a.m. December 6; humor for the health of it program with VITAS at 12:15 p.m. December 13; blood pressure screening and birthday party at 12:30 p.m. December 14; surviving the holidays after the loss of a loved one with Gateway Hospice at 12:15 p.m. December 19; Christmas party at 10:30 a.m. and leadership at 12:30 p.m. December 21; and New Year’s party at 10:30 a.m. December 28. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Call (724) 794-6440. _ Southeast Senior Center, Winfield Township Firehall, Brose Rd., offers the following upcoming events: Christmas party December 14 with entertainment by Tim Amerson from 10 to 11 a.m.; leadership meeting at 9 a.m. December 21; and wellness breakfast at 9 a.m. December 26. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call (724) 352-2036. BCSN December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

_ Butler Senior Center, 10 Austin Ave., (located in Tanglewood Senior Center), Lyndora, offers the following events: St. Nicholas Day celebration at 11 a.m. December 4; holiday bingo at 10 a.m. December 8; surviving the holidays after the loss of a loved one with Gateway Hospice at 11:30 a.m. December 11; leadership meeting at 11:30 a.m. and birthday party December 14; Christmas celebration at 10:30 a.m. December 21; and New Year’s celebration at 10:30 a.m. December 28. Call (724) 285-5392.

Butler County Area Agency on Aging

December Menu for senior centers

Friday, December 1: Roast beef sandwich, vegetable soup, fruit. Monday, December 4: Chicken marsala, pasta, tossed salad, mandarin oranges. Tuesday, December 5: Bratwurst, parslied potatoes, peas and onions, cookie. Wednesday, December 6: Baked meatloaf, whipped potatoes, creamed corn, apples. Thursday, December 7: Baked haddock florentine, rice pilaf, broccoli and carrots, fruit crisp.

Senior Express The Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Serving you: About the Area Agency on Aging The Butler County Area Agency on Aging (AAoA) is a community service agency for older adults and has operated in Butler County since 1984. The Area Agency on Aging administers programs and manages services for Butler County residents who are 60 years of age or older. Agency programs and services are designed to serve approximately 38,000 older consumers who call Butler County home.

Friday, December 8: Chicken and dumplings, pepper slaw, fruit.

Butler County Commissioners Leslie Osche, Republican Kimberly Geyer, Republican Kevin Boozel, Democrat

Monday, December 11: Swedish turkey sweeties, butter bowties, broccoli and carrots, fruit. Tuesday, December 12: Chicken Philly pita, creamy potato soup, pears.

Area Agency on Aging Administrator: Beth A. Herold, RN, BSN, MBA

Wednesday, December 13: Barbecue beef ribette, cheesy hashbrowns, green beans, peaches. Thursday, December 14, Birthday menu: Baked ham, whipped sweet potatoes, cauliflower, cupcake. Friday, December 15: Potato crusted pollock, wild rice, creamy coleslaw, applesauce. Monday, December 18: Mushroom Swiss burger, creamy cauliflower soup, fruit. Tuesday, December 19: Baked ziti with meatballs, Caesar salad, fruit salad.

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

Wednesday, December 20: Breaded chicken, au gratin potatoes, sweet peas, mandarin oranges. Thursday, December 21, Holiday menu: Roast beef, stuffing, whipped potatoes, carrots, spice cake. Friday, December 22: Baked salmon, brown rice broccoli pineapple. Monday, December 25, Christmas Day: Closed.

How may we help you? • Community Services for Older Adults and their families • Home and Community Based Services • PDA Waiver Services Access to Services • Information and Referral • Assessment • Care Management

For more information, call or visit our office at Sunnyview Complex 111 Sunnyview Circle, Suite 101 Butler, PA 16001

Tuesday, December 26: Chef salad, three bean salad, mixed fruit.

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

Wednesday, December 27: Barbecue chicken, scalloped potatoes, sweet and sour coleslaw, brownie.

Phone:

Thursday, December 28, New Year’s menu: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, peas, pineapple upside down cake.

Website: co.butler.pa.us/butler

Friday, December 29: Porcupine ball, garlic whipped potatoes, corn, cinnamon apples. December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

(724) 282-3008 (888) 367-2434 Email:

aaainfo@co.butler.pa.us

Commons of Saxonburg

Apply for residency to get a prime place on our short waiting list for a second floor apartment! Sit back, relax and enjoy life from the comfort of your apartment.

Skilled Short & Long-Term Rehabilitation

Apartment Amenities:

A small, local business providing tender loving care.



1172560

724.352.9445 Saxonburg, PA

www.saxonyhealthcenter.org CALL US FOR A PRIVATE CONSULTATION QCF/Saxony Health Center, LLC d/b/a Saxony Health Center. We subscribe to a non-discrimination policy

Just Ask for VNA

Spacious one bedroom apartments in a quiet country setting Rent based on income



Small pets welcome



Service Coordinator



Ample parking



Community room with Internet access

Most utilities and snow removal included in rent

Priority given to extremely low income applicants. For adults 62 years of age and older and mobility impaired persons 18 years of age and older.

Call or visit today! 100 Commons of Saxonburg Court, Saxonburg, PA 16056

724-352-2225 SrCare.org/commons-ofsaxonburg

Lifesteps Adult Day Health Services Yo u O n l y Wa n

It’s your right to choose the home health and hospice provider you prefer. Ask for VNA.

t th

e Be

s t Fo r T h e m …

When they need care… Let Lifesteps Adult Day Health Services help. Monday–Friday 7 am–6 pm

• Are you worried about leaving your loved one alone all day?

Financial assistance may be available

• Would your loved one have difficulty knowing what to do or who to call in an emergency?

Nutritious Meals & Snacks

724-282-6806 Toll-free 877-862-6659 www.lutheranseniorlife.org 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001

Schedule a FREE Trial Visit!

724.283.1010 • www.lifesteps.net

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

… a safe, home-like, medically-monitored day program.

Five Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease Heart disease may be the leading cause of death in the United States, and recent studies indicate these rates continue to climb due to lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to change your fate. Although you lack the power to change some risk factors, there are some preventive steps you can take. Don’t Smoke Smoking is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Substances in tobacco smoke can lead to narrowing of the blood vessels (atherosclerosis), blood thickening (resulting in blockages), increase in work of the heart pump and decreased oxygen (carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke). Regular smoking and even “social smoking” (the occasional cigarette) is dangerous. If you smoke, ask your doctor about ways to cut down and eventually quit altogether. Keep in mind that not everyone quits the first time. Most people need many tries until they finally quit and cut their risks. Keep Your Weight at a Healthy Level Our weight is a mixture of bone, muscle, water and fat. As we get older we gain weight, which is not muscle, and instead fat. That extra fat can cause problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, joint damage and heart disease.

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

What then is a good weight? BMI (body mass index) is a guide used by the medical profession. There are many apps or calculators on the Internet to figure yours out. Another way to judge is by the width of your waist, which is a useful way to measure belly fat: • Men are considered overweight if greater than 40 inches. • Women are considered overweight if greater than 35 inches. There is hope of course. Even small cuts in weight can be beneficial. Cutting your weight by just 10 percent can drop your blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol and lessen your risk of heart disease.

If your numbers aren’t good, like blood pressure, changes in your diet, exercise and reducing your weight may be enough. Higher or persistently high levels may require medication. Check for Diabetes How? Try 30 minutes of activity per day that causes your heart rate to increase. • Eat regular meals. • Drink a glass of water before meals. • Cut down or do away with soda. • Don’t eat between meals or before bed. If you do, have a piece of fruit rather than a bag of chips. See Your Doctor Regularly for Annual Health Check-Ups High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can damage your heart and blood vessels. Don’t get caught without knowing about these bad boys. By finding out about them you can take action to lower the damage they can cause if left untreated. Lots of people go years without knowing they have these. All that time they are working to damage the heart and blood vessels. Check Blood Pressure Have it checked by your doctor, at a free screening, in the supermarket or local pharmacy. If you have a measurement of 140/90 or above, you should follow up with a doctor. Blood pressure doesn’t always require medicine. Eliminating salt from your diet, exercise and reducing weight may be enough to control mild elevations in blood pressure. Higher blood pressure or blood pressure that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise may require medication. Talk to your doctor in this case. Check Cholesterol Levels Adults should have their cholesterol values measured by their doctor. We say “values” because there is more than one type of cholesterol. Interpreting a cholesterol result usually requires the explanation of your doctor.

Since diabetes is a risk factor for developing heart disease, you should be screening for diabetes, particularly if people in your family has diabetes or if a woman had diabetes in pregnancy. This may be as simple as a finger prick to obtain a drop of blood. If you have it, you take measures to treat it. Like blood pressure and cholesterol, the first steps for mild elevations are diet, exercise and reducing your weight. Continued blood sugar elevations may require medication (pills) and in more severe cases insulin. You have more control than you think. Taking control means taking action. Take action and change your future: for you, for your family and for all those around you whose day is made better by your presence. Heart Disease Non-Modifiable Risk Factors Include: Family History; Male Gender; Age; Race Modifiable Risk Factors Include: Smoking; Obesity; Elevated Blood Pressure; Cholesterol; Uncontrolled Diabetes New Risk Factors Being Identified Large government-funded surveys, such as one that began in 1985 and was published in the New England Journal of Medicine are changing notions about who is affected by heart disease. It found that with identical risk factor profiles, an alarming portion of heart disease is occurring in a much younger group (under age 50) among African Americans. This study is significant in that it looked at the potential risk factor of race in heart disease and changes in medical practice to more aggressively identify and treat modifiable risk factors in African American men and women.

If you have these cards… ACCESS

Gateway Health has the Medicare plan for you.

RECP #

0123456789

NAME:

DOE

CARD ISSUE #

nsylvania Pen

Access Card JOHN

Gateway Health has been serving those with Medicaid for 25 years. We know how to help people just like you who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Gateway Health Medicare AssuredSM gives you more than basic health coverage: More Savings $0 to low premium and copay options

More Care Dental, vision and hearing coverage

More Expertise Primary care and specialist visits

More Benefits Prescription drug coverage

More Programs and Services Benefits vary by plan.

Learn more today. 1-877-GATEWAY/TTY: 711

www.medicareassured.com Gateway HealthSM offers HMO plans with a Medicare contract. Some Gateway Health plans have a contract with Medicaid in the states where they are offered. Enrollment in these plans depends on contract renewal. Gateway Health Special Needs Plans are available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copays and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and copays may change on January 1 of each year. Premiums and copays may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. The State pays the Part B premium for full dual members. Gateway Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Gateway Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call PA: 1-800-685-5209, OH: 1-888-447-4505, NC: 1-855-847-6430, KY: 1-855847-6380 (TTY: 711). ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, tenemos servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles para usted sin costo alguno. Llame al PA: 1-800-685-5209, OH: 1-888-447-4505, NC: 1-855-847-6430, KY: 1-855-8476380 (TTY: 711). 小贴士：如果您说普通话，欢迎使用免费语言协助服务。请拨 PA: 1-800-685-5209, OH: 1-888-447-4505, NC: 1-855-847-6430, KY: 1-855-847-6380 (TTY: 711). Y0097_1073 Accepted

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week

Sweet Treats Word Scramble Unscramble the following treats correctly for a chance to win $30 cash. 1. keca

_____________

8. epi

_____________

15. eescehaekc _____________

2.cndya

_____________

9. ugonutdh _____________

16. usdnea _____________

3. eic aecmr

_____________

10. ucpkcea _____________

17. eertbsh _____________

4. rnwbeio

_____________

11. ufimfn _____________

18. ocbbelr _____________

5. okoeci

_____________

12. cnaoorma _____________

19. oersm _____________

6. hocltecoa

_____________

13. uftrfels _____________

20. seoakhrct _____________

7. udpdgin _____________

14. ssmeuo _____________

21. smklihkae _____________

To enter, mail your answers to Butler County Senior News Contest, 8280 Tanglewood Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. One entry per person. Correct entries will be eligible for our drawing. One winner will be drawn. Entries must be received by the 15th of this month. Answers will be published in the next edition of Butler County Senior News.

Name________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Phone____________________________Age________________

Congratulations to Jerie Peabody who won last month’s contest. The answers were: 1. Oregon; 2. West Virginia; 3. Connecticut; 4. Arizona; 5. Nevada; 6. Minnesota; 7. Alabama; 8. California; 9. New Hampshire; 10. New Jersey; 11. Florida; 12. Pennsylvania; 13. Alaska; 14. Wisconsin; 15. Utah; 16. Rhode Island; 17. New Mexico; 18. Hawaii.

LOOKING FOR

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

awesome SENIOR LIVING?

at Chicora Medical Center

724.445.2000 724.353.1531 724.445.3000 Senior Living • Skilled Care • Memory Care • Rehab

www.QualityLifeServices.com

Crossword Puzzle answer on page 2

DOWN 1 Chorus syllables 2 Nile wader 3 Bump into 4 Colorful crested bird 5 Void 6 Estuary 7 Intricate 8 Birdlike 9 “Impressive!” 10 Jurist Lance 11 Mafia boss 19 Hwys. 21 Predetermine 23 Skirt style 24 Wry Bombeck 25 Stagger 26 “Shane” star 27 “Oops!” 28 Crashes 32 Little fish 33 Type of diving 35 Delta’s one-time rival 36 Mac alternatives 38 Like a gorilla 39 Himalayan land 42 Hot dog holder 43 Capri, e.g. 44 Low digits 45 Fellow 46 “If you ask me,” in a text 48 Observe

Live LIFE…At Home

– A Partnership in Caring – LIFE offers comprehensive medical care, adult day services and homecare to help older adults, age 55 and older, live at home. Services include all medical care, prescription coverage, physical therapy, transportation and more. Contact us for assistance in determining your eligibility for the program. You may qualify and not even realize it. 231 W. Diamond Street Butler, PA 16001

724-287-LIFE (5433) Call 711 for TTY Relay Services www.lutheranseniorlife.org/LIFE A Partnership of Lutheran SeniorLife and Butler Health System

December 2017 • Butler County Senior News

©King Features

ACROSS 1 Branch 5 Rainbow shape 8 Eager 12 Genesis shepherd 13 Life story 14 Presidential power 15 Stead 16 Candied veggie 17 Press agent? 18 Fall flowers 20 Use a rosary 22 “The Catcher in the Rye” author 26 “Star Wars” director 29 Table support 30 Tram load 31 “Hey, sailor!” 32 Half dozen 33 Stadium top 34 100 cts. 35 Light brown 36 Bicycle part 37 Author of “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” 40 Apple tablet 41 — de corps 45 Calf-length 47 AOL, for one 49 Mediocre 50 Iowa city 51 PBS funder 52 Vogue rival 53 Snack 54 Sushi fish 55 Pub orders

At Stay at Home Quality Care, we provide the personalized care that your loved one needs in the security and comfort of their home. Our compassionate caregivers provide a variety of non-medical care services, whether your loved one needs care once a week, or a more comprehensive care plan. Stay at Home Quality Care is here for you and your loved ones.

Ambulance Service • Wheelchair Van Service

Care You Can Count On

• Our wheelchair van service, Butler Assist Coach, currently operates 14 vans providing transport to and from hospitals, doctor’s appointments, nursing homes, and private events (i.e. funerals, weddings, birthdays, etc.)

Serving the Community Since 1967

• Our Assist Coach is available to individuals: with or without their own wheelchairs; with stairs or other obstacles at their residence; and those needing extra assistance in and out of their wheelchairs. • BAS also provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance transports to sick and injured patients. • We operate 11 ambulances from 3 stations, serving the community 24 hours a day. • Reduced rates are available for members.

Butler Ambulance Service • 106 First Street Butler, PA 16001 • (724) 283-4385