DecemberButler

Butler County Senior News

December 2013

Volume 8, Number 7

FREE

Please Note: There will be no January issue.

Visit our website at www.pittsburghseniornews.com

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

Chuck LeClaire/Butler County Senior News

Butler Symphony volunteers Bill and Maxine Rapp.

Butler County Symphony Orchestra delights local music lovers

By Gina Mazza For Butler County Senior News Bill and Maxine Rapp of Butler have been involved with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra in various capacities for nearly as long as the organization has existed. Maxine joined in 1956 at the age of 17, shortly after graduating from the Butler Area School District. “I played in the cello section for 52 years starting right out of high school,” Maxine recalls, adding that the symphony’s first conductor, Edward Roncone, is who encouraged her to play the instrument in high school. Bill became

a steady patron after his late first wife, Nancy, joined the roster many years ago. “Roncone also got Nancy started on the violin in high school,” Bill explains. “She went on to become a member of the orchestra at Miami University in Ohio before joining the Butler Symphony a few years later.”

It’s safe to say that the Rapps are a musical family.

Maxine’s late first husband played with the symphony, and Bill and Nancy’s son, Jim, also played violin with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra after high school. “Jim’s now married

with seven children and living in West Virginia, but he still finds time to play electronic violin, which is suited more to modern music in coffee shops and such,” Bill says.

Having a reputable orchestra right in their hometown is something the family has not taken for granted. “If you enjoy music and the opportunity is available, which it isn’t in a lot of towns, it’s something you have to get involved in,” Maxine comments. “In Butler, we are fortunate to have had our Continued on page 4

“Wig consultant” helps women feel more beautiful in spite of hair loss. Read page 9.

Read page 14 to learn about the Butler chapter of Twilight Wishes as it gears up to grant its first wish.

Owner/Publisher Lynn Webster Editor: Gina Mazza

Do you know of an economically disadvantaged Butler County senior who deserves to have something wonderful happen? The Twilight Wish Foundation is now looking for applicants for its 2014 wish-giving campaign.

Learn more on page 14.

With the holiday season upon us, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy some seasonal festivities. Read what’s going on in Butler County on pages 6 and 7.

Happy Holidays!

Lynn Webster Crossword Puzzle Answer (See page 19)

Art Director: Shantessa Hogan Sales Executive: Wallace Webster Photographer: Chuck LeClaire

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December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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(412) 367-2522 Visit our website at www.pittsburghseniornews.com or email us at pghseniornews@comcast.net Butler County Senior News is distributed monthly in the Butler County area. Copy­ right 2013 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.

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Butler County Symphony Orchestra delights local music lovers performed Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto at Kleinhans Music Hall.

Continued from page 1 very own symphony way before other towns. I consider myself very lucky that I was able to come right out of high school and immediately begin playing in a professional orchestra.”

The group was established in 1949 as the Butler Orchestral Association. Roncone founded the association along with support from the Butler Tuesday Musical Club, Butler Board of Recreation and Butler Musical Society. To garner interest and financial support from the community, an invitation rehearsal was held in February 1950. About 200 people showed up for the rehearsal, with musicians from Pittsburgh joining in to provide balanced instrumentation.

The premier concert was performed two months later as the opener for Butler County’s sesquicentennial celebration.

Eventually, the name was changed to the Butler County Symphony Association. The organization has evolved from a core group of local musicians to an orchestra of 70-plus members, including musicians from other western Pennsylvania orchestras and university players. “The musicians are paid but personnel changes from concert to concert based on the music we play and because many of them perform elsewhere, as well,” Maxine says.

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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Now in its 65th season, the organization has gained stature over the years and is considered one of the finest regional professional orchestras in western Pennsylvania. Each season, the orchestra sponsors six concerts, one of which is a family concert with musical selections geared toward all ages. In 2001, the board of directors decided to offer “Concerts to Munch By” to the local community. These free concerts are held at the symphony office in Butler every Wednesday during the summer months.

The current music director and conductor, Matthew Kraemer—who is also music director of the Erie Chamber Orchestra—is said to have reinvigorated both

Photo taken from http://butlersymphony.org.

Conductor Matthew Kraemer readies his baton. ensembles with innovative programming and elevated artistic standards.

Additionally, as associate conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, he appears on each of the orchestra’s major series. Matthew has also appeared on the podium as a guest conductor for many of the nation’s finest orchestras, including the Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Columbus (OH), Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Nashville, North Carolina, Spokane, St. Louis and Virginia symphony orchestras, as well as Canada’s Mississauga Symphony and Hamilton Philharmonic, and in Europe with the Vidin Philharmonic and the Orquesta de Cadaqués. Equally at home in the ballet pit, Matthew has led fully staged productions with Virginia Ballet Theatre, Ohio Ballet, First Coast Nutcracker, Neglia Ballet Artists and Todd Rosenlieb Dance. He has served as conductor for Broadway superstar Idina Menzel’s numerous engagements nationwide and has collaborated with many other leading artists. He recently conducted the Buffalo Philharmonic to considerable acclaim when internationally renowned superstar Lang Lang

The Butler County Symphony is proud of its involvement with young musicians, Bill says. “It’s a community opportunity.

Not only can kids learn their instruments at school, they can come to the symphony and see them being played.

It gives children a reason to excel—like my son, Jim. It was wonderful that he had a chance to play in an orchestra right out of high school.” Various annual programs provide chances for young people to attend concerts, audition to play with the orchestra, and see and hear guest artists in their local schools. These programs, coordinated and organized

by Symphony board members, include the Young Artist Competition and Young Musicians of Note, which debuted in 1994 in conjunction with Butler County schools. Each year, local music teachers nominate their best music students and acknowledge them at one of the concerts.

Similarly, since 1978, the Young Artist Competition recognizes local musicians by giving them an opportunity to vie for a solo with the orchestra during its spring concert (see sidebar, page 5).

When Maxine retired from playing in the orchestra four years ago, she became a board member; Bill joined the board seven years ago after selling his engineering consulting company, Rapp Industrial Sales, which he ran for 30 years. Maxine has since chaired three committees: archives, bowing and the house tour.

She is also the resident historian for the association and has compiled more than 40 books documenting the orchestra’s history. Bill has served as chairman of the advertising committee for the past six years. He has also helped with fundraising through advertising sales. “We have hosted many symphony picnics and concert receptions at our home,” Maxine adds, “and Bill has made countless cookies for the summer series at the office, house tours and concert receptions.”

Fundraiser projects that the Rapps have helped out with, as well, include the former heirloom and antique “doll shows”

(held for 25 years from 1977 to 2002) and the current holiday house tours (the 24th annual house tour will take place on December 7; see sidebar, below).

Photo taken from http://butlersymphony.org.

Holiday concerts and events Holiday House Tour fundraiser on Saturday, December 7 Tour a variety of holiday decorated homes within a 10mile radius of Butler. Tickets are $15 and are available at the symphony office, Meridian Station and May’s Music Shoppe. A luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Call (724) 283-1402 for information.

Holiday Traditions: Elizabeth Matchett Freimuth, French horn on Saturday, December 14, 7:30 p.m., at Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Road, Butler Sing along with your favorite holiday music. Butler county native and 1992 Seneca Valley High School graduate Elizabeth Matchett Freimuth is principal horn of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Slippery Rock University Choir. Elizabeth has performed as a featured soloist with the Cincinnati Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Johnson City Symphony Orchestra (TN), Overland Park Symphony (KS) and the Lakewood Symphony (CO). She has also performed as a guest principal horn with the Pittsburgh Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Saint Louis Symphony.

To learn more, call (724) 283-1402, email info@butlersymphony.org or visit www.butlersymphony.org. Visit http:// butlersymphony.org/about/musicians/ for a listing of musicians.

Applications now being accepted for Young Artist Competition Do you know a high-school age student who is a wonderful musician? The 35th annual Young Artist Competition is coming up on Sunday, January 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Swope Music Hall on the Slippery Rock University campus. Students will audition for the judges, and one student will receive $200 and will be chosen to perform as a soloist with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, March 8. The competition is open to any high-school age musician (grades nine through 12) within a 25-mile radius of Butler, or any high-school age musician in a PMEA District 5 school. Application deadline is Monday, January 6.

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The Butler County Symphony repeats its December 14 Holiday concert with Elizabeth Matchett Freimuth at this matinee.

Tickets for both holiday concerts are available at the symphony office, 259 South Main Street in Butler or by calling (724) 283-1402. Tickets can be also be purchased at the door; discounted student tickets are available.

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Holiday Traditions: A Special Matinee with Elizabeth Matchett Freimuth, French horn on Sunday, December 15, 2:30 p.m., at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, Harmony

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Both of their terms on the board are finished, but that doesn’t mean the work is done for Bill and Maxine. “We’ve joined the new committee known as Friends of the Symphony, and we look forward to continuing to help out with whatever needs to be done.” That’s good news for symphony goers and cultural arts enthusiasts like Lorraine Restauri DiDomenico

of Butler, who has attended many of their performances and has contributed donations to their Christmas event. “They are by far very talented,” she comments.

“They put their hearts and souls into their music. I always look forward to their Christmas concert, which kicks off the holiday season for many of us.” BCSN

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Holiday Entertainment and Events j Christmas on the Farm will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in December at For All Family Farms, 328 Hoon Rd., Butler. This annual holiday craft and gift show event features vendors from all over offering handmade gifts, crafts, baked goods, antiques, collectibles and much more. There will also be a face painter, crafts, and games for the kids, along with visits from Santa and his elves. Call (724) 822-8852 or visit www. forallfamilyfarms.com.

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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advance and $40 at the door (doors open at 7:15 p.m.). Meet and Greet tickets with reserved seating are available for $50, advance sale only. Meet and Greet sponsored by Butler Health System, doors open at 6:30, enjoy a reception with light refreshments and a private autograph session before the start of the concert.

Limited number of Meet and Greet tickets are available. All proceeds benefit VNA Inpatient Hospice. Call (724) 431-3502.

and direct sale vendors like Avon, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, and much more.

Call (724) 287-5867 for details. j A Harvest Home craft fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 7 at Plains Presbyterian Church, 326 Plains Church Rd., Cranberry Township. Call (724) 538-8785.

j The Art Center, 344 S. Main St., Butler, will hold their annual Holiday Show and Sale from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays through January 4. Call (724) 283-6922 or visit www.aabcartcenter.com for more information.

j The Meridian Station Gift Shop and Post Office, 298 Meridian Rd., Butler, will hold their second annual Christmas open house from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. December 6 to 8. Visit with friends, enjoy the goodies, and shop till you drop. All gifts will be 25 percent off. Call (724) 482-4436 or visit www.themeridianstation.com.

j The Butler County Parks and Recreation Department has teamed up with Butler Township to present Breakfast with Santa from 10:30 a.m. to noon December 7 at the Butler Township Park Building, 468 South Duffy Rd., Butler. There will also be crafts and goodies. The cost is $9 per child, free for children under one. Registration is required. Call (724) 284-5383.

j The third annual B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. December 6 at Community Alliance Church, 800 Mercer Rd., Butler.

General admission tickets are $35 in

j The Mount Chestnut Nazarene Center, 177 North Rd., Butler, will hold a Snowflake craft and gift show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 7. The annual event features homemade crafts, gifts,

j The Cranberry Women’s Club will host its annual Christmas House Tour from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. Seven homes in Cranberry Township and two neighboring

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j The Butler County Symphony Orchestra will present a Holiday Concert from 7:30 to 10 p.m. December 14 at the Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Rd., Butler. Sing along with your favorite holiday music. Cost is $23 per person.

Call (724)283-1402. j Brunch with Santa will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. December 15 at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, 5601 Freshcorn Rd., Cranberry Township. Cost is $13.95 per person;

$7.50 for children ages 5 to 9; and free for children four and under. Take pictures with Santa. Sign up at www. cranberrytownship.org/programs or call (724) 776-4806, ext. 1129. j Ring in the New Year German Style from 2 to 6:30 p.m. December 31 at Harmony Museum, 218 Mercer St., Harmony. 5K and 1 mile races, museum tours, traditional pork and sauerkraut dinner, and a comedic short film “Dinner for One” are all a big part of New Year’s Eve in Germany.

Interpret what the New Year may bring with Bleigiessen’s melted lead shapes, refreshments, entertainment, local shops’ year-end sales, all capped by a ball drop and fireworks. Call (724) 452-6780 or visit www.harmony-pa.us. For more information about the museum call (724) 4527341 or visit www.harmonymuseum.org. j A New Year ’s Eve dinner at the Runway Sports Bar and Grille, 473 W. Airport Rd., Butler, will be held from

2 to 10 p.m. December 31. Call (724) 5866599 or visit www.runwaygrille.com. j St. Ferdinand Church presents its annual fundraiser, A New Year’s Eve Party at Marriott, Pittsburgh North, 100 Cranberry Woods Dr., Cranberry Township. Tickets must be purchased in advance; tickets purchased before December 22 are $75; tickets purchased between December 23 and December 29 are $80. Call (724) 776-9177, ext. 313 or (724) 779-3986 for tickets.

Visit www.stferd.org. j The fourth annual Winterfest at Moraine State Park, McDanels Launch, North Shore, will take place from noon to 4 p.m. January 18. Enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, ice sculpture, dog sledding demos, crafts, chili cook-off and hot food. Call (724) 368-9185 or visit www. morainepreservationfund.org. BCSN

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December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

communities will be festively decorated for the holiday season. The event begins at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building on Rochester Road.

Tickets are $20 each and must be prepurchased. Write a check made payable to Cranberry Women’s Club and send it in a stamped, self-addressed envelope to 7753 Franklin Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066. To learn more, call Kathleen Perry at (724) 538-3622.

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“Wig consultant” helps women feel more beautiful in spite of hair loss

By Gina Mazza For Butler County Senior News

W

hen sisters Carol Opalisky and Sharon Truchan, both of Mars, traveled to Florida in 2002 to be with their mother who was in the hospital, they determined that she needed a wig due to hair loss from medical treatments. Both sisters are hair stylists so they swung into action and bought her one. The hairpiece was so beautiful and stylish that it inspired Carol to get one, as well. Thus began Carol’s passion for working with wigs and helping women of all ages who are in need of hair replacements.

This past year, after Carol relocated to Pittsburgh from Camp Hill, where she co-owned an upscale salon for 24 years, she joined the team at Greg Jockel Hair Colour Dezign in Pine Township, where Sharon has been a stylist for 12 years. This isn’t the sisters’ first time working side by side; they formerly owned a salon in State College for 10 years.

Over the years, Carol has become an expert in customizing wigs for individuals, and she has brought this specialty to her work at Greg Jockel. “I order the wigs directly from the manufacturer, then cut and sew each one to fit the client’s head and face shape,” she explains. Within her private room at the salon, Carol’s consultations and fittings are always fun and discrete. “I have a selection of styles and colors, and we try on as many as the client

Photo provided by Carol Opalisky

Carol Opalisky has a passion for helping women find the perfect wig. would like.” The initial consultation fee of $45 can be applied toward the purchase price of a wig, which ranges from about $200 to $500. (Some insurance companies may cover the cost of a wig. “Ask your doctor to write a prescription for ‘cranial prosthesis’,” Carol recommends.) Every consult includes instructions and a demonstration on how to put on the wig and care for it.

Today, wig designs are practically indistinguishable from natural hair, Carol points out. Whereas wigs made years ago may have made your head hot, sticky and uncomfortable, today’s innovative “cap-less” wigs have fibers sewn to cotton or lace, which allows the piece to shape to the head and air to circulate easily. “They’re so light,

airy, breathable and comfortable,” she says. “New synthetic fibers are much thinner, feel much softer and look more natural. And, of course, they can easily be trimmed and styled to an individual’s personal taste.”

“I compare it to putting on lipstick,” Carol comments. “It’s just another accessory and it instantly makes you look 10 years younger. I love wearing my wig. I just give it a shake, put it on, finger it in place and I’m ready to walk out the door. It’s that easy.” BCSN Greg Jockel Hair Colour Dezign is located in the Pine Trees Shoppes, Route 19 in Wexford. To learn more, contact Carol at (724) 504-5655 or visit www.gregjockel.com.

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

After that trip to Florida, Carol began offering wig consultations to women at her former salon in Camp Hill. “It became really successful almost overnight,” she recalls. “Lots and lots of women of all ages, as well as children, came to me for wigs. Some were experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, and some had lost their hair due to chemotherapy. Others were just busy women who didn’t have a lot of time to fuss with their hair.”

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Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Express

BCAoA Protective Services staff honored with “Advocate of the Year” award

By Gina Mazza For Butler County Senior News It’s a job that’s not exactly easy. Day in and day out, the staff at the Butler County Area Agency on Aging’s Protective Services Department fields calls and follows up on cases involving older adults and individuals with disabilities who are experiencing abuse in some form: financial exploitation, intimidation, abandonment or desertion, physical abuse, caregiver neglect and even self-neglect such as poor hygiene, malnourishment or overmedicating.

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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BCAoA’s Protective Services staff was honored for its excellent work on November 13 by Community Care Connections (CCC), a nonprofit service coordination agency that supports consumers with disabilities. Protective Services specialists Steven Brown and Jennifer Callihan, as well as supervisor of Protective Services Ricky Lake, Jr., received the Patty L. McCool Advocate of the Year Award at the agency’s 41st annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony. The event took place at The Atrium in Prospect. “BCAoA’s Protective Services staff is so dedicated to their work,” says CCC’s director of Attendant Care Services Eileen Gordon, who nominated them. “They each have great empathy and resilience to be able to take these calls daily from individuals who are in some form of distress.

Our board of directors chose the staff based on the outstanding job they’ve done with consumers served by CCC.” The Attendant Care Department at CCC serves care-dependent individuals who are physically disabled and mentally alert. Participants must be deemed nursing-home eligible. “We don’t do the care,” Eileen explains.

“We help them develop a care plan

Chuck LeClaire/Butler County Senior News

CCC board member Sue Betres presents the Advocate of the Year award to Services team Ricky Lake Jr., Jennifer Callihan and Stephen Brown. then select a local agency of their choice for personal care and light housekeeping. Together, we complete a service authorization form that outlines the person’s care plan, and that goes to the agency that they select. Our goal is to keep people living independently in their homes so they can stay in their communities.”

CCC works closely with about 100 consumers mostly in Butler County but also Beaver, Lawrence, Mercer, Clarion, Venango, Armstrong and Allegheny counties. Most referrals come via word of mouth by BCAoA, doctors and visiting nurses.

Eileen points out that participants can actually hire any person they want, such as a daughter or friend, but “there are instances where people take advantage

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

of that. The appointed person may not be doing the work but is getting a paycheck from the person they are supposed to be caring for. We know our participants very well so they’ll call us if there’s any sort of problem. When necessary, we step in to investigate these cases and turn them over to Protective Services. In fact, we’ve turned over five cases since July. The Protective Services staff helps us get to the bottom of what’s going on.” BCSN Community Care Connections, Inc. provides programs and services that empower children and adults with disabilities to live more safely and independently in their homes, schools, neighborhoods and communities. To learn more, call Eileen Gordon at (724) 283-3198, ext. 229 or visit communitycareconnect.org.

Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Program participant George Neigh (right) welcomes BCAoA’s Steve Brown to the luncheon.

Senior Express

A delicious buffet was enjoyed by all.

Nina and Betsy Cable enjoy the luncheon.

The Volunteer of the Year Award recipient is Jack Cooper.

Sue Betres presents an award to Matt Perkins.

Sue presents an award to Gene Boyer and Judy Wilson.

Photos by Chuck LeClaire for Butler County Senior News December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Lynn Ellis presents an award to 30 year employees Carol and Gary Schultz.

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Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Center events

Please note: All centers will be closed December 25 and 26. _ Butler Senior Center, 10 Austin Ave., (located in Tanglewood Senior Center), Lyndora, offers the following events: spaghetti cook-off at 11 a.m. December 2; Family Feud from 10 to 11:15 a.m. December 5; card party and lunch at 11:30 a.m. December 6. Cost is $5 for lunch and cards; DJ trivia night from 6 to 8:30 p.m. December 10; sing along and crafts at 10 a.m. December 12; birthday celebration December 12; bingo fundraiser from 10 to 11:15 a.m. December 19; Christmas party December 19; and New Year’s party December 31. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 285-5392. _ Chicora Senior Center, lower level of Moose Hall, 117 West Slippery Rock St., offers the following events: catered Christmas party at 5 p.m. December 6. Cost is $6 for senior center members and $12 for non-members; community card party at noon December 9. Cost is $5 for lunch and cards; birthday celebration December 12; bingo fundraiser at 10:30 a.m. December 12 and 17; Christmas party December 19; and New Year’s party December 31. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 445-2551. _ Cranberry Senior Center, Municipal Building, Rochester Rd., offers the following events: Pennsylvania Caption Telephone program at 11 a.m. December 5; memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease program from 5 to 6 p.m.

December 10; birthday celebration December 12; hoagie sale orders due December 11 and pick up date is December 18; Christmas party December 19; and New Year’s party December 31. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 772-6086.

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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_ Evans City Senior Center, 426 East Main St., offers the following events: bring a friend to breakfast from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. December 2; drum circle from 1 to 2 p.m. December 10; blood pressure screening at 11:15 a.m. December 12; birthday celebration December 12; sing along at 11 a.m. December 16; game night at 5 p.m. December 18; Christmas party/gift exchange December 19; luncheon at Seneca Valley High School at 1 p.m. December 20; and New Year’s party December 31.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 538-9414. _ Mars Senior Center, Penn Mar Plaza, Gilkey Dr., offers the following activities: blood pressure screening at 10:45 a.m.

December 4; five wishes program at 11:15 a.m. December 4; ice cream sundae bar fundraiser at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per sundae; birthday celebration December 12; blood pressure screening at 10:45 a.m. December 18; Christmas party December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Senior Express December 19; pie, ice cream and entertainment at 12:30 p.m. December 23; and New Year’s party December 31. 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: Bible study from 10 to 11:30 a.m. December 2 and 16; blood pressure screening December 5; Wii bowling December 9; Christmas party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 10. Cost is $3 per person, reservations required; Wendy’s fundraising evening from 5 to 7 p.m. December 11; birthday celebration December 12; book club December 23; New Year’s party December 31. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Call (724) 282-6006. _ North Central Senior Center, West Sunbury Presbyterian Church, will offer the following events: birthday celebration December 13; blood pressure screening at 11:30 a.m. December 18; Christmas party and holiday sing along December 18; and preparing for winter at 10:45 a.m. December 20. Hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday.

Call (724) 637-2959. _ Slippery Rock Senior Center, Township Building, 155 Branchton Rd., will offer the following events: Family Feud with VNA at 11:30 a.m. December 3; decorate Christmas tree December 5; birthday celebration December 12; bingo with Transitions Health Care at 11:30 a.m. December 12; Christmas crafts at 11 a.m. December 16; the importance of exercise program at 11:30 a.m. December 17; crafts and sing along at 12:30 p.m. December 18; Christmas party with entertainment by Old Time Harmony Barbershop Chorus at 11 a.m. December 19; New Year’s party December 31; and leadership council meeting at 12:30 p.m.

December 31. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 794-6440. _ Southeast Senior Center, Winfield Township Firehall, Brose Rd., will offer the following events: blood pressure screening at 10 a.m. December 5; birthday celebration December 12; Christmas party December 12; basket raffle at 11 a.m. December 19. The center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call (724) 352-2036. _ Zelienople Senior Center, 700 S. Green Lane, Zelienople, offers the following upcoming events: movies with snacks at 9 a.m. December 2; birthday celebration December 12; safety at home program at 10:30 a.m. December 12; ice cream sundae fundraiser at 12:15 p.m. December 17. Cost is $1 per sundae; nail painting with Ashley from 9 a.m. to noon December 19; Christmas party from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. December 20. Bring a $5 gift for the gift exchange; New Year’s party December 31. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 452-5292. BCSN

Butler County Area Agency on Aging December Menu

for senior centers

Monday, December 2: Hot dog, hashbrown casserole, baked beans, fruit.

Tuesday, December 3: Salisbury steak, O’Brien potatoes, peas, cake.

Wednesday, December 4: Grilled chicken sandwich, rice florentine soup, fruit.

Thursday, December 5: Stuffed pepper cup, whipped potatoes, yellow beans, banana pudding.

Friday, December 6: Roast beef, baked potato, corn, cherry gelatin.

Monday, December 9: Hot turkey sandwich, whipped potatoes, mixed vegetables, brownie.

Tuesday, December 10: Sizzled ham and cheese sandwich, vegetable soup, fruited gelatin.

Wednesday, December 11: Country fried steak, scalloped potatoes, steamed broccoli, fruit.

Thursday, December 12, Birthday menu: Lasagna, mixed green salad, cupcake and ice cream.

Friday, December 13: Chicken and gravy with potatoes and vegetables, coleslaw, chocolate cookie.

Monday, December 16: Turkey sandwich, corn chowder, pineapple and oranges.

Tuesday, December 17: Meatball hoagie, oven browned potatoes, mixed bean medley, fruit.

Wednesday, December 18: Chili con carne, white rice, tossed salad, applesauce.

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.

Butler County Commissioners William L. McCarrier A. Dale Pinkerton James Eckstein Area Agency on Aging Administrator: Beth A. Herold, RN, BSN, MBA How may we help you?

• Community Services for Older Adults and their families • Home and Community Based Services • PDA Waiver Services Access to Services

Thursday, December 19, Christmas special: Stuffed chicken breast, whipped potatoes, peas and carrots, chocolate roll.

• Information and Referral

Friday, December 20: Pepperoni pizza, tossed salad, applesauce.

• Care Management

Monday, December 23: Cheeseburger, potato soup, pineapple and cherries.

Tuesday, December 24: Spaghetti and meatballs, tossed salad, vanilla pudding.

Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day: Closed.

Thursday, December 26: Closed.

Friday, December 27: Potato crusted fish, macaroni and cheese twists, stewed tomatoes, sliced peaches.

Monday, December 30: Taco salad, tossed salad, chocolate chip cookie.

• Assessment

For more information, call or visit our office at Sunnyview Complex 111 Sunnyview Circle, Suite 101 Butler, PA 16001 Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (724) 282-3008

(888) 367-2434 Website: www.co.butler.pa.us/butler Email: aaainfo@co.butler.pa.us

Tuesday, December 31: Roast pork, whipped potatoes, sauerkraut, pineapple upside down cake. BCSN December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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Butler chapter of Twilight Wishes gears up to grant its first wish

By Gina Mazza For Butler County Senior News

dinner with a friend) to the more ambitious (meeting a famous athlete).

W

Of course, Twilight Wish would not be able to continue its mission of enriching the lives of disadvantaged seniors without the help of volunteers, and corporate and community involvement and donations. To learn more about how you can submit a wish, be a volunteer or sponsor, or make a donation to help grant wishes, call Cheryl at (724) 712-5655 or visit www.twilightwish.org. BCSN

ord War II veteran Nick Steri, 86, of Pittsburgh wanted to reunite with his shipmate, Jack Collins, whom he hadn’t seen in many years. Nick was only 17 years old when he enlisted in the Navy in February 1944. Four months later, he was stationed as a gunner aboard the LSM-32, an amphibious ship headed for combat in the Pacific theater.

On April 1, 1045, Nick was behind a 20mm cannon during the invasion of Okinawa, where he engaged and shot down a Japanese kamikaze pilot. During the battle, Nick was injured, hit in the leg by shrapnel. For his bravery and service, he received several medals, including the Bronze Star. Reflecting back on that time, Nick wished he could see Jack, his only surviving shipmate, one more time.

Thanks to Twilight Wish Foundation’s western Pennsylvania chapter, Nick’s wish was granted in early August. Nick traveled to Binghamton, New York to visit Jack, who is in failing health. It was a bittersweet day that neither one of them will ever forget.

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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Twilight Wish Foundation is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving, economically disadvantaged older adults ages 68 and older. It does so by wish-granting celebrations that connect generations. Sometimes a wish fills an immediate need, such as clothing, assistive devices or home appliances. In other cases, it’s the fulfillment of a last wish or lifelong dream, like having a book published, meeting a celebrity, traveling to a family reunion, or flying in a hot air balloon. One-third of all Twilight Wishes granted are to veterans.

“We acknowledges seniors for all they have given to others by bringing comfort and joy into their lives through individual wish granting celebrations,” says Cass Forkin. “By treating the elderly with compassion, we restore their dignity and bring them hope,” Jean Bowen, president of the Butler County chapter.

The organization started in May 2003 when Cass Forkin was having lunch at a diner in Doylestown, Bucks County.

After noticing several elderly women struggling to piece together change to pay their bill, Cass anonymously paid it for them. Their gratitude for her simple gesture inspired Cass to found Twilight Wish Foundation. It became the first national senior wish-granting organization dedicated to the needs of the elderly.

Locally, the Western Pennsylvania chapter was formed in 2006 and consists of Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington and Butler counties. “We are very proud of our Western Pennsylvania chapter,” says Bonnie Caripolti, director. “We have granted over 35 wishes, and currently have six we will be granting soon.

The Butler County Chapter of Twilight Wishes has started working on a kickoff fundraiser event, to be held in the spring of 2014, and plans to grant its first wish within the next few months. “Between now and the spring, we are working to get the word out about our foundation so that people know what Twilight Wish is,” Jean says. “If you know of a senior in need, please contact us because we are now actively looking for wish applicants.”

Twilight Wish has granted about 1,900 wishes since its founding in 2003. Recipients must earn less than 200 percent of poverty level annually, or live in a nursing facility. Wishes can be submitted by a senior or by someone else on behalf of a senior, and can be for needbased items such as hearing aids, lift chairs or dental work, or for something that a senior has always wanted to do.

Wishes range from simple (having

To sponsor a wish, or to make a donation of money, goods or services, call Jean Bowen at (724) 431-3732 or Debbie Monteleone at (724) 290-1791. To learn visit www.twilightwish.org.butler.

Who qualifies for a wish?

Someone who fits all of the following: * Age 68 or older, or a permanent resident of an eldercare facility * Legal US citizen * Demonstrated financial need (annual income of 200 percent or less of the federal poverty level) or unable to grant their own wish for other than financial reasons * Provide a positive history of giving back to others through service to our nation, their community or family. * Possess the cognitive, emotional and physical ability to experience the wish Volunteer opportunities are available with: 4 Wish granting 4 Event planning and fundraising 4 Grant writing 4 Office administration 4 Social media 4 Chapter development

LIHEAP AD_7.5x10_FINAL.qxp:Layout 1 10/24/13 9:19 AM Page 1

Look around. The faces you see are the people who depend on you, who care about you, who want to see you warm this winter. When the cold weather comes, you don't have to face it alone.

We're the Partners for Warmth, and we want you to know about LIHEAP – the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

1-866-827-1281 • www.partnersforwarmth.org The Partners for Warmth is Our Commitment to You

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

LIHEAP helps pay home heating bills when money is tight and you may be eligible for assistance.

Call the Partners for Warmth to see if you qualify for LIHEAP.

15

Ambulance Service • Wheelchair Van Service

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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Care You Can Count On

• Our wheelchair van service, Butler Assist Coach, currently operates 10 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 10 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

Holiday Word Scramble

Unscramble the following words for a chance to win $30 cash.

1. tmiasrhcs

___________________

9. aiorsnocted ___________________

17. eoscrmniee ___________________

2. nvdeat

___________________

10. leebtaerc

___________________

18. saronentm ___________________

3. optitenais

___________________

11. yfiaml

___________________

19. cinkgsot

___________________

4. ileostmet

___________________

12. whaert

___________________

20. vnatitiy

___________________

5. eapdar

___________________

13. zaawakn

___________________

21. cvotiaan

___________________

6. detleiyu

___________________

14. unhhaank ___________________

22. ojy

___________________

7. tndotriai

___________________

15. hnmroea

___________________

23. tkhnfual

___________________

8. srseetpn

___________________

16. dascr

___________________

24. pcaee

___________________

To enter, mail your answers to Butler County Senior News Contest, P.O. Box 11126, 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 Lucinda Payne who won last month’s contest. The answers were: 1. West Virginia; 2. Tennessee; 3. New Mexico; 4. Wyoming; 5. California; 6. North Dakota; 7. Montana; 8. Alabama; 9. Minnesota; 10. Michigan; 11. Missouri; 12. Louisiana; 13. Idaho; 14. Texas; 15. New York; 16. Pennsylvania; 17. Mississippi; 18. Delaware; 19. Alaska; 20. Arkansas.

While our later years can present many challenges, they also offer their share of joys. At Elmcroft, we’re committed to enriching the lives of the elderly by offering the compassion, dignity and independence they deserve.

Call to schedule your visit!

724.352.2827

Senior Living | Memory Care 100 Bella Court | Saxonburg, PA 16056 | elmcroft.com

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

SENIOR LIVING, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON “LIVING.”

17

My Three Sons Three sons left home, went out on their own and prospered. Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly mother.

The first said, “I built a big house for our mother.”

The second said, “I sent her a Mercedes with a driver.”

The third smiled and said, “I’ve got you both beat. Remember how mom enjoyed reading the Bible? And you know she can’t see very well. I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. It took elders in the church 12 years to teach him. He’s one of a kind. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it.”

Soon thereafter, mom sent a letter to each son. “Milton,” she wrote one son, “the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house.”

“Gerald,” she wrote to another, “I am too old to travel.

I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the Mercedes. And the driver is so rude!”

“Dearest Donald,” she wrote to her third son, “you have the good sense to know what your mother likes. The chicken was delicious.”

Taken from www.bestcleanjokes.com.

Quality Assisted Living Care • Private rooms with private bath • Single Story living • Affordable prices • Trained and Highly caring professional staff • Life enriched activity program December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

18

• Respite Care (short stay) • Hospice Program • Professional service including therapy, pharmacy, podiatrist, and on-site physician • Ask about the VA Aid and Attendance program

296 Dinnerbell Road Butler, PA 16002 (724) 360-3000 www.shelbourneassistedliving.com

Call for free lunch and tour!

Crossword Puzzle answer on page 2

INthGe Age of 55 L L O ENARdults Over W O N ible Older

Elig

LIVE to Love.

Comprehensive, Coordinated Services at No Cost for Qualified Older Adults…

A Partnership with Families Caring for their Older Loved Ones.

231 W. Diamond Street Butler, PA 16001

©King Features

DOWN 1 Ganges garment 2 Small songbird 3 On in years 4 Urban grocery store 5 Changes a coiffure 6 Past 7 Central points 8 Pekoe packet 9 Able to walk about 10 Marathon fraction 11 Begged 17 Little demon 19 Tulip, at first 22 Some lilies 24 Scale member 25 Have bills 26 Collarbone 27 Of inferior status 29 Compete 30 Graphics suffix 33 Snare 36 Detachable shirtfront 38 Horrify 40 Last letter 42 “Come here” 43 Bellow 44 Decorated Easter eggs 46 Waikiki wingding 47 Burnett of CNN 48 Piquancy 50 Away from WSW

724-287-LIFE (5433)

www.lutheranseniorlife.org/LIFE A Partnership of Lutheran SeniorLife and Butler Health System

Lifesteps Adult Day Health Services …a safe, home-like, medically-monitored day program

10% OFF

First Month’s Service mention Promo Code “CARE10”

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

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

• Does your loved one require assistance with personal care?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, call Lifesteps today.

Schedule a FREE visit!

CFC Code 24712

800.225.1010 • www.lifesteps.net Currently Accepting New Participants!

December 2013 • Butler County Senior News

ACROSS 1 Mop the deck 5 Brit. flying force 8 Pack (down) 12 Jason’s ship 13 Id counterpart 14 Jannings of old movies 15 Clarinet insert 16 Friendly 18 Behind with payments 20 Permeated 21 Fellows 23 Crony 24 Mislabeled 28 Donated 31 Wise bird 32 Sire 34 Pinch 35 Begin 37 Plato’s teacher 39 Namely (Abbr.)

41 Openhanded hit 42 Determined the cost 45 Java program 49 Some Pacific salmon 51 Emanation 52 Bargain 53 Type measures 54 Deposited 55 Deuce topper 56 Sandra or Ruby 57 Breather?

19

Defining

Quality:

\kwol i te\

Musculoskeletal Care

At Tri Rivers, you’ll find quality in our 21 physicians, who represent four musculoskeletal specialties ... In our well-equipped facilities, located with your convenience in mind ...

And in the continuum of care we’ve developed, from initial evaluation through physical therapy.

Tri Rivers: Defining quality in our community for more than 40 years.

Our convenient locations for orthopedic surgery & musculoskeletal medicine: North Hills Cranberry/Mars Butler Slippery Rock Saxonburg

1-866-874-7483 www.TriRiversOrtho.com