Butler County Senior News
January 2016 Volume 10, Number 6
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Photo provided by Nancy Pauli
Stockings filled and donated to residents of The Meadows.
Saxonburg women spin their passion for sewing into labors of love for area veterans and seniors By Gina Mazza For Butler County Senior News If it’s Monday afternoon at Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church, you will surely find a group of women hard at work (or is it play?) on a number of quilting and craft projects. About 10 years ago, a handful of church members who have a love for sewing pooled
their talents together to raise money for the church at its annual fall festival. “It all started with Arlene Ekas, who is still very much a member of the group,” recalls Nancy Pauli of Saxonburg. “She decided to get a bunch of us ladies together that first year.” The group’s original goal was to raise enough funds to install an elevator in the church.
“It took us 10 years but we raised every cent of the $70,000 for that project,” Nancy says proudly. “We achieved our goal just last year.” Over the decade, the sewing circle has widened to include 15 women from various churches (and denominations) throughout 2015 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Continued on page 4
Publisher’s Corner Owner/Publisher: Lynn Webster Editor: Gina Mazza Art Director: Burnfield Consulting Sales Executive: Wallace Webster
The cover story features a group of special ladies that work together to provide hand crafted items to area veterans and seniors. Learn how to protect yourselves from scams by arming yourself with valuable information. See page 8.
Photographer: Chuck LeClaire Printing Company: Knepper Press
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.
Contributing Writers: Brittany Buzzelli Gina Mazza Intern: Kara Boyle
Volume 10, Number 6 Published monthly by
Lynn Webster
1-800-756-9161
Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc.
www.vectorsecurity.com
for Butler County Senior News P. O. Box 11126 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 367-2522 Visit our website at www.pittsburghseniornews.com or email us at pghseniornews@icloud.com
Hardback Books Wanted
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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I buy hardback books in very good condition and pay more than used book outlets. Call (412) 527-7100.
Crossword Puzzle Answer (See page 15)
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Butler County Senior News is distributed monthly in the Butler County area. Copy right 2016 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
Entertainments and Events * Winter Trails Day Snowshoe Clinic will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. January 9 at the Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Rd., Slippery Rock. Enjoy a free, fun-filled introduction to snowshoeing. The clinic will include an indoor introduction to snowshoeing followed by an outdoor winter activity hike on snowshoes. Snowshoes will be provided, although personal equipment is welcomed. Registration is required by contacting the Center at no later than January 6. Call (724) 794-6011.
* The sixth annual Winterfest at Moraine State Park will take place from noon to 4 p.m. January 16 at Moraine State Park, McDanel’s Launch, 118 North Shore Dr., Portersville, A great cure for cabin fever, come out to enjoy the park in the winter. There will be ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, ice sculpture and dog sledding demos, crafts, chili cook-off and hot food. Call (724) 368-9185 or visit www.morainepreservationfund. org for details.
* Come out to Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Rd., * The River City Brass Band will be Slippery Rock, for Prairie Improvement back on stage at the Succop Theater, Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. January 16. 107 College Dr., Butler, for another The Jennings staff is looking for individmagnificent concert at 8 p.m. January uals willing to spend a Saturday morn15. From classical to jazz and original ing outdoors to help manage the unique compositions, the renowned River City prairie ecosystem. For lunch, generous Brass Band is under the direction of local restaurants will provide plenty of 4514_3882_orthopedic_specialists_doctor_ad_7.5x4.875_butler_senior_news.qxp_Layout 1 12/2/15 James Gourlay. Call (724) 284-8505 or warm, hearty soup. Each participant will receive a commemorative soup visit http://www.bc3.edu/campus/ mug as a special thank-you. Participants butler/succop-theater/index.html.
must be age 12 or older and should dress for the weather, including gloves and warm, waterproof boots. Call (724) 794-6011 by January 8 to register. * The 10th annual Butler County Wine Festival is set to take place January 30 at Butler Days Inn, 139 Pittsburgh Rd., Butler. This premier wine-tasting event features two full rooms of wine, food and merchandise vendors. There will also be raffles, a DJ, photobooth and more. Must be 21 years or older to attend. Session I will take place from 3 to 5:30 p.m., and session II from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost is $20 in advance online and $25 day of event. Buy your ticket online at http://wisr680.com/wine-festival/ or call (724) 283-1500 for details. * The Old Stone House will hold their Annual Cherry Pie Hike commemorating George Washington’s birthday with 4:58 PM Page 1 history and cherry pie February 20 on the North Country Trail, Slippery Rock. Call (724) 738-4964. BCSN
Front row (L-R): Christopher C. Schmidt, MD; Mark E. Baratz, MD; Dean G. Sotereanos, MD; Stephen F. Conti, MD Back row (L-R): Mark A. Fye, MD; Thomas B. Hughes Jr., MD; Alan H. Klein, MD; Periklis A. Papapetropoulos, MD
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Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
Specialized orthopaedic care. Close to home.
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Saxonburg women spin their passion for sewing into labors of love for area veterans and seniors Continued from page 1 Butler County, including two from Mars and one from Cabot. “We are open to anyone who likes to sew and do crafts. Most of the women are in their 60s and 70s but we have two who are in their 20s,” Nancy says. The volunteer sewers originally donated the materials to make their items, but now that they’ve begun making gifts for people in the community, the group is officially part of the church budget. “We make quilts for all of the children who are baptized at the church and we also make lap robes for shut-ins in the community,” Nancy explains. All tolled, they create approximately 25 baptismal quilts and just as many
Hemming curtain panels for use in the church Christmas program. lap robes every year. In addition, they fashion many items that are sold at the annual church festival, such as table runners, wall hangings and other household items.
Live LIFE…At Home
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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“We feel much safer now, knowing help will always be here if we need it.”
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Recently, the women also began sewing lap robes for military veterans who reside at The Meadows on Route 356. “Our church kind of adopted that group this past year. We made
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Christmas stockings for the veterans and stuffed them with all kinds of goodies. We loved doing that project.” Several of the sewers also belong to the Pieceful Patchers, a quilt guild located in Sarver. The two groups are now working together on making even more lap robes for residents of the Butler VA Hospital. The group is always open to anyone who loves to sew. If you love to sew and are interested in joining this group, email Nancy at nmp352@zoominternet.net or stop by Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church, located at the end of Main Street in Saxonburg, any Monday from 1 to 4 p.m. BCSN
Photos provided by Nancy Pauli for Butler County Senior News
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January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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Experiencing difficulty with daily tasks due to low vision? These devices may help magnifiers can change black and white text into a color such as blue, which is easier to read.
By Thomas Kempen, OTS Occupational Therapy Program University of Pittsburgh For Butler County Senior News
Handheld magnification may prove too exhausting for extended use by people with generalized weakness, and may be difficult to hold steady by people who experience hand tremors. For home use, such as reading for pleasure or business, a number of desktop magnifiers have been created that use a television or computer to display the magnified image. These allow for a larger image and more hands-off approach that is useful for extended use with reading tasks.
O
ur ability to see keeps us engaged with the world around us. Whether you’re watching your grandchildren play or watching the snow falling, being able to see clearly is more than a necessity—it’s a joy. As we age, however, declining vision can make daily tasks difficult. You may need help reading food labels, writing checks, or seeing the crosswalk signal. For many older adults, glasses aren’t enough for every situation. Below are a few devices that can help you in your daily tasks. Magnifiers Traditional magnifying glasses provide a simple solution to daily
reading needs. They’re easily pocketed or worn around the neck, or you can buy credit card-sized magnifiers that fit in your wallet. Magnification is often a very useful option for people with agerelated vision loss, especially if they Traditional magnifying glasses can be have blind spots in their vision. If these purchased for as little as $5-10 at local types of magnifiers are not enough, retailers like Target or Staples, while handheld electronic magnifiers can electronic magnifiers start around $100. deliver increased magnification withDesktop magnifiers are a much more out the “fish-eye” effect of traditional For Proofing Purposes Only option, starting at around magnifying glasses. In addition, some (These are notexpensive print ready files)
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January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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Looking for Senior Resources? Visit our website at www.pittsburghseniornews.com View current and past issues of Butler County Senior News. Call (412) 367-2522 or visit www.pittsburghseniornews.com for more information.
Proudly providing service coordination under the following waivers: Act 150, Adult Autism, Aging, Casey Ball Supports Coordination, LLC provides quality service coordination to Attendant Care, Commcare, participants in theIndependence, Office of LongObra. Term Living (OLTL), Pa Department of Aging (PDA)
Waivers/Programs. These services assist participants in gaining access to needed Waiver/ QR services as well as medical, social and other Program services and other state plan Code www.cbscllc.org services regardless of funding source to allow them to continue to live as independent as possible. Service Coordination is working with the direction of the participant whenever possible to identify, coordinate and facilitate waiver services.
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$1,000-2,000. As each person may have very specific magnification needs, it is wise to consult with your optometrist or a certified low vision occupational therapist to ensure the right choice for electronic or desktop magnifiers. Telescopes Whereas magnifiers help you see things that are close, telescopes help you see things that are far away. Handheld telescopes are useful for quickly spotting far-away signs. Spectacle-mounted telescopes attach to your glasses and let you relax while watching TV or a sports game. However, a downside of using such an attachment on your eyeglasses is that walking around while wearing them can be disorienting or dangerous. To that end, “bioptic” telescopes have been created. These work much like bifocals. They attach to the upper part of your glasses, letting you stop and look through them to spot distant objects. Then, you simply look through the
bottom, “regular” part of your glasses as you continue walking. Talk to a low vision specialist for more information on telescopic lenses. Colored plastic overlays Simply changing the color of the page you are reading can help distinguish text. Tinted plastic sheets can be used to provide a simple way of enhancing detail on a black and white page. These come in a variety of colors, so you can decide which works best for you. They’re an inexpensive option that can be found online or at various art and office supply stores. High contrast keyboard If you use your computer often, you may find it difficult to read letters on a standard keyboard. High contrast keyboards have big, bold letters and numbers, as well as bright yellow keys, making them easier to see for people with vision loss. High contrast keyboards can be bought for around
$20 at most electronics retailers, such as Office Depot or Best Buy. These are just a few ideas to help manage vision loss. In addition to these devices, it’s important to maintain adequate lighting in your home. If you have a favorite workspace in the home, consider adding overhead lighting so you can better see the task at hand. You may also find it helpful to highlight things with bright tape, such as the edges of stairs or settings on your microwave. Some devices, like talking alarm clocks or audio books, may even eliminate the need to strain your eyes. If you or a loved one are having increased difficulty with daily activities due to visual difficulty, ask your doctor for a referral to occupational therapy. Occupational therapists, especially those who are trained as low vision specialists, can offer additional ideas, adaptive devices, and strategies that can help you stay independent and safe. BCSN
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
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
Ambulance Service • Wheelchair Van Service
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Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Senior Express
Avoid senior scams by arming yourself with information By Gina Mazza For Butler County Senior News
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kay, readers. It’s time to show potential scam artists out there that older adults ARE as sharp as they used to be. While seniors are still considered to be a top target of financial scams according to the FBI (losing as much as $3 billion to criminals through home repair and investment scams, and other cons), we know that knowledge is our most powerful defense. The specific scams that are currently circulating the country are many and cover a wide variety of areas—from travel, to health insurance, and even funeral home fraud. But we’ve compiled a short list of the most common types of cons that you should definitely be aware of. Counterfeit prescription drugs Seniors are increasing going online to research better prices on medications. Unfortunately, counterfeit drug scams also operate on the Internet. Be safe and get your meds only from a trusted pharmacist. Email phishing
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In these scams, an older adult receives email messages that appear to be from a legitimate company or institution, asking them to “update” or “verify” their personal information. Do not respond to the email. Instead, call the verifiable number of the company (if it’s one that you have business with) and speak directly with a representative. Funeral and cemetery scams It’s unconscionable that people prey on others who are grieving the loss of a loved one, but it happens. Scammers read obituaries and call or attend the January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
funeral service of a complete stranger to take advantage of the grieving widow or widower. Claiming the deceased had an outstanding debt with them, scammers will try to extort money from relatives to settle the fake debts. Even some shady funeral homes have been caught doing dishonest business. In one common scam of this type, funeral directors will insist that a display or burial casket (usually one of the most expensive parts of funeral services) is necessary even when performing a cremation (which can be accomplished with a cardboard casket). Before going to a funeral home, do your research ahead of time and have all the questions you want answered written down. Go with a family member or a close friend. Grandparent scams The grandparent scam tugs at seniors’ heartstrings. Scammers will place a call and say something like, “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” When the unsuspecting grandparent guesses the
name of the grandchild, the scammer can immediately establish an identity. Once “in”, the fake grandchild asks for money to solve some unexpected financial problem (overdue rent, payment for car repairs, etc.), to be paid via Western Union or a MoneyGram, which don’t always require identification to collect. At the same time, the scam artist will beg the grandparent, “Please don’t tell my parents, they would kill me.” Investment scams Because older adults plan for retirement and manage their savings once they finish working, a number of investment schemes have been targeted at seniors looking to safeguard their cash for their later years. From pyramid schemes to complex financial products that many economists don’t even understand, don’t fall for these investment scams or give out any of your personal information to strangers. Work only with reputable investment advisors.
Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Medicare and health insurance fraud Every US citizen age 65 and older qualifies for Medicare, so there is rarely any need for a scam artist to research what private health insurance company you may have. Instead, they pose as a Medicare representative to get you to give them your personal information, or medical equipment manufacturers offering free medical products in exchange for your Medicare numbers. Hang up and call Medicare directly to ensure that you are in fact talking with someone from Medicare. Reverse mortgage scams This scam has mushroomed in recent years as legitimate reverse mortgages have increased in frequency. Unsecured reverse mortgages can lead property owners to lose their homes when the perpetrators offer money or a free house somewhere else in exchange for the title to the property. Deal only with reputable financial institutions. Sweepstakes and lottery scams One of the mostly widely used ploys, scammers inform their prey that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes of some kind and need to make some sort of payment to unlock the “prize.” Often, seniors will be sent a check that they can deposit in their bank account, knowing that while it shows up in their account immediately, it will take a few days before the (fake) check is rejected. During that time, the criminals will quickly collect money for supposed fees or taxes on the prize, which they pocket while the victim has the “prize money” removed from his or her account as soon as the check bounces. Telemarketing Perhaps the most common scheme is when scammers use fake telemarketing calls to prey on older adults. While the
Senior Express
image of the lonely elderly with nobody to talk to may have something to do with this, it is far more likely that seniors are more familiar with shopping over the phone. With no face-to-face interaction and no paper trail, these scams are incredibly hard to trace. Also, once a successful deal has been made, the buyer’s name is then shared with similar schemers looking for easy targets, sometimes defrauding the same person repeatedly. Always check out unfamiliar companies with your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, state attorney general, the National Fraud Information Center, or other watchdog groups. The bottom line is: Never give out your personal information (such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers) to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons over the phone. Don’t be pressured into doing anything in the moment. Take your time and do your research, as needed. Legitimate companies won’t pressure you to make a snap decision. Never respond to an offer you don’t understand thoroughly. Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer, and don’t pay in advance for services. Pay services only after they are delivered. “If you suspect that you’ve been a victim of a scam, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to talk about it with someone you trust,” advises Rickey Lake, Protective Services supervisor with the Butler County Area Agency on Aging. “You are not alone and doing nothing could only make the situation worse. There are people who can help.” For starters, keep nearby the phone numbers for your local police, your bank and Adult Protective Services. In Butler County, call (724) 282-3008 or email Rickey at Rlake@co.butler.pa.us. BCSN To learn more, visit www.aging.pa.gov.
2016 AARP Foundation Tax Aide sites in Butler County For taxpayers with low and moderate income, with speical attention given to those ages 60 and older. Cranberry Public Library 2525 Rochester Rd., Suite 300 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 Monday’s from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. February 1 through April 11 (Closed February 15 for President’s Day.) Slippery Rock Senior Center 155 Branchton Rd. Slippery Rock, PA 16057 Monday’s from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from noon to 2:30 p.m. February 1 through April 11 (Closed February 15 for President’s Day.) Mars Area Public Library 107 Grand Ave., Mars, PA 16046 Tuesday’s (February 9, 16 and 23; March 1, 15 and 22; and April 5) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tanglewood Center 10 Austin Ave., Lyndora, PA 16045 Tuesday’s from 9 a.m to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m. February 2 through April 12. Trinity Lutheran Church 120 Sunset Dr., Butler, PA 16001 Thursday’s from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from noon to 2:30 p.m. February 4 through April 14 Zelienople Area Public Library 227 S. High St., Zelienople, PA 16063 Thursday’s from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. February 4 through April 7 January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Senior Center events
Senior Express
_ Butler Senior Center, 10 Austin Ave., (located in Tanglewood Senior Center), Lyndora, offers the following events: 500 card party at noon January 6, cost is $2.50; color therapy at 10 a.m. and aging gracefully at 10:45 a.m. January 7; color therapy at 10 a.m., leadership meeting at 11:30 a.m. and birthday celebration January 14; soup pick up after 10 a.m. January 20; and coloring contest at 11:30 a.m. January 21. 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: blood pressure screening at 10:30 a.m. January 5; UPMC physical therapy at 10:30 a.m. January 12; bingo at 10:15 a.m. cost is $.50 per card and birthday celebration January 14; leadership meeting at 10:30 a.m. January 19; and bingo at 10:15 a.m. cost is $.50 per card. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Call (724) 445-2551.
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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_ Cranberry Senior Center, Municipal Building, Rochester Rd., offers the following events: brain health at 11 a.m. January 7; birthday celebration January 14; 500 card party at 12:30 p.m. January 19; leadership meeting at 10:30 a.m. January 21; and winter blues party January 28. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 772-6086.
_ Mount Chestnut Senior Center, Presbyterian Church, 727 Old Route 422, will offer the following events: Bible study at 10:15 a.m. and leadership meeting at 12:45 p.m. January 4; sit and be fit at 10:15 a.m. and blood pressure check at 11:30 a.m. January 7; Wii bowling January 11; Wendy’s fundraiser night from 4:45 to 6 p.m. January 13; birthday celebration January 14; sit and be fit at 10:15 a.m. January 21; and book club at 10:15 a.m. January 25. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Call (724) 282-6006.
_ Evans City Senior Center, 426 East Main St., offers the following events: hoagie sale January 4 through 21, cost is $5 each; white elephant bingo at 1 p.m. January 11; blood pressure check from 10 a.m. to noon, leadership meeting at 1 p.m. and birthday celebration January 14; community resources available in the county at 1 p.m. January 20; and pick up hoagies January 28. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Call (724) 538-9414.
_ Slippery Rock Senior Center, Township Building, 155 Branchton Rd., will offer the following events: senior hot breakfast at 9 a.m. January 6; leadership meeting at 12:30 p.m. January 7; birthday celebration at 12:30 p.m. January 14; winter Olympic kickoff at 10 a.m. January 12; and closing winter Olympic program and awards at 12:30 p.m. January 28. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Call (724) 794-6440.
_ Mars Senior Center, Penn Mar Plaza, Gilkey Dr., offers the following activities: pancake and sausage breakfast from 9 to 10 a.m. January 5. Cost is $3.50; mock weeding ceremony committee meeting at 1 p.m. January 6. Cost is $3; blood pressure check at 10:30 a.m. January 7; safety in the community at 11:30 a.m. January 11; white elephant sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. January 13; birthday celebration January 14; blood pressure check at 11 a.m. January 21; and leadership meeting at 1 p.m. January 28. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday Call (724) 625-4466.
_ Southeast Senior Center, Winfield Township Firehall, Brose Rd., offers the following upcoming events: pharmacy brown bag from 9:30 to 11 a.m. January 12; birthday celebration January 14; and baked potato bar at 11:30 a.m. January 26. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call (724) 352-2036.
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
_ West Sunbury Senior Center, West Sunbury Presbyterian Church, hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. Lunches are provided. Events will be listed in next month’s publications. Call (724) 637-2959. BCSN
Butler County Area Agency on Aging January Menu for senior centers
Monday, January 4: Baked chicken, au gratin potatoes, brussel sprouts, fruit. Tuesday, January 5: Penne pasta with meatballs, tossed salad, apples. Wednesday, January 6: Baked salmon, wild rice, carrots, pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges. Thursday, January 7, Birthday menu: Vegetable lasagna, mixed greens, applesauce, cupcake. Friday, January 8: Baked ham, sweet potatoes, vegetable medley, brownie. Monday, January 11: Baked meatloaf, baked potato, carrots, fruit salad. Tuesday, January 12: Roast pork loin, whipped potatoes, sauerkraut, chocolate cake. Wednesday, January 13: Chicken Caesar salad, mixed greens, wedding soup, peaches. Thursday, January 14: Turkey, stuffing, beets, sweet and sour slaw, pudding. Friday, January 15: Roast beef, parsley potatoes, baked cabbage, gelatin. Monday, January 18, Martin Luther King Day: Closed. Tuesday, January 19, Breakfast for lunch: Egg omelet, sausage, fruit, doughnut hole. Wednesday, January 20: Sloppy Joe sandwich, broccoli soup, peaches, cookie. Thursday, January 21: Baked chicken breast, whipped potatoes, mixed bean medley, pumpkin custard. Friday, January 22: Potato crusted fish, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, fruit. Monday, January 25: Grilled chicken salad, potato soup, fruit. Tuesday, January 26: Stuffed pepper cup, whipped potatoes, corn, oatmeal cookie. Wednesday, January 27: Salisbury steak, oven browned potatoes, carrots, pineapple tidbits. Thursday, January 28, Pizza party: Pepperoni pizza, tossed salad, applesauce. Friday, January 29: Sweet and sour pork, white rice, vegetable blend, pears, fortune cookie.
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 Leslie Osche, Republican Kimberly Geyer, Republican Kevin Boozel, Democrat 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 • 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 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
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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Could stem cells be the next penicillin? By David Ebner Chances are that you have heard about stem cells. But did you know that stem cells are being used right now in the United States to treat debilitating lung diseases? With advancements in the study of stem cells, the question is posed: are stem cells the next penicillin? Stem cells and penicillin come from humble beginnings, they are both used to treat lifeThe discovery of penicillin threatening conditions, and was an early example of just like penicillin, stem cell biground breaking medical ologists have won Nobel Prizes advancements changing the for their discoveries. Penicillin, course of modern medicine. originally discovered in 1928 by the Scottish biologist, Sir Alexander Fleming, did not see its full potential until WWII. It wasn’t until 1945, that Sir Fleming received the Nobel Prize.
New year...
new ways to treat COPD.
Over time, stem cells have crept into the national dialogue as a buzzword, particularly the stem cells found in fetuses. However, the stem cells being used to treat diseases in the U.S., and the same cells that warranted the 2012 Nobel Prize in Medicine, are adult stem cells. This type of stem cell is found fully developed in all people.
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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At the turn of the 20th century, biologists discovered that some cells in the body had not yet been assigned as a certain type of cell. The use of these cells to treat diseases traces back to 1968 when the first bone marrow transplant was performed. The result of placing healthy stem cells into a sick individual’s body is the creation of healthy blood cells that are not infected. In turn, these cells replace the diseased ones and start to heal the patient. Today, a clinic called the Lung Institute is using adult stem cells from the patient’s own fat, blood or bone marrow to provide similar healing results for people with lung diseases. The physician gives the patient a growth factor that multiplies the stem cells into millions of healthy cells and extracts the stem cells from the patient, then they separate the cells and reintroduce them into the patient’s body. The result is the promotion of healing in the lungs. Not only can this slow the progression of the disease, but it also works to restore lung function. Just as penicillin was recognized by the medical community, so have stem cell developments. If the number of people who have already been successfully treated with stem cells is any indication of the future, then it will undoubtedly be heralded as one of the ground-breaking medical technologies of its time.
Resolve To Get Your Life Back With Stem Cell Therapy. Treatments at the Lung Institute use stem cells from the patient’s own body to promote healing, which can slow the progression of the disease, improve lung function and quality of life. Call (855) 978-5767 or visit lunginstitute.com/SeniorNews
Senior Resources
Following is a list of resources that are relevant to issues affecting seniors. We are providing this as an easy reference for information that you may need now or in the future. AARP: www.aarp.org. The National site for AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people, ages 50 years and older. Call 1 (888) 687-2277. County of Butler Area Agency on Aging: www.co.butler. pa.us/butler/. Gives detailed information on aging programs. Call (724) 282-3008 or 1 (888) 367-2434. Alzheimer’s Association: www.alzpa.org. Programs and services for individuals and families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders. Call 1 (800) 272-3900. Benefits Checkup www.benefitscheckup.org. An online questionnaire to help search for a list of all state and federal benefits.
SHELBOURNE PERSONAL CARE Embracing Life’s Journey Together
Affordable Quality Accommodations • Stimulating Activities Program • • Trained Healthcare Personnel (24 Hour Care) • Respite Services for Short Term Residents
724.360.3000 CALL FOR A TOUR & COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH TODAY!
296 Dinnerbell Road | Butler, PA 16002 Visit our website at THENUGENTGROUP. COM A Nugent Group Partner
Aging Waiver Service Coordination Choose the local option!
Eldercare Locator: www.eldercare.gov. Contains information on the complete array of services and programs of interest for older adults. Call 1 (800) 677-1116. Government Benefits: www.GovBenefits.gov. The official benefits website of the government that connects people in need to government assistance programs. Call 1 (800) 333-4636.
Center for Community Resources' Butler based Service Coordinators are responsive, caring and committed to helping you maintain your independence.
Medicare: www.medicare.gov. The official government site for Medicare consumer information. Call 1 (800) 633-4227. Pennsylvania Long-Term Care: www.longtermcare.state. pa.us. Provides long-term care information on available service options, including home care, public and private financing of those options, and other issues. Call 1 (866) 286-3636. BCSN
Conveniently located in the Sunnyview Complex. 121 Sunnyview Circle, Suite 131 Butler, PA 16001
724-431-3748 www.ccrinfo.org
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
COMPASS (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Application for Social Services): www.compass.state.pa.us. Enables Pennsylvania citizens to apply for social services programs online. Call 1 (800) 692-7462.
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Before and After
Figure out the missing word which goes with the word before AND after it for a chance to win $30 cash. 1. Blue____________hoppers
9. Tiger__________scout
17. Oyster__________none
2. Thin __________ breaker
10. Hound’s__________ache
18. Rabbit’s____________wig
3. Fire___________swatter
11. Sting___________Bans
19. March___________Krishna
4. Cat’s__________lashes
12. Horse__________bend
20. Cheshire_________nap
5. Pig ___________tone
13. Buck___________ball
21. Lincoln _________ cabin
6. Goose__________under
14. Monkey’s____________Sam
22. Phone __________ mark
7. Garter__________eyes
15. Jitter__________spray
23. Red ___________ stitch
8. Lion’s__________mother
16. Grizzly___________hug
24. Square __________ hall
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 Judy Mallary who won last month’s contest. The answers were: 1. Attorneys; 2. Bicycles; 3. Cremation; 4. Dumpsters; 5. Espresso; 6. Furniture; 7. Grocers; 8. Hypnosis; 9. Insurance; 10. Jeans; 11. Kennels; 12. Libraries; 13. Marriage Ceremonies; 14. Newspapers; 15. Orchestras; 16. Pawnbrokers; 17. Question; 18. Recreation; 19. Security; 20. Transmissions; 21. Upholsterers; 22. Veterinary Hospitals; 23. Weight Loss; 24. X-ray labs; 25. Yogurt; 26. Zoos.
LOOKING FOR
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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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
ANNAPOLIS ATLANTA BOISE DOVER
HARTFORD HONOLULU JUNEAU MONTGOMERY
PHOENIX SACRAMENTO SPRINGFIELD TALLAHASSEE
Skilled Short & Long-Term Rehabilitation
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
1172560
A small, local business providing tender loving care.
ACROSS 1 Fast plane 4 Pavlova’s skirt 8 Not naked 12 Glam Gardner 13 WWW links 14 Top-rated 15 Try to get along 17 Old Norse letter 18 Holiday lead-ins 19 Poet W.H. – 20 To date 22 Pen tips 24 Clooney film “ – the Air” 25 Fireside cupful 29 Gun the engine 30 Silent types? 31 Green and Gore 32 Breyers product 34 Heart tests (Abbr.) 35 Lipstick shades 36 Like Gatsby 37 Moved like goo 40 Water fall? 41 Petticoat 42 Northern Italian resort 46 Loathe 47 Gasp for air 48 Church seat 49 Rent-a-car giant 50 “I won’t – word” 51 – Francisco
DOWN 1 Printer woe 2 Mrs. Per—n 3 Brubeck classic 4 Piano man? 5 “Topaz” author 6 “Cake Boss” airer 7 Employ 8 Opera great Enrico 9 Ear-splitting 10 “Green Gables” girl 11 TV chef Paula 16 Author Hunter 19 Grade-school basics 20 Tom Cruise’s kid 21 Oil cartel letters 22 “Enough!” (Sp.) 23 List entry 25 Scurried 26 Devil’s food snacks on sticks 27 Gymnast Korbut 28 Aide, for short 30 TV horse 33 Thin pancakes 34 “Hulk” star Bana 36 Reclusive Garbo 37 Job-safety org. 38 King of Norway 39 Pasta tubes 40 Big Apple fashion label 42 Retro records 43 Top bond rating 44 “Peel – grape” 45 Have
January 2016 • Butler County Senior News
©King Features
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Living to serve residents of Butler County through a full continuum of care. St. John Community Mars, PA
Overbrook Pointe Independent-style senior apartments; RoseCrest Assisted living with memory support; St. John Specialty Care Center Skilled nursing and outpatient services.
Passavant Community Zelienople, PA
All levels of care and services
VNA, western Pennsylvania Home Care & Hospice programs
LIFE Butler County Living Independence for the Elderly in partnership with Butler Health System
SilverSmart Technology TM
Technology assistance for seniors, including home assessments, hotline for questions, catalogue of devices and technology tips.
Crown Pointe at Clearview
Live an Abundant Life
速
www.lutheranseniorlife.org