June-August 2021 Volume 22, Number 2
COMPL
IMENTA
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Sponsored in part by Beaver County Office on Aging
restrictions took hold, we would face one of the biggest hardships: not being able to visit our children, grandchildren, relatives, and other loved ones for the foreseeable future.
Fiorello Malit - CCBC
Heritage Valley Health System makes getting the COVID-19 vaccine quick, safe and easy By Randy Detweiler
M
ost people started out 2020 with high expectations of the year to come, but things quickly took a turn for the worse. We heard rumblings about a coronavirus called COVID-19. Nobody could imagine that by March
2020, our world as we knew it would grind to a halt. Employees were sent home, businesses and restaurants closed, and all of us, including older adults, were told to quarantine. Seniors living in high-rise apartments were only able to leave for groceries or essential errands. As travel
Now, there is hopeful news. We are finally able to receive a vaccine to help us fight COVID-19. Even more exciting, Heritage Valley Health System can assist you in receiving this vaccine. Pennsylvania has the fourth largest population of seniors in the country. In Beaver County alone, 30 percent of the population is 60 or older— about 48,000 people. With these large numbers, Heritage Valley Health System jumped into action in January 2021 to prepare for the huge task of distributing vaccines quickly. Heritage Valley’s service area includes Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties, as well as eastern Ohio and the panhandle of West Virginia. When vaccines became available, they reached out to adults ages 80 and older first and then lowered the age as availability of the vaccine grew. To date, the health system has provided 42,540 first Continued on page 4
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Grab your copy of the 2021 Beaver County Senior Resource Guide A guide with all the phone numbers and websites for senior resources you may need. Visit the website at pghseniornews.com to download a copy of the guide. Beaver County
2020-2021
Senior Resource Guide In cooperation with the Beaver County Office on Aging
For caregivers. For professionals. For you.
Publisher’s Corner
Now accepting applications for residency at Green Diamond Place! Apartment Amenities:
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ow that the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available, we can begin to resume some normalcy. These summer months are a good time to finally get out and walk (see Angela’s feature on page 12) and visit the local farmers markets (see page 14). Want to know more about how to use social media to stay in touch with loved ones? We give a rundown of the most popular platforms on page 6. Our next issue is September. Happy summer, everyone!
Lynn Hogan Webster
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
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Valley Care Adult Day Services • An affordable and reliable senior care option • Open M-F, 6:30am - 5:30pm • Quick and easy enrollment • No contract or commitment • Registered Nurse on site • Exercise and therapy available • Provides socialization and fun for those who need care and rest for their caregiver
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Spacious, one bedroom apartments
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Most utilities included in rent
24-hour emergency maintenance
Small pets welcome
Call or visit Green Diamond Place today!
Address: 379 Mellon Avenue Baden, 15005 Phone: 724-869-2080 Designed to meet the needs of adults 62 years of age and older.
Volume 22, Number 2 Published monthly by Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc for Beaver County Senior News 97 Beechmont Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15229 (412) 760-5914 pghseniornews@icloud.com
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Robert A. Banks Attorney at Law
Wills • Estate Planning • Senior Citizen Law Powers of Attorney • Living Wills
345 Commerce St. 2nd Floor Beaver, PA 15009
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Hoffman’s Drug Store Emanuel N. Panos Pharmacist
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Services include:
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Attorney Robert Banks has provided legal counsel to over 7,200 clients since his admission to the Bar in October 1978. During his 36 years of legal counseling Attorney Banks has obtained experience in many fields:
345 Commerce St. 2nd Floor
Need a speaker at no cost for your church or group? Beaver, PA 15009 Give me a call!
Ambridge, PA
Owner/Publisher: Lynn Hogan Webster Editor: Gina Mazza Art Director: Amy Svoboda Contributing Writers: Angela Gentile Gina Mazza Printing Company: Knepper Press Visit our website at pittsburghseniornews.com
www.rabanksesq.com Office: (724) 775-1500 Fax: (724) 774-3560
(724) 375-4111
Crossword Puzzle Answer (See page 19)
Local singing duo takes seniors down memory lane with a “sentimental journey” and music production, and now they are bringing nostalgia to life by performing pieces of musical history for seniors. The duo puts on shows at nursing and personal care homes, skilled nursing facilities and retirement communities, as well as private parties, charity events and parades. Their performances are an interactive experience that bring joy to older audiences through vintage songs, dancing, period costumes from earlier decades, and storytelling, often centered around special themes based on the seasons or holidays. Deb and Ken currently present their nostalgic show at Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Vincentian Health, Passavant Retirement & Health, The Keenagers, Zelienople Historical Society, Zelienople Borough and other places around town. Check out their performances on Facebook or YouTube by searching “Deb & Ken’s Sentimental Journey.”
Debbie Smith Wagner of North Sewickley and Ken
Doerbecker of Wexford have roots in musical theatre
To book the duo, contact Debbie at debkensj@gmail.com. Photo from facebook.com/DebKenSentimentalJourney/
BEAVER FALLS PLAZA
Two BR Vacancies Immediate Occupancy • 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance • On-site Management and Maintenance • Carpet/Blinds on All Windows • Individually Controlled Heat & Air Conditioning • Generous Closet Space • Potential Rapid Occupancy • No Application Fee • All Utilities Included in Rent • Income Limits Apply • 1 Person hh...$17,850 • 2 Persons hh...$20,400 Maximum income for eligibility is: 1 Person $47,500; 2 Persons $54,300
Koppel Terrace Senior Apartments Maintenance Free, Garden Style Apartments For persons 55 years of age and older Corner of 1st Avenue and Richard Street in Koppel 19 spacious, fully carpeted 1 and 2 bedroom apartments One Bedroom $400 Two Bedrooms $500 plus electric Water, sewage and garbage included. Fully equipped with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal. On-site laundry facilities are also available.
For additional information and application packet, call (724) 775-4535. Income restrictions apply. Annual income must not exceed: $25,450 one person; $29,050 two persons
Leetsdale Manor
27 Spencer Street, Leetsdale, PA 15056 Rent-Assisted Housing for Persons Ages 62 and Older 1 bedroom apartments w/ equipped kitchens, wall-wall carpet, A/C, balconies, community room, laundry facility, limited off-street parking and Secure intercom system. HUD has mandated that an admission priority be implemented for households whose incomes are 30% of the area median income or less. Income limits apply (gross annual income) • 1 Person hh...$14,600 • 2 Persons hh...$16,700 Maximum income eligibility• 1 Person...$24,350 • 2 Persons ...$27,800
(800) 238-7555 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
1008 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls (724) 843-4822
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Continued from page 1
doses and 41,000 individuals are already fully vaccinated.
Norm Mitry
Norm Mitry, CEO of Heritage Valley Health System, says that while people waited patiently for the vaccine to become available, he and the health system realized early on how important it would be to provide the vaccine to the community in a quick manner. “Our mission is meeting the health and wellbeing of all they serve,” he comments.
While preparing for the vaccine rollout, Heritage Valley had four main objectives:
“It takes a village to execute a project like this,” Laurie shared. “We secured 250 caring employees, retirees, and community members to volunteer at the large volume sites.” Volunteer duties included greeting and escorting members to the door in golf carts, checking people in, administering the shots, and paramedics monitoring people in the waiting room after being vaccinated. The Beaver County Office on Aging is very appreciative of Heritage Valley providing this service. “We couldn’t be more thankful to Heritage Valley Health System for our partnership with them to assist older adults to register for their vaccine,” comments Linda Hall, Administrator of the Beaver County Office on Aging. “Not only is HVHS doing a fantastic job handling the large volume of registrations, they are also assisting those who do not have computer access to register.”
• have a simple way to register to receive a vaccine
Some of you may be asking, “Why should I receive a vaccine?” As some people have shared:
• spread the word about availability and registration method to as many residents as possible
• “I held my first great grandchild for the first time.”
• provide as many convenient locations as possible to receive the vaccine
• “I will be able to travel and see my children.”
• have enough staff and volunteers to help Mitry gives much credit to two of his staff members: Jon Zagorski, Chief Information Officer, and Laurie Clemens, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Jon and Laurie worked tirelessly to make this important task of vaccinating thousands of individuals go smoothly and be as easy as possible for our members.” June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
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through large clinics at the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC). Currently, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is offered at the Heritage Valley ConvenientCare clinics in Center and Robinson Townships, by appointment only.
• “My children were able to come over for dinner.” It is important to note that even after you are vaccinated, it is recommended that you continue to wear a mask when outside and around people, keep a six-foot distance, and always follow CDC guidelines.
Heritage Valley’s Information Technology Department created an online tool for residents to register for a vaccine and stay updated weekly on their status for receiving the vaccine. “Our goals were to have the whole process be as simple as can be, including quick, one-time signup, weekly notifications to update those registered, notifications when vaccines are available, and a link for members to sign up for both the first and second dose at the same time,” Jon explains. “It was important to keep track of when the second dose would be needed.” The first day that registration was open, 18,000 seniors registered; to date, 112,000 community members have registered. As part of the mission to provide as many vaccines as efficiently as possible, they were initially offered daily at many sites, as well as twice monthly
Jennifer Schlosser CCBC Vaccine Denise Ramponi
Being quarantined and isolated has been very difficult for all of us. We all need a smile, a hug, and time spent with our loved ones. Being vaccinated will make a huge difference in our lives. If you have any concerns about the vaccine, please reach out to your primary care physician. To register for the COVID-19 vaccine or to learn more, visit heritagevalley.org or call (724) 770-7555.
About Heritage Valley Health System Heritage Valley Health System is a $535 million integrated delivery network providing comprehensive health care for residents of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania; eastern Ohio; and the panhandle of West Virginia. In partnership with 3,800 employees and more than 600 physicians, Heritage Valley offers a broad range of medical, surgical and diagnostic services at its three hospitals: Heritage Valley Sewickley, Heritage Valley Beaver and Heritage Valley Kennedy; in 55 physician offices; and more than 21 community satellite facilities. For more information about Heritage Valley Health System, please visit heritagevalley.org
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
Betty Rechel - CCBC
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Social media apps and platforms make staying in touch fun and easy TikTok Help Center: support.tiktok.com/en/gettingstarted Instagram Instagram is a social media app where you can post pictures and videos. Users can create a post that displays on their account page and the homepage timeline of their followers. You can also comment on posts, “like” them, or share them with friends or to your “story” (temporary posts members can share for up to 24 hours). Besides individuals, many companies and organizations use Instagram to reach users, sell products, and share information. Instagram Help Center: help.instagram.com/ By Kimberly Blaker
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ow more than ever, it’s possible be part of your family and friends’ lives even when apart. Social media and other online platforms and apps make it easy to stay connected right from your personal computer and mobile phone. Here’s a rundown of how some of these main platforms work.
Facebook Facebook is a popular social media app and website. You add “friends” who can see your posts and whose posts you can see on a home screen. Users also have their own main page. There you can see the user’s profile picture, information about them, and photos, links, videos or other posts they’ve shared. You can also follow pages on an unlimited number of interests,
Apps
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
“App” is short for “applications”, or programs that you can download to your devices. They’re found in an app store on your device (App Store on iOS/Apple devices, Google Play Store on Android and Google devices, or Windows Store on Windows devices). Just click on the app store for your device to download free or paid apps for almost anything you want: games (like the New York Times Crossword or Words With Friends), social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok), ebooks or audio books (Kindle and Libby), video streaming (Netflix and Hulu), shopping (Amazon and Target) and more. TikTok
TikTok is a short video-based social media app and website. You can create 15-second to one-minute videos and share them to your account for others to see. You can also edit videos by putting together short clips, using filters to alter the video’s appearance, and adding audio from other users or songs. Videos can be seen by your followers or found by others searching by hashtags (searchable phrases preceded by a # sign) or similar content. When viewing others’ videos, you can tap a heart on the right to indicate you like a video. You can tap a speech bubble to read or leave a comment. You can also tap the user’s handle (@ followed by a unique name) to see more videos they’ve created. People use TikTok in various creative ways, and you can even 6 participate in challenges, dances, or trends.
Just Ask for VNA
It’s your right to choose the home health and hospice provider you prefer. Ask for VNA.
724-282-6806 Toll-free 877-862-6659 www.lutheranseniorlife.org 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001
Facebook Help Center: facebook.com/ help/?helpref=hc_global_nav Twitter Twitter is another social media app and website. Users can post “tweets”, which are short messages up to 280 characters. Tweets may include a link, video, picture, or retweet (sharing a tweet from another user). You can follow people you know, strangers, celebrities, companies, and organizations to see their posts on your homepage on Twitter. You can also see timelines of other users or post to your own timeline for your followers to see. Users often add specific hashtags. With the explore feature, you can look up hashtags or particular words and what’s trending (top hashtags or popular phrases at the time). Twitter New User FAQ Page: help.twitter.com/en/ new-user-faq Blogs Blogs are basically web pages run by one or more individuals working to share information, usually in a specific niche, in an often informal way. Anyone can visit a blog. Blogs may be found in a web search or by recommendation. Typically, blogs have a reverse timeline on their main page. The most recent post is usually first, with the rest shown in reverse chronological order. They typically include writing about the topic and may include pictures, videos, recipes, or links to other pages or products. Menu tabs or blocks are usually near the top of the page to click so you can explore the blog or an “about” section to learn more about the blogger. Authors often encourage visitors to leave comments at the bottom of their posts, follow the blog site for updates, or sign up for email lists. Posting Photos On social media platforms, users can post photos or videos to share with friends or followers. The exact method varies depending on the platform, but many have either a plus sign or a button to click that says “post.” If you’re using an app to post photos, you may need to give permission for it to access your saved images. You can also usually take a picture or video while in the app. You should see a screen notification that your photographs or videos have been posted. To check, look at your own profile or ask someone you know to look at your page from their account. Kimberly Blaker is founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services.
Township, Butler County).
Direct Cremation $890
“We call it a ‘Holy Hook-up’ as to how the Lord led This charge for direct cremation without any locaus to this attendant rights or ceremonies includes: tion,” explains e c kof y death H e t z e r, • Removing the deceased person from any B place has person been a within Beaver County and transporting thewho deceased to the Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd. mission worker w i t h H oors legal anna • Consulting with the appropriate family member(s) since “We guardian at the Thomas M. SmithIndustries Funeral Home &1996. CrematoA unique form of ministry had outgrown our Bakry Ltd. to acquire necessary vital statistics and authorizations. called Hosanna Industries erstown space and were • is Email or fax arrangements are available available to individuals looking to build a larger in the Pittsburgh region • Sheltering the remains for a 24 hour period by facility to (required accommodate who may need a helping law) prior to performing the cremation. our growth. Through a hand, as well as to those friend of a friend, weobewere • who Performing theoffer cremation on site. (Additional fee for want to a hand led to the Rinard Lane sity) to others. campus where we found • Placing the cremated remains inexactly a simple container. what we were Officially started on Palm looking for: a volunteer during • Sunday Presentingin the1990 cremated remains to the appropriate family an ofmember(s) or service legal guardian at thedormitory, Thomas M.chapel, Smith Funeral a worship at First Home & Crematory Ltd. fice, warehouse space, a Presbyterian Church of maintenance garage and the and nonprofit • Bakerstown, Prearrangements Prefunding available has steadily grown to in- staff housing. It was a come true! We have clude 13 buildings two dream The concerns of a familyinrequesting direct cremation are worked in hard to update locations in Beaver andbe performed simple-the cremation should a timely and each building, add new Allegheny counties, and dignified manner, under the supervision of a professional make the funeral director,an and at a fair cost. structures The Thomasand M. Smith has served increasing functional and Funeral Home Crematory Ltd. facility is committed to satisfying number of &community these concerns, and we opportunity to be of beautiful.” residents during thatwelcome time. the service. Call us if you have any questions or wish to make Its expansion took a leap The Rochester campus is arrangements. forward in 1998, when Ho- also the site for Hosanna sanna Industries moved Industries’ construction from Bakerstown to its services and home repair current headquarters in program. Through this Rochester/New Sewick- program, volunteers reley Township, Beaver model existing low-income County (close to Cranberry homes for needy families and build new homes for families in need. For qualifying households, volunteer staff turn around the construction of new homes in one week. These “Blitz Builds” are made possible Daniel T. D’Alessandro, Supervisor not just with volunteer 930 Center Avenue. labor but also donated and Blawnox, PA 15238 materials and discounted Exit 9 Route 28 North goods, and a uniquely orShould this information reachganized your home at a time of building method illness or sorrow, please accept sincere apology. thatour compresses the build time into seven days.
(412) 828-5700
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
including celebrities, TV shows, movies, towns, restaurants, companies, nonprofits, social causes, politics, and more. Many Facebook users also join various groups that match their lives and interests. Facebook users interact by posting on each other’s walls or interacting with posts through reaction buttons, comments or sharing. With Facebook Messenger, you can even send private, direct messages to those on your friend list.
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Q &
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
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Question: What is an Ombudsman? Answer: Ombudsman is a Swedish word that means “representative” or “citizen advocate.” The Ombudsman assists residents in nursing homes, personal care homes, adult day centers and Domiciliary Care homes to resolve problems and to educate them about their rights. An Ombudsman is specially trained and has authority under Pennsylvania law to identify, investigate and resolve resident directed complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care residents. Question: What is the process of case investigation?
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
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Answer: The process is resident directed, meaning the resident must first give their consent for the Ombudsman to speak on their behalf. Even when a family or friend calls in a complaint, we must speak to the resident first and get consent. The next step is to see if the resident can self-resolve the issue with our assistance. The Ombudsman then develops a plan of action, which the resident approves. After investigating and verifying the complaint, the Ombudsman requests a solution to the problem. Most importantly, the Ombudsman follows up with the resident to see if the issue has been resolved to their satisfaction. Question: What kinds of complaints can be investigated? Answer: Complaints may be made
The Ombudsman Program
Q&A
about persons or facilities that are in a position to threaten or interfere with rights, health, safety and/or welfare of one or more long-term care facility residents. Issues range anywhere from involuntary discharge from the facility, medication administration, quality of food, missing belongings to basic matters of dignity and respect. The Ombudsman can help with all these issues. Question: How does a resident or family member file a complaint? Answer: You may file a complaint in writing, by phone, online, or in person (when our office is open). Call the confidential Ombudsman line at (724) 480-8589, or email Ombudsman@bcoa.us. Question: Do I have to give my name? Answer: No, however, it is helpful if an Ombudsman may contact you for more information. The names of the resident and person making the complaint are kept confidential unless the complainant or resident gives consent to disclose the information. Question: Can I volunteer to help the Ombudsman department? Answer: Yes, we are looking for volunteers to join our team. Training and PEER support are provided. Being a volunteer Ombudsman is rewarding and only takes a few hours per month. Question: Does the Ombudsman do more than resolve complaints?
Answer: The Ombudsman program includes these additional facets: Educate residents, families and staff about residents’ rights, provide facility training for staff and residents and assist in establishing resident and family councils. Ultimately, the work of the Ombudsman is instrumental in changing laws, regulations, and policies that affect residents. Lastly, we promote the Pennsylvania’s Empowered Expert Residents (PEER) program. These are long-term care residents who are trained to selfadvocate and empower their fellow residents to improve their quality of life and quality of care in long-term care facilities. Question: What are the goals of the Ombudsman Program? Answer: The Ombudsman strives to be a trusted advocate for all residents by educating them regarding their rights, investigation and resolution of complaints, and empowering residents to speak for themselves. Our motto is “Advocate for those who can’t, support those who can and ensure all long-term care consumers live with dignity and respect.” Question: How do I contact the Ombudsman Department? Answer: If anyone has a question or needs information, call the Ombudsman hotline at (724) 480-8589, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email to ombudsman@bcoa.us.
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
Facts about Wills By Ronald N. Thomas, Esquire
This article is intended to provide basic information
regarding wills and whether you should have one. A person’s will is a document which legally declares your will or wishes as to how your assets are to be dealt with after you pass. It is important for anyone that has assets (property, homes, vehicles, cash, etc.) to have a will drafted to save the value of your estate and to specifically give assets to the people that you want to have them. If someone dies without a will, it is called dying intestate. When that happens, none of the potential heirs has any say over who gets the estate (the assets and property). When there is no will, the estate goes into probate and the court appoints an administrator to probate the estate, who can be someone with whom you have no relationship and often times is an attorney. Legal fees are paid out of the estate and the costs of probating becomes more expensive depleting the assets that you worked so hard to acquire. There are online sites from which you can author a will without legal counsel, however, there are sometimes hidden costs and subscriptions that can be expensive, and you do not get the benefit of in person legal advice regarding the handling of your assets. Attorney costs for a will can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands depending on the complexity of the estate or the specific distributions that you choose to make. However, a simple will with simple instructions should be around $300 to $500.
When you have a will created, you are designated as the Testator if male and Testatrix if female. Those who you choose to give assets to and family are called heirs. For Pennsylvania residents, the best way to proceed is to follow the procedure for a “self-proving” will. Selfproving wills simplify the probate process as they allow your County Register of Wills to accept a notarized affidavit from the testator and witnesses as proof the will is the Testator/Testatrix’s. The witnesses should not be potential heirs to avoid conflicts. Also, when creating a will, you will designate a person or persons to be the Executor of your estate, who often times is your spouse or someone you particularly trust. It is helpful to designate a successor Executor or two in the will in case the original Executor is not available or does not wish to fill that role. If you have an existing will and want to change it, you can do it either by having a new will drafted or creating a codicil to amend the existing will. A codicil is often used to amend a will if you want to add assets or change an heir. In my experience, I usually advise clients to revoke the existing will and create a new one so there is no confusion with multiple documents, but either way may be used. Finally, it is permissible in Pennsylvania to file your will with your County Register of Wills prior to your death for safekeeping; however, it is not required that you do so. Many of my clients simply put their will in a safe place with other important documents. I suggest a fireproof small safe. If you believe that frequent changes will be made to the will, it may become a little tedious to keep refiling it at the Register of Wills. There are other issues that can be related to drafting a will, such as trusts, inheritance tax avoidance legally, giving away assets prior to death; however, you should seek legal advice regarding these types of issues. Ronald N. Thomas, Esquire, is a former prosecutor, an experienced solicitor regarding Offices on Aging, and has had a private practice for more than 20 years and currently serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for Children.
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
SPOTLIGHT on Senior Concerns
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Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin 570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd Rural King Corridor Inside the Mall Monaca, PA 15061 (724) 774 - 5654
Center Hours (Currently closed to the public. Staff available by phone during the following hours) Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Programs, classes, and activities that regularly occur at the Center at the Mall and will resume when we reopen.
Current Programs
Grab N Go Meals If you or someone you know is in need of meals, the Center is offering frozen meals that can be picked up once a week at our rear entrance. You must call and register for this service. Reassurance Calls If you or someone you know would benefit from weekly phone calls from one of the Center’s staff to check in, call to be added to the list of recipients. Walking Club Group meets in the Beaver Valley Mall outside the Center’s front gate, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. Participants must wear a mask.
Center at the Mall activities from the comfort of your home June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
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If you are looking for ways to stay healthy and active while social distancing, Center at the Mall encourages you to check out our Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/centeratthemall
We regularly post important updates and information including: Beaver County Office on Aging COVID-19 Taskforce posts What is happening at the Center and when we plan to reopen Information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and how and where to register to receive them from reputable sources Information regarding Farmers Market vouchers and locations Exercise videos taught by our exercise specialists that you can follow along at home Tech tips and walkthrough videos to help you navigate your smartphone Nutritional guides, healthy recipes, and follow along meal preparation videos Informative videos regarding healthcare, senior services, healthy living, fraud prevention, and other topics to allow you to stay safe and in the know
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
Circle of Friends reopens with a few changes we can have in the buildings, social distancing guidelines will be in place, and face coverings will be required in most instances.
With vaccines now being much more accessible and COVID-19 finally being better controlled in the community, Circle of Friends senior social centers will soon be reopening to activities. Although many of you have heard from our staff over this past year, we have really missed seeing your faces and are looking forward to getting back to a sense of normalcy. We will be making calls to let people know when we will be opening up again. For those of you that use social media, you can follow us on Facebook for updates. (Just search for Circle of Friends Beaver County.) You can also find updates on our website at circleoffriendsbeaver.com. While we will be opening back up, there will be some changes to begin with. For example, we will be limited to the number of people
In the meantime, we will continue with our Grab-n-Go meal program and telephone calls. If you or someone you know could benefit from weekly meals or a phone call to check in, call the center of your choice and leave a message and a staff member will call you back. Please stay safe and stay healthy. We can’t wait to see your smiling faces again soon, even if it’s only your eyes that we can see for a little while longer!
For more information visit cofbeaver.com or call (724) 869-4224 or (724) 846-1959. Baden Community Center Circle of Friends St. John’s Baptist School 371 Linmore Ave. Baden (724) 869-4224 cofbeaver.com
Aliquippa Satellite Center Circle of Friends St. Titus Church 952 Franklin Ave. Aliquippa (724) 857-9989 cofbeaver.com
New Brighton CommunityCenter Circle of Friends 1851 Third Ave. (Madonna Hall at Holy Family) New Brighton (724) 846-1959 cofbeaver.com
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
COF volunteers Glenna Haddox (left) and Andrea Chontos (right) helping COF New Brighton center manager Kathy Damazo to sort Farmers Market vouchers.
Please keep in mind that because we will be limited to the number of people allowed at a given time, everyone will have to make reservations at least two days in advance BOTH for meals or activities. We will have activity schedules available on our Facebook page as well as our website before the centers reopen, so be sure to check back for updates!
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Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
It’s time to walk now that sedentary season is over By Angela Gentile, Planning Unit Program Monitor Beaver County Office on Aging
surface is nice to walk on, and there are curtains to prevent tennis balls from coming on the track. There is no charge to use the walking track, and it is open during regular operating hours. Eight times around the track equals a mile.
I visited my primary
If outside is your preferred way to walk, the county has lots of options at its county parks. The one-mile paved Walkers Loop at Brady’s Run Park sits along Route 51 by the park entrance. Plus, the park has many other trails to explore. Old Economy Park in Economy Borough has paved areas to walk or consider walking the Legionville Trail. There are three and a half miles of walking trails at Brush Creek Park, Route 588 in North Sewickley Township. A bonus is seeing the picturesque covered bridge at the site.
care physician for an annual physical a few months ago, and after checking my chart, he congratulated me for not gaining weight during the pandemic. Now that the pandemic is going into its second year, many people realized that they have gained weight. Studies show that some people gained between 1.5 and 2 pounds a month, and it happened for all types of reasons: exercising less, working from home, snacking more, cooking from home, drinking more, among other things.
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
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Why not consider walking 30 minutes a day to burn some calories and lead a healthier lifestyle? Walking can help keep various medical conditions under control. I walked a lot during the pandemic. I often walk around the Sisters of St. Joseph grounds and can enjoy seeing the trees, flower beds, labyrinth, cemetery and grotto. There’s lots of other places to walk. If you like walking indoors, there are several options. The Center at the Mall Fitness Center has been conducting walking programs during the pandemic to keep people active. The Mall Walking Club is led by the fitness instructors each Tuesday and Thursday outside of the center’s front gate. The 10 a.m. group is faster paced, and the 11 a.m. group is slower paced. You will need to wear a mask and keep six feet of distance from each person. If you walk at the mall on your own time, you can be part of the center’s Mall Walkers. Just sign the sign in sheet at the center’s front gate. There’s an indoor walking track around the tennis court at the Brady’s Run Park Recreation Facility. The
Check out Sahli Nature Park on 200 McKinley Drive in Chippewa Township, open daily from dawn to dusk. Open since 2010, the 90-acre property, designed as a nature preserve, has 14 walking trails, ponds, a stream and sitting areas. In addition to getting exercise, you can observe plants including lacy ferns, wildflowers and evergreens, along with wildlife including squirrels and birds. Ok, it’s time. Get out and walk.
For your information: • Heritage Valley Health System is registering and scheduling people who want a COVID-19 vaccine. Register online at heritagevalley.org or call (724) 770-7555. • If you need a ride to get your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, the Beaver County Transit Authority can help to get you there. You can ride the BCTA fixed-route buses. For a schedule, visit bcta.com or call (724) 728-8600. You can schedule an appointment on DART (Demand and Response Transit) door-to-door shared ride bus by calling (724) 375-2895.
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin USDA Access & Rehabilitation Program For Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, & Westmoreland Counties
Grant provides needed repairs and renovations for homeowners with primary residences located in a USDA eligible area, with very low to low income, who have a disability, or a household member with a disability. Funds awarded through an application process on a first come, first serve basis. Funds can be used to make accessibility modifications, home repairs, resolve health/safety issues, or make energy efficient improvements. Grant will require a dollar to dollar match, up to $3,000 for repairs or renovation costs; homeowner is responsible to provide or identify matching funds. Mobile homes that are on a permanent foundation on property, and owned by the occupant, may also be eligible for funding. This is an equal opportunity program. Discrimination is prohibited by federal law. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information or assistance with filling out this application should contact our office. DON Housing Department 831 Harrison Street New Castle, PA 16101 www.doninc.org/HPP
registration@BCCAN.org
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
Phone:(724)652-5144 TTY/VP:(724)652-5152
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Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers will be mailed this month for 2021 Office on Aging, 1020 Eighth Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010. • How many vouchers does an individual receive? An individual will receive a total of four $6 vouchers, a $24 value. • When can vouchers be used? Vouchers can be used between June 1 and November 30, 2021. • Where can vouchers be used?
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he 2021 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers will be distributed by mail starting June 1. Here is what you need to know. • Age and Residency: The program is for Beaver County residents ages 60 and older (by December 31, 2021). • Income Guidelines: 1 person - $23,828 sons - $32,227
two per-
• When are applications available? Applications are available through September 15. How to get an application: June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
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• Use the application located inside this issue of Beaver County Senior News. • Call the Beaver County Office on Aging at (724) 8472262 or (888) 548-2262 and provide your name, address, telephone number and how many applications are needed. (A husband and wife need one application.) Calls are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Applications can be picked up during mall hours at information table at the front entrance of Center at the Mall, located in the Beaver Valley Mall next to Hallmark. Fill out name, birth date, provide signature, address, telephone number, county you live in, and circle ethnicity and race. Mail the application to Beaver County
Redeem vouchers Farmers Markets in Beaver County, and they can be used in any other Pennsylvania county. You can get Pennsylvania grown fruits, vegetables and herbs for cooking or flavoring.
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin For office use only Application _____________ COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
2021 Application Form To qualify you must be 60 or older (or turn 60 by 12/31/2021) and meet the household income guidelines. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES I certify that the information I have provided below for my eligibility determination is correct, to the best of my knowledge. This certification form is being submitted in connection with the receipt of Federal assistance. Program officials may verify information on this form. I understand that intentionally making a false or misleading statement or intentionally misrepresenting, concealing, or withholding facts may result in paying the State agency, in cash, the value of the food benefits improperly issued to me and may subject me to civil or criminal prosecution under State and Federal law. Standards for eligibility and participation in the SFMNP are the same for everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. I understand that I may appeal any decision made by the local agency regarding my eligibility for the SFMNP.
By signing this, I acknowledge that my total household income is within the Income guidelines: $23,828 for 1 person in the household; or $32,227 for 2 people in the household and that I am 60 years old or older (or will turn 60 by December 31, 2021). 1st Participant Name (print):
Birth date ________________
(Person checks are for) (Signature)
2nd Participant Name (print):
Birth Date ________________
(Person checks are for)
Address (print): Telephone Number: Please circle the most appropriate identifier for each: Ethnicity: Hispanic or Latino Race:
American Indian or Alaskan Native Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
County you live in _______________________________
Not Hispanic or Latino Asian White
Black or African American
If more responses are received than funding allows you will be notified by mail. Please mail your completed form before September 15, 2021 to:
Please see back for USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
Area Agency on Aging ATTN: SFMNP 2100 Wharton St., 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15203
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
(Signature)
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Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin For office use only Application _____________ USDA Nondiscrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1)
mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2)
fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3)
email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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1020 Eighth Ave. Beaver Falls, PA 15010 Website: beavercountypa.gov/Depts/OOA Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: (724) 847-2262 (local) (888) 548-2262 (long distance) TDD (724) 728-5700 Protective Services for Older Adults (724) 775-1786 (to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation - 24 hours)
Linda L. Hall, Administrator
Beaver County Commissioners: Please see back for USDA Nondiscrimination Statement Daniel C. Camp III, Chairman, Jack Manning, Tony Amadio
Ombudsman (724) 480-8589 (to report resident rights issues in nursing homes, personal care homes and long-term care services) ombudsman@bcoa.us Services: * Information and Referral * Care Management * Benefits / APPRISE Counseling * Pre-admission Assessment * Caregiver Support Program * Domiciliary Care * Ombudsman * Adult Day Care * Home Delivered Meals * Homemaker * Personal Care * Legal Services * Protective Services * Senior Centers * Transportation
Local seniors volunteer as foster grandparents to help children in need One of the benefits of this stipend volunteer program is that it provides volunteer opportunities to limited-income older adults who would like to make a difference in their community. No degree or experience is necessary.
Volunteers enjoy serving as foster grandparents.
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re you someone who wants to help your community by giving children extra support so they can be their best self? Now you can while being a part of a national initiative to give encouragement to children in need. The program connects adults ages 55 and older with children in a classroom setting for an intergenerational experience that is not only beneficial for the child, but for the adult as well. Grandma Harriett describes her experience. “Volunteering has allowed me to build friendships that will last a lifetime. I don’t have any special education in child development, but I have always felt that the classroom teachers are always asking for my opinion and appreciate the support I give to the children. Also, the relationships I have been able to build with other volunteers have been so special. It’s like they are an extension of my family. Another grandparent who volunteers at my center is like a sister to me. I couldn’t be more grateful. I would have never met her if it weren’t for this program.” Foster Grandparents began in 1965 and is still helping children today. The volunteers serve as mentors, positive role models, and classroom grandparents. They partner with local child-based, nonprofit organizations such as public and private schools, Head Starts, daycares and child development centers, in addition to after-school programs who value the life experience grandparent volunteers can offer. Volunteers feel a sense of worth and need because they can help, guide, and assist children who may be struggling or just needs a little extra love and attention. They share life skills, and manners, while also helping children by developing skills in literacy, language, math, and cognitive development, as well as improving essential social and emotional intelligence.
Now, more than ever, children need additional support to help them succeed. Consider helping the Foster Grandparent Program make a difference in the lives of children in your community by becoming a classroom grandparent volunteer. You will have the opportunity to have the unique and rewarding experience of providing children the building blocks of success in development, learning and life skills. Enrollment is open for individuals who would like to participate in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties. To learn more, contact AmeriCorps Seniors, Foster Grandparent Program, locally sponsored by Wesley Family Services, at (412) 660-6841 or (412) 660-7303.
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
By Rebecca Maletto-Cornell, Foster Grandparent Program Director
“I love to read. I believe that providing consistent, positive reinforcement to children who are struggling will boost their confidence and self-esteem and ultimately encourage them to read more. Reading is a life skill that will be necessary for the rest of their lives” comments Grandma Phylis.
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Enjoy a wheelchair bike ride along the river this summer Did you know that Joy Riders Pitts-
burgh offers free wheelchair bike rides to anyone with limited mobility? They provide rides for children, older adults and veterans from the Millvale Riverfront along the Heritage Trail to the North Shore and back. It’s a beautiful trail with a scenic view of the rivers, bridges, stadiums and a statue of Mister Rogers. The duet bikes are part wheelchair and part electric bike. Each ride is about 45 minutes and helmets are provided. Drivers have been trained extensively and have clearances. With sponsorship by the Veterans Leadership Program, the bikes are housed at the Three Rivers Rowing boat facility. Joy Riders also has locations in Rostraver and Greensburg. To schedule a ride, email joyriderspgh@gmail.com. To learn more, visit joyriderspa.wixsite.com/jriders.
Mamma Rose, 97, “joy rides” with family along the Great Allegheny Passage. Carl, a World War II veteran, enjoys a summer bike ride with loved ones.
Your experience is the key to creating new ones. June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
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There’s no question volunteering can be rewarding, but it’s not always easy to find the perfect fit. AARP can help you find the opportunities that match your interests and fit your schedule. Our easy Volunteer Wizard can help you learn more about ways to use your skills and experience where and how it matters to you. You have a lifetime of experience to offer, and if you’re looking for a place to share it, AARP can help. Find your right fit today at aarp.org/volunteer
Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.
Crossword Puzzle
Across 1. Fashionable Christian 5. Injure
BEACH FLOWERS GARDEN HOT LEMONADE
POOL SAND SANDALS SHORTS SUMMER
SUN SURF SWIM VACATION WAVE
Francis A. Farmer Apartments 274 Friendship Circle, Brighton Township, Beaver, PA 15009 Rent-Assisted Housing for Persons Ages 62 and Older Accessible 1 bedroom apartments with equipped kitchens, A/C, balconies, community room, laundry facilities, parking lots and Secure Intercom System. Newly renovated accessible apartments with roll in showers also available. There is an admission priority for very low income persons whose incomes are
• 1 Person hh...$17,450 • 2 Persons hh...$19,950 Maximum income for eligibility is: 1 Person $46,500; 2 Persons $53,150 Application or assistance available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Housing Authority of the County of Beaver, 300 State Ave., Beaver, PA 15009
Or call (724) 775-1220 for additional information www.beavercountyhousing.org
9. Tara’s Scarlett 14. Eight, in Ecuador 15. Samoan city 16. Bug 17. North Indian peak 19. Television awards 20. Walk without grace 21. Give pause to 23. Battery type 25. Refers 30. Trivial 33. Sock-in-the-gut reaction 35. Emulate Buffy 36. Get away 37. Activity with bubbles 39. English Channel feeder 42. In a different way 43. One of the three Musketeers 45. South American rodent 47. NFL stats 48. Assembly building 52. Took territory 53. Tax-form ID
Beaver Elder Care and
Rehabilitation Center A GUARDIAN ELDER CARE FACILITY 616 Golf Course Road Aliquippa, PA 15001 Phone: (724) 375-0345 Now offering Outpatient Therapy along with Short-Term Rehabilitation.
www.beavereldercare.com
54. Archaic term for two 57. Keep one’s __ the ground 61. Supersized 65. Winner of the 1922 Nobel Prize in Physics 67. “The Raven” writer, in footnotes 68. Like a bug in a rug 69. Salacious stare 70. Back (a horse) 71. Kit ___ (Hershey bars) 72. Holiday lead-ins
Down 1. Therefore, to Jean-Luc 2. Suffix with poet 3. “Don’t tell me!” 4. Basketballer nicknamed “Dennis the Menace” 5. Conned 6. Modeled oneself on 7. Tear to pieces 8. Fruity rum drink 9. Rest on top of 10. Gender-specific pronoun 11. Pitcher’s asset 12. ___ Lopez (chess opening) 13. Pompous fool 18. Make ___ at (get fresh) 22. 2003 Will Ferrell film 24. Has a cold 26. Pac Ten school 27. Frightens 28. Came to a close 29. Worries 30. Conditional kind of statement 31. Fed. auditing agcy. 32. Maidens of myths 33. McCain beater 34. Grainy, in a way 38. Table d’____ (restaurant offering) 40. Famed Chairman 41. Old French coins 44. Twenty minus four 46. Horse relatives 49. Mint 50. Polish seaport 51. Authorize 55. “You and ____ little toy shop”
(line in the English version of “99 Luftballons”)
56. Unaligned: Abbr. 58. Wade lead-in, in law 59. Biblical pronoun 60. Hockey’s Bobby and others 61. Med. country 62. “Storage Wars” network, briefly 63. Sch. paper 64. Slimy stuff 66. Some HDTVs
June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
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June-August 2021 • Beaver County Senior News
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2020 Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide