Marchbutler by Pittsburgh Senior News

Butler County Senior News

March 2013

Volume 7, Number 10

FREE

Visit our website at www.pittsburghseniornews.com

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

Photo provided by Marni Rettig for Butler County Senior News

Ricky Lake, Marni Rettig and Beth Friedman.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers serve as “one-stop shop” to connect local seniors and adults with disabilities to the services they need By Gina Mazza For Butler County Senior News If you’ve never heard of Aging Disability Resource Centers (ADRC), you might want to read on and discover how this network of partner agencies is working

hard to assist Butler County seniors and adults with disabilities in getting the services and supports they need to live independently. Known in Pennsylvania as The Link, ADRCs are a collaboration of agencies

within the community that take a seamless approach to helping anyone age 60 or older and any adult with a disability. Butler Link coordinator Beth Friedman Continued on page 6

Property Tax/Rent Rebate program applications now available. See page 3.

Do you know of an outstanding senior volunteer? Read page 8.

Publisher’s Corner

Living with Macular Degeneration or other vision limiting condition?

Improve your way of life This month’s issue is chock full of useful information to help you get assistance with your tax return filings, property tax/rent rebates, as well resources for adults with disabilities. Also check out what’s new at Butler Senior Center.

Owner/Publisher Lynn Webster Editor: Gina Mazza Art Director: Shantessa Hogan Sales Executive: Wallace Webster Photographer: Chuck LeClaire Printing Company: Typecraft Press

Find out if special microscopic or telescopic glasses can help you see better. Even if you have been told nothing can be done you owe it to yourself to seek a second opinion

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Published monthly by

Intern: Kara Boyle

Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc. for Butler County Senior News P. O. Box 11126

Happy Easter to you and your loved ones.

Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 367-2522

Lynn Webster

Visit our website at www.pittsburghseniornews.com or email us at pghseniornews@comcast.net

Crossword Puzzle Answer (See page 17)

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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Property Tax/Rent Rebate program applications now available; free filing assistance is available

pplication forms for the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are now available for eligible residents to begin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2012.

Each resident who prepared and filed a paper rebate form last year not utilizing computer software should have received a 2012 application form by now. Renters who prepared claims last

year using computer software rather than the PA-1000 booklet received letters by mail reminding the resident to apply for a 2012 rebate and providing them with two copies of the PA-1000 Rent Certificate.

Older adults must reapply for rebates every year because rebates are based on property taxes or rent paid each year and annual income. The deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2012 is June 30, 2013. Rebates will be distributed beginning on July 1, as specified by law. Applications are also available online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling (888) 222-9190. BCSN

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March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older; widows and widowers ages 50 and older; and people with disabilities ages 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.

It costs nothing to apply for a rebate. In response to continued inquiries and complaints regarding fee-based application filing services offered privately, the department reminds residents that free filing help is available. Application forms and assistance are available at no cost from Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices.

This and that within AARP items for use in disaster areas throughout the world. For more information about how to volunteer, contact World Vision at (412) 7491800.

By Barbara Bush AARP Communications Specialist For Butler County Senior News

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

World Vision. AARP recently presented a check from National AARP for $5,000 to World Vision Organization in recognition of their humanitarian efforts to aid victims of Super Storm Sandy. AARP staff, accompanied by then State Director Ivonne Bucher, toured the facility with Jim Fischerkeller—even packing a few personal emergency kits while penning encouraging notes to those caught in a disaster area. World Vision is located in Aleppo Township and welcomes volunteers to assist in sorting and wrapping

Pennsylvania Lottery privatization. AARP has many questions concerning the privatization of the Pennsylvania Lottery. AARP is concerned and affirms that we must protect and enhance funding for neglected programs that help older Pennsylvanians remain at home and in their communities. AARP Advocacy Manager Ray Landis recently testified before the State Senate Finance Committee, where he told lawmakers that privatizing the lottery would represent a fundamental change in the funding source for many programs. Other questions remain, such as will 100 percent of the proceeds continue to benefit seniors? Utility Forum. This is scheduled for March 14 in the Cranberry area, tentatively in the St. Ferdinand Church Hall. AARP

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Executive Council Member Irwin “Sonny” Popowsky will lead the discussion. He is a former Pennsylvania consumer advocate, and you may have had the pleasure of hearing him speak with AARP in the past. Bring your questions and concerns to the forum, which will address types of assistance that can help you cut your utility costs. A light lunch will be served. Money Matters. On Tuesday, April 30, from 5:30 to

9:30 p.m., AARP is bringing the Money Matters Consumer Education Conference to the Cranberry Marriott North. This event supports a most interesting venue, as the conference will have exhibitors showcasing their materials. There will be breakout sessions on investing, retirement planning, financial products, scams and frauds, and more. Registration is required. BCSN

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.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program sites in Butler County

he Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is an IRS program for the elderly, disabled and individuals with low to moderate income. VITA services will be offered during the 2013 tax season at the following locations throughout Butler County. Call (724) 431-3748 for an appointment. Butler Office, 212-214 S. Main St., Butler. Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon and noon to 3 p.m. Cranberry, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township. Thursday 5 to 8 p.m.

Slippery Rock Office, 165 Elm St., Slippery Rock.

Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Opens Wednesday, February 6

Kittanning, 113 Market St., Kittanning.

Wednesdays noon to 4 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.

Opens Tuesday, February 12

Thursdays noon to 4 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.

Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon and noon to 3 p.m. BCSN

AARP Foundation offers Tax-Aide sites in Butler County AARP will offer Tax-Aide services at the following sites Tanglewood Senior Center, 10 Austin Ave., Lyndora. throughout Butler County for the 2013 tax filing season. TaxTuesdays 9 to 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. from FebruAide is for taxpayers with low and moderate income; special ary 5 to April 9. attention is given to adults ages 60 and older.

Slippery Rock Township Community Center, 155 Branch- Mental Health Association, 140 Elm St., Butler. ton Rd., Slippery Rock. Fridays 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from February 8 to April 12 (except Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from February 5 to March 26. March 29 due to holiday). BCSN Cathy Diaz Seniors Real Estate Specialist Office: (724) 282-7903 Cell: (724) 822-6031 cathydiaz@howardhanna.com 130 Bon Aire Plaza Butler, PA 16001

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March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Cranberry Public Library, 2525 Rochester Rd., Suite 300, Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Dr., Butler. Cranberry Township. Call (724) 776-9100 and press “3” for Thursdays 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from February 7 to April 11. an appointment. Zelienople Area Public Library, 227 S. High St., Zelienople. Mondays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from February 4 to April 8 (except Thursdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from February 7 to April 11. February 18 due to holiday).

Aging and Disability Resource Centers serve as “one-stop shop” to connect local seniors and adults with disabilities to the services they need Continued from page 1 explains: “The Link partners work together to create a ‘no wrong door’ approach to accessing available long-term supports and services. You can make one call and very easily get connected to other agencies within the network. As long as you get to one of the partner agencies, you can be assured of receiving accurate information without being bounced around from place to place.” On a national level, the ADRC program is a collaborative effort of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Administration on Aging. Here in Pennsylvania, the Link is administered through the Pennsylvania Office of Long-Term Living. The Commonwealth has 52 established Links across all 67 counties to improve access to services; those who need services and supports can obtain them through an integrated network of local partners. These communitybased partners work with individuals to find solutions for the care they need, regardless of the participant’s age, physical or developmental disability, or ability to pay.

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

“Because of Pennsylvania Link collaborations, partner agencies are more efficiently and effectively assisting individuals to navigate a complex system of federal, state and local programs,” says Ricky Lake, clinical deputy administrator for the Butler County Area Agency on Aging. “They offer more local community living support options and respond to a full spectrum of needs of seniors and adults with disabilities. They also promote better relationships among agencies through Link cross trainings and information sharing.” In the end, the Link network “minimizes the frustrations that consumers and

their families experience when they try to access the information they need,” comments Marni Rettig, developmental programs director at the Center for Community Resources.

to see the Link actively supporting projects to enhance local programs. Other special projects include training opportunities and partnership development activities for agency staff.

“The partner agencies consist of organizations that seniors and adults with disabilities—or their families— would naturally need to connect with to inquire about getting help with activities of daily living,” Marni says. “These partner agencies offer programs to support seniors in need of transportation options, drug and alcohol programs, adult day care services, veteran’s services, housing, nutrition, utility assistance, legal and elder law—basically anything you need to take care of yourself or your loved one. With more grandparents taking care of their grandchildren these days, the Link Resource Guide, available on partner websites, even provides information on services and supports for children.”

An important role of the Link is bringing all of the community partners in Butler County together to educate each other’s staff on their services. “We’ve had several training sessions over the past year so that when a call comes through, the Intake or Information and Referral staff at any given agency can give high-quality information to better support people,” Marni says. One such event was the “FAQ Attack”, held in May 2012, hosted by the Butler Link and the Butler Collaborative for Families. “It was well attended, with representatives from human service agencies educating each other on programs and services. It covered what we needed to know to assist people to access services, what information a person would be required to take with them to apply for services, and eligibility criteria so that when consumers call, we can get them to the right resources. Basically, the Link is strengthening the provider network in Butler County.”

Beth further explains that the Link also takes part in assisting with special projects spearheaded by other agencies. Over the next year, seniors can expect

As a result, “consumers really do benefit when they talk to someone who knows about available services,” adds Beth. “It really helps to set the stage so that our collaborative agencies can assist seniors through the process in a streamlined way.” How to connect with the Link Butler County residents can connect with the Link through any of the partner agencies, including the Butler County Area Agency on Aging at (888) 367-2434 or Center for Community Resources at (724) 431-3748. The Link can also be accessed by calling the statewide number at (800) 753-8827 or visiting www.anrinfo.org/link/. BCSN

Butler County

When you see this logo on an ADRC partner’s website, you’ll know that they are part of Link.

ADRC partners in Butler County Butler County Area Agency on Aging (888) 367-2434 www.co.butler.pa.us

Senior Care Network (412) 826-6083 www.srcare.org

Butler County Community Action (724) 284-5125 www.co.butler.pa.us

United Way of Butler County (724) 285-4883 www.butlerunitedway.org

Butler County Human Services (724) 284-5114 www.co.butler.pa.us

Victim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICe) (800) 400-8551 www.voiceforvictims.com

Center for Community Resources (724) 431-3748 www.ccrinfo.org

Housing and Redevelopment Authority (724) 287-6797 http://housingauthority.com/

LIFE Butler County (724) 287-5433 www.lutheranseniorlife.org

Neighborhood Legal Services (724) 282-3888 www.nlsa.us/

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (724) 656-3070 www.dli.state.pa.us

Visiting Nursing Association (724) 282-6806 www.vna.com/

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March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Helping People Live Life Better!

Salute to Senior Service awards program seeks nominations from Pennsylvania

o you know of an outstanding senior volunteer? The Salute to Senior Service program, sponsored by Home Instead, Inc., the franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network, honors the contributions of adults ages 65 and older who give at least 15 hours a month of volunteer service to their favorite causes. Nominations for outstanding senior volunteers are being accepted through March 31. State winners then will be selected by popular vote at SalutetoSeniorService.com. Online voting will take place from April 15 to April 30. From those state winners, a panel of senior care experts will pick the national Salute to Senior Service honoree. Home Instead will donate $500 to each of the state winners’ favorite nonprofit organizations and their stories will be posted on the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame. In addition, $5,000 will

the greater Pittsburgh area. “These silent heroes give selflessly, expecting nothing in return. And yet, their contributions often make a difference not only to the organizations they serve, but in changing how the public views growing older.” Senior care professionals and those who work at hospitals, senior care facilities and other places where seniors volunteer are encouraged to nominate older adults. So, too, are family caregivers and the adult children of aging parents. Older adults also may self-nominate.

be donated to the national winner’s nonprofit charity of choice. “We all know seniors who do so much for our community,” says Lucy Novelly, owner of one of the Home Instead Senior Care offices serving

For more information about Salute to Senior Service or to learn more about Home Instead Senior Care Services in your area, call (866) 996-1087 or visit www.homeinstead.com/greaterpittsburgh. Completed nomination forms may also be mailed to Salute to Senior Service, PO Box 285, Bellevue, NE 68005. BCSN

Peace of Mind — one of the many benefits of The Arbors at St. Barnabas

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

“Mom was having trouble getting around her house. She was falling often and we were so worried that she couldn’t call for help. Now, she’s in a safe environment with assistance 24-7.”

Living Assistance apart from the ordinary! For more information or to schedule a tour call Anne at 724-687-9240, email anelson@stbarnabashealthsystem.com or visit www.StBarnabasHealthSystem.com.

Three beautiful locations in Allegheny and Butler County 5827 Meridian Road Gibsonia, PA 15044

6005 Valencia Road Gibsonia, PA 15044

85 Charity Place Valencia, PA 16059

Butler County support and other senior groups The Victory Group (Drug and alcohol) Daine DiFalco (724) 453-6200

Alzheimer’s Support Group Helpline, Bethany Bowman 1 (800) 272-3900 (24/7)

Victims Outreach Intervention Center For victims of domestic violence 1 (800) 400-8551, 24-hour hotline (724) 283-8700, Butler office

Lifesteps Lori Williamson (724) 283-1010 Sugar Creek Rest Travis Anderson (724) 445-3000

Weathering Grief VNA Hospice (For those dealing with the death of a loved one) Jolene Formaini (724) 431-3520

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Pam Adamski (724) 779-5020 VA Medical Center, Betty Bonner Concordia Lutheran Ministries Paula Sypulski (724) 352-1571 ext. 8271 Butler/Cabot Parkinson Support Group Al (724) 360-2802. Common Bond (For people with chronic illness and pain) Chuck Jennings (724) 287-3132

National Alliance on Mental Illness Connection Kathy McDonnell (724) 431-0069 Multiple Sclerosis Club of Butler Jacque Cinski (724) 898-2116 Someone’s Caring (For those who have experienced the death of a loved one) Robin Miller, (724) 287-3706 or (724) 287-2273

Butler Memorial Hospital Support Groups, offers support for breast cancer, chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia, diabetes, Look Good/Feel Better, multiple sclerosis and Overeaters Anonymous. Beverly (724) 284-4232 BCSN

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Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Express

Butler Senior Center Fish Fry enjoys great response from the community; Center Café makes its debut More than 120 people turned out for an Ash Wednesday Fish Fry on February 13 at the Butler Senior Center, which hosted the event in partnership with Tanglewood in Butler. Attendees were treated to a choice of fried fish, baked cod or stuffed pork chops, along with coleslaw, green beans, potatoes and an assortment of delicious desserts. The night provided a great opportunity for the community to meet Butler Senior Center manager Jane Beatty and other staff, as well as some of the center’s wonderful volunteers. Jane gave an overview of events going on at both Butler Senior Center and Tanglewood. All proceeds from the evening benefit the center, and “this support from the community is greatly appreciated,” Jane commented. Fish Fry features Chef George

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Volunteers Carol McEvoy and Rose Slupe serve Janet and Ed McGee.

The idea for the fish fry fundraiser initiated with George Schroth, known to center members and staff as Chef George. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and most recently owned Butler Custom Catering for 10 years. Now retired, George volunteers his culinary skills at Tanglewood for dinner dances, wedding, golf outings and other events. “In cooperation with Tanglewood, I do things to help the Butler Senior Center raise funds, as well.” Once a month, for example, the center hosts the Chef George Breakfast Club. It’s always held on a Monday and reservations are recommended. For George, working at Tanglewood has special meaning. “Thirty-two years ago, when Tanglewood was still a restaurant and night club, I met my wife, Debbie, there, so I guess you could say I’ve come full circle.” Debbie is the manager at Natili’s Restaurant in Butler. March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Chef George Schroth with guests Pat and Stan McCullough.

Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Express

Center Café opens at Butler Senior Center The Center Café was launched in mid-December and is now open to the public every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jane drew inspiration for the café from the Challenges Center in New Castle, run by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. “Challenges is a great place for seniors to meet and hang out, and that’s what we strive to create here,” Jane says. The café’s offerings are in addition to Butler Senior Center’s shared meals program that takes place every Monday through Friday. “We’ve found that people like variety, so the café offers different selections from our center menu, like hoagies and chips, or pizza and salad,” Jane says. “In fact, many of our members eat their shared meal here at the center then stop by the café on Thursday and get another meal to take home for dinner.” Meals are about $3.50 each. A coffee station is also available for $.50 per cup and $.25 for refills. Reservations for the café are suggested but not required. Jane Beatty, Butler Senior Center manager.

The Butler Senior Center is offering an array of newer programing, as are all 11 senor centers throughout Butler County. Lutheran Service Society and the Butler County Area Agency on Aging invite anyone to contact their local center and check out what’s new. To locate the center nearest you, visit LSSWPA.org or call (724) 283-9002. BCSN

[Top] Volunteer Roy Deal with his family. [Right] Carol McEvoy.

Butler County Senior Centers are operated by the Butler County Area Agency on Aging, funded by the PDA Block Grant, and managed under a contract by Lutheran Service Society. Photos by Lynn Webster March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Stay tuned for new programming

Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Center events

_ Bruin Senior Center, United Methodist Church, Main St., will offer the following events: blood pressure screening at 11:15 a.m. March 4; birthday celebration March 14; arthritis program at 11 a.m. March 21; and an Easter party March 28. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Call (724) 753-2922. _ Butler Senior Center, 10 Austin Ave., (located in Tanglewood Senior Center), Lyndora, offers the following events: Seniors for Safe Driving from noon to 4 p.m. March 5; spring breakfast with George March 11. Cost is $3; strength training for seniors at 10:30 a.m. March 12; birthday celebration March 14; St. Patrick’s Day party March 15; card party at 11:30 a.m. March 18. Cost is $5; estate planning option at 10:30 a.m. March 19; bingo with Mike from 10 to 11:15 a.m. March 21; bake sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 26. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except November 2. Call (724) 285-5392. _ Chicora Senior Center, lower level of Moose Hall, 117 West Slippery Rock St., offers the following events: blood pressure screening March 5; community card party at 11:30 a.m. March 11. Cost is $2.50 for cards and $2.50 donation for lunch; birthday celebration March 14; bingo with Mike at 10:30 a.m. 14; St. Patrick’s Day party March 15; depression program at 10:30 a.m. March 19; wills and power of attorney program at 10:30 a.m. March 21; Easter party March 28; and bingo with Ed at 10 a.m. March 28. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 445-2551.

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

_ Cranberry Senior Center, Municipal Building, Rochester Rd., offers the following events: long term community program at 11 a.m. March 7; plant a flower day March 12; potato soup sale March 13; birthday celebration March 14; St. Patrick’s Day party March 15; 500 card party at 12:30 p.m. March 19; colon problems program at 12:30 p.m. March 20; estate planning at 11 a.m. March 21; and healthy eating and recipes at 11 a.m. and Easter party March 28. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 772-6086. _ Evans City Senior Center, 426 East Main St., offers the following events: drum circle from 1 to 2 p.m. March 12; birthday celebration March 14; blood pressure screening at 11:15 a.m. March 14; St. Patrick’s Day party March 15; happy anniversary party March 21; and Easter party March 28. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 538-9414. March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Senior Express _ Mars Senior Center, Penn Mar Plaza, Gilkey Dr., offers the following activities: blood pressure screening at 11 a.m. March 6 and 20; Veteran’s benefits program at 11:15 a.m. March 13; St. Patrick’s Day party at noon March 15; puzzle time at 10 a.m. March 19; leadership council meeting at 10 a.m. March 21; smoothie fundraiser March 27; and Easter party March 28. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 625-4466. _ Mount Chestnut Senior Center, Presbyterian Church, 727 Old Route 422, will offer the following events: leadership council meeting at 12:30 p.m. March 4; blood pressure screening March 7; dinner at Wendy’s on New Castle Rd., from 5 to 7 p.m. March 13; birthday celebration and St. Patrick’s Day party March 14; pie pick up March 25; and Easter party March 28. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Call (724) 282-6006. _ North Central Senior Center, West Sunbury Presbyterian Church, will offer the following events: arthritis program at 11 a.m. March 13; birthday celebration and St. Patrick’s Day party March 15; blood pressure screening March 20; and Easter party March 27. Hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. Call (724) 637-2959. _ Slippery Rock Senior Center, Township Building, 155 Branchton Rd., will offer the following events: health chat at 10:45 a.m. March 4; leisure education program at 10 a.m. March 8; birthday celebration March 14; St. Patrick’s Day party March 15; leadership council meeting at 12:30 p.m. March 26; Easter party March 28; and blood pressure screening at 11:30 a.m. March 28. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 794-6440. _ Southeast Senior Center, Winfield Township Firehall, Brose Rd., will offer the following events: card club from 9:30 to 11 a.m. March 5; blood pressure screening from 10 to 11 a.m. March 7; birthday celebration March 14; St. Patrick’s Day party March 15; blood pressure screening from 10 to 11 a.m. March 26; leadership council meeting March 26; and Easter party March 28. The center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call (724) 352-2036. _ Zelienople Senior Center, 700 S. Green Lane, Zelienople, offers the following events: leadership council meeting at 11 a.m. March 4; blood pressure screening at 11 a.m. March 6; simple estate planning at 1 p.m. March 7; understanding depression at 11 a.m. March 13; birthday celebration March 14; St. Patrick’s Day party March 15; living in retirement program at 1 p.m. March 21; and Easter party March 28. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 452-5292. BCSN

Butler County Area Agency on Aging March Menu for senior centers

Senior Express The Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Friday, March 1: Cheese pizza, tossed salad, applesauce. Monday, March 4: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, apricot. Tuesday, March 5: Hot ham and cheese, vegetable soup, gelatin with fruit. Wednesday, March 6: Country fried steak, baked potato, California blend, fruit. Thursday, March 7, Birthday menu: Stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, tossed salad, cake and ice cream. Friday, March 8: Crab cake sandwich, vegetable soup, pears. Monday, March 11: Meatball sub, cauliflower blend, fruit. Tuesday, March 12: Chicken and rice, peas, fruit. Wednesday, March 13: Hot roast beef, mashed potato, lima beans, brownie.

Serving you: About the Area Agency on Aging The Butler County Area Agency on Aging (AAoA) is a community service agency for older adults and has operated in Butler County since 1984. The Area Agency on Aging administers programs and manages services for Butler County residents who are 60 years of age or older. Agency programs and services are designed to serve approximately 38,000 older consumers who call Butler County home. Butler County Commissioners William L. McCarrier A. Dale Pinkerton James Eckstein Area Agency on Aging Administrator: Beth A. Herold, RN, BSN, MBA

Thursday, March 14: Beef and bean chili, rice, applesauce. Friday, March 15: Tuna patty, mashed potatoes, succotash, lemon pudding. Monday, March 18: Pasta with meatballs, salad, vanilla pudding.

How may we help you? • Community Services for Older Adults and their families • Home and Community Based Services • PDA Waiver Services

Tuesday, March 19: Sliced ham, au gratin potatoes, green beans, Mandarin oranges. Wednesday, March 20: French toast sticks, breakfast potatoes, egg and cheese omelet, blueberry muffin. Thursday, March 21: Beef stew, coleslaw, fruit cocktail. Friday, March 22: Seafood alfredo, vegetables, peaches, oatmeal raisin cookies. Monday, March 25: Meatloaf sandwich, mashed potatoes, spinach salad, pears.

Access to Services • Information and Referral • Assessment • Care Management

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

Tuesday, March 26: PA Dutch pot pie, chicken, veggies, bowtie, pineapple/carrot salad.

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

Wednesday, March 27: Roast pork with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes with parsley, applesauce.

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

Thursday March 28: French dip, au gratin potatoes, green beans, orange sherbet.

Website: www.co.butler.pa.us/butler Email: aaainfo@co.butler.pa.us

Friday, March 29, Good Friday: Closed. BCSN March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Entertainment and Events • The Butler County Symphony presents a Movie Night concert at 7:30 p.m. March 9 at the Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Rd., Butler. The orchestra will perform movie themes including those from E.T., Lawrence of Arabia, Jurassic Park, Spiderman and more. Cost is $18 in advance, $20 at the door and $5 for students. Call (724) 283-1402 for details. • The Harmony Museum will hold is Quilt and Coverlet Show March 9 and 10 in Stewart Hall, 218 Mercer St., Harmony. Heritage quilts and coverlets from museum and private collections displayed, artisans and museum quilters demonstrate craft with many works available for purchase. Call (724) 452-7341 or visit www.harmonymuseum.org. • The Marvelous Wonderettes will be performed at 7:30 p.m. March 9 at

Slippery Rock University, University Union, MPR, One Morrow Way, Slippery Rock. This show takes you to the 1958 prom where we meet the Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. In the second act you are whisked to their ten-year reunion. Your favorite ‘50s and ‘60s tunes will keep you singing all night: “Mr Sandman,” “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “It’s My Party,” “Respect” and more. Tickets are $22-adult, $20-senior and $18-youth. For tickets, call (724) 738-2018. • Armstrong Farms will be hosting The Saxonburg Area Library’s second annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Armstrong Farms, 1020 Ekastown Rd., in the Fieldstone Barn, Saxonburg, March 15. Call the library at (724) 352-4810 for details.

• Three Rivers Quilters will present their 30th annual quilt show from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 21; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 22; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 23 at the IBEW Circuit Center, Five Hot Metal Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side. The theme for this year’s show is “Tessellations” and it will include more than 120 quilts. Admission is $7 per person, $5 between 3 and 7 p.m. on Thursday only. Convenient parking is available. For more information about the show or Three Rivers Quilters, visit www. threeriversquilters.org. • The 19th annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County will be held at Family Bowlaway, 540 Fairground Hill Rd., Butler, from noon to 5 p.m. April 7. Sponsor, donor and bowling opportunities are available. For more information, call (724) 287-4733 or visit www. bcfymca.org/BBBS.

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March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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• A travelling Civil War Display is coming to the Senator Walter Lowrie House, 123 West Diamond St., Butler. The Civil War in Pennsylvania will feature four life-size historic figures, plus Dog Jack, along with modular panels describing Pennsylvania’s contributions to the Civil War and display cases to be used for items from the collections of the local history organizations hosting the exhibit. Starting April 6, see the display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through April 27. Group and school tours are available by appointment. Call (724) 283-8116 for additional information. • Beatlemania Magic, a national touring Beatles Tribute band, will perform at 8 p.m. April 12 at the Butler County Community College Succop Theater.

The group recreates the early Beatles concerts with identical costumes, equipment and spot on harmonies. Cost is $20 for general admission, $18 for seniors and $10 for students. Call (724) 284-8505 or visit www.bc3.edu/theater. • Mark your calendar for a free one-day bus trip to see the World War II and Korean Memorials in Washington, DC on May 21. A box lunch and dinner are provided, as well as snacks and drinks. A registered nurse and volunteers will accompany each bus. Wheelchairs are provided, if needed. Korean Veterans are welcome to call and will be accepted on a standby basis. Call (724) 7093614 for more information or to make a reservation. Donations from the public are gratefully accepted so the trip can be free to the veterans. Donations can be sent to ESB Bank, 701 Corporation St. Beaver, PA. 15009 (Attn: Paula). BCSN

ON SALE NOW! Sun., Apr. 21 2:00pm Tickets are available at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

Seniors for Safe Driving If you are age 55 or older and have successfully completed a senior education program in the past, you only have to attend a one-day refresher course to renew your insurance discount. If you have never participated in a Senior Driver Improvement Program, you must attend a two-day seminar to earn your automobile insurance discount. The insurance discount is five percent of the total premium for a period of three years. Cost for the course is $15 per person. Here is the upcoming schedule: • March 18 and 19; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Passavant Retirement Community, 401 South Main St., Zelienople. • March 19 and 20; 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Kelly Chevrolet, 252 Pittsburgh Rd., Butler. For a complete list of classes, go to www.sfsd-pa.com. To register, call (724) 283-0245 or (800) 559-4880. Space is limited so register early. BCSN

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Entertainment and Events

Dr. Weiss offers options when good joints go bad Dr. Weiss focuses primarily on osteoarthritis, which occurs when the surface covering on joints is no longer smooth. “Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hips and knees,” Dr. Weiss said. “It is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. “Patients with arthritic conditions will experience joint pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of mobility. They may also develop a limp,” he explained. “They typically incur pain when doing daily activities, such as putting on their shoes and socks, climbing stairs and moving from a seated to a standing position.” Care options

f your knees ache and need to be replaced, you are not alone. The number of knee replacements has risen to 676,000 annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hip replacements also are increasing, with 327,000 performed annually in our country. Those statistics are growing trends as the generation of baby boomers nears the golden years.

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

During presentations to the community, Michael W. Weiss, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Tri Rivers Surgical Associates, helps people understand more about the options of how to care for their knees and hips.

Treatments for arthritic conditions include: • Exercises and physical therapy • Oral medications • Injections (steroids) • Activity modification • Weight loss • Surgery “The purpose of surgery is to eliminate pain by resurfacing the rough joint, realigning the crooked legs and stabilizing loose joints,” he explained. “The goals are to provide the patient with a more rapid return to normal functions,

using longer lasting prostheses, more aggressive physical rehabilitation, and comprehensive postoperative pain management.” Dr. Weiss said surgery options for osteoarthritis vary. “Patients should discuss their options with their physicians,” he said. For knee and hip replacements, the pre-surgery care includes: medical evaluation, blood tests, CXR/EKG, and an educational session in the hospital. “Normally, the hospital stay is three days for knee and hip replacements,” Dr. Weiss said. Depending on the patient, the rehabilitation will vary. “Some patients need to spend time in the rehabilitation process in a nursing facility, while others can use a walker or cane at home.” The postoperative stay usually includes physical and occupational therapy sessions, medication for pain, and social services discharge planning. “It is rewarding to see patients resume their normal pain-free life activities after surgery,” Dr. Weiss concluded. To request an appointment with Dr. Weiss or another Tri Rivers physician, visit www.tririversortho.com or call toll-free 1 (866) 874-7483. BCSN

Save the Date for the Upcoming Arthritis Expo

He reviews:

Presented by Tri Rivers Surgical Associates

• Arthritis (causes and who is affected)

Saturday, May 11, 2013, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Treatments for arthritis • Purpose of surgery • Type of procedures • Expectations in surgery (pre- and post-activities) According to Dr. Weiss, about 40 million Americans (21 percent of adults) are affected by arthritis in more than 100 different forms.

La Roche College in the North Hills next to UPMC Passavant Hospital People living with arthritis should attend this free half-day educational seminar to learn what they can do to help prevent and manage their condition and other related diseases. An Exhibition Hall will feature resources and information from vendors, exercise demonstrations and various health screenings. More details will be available in next month’s issue of Butler County Senior News. To register for this event, please log on to: http://pittsburghexpo.kintera. org or call the Arthritis Foundation at (412) 250-3348.

Senior Resources

Crossword Puzzle answer on page 2

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.

Benefits Checkup www.benefitscheckup.org. An online questionnaire to help search for a list of all state and federal benefits. 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. 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. 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. Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center: www.pahunger.org. A non profit organization working to end hunger and ensure food security for all Pennsylvanians. The link for Pennsylvania food programs provides information on various nutrition resources in our state. Call 1 (800) 634-2033. BCSN

©King Features

ACROSS 1 Light touch 4 Ducks’ home 8 Creche trio 12 Swelled head 13 Acknowledge 14 Touch 15 Its capital is Gaborone 17 Give a darn 18 Massive weight 19 Mistake in print 21 Bouquet component 24 Online help page 25 CD- — 26 Badly lit 28 Ancient African kingdom 32 Help surreptitiously 34 “— Town” 36 Billions of years 37 Now 39 Oft-tattooed word 41 Placekicker’s pride 42 Dylan or Dole 44 Potassium source 46 Set free 50 Can material 51 Off base 52 Form of food poisoning 56 Arp’s style 57 Storyteller 58 Long sandwich 59 Watchful one 60 Hamburg’s river 61 Afternoon affair

DOWN 1 Newcomer to society 2 Past 3 Reached the nadir, with “out” 4 Hocked 5 Eggs 6 Zilch 7 Happy, for one 8 Rhesus monkey 9 Blind as — 10 Mentor 11 Thing 16 Boar’s mate 20 Skedaddled 21 “Animal House” group 22 See 23-Down 23 With 22-Down, John Wayne movie 27 Silent 29 Gregor Mendel, e.g. 30 Part of the loop 31 Cruising 33 Arranged in rows and columns 35 Plagiarize 38 — Kippur 40 Ripe 43 Sacred text 45 Zero 46 Put together 47 Vacationing 48 Protuberance 49 Labor 53 Bill 54 Seek damages 55 Biz deg.

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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.

State tree trivia

Answer the following questions correctly for a chance to win $30 cash. 1. Northern red oak is the state tree of

6. American holly is the state tree of

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2. Ohio buckeye is the state tree of

7. Eastern hemlock is the state tree of

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3. Magnolia is the state tree of

8. Black Hills spruce is the state tree of

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4. Oak is the state tree of

9. Red pine is the state tree of

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5. Western white pine is the state tree of

10. Douglas-fir is the state tree of

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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_______________________________________________ Age__________ Address___________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Phone________________________ Neighborhood_______________________

Congratulations to Nora Eyth who won last month’s contest. The answers were: 1. North Dakota; 2. Barrow, Alaska; 3. The Land of Ten Thousand Lakes; 4. 3; 5. Colorado; 6. Idaho; 7. North; 8. I-90; 9. Apalachee Bay; 10. Oahu; 11. 8; 12. Texas; 13. Lake Erie; 14. North Carolina

Fair Winds Manor Skilled Nursing and Personal Care Home Serving the Community for 50 years!

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

126 Iron Bridge Road Sarver, PA 16055 (724) 353-1531 www.fairwindsmanor.org

We Offer...

Call us to arrange a tour of our facility.

• Respite Care • Cozy Living Rooms • Gracious Dining Area • On-Site Beauty/Barber Shop • Recreational Therapy • Rehabilitation Therapy • Resident Laundry • Van Transportation • 24 Hour Nursing Supervision • Medicare, Medicaid, HMO Certified • Guest Meals • Quiet, Serene Atmosphere

Fair Winds Manor is committed to our

“Tradition of Elegance and Excellence”

Thanks for the peanuts A young lady stops by her grandmother’s house on the way to a dance. She wants to introduce her boy friend to her grandmother. As they are chatting, her boy friend spies some peanuts on the coffee table. He begins munching on them as they converse.

“Oh, you’re welcome young man,” she says. “I appreciate you finishing them up. Ever since I lost my dentures I can only suck the chocolate off of them.” I marked the spot Two friends rented a boat and fished in a lake every day. One day they caught 30 fish. One guy said to his friend, “Mark this spot so that we can come back here again tomorrow.” The next day, when they were driving to rent the boat, the same guy asked his friend, “Did you mark that spot?” His friend replied, “Yeah, I put a big ‘X’ on the bottom of the boat.” The first one said, “You stupid fool! What if we don’t get that same boat today!?!?” Taken from www.justcleanjokes.com.

March 2013 • Butler County Senior News

After about an hour, they are getting ready to leave and he thanks the grandmother for her hospitality and especially for the peanuts.

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