Butler County Senior News
March 2016
Volume 10, Number 8
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Institute for Learning in Retirement offers wide variety of classes and day trips for older adults Antiques. Chess. Book discussion groups. A dining out group. Films. Geography. Nutrition. A quilt guild. Retirement planning. Opera. Bird watching. Wine appreciation. Self-publishing your own book… The variety of topics offered through the Institute for Learning In Retirement, Inc. (ILR) in Slippery Rock is impressive. In fact, it might be hard for anyone with a love of learning to not find something of interest on the ILR class roster.
“I’ve taken classes every semester for the past 10 years or so, usually two days a week, and they really do offer a wide variety,” says Peggy King of Butler. “I’ve taken everything from knitting and button collecting to lectures about geography and different countries. I’ve enjoyed every class I’ve taken, and the one I was most involved with was the watercolor art class. It’s been great and I highly recommend ILR.” ILR specializes in providing lively learning experiences
and programs for older adults, as well as day trips to regional points of interest. There are no age or educational requirements to participate. Some classes or trips do have a fee to cover the costs of any admission charges, or any supplies and transportation that ILR provides. About 200 older adults are currently active with ILR. The office and primary instructional site is located at the Extended Learning 2015 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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Publisher’s Corner
SHELBOURNE PERSONAL CARE PRESENTS: "Estate Planning Essentials" It’s time to think about your taxes, like it or not. See page 8 for information on the Pennsylvania Property Tax/ Rent Rebate program. If you are an eligible resident, you can claim your property taxes or rent paid in 2015. Wishing everyone a happy St. Patrick’s Day and a blessed Easter.
Lynn Webster
Complimentary Lunch & Learn"
March 15, 2016 296 Dinnerbell Rd.|Butler 11:30 -1:30 Seating is Limited RSVP by March 9th 724.360.3000 THENUGENTGROUP.COM A Nugent Group Partner
Owner/Publisher: Lynn Webster Editor: Gina Mazza Art Director: Burnfield Consulting Sales Executive: Wallace Webster Photographer: Chuck LeClaire Printing Company: Knepper Press Contributing Writers: Brittany Buzzelli Gina Mazza Intern: Kara Boyle Proofreader: Jeff Makkos Volume 10, Number 8 Published monthly by Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc. for Butler County Senior News P. O. Box 11126 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 367-2522 Visit our website at www.pittsburghseniornews.com or email us at pghseniornews@icloud.com
Hardback Books Wanted
March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
2
I buy hardback books in very good condition and pay more than used book outlets. Call (412) 527-7100.
Crossword Puzzle Answer (See page 15)
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Butler County Senior News is distributed monthly in the Butler County area. Copy right 2016 by Butler County Senior News. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All advertisement in Butler County Senior News is subject to the approval of the publisher. Publication of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement.
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Estate Planning Essentials When a senior loved one ends up in a nursing home for rehabilitation, the entire family is justifiably concerned about who will pay for that care, because cost of care can easily be $250 per day, and with rehabilitation services, much more.
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Timothy Sechler Partner at Heritage Elder Law
Center in downtown Slippery Rock. Classes are mostly held Monday through Friday during the daytime; a few of the trips take place over weekends. Free and convenient parking is located next to the center. Taking part in the classes offers social interaction, as well as knowledge. “We all interact with each other,” Peggy says. “I’ve made such good friends there that I would never had met if I hadn’t taken the classes. If you’re not sure whether you’d like the class, they let you take one class as a trial; and if you like it, you can continue on.” Since ILR is a nonprofit member-directed organization (formerly affiliated with Slippery Rock University), anyone is encouraged to become member. Half-year memberships are $65 and a full-year (fall and spring) is $100. (If you are age 90 or older, your membership is free!) This fee covers registration in up to 12 classes and/or trips, plus bonus classes and/ or trips. All members receive a parking tag from Slippery Rock University and privileges at the SRU library. You will be given priority over non-member when registering for classes, discounts on ILR day trips and other special events, and an invitation to a “Wind-Up Party” at the beginning of the semester.
The first thing to know, is that if the patient has had a three day hospital stay as an admitted patient prior to entering the nursing home, Medicare will pay for the stay and the rehabilitation, subject to limits. Here is how it works.
The first 20 days are paid 100%. The next 80 days are paid partially, but there is an expensive co-pay per day. For many people, their supplemental insurance covers that copay. What happens if you successfully rehab and go home, and end up back in the hospital a couple of months later? The 100 day clock will reset and you will get another 100 days if there has been a 60 day gap between leaving the nursing home and the subsequent hospital admission. This is not unlimited, as there is a lifetime limit, but that is rarely a limit that anyone reaches. Alternatively, what happens if you are unable to return home by the end of the 100 days? At this point, Medicare quits paying and the patient must pay privately for care. With the average cost of care exceeding $8,900 per month in Pennsylvania, many families have trouble making ends meet. Most families in this situation should consult with an elder law attorney to understand how Medicaid benefits can be accessed to pay for care. The Medicaid rules are complex and require considerable planning.
And the best part of the ILR’s classes? “There are no tests!” Peggy says. “You don’t have to pass anything.” ILR is located at 165 Elm Street in Slippery Rock. For more information about ILR or to receive a catalog, call (724) 7381604, email info@ilretirement.org or visit ilretirement.org. BCSN
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March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
Institute for Learning in Retirement offers wide variety of classes and day trips for older adults
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Pittsburgh hosts national music convention and offers four evenings of free public concerts
T
he East Winds Symphonic Band has been chosen to host the 38th annual national convention of the Association of Concert Bands from March 30 to April 3 in Pittsburgh. The festivities will include four evenings of free concerts, called “Three Rivers Rhapsody,” at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland, with a feature performance by Pittsburgh’s own River City Brass on opening night. The concerts are open to the public and to all ages. The concert series will launch on Wednesday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. In addition to the River City Brass, three community bands will perform—the East Winds Symphonic Band, West Hills Symphonic Band and Allegheny Brass Band—as well as other bands from eastern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and Maryland. The festival finale on Saturday, April 2 will include a performance by the Convention Band, featuring nearly 100 musicians from around the country under the baton of River City Brass director James Gourlay.
March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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The Association of Concert Bands, which represents 400 community concert bands nationally, encourages and fosters adult concert, community, municipal and civic bands. Since 1979, the association has staged an annual convention to showcase the amateur concert bands and associated musicians of a different city. In celebration of Pittsburgh’s role as host city of the 2016 national convention, Mayor William Peduto has proclaimed April 2016 as “The Greater Pittsburgh Community Concert Band Month. The convention is expected to bring together 700 musicians and guests to Pittsburgh.
Photo provided by Roger Schneider.
East Winds Symphonic Band.
River City Brass. “The Association of Concert Bands (ACB) represents 400 community concert bands nationally, and we are thrilled to have an opportunity to showcase western Pennsylvania as a region with a vibrant cultural life,” comments East Winds Symphonic Band conductor Susan Sands. “We are highly gratified that ACB selected East Winds Symphonic Band to host this year’s annual convention in Pittsburgh, providing us with a wonderful opportunity to give the gift of music to our community via free public performances in a premier concert hall.” The East Winds Symphonic Band was founded in 1981 and is comprised primarily of about 80 serious amateur musicians from the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. The band performs about a dozen concerts a year at venues
Photo provided by Roger Schneider.
like The Diamond at Ligonier, area retirement villages, Kennywood Park, Temple Rodef Shalom, the Saxonburg Festival of the Arts and the Carnegie Museum’s Hall of Architecture. In 2008, the band received the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Silver Scroll, North America’s most prestigious award for community concert band excellence. The band rehearses every Monday evening at the Trinity Christian School in Forest Hills. The month of music concludes on April 23 with the 13th annual Three Rivers Community Band Festival in the South Hills. BCSN For more information, contact Roger Schneider at (724) 327-4864 or rogerls@ comcast.net, or visit acb2016.org/concerts. To learn more about the East Winds Symphonic Band, visit ewsb.org.
“Three Rivers Rhapsody” performance schedule: Wednesday, March 30: 7:30 p.m. Full-length concert by River City Brass Thursday, March 3: 7 p.m. Youngstown Area Community Concert Band 8:30 p.m. West Hills Symphonic Band Friday, April 1: 7 p.m. Allegheny Brass Band 8:30 p.m. Fairfax Wind Symphony (from Virginia) Saturday, April 2: 2:30 p.m. Macungie Band 4 p.m. Bel Air Community Band (from Maryland) 7 p.m. Association of Concert Bands Convention Band 8:30 p.m. East Winds Symphonic Band All concerts will take place at Soldiers & Sailors Hall in Oakland.
Senior Olympics seeks women ages 45 and older for PA basketball qualifier Who says females can’t be strong contenders? The Senior Olympics of Western Pennsylvania encourages the fitness of senior women through athletic competition. Would you like to get on the court and have some fun? Senior Olympics is currently sponsoring several women’s basketball and volleyball teams. Get out your sneakers and get set for the Western Pennsylvania Basketball Tournament on April 9 at Slippery Rock University. This is the official Pennsylvania state qualifier for the National Senior Games in women’s three-on-three basketball (and the only women’s qualifier held in Pennsylvania). The National Senior Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama during summer 2017. Senior Olympics is now seeking women to either join their teams or enter an entire team of your own. To play, you must be age 45 or older. Teams are split into five-year age brackets, starting with ages 45-49 and 50-54, with the most senior age group being 75-79. Athletes are permitted to play down—that is, if you are 70, you can play on the 60s team (you cannot play up). To learn more, contact Carol McCollough at (724) 445-9997 or visit Seniorolympicswpa.weebly.com. BCSN
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March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
Choose the local option!
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Entertainments and Events * Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet at 7 p.m. on the first Friday of each month at St. Ferdinand’s Church, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room. For more information, call (724) 776-9274. * The Pittsburgh Philharmonic presents Spring is in the Air on March 11 at 8 p.m. at Succop Theater, 107 College Dr., Butler. Come celebrate the end of winter and welcome spring with powerful works by Mendelssohn and Faure, and concluding with Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony #6. Tickets are $15. Call (724) 284-8505 for details. * The Strand Theater, 119 N. Main St., Zelienople, presents Jesus Christ Superstar at 8 p.m. March 18, 19, 24-26 and at 2 p.m. March 20. Cost is $40 for reserve seating, $30 limited or obstructed view, and $30 with ‘Tis the Season subscription. Call (724) 742-0400 or visit thestrandtheater.org.
* The Bottlebrush Gallery and Center for the Arts will hold their fifth annual Celtic Dinner and Show for St. Patrick’s Day from 5 to 10 p.m. March 18 and 19 at Harmony’s Historic Stohr Haus Bakery and Wine Cellar, 534 Main St., Harmony. Cost is $45 per person and includes full dinner and evening show or $20 for show only. Advanced reservations and payment are required, as space is limited. Call (724) 452-0539 or visit bottlebrusharts.com. * The eighth annual Shamrock Shuffle takes place March 19. Register at Grace Church of Harmony, 538 Main St, Harmony, or online at Getfitfamilies.com. There are three races to choose from: half marathon at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 10 a.m. and the one-mile race at 10:45 a.m. There will be a post race party with food and awards at 11:30 a.m. Call (724) 321-4265.
* Vocaldente–A Capella Art will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 24 at SRU Slippery Rock University Union-MPR, One Morrow Way, Slippery Rock. This show is part of a subscription series but individual tickets are available. Call (724) 738-2018 or visit rockalumnicafe.com/ performingarts. Cost is $22 adults, $20 seniors, $18 youth and $8 students. Visit vocaldente.org/en/ to learn more. * Butler County Parks and Recreation is offering painting classes starting March 30 at Alameda Park, 184 Alameda Park Rd., Butler. Other classes take place April 27, May 18 and June 22. Classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. and cost is $25 per class. Call (724) 2845383 for details. * Join Butler County Tourism in celebrating Butler County from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 2 at Pittsburgh Marriott North, 100 Cranberry Woods
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March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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Entertainments and Events Dr., Cranberry Township. This new event (a spin-off of the Celebration of Chocolate) will feature vendors from all walks of tourism, as well as sampling, shopping, live demonstrations and more. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 12 and under. Save $1 per adult admission by bringing a food bank donation. Admission includes free ticket for door prizes. Call (866) 856-8444. * Don’t miss the 17th annual Glade Run Spring Gardening Symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 2 at Glade Run’s Lutheran Services, 70 W. Beaver Rd., Zelienople. This gardening workshop, Garden to Plate, features speakers, luncheon, vendors, plant sale, silent auction and more. Learn about growing in containers and raised beds, integrating edibles into established landscapes, tips and
techniques for a high-yielding vegetable garden and favorite varieties for organic growing. Meet and have your lunch served by local farmers and learn what’s up and coming at each of their farms. Cost is $65. Call (724) 4524453, ext. 1277 or visit www.gladerun. org for details.
p.m. April 9 at Butler Intermediate High School, Fairground Hill, Butler. Cost is $23 per person. Call (724) 283-1402.
* The Associated Artists of Butler, 344 S. Main St., Butler, offers Portrait Drawing with Colored Pencils from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 7. Students will work from photographs to review basic portrait drawing proportions and expressions then focus on adding accurate shading in color. Materials will be provided. Cost is $52 for non-members and $45 for members. Sign up by April 4. Call (724) 283-6922.
* Earth Day volunteers are needed April 22 to plant new flowers and plants around Carousel Shelter in Alameda Park, Butler. Call (724) 284-5383 for details.
* Butler County Symphony presents “Beethoven’s Ninth” from 7:30 to 10
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March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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Nutritious Meals & Snacks
* Kaleidoscope Arts Festival is set to take place April 17 through April 30 at Slippery Rock University, One Morrow Way, Slippery Rock. The festival will showcase the best of Slippery Rock University’s dance, music, theatre and visual arts. Call (724) 738-4586 for details. BCSN
Senior News
Lifesteps Adult Day Health Services Yo u O n l y Wa n
* The Duquesne University Tamburitzans will perform at 8 p.m. April 15 at Succop Theater, Succop Theatre, 107 College Dr., Butler. Tickets are $20 each. Call (724) 284-8505.
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Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Senior Express
Pennsylvania property tax/rent rebate program applications now available By Brittany Buzzelli Community Liaison/APPRISE Coordinator Butler County Area Agency on Aging For Butler County Senior News
A
pplication forms for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are now available for eligible residents to begin claiming on property taxes or rent paid in 2015. The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older, widows and widowers ages 50 and older, and disabled persons over the age of 18. The income limit for the program is $35,000 annually for homeowners and up to $15,000 annually for renters, with half of Social Security income excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.
March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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Each resident who prepared and filed a paper application last year, and did not utilize computer software to do so, should have received a 2015 application form by February 30. 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 2015 rebate, and providing them with two copies of the PA-1000 Rent Certificate, and Rent Rebate application. Applications are also available online at Revenue.state.pa.us or by calling (888) 222-9190. March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Income Eligibility: Homeowners: Income Maximum Standard Rebate $0 to $8,000 $650 $8,001 to $15,000 $500 $15,001 to $18,000 $300 $18,001 to $35,000 $250 Renters:
$0 to $8,000
$650
$8,001 to $15,000
$500
Older adults must reapply for rebates every year because rebates are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid each year.
It costs nothing to apply for a rebate. Application forms and assistance are available at no cost from the Department of Revenue district
Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Senior Express
offices, state legislators’ offices, and locally through the Butler County Area Agency on Aging.
Group exercise classes offered at Butler County Senior Centers
The Butler County Area Agency on Aging will be offering in-office application assistance at the Butler County Area Agency on Aging’s main location, 111 Sunnyview Circle in Butler. It is recommended that interested applicants make an appointment ahead of time by calling the Butler County Area Agency on Aging directly at (724) 282-3008.
The centers offer a variety of classes, including Silver Sneakers Classic, Cardio Circuit, Functional Walk/Gentle Yoga, Functional Strength and Range of Motion. Following is the schedule for classes offered at Butler County senior centers.
The deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2015 is June 30, 2016. Rebates will be processed and distributed up to one month after the application has been filed. More than $297 million in property tax and rent rebates have been sent to more than 587,000 homeowners and renters across the state for taxes and rent paid in 2013. The department wants all eligible Pennsylvanians to apply for and receive rebates through this program, but cautions that fraudulent or falsified rebate claims will result in a denial of rebate. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming. Since the program’s 1971 inception, older adults and adults with disabilities have received $5.4 billion in property tax and rent rebates. Applying for Property Tax/Rent Rebate is easy. Call (888) 222-9190 or visit Revenue.state.pa.us. Pick up an application at one of the following locations: your local legislator’s office or senior center, or at the Butler County Area Agency on Aging, 111 Sunnyview Circle, Suite 101, Butler. BCSN
Butler Tanglewood Senior Center, 10 Austin Ave., Lyndora, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9 to 10 a.m. Westminster Church, 420 N. Main St., Butler, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 11 to 11:45 a.m. Snow Policy: Tanglewood and Westminster Church will follow Butler School District. Class will be cancelled if the school district delays or cancels school. Slippery Rock Slippery Rock Senior Center, 155 Branchton Rd., Slippery Rock, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 to 11 a.m. Snow Policy: Slippery Rock will follow Slippery Rock School District. Class will be cancelled if the school district delays or cancels school. Cranberry Cranberry Senior Center, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Township, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9:15 a.m.; Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. Snow Policy: Cranberry will follow Seneca Valley School District. Class will be cancelled if the school district delays or cancels school. The Butler County Area Agency on Aging is providing free YMCA memberships to low-income adults ages 60 and older. For more information, contact Brittany Buzzelli at (724) 282-3008 or bbuzzell@co.butler.pa.us. To learn more about these exercise classes, call the Butler County Area Agency on Aging at (724) 282-3008; or contact the Butler YMCA at (724) 287-4733 or visit bcfymca.org. BCSN
March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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Butler County Area Agency on Aging Senior Center events _ Butler Senior Center, 10 Austin Ave., (located in Tanglewood Senior Center), Lyndora, offers the following events: 500 card party at noon March 2. Cost is $2.50; Seniors for Safe Driving from noon to 4 p.m. March 8. Call (800) 5594880 for reservations; leadership with manager at 11:30 a.m. and birthday celebration March 10; sub sale from March 14 to 18. Cost is $4 each, pick up March 21; Ageism program and St. Patrick’s Day party at 11:30 a.m. March 17; center is closed March 18 and 25; Easter brunch/tea party at 11:30 a.m. March 14; and wellness Wednesday at 9 a.m. March 30. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 285-5392. _ Chicora Senior Center, lower level of Moose Hall, 117 West Slippery Rock St., offers the following events: blood pressure screening at 10:30 a.m. March 1; rent rebate and tax rebate at 10:30 a.m. March 8; bingo at 10:15 a.m. and birthday celebration at 11:30 a.m. March 10; leadership meeting at 10:15 a.m. March 15; St. Patrick’s Day party from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. March 17; bingo at 10:15 a.m. and Easter party March 24; and wellness Wednesday at 9 a.m. March 30. The center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Call (724) 445-2551.
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_ Cranberry Senior Center, Municipal Building, Rochester Rd., offers the following events: home health options at 11 a.m. March 3; hoagie sales due March 9, pick up March 16; birthday celebration March 10; 500 card party at 12:30 p.m. March 15; St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 17; table sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., leadership meeting at 10:30 a.m. and Easter party March 24; center closed March 25; wellness Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. March 30; and varicose veins and screening from 9 to 11 a.m. March 31. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 772-6086. _ Evans City Senior Center, 426 East Main St., offers the following events: blood pressure screening from 10 a.m. to noon, leadership meeting at 1 p.m. and birthday celebration March 10; St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 17; Phipps Conservatory trip from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. March 21. Cost is $25 per person; community resources program at 1 p.m. and Easter celebration March 24; and wellness Wednesday at 10 a.m. March 30. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Call (724) 538-9414. March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
Senior Express _ Mars Senior Center, Penn Mar Plaza, Gilkey Dr., offers the following activities: breakfast from 9 to 10 a.m. March 8. Cost is $3.50; birthday celebration at noon March 10; Kondike bar sale at 12:30 p.m. March 14; pain control at 11:15 a.m. March 16; blood pressure screening at 10:30 a.m. and St. Patrick’s Day party at noon March 17; scavenger hunt begins March 18; Easter party at noon March 24; center closed March 25; leadership meeting at 1 p.m. March 28; and wellness Wednesday at 9 a.m. March 30. 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: blood pressure screening at 11:30 a.m. and bingo at 12:30 p.m. March 3; Bible study at 10:15 a.m. and leadership meeting at 12:45 p.m. March 7; Wendy’s fundraiser from 4:45 to 6 p.m. March 9; birthday celebration March 10; Wii bowling March 14; St. Patrick’s Day party March 17; Bible study at 10:15 a.m. March 21; Easter party March 24; and wellness Wednesday at 10 a.m., book club at 10:15 a.m. and all weather safety at 12:30 p.m. March 28. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Call (724) 282-6006. _ Slippery Rock Senior Center, Township Building, 155 Branchton Rd., will offer the following events: dessert social at 1 p.m. March 1 and 29; pancake and sausage breakfast at 9 a.m. March 9; birthday celebration March 10; mind matters webinar at 10 a.m. March 16; St. Patrick’s Day celebration at 10 a.m. March 17; Easter party March 24; wellness Wednesday at 9 a.m. March 30; and leadership meeting at 12:30 p.m. March 31. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Call (724) 794-6440. _ Southeast Senior Center, Winfield Township Firehall, Brose Rd., offers the following upcoming events: leadership meeting at 9:45 a.m. March 1; deep breathing yoga at 10 a.m. March 8; birthday celebration March 10; card games from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 15; St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 17; Easter party March 24; wellness Wednesday at 9 a.m. March 29; and cookie bingo from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 31. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call (724) 352-2036. _ West Sunbury Senior Center, West Sunbury Presbyterian Church, hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. Lunches are provided. Events will be listed in next month’s publications. Call (724) 637-2959. BCSN
Butler County Area Agency on Aging March Menu for senior centers
Tuesday, March 1: Sloppy Joe, creamy broccoli soup, cucumber salad, peaches. Wednesday, March 2, Breakfast for lunch: Egg omelet, sausage, breakfast potatoes, fruit, doughnut hole. Thursday, March 3: Baked pepper steak, noodles, broccoli, mixed fruit salad. Friday, March 4: Potato crusted fish, cheesy potatoes, stewed tomatoes, fruit. Monday, March 7: Salisbury steak, oven browned potatoes, carrots, pineapple. Tuesday, March 8: Sweet and sour pork, rice, spring vegetable medley, pears, fortune cookie. Wednesday, March 9: Pepperoni pizza, tossed salad, applesauce. Thursday, March 10, Birthday menu: Stuffed chicken breast, whipped potatoes, carrots, cupcake.
Senior Express The Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Serving you: About the Area Agency on Aging The Butler County Area Agency on Aging (AAoA) is a community service agency for older adults and has operated in Butler County since 1984. The Area Agency on Aging administers programs and manages services for Butler County residents who are 60 years of age or older. Agency programs and services are designed to serve approximately 38,000 older consumers who call Butler County home. Butler County Commissioners Leslie Osche, Republican Kimberly Geyer, Republican Kevin Boozel, Democrat
Friday, March 11: Breaded fish sandwich, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, fruit.
Area Agency on Aging Administrator: Beth A. Herold, RN, BSN, MBA
Monday, March 14: Garlic pepper chicken breast, pasta, Italian vegetable medley, fruit, cookie.
How may we help you?
Tuesday, March 15: Cheeseburger, creamy ranch potatoes, carrots, fruit. Wednesday, March 16: Hot turkey sandwich, whipped potatoes, peas, ice cream.
• Community Services for Older Adults and their families • Home and Community Based Services • PDA Waiver Services
Thursday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day: Sliced corn beef, potato and cabbage, green beans, pudding.
Access to Services
Friday, March 18: Vegetable lasagna, tossed salad, peaches.
• Information and Referral
Monday, March 21: Open faced hot roast beef sandwich, O’Brien potatoes, sweet peas and onions, cookie.
• Assessment
Tuesday, March 22: Chicken ala king, rice, coleslaw, mixed vegetable medley, mixed fruit. Wednesday, March 23: Chili con carne, tossed salad, pineapple and mandarin oranges. Thursday, March 24, Easter special: Baked ham slice, scalloped potatoes, brussel sprouts, cake. Friday, March 25, Good Friday: Center closed. Monday, March 28: Salmon, wild rice, carrots, pineapple. Tuesday, March 29: Pasta, meatballs, tossed salad, apples. Wednesday, March 30: Baked chicken, au gratin potatoes, broccoli, fruit.
• Care Management
For more information, call or visit our office at Sunnyview Complex 111 Sunnyview Circle, Suite 101 Butler, PA 16001 Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (724) 282-3008 (888) 367-2434 Website: www.co.butler.pa.us/butler Email: aaainfo@co.butler.pa.us
Thursday, March 31: Chef salad, mixed greens, noodle soup, peaches. March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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Need help getting in and out of your car? This assistive device can help. By Pamela Toto, PhD, OTR/L Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh For Butler County Senior News
G
etting in and out of a car can be a challenging activity for some people. General weakness, poor balance, and stiff or painful joints can make it difficult to safely sit down and rise from the car’s seat. Often, the design of the car itself provides no stable options for hand support. Because of this difficulty, individuals may be reluctant to leave home and go out into their community if they have to travel by car; or, they may only travel when they are with others who can assist them.
March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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Luckily, there is a tool on the market that solves this problem. The Handybar is a device created to increase the ease, safety and independence of getting in and out of a vehicle. It is simple to use, easy to install and remove, and fits most vehicles. The device has a nonslip rubber handle and a solid metal extender. When the car door is open, the metal extender is fully inserted into a U-shaped latch that is located on the frame of the car (not the door) with the rubber handle facing away from the car. Once the Handybar is firmly in place, the handle provides hand support for the user. The handle can also provide support to those who tend to “plop” or fall into the seat when getting into the car. When not in use, the Handybar is easily removed by simply lifting up on the handle and removing it from the latch. The Handybar is a convenient size that can fit into a purse, glove compartment or in a side pocket of a car door. It can be used on either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle, and is safe for individuals who weigh up to 350 pounds. The device comes with a few additional safety features: 1) The handle has a built-in seatbelt cutter and 2) the solid metal extender can be used to break glass. These features may be
critical for safety in a car accident or other emergency. The Handybar ranges from $20 to $45. Many online resources (including Amazon.com) sell the tool and large-chain retailers are also beginning to keep this device in stock. The Handybar is just one of many tools available to help individuals who are having trouble with community mobility and driving. Local Area Agency on Aging and AARP centers, as well as occupational therapy programs in the community, offer information on additional devices that improve ease, safety and independence for driving through an educational program called CarFit. The program offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. To learn more about CarFit, visit www. car-fit.org. If you or a loved one are having increased difficulty managing your daily
activities, ask your doctor for a referral to occupational therapy. Occupational therapists can offer additional ideas, assistive devices and strategies that can help you keep your independence and stay safe. BCSN Dr. Toto is board certified in gerontology and has more than 25 years of experience helping older adults maintain independence in their homes and communities. She can be reached at (412) 383-6620. To learn more about the University of Pittsburgh Department of Occupational Therapy, visit https:// www.shrs.pitt.edu/OT.
Senior Resources
CROWN Antiques
and collectibles
We Buy! One Piece, or the Entire House! Following is a list of resources that are relevant to issues affecting seniors. We are providing this as an easy reference for information that you may need now or in the future. AARP: www.aarp.org. The National site for AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people, ages 50 years and older. Call 1 (888) 687-2277. County of Butler Area Agency on Aging: www.co.butler. pa.us/butler/. Gives detailed information on aging programs. Call (724) 282-3008 or 1 (888) 367-2434. Alzheimer’s Association: www.alzpa.org. Programs and services for individuals and families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders. Call 1 (800) 272-3900.
• Art
• Comics
• Books
• Coins
• Photographs
• Magazines
• Stamps
• Military Items
• Postcards
• Sports Memorabilla
• Old Watches
• Jewelry
• Gold
• Political Buttons
• Silver
• Fountain Pens
• Autographs
We Sell Over 4 Million Items 5 Floors of Eclectic Collectibles 1018 5th Ave., Pittsburgh PA
(412) 434-6425
www.crowntiques.com
Benefits Checkup www.benefitscheckup.org. An online questionnaire to help search for a list of all state and federal benefits.
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. BCSN
With BAYADA Home Health Care…
“It’s like having more family around.” – Mrs. Frances S., Client
BAYADA provides assistive care, such as help with bathing, grooming, and meal preparation, 24 hours, 7 days to keep adults and seniors safe at home.
Call 724-285-7100 www.bayada.com
Compassion. Excellence. Reliability.
March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
COMPASS (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Application for Social Services): www.compass.state.pa.us. Enables Pennsylvania citizens to apply for social services programs online. Call 1 (800) 692-7462.
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One Word
Start with a nine-letter word and drop one letter each time until you reach one letter. Answer them all correctly for a chance to win $30 cash. 1. What is a nine-letter word meaning ‘frightening’? ___________________________________________________ 2. Drop one letter to give a type of bird. ___________________________________________________ 3. Drop one letter to give a word meaning ‘looking intently.’ ___________________________________________________ 4. Now drop a letter to give a word for a thin cord. ___________________________________________________ 5. Drop another letter to give a word for what bees and wasps can do._______________________________________ 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.
6. Drop one more letter to give a word for what ABBA does best._______________________________________________ 7. One more letter dropped gives a word for Lust, Envy, Sloth and 4 others of this group._________________________ 8. Drop a letter to give the antonym for ‘out’.______________ 9. Drop one last letter to give the ‘first person, singular.’_____ 10. Finally, how many times was it necessary to re-arrange the letters to get the new word?__________________________ Name________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Phone____________________________Age________________
Congratulations to Jackie Humberson who won last month’s contest. The answers were: 1. The Philadelphia Story; 2. The African Queen; 3. Judgement at Nuremburg; 4.Separate Tables; 5. The Goodbye Girl; 6. Tender Mercies; 7. Leaving Las Vegas; 8. Coming Home; 9. Philadelphia; 10. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
LOOKING FOR
March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
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awesome SENIOR LIVING?
at Chicora Medical Center
724.445.2000 724.353.1531 724.445.3000 Senior Living • Skilled Care • Memory Care • Rehab
www.QualityLifeServices.com
Crossword Puzzle answer on page 2
©King Features
DOWN 1 Desist 2 Poi base 3 Exam format 4 Ancient Greek region 5 Pickle holder 6 Blackbird 7 Courts 8 Wicked acts 9 “Titanic” star Leonardo 10 Fortas and Lincoln 11 Netting 16 Reaction to a light show 20 Mani counterpart 22 Bullets 23 Raise a glass to 25 Gullet 26 Before 27 Plot outline 29 Elevator name 31 $ dispenser 32 Unruly group 34 Rights org. 38 Ordeals 40 Foolish 42 Kšln cry 43 Submachine guns 44 Portnoy’s creator 45 Dross 47 “Phooey!” 48 Green land 49 Peregrinate 52 Tramcar contents 53 Highland hat
BASKETBALL BIRDS CLOVER COOL
DAFFODIL GREEN LEPRECHAUN MARCH
PARADE RAINBOW SHAMROCK SPRING
What is intelligence? Two men were digging a ditch on a very hot day. One said to the other, “Why are we down in this hole digging a ditch when our boss is standing up there in the shade of a tree?” “I don’t know,” responded the other. “I’ll ask him.” So he climbed out of the hole and went to his boss. “Why are we digging in the hot sun and you’re standing in the shade?” “Intelligence,” the boss said. “What do you mean, ‘intelligence’?” The boss said, “Well, I’ll show you. I’ll put my hand on this tree and I want you to hit it with your fist as hard as you can.” The ditch digger took a mighty swing and tried to hit the boss’ hand. The boss removed his hand and the ditch digger hit the tree. The boss said, “That’s intelligence!” The ditch digger went back to his hole. His friend asked, “What did he say?” “He said we are down here because of intelligence.” “What’s intelligence?” said the friend. The ditch digger put his hand on his face and said, “Take your shovel and hit my hand.” Taken from www.ahajokes.com.
March 2016 • Butler County Senior News
ACROSS 1 Old portico 5 Mandible 8 Dutch cheese 12 Small pie 13 Year, in San Juan 14 Unspoken feeling 15 Handel’s “Messiah,” e.g. 17 Frozen desserts 18 Salk’s conquest 19 1984 Tom Hanks film 21 Converse 24 Kreskin’s claim 25 Small plateau 28 Disposition 30 Ewe’s mate 33 Joan of – 34 Ritzy violin 35 Judge Lance 36 Teeny 37 Mozart’s “– fan tutte” 38 Pyramid, maybe 39 Zero 41 Despot 43 Seventh planet 46 Autumnal quaff 50 Author – Neale Hurston 51 Casanova 54 “Don’t rub –!” 55 Altar constellation 56 Zhivago’s love 57 Maxwell Smart’s “phone” 58 Jewel 59 Goblet feature
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Ambulance Service • Wheelchair Van Service
Care You Can Count On
• Our wheelchair van service, Butler Assist Coach, currently operates 10 vans providing transport to and from hospitals, doctor’s appointments, nursing homes, and private events (i.e. funerals, weddings, birthdays, etc.)
Serving the Community Since 1967
• Our Assist Coach is available to individuals: with or without their own wheelchairs; with stairs or other obstacles at their residence; and those needing extra assistance in and out of their wheelchairs. • BAS also provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance transports to sick and injured patients. • We operate 10 ambulances from 3 stations, serving the community 24 hours a day. • Reduced rates are available for members.
Butler Ambulance Service • 106 First Street Butler, PA 16001 • (724) 283-4385
Live LIFE…At Home Skilled Short & Long-Term Rehabilitation A small, local business providing tender loving care.
LIFE offers comprehensive medical care, adult day services and homecare to help older adults, age 55 and older, live at home. Services include all medical care, prescription coverage, physical therapy, transportation and more. Contact us for assistance in determining your eligibility for the program. You may qualify and not even realize it. 231 W. Diamond Street Butler, PA 16001
724-287-LIFE (5433) Call 711 for TTY Relay Services www.lutheranseniorlife.org/LIFE A Partnership of Lutheran SeniorLife and Butler Health System
724.352.9445 Saxonburg, PA
www.saxonyhealthcenter.org CALL US FOR A PRIVATE CONSULTATION QCF/Saxony Health Center, LLC d/b/a Saxony Health Center. We subscribe to a non-discrimination policy
1172560
– A Partnership in Caring –