November-February 2021/2022 Volume 22, Number 4
COMPL
IMENTA
RY
Sponsored in part by Beaver County Office on Aging
A Prayer to Wear offers artistic way to share scripture Ellen also hosts crafting sessions for bridal and baby showers, and does custom sewing, embroidery and crafting upon request, including altar linens, and custom deacon, priest and clergy stoles. To learn more, call (412) 576-9715, email ecarlins@ prayertowear.com or visit prayertowear.com.
Ellen Carlins of Pittsburgh was looking for a creative
way to help others increase and share their faith. She had an idea to combine active scripture reflection with activities in a group setting around crafting and jewelry making. From that inspiration more than 10 years ago, A Prayer to Wear was born. Ellen began offering mini crafting retreats to prayer groups, enabling participants to share with each other the work that God has done in their lives while doing something fun and creative in a casual environment. The concept caught on and since then Ellen has worked with hundreds of mostly women who have gathered for these mini retreats, which are open to all skill levels from beginner crafter to expert artisan. “It has been amazing to watch how beading and jewelry making is relevant and helpful for every age group and circumstance,” Ellen says. “I think it’s because people never stop searching, no matter what stage of life. Encouraging faith sharing, community building and bonding among small groups gives me great joy.” Prior to the pandemic, Ellen was a regular presenter at Kearns Spirituality Center in the North Hills. Currently, she travels to the location of the requested prayer group throughout Allegheny and Beaver counties. “I provide a reflectively inspirational message coupled with all the materials necessary for a fun, hands-on activity. Everyone leaves with a lasting keepsake of their experience.”
Prayer Squares What better way to remember to pray daily than to have a favorite inscription on a decorative tile always in plain view. Participants will be amazed at how easy it is to create an object reflecting Spirit and beauty with the look of an expensive glazed tile through this simple decoupage technique.
Like us on Facebook for more news and updates at facebook.com/ PittsburghSeniorNews
Be the first to know when news happens To receive a digital copy of our publication each month please send us an email at pghseniornews@icloud.com
Visit our website pittsburghseniornews.com
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
Continued on page 4
For caregivers. For professionals. For you.
Publisher’s Corner
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 “My goal is to provide area residents with the best possible legal service at a fair and reasonable price.”
While we’re still being cautious due to the pandemic, there are plenty of simple, fun ways to enjoy the coming holidays with loved ones. See the article on page 11 for ideas. Winter and the new year are right around the corner. Check out information on pages 12 and 13 about heating assistance and increases to Social Security and SSI in 2022.
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
2
Services include: • elder law • estate planning • estate administration • family law
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.your 2nd Floor Need a speaker at no cost for church or group? Beaver, PA 15009 Give me a call!
Now accepting applications for residency at Green Diamond Place!
Lynn Hogan Webster
• 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
Call for more information and a FREE trial day.
(724)266-9626
Apartment Amenities:
Spacious, one bedroom apartments
Rent is based on income
Fully equipped kitchen
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.
Professionally managed by SeniorCare Network Ambridge, PA
Volume 22, Number 4 Published monthly by Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc for Beaver County Senior News 97 Beechmont Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15229 (412) 760-5914 pghseniornews@icloud.com
Proud Member of
www.rabanksesq.com Office: (724) 775-1500 Fax: (724) 774-3560
Wishing everyone a healthy, safe holiday season!
Valley Care Adult Day Services
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.SrCareNetwork.org
maturepublishers.com
Hoffman’s Drug Store Emanuel N. Panos Pharmacist
Free Delivery We deliver to: Aliquippa Ambridge Hopewell Center • Utility bill payments accepted • PA Lottery tickets • Western Union
536 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa
(724) 375-4111
Wherever you need us . . . Since 1921
Crossword Puzzle Answer (See page 14)
Welcome Home to Beaver’s Newest Senior Apartment Community! Home isn’t just where you live; it’s a place that provides ample opportunities for you to enjoy life to the fullest. As we age, many of us desire a home with the same sense of comfort, but with far less responsibility and upkeep. That is exactly what you’ll find at the brand new Beaver Run Senior Apartments: affordable, high quality senior living with outstanding amenities and activities just waiting for you to join Beaver Run has everything a senior could want and so much more. Seniors will love the controlled access building and central elevator, as well as an onsite fitness center, beauty salon and community rooms. Residents can gather in the fireplace lounge with a hot cup of coffee or enjoy their spacious apartment – each with its own private patio or balcony. Priding themselves on professional management and 24-hour emergency maintenance service, apartments include updated amenities such as stainless steel appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, as well as walk-in showers. With heat, water, electric and cable television, and internet included, and rents starting from only $1,150, what more could you possibly ask for? Contact the leasing office to reserve your new home today.
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
Beaver Run Senior Apartments is located at 1195 Western Ave, Brighton Twp. Call (724) 417-5771 or go to www.clovergroupinc.com for more information.
3
Continued from page 1
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
4
Unfolding Faith With a Twist
Hot Jam, This Is His Plan
Contemplate our interconnectedness with each other and how the Spirit uses that interdependence among us as a gift that weaves us all together. Inspiration comes to life before your eyes and through the work of your hands as you are guided through the process of weaving a simple basket.
There is something almost mystical in jam making, the idea of transformation of fresh fruit into jam that can potentially last forever and make your gloomy days sweeter, literally and metaphorically. Cultivate internal fruitfullness, as we consider the purposefulness of our lives to “bear much fruit” and incorporate the fruits of the Spirit in our daily activities.
Pay for your extra dental, vision and hearing expenses with The Wellcare Flex Card Choose Wellcare as your Medicare Advantage provider and you’ll get access to top-tier benefits like the Wellcare Flex Card! It’s a pre-funded debit card that you can use to pay for supplemental dental, vision and hearing expenses. That may include things like: • Prescription glasses or contacts • Dentures • Hearing Aids • Copays and more
Get up to
$1,000 per year Contact: 1-844-674-5436 (TTY 711) 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. WellcareforPA.com
Medicare Open enrollment is from October 15 to December 7. So don’t wait to sign up for Wellcare, the no-nonsense Medicare provider, and get your Wellcare Flex Card.
‘Ohana Health Plan, a plan offered by WellCare Health Insurance of Arizona, Inc. Wellcare is the Medicare brand for Centene Corporation, an HMO, PPO, PFFS, PDP plan with a Medicare contract and is an approved Part D Sponsor. Our D-SNP plans have a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Contract services are funded in part under contract with the State of Arizona. Such services are funded in part with the state of New Mexico. For detailed information about Louisiana Medicaid benefits, please visit the Medicaid website at https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid. Notice: TennCare is not responsible for payment for these benefits, except for appropriate cost sharing amounts. TennCare is not responsible for guaranteeing the availability or quality of these benefits.
Y0020_WCM_80170E_Final4_M CMS Accepted 09252021
©Wellcare 2021
The Consumer Corner Government says inflation is low, but shoppers are saying it’s sky high From coffee and ice cream to tuna a n d d e t e rg e n t , companies have been shrinking their product sizes and weights for years, giving us less in the package for the same old price, hoping we won’t notice. This “downsizing” is absolutely legal but downright deceptive. When I inquire as to the manufacturer’s motives for downsizing, it’s always attributed to rising production costs, energy costs and distribution costs. Yes, rising gasoline prices do impact all grocery prices. The government, in its desire to convince us that inflation is really low, not only doesn’t take downsizing into consideration in its Consumer Price Index (CPI), but it has come up with a new calculation, called the “Chain CPI.” It judges rising product prices as being offset by our buying habits that have us switch to lower priced equivalent items. There’s no inflation on beef, since we can buy chicken instead, or maybe then pork or fish if chicken goes up. If all table meats go up, the government probably considers that one becomes vegetarian. This is how the Social Security cost of living increase (COLA) was a meager 1.3% in 2020, when we know prices went through the roof on everything we consumed, like gas
Here are some of the examples of real inflation that seniors confront every day at their grocery stores. Chobani reduced from 6 oz. to 5.3 oz. the weight of its yogurt … 12% of real inflation. Keebler Chips Deluxe cookies went from 13.3 oz. down to 11.6 oz…12.5% of real inflation. Nabisco Ritz Crackers from 15.1 to 13.7 ozs., yields a real inflation of 14.4%. It’s not only on food items that we confront downsizing. How about toilet paper? What do we switch to when it downsizes? Tide went down from 100 ozs. to 92 ozs. and from 60 possible washes to 48 possible washes. That’s an 8% drop in product weight, but a 20% drop in the number of washes. They also must have diluted the product’s formula/efficiency to reduce its cost to manufacture and improve their overall profits. When Dial soap went from 4.5 to 4 ozs. per bar (11% downsized), I contacted the company and the customer service representative told me that their marketing research showed that their customers wanted a soap bar that they could hold more comfortably in their hands when they bathe. So now it’s contoured, with less soap, and costs more. Kitty litter is down by 6%, Frito-Lay Chips down from 5% or more per bag, Ball Park franks down by 6.25%, Charmin toilet tissue, down 10.2%, Tropicana down
7.8%, and even peanut butter is down 11%. The Chain CPI must have us eating ketchup sandwiches instead to point out that there isn’t any inflation. What a joke! The saddest part of this sad story about the price drivers in our economy doesn’t end without our economy becoming robust again. Raw material costs continue to increase, and transportation costs have gone up geometrically. Gas and tolls raise the overheads for all producers. Their energy costs, like our utilities, force their prices to be raised. While I am sympathetic to the producers’ cost issues, I am not sympathetic to a government that doesn’t recognize what is going on in the marketplace. We are incurring, every day, higher prices on just about everything. My best advice to all who are concerned about real inflation, and especially those who find their resources being drained by it, is that they pay much stricter attention to labeling and become savvy to all the packaging ploys of manufacturers. There isn’t going to be a banner on products that have been reduced in size/content to warn us of lost value, and we simply cannot count on our government to act properly in our behalf. Mary Bach is a nationally recognized Consumer Advocate and Chair of the AARP Consumer Issues Task Force.
BEAVER FALLS PLAZA
1008 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls (724) 843-4822
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
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
and utilities.
By Mary Bach
5
Q & November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
6
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
A
Consumer Reimbursement
Q&A
Question: What is OPTIONS?
Question: What else is involved?
Question: Is direct deposit available?
Answer: The OPTIONS program provides assistance to help consumers live independently in the community.
Answer: *The consumer negotiates the hourly rate, day and time of service with the agency or individual they hire.
Answer: Yes, the Care Manager can help set up direct deposit into the consumer’s bank account.
Question: Is there an age limit? Answer: Yes, a consumer must be age 60 or older.
*Individuals hired must review and sign an Independent Contractor form, provide their address and phone number, and talk with the Care Manager.
Question: Can payment be postponed until after the check is received?
Question: Is the OPTIONS program an entitlement?
*The Care Manager discusses the program and authorizes the start date.
Answer: No, it is based on individual need determined by a needs assessment which includes verification of 2020 income and current assets.
Question: Is paperwork involved?
Question: Which services are utilized the most? Answer: Personal Care or assistance with bathing, and Home Support, including light house cleaning, laundry and shopping, are used the most. Question: What is Consumer Reimbursement? Answer: The consumer hires an agency not on our consumer choice list to provide the approved service. They also can hire a friend or neighbor.
Answer: *Yes, the consumer’s employee logs in and out at each visit using required forms. *Each time the individual is paid, they sign a receipt. *The consumer reviews, approves and signs off on the logs then submits the paperwork to the Care Manager. *When an agency is hired, the consumer submits payment to the agency, and they send proof of payment and service delivery to the consumer or Care Manager. Question: When and how is paperwork submitted?
Answer: No, the consumer must pay their hired worker or agency first and submit all paperwork to receive reimbursement. Failure to follow the rules or falsification of paperwork will result in termination of the service. Question: Is the Consumer always reimbursed 100%? Answer: No, in some cases reimbursement may be less than 100 percent based on their cost share. Each consumer’s cost share is based on their previous year’s income. Question: Does the consumer have to hire their own worker? Answer: No, the consumer can decide to select a service provider from our choice list. Under this model, the Beaver County Office on Aging pays the select provider directly on a monthly basis. In some cases, the consumer has to share in the cost of their service and would receive a monthly bill from the Beaver County Office on Aging.
Answer: No, the consumer is not allowed to hire a relative.
Answer: Paperwork is submitted on a monthly basis and is due by the 7th of each month. It can be mailed, faxed or emailed to the Care Manager.
Question: Who pays for the service?
Question: What happens next?
Question: How can consumers apply for service?
Answer: The consumer pays the agency or individual they choose to hire to provide the service, and the Beaver County Office on Aging reimburses the consumer for the cost of the authorized service on a monthly basis.
Answer: The Care Manager reviews and approves the paperwork which is processed for payment. The consumer will receive a check for the approved amount.
Answer: Call the information and referral department at (724) 847-2262 and ask for a needs assessment.
Question: Can a relative be hired?
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
SPOTLIGHT on Senior Concerns
By Tracy Costo, Center at the Mall Fitness Instructor
There is something enchanting about peeking out your
window to find the first snowfall, however as the colder months set in and we see less sun, getting outside and enjoying the outdoors can seem challenging. Research shows that sitting too long each day can lead to some health issues, which means staying active especially during the wintertime is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Before braving the snow and other winter conditions, it’s important that you are well prepared and properly bundled up. The risk of hypothermia is important to keep in mind while enjoying outdoor activities during the winter. Dressing in layers, protecting your hands and feet, and paying attention to the forecast can help you stay safe and warm while exercising outdoors in the cold weather. Other tips for safety are protecting you head, hands, feet and ears. If it is dark outside, wear reflective clothing. Wear sunscreen and lip balm and remember to drink plenty of fluids Slow and steady is the key while taking a stroll outdoors during the wintertime. With the right shoes and a clear path, you can safely enjoy observing frost covered trees, dustings of snow, and seeing a snowman here and there. Take your grandchildren to the park or take some pictures of the beautiful scenery. Maybe throw a snowball along the way! We often have so much to share with those around us:
recipes, stories and wisdom, to name a few. Volunteering within the community can be very fulfilling and keep you active throughout the winter months. Enjoying the colder months with fun activities can create new treasured memories and strengthen relationships. Get creative with your outdoor adventures. Remember if it’s too cold outside you can always visit Center at the Mall’s Fitness Center and classes.
Monetary Donations being accepted for annual Surprises for Shut-ins The 35th annual Beaver County Office on Aging Surprises for Shut-ins is a go this year! Since 1987, the program has provided a friendly visit and a bag of gifts to our consumers, caregivers, and many personal care home residents. For 34 years, we have been amazed at the enormous generosity of the community and the hard work and dedication of volunteers and staff to help brighten the holiday season for many older adults. With the lingering pandemic, we cannot accept donated gifts, and will not be able to gather to wrap gifts this year. However, there is a way you can help. Please consider sending a monetary donation to assist with us the purchase of food, gifts and necessities. To make a donation, make checks or money orders (no cash) payable to the Beaver County Office on Aging and mail to Beaver County Office on Aging, 1020 Eighth Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Please write Surprises for Shut-ins in the memo section of your check. Your support will be greatly appreciated by many isolated and homebound individuals.
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
Outdoor Winter Weather Fitness and Safety
7
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin 570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd Rural King Corridor Inside the Mall Monaca, PA 15061
Center Hours Mon - Thurs 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Check out our website www.centeratthemall.net or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/centeratthemall
Fitness Classes
Member exercise classes are SilverSneakers, Renew Active, and Punch Pass eligible. Chair Volleyball Class Tuesday & Thursday at 11 a.m. Wednesday 1 - 2 p.m. SilverSneakers Classic Monday, Wednesday, & Friday at 11 a.m. Yoga (sitting/standing only; no floor activities) Tuesday & Thursday at 10 a.m. SilverSneakers Circuit Thursday at 9 a.m. Cardio Sculpt Monday & Friday at 10 a.m. Belly Buster Wednesday at 10 a.m. Mix-It Up Cardio Tuesday at 9 a.m.
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
8
Would you like to learn proven methods to handle a chronic disease? The Center at the Mall will be holding a Chronic Disease Self Management Class for anyone over the age of 60. A few examples of chronic disease include (but are not limited to): Arthritis Asthma Diabetes Depression Heart disease Call or stop in the Center to learn more about this no cost six-week program. Classes will be every Wednesday beginning January 19th and run until February 23rd. Time: 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. (Complimentary lunch will be served)
Clubs, Groups, & Amenities Art Club Use provided materials or bring your own projects. Art Therapy meets every Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.. Bingo Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:15 - 1:45 p.m. Cards are 25¢ each and can be used for all 11 games. Games include 8 regular games, 2 specials, and a coverall (additional 25¢) . Book Club Club meets first Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Sign up sheet in congregate room. Café Area Coffee, tea, and water available daily. Donation of $1 is appreciated. Casino Trips Monthly bus trip to a local casino. Cost is $30/person. You must pre-register/pre-pay. Computer Lab Computers with internet access. Computer and iPhone classes available throughout the year ($). Crochet and Knitting Club Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fitness Center Fully functioning fitness facility with variety of machines and staff on hand to provide instruction. Complimentary to SilverSneakers or Renew Active members. Self-pay options available for others. Jukebox Thousands of songs to choose from. No cost to use. Library Choose from a variety of books, please return any that you borrow. No sign-out, use the honor system. Lunch Nutritional lunches every day from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. $3 donation for ages 60+; $6 fee for ages 50-59. Must preregister one business day in advance. Mahjong Club Mondays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Note: this is not the tile matching game which clears the board. Pinochle Club Every Thursday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Pool Tables The Center has two 8ft tables, all skill levels welcome.
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin COF New Brighton Special Events/Activities
Easy Movement exercise classes with instructor Ming Cheu. Great for building strength, balance, range-of-motion. Have some fun and safe distance exercise with Ming!
Card Club Mondays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. $3/person includes lunch. Reservations required by the Friday before. • November 8, 22 • December 13, 27 • January 10, 24
• New Brighton, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Special Monthly Bingo. Cost includes meal and hard cards. Advance reservations required
• Tuesday Nov. 16, 10 a.m. Thanksgiving Bingo $5/person. Turkey and pie raffles will also be held.
• Baden, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. NEW iPad classes. Learn how to use an iPad with instructor Dillon Murphy. Everything from surfing the web, to using apps, playing games, and “facetiming” with friends and family!
• This class is on a rotating schedule. Sessions are 6 weeks long, each class approx. one hour. We provide the iPads. Reservations are required for this class. Call the center of your choice to get on the list!
• Thursday Dec. 16, 10 a.m. Christmas Party $5/person • Tuesday Dec. 28, 10 a.m. New Year’s Bingo $5/person’
Pinochle Tournaments, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. $4/person includes lunch. Must reserve 2 days in advance. • November 3, 17 • December 1, 15 • January 5, 19
The iPad class students with instructor Dillon at COF Baden.
Some of the “pool hustlers” at COF New Brighton.
Line dance instructor Marilyn Hall poses with some of her dancers at COF New Brighton.
Marie Sass and Susan Scott helping Melissa Bartosh with the Baden center’s Halloween bingo.
Special Monthly Bingo. Cost includes meal, special dessert, hard cards. Advance reservations required
• Tuesday Nov. 9, 3 p.m. (doors open 2 p.m.) Harvest Fest Bingo $6/person
• Tuesday Dec. 7, 3 p.m. Christmas Bingo $6/person • Monday Jan. 3, 12:30 p.m. New Year’s Bingo. Meal
included, cost depends on number of cards played.
Penny Bingo, Every Thursday 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.. Lots of games, specials, special holiday themed bingos! Call the center for more info on upcoming special bingo parties. Come on out and join our Line Dance class! It’s fun and it’s a great way to burn some calories! Our large dance areas allow for safe distances! Cost is only $3 per class!
• Every Monday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. with instructor George Petrella, Baden center.
• Every Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. with instructor Marilyn Hall, New Brighton center.
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
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
COF Baden Special Events/Activities
9
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
Heritage Valley COVID-19 vaccine and booster information
COVID-19 Vaccine First and second doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are available for individuals 12 and older by appointment at Heritage Valley Center Township Convenient Care (behind the Beaver Valley Mall), 79 Wagner Road, Monaca (Center Township). Vaccine appointment days and times vary by week, and walk-in times are not available. To schedule vaccine, visit heritagevalley.org or call (724) 770-7555. A vaccine record card will be provided at the second dose appointment. November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
COVID-19 Booster
Heritage Valley is offering Pfizer booster vaccines by appointment to those who are eligible according to CDC guidelines. This includes: adults 65 years and older; adults 18-64 years with underlying medical conditions or an increased risk of serious illness; and adults in high exposure occupations. Pfizer boosters are being provided at Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), One Campus Drive, Monaca (Center Township). Booster appointment days and times vary by week, and walk-in time are not available. To schedule a booster vaccine, visit heritagevalley.org or call (724) 770-7555. Your Pfizer booster must be administered at least six months after your second Pfizer vaccine. If you originally received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines, Heritage Valley will not administer a Pfizer booster. Your Vaccination Record Card will be updated at your booster appointment. If you did not receive your first and subsequent vaccines from Heritage Valley, bring your Vaccination Record Card to your booster 10 appointment.
Get ready for Medicare’s Open Enrollment Mark your calendar.
Medicare’s open enrollment period began October 15 and closes December 7. Each year, Medicare health and drug plans make changes to things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. This is the time for Medicare recipients to change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year. Annually, health plans mail out their Annual Notice of Changes by September 30, so you should have received it. Even if you are happy with your current plan, you should review these changes to ensure the plan still meets your needs. Also review your prescription drug formulary to confirm that your drugs are covered under your current plan. You can find valuable information on plans online at Medicare’s Plan Finder at Medicare.gov, which enables you to do a personalized search. You also have the option of calling Medicare (800) MEDICARE. In addition, the Beaver County PA MEDI (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight) program is available to answer your Medicare questions and assist you in finding a plan that meets your needs. You can reach the Beaver County PA MEDI Program at (724) 847-2262 to schedule your personal appointment. Schedule an in-person appointment at one the senior centers: Circle of Friends in Baden, Circle of Friends in New Brighton, or Center at the Mall at the Beaver Valley Mall; or you may set up a telephone appointment.
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
It’s Holiday Time—Make Your Own Fun! Holiday Movie Night There are many movie options when friends and family have ability to gather at home and watch a wide array of holiday movies on cable television, Dish and streaming services. Pick old-time classic movies or select something newer. Prepare some coffee, tea or hot chocolate along with cookies and snacks, then grab a comfy blanket and enjoy an evening at home. Holiday Baking Day
By Angela Gentile, Planning Unit Program Monitor Beaver County Office on Aging
W
e are upon the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanza and the New Year. It is a great time to gather with family and friends. Even though the pandemic is still here, it is looking like we will be able to get together more this year. Some school, church and community organizations are planning their holiday events., though some events may be modified or cancelled. There is no reason not to plan some of your own fun. Many of these suggestions are easy to do and can accommodate individuals living with chronic conditions or limited mobility.
Game Night Some people love cards, and others play Uno. Maybe its Pokeno, Scrabble or dominoes. When I hear stories of people who gather to play games, it is always interesting. Some people are competitive and do not like to lose, while others enjoy changing rules, making up rules or even cheating. One thing is that people always tend to remember these gatherings fondly. They share stories of how they teased, argued, agitated and laughed about how much fun they had. Plan your game night and plan to have some fun. If you do not enjoy games, pull out those jigsaw puzzles, and get building the picture. Craft Day It is as simple as gathering some adult coloring books and colored pencils and being creative together.
Holiday Lights Tour Get everyone together and go for a drive to enjoy the light displays in your community and neighboring communities. It is great to see the creativity some families plan for everyone to enjoy. Plan a trip to Wheeling, West Virginia for the Olgebay Festival of Lights. From November 5 through January 9, you can enjoy a sixmile ride through the park seeing more than a million twinkling lights and 90 lighted attractions across 300 acres. There is an admission fee per car.
News you can use • If you have not used your Senior Farmers Market vouchers, you need to hurry. Vouchers must be redeemed by November 30 at local farmer’s markets. • The deadline to file for the 2020 Property Tax/ Rent Rebate is December 31.
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
During the July 4th holiday, Angela visited the Steubenville Nutcrackers which were on display at The Mall at Robinson for its Christmas in July anniversary celebration.
There was a day that many Beaver County families had a wide variety of cookies to share with those who came to visit their homes. Did you always want to learn how to make Grandma’s nut roll or your aunt’s pizzelle recipe or your mom’s ethnic specialty cookies? Gather your relatives, along with their recipes and others, to learn how to make these specialties so it is not lost to time. The older adult will not have to do all the work but can guide everyone in how to make the sweet treats. Everyone can share in the cleanup, too.
11
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
Prepare for winter with assistance from LIHEAP Annual income guidelines for the upcoming season based on household size are:
• B ro k e n h e a t i n g equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
Winter is right around the corner
. . . and so are heating bills. Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. The grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid. November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
12
Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants through the LIHEAP crisis program. Emergency situations include:
• Lack of fuel • Main heating source or second heating source has been completely shut off To apply for help, call LIHEAP at (866) 857-7095 or contact your county assistance office.
• Danger of being without fuel or having utility service terminated
The Beaver County Office on Aging wishes our Veterans a Happy Veteran’s Day To our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future, thank you for your service to our country. Thank you Veterans for bravely doing what you were called to do so we can safely do what we are free to do.
Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin
Social Security and SSI benefits to increase in 2022 Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase in 2022. The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022. Increased payments to approximately eight million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2021. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax
(taxable maximum) will increase to $147,000 from $142,800. If you are a Social Security and/or SSI beneficiary, you will be notified by mail starting in early December about your new benefit amount. If you receive Social Security payments, you will be able to view your COLA notice online through your personal “my Social Security” account at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Information about Medicare changes for 2022, when announced, will be available at medicare.gov. If you are a Social Security beneficiary who is receiving Medicare, Social Security will not be able to compute your new benefit amount until after the Medicare premium amounts for 2022 are announced. To learn more about the COLA adjustment, visit socialsecurity.gov/cola. 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: 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 / PA MEDI – Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight * 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
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
Social Security and Supplemental
13
Direct Cremation $990
Township, Butler County).
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
14
“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 within Beaver County and transporting thewho deceased has person been a 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 ry Ltd. to acquire necessary vital statistics and authorizations. outgrown our Bakcalled Hosanna Industries erstown space and were • is Email or fax arrangements are available available to individuals looking to build a larger the Pittsburgh region • in 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 in a simple container. Officially started on Palm exactly what we were looking for: a volunteer • Sunday Presentingin the1990 cremated remains to the appropriate family during member(s) or legal guardian at the Thomas M. Smith Funeral dormitory, chapel, an ofa worship service at First Home & Crematory Ltd. Presbyterian Church of fice, warehouse space, a maintenance garage and the and nonprofit • Bakerstown, Prearrangements Prefunding available has steadily grown to in- staff housing. It was a true! We clude 13 buildings two dream The concerns of a familyinrequesting directcome cremation are have worked hard to locations in Beaver and simple-the cremation should be performed in a timelyupdate 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 Funeral Home Crematory Ltd. facility is committed to satisfying functional and 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 arrangements. Its expansion took a leap The Rochester campus is 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
Crossword Puzzle Answer on page 2
ACROSS 1. Sukarno follower 8. Flabbergast 13. Camus, by birth 14. With less delay 16. Explosive 17. Bloodsucking fly 18. Inflammation of the ear 19. Jumpy 21. Signs of close calls 22. Phlebotomist's target 23. Light bulb, in comics 24. Toledo Mrs. 25. Vitamin D source 26. Home of the Huskies 27. Quickens 30. Unshorn sheep 31. Babe the pig's flock 33. Pumped (up) 35. "___-haw!" (Western shout) 36. Italian veal dish 40. Home planet 42. Lucky Charms rival 43. Purring animal 46. Child’s cry of pain 47. Spatter guards 48. Puts spin on 50. Seductive WWI spy 52. Speaker setup 53. Old game systems 54. Worrying about 56. Countermand 57. Stuffs oneself 58. Apply more pitch to 59. Vulnerably
DOWN 1. Lazy people 2. More unsightly 3. Hot time 4. Last word of MGM's motto 5. Early photojournalist Jacob 6 . Wo r l d c h e s s c h a m p i o n Mikhail 7. Egoist's concern 8. Sean of "Lord of the Rings" 9. Online forum entry 10. Kind of license 11. Counteracting agent 12. Made smaller 13. Solemnly swear 15. Put a picture somewhere else 20. 1970s singer Dee 22. "QB ___" (Uris novel) 25. Sport awards 26. Mil. branch 28. Architect Pei's first name 29. Waters, in Oise 31. Saline liquid 32. Birthright 34. Stole 35. ___ of the guard 37. Cookbook direction 38. Traveling Wilburys member 39. Again, on sheet music 41. Try to shred 44. Obsolescent roof topper 45. Matchbox ___ 47. More lowbrow, as humor 48. Gape 49. Gets soaking wet 51. ____ wall (come to a stop) 52. Search for 55. Wheeling's st.
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
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
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
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
Koppel Terrace Senior Apartments
15
November-February 2021/2022 • Beaver County Senior News
16
2020 Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide
2