September Butler County Senior News

Butler County Senior News

September 2013 Volume 8, Number 4

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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 Rebecca Maletto-Cornell

[Front row] Fay Devereaux, Ann O’Brien, [back row] Melissa Spynda (field coordinator, FGP), Elrita Burton, Rebecca Maletto-Cornell (director, FGP), Martha Hetes and Patricia Waldinger (CEO, American Red Cross).

Red Cross honors local volunteers who serve as Foster Grandparents As we commemorate National Grandparent’s Day on Sunday, September 8 and honor all grandmothers in our midst, it’s appropriate to also recognize those who lovingly give of their spare time to serve as Foster Grandparents through the Foster Grandparent Program of Southwestern Pennsylvania (FGP), sponsored locally by the American Red Cross.

The 198 FGP volunteers from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Washington counties were recently feted at the program’s

annual recognition luncheon held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Sosuthpointe, Washington County.

At the luncheon, Martha Hetes from Butler County was presented with the Pre-K Education Director’s Award for her volunteer work at Bon Aire Elementary through the Butler County Children’s Center.

“Hardworking, patient, caring, outgoing and full of love for the children”: these are just some descriptive words that Martha’s group supervisor Lisa Bauer had

to say about her. “Martha jumps right in and helps where ever she is needed.

From washing and setting the tables, to helping the children brush their teeth, to restocking the art supplies or reading stories to the kids, she is always there to do the little things that help the room run smoothly.”

During meal time you can find her sitting with the children modeling good table manners. You can also find her enjoying all the Continued on page 3

Turn to page 4 to read about Clemente: one of the greatest to ever wear the Pirates uniform.

See upcoming Seniors for Safe Driving classes on page 7.

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Medicare Open Enrollment begins next month. See details on page 8.

Happy Labor Day to all.

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September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc. for Butler County Senior News P. O. Box 11126 (412) 367-2522 Visit our website at www.pittsburghseniornews.com or email us at pghseniornews@comcast.net

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Butler County Senior News is distributed monthly in the Butler County area. Copy­ right 2013 by Butler County Senior News. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All advertisement in Butler County Senior News is subject to the approval of the publisher.

Publication of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

In Memory of John A. Hogan, Sr. Carmella M. Hogan Michael J. Hogan, Sr. Wayne Hogan

Red Cross honors local volunteers who serve as Foster Grandparents Continued from page 1 interesting conversations that come with it. Grandma also shares her life experience with the children by talking about the good old days with her own children and grandchildren.

In addition to Martha, three other FGP volunteers from neighboring counties received Director’s Awards at the luncheon for their service. * Community Education Director’s Award: Fay Devereaux, YWCA Homewood/Brushton * Early Education Director’s Award: Elrita Burton, Early Childhood, Pittsburgh Public Schools * Elementary Education Directors Award: Ann O’Brien, Ringgold Elementary South The following Foster Grandparents also received awards at the luncheon for their 20 years of service. Each received proclamations from the Mayor of Pittsburgh, as well as their local state representatives and Pennsylvania senators. They also each received a medallion from FGP for their commitment to 20 years of faithful service.

Ruth Graves, Homewood/Brushton Family Support Center, Allegheny County Emma Rhodes, The Children’s Institute, Allegheny County

Photo provided by Rebecca Maletto-Cornell

Butler County Foster Grandparents Joyce Catt, Sally Bauer, Bonnadell Cralle, Cam Ford, Dale Mahoney, Drucilla Sisson, Pat Fraiser, Marty Hetes and Patricia Watters.

Eleanor Schomburg, CDI Ambridge Head Start, Beaver County Edna Wallace, The Children’s Institute, Allegheny County Establishment in 1972 and funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, FGP of Southwestern Pennsylvania provides a small non-taxable stipend to limited-income seniors ages 55 or older who volunteer with special-needs children a minimum of 15 hours each week in Head Start classrooms, schools, hospitals, shelter and after-school programs.

(Special needs consist of geographic location, single-parent household, low-income district, and mental/physical disability.)

FGP volunteers provide assistance with socialization, such as talking, listening, reading and nurturing; and supportive care, like assisting in learning situations or therapy, and developing self-help and life skills. Today, Foster Grandparents volunteer with children at 137 locations in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene and Washington Counties. BCSN To inquire about volunteering as a Foster Grandparent, contact FGP program director Rebecca Maletto-Cornell at (412) 2633165 or Rebecca.MalettoCornell@redcross.org.

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.

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September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

But that isn’t all; she also loves to read to the children as well as helping them learn other school ready activities, such as write their name. “Unfortunately, many of the children at our site do not have an active grandparent in their lives,” Lisa points out. “This special grandparent fills the hearts of the children with love, kindness and support that only a grandma can give.” Martha worked with one of the girls in the room every day, helping her to write her name correctly.

As she began to accomplish this feat, her self-confidence grew. When she finally accomplished this task, grandma was the first to celebrate with her. “She is such a wonderful person and gives so much of herself,” Lisa says.

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Clemente: one of the greatest to ever wear the Pirates uniform lineup. They tried to hide him at their Montreal farm club but a Pirates scout spotted him. The Pirates drafted Clemente for $4,000 from the Dodgers in 1954. Clemente would go on to play right field for the Buccos.

By Henry Gribbin For Butler County Senior News

M

y late father was a retired University of Pittsburgh campus policeman. For years he worked the late shift and usually when he came home from work in the early morning, I was still asleep. He would often catch some breaking news story and if he felt it important enough, he would awaken me and fill me in. There were two such stories that I will always remember: the time Bobby Kennedy was shot and that eventful day, December 31, 1972, when Roberto Clemente died in a plane crash.

Both times I couldn’t fall back to sleep.

When my sister, Peg, found out about Clemente’s death, she cried. He was her favorite ball player and I am sure countless Pirates fans felt her grief, as well.

Roberto Walker Clemente was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August

Over the years, Clemente had a stellar career. A brief glimpse of his records shows that he was a 12-time all-star, a 12-time gold glove winner, four-time batting champ and National League MVP in 1966. In the 1971 World Series, he batted .414, earning him the series MVP award.

Photo taken from www.robertoclemente.si.edu.

13, 1934. He was an exceptional athlete and was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Dodgers organization knew what they had in Clemente but they had no room for him in their

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September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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Watching Clemente play was indeed a treat for baseball fans. When he was in Forbes Field’s right field, he developed his own special style of play, which was scrutinized by countless youngsters, including myself. Years ago, I played organized hardball in a league sponsored by my grade school, St. Philomena. It was fun.

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Each team had uniforms given by the school and when we batted we all wore those funny looking batting helmets that more resembled a wrestler’s headgear.

One day, prior to a game, my manager gave me a ride to the ball field. On the way he told me I would be playing in right field. When I told him that I never played in the outfield before, he turned towards me and asked if I had ever seen Clemente play. My eyes widened. I had visions of making basket catches below the knees, of racing to the ball hit to right and then firing a strike to the first baseman hoping to nail a runner who made too wide a turn, of throwing the ball underhanded to the second baseman on a ball hit my way. Coach burst my bubble when he told me not to play like Clemente, but to catch the ball with two hands and throw the ball immediately into second on a base hit.

Clemente also performed incredible feats of athletic ability, catching balls headed for the gap or over the fence for a homer. Speaking of his throwing behind the runners at first, it is estimated that he threw out anywhere from 10 to 12 runners in this manner, once catching the great Willie Mays flat-footed as he made too wide a turn.

There was no questioning Clemente’s arm. For example, on back-to-back days he made the Giant’s Willie McCovey his victim. On Friday, August 20, 1962, Clemente made a perfect throw to Pirates catcher Smoky Burgess, who caught McCovey at the plate.

This throw brought the crowd to its feet. The following afternoon, with McCovey on second, Orlando Cepeda singled to right. A prudent man would have stopped at third. McCovey had thoughts of scoring but that’s all they were, just thoughts. Clemente ran to the ball hit by Cepeda and made an

incredible throw to catcher Don Leppert, who in turn made a fine throw to Don Hoak at third. McCovey was tagged out.

Clemente was also known for his batting average. When it was his turn to bat, he would take his time in walking to the batter’s box. Like a Shakespearian actor, Clemente was making a dramatic entrance using home plate as his stage. I remember leaning forward in my seat, waiting to see what was about to unfold. When he hit a ball he tore out of the batter’s box, but he did not resemble a track star. His running motion was not fluid; he more closely resembled a startled horse running out of a burning stable. Arms and legs went this way and that way, and when he got to second he went into that feet-first slide that I so admired. BCSN

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September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Helping People Live Life Better!

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Entertainment and Events 2 The 23rd annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival will be held September 6 to 8 at the Riverplex at Sandcastle, 1000 Sandcastle Dr., West Homestead. Enjoy live entertainment, Irish dog area, Irish marketplace, children’s activities, Blarney bingo, demonstrations, beverage tasting and more. Call (412) 422-1113 or visit www.pghirishfest.org.

2 The St. Joseph Church annual fall festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. September 8 at St. Joseph Church Hall and Grounds, 315 Stoney Hollow Rd., Cabot, There will be food booths, bingo, raffles, children’s activities and more. Call (724) 352-2149 or visit www. sjcabot.org for details.

2 The Butler Dog Training Association will hold Doggie Fun Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 15 at Alameda Park. Activities planned for the day include agility rings for owner/dog teams with no experience and for teams

September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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with more advanced skills, a rally obedience ring, micro-chipping by a licensed veterinarian, breed and obedience competition, agility, and Canine Good Citizen/Therapy Dog testing.

The event will also include homemade food, a large raffle of doggie items, and many vendors. Bring your dog and a lawn chair and stay for the day. For more information, call Nancy Kieffer at (724) 285-9910.

September 22 and 29 at Penn’s Colony Village, 365 Saxonburg Blvd., Saxonburg. The festival features artists and musical entertainment reminiscent of the historic time period of the French and Indian War. Cost is $7 for general admission, $6 for adults ages 60 and older and $5 for children ages eight to 15; free for children ages seven and younger. Call (724) 352-9922 or www. pennscolony.com.

2 The 35th annual Butler fall festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 21 on Main Street (Route 8) Downtown Butler. There will be food, entertainment, crafts, a car cruise and childrens’ activities. Call (724) 822-0474 or visit www.butlerfallfestival.com.

2 St. Christopher’s Church, Rt. 528, Prospect, will host Oktoberfest from 3 to 7 p.m. October 5. The dinner menu includes pork roast, sauerkraut, corn, apple sauce, kielbasa, potato pancakes, mashed potatoes, dessert, cider, coffee, cold beverages. Cost is $9.50 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 12 and free for children five and under. Dine in or carry out. There will also be a flea market and wine tasting. BCSN

2 The annual Penn’s Colony Festival and Folk Art Marketplace will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. September 21 and 28 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Annual chef tasting party and auction slated for October

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.

T

ickets are available for the Chef Tasting Party and Auction, to be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at The Mansion. The event will feature appetizers, entrees, side dishes, desserts and beverages from some of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries. Guests will vote for their favorite foods in each category, as well as best overall display.

Also on tap will be a silent auction, as well as The Chef Hat, a chance to win $500 in restaurant gift cards. Guests can watch football games in the sports tent throughout the event. The party and auction is being sponsored by Simpson & McCrady Insurance Brokers.

Here is the upcoming schedule: • September 17; 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Kelly Chevrolet, 252 Pittsburgh Rd., Butler.

Now in its 20th year, the Chef Tasting Party and Auction benefits programs and services for adults and children with disabilities. Community Care Connections, Inc. offers eight programs and services, including therapy services for infants and toddlers who have developmental delays, residential homes for teens and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, adult day care for seniors and adults with disabilities, attendant care services coordination and homemaker chore services, life skills training and social/recreational opportunities for children and adults, and educational/medical advocacy to children and adults with disabilities and their families.

• September 19 and 20; 8:30 a.m. to noon at Butler Memorial Hospital, 911 E. Brady St., Butler.

• September 23; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Passavant Retirement Community, 401 S. Main St., Zelienople.

For a complete list of classes, go to www.sfsd-pa.com. To register, call (724) 283-0245 or (800) 559-4880. BCSN

Tickets are $40 and include all food and beverages. To purchase tickets, call (724) 283-3198, ext. 250 or visit www.communitycareconnect.org. BCSN

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Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Express

Medicare Open Enrollment period begins next month

M

edicare Open Enrollment starts on October 15 and runs through December 7.

Your enrollment or any changes you make to your plan during this period will take effect on January 1, 2014; for example, if you enroll in Medicare on December 1, your coverage begins on January 1, 2014.

Coverage and costs change yearly: Medicare health plans and prescription drug plans are permitted to make changes in costs and coverage each year. Always review your plan material for the coming year to make sure your plan will continue to meet your needs.

If you’re satisfied that it will meet your needs for the coming year, you don’t need to do anything.

Open Enrollment Period: October 15 through December 7: Mark your calendar with these important dates! In most cases, this may be the one chance you have each year to make a change to your health and prescription drug coverage.

September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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January 1, 2014: New coverage begins the first of the year if you make a change. New costs and benefit changes also begin if you kept your existing Medicare health or prescription drug coverage and your plan made changes.

The information shared in these meetings is of a general nature. Personal discussion is available for free by appointment only in the agency’s office, located at Building #3, 111 Sunnyview Circle in Butler. An appointment is necessary; no walk-in meetings are permitted. Call early and feel free to bring a family member with you: (724) 282-3008.

September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

The Butler County Area Agency on Aging APPRISE program will have free plan comparisons for Medicare beneficiaries. All are welcome to these public events, which offer a general discussion of what changes may be expected and how to make comparisons between plans.

Medicare Update Schedule: Friday, September 20, Tuesday, September 24

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

North Central Cranberry

Wednesday, September 25 11 a.m.

Zelienople

Thursday, September 26 10:30 a.m.

Butler

Friday, September 27

11 a.m.

Evans City

Monday, September 30

11 a.m.

Mt Chestnut

Wednesday, October 2

11 a.m.

Chicora

Thursday, October 3

11 a.m.

Mars

Friday, October 4

11 a.m.

Slippery Rock

Tuesday October 8

11 a.m.

Southeast

Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Express

LIHEAP Heating Assistance Program The 2013-2014 LIHEAP program opens in late fall. If you received LIHEAP assistance last year, you will automatically receive an application in the mail this year. If you did not receive LIHEAP heating assistance last year or if you have moved, call the Butler County Assistance Office at (724) 284-8855 and leave a message requesting an application be mailed to you.

Chronic Disease Management Series

A series of sessions on preventing or living with a chronic disease

Let’s talk about it! Alzheimer’s Planning Committee hearings

September 16, Clarion: Clarion Hospital, One Hospital Drive, Clarion, PA September 17, Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh, William Pitt Union Building, 3959 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh Key areas for discussion will include: What are the needs of Pennsylvanians with Alzheimer’s disease?

What resources are needed to support Pennsylvanians with Alzheimer ’s disease, as well as their families and caregivers?

Ideas for the state to better respond to the growing number of Pennsylvanians with Alzheimer’s.

Open to the Public All sessions: 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the Cranberry Township Shop n Save 1189 Freedom Rd, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 

September 10, 2013

Congestive Heart Failure Julie Toth, Customer Liaison Visiting Nurses Association of Western PA



October 8, 2013

Heart Disease and Risk Factors Darlene Loebig, RN/BSN, Clinical Manager UPMC Passavant/Passavant Cranberry



November 12, 2013

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder Julie Toth, Customer Liaison Visiting Nurses Association of Western PA



December 10, 2013

Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Lois Lutz, Corporate Education Specialist Alzheimer’s Association, Greater PA Chapter



January 14, 2014

Colon Cancer and Screening Hannah Tatro, Oncology Patient Navigator Allegheny Valley Hospital

For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Beth Friedman Link Coordinator efriedman@ccrinfo.org or 724-431-3639 Sponsored by the Butler Link to Aging and Disability Resources in conjunction with the Cranberry Senior Center

For more information, visit www.aging. state.pa.us.

September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Governor Tom Corbett issued an executive order creating a committee to devise a plan to address Alzheimer’s disease and related brain disorders in Pennsylvania. Beth Herold, administrator of the Butler County Area Agency on Aging, was appointed to that committee earlier this year. Beth extends an invitation to all Butler County residents to attend one of the local Public Committee Hearings where public comment and input will be gathered.

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Butler County Area Agency on Aging

Senior Center events

_ Bruin Senior Center, United Methodist Church, Main St., will offer the following events: blood pressure screenings at 11:15 a.m. September 9; birthday celebation September 12; and funnel cake party September 16. 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: vision presentation from 10 to 11:45 a.m. September 5; arts and crafts expo September 10, 11 and 12; health wheel of fortune from 10 to 11:15 a.m. September 12; foster grandparent meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. September 13; bingo from 10 to 11:15 a.m. September 19; supper club from 3 to 6 p.m. September 25; and hospice information September 26.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday November 2. Call (724) 285-5392. _ Chicora Senior Center, lower level of Moose Hall, 117 West Slippery Rock St., offers the following events: community card party September 9; health wheel of fortune September 10; birthday party September 12; card party from 1 to 5 p.m.

September 22; bingo at 10:30 a.m. September 26; and card party from 1 to 5 p.m. September 29. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 445-2551.

September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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_ Cranberry Senior Center, Municipal Building, Rochester Rd., offers the following events: shingles vaccine presentation at 11 a.m. September 5; Shop and Save event from 1 to 5 p.m. and Quaker Steak fundraiser and September 10; chicken rice soup sale September 11; health bingo at 11 a.m.

September 12; presentation on leg cramps and pains at 12:30 p.m. September 18; 500 card party at 12:30 p.m. September 24; hoagie sale September 25; and vision screenings at 10 a.m. September 26. 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: bring a friend to breakfast from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. September 9; drum circle from 1 to 2 p.m.

September 10 and 20; blood pressure screening at 11:15 a.m. and birthday celebration September 12; Octoberfest September 20-22; quilt drawing September 22; and 500 card party at 10:30 a.m. September 26. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 538-9414. _ Mars Senior Center, Penn Mar Plaza, Gilkey Dr., offers the following activities: blood pressure screenings at 10:45 a.m. September 4 and 18; meet the new manager party September 5; bring a school day picture for back to school memories September 11; birthday celebration September 12; September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

Senior Express school daze puzzle activity September 19; school day memorabilia activity September 24; and Steeler wreath raffle drawing at noon September 27. 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. September 5; Bible study at 10:15 a.m.

September 9 and 23; leadership council meeting September 9; Wendy’s fundraiser night from 5 to 7 p.m. September 11; birthday celebration September 12; 25th anniversary party from 4 to 8 p.m. September 17; and book club at 10:15 a.m.

September 30. 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: birthday celebration September 13; blood pressure screening at 11:15 a.m. September 18; funnel cake party September 18; and Steeler basket drawing at 12:30 p.m. September 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 12:30 p.m.

September 9; vision screenings at 10 a.m. September 10; birthday party September 12; crafts at 11 a.m. September 16; hoagie orders due September 19; gate and balance program at 11:30 a.m. September 24; leadership council meeting at 12:30 p.m. September 25; and blood pressure screenings at 11:30 a.m. September 26.

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: blood pressure screening at 11 a.m., birthday celebration and basket raffle September 12; flu shot clinic from 10 a.m. to noon, blood pressure screening at 11 a.m. and basket raffle September 26. 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 upcoming events: blood pressure screening September 4; ice cream sundae bar at September 11. Cost is $1; birthday party September 12; hoagie delivery September 27; pumpkin craft event September 30. Cost is $1; and flu shot clinic from 10 a.m. to noon September 30. 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 September Menu

for senior centers

Tuesday, September 3: Chicken salad, wedding soup, mixed fruit cocktail.

Wednesday, September 4: Meatball stroganoff with pasta, broccoli, cake.

Thursday, September 5, Pizza party: Pepperoni pizza, tossed salad, applesauce.

Friday, September 6: Stuffed pepper cup, whipped potatoes, peaches, strawberry gelatin.

Monday, September 9, Grandparent’s Day: Ham barbecue, coleslaw, melon, sherbet.

Tuesday, September 10: Taco salad, salad, corn bread.

Wednesday, September 11: Potato crusted fish, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, jelly roll.

Thursday, September 12, Birthday menu: Chicken bruschetta, broccoli, zucchini and pepper, pasta, tossed salad, cake and ice cream.

Friday, September 13: Hot dog, pasta salad, baked beans, pears.

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 William L. McCarrier A. Dale Pinkerton James Eckstein Area Agency on Aging Administrator: Beth A. Herold, RN, BSN, MBA

Monday, September 16: French dip sandwich, redskin potatoes, glazed carrots, fruit.

Tuesday, September 17, Breakfast for lunch: French toast sticks, egg and cheese omelet, breakfast potatoes, blueberry muffin.

Wednesday, September 18: Grilled chicken salad, mixed green salad, peaches.

Thursday, September 19: Cheeseburger, potato salad, Mandarin oranges.

Friday, September 20: Hot turkey sandwich, whipped potatoes, mixed vegetable blend, pumpkin pudding.

Monday, September 23, Oktoberfest: Kielbasa, sauerkraut, whipped potatoes, sausage roll, cinnamon apples, oatmeal topping.

Tuesday, September 24: Chicken thigh, baked potato, vegetable blend, cake.

Wednesday, September 25: Stuffed cabbage, whipped potatoes, sweet peas and onions, fruit.

Thursday, September 26, Savory salads: Tuna salad, egg salad, cottage cheese, vegetable soup, pineapple tidbits.

Friday, September 27: Pasta with meatballs, green beans, fruit.

How may we help you?

• Community Services for Older Adults and their families • Home and Community Based Services • PDA Waiver Services Access to Services • Information and Referral • Assessment • Care Management

For more information, call or visit our office at Sunnyview Complex 111 Sunnyview Circle, Suite 101 Butler, PA 16001 Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (724) 282-3008

(888) 367-2434 Website: www.co.butler.pa.us/butler Email: aaainfo@co.butler.pa.us

Monday, September 30: Pulled turkey with gravy, whipped potatoes, pickled beets, fruit. BCSN September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

11

Operation Walk Pittsburgh completes its fifth successful mission trip

C

arlos thought that he would live in pain for the rest of his life. The high cost of knee replacement surgery in Honduras prevented him from being the mobile, active father he so desperately wanted to be.

Now, that’s all changed. Operation Walk Pittsburgh’s 60-member volunteer team, including surgeons and staff from Tri Rivers Surgical, provided hip and knee replacements for poverty-stricken patients in San Pedro Sula free of charge.

Carlos, 32, was among those. “I can’t wait to play soccer with my six-year-old son, Cristopher,” Carlos said. “I am so grateful that you have come and given me this opportunity.”

Tri Rivers orthopedic surgeons Michael W. Weiss, MD and Thomas S. Muzzonigro, MD, as well as physicians’ assistants Duane Chess and Chris VanSchepen and registered nurse Kate Jardine, traveled to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, for the second consecutive year to operate on patients and give them the gift of mobility.

In just the three days dedicated to surgery, the Operation Walk Pittsburgh team performed 59 joint replacements on 53 patients, nearly matching the yearly total for surgeries in Honduras. Typically, only 60 surgeries per year are performed in the country because of their high cost.

With so many residents requiring surgeries to maintain a healthier living, the experience is as sobering as it is rewarding. But the team takes the challenge head-on, providing the best care it can in the few days it is in town.

From 2009 to 2012, team members from Operation Walk Pittsburgh, which also provides free surgeries annually in Pittsburgh and Butler, had performed 242 free surgeries on 195 patients in Guatemala, Honduras and Panama. This year’s trip only continued to enhance those numbers. In San Pedro Sula, the second-largest Honduran city after the capital, Tegucigalpa, Operation Walk Pittsburgh’s efforts are deeply cherished.

September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

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“We feel strongly that walking is a key to life,” Muzzonigro said. “Walking is life. As far as what I’ve been able to do in my career, these experiences top everything.”

Though the doctors come in with their team and technology to perform the surgeries, after their departure, it becomes the responsibility of the hospital staff and residents in San Pedro Sula to ensure patients receive proper care on their road to recovery. “They really are the driving force behind the success of this mission,” Weiss said. “They bring the process full circle and help the patients get back to their normal lives.

This is a very rewarding experience. The amount of love we feel from people we don’t even know and can barely communicate with is astonishing.”

While the primary goal of the trip is to help provide mobility to residents, the team also recognizes their patients are not the only ones living in undesirable conditions. Children

Photo provided by Anne Ribar

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas Muzzonigro examines patients as they recover from joint replacements outside a hospital in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. are no strangers to the tough times brought on by a weak economy in one of the poorest countries in the world. On the second day of surgeries, some non-clinical volunteers from the Operation Walk team visited La Casa de Niñas orphanage, providing young girls with fun clothing and fashion accessories, and playing soccer and card games together.

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“I need you to tell every person what this means to me,” a patient, Maria, told the team before being discharged from the hospital. “You gave me back my hope, my ability to live life normally and without pain. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” BCSN To view photos from the trip, visit OperationWalkPGH.org.

Operation Walk looks for local patients Are you suffering from severe joint pain due to arthritis or other debilitating bone and joint conditions? Are you unable to access the surgical care you need? You could be a candidate for Operation Walk Pittsburgh.

Butler Memorial Hospital and Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC perform free hip and knee surgeries for local patients in need around Thanksgiving.

Patients must meet the following criteria to be considered a candidate for Operation Walk Pittsburgh: * Must have end-stage arthritis of the hip or knee (X-ray proven) and failed conservative treatment; * Have no health insurance/must not meet the financial qualifications for Financial Assistance; * Be able to pass presurgical testing; * Be available to participate in the month of November; and * Be willing to participate in physical therapy for at least one month after surgery.

To determine if you or someone you know may be a candidate, visit the Operation Walk website at www.operationwalkpittsburgh.org or call (412) 641-1924.

September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

These same volunteers later visited Hagar San Rafael, a boys’ orphanage located on a nearby farm, where 40 boys ages six to 18 work each day.

The team brought balls to play games, including an American football, which the children had never had seen before.

Team members took the kids to a pizza party to cap the day of entertainment.

The medical team then spent its last day at the hospital helping patients get acquainted with their physical therapy regimens and prepare for their new lives with increased mobility and decreased pain.

13

Solar System Trivia

Answer the following questions correctly for a chance to win $30 cash.

1. What is the closest planet to the Sun?______________________________________________________________________ 2. What is the name of the 2nd biggest planet in our solar system?______________________________________________ 3. What is the hottest planet in our solar system?_____________________________________________________________ 4. What planet is famous for its big red spot on it?____________________________________________________________ 5. What planet is famous for the beautiful rings that surround it?_______________________________________________ 6. Is the sun a star or a planet?_____________________________________________________________________________ 7. What planet is known as the red planet?___________________________________________________________________ 8. Earth is located in which galaxy?_________________________________________________________________________ 9. What is the name of the first satellite sent into space?_______________________________________________________ 10. Is the planet Neptune bigger than Earth?_________________________________________________________________ To enter, mail your answers to Butler County Senior News Contest, P.O. Box 11126, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. One entry per person. Correct entries will be eligible for our drawing. One winner will be drawn. Entries must be received by the 15th of this month. Answers will be published in the next edition of Butler County Senior News.

Name________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Phone____________________________Age________________

Congratulations to Bob Ralicki who won last month’s contest. The answers were: 1. Steamboat Willie; 2. Mortimer Mouse; 3. Oswald the Rabbit; 4. Walt Disney; 5. White; 6. Yellow; 7. 1930; 8. Amelia; 9. Pluto; 10. Fantasia.

Dentist Visit A woman and her husband interrupted their vacation to go to the dentist. “I want a tooth pulled, and I don’t want any pain killers because I’m in a big hurry,” the woman said. “Just extract the tooth as quickly as possible, and we’ll be on our way.”

September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

14

The dentist was quite impressed. “You’re certainly a courageous woman,” he said. “Which tooth is it?” The woman turned to her husband and said, “Show him your tooth, dear.”

Last Respects At a motivational seminar three men are asked to come up to the stage. They were all asked, “When you are in your casket and friends and family are mourning upon you, what would you like to hear them say about you?

The first guy says, “I would like to hear them say that I was the great doctor of my time, and a great family man.”

The second guy says, “I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher who made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow.”

The last guy replies, “I would like to hear them say......

LOOK!!! HE’S MOVING!!!!!”

Taken from www.bestcleanjokes.com.

Crossword Puzzle answer on page 2

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DOWN 1 Piercing tools 2 Armor of a sort 3 Dunkable snack 4 Trombone tally 5 Rap session?

6 Humdinger 7 Sports venues 8 Sock part 9 Tibetan monk 10 Lindros of hockey 11 “Beetle Bailey” dog 20 Step tally, according to Hitchcock 22 “The — Witch Project” 24 Won all the games 25 Small taste 26 W. Hemisphere land 27 — -relief 29 Luau dish 30 Tokyo’s old name 31 Lair 35 Villain 36 Turn to bone 39 Coffee 40 Eye part 41 Make out 43 Celebrity 45 Served perfectly 46 Skin opening 47 In due time 49 Gorilla

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September 2013 • Butler County Senior News

ACROSS 1 Book after Joel 5 Blind piece 9 Zodiac cat 12 Article of merchandise 13 Franc successor 14 Illustrations 15 Actor Schreiber 16 Sheltered 17 “Good Will Hunting” setting, for short 18 — gin fizz 19 Sister 20 Mexican entree 21 Peacock net 23 Blond shade 25 Nuanced 28 Stole 32 “— Little Prayer” (1967 song) 33 Wear down 34 Here and there 36 Choice 37 Anger 38 Pigs’ digs 39 Hoodoo 42 Donkey 44 California wine valley 48 Exist 49 Con 50 PC pic 51 Crooner Damone 52 “The Little Sparrow” 53 Infamous fiddler 54 Request 55 Strange (Var.) 56 Paradise

15

No matter where you hurt...

Musculoskeletal care in your community Whether you have knee pain in Slippery Rock or a back injury in Butler, Tri Rivers offers: • Orthopedic Surgery • Joint Reconstruction • Hand & Upper Extremity Care • Foot & Ankle Care • Back, Neck & Spine Services • Sports Medicine & Shoulder Surgery • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation • Electrodiagnostic Testing • Rheumatology • Concussion Care • Physical, Hand & Occupational Therapy

At these convenient locations:

Butler • Slippery Rock • Saxonburg Cranberry/Mars • North Hills

D. Kelly Agnew, M.D.

Triphysicians Riversare here to help.

1-866-874-7483 • www.tririversortho.com