CT Prime Time February 2014

connecTicuT

preMiere issue

Prime Time february 2014

The critical role of nutrition

making a move:

The search for a new home

He’s making the most of life Meet peter spano

Thomaston Savings Bank

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We invite you to stop by one of our conveniently-located branches to experience the best of community banking. Our top priority is to help you make the most of your money, now and always.

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2 TSB Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2014 Community Banking AD - The Bristol Press: Prime Time Publication - January 2014 issue Size = Full Page: 5 columns (9.667”) x 10.75”; Color

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FEATURES 10 Nutrition 11 Health advice 12 Calendar 15 Games Connecticut Prime Time is published monthly by Central Connecticut Communications, LLC, One Herald Square, New Britain, Connecticut 06051. Free copies are distributed throughout Central Connecticut.

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An Active Life  Peter Spano doesn’t let age slow him

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February 2014 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

3

Handling with ease

By Erica Schmitt

A

rea health professionals will encourage you to get your flu shots before the heaviest part of the cold weather season, and lots of your neighbors may even be heading south to avoid the snow altogether.

But for those brave New-Englanders who do stick around, there are some easy ways to get through the season happily.

Plowing and shoveling the driveway and sidewalks around your home can be the least appealing task of all, but Jonathan Van Geons, a facility services associate at Loews Home Improvement Store in Plainville, has some tips.

He suggests putting a product known as ice melt on your driveway and walks before a storm begins, and then again after you shovel.

“A lot of injuries happen on or around the steps or sidewalks and it’s relatively easy to prevent,” he explained. “Another helpful thing to have is a good shovel,” Van Goens added.

“Look for ones with the special band on them so you don’t stress your back.”

Buying rock salt and sand from your local hardware store is another way to prevent slippery walks.

“Salt is corrosive, but it helps melt the snow, and sand gives better traction,” he says.

If you are unable or would rather not do it yourself, finding a reliable and trustworthy individual or company to plow your driveway can also be a difficult Continued ON PAGE 5

Jon Van Geons, a facility services associate at Loews Home Improvement in Plainville. Van Geons helps customers choose the right application for icy pavement on their properties, and takes care of the store’s parking lot himself every winter.

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2014

Continued from Page 4

feat. Van Goens suggests asking a family friend or neighbor, but if there’s no one you know who plows, landscaping companies and area contractors will do the job.

The cost can range from $30 and $50 depending on the length of your driveway.

“Some will ask to be paid in advance for the whole season, then only come that first time,” Van Goens warns of possible plowing scams.

“A safe way to go about it is to have the contractor sign a contract,” he added. “Let them come to you each time for the money.”

Knowing when it’s safe to drive in the snow and when you should stay home is another tough choice. Bob Story, owner of Story Brothers Auto Center in New Britain, has some tips to keep you safe if you do have to drive in the nasty weather.

“Make sure you warm the car up and completely thaw it out before you move it,” he says, adding that if the speed limit is 30 miles per hour you should be driving 15 mph in the snow – cutting normal speed in half.

This is especially important for older adults, whose reaction time may be slower.

Having good tires can be the most crucial part of driving safe this time of year. Story encourages people to purchase all-season tires, which can be used all year long, but provide the same traction and ease of snow tires in the winter.

“Make sure you keep the fuel tank full,” he added. “If you get stuck in the snow and don’t have any gas you’ll be in trouble.”

“People should make friends at their local garage and have them check all their levels at least once a month,” Story continued. “Air

“People should make friends at their local garage and have them check all their levels at least once a month.”

BOB STORY

Owner of Story Brothers Auto Center pressure is especially important because in wintertime you lose air faster.”

Staying prepared for any weather event is key and before you know it, April showers will be bringing May flowers!

February 2014 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

5

Spano makes the most of his golden years

New Britain resident Peter Spano, 86, hitting the books.

By Erica Schmitt

NEW BRITAIN — City resident Peter Spano knows what it’s like to come to the end of one’s working years and feel unsure of what to do next — that’s why he encourages older folks to toss out their apprehension and learn to live again.

After turning over ownership of his printing company The Copy King three years ago Spano, 86, also turned over a new leaf.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do, but I started my life all over again,” he says. “I changed the name of my business to psychology.”

And he did precisely that, enrolling in psychology courses at Tunxis Community College in Farmington, where those over the age of 65 have access to any remaining class seats for free after regular enrollment is completed.

College President Cathryn Addy presented Spano with the Spirit of Tunxis Award at commencement last May – a shining moment for the WWII Navy veteran.

“I got choked up, tears came to my eyes,” he remembers. “She asked me, ‘what are you going

See SPANO, Page 14

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2014

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S E E C L E A R L Y. . .

C A L L U S F O R Y O U R E Y E H E A LT H

YOU CAN PICK UP CT PRIME TIME AT THESE LOCATIONS Berlin Senior Center Berlin VNA Walgreens Whole Donut VFW Sanremo Bakery & Pastry Shop Bristol Public Library Bristol Post Office Apple Rehabilitation Cromwell1 Cromwell Diner Worthington Manor Farmington Public Library Farmington Post Office Athena Health Care Farmington City Hall Farmington Care Center Touchpoints at Farmington Amberwoods Brookdale Senior Living Forestville Post Office Stop and Shop Ledgecrest Health Care Center Beacon Prescriptions American Legion DMV Elks Lodge American Legion O'Rourke's Diner Price Chopper Community Residences Inc. St Lucian's Residence Inc. Monsignor Bojnowski Manor Jerome Home Park Hill Manor New Britain Museum of Youth New Britain Industrial Muesum Walnut Hill Care Center Andrew House Healthcare Newington City Hall Middlewoods of Newington Cedar Mountain Commons Jefferson House Mill Pond Church Target Plainville Public Library Plainville Post Office Apple Rehabilitation YANA Home Care LLC Plymouth Public Library Rocky Hill Public Library Rocky Hill Post Office Alzheimers Association Stop and Shop

33 Colonial Dr 240 Kensington Rd 980 Farmington Ave 1198 Farmington Ave 152 Massirio Dr 1130 Farmington Ave 5 High St 151 N Main St 56 Berlin Rd. 135 Berlin Rd 316 Berlin St 6 Monteith Dr 210 Main St 135 South Rd 1 Monteith Dr 20 Scott Swamp Rd 20 Scott Swamp Rd 416 Colt Hwy 20 Devonwood Dr 18 E Main St 747 Pine St 154 Kensington Rd 59 Chamberlain Hwy 154 Porters Pass 386 Main St 44 Maynard St 58 Bernie Orourke Dr 728 Main St 835 Washington St 92 Royal Oak Rd 532 Burritt St 50 Nash St 975 Corbin Ave 105 Vine St 30 High St 185 Main St 55 Grand St 66 Clinic Dr 131 Cedar St 2125 Main St 3 John H Stewart Dr 1 John H Stewart Dr 2175 Berlin Tpke 3265 Berlin Tpke 56 E Main St 56 Whiting St 269 Farmington Ave 772 South Main St 692 Main St 33 Church St 32 Church St 2075 Silas Deane Hwy #100 80 Town Line Rd

Berlin Berlin Berlin Berlin Berlin Berlin Bristol Bristol Cromwell Cromwell East Berlin Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Forestville Forestville Kensington Kensington Kensington Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown New Britain New Britain New Britain New Britain New Britain New Britain New Britain New Britain New Britain Newington Newington Newington Newington Newington Newington Plainville Plainville Plainville Plantsville Plymouth Rocky Hill Rocky Hill Rocky Hill Rocky Hill

Bob's Coffee Shop Starbucks Coffee VFW Post 2138 Elks Lodge American Legion Dept of CT Town Line Diner Mitchell's Coffee House Southington Public Library Southington Post Office The Orchards at Southington Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging Hospital of Central CT at Bradley Southington City Hall Kizl's Forest Hill Jensen Communities Three Gardens Jensen Communities Beacon Prescriptions Serafino Pharmacy American Legion Simply Sweet Bakeshop & CafĂŠ Eddie's Bakery & Country Market PIymouth Town Hall Community Residences Whole Donut American Legion Plymouth Senior Citizen's Office Eli Terry Retirement Center Farmington Senior Center CVS Stop and Shop Mercy Community VFW Post 9929 Wethersfield Public Library Wethersfield Post Office Wethersfield Senior Center Nathan Hale Senior Center Wethersfield Town Hall Makris Midtown Diner Harvest Bakery Super Natural Market & Deli New England Carousel Museum Bethel Christian Church St Joseph Church St Matthew Church St John's Episcopal Church Price Chopper Advocates for Seniors Apple Rehabilitation Cromwell Cromwell Diner Worthington Manor Farmington Public Library Farmington Post Office Athena Health Care Farmington City Hall Utopia Home Care Village Gate

33 New Britain Ave 412 Cromwell Ave 3272 Main St 825 Cromwell Ave 287 West St 80 Town Line Rd #17 2010 Silas Deane Hwy 255 Main St 125 Main St 34 Hobart St 81 Meriden Ave 81 Meriden Ave 75 Main St 2014 West St 246 Redstone St 52 S Rd 609 N Main St 36 N Main St 66 Main St 7 Queen Terrace 1631 Mount Vernon Rd 80 Main St 113 High St 151 Main St 245 Main St 80 Main St 20 E Orchard St 321 New Britain Ave 45 S Main St 1799 Farmington Ave 2021 Albany Ave 83 South St 515 Silas Deane Hwy 67 Beaver Rd 30 Greenfield St 1532 Berlin Tpke 505 Silas Deane Hwy 1797 Berlin Tpke 84 Farmington Ave 430 N Main St 95 Riverside Ave 750 Stevens St 33 Queen St 120 Church Ave 851 Stafford Ave 121 Farmington Ave 120 Laurel St 156 Berlin Rd. 135 Berlin Rd 316 Berlin St 6 Monteith Dr 210 Main St 135 South Rd 1 Monteith Dr 88 Scott Swamp Rd 88 Scott Swamp Rd

Rocky Hill Rocky Hill Rocky Hill Rocky Hill Rocky Hill Rocky Hill Rocky Hill Southington Southington Southington Southington Southington Southington Southington Southington Southington Southington Southington Southington Southington Southington Terryville Terryville Terryville Terryville Terryville Terryville Unionville Unionville Unionville W. Hartford W. Hartford Wethersfield Wethersfield Wethersfield Wethersfield Wethersfield Wethersfield Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Cromwell Cromwell East Berlin Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington

February 2014 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

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Home planning

Is this the house where I want to be?

By Erica Schmitt

In anticipation of those blessed retirement years, couples and single folks often begin thinking about moving out of the home they raised their family in and into a different abode.

For some that may be a residence in a neighborhood that welcomes only those over the age of 55; for others it might mean an apartment or condominium, and those with ailing health even consider moving to a retirement home or nursing facility – or simply receiving in-home help for daily tasks.

There are a lot of options to consider and consulting with an expert in the field can simplify the process.

Hilde Sager, executive director at Masonicare’s Ashlar Village, the non-profit’s Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), has worked for many years helping seniors find the right homes.

“Selling somebody a lifestyle is very different than selling them a dress; it has to be the right fit for the person,” she said. “It’s about understanding what their needs are and helping them navigate through all the options.”

There are currently 16 communities in Connecticut classified as Continuing Care HILDE SAGER Retirement Communities, Executive director of better known as CCRCs. Masonicare’s Ashlar Masonicare in Wallingford, Village where Sager has worked for over nine years, is leading the state with the largest CCRC. In order to fall within this realm of living, campuses have to offer three different levels - independent living, assisted

“People who move into CCRCs know that if their healthcare needs change they’ll have those services or the facilities as they need them.”

Property manager Cynthia Shone inspects an apartment at The Jefferson, a 70 unit housing development for seniors aged 62 and older, at 2380 Corbin Avenue in New Britain.

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2014

Kevin Bartram | Staff

after retirement living and nursing home care. This concept allows them to transition into a more dependent setting if and when needed.

“People who move into CCRCs know that if their healthcare needs change they’ll have those services or the facilities as they need them,” Sager explained.

Their thinking might be, “I won’t be a burden to my children because I’ve decided where I’m going, when and if I need the care.”

The ideal time to move into a CCRC is in your mid- to late-70s, that way you can benefit most from all they have to offer in terms of amenities, programs and services. However, in the last five years the average age of people entering CCRCs has increased to the mid-80s.

“People are staying healthier longer so sometimes they wait until something happens and think OK, now I need to do something,” Sager said, adding, “If they can move in before something happens that’s always better.”

The Masonicare campus is about 225 acres and residents 55 and older enjoy the privacy and beauty of scenic woodlands and a nineacre pond. The Masonicare Health Center offers both inpatient and outpatient acute hospital care, short-term rehab and inpatient hospice.

Masonicare at Ashlar Village includes different types of homes that cater to residents’ particular needs and budgets. There are independent living options including traditional one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as two- and three-bedroom units with two full baths and walk-in

closets. ‘Cottages’ are cluster homes offering carports, four-season rooms and patios, with one- or two-bedroom options available. Villas are duplex-style homes with attached garages, walk-out basements and sunrooms.

Assisted Living Residents receive weekly housekeeping and three meals a day, along with an emergency call pendant and the possibility of daily hands-on personal care in the Pond Ridge Assisted Living Community. A rental retirement community is also attached to the campus’ nursing facility. And a new community-based program called LiveHome

by Masonicare now available brings some of the elements of CCRC living into your own home.

Masonicare at Ashlar Village residents pay a one time entrance fee of $107,000 to $400,000, depending on the residence they select.

Sager describes this as “a buy-in to the continuum.”

“If your needs should change you will have priority access to those other living situations – it gives people peace of mind,” she explained.

After moving in residents pay a monthly fee for housekeeping, services and amenities offered on campus. Masonicare boasts a formal dining room and a more casual café, a fitness center, twice-weekly transportation to local shopping and area events, and rides to medical appointments within a 15-mile radius.

(That includes Yale-New Haven Hospital.) There are also countless clubs and social activities, including a 63-seat theater, an art studio, exercise classes, a billiards room, wordworking shop and a library. Outside features include a putting green, hiking trails, croquet, horseshoes, bocce, fishing and other activities.

For more information, call the Masonicare Helpline at 888-679-9997 or visit masonicare.org.

Other Continuing Care Retirement Communities in the central part of the state are: The Covenant Village of Cromwell, McAuley Retirement Community in West Hartford, as well as Seabury and Duncaster in Bloomfield. If you are a caregiver looking into options for your loved one, call (860) 824-8174 for information and support from a Family Advisor with Caring.com.

Building superintendent Brian Bell inspects an apartment at The Jefferson, a 70 unit housing development for seniors aged 62 and older, at 2380 Corbin Avenue in New Britain.

Kevin Bartram | Staff

February 2014 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

9

Making mealtime easy

By Erica Schmitt

Making dinner evolves as you get older – for most it’s no longer a big family affair, rather a quiet, simple one. Physical impairments can make it increasingly difficult and a loss of motivation can also come into play: cooking for oneself may not seem as important as feeding a growing family.

The city of Bristol is home to a private non-profit care management agency that helps older adults with mealtime and many other household needs. Care managers at Connecticut Community Care, Inc. provide in-home assistance to people over the age of 65 who want to continue living in their homes independently.

A preliminary assessment of their health and how they function in their home determines specific needs, then people are matched up with visiting nurses, home health aides or even Meals on Wheels.

“Meal preparation is one thing we look at; we ask the mechanics of how they cook their meals and what they eat,” explained Julie Follo, supervisor of educational services. “Being able to use the stove is a big consideration,” she continued. “Some people’s vision is just too poor so it can become hazardous.”

Older adults are often encouraged to follow diets specific to their health needs – many low in sodium. But for someone living alone, canned soup and frozen meals can become routine at mealtime.

“Sometimes people aren’t motivated to cook only for themselves,” Follo added. “They might have a cup of tea and crackers; a lot of them are

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2014

Michael Lifhits, who owns Rubab’s Express.

just getting by without eating nutritious meals.”

Several different CCCI programs provide assistance to the elderly in their homes. Lowincome seniors may be eligible for Connecticut Home Care for Elders, which is funded through the state. At the same time, Care Management Associates offers the same services to those who are able to afford them.

Both programs can provide people help with household chores, transportation to medical appointments, personal care assistance, compan-

ionship and meal preparation or delivery.

Follo recalls many touching moments between clients and agency caregivers, who she directly supervises. She remembers one in particular who didn’t speak English, but he and his helper were still able to cook together and he even taught her to make dishes from his homeland of China.

“They had a wonderful relationship,” she said, adding, “We take into account that cultural factor.”

On that note, some providers cook Hispanic and kosher meals.

If people would rather not have someone in their home helping them cook, Meals on Wheels is another option.

CCCI coordinates this, sending out a dietician to consult people on their nutritional needs and scheduling meal deliveries.

According to Follo, many of clients’ favorite meals come from one specific Meals on Wheels provider - Rubab’s Express Catering in Unionville.

Chef-owner Olga Lifhits, her husband Michael and their staff pride themselves on offering dishes that not only fulfill the caloric and nutritonal requirements of the sick and aging, but first and foremost, they are delicious.

“Food is a great pleasure and you can’t take this pleasure away from people just because they are sick or older,” Michael. “It’s not a calorie count; it’s a life count,” he continued. “We want to make people feel like they deserve good food; they spent most of their lives working and serving their country so they should be honored.”

Connecticut Community Care, Inc. serves people in Bristol and across northwestern, central and northeastern CT, with offices in Watertown, Wethersfield and North Franklin.

Their administrative offices are located at 43 Enterprise Drive in Bristol.

To learn more, visit ctcommunitycare.org or call the North Central office in Wethersfield at (860) 257-1503.

Living healthy

Warning signs and treatment of angina What is angina?

Typical angina can be stable or unstable. Stable angina is when the same level of exertion brings on the pain. For example, a patient may say, “Doctor, I only get my chest pain if I walk at a fast pace for three blocks or if I go up one flight of stairs.”

Unstable angina is when the symptoms worsen over time.

But if your angina suddenly occurs after only one block of walking or at rest, or if nitroglycerin had previously relieved your angina but now it persists despite taking nitroglycerin under the tongue, you may be having a heart attack and should immediately call your doctor or 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room.

Not all chest pain is due to a problem with the heart. Chest pain or discomfort that is related to the heart is called angina. There are three main features of chest pain that help determine presence of angina: 1. Pain presents as pressure, heaviness, tightness that lasts 3-15 minutes and radiates to the left arm, neck or jaw.

2. Pain is brought on by physical or emotional stress.

Arun 3. Pain is relieved when the stressAgarwal, M.D. or is gone or nitroglycerin is taken.

Diagnostic testing Nitroglycerin is a medicine that helps relax and open up arteries in the heart.

Generally, most patients have stable typical or All these components are present with classic or typical angina. If one or two components are present, atypical angina. Stable typical or atypical angina this is called atypical angina. When none of the com- needs to be investigated further with heart tests such ponents is present, we call this nonanginal chest pain. as a stress test or a heart catheterization, also known

as an angiogram. Nonanginal chest pain does not require heart testing and other causes such as muscle problems, anxiety, lung problems or acid reflux should be considered.

Extent

Therapy

of artery blockage will determine therapy.

If blockages are extremely severe and extensive, stents or even bypass surgery may be required. A stent is a small metal device that contains medicines to open up a blocked artery. During bypass surgery a surgeon takes veins and arteries from other parts of the body to bypass the blockages in the arteries of the heart. If the blockages aren’t severe angina can be treated with medicines like aspirin, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ace inhibitors and nitrates.

Dr. Arun Agarwal is a member of The Hospital of Central Connecticut (HOCC) medical staff. For referrals to HOCC physicians, please contact the free Need-A-Physician referral service by phone at (800) 321-6244.

Asthma does not take a break in the winter

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. The symptoms may include wheezing (whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing.

Sometimes the symptoms of asthma are mild and go away on their own or after minimal treatment with an asthma medicine.

Other times, the symptoms continue to get worse. When these symptoms get more intense, this is known as an asthma attack.

It is important to treat the sympDr. Tejal toms of asthma when you first notice Parth Shah them. Severe asthma attacks may require emergency care and can cause death. Asthma is treated with two types of medicines: long-term control and quick relief medications.

Long-term control medications are taken daily

and prevent the symptoms of asthma often by reducing inflammation. Users of long-term control medication should not expect instant relief.

Quick relief medications on the other hand relax muscles around the airway and provide prompt relief of symptoms. But do not expect these medications to provide long-term asthma control. Using quick relief medications on a daily basis indicate the need for starting or increasing long-term control medications.

Talk to your doctor about an asthma action plan in which you can write down how to manage your asthma both on a daily basis and during an attack.

The plan should also contain a list of possible asthma triggers and how to avoid them.

Winter brings cold weather and keeps us inside where indoor triggers such as dust mites, pet allergens, smoke and viruses can worsen asthma symptoms. Winter also is the season for colds and

influenza. As with any other time of year, it is very important to keep your asthma under control. This includes having regular reviews with your doctor, taking the proper medication regularly as indicated on your asthma action plan and avoiding identified asthma triggers.

Talk to your doctor about the influenza vaccine.

It is safe to administer the vaccine to children older than 6 months and to adults with asthma.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends the vaccination for everyone over the age of 6 months, especially persons who suffer from asthma because they are considered to be at risk for complications from influenza.

Tejal Parth Shah, MD, is a member of the Bristol Hospital Multi-Specialty Group, Inc and Pulmonary Associates which is located at 25 Newell Road, Suite D-24, in Bristol. Dr. Shah specializes in pulmonary and critical care medicine and can be reached at (860) 314.6020.

February 2014 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

11

C.A.L.E.N.D.A.R 3/1 Family caregiving can be stressful.

Discuss concerns and needs and receive support and information at a caregiver support group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Wethersfield Public Library, 515 Silas Deane Hwy. Contact facilitator by email for location and questions at alanaarivers@hotmail.com. Visit website at ahomecaresuccess.weebly.com.

3/5, 3/6 Are you over the age of 60, live in Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill or Wethersfield, and are in need of a dental cleaning? If so, the Central Connecticut Health District has a service for you! In partnership with the North Central Agency on Aging and The Lodge at Cold Spring in Rocky Hill, CCHD is providing free dental cleaning clinics to individuals age 60 and over. These clinics will be held on March 5 and 6, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45

Avery I Heights • A Village of CH

3/7 Exercise physiologists of the Good Life Fitness Program at the Jerome Home will be leading an eight-week exercise program Fridays, March 7 to April 25. The program focuses on maintaining ease of movement while improving control and balance. This series is for adults who have experience exercising or who are regularly active.

Classes will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, 975 Corbin Ave., New Britain. For pricing information or to RSVP, call (860) 356-8247.

like to eat out at a restaurant but do not like to eat alone. The Friends Helping Friends group is made up of single, divorced and widowed seniors. They meet for lunch at a local restaurant on the third Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m.

Call the Plainville Senior Center to register for the lunch.

Services

Southington Care Center, 45 Meriden Ave., Southington, a leader in the community for rehabilitation and health and wellness services for over 20 years, is now introducing Naturopathic Medicine.

Do you suffer from pain, fatigue, allergies, weight gain or digestive distress? Do you struggle with chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune dysfunction? Regardless of your condition or your age, optimal health is possible. With a customized care plan addressing your unique needs, naturopathic medicine can The Plainville Senior help you make posiCenter has the perfect tive changes in your life. solution for those who Naturopathic Medicine is

3/21

Adult Day Care Center

032554

THE BETTY LARUS CENTER

p.m. at The Lodge at Cold Spring, 50 Cold Spring Road, Rocky Hill. Note that all patients registering must reside in one of the following towns: Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill or Wethersfield. Donations are generously accepted for this service.

at Avery Heights

705-A New Britain Ave. Hartford, CT 06016

ARE YOU PROVIDING CARE FOR AN OLDER PERSON? COULD YOU USE SOME HELP? DO YOU WORRY ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONE DURING THE DAY?

Since 1972,we have provided a safe,caring and enjoyable environment for older adults. Our participants benefit from activity, stimulation, and supervision during the day.We provide nursing, personal care, meals, as well as door to door transportation to and from the center.

Call us at (860) 278-4773 for information.

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2014

a distinct form of primary healthcare that blends traditional, natural therapies with the latest discoveries of modern medicine.

Naturopathic medicine aims to restore optimal health and prevent illness by using gentle, non-toxic treatment approaches to address the root cause of disease.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kirk, call Southington Care Center at (860) 378-1234. Visit online atsouthingtoncare. org. Southington Care Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, and is a member of not-for-profit Central Connecticut Senior Health Services.

Alzheimer’s caregivers support group

A support group for caregivers of those with younger or early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease will meet on a weekly basis from 7 to 8 p.m. at Liberty Homecare Options, 18 Hart St., New Britain.

Alzheimer’s disease is considered to be younger-onset if an individual is younger than 65 when diagnosed.

This group is tailored to the needs of caregivers and is offered free of charge.

Call (860) 357-4112 or (860) 986-4986 with questions or to make your reservation.

Alzheimer’s Support Group meetings are held

the fourth Tuesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. at Andrew House Healthcare, 66 Clinic Drive, New Britain. Questions, call Kathy Mulrooney (860) 826-2812.

Foot care clinic

A foot care clinic at New Britain Senior Center is staffed by a registered nurse with Foot Care Nurse Certification. By appointment only. Fee: $30. Unable to offer care to diabetics. For further information call (860) 538-1481.

Senior wellness clinic

The New Britain Health Department conducts a senior wellness clinic Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the New Britain Senior Center, 55 Pearl St. Services include blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring, medication management and general health assessment. The clinic is staffed by Health Department nurses and is free of charge. Call (860) 826-3464 for information.

Cedar Mountain Commons announces tour A tour of Cedar Mountain Commons, a not-forprofit independent and assisted living community, will be held Sunday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Snacks will also be served.

Cedar Mountain Com-

Family caregiving can be stressful. Discuss concerns and needs. Receive support, information.

Meetings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Wethersfield Public Library, 515 Silas Deane Hwy. Contact facilitator by email for location and questions at alanaarivers@hotmail.com. Visit website at ahomecaresuccess.weebly.com.

Arbor Rose at Jerome Home sets tour

Property tax reduction for Plainville Seniors elderly and totally Senior center members are welcome to join the disabled:

A tour of Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, an independent, assisted living and memory care community, will be held Sunday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Denise Lebrocquy, retirement counselor, will lead the tour.

The Arbor Rose at Jerome Home is located at 975 Corbin Ave. For more information or to RSVP, call Denise Lebrocquy, (860) 2293707. Arbor Rose, offering independent and assisted living with memory care on the campus of Jerome Home, is a not-for-profit member of Central Connecticut Senior Health Services.

Caregiver support group:

The Southington Assessor’s Office is accepting applications for the elderly homeowners program, which helps reduce property taxes. Income limits are $34,100 for single residents and $41,600 for married couples. One spouse in the household must be at least 65 years of age as of last Dec. 31.

Those who are receiving Social Security Disability benefits may apply regardless of age. The office is also accepting applications for Tax Stabilization (tax freeze). One spouse in the household must be 70 years of age as of last Dec. 31, and if married, his or her spouse is 62 years of age or over as of last Dec. 31. Income Main Office:

17 Pierce Street Plainville, CT 06062 Phone 860-793-9944 fax 860-793-9943

Elderly care with a personal touch. www.EuroHomecare.net Providing: Personal Care Services Live-In and Hourly Arragements Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Companion Services Housekeeping Respite Care email: 021878 and Transportation Elizabeth@EuroHomecare.net

open painting group on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. This is an informal group; no instructor. No registration necessary.

The Plainville Senior Center will offer computer courses as follows: Free beginners’ computer workshop for Windows 7: This course will take the mystery out of computers, teach you both hardware and software and show you what the computer has to offer, using easy to understand language and exercises. Two sessions, Tuesday, March 11 and 18, 1 to 3 p.m. Call the center, (860) 747-5728.

Computer Fundamentals: Two sessions, Tuesdays, March 25 and April 1, 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $30, which includes a Windows

YOU COULD BE HERE Call 860-225-4601 for advertising information

Send your notices to calendar@ centralctcommunications.com

or mail to: CT Prime Time One Herald Square, New Britain, CT 06051 Fax: (860) 225-2611 7 book for each student to keep. You will learn more about computers, Windows 7, editing documents and how to save and use documents on your hard drive or flash drive. Register at the center.

Intermediate Windows 7:

Four sessions, Wednesdays, Feb. 26 to March 19, 9:30 to noon.

You will learn advanced word provessing skills and how to manage files, folders and libraries. You will also learn more about the Internet. This class is

$30 and includes Visual Steps Book, Window Seven for Seniors (worth $19.95), which each student will use in class and then keep. Sign up at the center.

The Plainville Senior Center has the perfect solution for those who like to eat at a restaurant but do not like to eat alone.

The Friends Helping Friends group is made up of single, divorced and widowed seniors. They meet for lunch at a local restaurant on the third Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Call the Plainville Senior Center to register for the lunch.

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February 2014 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

040213

limits are $32,000 for single residents and $37,000 for married couples. Under this program the deferred amount of taxes, with interest, shall be liened against the property. For either program, applicants must file

by May 15 and bring their Federal Income Tax return and Social Security statements for 2013 with them.

For more information, call the Assessor’s Office at (860) 276-6205.

mons is located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive. For more information or to RSVP, call (860) 655-7901. Cedar Mountain Commons is a not-for-profit independent and assisted living community owned by Hartford Hospital and Jefferson House, and is a member of Central Connecticut Senior Health Services.

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Spano thrives in retirement

“Older people have to get out; they can’t stay in their night clothes all day.”

PETER SPANO

Continued from Page 6

to do now?’ I shrugged and she said, ‘you’re going to stay here as long as you can, we like you!’”

Spring semester started at the end of January after holiday break, so Spano is buckling down to study again, since he’s taking a child psychology class two days a week.

“Some of my students said, ‘Mr. Spano we’re going to Daytona for college break, come with us!’

Those kids will kill ya,” he laughs.

But his next vacation won’t be until next fall, when he and Nancy, his wife of 65 years, will go on another Caribbean cruise. And until he’s at least 90, Spano is going to keep going to school.

“God willing maybe longer,” he says. “I love it, it’s keeping me younger.”

It’s true. He’s not on any medication, yet still a student, but also a pastoral secretary at St. Maurice Church, a justice of the peace that performs 10 weddings a year, corporator at the Hospital of Central CT, president of the Police Athletic League, a Rotarian, and reappointed to the city’s Community Neighborhood Development Commission again this year by new Mayor Erin Stewart.

And he’ll tell you, he still drinks coffee every morning (with Splenda) and has a scotch at dinner now and then.

“Older people have to get out; they can’t stay in their night clothes all day,” he says. “Get up in the morning, get dressed, call a relative and go to lunch. Make new friends and go see a movie a few times a week. You have to keep busy.”

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2014

Spano was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He moved to New Britain with his mother when he was 16 and enlisted in the Navy at 18. After three years of service he was honorably discharged and began working at a printing business and studying psychology, English and fine art at Hillyer College (now the University of Hartford.)

In 1952 he and Nancy were married and he started his own printing business.

But his interest in psychology never faded. He even named his 30-ft. sailboat “The Psychology.” That’s why going back to school after retiring made perfect sense.

“Studying keeps your brain working,” he says.

But if you think you’ve read enough textbooks in this lifetime, there are other ways to keep busy and constructive during retirement.

“Get a part-time job, ten

hours a week,” Spano says. “Lots of stores are hiring seniors.”

Or volunteer. Hospitals and museums are always looking for reliable help.

If all else fails, “get a cat or a small lap dog,” he adds with a chuckle.

“My wife loves her cat. She’s in the other room talking and I say, ‘I can’t hear you!’ and she says, ‘I’m talking to Frank!’”

Sometimes people need a little nudge to re-energize and turn over a new leaf, especially after a hard life. About fifteen years ago Spano had a neardeath experience, when his gallbladder exploded in the middle of the night. That was enough to do it.

“When I passed away, it was a beautiful light blue sky out,” he remembers. “There was one cloud in the sky that looked like an angel and I saw a body on the table; I didn’t know it was me.”

Spano spent nine days in the hospital before the doctor sent him home on strict bed rest. But that wasn’t going to keep him down – not after he had been given a new lease on life.

In his own words, “The very next morning, I woke up and put on my suit.”

WORK

MIND

WORK MIND your

SUDOKU Triples HOW TO PLAY: Sudoku Triples consists of three standard Sudoku panels sharing one set of 3-by-3 boxes. Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition. Each 3-by-3 box in the shared section of the three panels is filled in identically. Therefore, finding a number in one box in the shared section advances the other boxes.

SOLUTION

aNSwEr

February 2014 • Connecticut PRIME TIME

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What kind of

Joint Health program do you build for someone who doesn’t take life sitting down?

An extraordinary one.

Center for Orthopedic and Spine Health Advanced level joint care is available right here at Bristol Hospital. Our highly trained team specializes in today’s most progressive shoulder, hip and knee revision and replacement procedures, including Direct Anterior Hip Replacement, which means less pain, faster recovery and increased mobility. Add that to our exceptional patient outcomes and personalized care experience, and we’ll have you back to living an active life as quickly and safely as possible.

For more information, visit BristolHospital.org/GetOutThere

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Connecticut PRIME TIME • February 2014