LIFESPAN Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

A private, not-for-profit agency

Volume XVII No. 5 Serving Montgomery County Older Adults since 1975 September/October 2014

Community Breakfast Scheduled The Montgomery County Office for

Aging, Inc. will hold its annual Community Breakfast and Public Hearing sponsored by Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan on Thurs., Oct. 16 at Rolling Hills Country Club in Fort Johnson. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. with a free buffet breakfast.

The agency’s Advisory Council and Executive Director will present the

proposed 2015 budget and services. A guest speaker has not yet been determined. We will post the information on our website and Facebook page shortly.

Reservations are required as seating is limited. Please contact OFA, 843-2300, by Oct. 7, to make a reservation.

Golf Tournament a Success OFA and the Montgomery County

Sheriff’s Dept. hosted their 8th Annual Golf Tournament on Sun., July 27 at the Canajoharie Golf and Country Club. This tournament benefits the Montgomery County K-9 and D.A.R.E. programs as well as OFA services.

We are very grateful to our sponsors and golfers for their support of this

tournament which continues to grow each year. Their support, along with all of our volunteers and donors, contributed to the success of this fundraiser.

Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person. Flu causes headache, chills and fever, cough or sore throat, and body aches. Some people can become seriously ill if they get the flu, especially the elderly.

The best way to prevent getting the flu is to get a flu shot each fall. If the flu vaccine is not available, there are other things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick. Wash your hands frequently, keep your hands away from your face, and clean and disinfect surfaces. Call your doctor, pharmacy or visit http://flushot.healthmap.org. Flu shots will be available at the OFA Senior Picnic on Fri., Sept. 19.

Influenza

Fall Turkey Dinner The Montgomery County Office for

Aging, Inc. will host a Fall Turkey Dinner fundraiser sponsored by Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan on Fri., Oct. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the St. Johnsville Community House. The

meal will be eat-in or take-out and will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, cranberry sauce, and

dessert. The cost is $9 per meal. Presale tickets will be available Sept. 15. at OFA. We will also have tickets available at the Senior Picnic. Presale tickets are not necessary but are strongly suggested.

Cupboard of Kindness The Montgomery County Office for

Aging, Inc. is pleased to announce that we have a “Cupboard of Kindness” Food and Pet Pantry. Our pantry will be open every Weds. from 9 to 11 a.m. to seniors age 60 and older. We carry non-perishable food

items, household products, hygiene products and pet food. This cupboard is made possible through generous donations from caring individuals. For more information on the pantry including making donations, please call OFA, 843-2300.

2 - September/October 2014

Reducing the Risk of Falling

You may not know that Montgomery County has one of the highest incidences of injuries resulting from falls for people age 65 and older. In fact, a recent study by the New York State Department of Health (2008) found that our county had the fourth highest rate for these types of injuries in New York State.

In the U.S., falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths, hospitalizations and emergency department visits among adults ages 65 and older. Falls can result in lasting, serious consequences, affecting mobility, independence and mental health.

In a large majority of cases, falls are not accidents. They are not random, uncontrollable acts of fate, but occur in predictable patterns, with recognizable

risk factors and among identifiable populations. A fall is almost always a predictable and preventable event.

To give you an idea about the magnitude of this problem in New York State, think about this. Every day, because of a fall:

2 older adults die

140 older adults are hospitalized

223 older adults are seen in the Emergency Room (ER).

From 1999 to 2008, the rate of fall-related deaths among older adults in New York state increased 15% and hospitalizations increased 19%. Aging increases the risk of falling and the severity of a fall injury. Some of the conditions that increase the risk of falling are:

Leg weakness (risk increases four times)

Problems with gait or balance (risk increases 3 times)

Vision impairment (risk increases 2.5 times)

Chronic conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, osteoporosis)

A fear of falling (loss of confidence, less physical activity can lead to functional decline)

Taking four or more medications

60% of fall-related hospitalizations and 36% of fall-related ER visits

among older adults occur in the home) Some home hazards that may cause falls are:

Clutter in walkways and stairs

Slippery or inconsistent flooring surfaces

Unstable furniture

Poor/inadequate lighting

Pets and pet-related objects

Lack of stair railings or grab bars

Lack of easy-access bathrooms Some ways in which you can reduce the risk of falling are:

Medication review: Make sure that there are no unintended medication side effects that could put you at an increased risk of falling.

Home assessments with modification: A simple home assessment can help limit possible tripping or slipping hazards. Adding items such as handrails could help.

Exercise: Increased physical activity can help maintain better balance and help avoid tripping hazards.

Annual Vision Exams: Better eyesight can greatly reduce the risk of accidental tripping or slipping.

By using some of these prevention strategies and a little common sense, the risk of being injured by falling can be greatly reduced or even eliminated. *Source: www.health.ny.gov

From the Director David Jordan Executive Director

Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

The Designated Area Agency on Aging

Staff

Laura Penge-Burda Meeghan Lyons Kelly Casler Jennifer Moyer

Sharon Heroth Stephen Prohaska Mary Ellen Houlihan Elizabeth Smitka David Jordan Jason Walrath

Board of Directors

* Emeritus

Sheriff Michael Amato* Charles S. Pedersen* Peter Capobianco Claritza Reyes-Malavé Vincent Rossi Jesse Quackenbush Joan Conboy Dorothy Savarese Ronald Dievendorf Thomas Sorbero Ted Madej Jeannette Stevens-Daury Donald Massey* Michael Wancewicz Thomas Mickle* Roberta Winsman* Dolores Partyka Barbara Wool*

Advisory Council

Evelyn Bianchi Robin Moller Phoebe Boschi Jacob Sammons Joan Cimino Cathy Smith Sharlene Cornacchia Jeffrey Smith Sandra DiGiandomenico Robbie Smith David Dybas Karen Sylvia Anne Keiley Lynne Van Eps Michelle Kumar Nancy Vertucci Martin Kelly

LIFESPAN is published bi-monthly by the Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. and funded by Title III B of the Federal Older

Americans Act.

Weatherization Assistance Program Fulmont Community Action Agency

provides weatherization services to income qualified residents of Fulton & Montgomery counties. Approximately 100 homes are weatherized each year. The economic hardships and deteriorated housing stock in our area truly underscores the need for extended weatherization services. Aside from identifying measures to be installed saving the residents valuable energy dollars, increasing the comfort and value of the home and preserving the housing stock, a Health & Safety inspection is performed. Energy saving measures provided by these programs (as qualified) include insulation (blown-in, added fiberglass or foam) installed in attics, walls, crawl spaces, etc., air sealing (draft reduction), heating appliance clean & tune or repair/replacement and

distribution/ductwork repairs, installing energy efficient lighting and refrigeration, window and/or outside door replacement and water reducing faucet aerators and showerheads. The following Fulmont CAA programs are also offered to eligible senior residents of Fulton & Montgomery counties: Senior Transportation, Food Pantry, and free income tax preparation. Please refer to the website www.fulmont.org or call the Fulmont office at 853-3011 for more information.

To apply for the weatherization services program, please visit the Energy Services office at 20 Park St. Room 206 Fonda, NY or contact 853-8359. Source: Tom Kilinski, Energy Services Director, Fulmont Community Action Agency

September/October 2014 - 3

Eating and physical activity patterns that are focused on consuming fewer calories, making informed food choices and being physically active can help people attain and maintain a healthy weight, reduce their risk of chronic disease and promote overall health.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans exemplifies these strategies through recommendations that accommodate the food preferences, cultural traditions and diversity of the population. It is a document jointly created by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This document is reviewed and updated every five years and the current set of guidelines is from 2010 (the newest edition will be released in 2015). The intent of these guidelines is to summarize and create knowledge regarding basic nutrition recommendations to keep Americans healthy. Although the full document is lengthy, here is a summary of the “key” recommendations. 1) Balance calories to manage weight. Increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors. Control total calorie intake to manage weight. Overweight people should appropriately restrict calories. 2) Foods and food components to reduce. Reduce sodium to 2300mg a day (1500mg over age 51). Consume

less than 10% of calories from saturated fats and less than 300mg per day of cholesterol. Keep trans fat intake as low as possible. Reduce consumption of empty fat and sugar calories. Consume alcohol in moderation. 3) Foods and nutrients to increase. Increase fruit and veggie intake. Half of grains consumed should be whole grains. Increase fat free or low fat milk products. Consume adequate protein (focus on lean meats, eggs, beans and peas). Choose foods that provide more fiber, calcium, potassium and Vitamin D. 4) Build healthy eating patterns. Limit the intake of sodium, solid fats, added sugars and refined grains and emphasize nutrient dense foods and beverages. A healthy eating pattern should not only promote health but also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and prevent foodborne illness.

The complete Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 can be found at www.nutrition.gov.

Bon Appétit!

Tracy Hojohn Registered Dietitian

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

CAFÉS Bring a friend and have lunch at one of our cafés. Lunch is

served Monday through Friday at 12 p.m.

Call 843-2300 or 673-2000 to make a reservation or to cancel a reservation.

Daily sites

Amsterdam Garden Towers Café

52 Division St. (New Amsterdam Apartments)

Canajoharie Café Arkell

55 Montgomery St. (Arkell Center)

St. Johnsville Westside Café

16 Washington St. (Community House)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Under 60 guest fee: $8.15

Over 60 participants: $3.00 suggested donation

Donations are greatly appreciated.

STAR (New York State School Tax Relief Program) lowers school taxes for certain property owners without age or income requirements, who use their own homes as their primary residence. The state sets the amount of the benefit every year based on the value of property in the school district and the school tax rate.

“Enhanced STAR” provides for even greater STAR benefits. To be eligible you must be at least 65 by Dec. 31, 2014 and your 2013 total income must be $83,300 or less.

Older adults and the disabled, who are property owners with a limited income, may be eligible for additional

real property tax exemptions as well. Filing date for the city of Amsterdam

is Dec. 1, 2014, and for all the towns, Mar. 1, 2015. To receive an application or information, contact your local assessor.

Apply for STAR

4 - September/October 2014

On occasion, lenders ask individuals with no credit or poor credit to have someone guarantee payment in the event that the borrower fails to make the necessary payments. This is a business decision on behalf of the lender who wants to be assured of repayment.

The individual who guarantees payment on loans such as personal loans, automobile loans, leases, student loans, and some mortgages, is

referred to as a co-signer. When the co-signer signs the loan documents, he or she agrees that he or she will pay the balance of the loan if the borrower does not. Borrowers and co-signers are jointly or severally liable for the repayment of the debt. This means that he or she is just as responsible for the repayment of the loan as the borrower. The co-signer can be sued for the unpaid balance just like the borrower. If the lender determines that the co-signer has more available assets than the borrower, the lender is likely to go after the co-signer first.

With regard to automobile loans, a co-signor not only will be responsible

for the repayment of the loan if the borrower does not pay, but will also be responsible for the deficiency judgment if or when the repossessed automobile is sold for less than what is owed on it. Yes, a borrower’s delinquent balance on a loan and/or a deficiency judgment will impact a co-signer’s credit.

My advice to individuals who volunteer to co-sign a loan is to be prepared to pay the delinquent loan if the borrower does not. If you are not willing to do so, DO NOT CO-SIGN AS A CO-SIGNER. The excuse that a co-signer did not know what he or she was obligating him or herself to is not a legal defense in New York state.

LegalEase

Del B. Salmon Legal Services Representative

The Risks of Co-Signing

Calendar Winners Thanks to everyone who purchased calendars in support of

our services. Congratulations to all of the following winners: Riki Bain, Joan Bez, Sharon Bintz, Polly Blakeslee, Mike Cetnar, Tony D’Addio, Fr. Robert DeMartinis, Maurissa Dennis, Fred DiCaprio, Sandy DiGiandomenico, JoAnn Dingman, Paul Dingman, Dennie Druziak, Angela & John Fedullo, Tracey Gras, Dick Hart, Alan Hinkle, William Hodge, Amy Houlihan, Joan Jacques, Marcia & John Lyons, Nancy Mace, Robert Montenaro, MJ Murray, The Pietro Family, Suzanne Pochily, Helen Podolec, Megan Podrazik, Lucy Restifo, Mary Rys, Kathy Smith, Elizabeth Smitka, James Suits, Carol Syzek, Jennifer Thibeault, John Thomas, Anne Marie Tibbetts, Nancy Vertucci, Minnie Weaver, Jackie Woodbeck, Dorothy Yacowenia & Susan Zepperi.

Call OFA, 843-2300, to reserve your calendars for 2015.

Heading South? A number of Montgomery County residents spend

their winter in warmer climates, changing their address at the post office for the months they are away. When we receive returned mail with an address change, we don’t know if it is a temporary or permanent change. If you receive LIFESPAN and leave for an extended vacation of several months and change your mailing address, or do not have second class mail forwarded, please notify us. We’ll send your mail to the temporary address during the time you are there, and after notification, to your permanent address when you return. To avoid missing one issue of LIFESPAN, please call 843-2300 or write to the Montgomery County OFA, 135 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010.

September/October 2014 - 5

IS A NEW SOCIAL SECURITY CARD IN YOUR CARDS?

By Everett M. Lo

Social Security Administration’s Regional Public Affairs Office in the New York Region

To help combat the rising threat of fraud and identity theft, Social Security will no longer issue Social Security number printouts beginning in August 2014. If you need written confirmation of your Social Security number—perhaps your new employer needs verification—and you can’t find your Social Security card, you can apply for a replacement.

But do you really need a replacement? In most cases, you don’t need your card as long as you know your number. For all intents and purposes, your number is your card. Usually providing your number and identifying information is enough. In the event you really do want or need a replacement card, either for yourself or for a child, you can find all of the details you need at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. The “Social Security Number and Card” page provides information on how to obtain a replacement card and what specific documents you need to provide. Need a Social Security card for your new baby to claim him or her as a dependent on your tax return or to apply for government or social service benefits? In most cases, an application for your newborn’s Social Security card

and number is taken in the hospital when you apply for your baby’s birth certificate. If not, you can request one for your child the same way you do for yourself. Whether you need a Social Security card for yourself or your child, it’s easy—and free—to apply for one. But consider whether a new Social Security card is really in the cards for you. It may be that your “card” is already with you—in your head. While you’re on the Social Security website, open your free my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. It can help you plan for retirement, check your earnings history, request your Social Security Statement, and more. Learn more about your Social Security card and number at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

HIICAP Hotline Meeghan Lyons Client Services Representative

Social Security Card

I would like to thank Dave Jordan, the OFA staff, the Board of Directors, Advisory Council and all the seniors for a wonderful 10 years at the OFA.

I have very much enjoyed my time working with and assisting you all.

My last day will be Fri., Sept. 19. I consider myself very blessed to have been able to help others and to work with some wonderful people. I will truly miss each and every one of you.

Thank you.

Information Corner Kelly Casler Client Services Representative

Farewell

Hospice volunteers are the Heart of Hospice—they truly take their volunteering to heart. As The Community Hospice’s Coordinator of Volunteers, I am reminded of this, and amazed by this, on a daily basis.

Here is just one example of why I say this: one of our volunteers, let’s call her Anne, is assisting a Montgomery County patient in a very significant, meaningful way. Anne is helping the woman write a journal and share her life’s stories and experiences. The patient’s wish is to leave this as a legacy to her family.

There were a few challenges to overcome before getting started—limited time being one of them—but Anne knew how much this meant to the woman, so they were able to get working on it right away. Anne has

demonstrated real dedication and compassion, stepping up and spending much of her free time doing whatever needed to be done.

Each time Anne visits, she and her patient have a great time sharing and journaling the woman’s stories—laughing, and occasionally crying, throughout their visit. It’s time they both look forward to spending together each week. Their relationship before they started this walk down memory lane was one of friendship, just two ladies spending girl time together, chatting. Now it’s so much more: they’ve developed a special bond.

If you’ve ever thought of becoming a hospice volunteer, think of this story and remember that our volunteers really do make a difference in our patients’ lives. Hospice volunteers

spread sunshine. If you’re interested in spreading some sunshine and would like to find out how to get involved with The Community Hospice and possibly participate in our fall training, get in touch with me by calling 843-5412, or e-mail me: jlogan@communityhospice.org.

The “Heart of Hospice”

6 - September/October 2014

* * * WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT * * *

Because needs are always greater than the resources available, the Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. encourages and appreciates donations.

Name___________________________________ Address_______________________________________

I designate my donation of $____________ for:

“Save a Stamp” please do NOT acknowledge my donation by mail

Please do NOT acknowledge my donation in LIFESPAN

Clip and return this coupon with your donation to 135 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010 Thank you! All donations are greatly appreciated!

All contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. For tax purposes, we will send you a receipt for single donations of $250 or more.

Use where most needed Home-care services HIICAP Meals program Legal services LIFESPAN Caregiver/Respite services Foundation

Please make check payable to: Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

**If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, receive more than one copy, or have an address change, please cut out your address label from this page and send it to OFA at 135 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.**

Estate of John C. Blunck BPO Elks Lodge 101

Alan Brust John Dowd

David Gomula Joan Jacques Tom Jennings

Frances Kerchner LeRoy & Shirlee Kretser

Frank Krzysko Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Makarowsky

Walter & Sophie Malkowicz Anna Monahan

Dolores Pereicich Audrey Reichel

William & Dolores Rogers Eileen Show

Gloria & Walt Sparks Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Stone Arabia Ladies Aid Society Gilberto Vazquez

Raymond Wohlgemuth

In honor of John Bianchi’s 90th Birthday Barbara and Chick Bianchi

In memory of Chester Blonkowski Charlotte Blonkowski

In memory of Michael DiCaprio Mom, Dad & Dave

In memory of Mary Jendrzejczak Michael Wancewicz

In memory of Stan Jendrzejczak Michael Wancewicz

In memory of Cathy Jobin Neuberger, Richard Jobin & Anita Jobin

Mary Jobin

In memory of Frank Kardash Frances Kardash

In memory of Robert Koshak Diane, Valerie, Kimmy, Jim & Anthony

In memory of Robert MacArthur Marie Austin

In memory of Greg Pasicznyk Beatrice Pasicznyk

In memory of Anthony & Irene Pawlowski Diane, Valerie, Kimmy, Jim & Anthony

In memory of Robert Piska Stephany Stanavich

In memory of Isabelle Sasowski Seth & MaryAnn Bunker

Theresa Melervey Connie & Edward Schultz

Cheryl & David Slezak Elizabeth Smitka

In memory of David Savarese Karen Ahr

Eileen & Tom Andrzejewski Ted & Edja (Dixie) Aniolek

John & Evelyn Bianchi Richard Cipullo

Cliff & Susan Karchesky Clifford & Doris Karchesky

Anne Keiley Bob & Marcy Korona Mr. & Mrs. Ted Madej

Vern O'Brien Mr. & Mrs. Al Palmieri

Eleanor & Joanne Parlapiano Dolores Partyka

Gen & Lee Polinkski Sophia Sardonia

Mark & Ann Siudy Rose Smith

St. Mary's Hospital Auxillary Jane Bennison Staber

The Tonko Family Joyce Vidulich Karen Wright

Alexander & Sylvia Zielinski

In memory of Gerald Smrtic Patricia Mannino

In memory of Richard Sponable, Sr. Shirley Sponable

In memory of Bernard “Skip” Stanley Betty Stanley

Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. gratefully acknowledges the following contributors:

September/October 2014 - 7

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Albany, NY

Permit No. 918

Montgomery County Office for Aging

135 Guy Park Avenue Amsterdam, NY 12010

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Agency

A

Living with Loss—Bereavement Support Group: 6 p.m., Tues. Sept. 9 and Tues., Oct. 14, The Community Hospice of Amsterdam Board Room. Call 843-5412, ext. 17 for information or to register.

Montgomery County Senior Citizens Council Meeting: 9:30 a.m., Wed., Oct. 8, Sheriff’s Office in Fultonville. Speaker to be determined. All older adults are invited. Call OFA, 843-2300, for more details.

Public Information Sessions: 9–11 a.m. Wed., Sept. 10, Fort Plain Senior Center; and Tues., Oct. 7, Arkell Center, Canajoharie. These sessions offer information and assistance with regard to seniors and OFA services. Call OFA, 843-2300, for more information.

Senior Picnic sponsored by CDPHP: 9:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m., Fri., Sept. 19, Fonda Fairgrounds. Tickets are available for $8.

Community Breakfast sponsored by CDPHP: 8:30 a.m., Thurs., Oct. 16., Rolling Hills Country Club, Fort Johnson. Reservations required by Oct. 7.

Happenings HEAP 2014-2015 Thousands of people who received

HEAP (the low-income Home Energy Assistance Program) benefits last season will be receiving a new application by mail shortly. If you receive this mailing, please complete the application and either mail it in or drop it off at the Montgomery County OFA at 135 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Federal HEAP funds are limited, so benefits are issued on a first-come,

first-serve basis. If you do not receive an application by mail, you will be able to apply Nov. 17, for a regular benefit.

Office Closings:

Mon., Sept. 1, Labor Day

Fri., Sept. 19, Senior Picnic

Mon., Oct. 13, Columbus Day

Thurs., Oct. 16, Open at 11:30 a.m., Community Breakfast

Yes, please save me a 2015 Lottery Calendar!

$20 each or Buy 5 and get one free! (Must purchase all 5 in one transaction to take advantage of this offer.)

Please print:

Name________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________

Phone__________________ Email________________________________

We will contact you when your calendar is ready to make arrangements for you to receive it.

Make checks payable to: Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. Mail to: 135 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010

Thank you in advance for your support!