LIFESPAN Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

A private, not-for-profit agency

Volume XVI No. 5 Serving Montgomery County Older Adults since 1975 September/October 2013

The Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. will hold its annual Community Breakfast and Public Hearing sponsored by Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan at Rolling Hills Country Club in Fort Johnson on Thurs., Oct. 17. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. with a free buffet breakfast.

The agency’s advisory council and director will present the proposed 2014

budget and services. Guest speakers will include Denise Benton from Catholic Charities and Wendy Niemir and Patricia Rivera from Mobile Geriatrics Outreach.

Reservations are required as seating is limited. Please contact OFA, 843-2300, by Oct. 4, to make a reservation.

Mon., Sept. 2, Labor Day

Mon., Oct. 14, Columbus Day

Thurs., Oct 17, Community Breakfast Office opens at 12 pm

Office Closings: Community Breakfast

If you enjoy the OFA raffles “Splash for Cash” in June and “Pass the Buck” in Nov. then you will really enjoy a whole year with 365 opportunities to win multiple cash prizes of up to $250 each. The Office for Aging is pleased to offer its 2014 lottery calendar for only $20 or buy 5, get one free. These will be available by the end of Sept. Calendars make a great gift for your employees and/or loved ones. A limited quantity will be available for purchase, so reserve your calendar today by filling out the form on page 8 and returning it to OFA with your payment. Call OFA at 843-2300 or stop by 135 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam for more information. Calendars will also be available for purchase at the Senior Picnic on Sept. 20.

Take a Chance

Meet the Candidates Are you confused by the upcoming

changes in Montgomery County Government? If so, you won’t want to miss “Meet the Candidates,” where some legislative candidates and both county Executive Candidates will be present. On Wed., Oct. 9 the Office for Aging will host an event where you can get answers to your important

questions. This forum is open to Montgomery County citizens aged 60 and older and will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Public Safety Building in Fultonville. Seating is limited and requires a reservation prior to Oct. 4. Call OFA at 843-2300 to reserve your seat.

The Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. will host a fall chicken barbecue fundraiser to benefit its programs and services. The barbecue will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 11 in the ACE parking lot in

Palatine Bridge. The barbecue is $8 and will include a half chicken with all the fixings. The barbecue will be walk-up and takeout only and will be held rain or shine. Call OFA, 843-2300, for more details.

Fall Chicken BBQ

Apply for STAR 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 2012 total income is $81,900 or less. Senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR

exemption are not affected by the new registration requirements. Seniors must, however, continue to apply annually and participate in the Income Verification Program.

Seniors 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, 2013, and for all the towns, Mar. 1, 2014. To receive an exemption application or information, contact your local assessor.

Influenza 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 for an appointment or visit www.flucliniclocator.org.

Since I began working at the Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. in Dec. of last year, I have met with many individuals, groups and organizations to inform them about the various services that are offered through our agency. Some people have known a lot about the agency and others have known very little prior to my meeting with them. However, there was one detail about our agency that a large majority of people thought was true but actually is not. Most people think that our agency is a county-run agency when, in fact, we are a private not-for-profit organization. Although we certainly receive some very necessary funding through the county, we are a private organization that is overseen by our own Board of Directors.

One thing you might ask yourself is, “Why does this matter?” It shouldn’t make a difference how the agency is affiliated with the County as long as the vital services are able to be offered to the older adults in our county. This certainly is true but there are some reasons why I feel knowing this distinction can be important. First of all, we want to provide access to services in a timely manner and with as little confusion as possible. If someone is unfamiliar with our services, they may call the county office and would have to be redirected to call our agency. This can cause confusion and frustration. Services are always delivered most efficiently when you can talk directly with the people providing the services.

Some people have suggested that we consider changing our agency’s name so that “Montgomery County” is not in the title. Although this might end confusion over us being a County department, it may very well cause more confusion in people being able to locate our agency and the type of services that we provide. When someone mentions “Office for Aging,” most people have a fairly clear picture of the services that we provide.

Also, we often encourage members in our community to advocate for continuing and/or increasing the services that are needed for older adults. To advocate effectively, you should know the details of the organization that you are supporting and how they are funded and structured. In addition, it’s important to know that as a small not-for-profit organization, our agency does not necessarily have the resources that a County department might have to continue services if the funding becomes scarce. There are no other “departments” in our agency to pool resources together to get through financially lean times. Please don’t misunderstand me, the County does an exceptional job in providing all of the services that they offer and we are proud to collaborate with them often to serve our clients as well. Also, we are always very appreciative of the support that we receive annually from the County and this enables us to provide many of our services. However, there is a significant difference in available resources between our agencies so it is important for people who utilize our services to understand that.

Another reason it is important to know that we are a private not-for-profit agency is in regards to fundraising. When our agency

approaches the public in fundraising efforts, we want everyone to be aware that these funds will be used specifically for aging services in Montgomery County and not for any other age group or in any other geographic area. I think that this is important when people give to an organization. People want to know that their funds will be used for a specific purpose and/or cause.

Anyway, regardless of our agency name or how anyone views our connection with the County, we will continue to serve the older adults in Montgomery County proudly.

2 - September/October 2013

From the Director David Jordan Executive Director

What is in a Name?

Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.

The Designated Area Agency on Aging

Staff

Kelly Casler Meeghan Lyons Douglas Guy Jennifer Moyer

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

Board of Directors

* Emeritus

Sheriff Michael Amato* Charles S. Pedersen* Peter Capobianco Vincent Rossi Joan Conboy Dorothy Savarese Ronald Dievendorf Thomas Sorbero Ted Madej Michael Wancewicz Donald Massey* Roberta Winsman Thomas Mickle* Barbara Wool Dolores Partyka

Advisory Council

Marie Austin Elizabeth Niski Evelyn Bianchi Claritza Reyes Malavé Joan Cimino Jacob Sammons Sandra DiGiandomenico Undersheriff Jeffrey Smith David Dybas Lynne Van Eps Anne Keiley Nancy Vertuccii Dolores Muselbeck Sheila Wheeler

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.

September/October 2013 - 3

With food costs continually on the rise, food shopping can be a real challenge. Try these simple strategies for finding healthy bargains on your next grocery trip. 1) Meat can account for a large portion of your grocery bill so look for alternatives. Opt for one or

two bean-based, meatless meals each week. Substitute kidney, pinto or other beans for meat or poultry in casseroles or stews. Choose canned wild salmon and water-packed tuna which are healthy alternatives to costly fresh fish. Eggs are also a great inexpensive source of protein. If you are concerned with cholesterol, discard most of the yolks and consume the high protein white portion. 2) Do not waste money on high calorie soft drinks, which provide zero nutrition and add unwanted pounds. Make your own unsweetened iced tea for a fraction of the cost of ready-made or powdered mixes. Frozen juice concentrates may be less expensive than refrigerated juices. Remember that filtered tap water is cheaper than bottled and unfiltered tap water is FREE. 3) Avoid or limit convenience foods-they cost more and have a lower nutritional value. Pre-seasoned rice mixes, for example, cost three times more per serving, are high in sodium and use refined grains instead of nutritious

whole grains. Instead, buy quick-cooking brown rice or whole grain pasta and add your own herbs and sodium free seasonings. 4) Save money by buying fruits and vegetables that are in season. Don’t overlook low-cost staples like carrots, sweet potatoes, cabbage, onions and bananas. Check for lower prices on frozen and canned, no added sodium produce. 5) Beware of coupons and 2-for-1 pricing. Coupons may be for brands that are more expensive anyway. Store brand items are often cheaper. 6) Buy less and prepare smaller portions to avoid spoilage and make your groceries go further. 7) Find a friend you can purchase bulk items with so you can split the product and cost. For example, a 5 lb bag of oranges may be the cheapest buy but you may only be able to eat half the bag before the rest spoil. You can take advantage of this savings if you and a friend split the cost and the oranges. Source: American Institute of Cancer Research

Bon Appétit!

Tracy Hojohn Registered Dietitian

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)

Monthly site

Amsterdam Inman Café

(Inman Senior Center) 53 Guy Park Ave.

Every Third Friday

The Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. is hosting a special holiday lunch for Montgomery County residents age 60 and over. Spouses and guests are also welcome to enjoy this holiday meal at any of our cafés listed at left.

Lunch will be served at noon. To make a reservation or cancel a reservation, please call 843-2300 or 673-2000. There is a suggested donation of $3, however, your desire and/or ability to donate is strictly personal and confidential.

Guests under the age of 60 will be charged $7.95 for the lunch.

Join us for Lunch

Menus That Make Cents

Halloween Special Tues., Oct. 29

Chicken Cordon Bleu Roasted Potatoes

Glazed Carrots Strawberry Shortcake

4 - September/October 2013

Decision Making for an Incapacitated Person in New York State Part 3 of 4

Several years ago, I made a presentation on Estate Planning in front of a group of older people. During the course of that presentation I asked an individual the definition of the term “trust.” Without hesitation, the individual responded that a trust is, “…twelve pages of legal gobblety-goop.” That answer has made me sensitive to the need to present legal information in as straightforward a manner as is possible. To this end, I have made an executive decision to expand the subject series of articles to a series of four. I made this decision after reading my last column. True confessions, I sounded too much like a lawyer last month. This month I am going to lose the legalese and present this topic in plain language.

People are presumed to be competent to handle their own personal or financial affairs unless or until a Court has determined that they lack the capacity to make those decisions. Determinations of capacity

are made in Guardianship proceedings.

Let’s say, for instance, that I have a loved-one who is living on her own. She is advanced in years and is displaying behaviors that indicate that she may be disoriented and/or confused. She is not eating regularly and she has lost weight. Her usually clean apartment is not only dirty but also cluttered with papers. She writes notes to herself on the back of envelopes and forgets where she puts them. She has not balanced her checkbook in months and, in fact, has bounced the first check of her lifetime. Her bills are not being paid. She carries large amounts of cash. She has not seen a doctor in many years and is not attending to her health care needs. She has misplaced her passbook several times and has reported it lost or stolen to the bank. She is sometimes disoriented as to date and time.

What am I to do in this scenario? I have discussed my concerns with her many times and have been politely (and sometimes not so politely) told to mind my own business. She is adamant about maintaining her independence and control and is now suspicious of my interest in her

financial affairs. The pleasantries subside. There are now promises not to do a power of attorney or threats to revoke the power of attorney already executed.

I am in a quandary. I believe strongly that she needs assistance and perhaps placement. While I want to

honor her desire to be independent and to be in control, I also want her to be safe. In my opinion her safety is in jeopardy. I also question her ability to make good judgments and

decisions that truly are in her best interest.

My options, therefore, in trying to help my loved one are limited to her willingness to accept my help. If she does not accept my help, I must look to the Court for assistance in the form of a Guardianship proceeding. Courts look to the appointment of a Guardian as a last-resort solution. This is a last-resort solution because it substitutes the individual’s judgment for the Guardian’s judgment.

Part four of this series will concentrate on the ethical responsibilities of a Guardian and the standards used to make decisions for a person lacking capacity. Stay tuned.

LegalEase

Del B. Salmon Legal Services Representative

If you currently have Medicare (Parts A and/or B), you can enroll or re-enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or Medicare Advantage Plan with Prescription Coverage (MA.PD) starting on Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2013. This is called the Annual Coordinated Election Period and your newly chosen plan begins on Jan. 1, 2014.

Important 2014 Medicare Dates October 1, 2013 - Medicare Part D

Prescription Drug and Medicare Advantage plan Marketing Activities can begin for 2014. At this time you will be able to once again gather

information and evaluate the various options.

Please note, no enrollments may be accepted before Oct. 15, 2013 for 2014 plans.

Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2013 - Annual Coordinated Election Period - Here is your chance to join a new Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan for the 2014 plan year (however your plan will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2014). If you already have a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan, this is your time to look back over 2013 and make an enrollment decision for your coverage for 2014. If you make no decision, you will remain in the same plan as you elected in 2013. There is no enrollment required to renew your present coverage. (If you do not enroll during this period, your next chance for coverage is Jan. 2015.)

Jan. 1, 2014 - Your new Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan becomes effective and you will be able to begin using your benefits (your old plan will automatically be discontinued).

Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, 2014 - Members of Medicare Advantage Plans may Dis-enroll from their Medicare Advantage Plan returning to Original Medicare and select a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan.

Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2014 - Persons turning 65 can enroll in a 2014 Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicaid recipients can also enroll or change their enrollment.

For assistance comparing plans, please call OFA, 843-2300, for an appointment.

Resource: Q1Medicare.com

HIICAP Hotline Meeghan Lyons Client Services Representative

Annual Open Enrollment

When Legal Capacity Fails

September/October 2013 - 5

Marie Austin Stella Bedzis

Sophia Bishko Mary Bottisti

A. Frances Dybas David Dybas

Crystal Fetrow Grace Gilbert Frank LaBate

Drinda LaLumia Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Makarowsky

Walter and Sophie Malkowicz Josephine Mroczek

NBT Committee and Dress Down Day Account

Albina Piech Herb and Theresa Scialabba

Katherine Smith Nancy Smith Rose Smith

In honor of Del B. Salmon Nancy Smith

In memory of our grandparents: Stephen J. and Angie (Williams) Brach

Tricia M. and Cregg M. Brown

In memory of Charles Burke Eleanor Burke

In memory of Michael DiCaprio “from Mom, Dad and Dave”

In memory of Ronald Emery Sally Emery

In memory of Thomas H. Fyfe Phyllis D. Fyfe

In memory of Charlotte Gardinier Marcia Lyons

In memory of Ada Hotaling Elizabeth DiCaprio

Verne and Joanne Proper

In memory of Roaine Lyons and Myrtle Wemple

Sally Emery

In memory of Frank Kardash Frances Kardash

In memory of Robert Koshak from wife Diane, daughters and grandson

In memory of “Uncle Joe Krygowski” Linda and Joseph Tokarczyk

In memory of Ruth Marshall Betz, Rossi and Bellinger Familly

Funeral Home Fran Copp

In memory of James Martin, Jr. Vincent, Rob and Luca Rossi

In memory of Steven Niemczyk from wife Mary

In memory of Cathy Neuberger and Richard G. Jobin and Anita Jobin

Mary Jobin

In memory of our parents Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Pawlowski

In memory of Frank Pawlowski Stephany Stanavich

In memory of Anthony and Irene Pawlowski

from daughter, Diane, Val, Kimmy & Anthony

In memory of John Pikul and Mary and Ralph Iannotti

Mary Pikul

In memory of Lylian K. Rogers Phoebe and Alexander Boschi

Bruce Christie Marlene Ehmer

Shari and Mike Ehmer Mary Jane Engelhardt

Victoria Fryc Richard and Gloria Gardiner

Joseph and Judith Greco Dennis and Anne Haggerty and

Michael Miller Mr. and Mrs. William Holland

Kay Lees Don and Barb Pawlowski

Frank and Dorothy Pawlowski Alfred and Virginia Rogers

William Rogers John and Barbara Sanderson Chester and Jeanette Sokalski

Steve and Tina Taffe Richard Tatara

Carol Ann Wilber

In memory of Richard J. Sponable Shirley Sponable

In memory of Ann Vecera Keith and Mary Ellen Holland

Ronald and Angela Rusik

In memory of Lottie Wiencek Edward Wiencek, Sr.

In memory of Stephen Wojcik Betty Wojcik

In memory of Charles E. Wright Carol and Mike Amato John and Susan Bowe

Richard and Eileen Broyles Kim Cruise

Margaret Datz David Kleinberg Design Associates, Inc.

Amy and Ron Dievendorf Duane Dill

Sydney Frazier Alicia McNeill Turner

Joanne and Tom Mickle Jared Miller

Dolores and Ray Partyka Nancy Porter Grace Rais

Dorothy Savarese Lance Scott Scott Sloat

Mr. and Mrs. Don Smith

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

The Community Hospice is offering a variety of bereavement services to anyone in the community who needs support during a time of grieving and loss.

A grief support group open to anyone who experienced a death-related loss, meets the second Thurs. of each month at St. Mary’s Hospital, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room.

“Wave Riders” is a support group designed to meet the specific needs of grieving children. The group meets for six consecutive Weds. starting Oct. 2 (the time to be determined) at The Community Hospice, 246 Manny’s Corners Rd. in Amsterdam.

Both services are offered free of charge. More information about these services is available from Amy Weinar, Bereavement Counselor at The Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 843-5412.

Mourning a Loss?

6 - September/October 2013

* * * 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.

September/October 2013 - 7

Carol and Michael Amato Amsterdam Police Benevolent Association

Amsterdam Printing Amsterdam Rotary

Alzheimer’s Association Arkell Hall Foundation

Marie Austin Mayor Francis Avery

Philip Beckett, CPA PC Betz, Rossi and Bellinger

Family Funeral Home John and Evelyn Bianchi

Bloomfield’s Florist Brown’s Collision

Eileen and Brad Broyles Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan

Peter and Diana Capobianco Capstone Center for

Rehabilitation and Nursing Regina Cassetta Catholic Charities

Centro Civico—Ladan Alomar Community Health Center

Community Hospice of Amsterdam Joan Conboy

Philip and Jerri Cortese Paul Damiano

Derby Office Equipment, Inc. Eda DiCaprio

Amy and Ronald Dievendorf Sandy DiGiandomenico

David Dybas Florinda Fernandez

Marie Fryc Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc.

Furman Investigations, LLC GFWC Century Club

Jason Gough Craig Hayden

Home Health Care Partners Home Helpers and Direct Link Horace J. Inman Senior Center James and Ruby Hutchinson

Barbara Johnson Brad and Carol Jordan

Key Bank Leo Koppel

Liberty Arlene Macek

Carol A. Maloney Carolyn Mancini

Michael McMahon Miller Printing Leo Milman

Montgomery County Republican Committee

MVP Health Care NBT Bank

New York Oncology & Hematology Betty Niski

Northeastern Association of the Blind Al and Sylvia Palmieri

Dolores Partyka Patriot Federal Bank Patti’s Greenhouses

Kim and Jim Post Quandt’s Foodservice Distributors, Inc.

Fred Quist Reformed Church of Canajoharie

River Ridge Living Center

Maria and Ramon Rodriguez Mary and Francisco Rodriguez Vincent Rossi and Rob Meyer

St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

St. Mary’s Healthcare S & S Landscaping and Excavation

Del B. and Randie Salmon Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara

Dot Savarese Seely Conover’s Office Centre, Inc.

Dr. Tim Shoen The Shults Agency

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Jeff and Becky Smith

Brian Snell James Snell Jeanne So

Spagnola & Spagnola Bookkeeping Barbara V. Spraker

Trinity Services Group Eric Unislawski

Vern’s Auto Nancy Vertucci

Village of Canajoharie Diane and James Walion

Michael Wancewicz WEST and Company CPA’s PC

White Cottage Gardens Roberta Winsman

Barbara Wool John P. Woods, Jr.

Joan Young Karen Young

Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. gratefully acknowledges the following supporters of our 14th Annual Awards Dinner:

Montgomery County Office for Aging

135 Guy Park Avenue Amsterdam, NY 12010

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Agency

A

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Albany, NY

Permit No. 918 Senior Picnic: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Fri., Sept. 20, Fonda Fairgrounds. Tickets available until Sept. 7 for $8.

Montgomery County Senior Citizens Council Meeting 9:15 a.m., Wed., Oct. 9, Sheriff’s Office in Fultonville. All older adults are invited to attend. Call the OFA at 843-2300 for details.

Meet the Candidates: 9:30 a.m., Wed., Oct. 9, Public Safety Building, Fultonville. Reservation only. See more information on front page.

Fall Chicken BBQ: 4-6 p.m. or until we sell out, Fri., Oct. 11, Dutchtown ACE Parking lot, Palatine Bridge. $8 per meal.

Community Breakfast and Public Hearing: 8:30 a.m., Thurs., Oct. 17, Rolling Hills Country Club, Fort Johnson. Reservation only.

Happenings

We would like to thank everyone who purchased tickets in support of our services and congratulate all of the following winners: Carol Amato, Esther Arminio, Marie Austin, Lex Baker, Florence Bieniek, Adelaide Bubniak, Gail Clark, Lori Cosentino, Michele DeRossi, A. Frances Dybas, Roger

and Connie Hoyer, Rev. Pascal Iannotti, James and Joan Jacques, Bill Jesenski, Shirley Kordyjak, Churchill Lake, Larry Lowe, Charles McClumpha, William Mowrey, Karen Mullarkey, Lenore Niemietz, Felicia Persico, Sophie Rusnica, Nancy Smith, Jeanne So, Elena Spence, Nancy Vertucci and Stan Wojeski.

Splash for Cash Winners

Yes, please save me a 2014 Lottery Calendar!

$20 each or Buy 5 and get one free!

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!

**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.**