Lyndakers named ‘Randy Streeter Senior Citizen of the Year’ award recipients

Jo-Ann and Wilmer “Sonny” Lyndaker were honored as Randy Streeter Senior Citizen of the Year Award recipients at this year’s Oktoberfest event on October 5th at the Ridge View Inn, Lowville.

Mr. Lyndaker was employed by Kraft Foods for 30-plus years and received various awards throughout his employment. He was also a bus driver, part time and full time, for Beaver River Central School for several years.

Mrs. Lyndaker worked for a dental office for many years. She also worked tirelessly as a multi-tasking employee at a fabric/gift shop that was located in Croghan, which in later years expanded to Old Forge and Inlet, and was a past member of the Beaver River Central School Board of Education.

As a couple, they have made many volunteer contributions to different organizations over the years, including Lewis County Opportunities, Loving Lewis County, Lewis County Office for the Aging assisting with Christmas Sharing and Santa for Seniors, Croghan Booster Club as an integral part of the Croghan Lumberjack Festival for many years, Lewis County Fair, Beaver River Central School, Lewis County Historical Society, Lewis County Relay for Life, New Life Fellowship and Sunnyside Cemetery, participating in annual clean-up efforts.

They have spent countless hours and driven miles and miles just to visit their family and friends. They help both physically and financially and are a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, coffee hour company, seamstress to complete alterations before the big day, and meal preparer when someone is feeling a little under the weather. They are always very encouraging to everyone who crosses their path, offer transportation for people to medical appointments, and rarely miss a graduation party, baby shower, bridal shower, wedding, funeral gathering or family picnic. They have always gone out of their way to make sure that others are taken care of before themselves. After all of this and so much more, they have never once asked for anything in return.

We feel this is an excellent way to acknowledge this couple’s sincere, faithful dedication and service that has affected so many people in the community.

LEWIS COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING

7660 State Street Lowville, New York 13367

(315) 376-5313 Website – www.lewiscounty.org/departments/office-for-the-aging

NOvEmbER 2018

Thanksgiving Celebration The Thanksgiving holiday will be celebrated at all the Congregate Nutrition Sites on Thursday, November 15th. A traditional turkey dinner will be served, with apple pie for dessert. Seniors are encouraged to invite family or close friends to join them on this day to celebrate the many blessings we have. The guest fee for anyone 60 or younger is $8.05. To make reservations, please call (315) 376-5313, option #3.

It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping. Why not give the gift of food?

If you know of a senior family member, neighbor or close friend that may attend a congregate site or may receive Home Delivered Meals, gift certificates are available year-round at Office for the Aging. The certificates are $3.50, which is the suggested donation.

If you wish to purchase several, please call (315) 376-5313, Option #5.

Today dear Lord I'm 80, and there's much I haven't done, I hope dear Lord you'll let me live until I'm 81. But then, I haven't finished all I want to do. Would you please let me stay awhile until I'm 82? So many places I want to go- so very much to see. Do you think that you could manage to make it 83? The world is changing very fast; there is so much in store. I’d like it very much to live until I’m 84. And then if I'm still alive, I'd like to stay till 85. More planes will be up in the air, so I'd really like to stick And see what happens to the world when I’m 86. I know dear Lord, it's much to ask (and it must be nice in Heaven). But I'd really like to stay until I'm 87. I know by then I won’t be fast and sometimes will be late. But it would be so pleasant to be around at 88. I will have seen so many things and had a wonderful time. So I'm sure that I'll be willing to leave at the age of 89… maybe!! Poem’s Author Anonymous, Submitted by Grovene Dorn

“Homeless Christmas Tree” Initiative

November 19th – December 21st

This annual initiative is sponsored by the Lewis County Youth Bureau in support of the Lewis County Department of Social Services (DSS) as well as many other local agencies, who recognize there is a hidden epidemic that has to do with homelessness, lack of safe and affordable housing and assisting local residents who have faced economic hardships get back on their feet. There are many reasons that families and individuals find themselves “out in the cold” including job loss, illness, addictions, and house fires. As of October 2018, donations received during the 2017 initiative have helped over 168+ individuals and families with personal hygiene, kitchen and bathroom supplies, items needed when a family or individual “start over.” Referrals for donated items come from an array of local prevention agencies, including the Northern Regional Center for Independent Living, Lewis County DSS, North County Prenatal/Perinatal Council, Lewis County Opportunities and school districts, to name a few. In 2018, donations also

benefitted two families that lost their homes due to fire as well as a family who lost the contents of their home due to a bad wind storm. The Youth Bureau also recognizes the importance of helping our Senior Citizens as well as babies; therefore, it is incorporating donations for two new projects in conjunction with the “Homeless Christmas Tree” Initiative: “Loved Twice” Baby Boxes: Donations of baby clothes (new or gently used) sizes newborn to 24 months to support the “Loved Twice” Baby Boy and Baby Girl boxes. Each box will contain enough clothing for babies first year. Donations for our Senior Citizens: Requesting donations of items such as gift cards (Kinney’s and Walmart), as well as other items as listed below. At the end of this initiative, all donations collected for our seniors will be given to Lewis County Office for the Aging to provide to their consumers at their discretion. Below is the list of items requested for the economically vulnerable; the “Loved Twice” Baby Boxes project and for our Senior Citizens: For our Homeless: Deodorant, Toilet Paper, Sheets (Twin and Full), Manual Can Openers, Pillows/Pillowcases, Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Toothpaste/Tooth Brushes, Bath Towels/Washcloths and Cleaning Supplies. Baby Items including: Baby Wipes, Shampoo/Powder, Clothes (newborn to 24 months), Diapers (all sizes) and blankets. For our Senior Citizens: Gift Cards, Adult Diapers, Denture brushes, adhesive cream and cleanser tablets. Monetary donations will also be accepted and will be utilized to replenish items we run out of throughout the year. Donated items can be dropped off at the Chamber of Commerce office from November 19th through December 21st, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or contact Penny (Demo) Moser at (315) 376-5411 to make other arrangements.

“Ensuring Independence by Transporting Neighbors”

Or you can visit www.VolunteerTransportationCenter.org

Free showing of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ set for December 11th On December 11th at 6:30 p.m., the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” is coming to the Town Hall Theater just in time for the holidays. This movie is open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Bring a friend, a grandchild or even your adult child. This movie is a classic, as it first was shown on the big screen in January 1947.

The black and white film tells the story of George Bailey, a man who gave up his dreams and is on the verge of bankruptcy contemplating ending his life… and then his guardian angel Clarence appears. Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be if he had never been born. Probably the most memorable line in the film is said by George’s daughter ZuZu, “every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” The movie is considered one of the most critically acclaimed films ever made. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.….hope to see many of you there.

We are able to show this movie at no cost due to the generous donation of the Gouverneur Savings and Loan. The bank is located in the same building as NY Connects and your local Office for the Aging. Admission is free, but we are asking attendees to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the Lowville Food Pantry’s Christmas Sharing project. We look forward to seeing you there.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER DRIVER The Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. is looking for volunteer drivers. If you are interested, please call:

• Jefferson County: (315) 788-0422 • Lewis County: (315) 376-3777 • St. Lawrence County: (315) 714-2034

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1% Milk

Offered Daily

Menu is Subject to Change Without

Notice

1 Beef on Noodles

Corn Diced Carrots

Whole Wheat Bread Pineapple

2 Pork w/ Pineapple

Sweet & Sour Sauce Wild Rice Asparagus

Whole Wheat Bread Peaches

5 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Boiled Potatoes Green Beans Rye Bread

Banana

6 Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

Corn Zucchini & Summer Squash

Whole Wheat Bread Apricots

7 Lemon Garlic Chicken

Sweet Potatoes Karen’s Three Bean Salad

Whole Wheat Bread Blueberry Crisp

8 Meatloaf w/Gravy Mashed Potatoes Brussels Sprouts

Whole Wheat Bread Mixed Berries w/Whip Topping

9 Mom’s Kielbasa

Casserole Spinach

Rye Bread Mandarin Oranges

12 Veterans’ Day Holiday

Observed Sites & Office Closed

13 Tuna Noodle Casserole

Mixed Vegetables Cook’s Choice Bread

Peach & Berry Crumble

14 Spaghetti w/Meatballs Italian Blend Veggies

Garden Salad Bread Stick

Pears

15 Thanksgiving Meal! Turkey w/Gravy

Stuffing Cranberry Sauce

Green Beans w/Red Peppers Apple Pie

16 Swiss Steak over Egg

Noodles Peas

Cauliflower Whole Wheat Bread

Pineapple 19

Chicken Alfredo over Pasta Broccoli & Cauliflower

Carrots Whole Wheat Bread

Birthday Cake!

20 Cook’s Specialty HDMs

Fred’s Day @ Sites *Osceola Site Closed

21 Roast Pork w/Peach Glaze

Sweet Potatoes Cauliflower

Whole Wheat Bread Fig Newtons

22 Happy Thanksgiving! Sites & Office Closed

23 Chicken Parmesan

Pasta w/Sauce Italian Blend Veggies Whole Wheat Bread

Apricots 26

Egg & Cheese Strata Spinach

Warm Pears Bran Muffin LS V8 Juice

27 Beef Stew

Peas Corn Muffin

Pineapple

28 Chicken & Biscuits

Brussels Sprouts Diced Beets

Peaches

29 Codfish Gravy

Mashed Potatoes Broccoli

Whole Wheat Bread Fresh Apple

30 Pork w/Dawn’s Raisin

Sauce Pureed Winter Squash

Mixed Vegetables Whole Wheat Bread Mandarin Oranges

LEWIS COUNTY SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM (376-5313) MENU IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE! The suggested donation is $3.50 Guest Fee – $8.35 The Nutrition Program accepts cash checks & Food Stamps

September 2018

LEWIS COUNTY SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM (376-5313) MENU IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE! The suggested donation is $3.50 Guest Meal - $8.35 The Nutrition Program accepts cash, checks & Food Stamps Copenhagen, Croghan, Harrisville, Lyons Falls, Osceola & Lowville October 2018

LEWIS COUNTY SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM (376-5313) MENU IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE! The suggested donation is $3.50 Guest Fee – $8.35 The Nutrition Program accepts cash, checks & Food Stamps

Copenhagen, Croghan, Harrisville, Lyons Falls, Osceola & Lowville

November 2018

2018 Senior Golf Tournament Results… On September 7th, 24 teams of golfers stepped out onto the Brantingham Golf Course in hopes of landing a 2018 Seniors Golf Title. The weather for the day was ideal, cooler temperatures and sun. This was a marked improvement over 2017’s weather. By day’s end, the team titles to be had were won, and everyone who participated enjoyed a great day of golf, an opportunity to enjoy good company and a good meal. Some even walked away with prizes.

The men’s A Flight competition proved exciting. The team of Roy Smith, Joe Marcewicz, Don Bach, and Larry Ulrich were deemed A Flight champions with a score of 61.

In the Men's B Flight, the first place team comprised of Bob Reese, Dave Sweeney, Gordon Dailey, and Joseph Combs finished with a score of 61.

The team of Ann McConnell, Pat Houck, Amy Kolenda, and Donna Rider were crowned as the Ladies’ A Flight champions with a score of 69.

Thank you goes out to all of the individuals that supported this year's tournament. A thank you is also extended to the Mike Bradish and the staff of Brantingham Golf Club who allow this tournament to be such a success each year. We appreciate your generosity. Thank you to Fred McManus for assisting with scoring again this year. We also convey special gratitude to the local businesses listed below for their door prize donations. The day would not be a success without the help of everyone involved. The following businesses donated door prizes: Brantingham Golf Club, Lowville Producers Dairy Cooperative, Farney’s Home and Building Center, Brantingham Inn/Motel, Allen’s Jewelry, Jreck’s Subs, Eddie’s Meat Market, Woodgate Pines Golf Club, Jeb’s Restaurant, Falls Pharmacy and Buckingham Hardware. Left to right: Ann McConnell, Pat Houck, Amy

Kolenda, and Donna Rider

Left to right: Joe Marcewicz, Roy Smith, Left to right: Bob Reese, Dave Sweeney, Larry Ulrich, and Don Bach Gordon Dailey, and Joseph Combs

Volunteers needed for Salvation Army bellringers

Lewis County service units for the Salvation Army are once again seeking volunteers to ring bells throughout the Thanksgiving/Christmas season for the annual Red Kettle Campaign. Money raised in the campaign is used to help Lewis County residents pay for emergency needs like food, clothing, heating fuel, most prescriptions, remedies for bed bugs and/or lice, rental assistance and hotel expense in case of fire, domestic abuse escape or short-term homelessness until agency intervention. Last year, the local effort raised nearly $12,000. In Lowville, bellringers will be set up at Tops Market starting November 13th and at Walmart starting November 22nd. The effort will conclude on Saturday, December 22nd, and there will be no ringers on Sundays or Mondays this year.

While ringers typically stand outside at Walmart, they are stationed inside the entrance lobby at Tops and a chair is available at that location. For those in the southern part of the county, ringers are also needed at Falls Pharmacy in Lyons Falls and Cliff’s Market in Port Leyden, starting November 15th. Two-hour shifts at all locations run from 9-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m., and there is an additional 5-7 p.m. shift at the two Lowville sites. Those who would like to volunteer at one of the Lowville locations may sign up at www.bit.ly/LowvilleRedKettles2018, while those in the Lyons Falls/Port Leyden area may sign up at the following webpage: www.bit.ly/ptleydenlyonsfallsredkettles. Anyone with questions may call 315-296-4670 and leave a message.

“Like” us on FaceBook!

We are now on FaceBook! Check us out and “Like” our page. You will find our up-to-date menus, upcoming events and senior forums.

Medicare Open Enrollment runs through December 7th Eating well and regular exercise are part of a healthy lifestyle, and so is making sure you have the right health care coverage. Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period is a good time to review your current coverage and decide if there may be a better fit based on changes to current plans, your budget or health needs. During Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs October 15th through December 7th, you can enroll in or make changes to your Medicare health or prescription drug plan for coverage to begin in January 2019. To make Medicare Open Enrollment part of your healthy lifestyle, follow five important steps: Review your current plan notice. Read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year, especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Look at your plan’s information to make sure your drugs are still covered and your doctors are still in network. Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year, and so can your health needs. Do you need a new primary care doctor? Does your network include the specialist you want for an upcoming surgery? Does your current plan cover your new medication? Does another plan offer the same coverage at a lower cost? Take stock of your health status and determine if you need to make a change. Find out if you qualify for help paying for Medicare. Learn about programs in Lewis County that will help with the costs of Medicare premiums, Medicare Parts A and B, and Medicare prescription drug coverage costs. Shop for plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. Starting in October, you can use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov/find-a-plan to see what plans are offered in your area. A new plan may cost less, cover your drugs and let you go to the providers you want like your doctor or pharmacy. Check your plan’s Star Rating before you enroll. The Medicare Plan Finder is up-to-date with the Star Ratings for Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Plans are given an overall quality rating on a 1 to 5 star scale, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. You can use Star Ratings to compare the quality of health and drug plans being offered. For further information on and assistance with Medicare Open Enrollment, please call the Lewis County Office for the Aging at 315-376-5313. A trained counselor is available to guide you. (Information obtained from the United State Department of Health & Human Services)

Cookbook Update !!! We have finished compiling the recipes and editing the cookbook.

We are in the ordering process and are hoping to have the cookbooks ready for purchase by the end of November.

Stay tuned!! More details will be available in the December newsletter and on our Facebook page.

Home Energy Assistance Program Reality will soon set in and colder days will be upon us. The lake effect snow and below-zero temperatures will rear their ugly heads shortly and bring with them increased fuel usage and costs. To help ease the burden of these increased costs, we encourage individuals to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The Program officially begins November 13, 2018.

Many of those reading this may have already received an application during the early outreach process (only for those who received a HEAP award last year). As a reminder to those older citizens who have received an application but are waiting to complete and return it – DO NOT WAIT! HEAP is most beneficial during the cold months and waiting to file an application means your benefit is held up also.

To be eligible for the program: a household of one is allowed a total monthly income of $2,391 a household of two is allowed a combined income of $3,127 a household of three is allowed an income of $3,863

Please contact the Office for the Aging at 315-376-5313, Extension 5, if your household meets these income guidelines and you are interested in further information about HEAP.

Remember, possible assistance to alleviate high heating costs is just a phone call away.

Lewis County Office for the Aging 2018 Calendar of Events

If you are interested in attending any of these events & would like more information, Please call our office at (315) 376-5313, option #5.

November 6th – Election Day……Don’t forget to vote! 8th – Thirsty Painters, Suite D; 10:00 a.m. 12th – Veteran’s Day observed (Office

Closed) 13th – Advisory Council Meeting, Croghan

meal site; 1:00 p.m. 15th – Caregiver Support Group; 10:00 a.m. 15th – Thanksgiving Meal; all dining sites

16th – Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease, Suite D; 3:00 p.m.

22nd – HAPPY THANKSGIVING (Office Closed)

23rd – Day after Thanksgiving (Office Closed)

December 7th – HIICAP Open Enrollment ends 8th – LGBT Family Holiday Event; Lewis

County Historical Society, 3:00 p.m. 11th – Free showing of “It’s a Wonderful

Life;” Town Hall Theater, 6:30 p.m., Sponsored by Gouverneur Savings and Loan

20th – Caregiver Support Group; 10:00 a.m. 20th – Holiday meal; all dining sites 25th – MERRY CHRISTMAS (Office

Closed)

Attention - Atención - 注意 – Aufmerksamkeit - Uwagi

Lewis County Office for the Aging offers interpretation services for more than 200 languages. To inquire about our agencies services for the aging at no cost to you, please call (315) 376-5313.

Oficina del Condado de Lewis para el envejecimiento ofrece servicios de interpretación para más de 200 idiomas preguntar acerca de nuestros servicios de agencias para el envejecimiento, sin costo para usted. Por favor llame al (315) 376-5313.

刘易斯县办公室为老化提供超过200种语言来查询有关我们机构服务的老化，无代价地你的口译服务。请致电 (315) 376-5313。

Lewis County Office für das Altern bietet Dolmetschdienste für mehr als 200 Sprachen über unsere Agenturen-Dienstleistungen für das Altern, ohne Kosten für Sie zu erkundigen. Bitte rufen Sie (315) 376-5313.

Lewis County urząd starzenie oferuje ustnych dla ponad 200 języków zapytać o nasze usługi agencji na starzenie, bez kosztów dla Ciebie. Proszę zadzwonić (315) 376-5313