Prime November 2011

your life...your timePrimenovember 2011 free

Prime people

CyClist shares journal of triP

from skaneateles to fenway Park.

...page 3

Prime events

oasis offers free ConCert in

Celebration of 10-year anniversary.

...page 16

3

First responder

Reflections on 40 years with

Rural/Metro

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A monthly publication devoted to Central New Yorker’s in the “Prime” of their lives.

Prime is published monthly by Community Media Group LLC, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.

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Plant now for spring beautyAdd bulbs this fall for a colorful spring display

by melinda myersDon’t miss a chance to color up

your spring landscape. Get busy now planting spring flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths.

Look for creative ways to use bulbs in your landscape. Plant a massive ribbon of blue squills or grape hyacinths to cre-ate the illusion of a river in your spring landscape. Or fill the front lawn with shorter bulbs for added color. Just wait until they are done blooming to mow the grass at its highest possible setting.

Mix bulbs to double the bloom pow-er or extend their flowering beauty. I like to mix the equally assertive daf-fodils and squills for a double layer of color. Try combining early blooming crocus with mid spring daffodils, late spring tulips, and even later blooming allium for months of enjoyment.

And force a few to enjoy indoors or outdoors in areas where you can’t plant bulbs in the ground. Give these bulbs 15 weeks of temperatures between 35 and 45 degrees to initiate bloom. Forc-ing bulbs video

Plant spring flowering bulbs out-doors in fall, so winter’s chill can set the flower buds for the beautiful spring flowers. Those gardening in the south need to look for bulbs that require minimal chilling or are pre-cooled for winter planting. Northern gardeners have until the ground freezes to get their bulbs in the ground.

Plant bulbs 2 to 3 times their vertical height deep in properly prepared soil. Add a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer like Milorganite to the soil at planting. Water thor-oughly as the bulbs are putting down roots before the ground freezes.

Those tired of battling the animals may want to plant resistant bulbs such as daf-fodils, hyacinths, Fritillaria, alliums, Camassia, glory-of-the snow, snow drops squills, and grape hyacinths.

Or protect animal favorites like tulips, lilies, and crocus with a bulb dip of Bobbex. Start with a pair of waterproof gloves for this task. Bobbex is safe and natural, but not a fragrance you want to wear all day long. Carefully remove the papery cover and soak the bulbs for 3 to 5 minutes in Bobbex. You will have the best results using the concen-trated formula of Bobbex-R Animal repellent. Allow the bulbs to dry before planting. The scent of Bobbex masks the smell of the bulbs protecting them from hungry critters throughout the winter.

Then next spring apply Bobbex to your bulbs and other landscape plants as soon as they emerge and leaf out, protecting them from hungry rabbits, deer, and other animals.

So get a jump on the spring season with a bit of fall landscape care.

Nationally known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening. She hosts the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments which air on over 89 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and writes the twice monthly “Gardeners’ Questions” newspaper column. Melinda hosted “The Plant Doctor” radio program for over 20 years as well as Great Lakes Gardener on PBS. She has written articles for Better Homes and Gardens and Fine Gardening. Melinda has a master’s degree in horticulture, is a certified arborist and was a horticulture instructor with tenure. Her web site is melindamyers.com.

CorrectionIn the October issue of Prime the Cicero Senior Center’s hours of operation,

which are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday were incorrectly reported. We apologize for the error.

Plant spring flowering bulbs outdoors in fall, so winter’s chill can set the flower buds for the beautiful spring flowers.

Jennifer

WingMomsense

Here we go again…Yep, it’s that time of year yet again – the start to the

holiday season, when trick-or-treating turns to turkey with all the trimmings followed by a tree full of tinsel or a twinkling menorah.

Many across Central New York will now turn an eye to the extensive preparation that goes into planning those few days where it all comes together – the décor, the food, the gifts and, of course, friends and family that go along with the celebration of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah.

And, yet again, I will prepare for my seasonal tradition…Black Friday. Through the years my preparation has evolved from merely glancing through the advertisements in the Thanksgiving paper to a strategic plan of where to go for what item and when. Visiting internet sites, comparing prices and figuring out what store opens first are all part of this master plan.

As my strategy firms up, so too has it changed its focus. When my children were younger, my list consisted of toys, toys and more toys, with the necessary socks and clothes thrown in for good measure. Without giving too much away in case my chil-dren should happen to read this, my list of places to visit on Black Friday does not even include Toys R Us this year – a first.

Sure, there are items that will be on my list that can be found at that store with a giraffe for a spokesperson, but those items can be found at stores that have the other, “non-toy” gifts as well. I think it is safe to say that Fisher Price and Playskool will not be brands found under the tree. Instead there may be some Nike, Nintendo and Justice (a brand known by any parent of a “tween” girl.)

This year I also hope my children will appreciate even more the less commercial aspects of the season – the story of the first Christmas and what it means to us as well as what I think are the best moments of the season – conversation with loved ones around the Thanksgiving table, the baking of cookies to share with friends and family and the beauty of a chorus of voices raised in song on Christmas Eve. I do believe that as they grow older they will learn that these are the true gifts of Christmas, not the shiny, berib-boned boxes to be found under the tree.

Readers: Submissions wantedSend your photos, events, letters and announcements

to: [email protected] or Prime, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206

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Cover story

From Skaneateles to Fenway Park by bicycle

by jack haggerty Day 1

As I pulled out of our driveway in Skaneateles it was just light enough to safely ride my bike. I had been planning this trip to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, for a few months and it was now time to start my adventure.

The skies were threatening mois-ture but the general forecast did not look too foreboding. My Route, which I had laid out using the De-lorme New York and Massachusetts Atlas and Gazetteers, was not set in concrete. My goal had been to take a fairly direct route, miss most of the heavy traffic and not overdo it with major hills. I was marginally successful. My wife Karen was to rendezvous with me in Boston at some time yet to be determined to take in a Red Sox game.

As I passed through Marcellus the rain began to fall and on came the foul weather gear. I would take Howlett Hill Road to Onondaga, then through the Valley and intercept Rock Cut Road to Route 5. Anything to avoid the brutal hills of Route 20.

The morning started out well but I was a bit chilled as I stopped at the Hamlet Diner in Chittenango for a hot cup of coffee. The rain was on and off but my feet would remain wet for the day. It was great to be on the road again and thus far my entanglements with vehicular traffic had been minimal.

My bike, a Trek 2100 road bike which I had treated myself to after retiring three years ago, was far superior to my trusty vintage 35-year-old Peugeot PX10 but not really suited for cross-country travel. The narrow tires and the inability to fasten the panniers (saddlebags) low enough over the rear wheels because of the graphite frame made this bike top heavy and more difficult to handle.

Route 5 was a good road to make time on and the shoulders, where bike riders spend most of their time on heavily trafficked roads, were not bad. After waiting out a thunderstorm for about 20 minutes under the overhang of a closed restaurant east of Vernon, I detoured south around Utica and made it to a beautiful park in downtown Clinton for lunch. My wet running shoes and socks came off as I sat in the now emerging sunshine warming myself and eating the sandwich my Karen had packed.

It felt good to rest but I had many miles to go. Through Washington Mills and on to Frankfort I met my first challenging hills. I do not like hills! The drudgery of hill climbing is somewhat placated by the exhilaration of the rapid descent on the other side, but there is nothing like a nice level stretch of smooth pavement.

After I flew down the hill west of Frankfort I made the first of many Route changes and picked up Route 5 South instead of Route 5,

which looked to be a nice flat road and would eventually lead me back to Route 5 and perhaps be a bit shorter.

As I descended off the 1,200-foot plateau west of Fort Plain, I realized it may have been a better choice to follow Route 5 along the Mohawk River. It had been by far my toughest climb so far and had taxed my strength and endurance. The elevation change of about 900 feet gave me an inspiring view of the Mohawk River Valley to the north and higher hills to the south surrounded by pristine farm country. I guess it was worth the pain.

After a hot turkey sandwich at a diner in Fort Plain I continued on to Canajoharie to rejoin Route 5 and find a place for a nap. I had included a one man tent, sleeping pad and fleece in my 30 pounds of traveling gear, but tonight I would treat myself to a room in the local Rodeway Inn. I had cycled 111 miles (12.4 mph average) and was simply too tired to set up the tent.Day 2

On the road at 6:20 a.m. and well rested, I pedaled eastward toward the foreboding Massachusetts’ mountains. Fog was rolling off the Mohawk River a few feet to my right, the sound of New York State Thruway traffic just beyond.

Route 5 was an acceptable road but from time to time the shoulders would deteriorate and make it more difficult to deal with the deter-mined morning commuter traffic. I was sailing along quite well however, on the level smooth road and made it to Steward’s in Amsterdam in good time for my breakfast of homemade granola and milk.

I was making such good time that I missed my turnoff to the north of Schenectady which I hoped would keep me from major confron-tations with the Albany traffic. It was reroute time as I stopped to ask folks a couple of times

40 years, and countingMinoa man reflects on career at Rural/Metro

by ned CampbellFriday, Oct. 7, marked 40 years of dedication

to Rural/Metro Ambulance for Ed Moser, who has lived in Minoa with his wife, Kathleen, for two decades. Moser is the proud father of Nathan, 34, and Kelly, 36, and a grandfather to Kelly’s two sons.

Moser has cared for thousands of patients, taught CPR to thousands of residents and trained hundreds of people to become Emergency Medical Technicians. He is current-ly supervisor of public education for Rural/Metro. We spoke with him Wednesday, Oct. 5, about how he got started at Rural/Metro Ambulance, now located at 488 W. Onondaga St., Syracuse, and what’s kept him going. how did you get started with rural/metro?

The way I started working here is I became an EMT … through the Nedrow Fire Depart-ment. I was a volunteer fireman, and they needed day people that were EMTs. And I kind of fit the mold because I was going to school at OCC . After about a little over a year, Eastern Ambulance at the time, which is now Rural/Metro, started what they call a south station, and we worked like a volunteer type thing, but when we went on a call we were paid per hour, and we got some standby time as well. So what happened is the person who was in charge of the south crew was also the fire chief [Eric Salisbury], and he suggested to me that I work part-time and run ambulance calls. And I’ve really been doing it ever since. After one year of school I said, you know, this is what I want to do.what were you going to school for?

I was going to to be a history teacher. Some-how along the way I got sidetracked into the ambulance work.Can you believe it’s been 40 years?

It’s hard to believe. It’s gone by so fast. I did 18 years on the road, I did 12 years in dispatch, and 10 years has been in public education.how does it feel to hit 40 years?

It’s gratifying in a lot of ways. Because when I first started working in the business, no one got over 15 years because it was tough on your body … and now that they’ve invented the different stretchers where you don’t have to lift as much, it’s gotten easier to go the distance. Forty years is just, I look back and I’m in amazement to it. Can you describe the public education aspect? what is a typical day for you?

My main job here at Rural/Metro is to teach the EMT classes. Right now I’m teaching one at the equal opportunity center, which I just came back from, through SUNY, and at night I teach our night classes here. And that’s my main job. And then I fill in with CPR, first-aid, I do all the public speaking, I go into schools, I do the job fairs, and then I work with the press.what has been most rewarding on the job?

Working with the people. Each phase I’ve done has been rewarding in its own sense.

When I first started working on the ambulance — everyone always asks, “How many people have you saved?” I don’t remember, but I can

tell you the first one I defibrillated … and brought back. I can remem-ber that like it was yesterday. I can remember my first maternity call like it was yesterday … Then I went into dispatch and I started doing pre-arrival instructions and telling people what to do until the ambulance got there. I loved doing that, but then I lost my hearing, [so I was moved to] public education. Now what it

is very rewarding is I’ve had some people now who have gone through my class over the last 10 years, they started out with me knowing nothing about ambulance work, I got them their basic EMT [training], and now some of them have progressed into being paramedics and field training officers. To be able to take someone who walking in here [like] a deer looking in the headlights, and now have them as a major part of the EMS system, that’s very rewarding for me.what has been the biggest challenge?

Well when you first start working, the biggest challenge was trying to make enough money to survive, and we did a lot of overtime ... And being away from the family. You have to work nights, weekends, holidays. You don’t say, “Well we’re gonna shut down today because it’s Christmas.” So being away from the family has probably been the biggest challenge.how many years have you been married to kathleen?

38 years.she’s been with you for most of this time?

Most of the time, yes [laughs]. As I tell my EMT classes, she probably will be Saint Kath-leen for putting up with me for 38 years doing this business … She knew what I did when she married me, and I’ve been doing it ever since.how have you seen rural/metro change?

It has changed dramatically. We’ve been in three different locations. Our first building was a small building over at 411 North State Street. You could put five ambulances comfortable in it. And we had a bunk room, we worked 24 [hours] on, 24 [hours] off. Every other weekend was a long weekend, so you basically lived for your long weekend … That was a very small company run by the Barnes family. Then Mr. Barnes died and the company expanded, and we went to Eastern Paramedics and moved from 411 N. State St. to West Onondaga Street, which is the building up in front of us … As we outgrew that and we got bigger, and the city got bigger, and we started putting more vehicles on, we moved over into this building. And then we were taken over by Rural/Metro and now it’s nothing like it was in the old days. It’s not run by a family; it’s run by a major corporation. how has that affected the service you provide?

You know, it really hasn’t affected the service we provide. It’s always been the same. When

See Moser on page 5 See Fenway Park on page 4

Moser

Karen Haggerty

After a four-day bicycle ride from Skaneateles to Boston, Jack Haggerty stands with his Trek 2100 road bike at the Gate B entrance to Fenway Park, in front of the Teammates statue of baseball greats Ted Williams, Johnny Pesky, Bobby Doerr and Dom DiMaggio.

Prime people


for ideas on directions. I ended up on Route 7 toward Troy even after reading a sign that implied I was not welcome on this major highway.

The reason for the bicycles prohibited sign became apparent as the 70-mph heavy traffic with merging lanes kept me on my toes for about 10 miles. Climbing the steep hill out of Troy I took a lunch break for my body and nerves at a local diner. Not too smart Jack!

I would soon be on Route 2 climbing into the hills of the Taconic Range and crossing the fearsome Petersburg Pass that I had been forewarned of. Several people had asked me why I wanted to take that route so I assumed it must be quite chal-lenging.

By this point I was committed without making a major detour so on I proceeded. Route 2 is a bad road. The surface is very rough and the shoulders mostly nonexistent. The traffic was not heavy but steady with many construction vehicles. The elevation at the base of the hills is about 550 feet with Petersburg Pass itself at 2,067 feet. There are lots of ups and downs and it somewhat levels out around Grafton (1,650 feet), where I had a milkshake in one of the few restaurants in these parts.

I was planning on camping out somewhere because I had no idea where I would be and how difficult the pass climb might be. As I descended the steep hill into the small village of Petersburg (554 feet) I looked forward to a stop at Papa’s Pizza which I knew was the only food in town. With two slices of great cheese pizza and some water for fuel I checked in at home on the cell phone, amazed that it worked in this steep valley community.

The afternoon sun was waning as I started the 1,500-foot ascent to the summit. It was grueling but after a few short stops on the steady climb upward I crested the pass, parked the bike and took a short hike around to enjoy the spectacular view of the soon to be setting sun to the west and the Berkshires to the east.

The four-mile descent into Massachusetts was absolutely thrilling and effortless at 30 to 35 mph. At the bottom of the mountain I rested, contemplating my next move.

It was getting late as I rolled into beautiful Williamstown, home of the prestigious and I am told quite pricey William’s Col-lege. What a neat place and such a contrast to the rural areas I had recently passed through. This was to be a sleep outside night and it was getting late, but I could not resist stopping at a welcoming semi-outside drinking establishment called The Purple Pub for a cold beer before settling in somewhere for the night.

Soon after I sat down an older couple sat down at the table next to me. We had a very nice conversation and before long they invited me to stay the night at their condo in town. Ned is a retired investment banker from New Jersey and an active bike rider who happens to have friends who summer in Skaneateles. He and his wife, Jill, were extremely gracious hosts and I did not mind leaving the tent bagged up for the night. It had been an 87-mile day averaging 12 mph and I was tired once again.

Day 3After a great breakfast with my host family I hit the road soon

after 8 a.m. I was prepared for a fairly easy day to my next des-tination of Amherst, where I was going to spend the night with a friend’s daughter, Anne, who lives in the area. Ned had left me with the impression that this was about a 60-mile ride so that’s what I was prepared for. Personally, I believe that most physical challenges are about 90 percent mental. Today the mental part was not in my favor, as before the day was done I would travel 87 miles which I was not prepared for.

My hosts had also suggested taking the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail south out of Adams toward Pittsfield. This would take me a few miles out of the way but avoided some bothersome hills. The trail was awesome! Smooth with fantastic scenery of lakes and hills for about 11 miles which also kept me out of harm’s way on the highway. The trail end dropped me off just north of Route 9 which I would take all the way to Boston.

Route 9 is a moderately hilly road most of the way across the state and although it has some cycling friendly stretches I would say overall it was not a safe road. Far too much traffic and marginal shoulders but it was a somewhat direct road to my ultimate destination.

Making contact with any type of powered vehicle is a cyclist’s worse nightmare. I was decked out in a lime green traffic vest, flashing lights fore and aft and a 16-by-24 inch American flag on a four-foot fiberglass pole flying proudly behind me. This I thought might alert the texters, cell phone users and other similarly dis-tracted drivers from threatening my continued existence on this planet. Another item of incalculable worth is a good rear view mirror. Remember, you are the fly, not the fly swatter.

I wanted to be in Amherst long before actually arriving. It was one of those days where I did not feel like I was making good time although by day’s end I had averaged 11.4 mph. Detouring north of Northampton I took a shortcut back to the meandering Route 9 and discovered another bike trail.

The Norwottuck Bike Trail ran all the way to Amherst, about seven miles and kept me off the now very busy Route 9. The trail was in need of repair and quite bumpy, especially felt with my narrow tires carrying 100 pounds of air pressure. My lunch had been a mixed rice salad at a crowded deli and later a moose tracts ice cream cone to power me through the afternoon.

As I descended upon Amherst on this hot and humid day however, I had an intense craving for a cold beer in an outside setting. At an establishment appropriately named Spokes, I enjoyed a cold brew before calling Anne for finite directions to her home.

After reaching Anne’s place a few miles away and thankfully along my route, I cleaned up and took my hostess out to a great hole in the wall Mexican place called Bueno Y Sano (Good and Healthy). It was both!

Back at the house I watched the first inning or two of the Sox game but advised Anne that I really needed to be on the road

no later than 6:30 a.m. and was soon resting my tired body in preparation for what I hoped would be the last day of my trip.

Day 4Up before 6 a.m. and anxious to hit the road I had some of my

granola and one of Anne’s delicious waffles and orange juice with an apple to go. It was going to be a challenge to make Fenway by the close of the day. My original plans would take me off Route 9 and bring me to Boston via Route 117 to avoid traffic. After discussing this with a few folks along the way I abandoned that idea and went for broke on Route 9. This way I at least knew my enemy.

Leaving Amherst I was faced with overcast skies, threaten-ing rain and occasional gusty winds in my face, accompanied by the ever-present rolling hills and traffic. A few hours out in the town of Ware, I asked two different folks just how far it was to Fenway Park. One said 50 miles and the other said 90 miles. It’s amazing how different perceptions of distance people have. Most think only in how long it takes to drive and have no idea whatsoever of the mileage. Massachusetts, at least on Route 9, is totally bereft of mileage signs so you are totally on your own in this department.

Making fairly good time but dealing with more and more traffic as Boston closed in, I approached Worchester where I somehow got lost. Thinking I had sailed through this heavily congested metropolis, I noticed the lack of Route 9 signs and discovered the reason. I had veered off course and had to reroute back through the heavy traffic to get the sun at my back at the proper latitude.

Traffic now became intense and I was very alert to the chal-lenge ahead. About two o’clock I finally took shelter at a Quiznos near Southbourough for lunch as a thunderstorm caught up with my torrid pace eastward.

When the heavy rain stopped after about 20 minutes, I started out only to make it about 100 feet before another downpour forced me into a nearby Starbucks where I decided one of those big chocolate chip cookies might do me some good. A lady customer asked her Smart Phone how far Fenway was and it told her 24 miles, which turned out to be correct. The Starbucks folks were nice enough to fill my water bottle and I was once again on my way.

With feet wet again from the now puddled road, I pushed into the worsening traffic. It was hot and humid and Route 9 had become a major thoroughfare with many off and on ramps complicating my progress. As I raced toward Fenway Park through Framingham and into Boston I had become somewhat aggressive with the vehicles but still kept the fly / fly swatter rule in proper perspective. Actually, as I got to within about five miles of my final resting place the road was easier on me and I began to relax. Soon I was on Brookline Avenue which would take me all the way to the ballpark.

Could this four-day adventure be coming to an end? I had mixed emotions. It had been an awesome trip and I had pushed myself physically right up to the end. Admittedly, however, I was ready for a rest and had accomplished what I had set out to do and most importantly had not been hurt doing it.

There it was, my beloved Fenway Park: at 99 years-old the oldest major league base stadium currently in use, and home of the Boston Red Sox. Today’s tally had been 78 miles averaging 11.5 mph for a total journey of 353 miles.

It was 4:20 p.m. Thursday as I sat down outside at The Cask’n Flagon Pub bordering Fenway and ordered a beer. With the threatening skies ever present this day, I sat there alone waiting for Karen to join me for dinner after her drive from home.

We saw the Red Sox lose to Oakland the next night from our seats atop the Green Monster, but that didn’t matter. It was a beautiful night at the ballpark and all was good with life.

Thank you Lord for watching over me.

Jack Haggerty has lived in Skaneateles with his wife Karen for the past 26 years where they raised their two children, Seamus and Breanna. He retired three years ago as a pilot for the Flying Tiger Line and Federal Express after 30 years and enjoys an occasional adventure.

Fenway Park from page 3

East Syracuse woman named ‘Aide of the Year’Margaret Lynn Sza-

bo of East Syracuse was recognized as the “2011 Aide of the Year” at Home Aides of Central New York’s Annual Aide Recognition Dinner. The event celebrated the hard work and dedica-tion of the agency’s 175 home health aides, who provide vital in-home services to our com-munity’s aging, ill and frail individuals, giving them the caring support they need to live at home with dignity and independence.

“Lynn is highly motivated, and strives to provide the high-

est level of care to each of her clients,” said Sandra Martin, president of Home Aides of Central New York. “She is an exceptionally compassionate and hardworking individual, and her devotion and expertise are assets to both her clients and the agency. We are proud to have Lynn on our team, and we commend her for her accomplishments.”

Szabo has received specialty training for hospice, mental health and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She has been an integral part of Home Aides of Central New York for 25 years, and has devoted almost 50,000 hours to caring for her clients.

Home Aides of Central New York Inc. is a not-for-profit agency and local leader in eldercare services since 1966. Li-censed by the New York State Department of Health and ac-credited by the Joint Commission, the agency provides critical eldercare services, including home health aide, personal care and companionship services; Lifeline Personal Emergency Response System; and respite care.

Szabo


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You and your spouse can be the deci-sion-makers on what type, style, size, and color of granite you prefer. Lower cost today as compared with future prices; select what you are financially comfortable with, rather than financially burdening your family after you are gone. Protects your family from high-pressure sales tactics that can occur at a time when they are under emo-tional stress, and relieves their emotional burden.Peace of mind.

In addition to personal memorials, the companies design many civic and com-munity projects. Some of the more notable features are: Fowler High School’s memo-rial homage to the Columbia Space Shuttle;

the statue of St. Joseph located at St. Joseph’s hospital entrance; the Korea-Vietnam me-morial in downtown Syracuse; the Onondaga County Sheriff and Fire Department memo-rial at the Public Safety building in downtown Syracuse; the Taras H. Shevchenko memorial on Tipperary Hill; and the Kenneth Brand memorial at Moyers Corners Fire Station 1.

Most of the carving on monuments is done in their shop, where you will find state-of-the-art equipment for design and sandblasting. Their professional staff provides the installa-tion. Each of these employees has been with the company in excess of 25 years.

The sales staff at each location has had several years in the monument industry. Their gentle guidance and recommendations assist families when planning for a memorial at time of need.

As a testimonial to their commitment of providing quality in memorialization, you will find their memorials in just about ev-ery cemetery in Syracuse and surrounding counties.

Glenn and Jeanne Candee invite you to stop in at one of their three locations. The locations are open Monday through Satur-days, and home appointments and after-hour appointments are welcome. Call 695-3376, 468-0616 or 676-2333.

I was on Eastern Ambulance, one thing we always prided ourselves on was we were on the cutting edge of EMS, and they were one of the first private ambulance companies in the area or in the state, maybe even in the country, who provided coronary care work; we were the first to go to paramedic service. We’ve always been the first to do things so not much has changed along that line. You would think that with a big corporation that it would be different, but we’ve always tried to be on the cutting edge of EMS

in Syracuse.so what’s next?

Wow. Retirement [laughs]. It’s not going to be in the near future, but eventually I want to look towards retirement and be able to sit back and enjoy life with my wife.i can imagine that will be a long time coming.

I don’t know. I’m 60 years old now, and as I jokingly say, 62. But we’ll see. It’s going to depend on a lot of things. I guess the big-gest thing is, as long as I enjoy my work, I’ll keep doing it.

Volunteer from page 8


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medicaid and the state gone wildOn April 1 the New York State Legisla-

ture together with Governor Cuomo passed his 2011/2012 budget. Unbeknownst to many, the budget contained a provision to change the rights the state has, specifically the department of Social Services, who administers Medicaid in New York. The budget bill provides the Med-icaid Department may now pursue recovery of all monies paid on behalf of individuals for their cost of care during their lifetime. No one would object to such a recovery except, on Sept. 13, the regulations were released to identify exactly what Medicaid will pursue.

Under the new regulations, the government will be able to pursue assets that are not owned by the Medicaid beneficiary or their Estate. This includes a joint account held with someone else, a beneficiary designated account like an annuity, life insurance policy, and even IRAs. Perhaps the most egregious reach by New York State is they are even going to pursue reimbursement from homes that were transferred to children with a life use retained. Essentially this means that if you conveyed your home to someone and reserved a life estate, after you die, Medicaid will go after your children or whomever you transferred it to and force them to sell it to be reimbursed for any payment Medicaid made on your behalf.

This should sound extreme to most readers. But as an attorney, it’s even more concern-ing. For hundreds of years our country has been founded on a principal of common law and contract law. Common law and contract law provide when an individual enters a contract, the terms of the contract are enforceable. A life insurance policy identifies the beneficiary when you pass. That happens by contract law. This new law permits the state to undo the hundreds of years of contract law that has been in place and take the life insurance away from your ben-eficiary. Further, if you retained a life estate in your home, under the common law, your inter-est in that home after your death is zero. The new regulations, however, treat your ownership as the value at the moment prior to your death, even though you’ve died. The new law permits the state to sue the children or the individuals who own the home, to be reimbursed based on a value that does not even legally exist.

We all must acknowledge that the government has a financial crisis and is struggling with its need to pay all the benefits it offers its citizens. Medicaid is just one of those benefits. But I find it troubling that once someone qualifies for that benefit under the government’s own rules that later, the government can come back and change hundreds of years of precedents to be reimbursed for something they say you have qualified for. If you have not been in to see an estate planning attorney recently we encourage you to come and get a review to determine how these new regulations impact you specifically. We also encourage you to contact your state senators and assemblypersons to share with them your displeasure in this rogue new law and accompanying regulations. Medicaid has gone wild. Who is protecting you?

about David j. Zumpano, CPa/esq.

A Central New York native, he started the Law Offices of David J. Zumpano, remain-ing “of counsel” to his former firm, now known as the Estate Planning Law Center, David J. Zumpano CPA, Esq. Estate Planning Law Center offices are located in Syracuse, New Hartford and Miami, Fla. Contact Mary Brewer at 446-3850 to register for a free educational estate planning workshop or schedule a complimentary consultation. Visit eplawcenter.com.

Stay Independentby kelly Quinn

Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Franciscan CompaniesIt’s easy to become overwhelmed when trying to find a reliable contractor, ar-

range for financial services or obtain legal advice. Who do you trust? Who will give you sound advice? Who will perform the service for a reasonable fee? That’s where Franciscan Companies steps in.

Franciscan Companies, an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, launched Embracing Age in September. The membership service creates a comprehensive network of professionals who senior citizens know they can rely on. It builds on Franciscan’s nearly 30 year tradition of ensuring that people receive the care they need for improved health, comfort and quality of life.

“Embracing Age eliminates the stress associated with not knowing where to turn for services, assistance, companionship and guidance,” said Susan Clancy-Magley, executive director of Franciscan Companies.

“It’s an exciting new opportunity to assist seniors to be able to live in their homes and live independently,” Mary Downey Gualtieri, M.S. of Jamesville, said. Gualtieri is an Embracing Age Eldercare Specialist, who works one-on-one with members. She provides person-centered plans designed to meet the unique needs of each member. Acting as the members’ personal assistant, Gualtieri coordinates services including medication management, home health care, snow removal, Lifeline Medical Alert system, pet care and a snowbird car courier.

Seniors no longer need to agonize over who to hire or who to trust. Embracing Age has done all the leg work. The company screens local professionals to make sure they are trustworthy, reliable and fair. The Eldercare Specialist handles all communication with the service provider and holds their work to high standards. Members have the confidence in knowing there is a strong organization like Franciscan Companies looking out for them and helping solve their problems.

“What happens is that a lot of seniors don’t reach out until there is a crisis,” Gualt-ieri said. “Embracing Age is a proactive program. People can become members when they are active and healthy. The services will evolve with them over time, providing the support they need as they age. For now, they may need a snow plow service but in the future they may need added supports such as a home health aide or respira-tory care.”

“At Embracing Age, we feel it is a privilege to serve our members in their homes. By providing a continuum of customized services, members can live life to the fullest right where they want to – at home,” Clancy-Magley said.

Information on Embracing Age is available at 1 (855) MY-HELP-2 or Embrac-ingAge.org.

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destinations


One out of three people over the age of 65 falls each year. Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert automatically calls for help when a loved one falls.

40% of people in nursing homes are there because of medication errors. Philips Medication Dispenser organizes and delivers the correct medications at the correct times.

For nearly 30 years, we’ve been helping seniors live at home safer and longer.

Protect the ones you love.

Franciscan LifelineCall 315.492.8175

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682

Why volunteer?by brenda hunt

Spectrum Retirement CommunitiesBecause it is good for you! Enhance your com-

munity while enjoying rewarding benefits....While making a difference in someone else’s

life you can be enhancing your own. While you may want to make a difference in someone else’s life, the benefits to you are monumental. The benefits of volunteering are also enormous to your family and the community in which you volunteer.

The right volunteer job match can help you find new friends, build your confidence, improve your mental & physical health, learn new skills, and even have some FUN. You as a volunteer will get a lot out of the experience. Good Volunteering is rewarding for everyone involved. make new friends

One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to com-mit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to a community. It also exposes you to people with common interests while doing fun and fulfilling activities. It is a way to engage and be a part of your community. It is a way to plug yourself in again and get charged up.

Another important benefit of volunteering and making new friends is reducing the risk of depression. A key risk for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular

contact with others and help you develop a strong support system, which can protect you against stress and depression. improve your Confidence

Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence. You are doing well for oth-ers, which provide a sense of accomplishment. The better you feel about yourself the more likely you are to have a positive view about your life. You also may learn and do things that you might not normally get a chance to do. This is a real confidence booster. improve your health

Volunteering can offer you tangible physical and mental health benefits. It is a known fact that volunteering makes you feel good. It is good for your health at any age, but especially for older adults.

A 10-year study of the physical, health and social activities of 2,700 men in Tecumseh, Mich., found that those who did regular volunteer work had death rates two and a half times lower than those who did not. A study at the Cornell Uni-versity documented a similar trend in women- those who volunteer are 16 percent less likely to experience a major illness during the course of their lifetime than those who do not.

Could this be because you are connecting with other people on a positive social level? Re-search has shown that if you have a strong social

See Volunteer on page 9


Offering a full line of the most technically advanced hearing aids to fit individual needs, and all include our Complete Hearing Health Care.

Repair service available for all major brands of hearing aids.

Providing diagnostic evaluations for hearing and balance disorders, including OAE’s, ABR’s, & ENG’s. (From infants on up.)

Approved provider for most major insurance companies, including The Empire Plan.

Helping people hear better for over 35 years

Jane Waligora, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

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Visit us @ www.jwaligora-audiology.com

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Every hearing aid receives: 3 yr warranty

3 yrs of batteries 3 yrs of service

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WE’VE GOT CLASS

Great Northern Mall (near SEARS) 622-3926www.pianoandorgancenter.com 1-800-326-5068

Ask for Bob Carbone

keyboard included

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Begin a new hobby with Quick Start.

PIANO ORGAN KEYBOARDA revolutionary adult music method that’s fun and easy.8 week classes -

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Keepsake Village is licensed by the State of New York • www.thehearth.net

Providing 24 hourcompassionate and digni�ed Alzheimer’sand dementia care in a speci�cally designed residential setting.

(866) 629-5330

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support system you will tend to have overall better health than those that spend their time alone.

Studies have also shown that volunteering can strengthen the immune system and allevi-ate pain. There is scientific evidence behind humanitarianism such as: Individuals over 65 who volunteer are significantly less likely to die within the next 8 years than those who do not volunteer.

There is a phenomenon called “helpers/volunteering high” which produces euphoric feelings similar to the “endorphin high” that follows a good workout. Helper’s high can last for weeks and often returns when the memories of volunteering are recalled.

learn new skills and havefun Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore

your interests or find a new passion. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and inter-esting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine. Volunteering can also provide you with renewed creativity, motiva-tion, and vision that can carry over into your personal life.

Volunteering is not just something that you do for others that are less fortunate; it is an ex-change of services. You may be in need of help at some point in your life, so you may be the recipient of another volunteer in the future. That is the exchange.

Fill your bank for future withdrawals.

Volunteer from page 8




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“Camillus Ridge Terrace...A Lifestyle of Wellness

A Tradition of Excellence”

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Camillus Ridge Terrace2453 West Genesee Turnpike (Rte. 5)

Camillus, NY 13031Phone: (315) 672-3790

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315-254-2178ParkroseSeniorLiving.com7251 Janus Park DriveLiverpool, NY 13088

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Piano and Organ Center has ‘You Can Play’ program

In the business of music making and well-ness, we excel. If you enjoy doodling, singing in the shower or at church, humming or beating to the music, this senior-oriented music course is for you. Thousands have graduated from our program and have gone on to the joy of making music. You deserve to try the “You Can Play” program for yourself.

Call the Piano and Organ Center for details on a free trial, even if you can’t play a note. We wish we had a dollar for everyone who told us

they have a tin ear, were all thumbs, didn’t have time, enough money, etc. The truth is, no one has ever told us they don’t like music, just that they thought it was too hard for them, but everyone can play music and sound good.

Our students learn a new song every week with other beginners just like them. It’s a great way to meet new friends. They enjoy free concerts and workshops and receive a discount on their music purchases.

Call 622-3926 and give it a try. Let the teachers walk you through the program. Be the conductor of your own virtual orchestra. You will thank yourself!

CareConnect bridges gap between caregiver, residentIt is often frightening for someone who

suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, when others don’t under-

stand them. Not only is it important to have caregivers who sympathize, but who are also trained to provide the highest quality of care

and concern. This is something that Hearth Management, Inc., who offer senior living, as-sisted living and memory care services, stresses at their communities located at the Hearth at Greenpoint and Keepsake Village on Old Liverpool Road in Liverpool.

“Care Connect” is a training program which combines classes and situational learn-ing. Janet Haynes, director of clinical services at Hearth Management, was an integral part in bringing the program to life in 2005.

“Our main goal is to learn about our residents and their specific needs,” Haynes explained. “Care Connect takes it back to the basics of the disease - what is Alzheimer’s and dementia, and how it affects everyday life in areas such as safety, dining, nutrition, nursing and family dynamics.

“We also have the added benefit of sensory training, where we would simulate arthritis or the loss of hearing and sight with our employ-ees, in what we call a dementia virtual tour.”

Haynes said the program concentrates on educating employees and on problem solving, working as a team and treating each resident individually.

“There are common signs of disease - like short-term memory loss - but there are many ways to react to a situation due to long-term memory loss,” Haynes said.

Care Connect is designed to help caregivers find new and creative solutions to problems. Employees learn to simplify things and how

to interpret residents’ needs better. Haynes offered several examples to help illustrate the program in action.

“We had a resident in his late 80s who seemed to have a fear of water and would not step in the shower. Once we realized he was once a coal miner, and therefore was afraid of enclosed spaces, we were able to solve the problem by simply handing him a flashlight. Other facilities might chemically medicate the patients, but for us that is a last resort.”

Another patient enjoyed crocheting, and taught a class for other residents. “By doing this, she was empowered and helped her feel that she was still productive. Just because a resident might have cognitive impairment, we need to recognize that they have much to offer and can apply what we’ve learned from Care Connect to benefit our patients.”

Haynes likens it to a puzzle. “We’ve learned to understand that Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t affect just one small part of life for our residents, but that it encompasses everything. The world can be overwhelming, but to a per-son with Alzheimer’s, the world is like a 50,000-piece puzzle. Our goal is to help them interpret that puzzle in the best way possible.”

In addition to the three communities lo-cally, Hearth Management company has eight facilities in New York, Connecticut and Indi-ana. For more information on Care Connect or Keepsake Village, call 451-4567 or visit their website at the hearth.net


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Serving all of Central NY

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Home care: Essential to health careContributed by kimberly a. graf

Organized home care began more than a cen-tury ago and its essence has remained constant — it improves the quality of life by enabling individuals to live with dignity and independence within the comfort and security of their own homes during times of illness, disability and recuperation.

There are more than 7 million Americans ranging in age from newborns to the elderly that receive home care for both acute and long-term needs. By 2040, the number of Americans over the age of 80 will triple to 26.2 million.

Thus, caring for sick Americans at home will continue to assume a significant place in our health care delivery system.

Professionals delivering home care range from

nurses, physical and occupational therapists, home health aides, dieticians, medical social workers to speech pathologists.

For patients requiring home making and personal care services, home health and personal care aides are also available.

Together, these professionals are able to deliver cost effective services by reducing hospital stays and preventing or delaying institutionalized care. The cost for delivering home care is paid for by a variety of private and public sources, including Medicare and Medicaid.

To learn more about home care, please contact the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New York, Inc. at 476-3101.

the Hearth on James: your home away from homePrime advertiser news

There are options available for those who need assistance

Syracuse’s premiere independent senior liv-ing center, The Hearth on James has a sterling reputation.

“What sets us apart is our trained, professional staff,” said the Hearth on James Administrator Kelly Kiggins. “We have a good team that really cares and gets involved.”

The Hearth on Janes offers independent, carefree living services for seniors on a beautiful campus in the heart of Syracuse. Restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, laundry and scheduled transportation are all provided. Each wheelchair accessible living space has a fully-equipped kitch-en, individually controlled air conditioning and heating and wall-to-wall carpeting. Even personal assistance is customized to an individual’s needs.

“We will sit down with each resident to deter-mine what kind of daily assistance is needed, “said Kiggins. “Some of our residents require help with dressing and showering; others may just need help managing their medications.”

Kiggins said emergency help is only a call away. Every room is equipped with an emergency call system. In addition to the 24-hour on-site profes-sional staff, The Hearth on James offers a wide variety of planned activities and excursions.

“There is no need to be bored around here,” said Kiggins. She said the opportunities to engage the mind, body and soul are limitless at The Hearth

on James. “Our residents like to have fun. Whether it is

bowling in a a Wii league, participating in karaoke or meeting an exotic animal during a presentation by the zoo, we have plenty of reasons to leave your apartment.”short-term stay program

Individuals who are being discharged from the hospital but aren’t quite ready to go home alone, are interested in moving to a senior community but are not sure if it is the right moved for them or are ready to move but their furniture is not can find a solution for their dilemma at The Hearth on James.

The Hearth on James is offering a short-term stay program that will fit the needs of those indivIduals who are seeking housing for a short duration. Their beautifully furnished apartments that have all the amenities of home are available at a reasonable daily rate. Those who are there for the short-term stay program will receive the same services all of The Hearth on James’ residents enjoy, including home-cooked meals, outstand-ing service, scheduled transportation, activities and much more.

The Hearth on James is located at 830 James St. in Syracuse. Call 422-2173 to find out more about how you can make the Hearth on James your home away from home.

If asked how we would like to live out our later years, many of us would say we want to stay in our homes and remain independent. And while that may seem like common sense to us, it is really a very American ideal. In this country, we strive for independence and “taking care of oneself.” In many other countries, the expectation is that when older adults need assistance they are taken in by their loved ones and cared for. While in-dependence is certainly not a bad thing to hope for, it is not always possible or appropriate for older adults to stay in their own homes, especially for those who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. And, unfortunately, it is not always possible – especially in this economic environment – for adult children to provide the level of care that the older adult requires. Luck-ily, there are a variety of services available in our community such as adult day care and home care services that can assist the caregiver. But for those who need 24-hour care and supervision, assisted living may be the perfect option.

The Heritage is an assisted living facility specifically designed for older adults with Al-zheimer’s disease or dementia. Services include supervision of medications and personal care tasks, meals, housekeeping, and laundry. In addition, residents are engaged in purposeful activities that promote mental and physical well-ness. Most importantly, the safety of the resident is paramount. The building is secure and safety checks are conducted every two hours. The peace of mind of family members is a major priority for the Heritage staff. From the very beginning, expe-rienced care managers work closely with family members, learning important information about their loved one’s history and needs.

If you are caring for a loved one with Al-zheimer’s or dementia at home and it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, call the Heritage at 492-1329 and find out what other options you may have. We are here to help you every step of the way. The Heritage is a member of the Loretto family of Care.



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TIP OF THE MONTHHOW TO BECOME A MEMORY CHAMPIONBy Ellen Somers, MA, LMHCCoordinator for Cognitive Health Services, The Centers at St. Camillus

813 Fay Road, Syracuse, NY 13219www.st-camillus.org

Frustrated by your inability to remembercertain things? Jealous of those peoplewho seem to have remarkable memories?Did you know that “memory champions”don’t have above average cognitive skills?The difference is that they have learnedstrategies that help them recall moreinformation and they practice thesestrategies routinely.

In our early days, as hunter-gatherers,our memories evolved to rememberspatial locations and visual images.Unfortunately, our brains did not evolveto remember pin numbers, passwords,cell phone numbers or a host of otherfacts that we are presented with everyday. So, the key to improving our memorycapacity is to build on our naturally strongvisual memories by associating visualimages with spatial locations.

How might this work? Let’s imaginethat your friend has just gotten a newcell phone and you want to rememberher phone number: (418) 256-7934.Instead of repeating the number over andover, try to visualize these numbers on aclock face. For example: picture the timeas 4:18 p.m. followed by 2:56 a.m.,7 a.m. and 9:34 a.m. Picture your friendin her house and the activities she might

be doing at those times: e.g. getting dinnerready at 4:18 p.m., going to the bathroomat 2:56 a.m., getting dressed at 7 a.m. andleaving the house at 9:34 a.m. The moreoutrageous, funny, or strange the visualimages, the more likely the memory willstick (hint: you need not share theseimages with anyone!). It also helps toadd other sensory images (e.g. the smellof getting dinner ready; the steam risingfrom the stove top).

This sounds complicated, but give it atry and see if it helps! If you want toread more about this and other fascinatingstrategies that could help you become amemory champion, read Joshua Foer’snew book, “Moonwalking with Einstein:The Art and Science of RememberingEverything.” Or come to St. Camillus’Memory Academy to develop your brainfitness.

Call Ellen Somers at 703-0676 forinformation about upcoming sessions.

NOV 2011 - PRIME:Layout 1 10/5/2011 10:17 AM Page 1

Clare Bridge at Manlius provides alzheimer’s and dementia care

Clare Bridge Manlius is an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care community where residents enjoy “Daily Moments of Success.” Together with its sister Brookdale Senior Living communities – Wynwood Manlius for Assistive Living; and The Villas Summerfield for Independent Living – residents have access to a continuum of care to meet their evolving care needs. Clare Bridge resi-dents receive the physical, social and emotional nurturing that can make a positive difference in the quality of their lives. Clare Bridge combines a beautiful, homelike residence with a gentle daily program seven days a week. This structured life-style helps residents maintain their abilities and encourages the use of their remaining skills.

Clare Bridge also offers attractive and peaceful surroundings designed to recreate environments people have enjoyed throughout their lives. Rec-ognizing the need to wander as characteristic of individuals with dementia, Clare Bridge is outfitted with interior walking paths and outdoor garden areas that encourage residents to explore without fear of becoming disoriented or lost.

Just as important as the physical design and layout of our community is our extensive line of services and programs. These activities are incorporated into the Clare Bridge Daily Path, an individualized, person-centered initiative de-signed to meet the specific needs of each resident. Programs include:

Morning Mental Workout — Daily late

morning mental exercises including discussions, brain stimulating games, and reminiscing.

Daily Physical Activity — A variety of exercise opportunities including group exercises, walking programs, and dancing.

Daily Life Skills—Individual or group activi-ties throughout the day which provide sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging as the residents complete tasks related to everyday life.

Person Centered Life Enrichment Program-ming — Activities designed using the resident’s own social history information as a foundation. By honoring past interests and involvements, programs tap into remaining skills and support successful experiences.

As a Brookdale Senior Living community, Clare Bridge draws upon the resources of the na-tion’s largest owner and operator of senior living communities. Brookdale is committed to pro-viding an exceptional living experience through properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently, the company owns and operates independent living, assistive living, dementia care and continuing care retirement commu-nities serving approximately 52,000 residents. For more information, call 637-2000 or visit brookdaleliving.com.

Daily Moments of Success is a Service Mark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, Tenn..


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registered dietician to visit snaCk site

Dina Lawson, RD, CDN will be at the follow-ing SNACK sites to do a nutrition presentation dairy and soy information and tasting on the following dates:

Cazenovia – Tuesday Nov. 8, Cazenovia Vil-lage Apartments, 24 Nelson St, Cazenovia

Oneida – Wednesday Nov. 16, Oneida Tow-ers, 226 Farrier Ave, Oneida.

Hamilton – Wednesday Nov. 23, Madison Lane Apts, Building #5, Hamilton.

Participants should arrive 30 minutes before lunch is served.

help protect yourself against influenza

A few simple steps will go a long way in helping to prevent getting the flu.

-Get a flu shot-Wash your hands often with soap and

warm water. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.

-Avoid people who are ill-Stay home if you are sick-Use tissues when you cough or sneeze and

dispose of the tissue in a covered trash bin.-Keep hands away from your face. Avoid

touching your eyes, nose or mouth-Clean shared space and items such as

telephone receivers, steering wheels, etc.-Refrain from sharing personal items such

as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.-Your best preventive medicine is to simply

follow good sanitary measures every day.

weather emergencies and snaCk deliveries

If severe weather conditions occur, the Madison County Office for Aging could be forced to cancel both SNACK Congre-gate Meal site dining and home delivered meals.

Listen to the following radio and televi-sion stations for information regarding cancellations; or call the Office for the Aging at 697-5700:

WMCR Radio 1600 FM/106/3WTVH (CBS) Channel 5WSTM (NBC) Channel 3.

Caregiver respite Program offered

Providing daily care to older members of your family or a friend can, at times, provoke feelings of frustration, guilt and even anger. The Office for the Aging recognizes these feelings as very normal and is available to provide assistance to caregivers. As caregiv-ers, the constant attention given to a loved one may create a great deal of fatigue and stress. They may experience shortness of temper, sleeplessness, withdrawal from those close to them, family problems, physical ail-ments or depression. All are normal reactions and warning signs that caregivers need a

break from the caregiving routine.Respite, a time off from caregiving, is ex-

tremely important. It relieves stress, protect-ing your physical and mental health. Respite prolongs the caregiver’s ability to continue providing care at home. Taking a long week-end or going away on a short vacation can make a big difference in the caregiver’s ability to cope with day-to-day tasks. This grant will help pay for an aide to stay with the older relative while the caregiver takes a break. For some caregivers, it is the first time in years they have had time to themselves. For more information about the Office for the Aging services call 697-5700.

madison County OFA News


madison County officefor the aging inc. News

Theresa Davis, OFA executive director

From the desk of the executive director

SNACK can help this winterNovember is National Family Caregivers Month

During this month we recognize the nearly 44 million Americans who care for their relatives, friends, and neighbors. You are appreciated, caregiver! It is very important that you are paying attention to your own needs to ensure that you live a long and healthy life. Don’t neglect your health. Caring for someone can be time consuming, but remember to take the time to make periodic visits to the doctor and stay healthy. To manage stress, make it a priority to take leisure time for you. Read a book, get in contact with old friends, or exercise. All of these activities keep your mind stimulated and keep your spirits up.

Accept help! In areas all over the world, you will find agencies that offer group support, counseling and caregiver training sessions. National support is also a wonderful resource. You can get a tremendous amount of information, cost free, from National resources like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging. Many of these resources can be located very easily on the World Wide Web. These sources provide caregivers like you with information about health conditions, long term care services and so much more. By letting someone help you with your responsibilities as a caregiver you will allow yourself more time.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging states, “Care-givers supply 257 billion dollars a year in services for their loved ones, such as transportation, supervision, financial management, feeding, bathing, lifting and toileting.” This Thanksgiving and holiday season, accept praise. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and so many people are thankful for you. Whether you are caring for a family member or you are a grandparent caring for children in your family, you deserve thanks. Just as importantly, you also deserve support and connections to other people who are just like you. There are many resources that you can look to for more support. Thank you again for all you do.

For more information: caregiving.org; aoa.gov/prof/aoaprog/caregiver/caregiver.asp; caring-info.org/i4a/pages/indexcfm?pageid=3279.

Online Plan Finder offers unbiased resource for people with Medicare to review 2012 plan options

People with Medicare began reviewing plan benefit and cost information on Oct. 1. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched access to its popular web-based Medicare Plan Finder that allows beneficiaries, their families, trusted representatives, and senior program advo-cates to look at all local drug and health plan options that are available for the 2012 benefit year.

“With Open Enrollment coming early this year, it is important that people with Medicare take advantage of the next couple weeks to review their current coverage and compare it with the op-tions that are available for next year,” said CMS Administrator Donald M. Berwick, M.D. “The information that’s available now on the Plan Finder will also help caregivers, health providers, and partners that support and counsel seniors and people with disabilities in selecting the best plan for their needs.”

The annual enrollment period began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. People with Medicare will have seven weeks to review Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage benefits and plan options, and choose the option that best meets their unique needs. The earlier open enrollment period also ensures that Medicare has enough time to process plan choices so that coverage begins without interruption on January 1, 2012.

People can use the Plan Finder - available at medicare.gov -by inserting their home zip code to find out which Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug (Part D) plans are available in their areas.

Madison County Office for the Aging Health Insurance Information Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP) is available to all Madison County residents who are struggling to understand and make decisions regarding Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug cover-age. Call 697-5743 for information.

Office for the Aging Senior Nutrition (SNACK) SitesBrookfield – Open Tuesday and Thursday, 1st and 7th Day Baptist Church, Elm and

Beaver Creek RdCanastota – Open Monday thru Friday, Stoneleigh Apts, 400 Lamb AveCazenovia – Open Tuesday and Friday, Cazenovia Village Apts, 24 Nelson StChittenango – Open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, American Legion, 70 Legion DriveEarlville – Open Wednesday and Friday, American Legion -113 N Main StHamilton – Open Tuesday thru Friday, Madison Lane Apts, Bldg 5Morrisville – Open Monday and Wednesday , St. Joan of Arc Church, Brookside Dr Oneida – Open Monday thru Friday, Towers II Community Room, 226 Farrier Ave Monthly health education topics are provided by a Registered Dietitian. For more

information and to sign up to enjoy a hot noontime meal at a SNACK site call Madison County Office for the Aging at 697-5700 or visit ofamadco.org.

November SNACK Menu

As winter becomes a reality, is it harder and harder to get out and shop for food? Are you in need of a home cooked meal? Have you heard of the SNACK Program? SNACK, Senior Nutrition and County Kitchen, is a nutrition program sponsored by the Office for the Ag-ing. Anyone over the age of 60 is welcome to enjoy a noontime meal, conversation and activities.

Approximately 450 hot nutritious meals are prepared in the central kitchen located in Canastota each day. The congregate meal site loca-tions are in Brookfield, Canastota, Cazenovia, Chittenango, Earlville, Hamilton, Morrisville, and Oneida. The days of service vary so if you are interested; give us a call for more information.

A registered dietitian presents interesting information on a regular basis. Topics have included, menu planning for special diets, food additives, and understanding food allergies.

If poor health makes it difficult to attend a meal site, SNACK will provide home delivered meals. The home-delivered meal program is intended to assist seniors regain their health and independence. The SNACK program provides additional meal service by furnishing a combination of hot and frozen meals, totaling seven meals per week.

Voluntary and confidential contributions are encouraged for the meals provided. For more information about the SNACK Program call the Office for the Aging at 697-5700.

Tuesday Nov 1– Hearty beef stew w/potatoes, peas and carrots, dinner roll, vanilla pudding Wednesday Nov 2 – Chicken parmesan, pasta w/sauce, tossed salad, fruit cupThursday Nov 3 – Meatloaf and gravy, mashed potatoes, corn niblets, yogurtFriday Nov 4 – Veggie quiche, hash browns, veggie blend, applesauce

Monday Nov 7 – Reuben casserole, broccoli, peaches Tuesday Nov 8 – Meatball sub w/sauce, green beans, pineapple tidbitsWednesday Nov 9 – Lemon pepper fish, brown rice, sweet peas, pearsThursday Nov 10 – Roast beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, cauliflower, chocolate cakeFriday Nov 11 – OFA and SNACK Closed for Veterans Day Monday Nov 14 – Chicken breast la orange, boiled potatoes, spinach chocolate puddingTuesday Nov 15 – Roasted pork loin, baked sweet potato, Harvard beets, pearsWednesday Nov 16 – Meatloaf and gravy,

mashed potatoes, squash, Mandarin orangesThursday Nov 17 – Spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, tossed salad, dinner roll, fruit cocktail Friday Nov 18 – Fish on a bun, blend of veg-gies, coleslaw, gingerbread cake Monday Nov 21 – Boiled ham dinner, parsley potatoes, cabbage and carrots, peachesTuesday Nov 22 – Roast turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, dressing, green beans, pumpkin pie Wednesday Nov 23 – Chicken spiedie on bun w/peppers and onions, peas, tapioca puddingThursday Nov 24 – OFA and SNACK Closed for ThanksgivingFriday Nov 256 – OFA and SNACK Closed

Monday Nov 28 – Sloppy Joe on bun, lima beans, vanilla puddingTuesday Nov 29– Baked chicken thigh, rice pilaf, corn niblets, Mandarin oranges Wednesday Nov 30 – Baked ham w/pineapple, boiled parsley potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, apple crisp

appointments, please We know many of you like to just drop by our office when you have a question or con-

cern. However, we would appreciate it if you would call the Office for the Aging at 697-5700 to set up an appointment. This allows us to better prepare for your visit.

home energy assistance Program (heaP) offeredLast year, Senior HEAP helped more than 20,000 seniors! Again, there will be an early HEAP

application mail out for Senior Citizens who received HEAP. If you do not receive an applica-tion for the 11-12 HEAP season in the mail by the end of October, please call 366-2361 for an application.

The HEAP letter will have a return address of the Madison County Department of Social Ser-vices. Please complete and mail the application back as soon as possible for quickest service. The early mail-out does not include senior citizens in receipt of Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance, as those individuals will generally receive the regular HEAP benefit automatically without the need for a mail-in application. Eligibility letters for are usually issued in November or December, and benefits are generally credited to heating bills in December or January.

Eligibility for this federal program is based on household income, not the amount of your utility bill. Income guidelines for this year are: for a 1 person household income must be below $2,146 per month and for a 2 person household income must be below $2,806 per month. The Depart-ment of Social Services is requiring a copy of an applicant’s social security card if they do not have one on file. Call the OFA at 697-5700 and make an appointment to see an Outreach Worker.

madison County OFA News

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Commission offers landline telephone service protectionThe New York State Public Service Commission has directed Verizon, the state’s largest

provider of traditional landline telephone service, to focus its repair and maintenance ef-forts on “core” customers in need of regulatory protection. The definition of a core customer includes customers living in areas that do not currently have a landline competitive alternative, those subscribing to Lifeline discounted telephone service, and customers with special needs including the elderly, blind or disabled and those with medical emergencies as defined in the Commission’s Rule 609.5, a copy of which is available at dps.state.ny.us/Rule 609.5.pdf.

Although Verizon has already taken steps to notify potential “core” customers, some Verizon customers may remain unaware of this new protection.

Customers having a disability as defined in the Human Rights Law, those who are legally blind, and customers aged 62 or older, are encouraged to notify Verizon of that information and, upon doing so, will automatically become eligible for priority repair service. Such custom-ers are also provided special protections concerning disconnection of phone service if they have trouble paying their bill.

To sign up for this protection service, contact Verizon SRC, PO Box 33075, St. Petersburg, Florida 33733-8075.

Pies offered for thanksvivingOFA offers 10-inch frozen pies that can stay frozen for up to 6 months year round for $8

each. Flavors include: Dutch Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Red Raspberry, Pumpkin, Banana Cream, Boston Cream, Chocolate Cream and Coconut Cream. Also offered are sugar free pies. Pie sales support programs and services offered by Madison County Office for the Aging and can be picked up between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Madison County Office for the Aging, 138 Dominic Bruno Blvd, Canastota or at any SNACK Site (on the days they are open). Call 697-5700 for details.

Caregiver resource Center offered“Caregiving”, helping an older person stay as independent as possible, is both a rewarding

and stressful experience. Most caregivers are family and friends. Many caregivers are part of the “sandwich generation”, meaning they are caring for a parent as well as children. Family caregivers provide assistance to people who cannot care for themselves, and often at consider-able sacrifice; many caregivers also juggle the traditional demands of home, family, and career. Statistics cannot fully measure the physical, emotional and financial costs that family caregiv-ers incur.

The Caregiver Resource Center, located at the Office for the Aging in Canastota, can help. Through training, support groups, individual and group counseling caregivers can learn how to balance feelings of frustration and reward. The Caregiver Resource Center also provides books, videotapes, and other sources of information pertaining to Caregiving issues. For more information about the Office for the Aging services call us at 697-5700. Help is a phone call away.

help with budgeting availableDo you need assistance in budgeting your money to meet your expenses, are you confused

on how to get started? The Madison County Office for the Aging has the answer. Working together with an experienced volunteer you can develop a budget and plan to improve your financial outlook. The volunteer will assist you in drafting a budget that fits your needs and fol-low up with you to see how you are progressing. This program is free and confidential. If you are interested in meeting with the volunteer contact the Office for the Aging at 697-5700 and the volunteer will contact you to schedule an appointment.

Computers for saleOffice for the Aging has three Dell brand desktop computers for sale: Dell Dimension 3100,

2.8 ghz, 1gb memory, 108 g hard drive, Dell Dimension 2400, 2.6 ghz, 512 mb memory, 40 g hard drive. Both come with monitor, key board, and mouse for $150 each.

Call 697-5700 if you would more information or are interested in purchasing one of these computers.

to make a profound difference in the lives of children.

Tutors are volunteers who have a love of reading and a love of children and are trained to use a curriculum specially de-signed by reading professionals for K-4 students. Special relationships develop across generations to reap benefits for both children and adults.

In 2009, OASIS partnered with the Syr-acuse City School District to help address the problem of obesity in our community. The Catch Healthy Habits Program con-nects adults age 50 and up with children in grades K-5. Each two-hour session meets after school and includes a nutrition lesson, a healthy snack and 30-40 minutes

of physical activity. A team of four to five, self-directed volunteer adults lead the children in up to 25 sessions.

The program equips children with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices, and nurtures their intention to make healthy choices. Older adults also improve their health and well being as a result of volunteering.

Join OASIS to discover more, develop your talents and connect with others who share your interests. If you would like to become a member, please call OASIS at 464-6555 and a volunteer will sign you up over the phone. You can also sign up online by visiting oasisnet.org/Syracuse.

OASIS from page 16



The Syracuse chapter of the OASIS Insti-tute is celebrating 10 years in Syracuse. The Institute, a national not for profit member-ship organization based in St. Louis, inspires people 50 and over to discover vibrant, healthy, productive lives by engaging in life-long learning and service programs. Being one of 18 centers across the country, Syracuse is recognized as an exemplary center in the OASIS Network.

The Syracuse chapter has been sponsored by Upstate Medical University since its incep-tion. With this generous support, OASIS is able to offer a broad range of programs in

the arts and humanities as well as health and technology.

Each trimester a catalog of classes is mailed to the members with approximately 130 selections to choose from. That works out to roughly 65 classes per week. Some of the classes such as Facebook and iPad Basics are a single session lasting a couple of hours. Like the concerts, they don’t require a long term commitment.

Other classes; Restoring Your Old Family Photos, and Basic Digital Photography are two sessions. For more in depth learning and lots of lively discussion there are World Affairs, meeting three times and State of the Union which runs for nine weeks. Similarly, one can learn a foreign language, learn to play piano, or learn to paint in watercolor or acryl-ics. For fitness there is Hiking, Yoga, Zumba and T-N-T just to name a few. One can learn about Safe Exercises for a Healthy Heart, and also for Osteoporosis from knowledgeable Upstate health professionals.

This is a rich course catalog that is well planned and always changing as new sug-gestions come in from members, volun-teers, the Education Committee, current instructors and many other sources. Many OASIS instructors have been educators their entire lives, teaching at universities and high schools. All are recognized as knowledgeable in their field.

The level of quality classes offered at OASIS is why the membership has grown to nearly 9,000 since it launched in 2001. With a full time staff of four, OASIS relies heavily on its 165 volunteers, including a 12-member Leadership Team. Volunteers actively partic-ipate in the Center’s day-to-day operations, including registration, coordinating classes, teaching, orienting new volunteers, and so much more. Teaching at OASIS offers vol-unteers an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others by sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Originally located at Shoppingtown Mall, OASIS moved in 2010 to 11,000 square feet on the ground floor of the spectacular blue-glass building (formerly Telergy). Situated next to the DoubleTree Hotel just off Carrier Circle in East Syracuse, the Center offers plenty of free parking and easy access. The facility boasts a large lecture/concert hall which accommodates 140 people, two studio classrooms with AV equipment, a state-of-the-art computer lab with 20 computers and a fitness room with flexible padded flooring for dance and exercise classes. OASIS shares space with Upstate’s HealthLink seminar series.outreach Programs

In 2004, OASIS began the Intergenera-tional Tutor Program. This evidence-based program promotes literacy with a proven approach to help high-need children read at grade level. The program taps the tremen-dous potential of committed volunteers who have the time, patience and life experience

OASIS: Celebrating 10 years

Central New Yorkers, OASIS Members and Friends areInvited to Attend a Special 10th Anniversary Celebration,

FREE and Open to the Public

Wednesday, November 16, 20111:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Classical Music Performance by Concert PianistsPatricia De Angelis and Dr. Steven Rosenfeld

Showcasing the beautiful Ivers & Pond eight-foot concert grandpiano, generously donated to OASIS by Dr. Harold and Barbara Jones

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm“Dying Isn’t What It Used To Be”Presented by Gregory L. Eastwood, MD

SUNY Professor of Bioethics, Humanities and MedicinePast President, SUNY Upstate Medical University

3:30 pm - 5:00 pmRetrospective Discussion “Syracuse OASIS Then and Now”

Refreshments will be served during the discussion

Come join Upstate’s OASIS program as we mark this milestone!

6333 State Route 298, East SyracuseFor more information call 464-6555

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discover more

See OASIS on page 15

OASIS inspires people 50 and over to engage in lifelong learning and service programs.

Prime November 2011

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