Time Marches On

INS IDE THIS

ISSUE:

C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S

V O L U N T E E R C E N T E RV O L U N T E E R C E N T E RV O L U N T E E R C E N T E RV O L U N T E E R C E N T E R

3 9 W W I N T E R S T R E E T3 9 W W I N T E R S T R E E T3 9 W W I N T E R S T R E E T3 9 W W I N T E R S T R E E T

D E L A W A R E , O H 4 3 0 1 5D E L A W A R E , O H 4 3 0 1 5D E L A W A R E , O H 4 3 0 1 5D E L A W A R E , O H 4 3 0 1 5

( 7 4 0 ) 3 6 3( 7 4 0 ) 3 6 3( 7 4 0 ) 3 6 3( 7 4 0 ) 3 6 3 ---- 5 0 0 05 0 0 05 0 0 05 0 0 0 W W W . D E L A W A R E C O U N T Y V OW W W . D E L A W A R E C O U N T Y V OW W W . D E L A W A R E C O U N T Y V OW W W . D E L A W A R E C O U N T Y V O L U N T E E R S . O R GL U N T E E R S . O R GL U N T E E R S . O R GL U N T E E R S . O R G

L I K E U S O N F A C E B O O KL I K E U S O N F A C E B O O KL I K E U S O N F A C E B O O KL I K E U S O N F A C E B O O K

Senior NewsNotes F I R S T Q U A R T E R 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 1

Time Marches On ……..…………….. P. 1

Pen Pal Info………………………..…. P. 2

Calling all Seniors...……………..… .. P. 2

Make A Difference Day ………….,,. P. 2

Winter/Holiday Safety..………….... P. 3

Winter Fun…….. ……………….….. P. 4

Resume’ Tips … ………………..…... P. 5

Volunteer Spotlight …………..…..… P. 5

Senior Drivers ………………………. P. 6

Cooks Corner ……………………….. P. 7

Just for Fun …………………...…….. P. 8

Senior Companion Program...……… P. 8

Fundraiser ………………………….. P. 8

I remember when I was just a wee bit younger, my parents always remarked about

how quickly time passed. I couldn’t see it. It seemed to take forever to hit those

milestones of getting taller, reaching double digits, and finally learning to drive the

car. Graduating from high school, finding the right spouse and raising a family were

all in the far distance future, and it seemed like time just stood still. I couldn’t wait

to grow up, to be independent and have the freedom I thought was so important. All

of a sudden, however; I’ve noticed that time is racing by and I wonder, can life go

any faster? I still feel like I’m in my twenties, well maybe thirties, but in reality

that’s the age of my own children and believe it or not, I’m soon to be a grandparent!

I try to do the things I use to do; but my body screams back especially the morning

after any physical exertion. Time marches on and in a blink of an eye I go from the

Fourth of July to Christmas without having time to decorate or enjoy holidays such

as Labor Day, Halloween or Thanksgiving. Forget my birthday...I generally have to

do the math to figure out how old I really am these days. I find myself asking, “How

can it go any faster?” My very wise father replies, “Rest assured, “It will.”

So what do I do with the time that remains? Do I sit back and reminisce? Dad says,

“No….just move forward.” Don’t worry about climbing up, don’t worry about what

you can’t to do. In fact, don’t worry...just be happy and enjoy what life has to offer.”

Sounds good, but how do I do that? How do I make my life count?

First of all I should be grateful for all my blessings, share my abundance, and mentor

my children and grandchildren. Secondly, I need to make a positive impact on my

community. Take time for others and give what, where and when I can. Thirdly, I

need to find out what makes me happy and “Just Do It!” Serving others and opening

my mind and heart to possibilities that I would have never let myself imagine when I

was younger, just might give me all the satisfaction I need. If I can do these three

simple but challenging steps, I just might have a legacy. But I can’t wait for the right time to start...Why? Because

there may never be a right time or even enough time. What I

have to do is... start TODAY. Are you with me? Let’s make

a resolution to march forward with commitment to change

the world making it a better place not only for us, but our

children, grandchildren and all those who will come after us.

Time waits for no one….we know that from our own experi-

ences. Let’s make today the best day of our life and move

forward!

2

Pen Pal Sign Up NOW!

Our annual Pen Pal Program will begin in January

2012. If you are interested in being a pen pal with a

5th grade student from Buckeye Valley, please contact

Margie West at Connections Volunteer Center at (740)

363-5000 Monday-Thursday between 8 am to 4 pm or

email her at mwest@helplinedelmor.org. Deadline for

signing up is December 28th. Space is limited due to

the number of students which is 25% less this year and

acceptance into the program is on a first come first serve

basis. For the safety of our children, a background

check will be required for all seniors. This will be pro-

vided and paid for by HelpLine of Delaware & Morrow

Counties, Inc. Pen Pals will read a book of the student’s

choosing (provided by Delaware District Library), ex-

change letters (January-April) discussing the book and

life experiences, and meet their pen pal at the close of

the program. You must be able to attend the “Meet the

Pen Pal Party” in May...no exceptions! Once registra-

tion is closed we will notify all pen pals by letter. This

is a wonderful and very successful program.

Call 740-363-5000 to reserve your spot.

Volunteers are needed throughout our community and it’s

time one of our most valuable resources, our senior popula-

tion, steps up to the plate. Your expertise, experience, and

skills are valuable resources that many of our non-profit

agencies need. Whether you decide to become a board

member or volunteer on an as needed basis, your assistance

will help our community and have a ripple effect on the

success of our current programs. We are looking for vol-

unteers with specific skills like carpentry, bookkeeping,

grant writing, and research to name a few. We also need

people who are willing to help with mailings, special event

needs, and tutoring. If you have a few hours or more to

spare and can help improve the lives of others, now’s the

time to act. Please call Margie at Connections at (740)

363-5000. After a brief phone interview concerning your

interests, skills, and availability, we will be able to place

you in a volunteer position that will suit your needs. By

volunteering you can increase your circle of friends, take

on a new purpose, nurture you passion, and become physi-

cally active. Now is the time for all good men and women

to join forces and place your footprints on our community.

Calling All Seniors

October 22, 2011, was a day to remember in Dela-

ware County Ohio. Four hundred seventy-one vol-

unteers from every walk of life join forces to Make

A Difference in our community. Fifty one senior

homes received outdoor services including leaf rak-

ing, window washing, garden clean-up, and paint-

ing. Many seniors were thrilled when strangers gave

of their own time to assist them with the physical

and emotional burden these tedious and sometime

impossible chores posed upon them. Twenty six

non-profit agencies also bene-

fited by our volunteers as they

helped improve existing infant

and middle school playgrounds;

stained, painted, organized, and

cleaned facilities; landscaped

community gardens and agen-

cies buildings; moved agency inventory to new loca-

tions, as well as made sleeping bags for those find-

ing themselves without a home. Because of the gen-

erousity of volunteers ranging in age from youth to

seniors , a positive impact was made throughout

Delaware County. Connections would like to thank

all those who participated in this national day of ser-

vice and encourage others to consider joining us

next year for Make A Difference Day on Saturday,

October 27th. This is perfect way to help others, be

a role model for your family, and just make our

community at better place to live.

3

• Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside

you home.

• Portable generators must be used outside

only.

• Stock up on batteries, flashlights, portable

radios, canned foods, manual can openers,

bottled water and blankets.

• Holiday candles add a pleasant fragrance

to your home, but they can be a danger if

left unattended. Try purchasing the no

flame candles or use a holiday room fresh-

ener for that special fragrance.

• Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid

possible fire hazards

• If power goes off and it is below freezing,

run water at a trickle to prevent pipes

from freezing and bursting.

• Store perishable food outside in the snow

or in an unheated outside building if the

power goes off.

• Check Christmas lights carefully if the

stings are damaged, buy new ones.

• Don’t string more than three sets of lights

together and do not plug too many things

into one outlet at one

time.

• Unplug all lights

when you go to sleep

or leave the home.

Timer are an easy

way to ensure that

the lights are not left

on by mistake.

• Don’t run electrical cords under the rug.

The following are home safety tips to

help provide you with a warm, healthy

winter season

Prevent home fires. In the winter, more

fires are started by heating equipment &

fireplaces. In order to prevent them:

• Make sure your portable space heater

has been tested for safety. Provide

plenty of space around them, providing

at least three feet away from anything

that can burn including curtains, furni-

ture, pets and people. Turn off the space

heater before leaving the room or going

to sleep. Always supervise children and

pets while in use and never use the

space heaters to dry clothing or blan-

kets.

• Fireplaces should only burn seasoned

hardwood. Do not burn trash, Christ-

mas trees or boxes in the fireplace. Have

your chimney inspected by a professional

and clean out the chimney on a regular

basis. Burn creosote logs to reduce the

build-up of creosote. Open flues before

using the fireplace and keep study

screens or glass doors over the open fire

to prevent embers from escaping. Keep

all children away from the fireplace and

matches or lighters which are used to

start the fire.

• Use smoke and carbon monoxide detec-

tors and make sure to check the batter-

ies periodically.

• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted

and serviced.

4

Winter Fun

No one is immune from the impact of

the struggling economy these days.

Whether you have been forced to deal

with financial cutbacks, layoffs, or

wage freezes at work or as a retiree

watched your investments take a

downward trend, some of you might

be thinking about changing your employment or reentering

the workplace. According to a 2010 bulletin from AARP,

more than half of unemployed people age 55-plus were out

of work for at least 6 months. If you are considering a job

change, the following suggestions can help you improve

your current resume’ and make you more noticeable when

cruising the job market.

• Be Specific. In a competitive job market, it can help

applicants to be as specific as possible on their re-

sumes. Forgo traditional buzzwords. Today’s hiring

managers are more likely to remember candidates who

tout verifiable accomplishments like money raised,

special projects and quotas met.

• Abandon the Rules of Yesteryear. Resumes can be

more than one page as long as the information is rele-

vant to the job. Don’t include positions held that have

nothing to do with the one you are seeking. List de-

tails.

• Stay Current. Submit your resume’ electronically. Use

key terms and include al the current technological

terms necessary to perform the job for which you are

applying. If there is something required in the job de-

scription for which you are applying, start learning

what is necessary. You are never too old to learn.

• Market Yourself. Ask yourself why a prospective

company should hire you and make sure your resume’

addresses the question effectively.

• Include Training Along With Education. Chances are

y o u f i n i s h e d

schooling years

ago. Include addi-

tional professional

training you have

had over the years

and in addition to

the “Education”

section. Include a

“Training” section that shows prospective employers

that you have kept up-to-date in your field.

The cold air might take your breath away but

don’t let it keep you housebound and out of

touch. There are so many activities to brighten

your day and keep the winter blues from coming

your way. Here is a list of a few opportunities to

get our and enjoy the winter wonderland that

Central Ohio provides.

Holiday Concert-Central Ohio Symphony & the

Young Strings. December 11th @ 2pm &4:30pm

Gray Chapel on the Ohio Wesleyan Campus

Delaware, OH 43015

Be filled with the holiday spirit as you listen to

these accomplished musicians. Call 740-362-1799

for ticket information.

Sunday, January 1—New Year’s Day Hike

10 am Char Mar Ridge Preserve, 7741 Lewis

Center Road, Westerville, OH 43081

Start the new year right by getting some exercise

and enjoying nature’s beauty. The annual hike will

be lead by Len Fisher. Meet in the parking lot after-

ward for hot drinks and cookies. (Free & all ages)

2nd & 4th Fridays begin-

ning January 10am-4pm

Talk to the Trainer—

Senior Citizens, Inc., 800

Cheshire Road, Delaware,

OH 43015

Receive a personalized ex-

ercise program to get fit in

2012. Then exercise Mon-

day—Thursday 8 am-8pm

and Friday 8am-4pm.

(Free)

Tuesdays beginning January 17th—May @ 4pm

Sr. Citizens, Inc., 800 Cheshire Rd, Delaware

Ballroom dance lessons. (free to seniors)

for

5

Born and raised in New Jersey, Lois Benton took a risk, moved to Ohio, and enrolled in Ohio

Wesleyan University. Her thoughts were to receive her degree and move back home to pursue her

career. However, upon arriving in central Ohio she met her future husband, Jim Benton, from Dela-

ware and the rest was, shall we say, history. After their wedding, Jim and Lois made their home in

Delaware. Jim worked in the family business of Benton Furniture, and Lois as a stay-at-home mom

raising their four children. When Lois had time, she volunteered in many of her children’s activities

and in the coffee shop, sleep clinic and library of Grady Memorial Hospital. Keeping busy and active

in the community was important to Lois. As her children grew, she took a took a part time job as sec-

retary of Grace United Methodist Church until a full time clerical position became available at Hayes

High School. Today in retirement, Lois remains active in the community through volunteering at her

church, Asbury UM Church, and is an on-call volunteer for Connections Volunteer Center. This

gives Lois the opportunity to give back to many agencies including People in Need, Inc., HelpLine of

Delaware & Morrow Counties, Inc., Delaware General Health District, and the Andrews House.

When asked why she continues to volunteer, Lois remarked, “I enjoy helping my community, I meet

many nice people, and find it a rewarding way to spend her free time.” Lois would encourage every-

one to get involved and reach out to others. Margie West, Senior Leadership Coordinator of Connec-

tions stated, “Local non-profits need volunteers like

Lois. Her experience and skills enhance the agencies in

which they are placed and ultimately improves their

outreach to the community. In addition, volunteers re-

ceive a new network of friends, a feeling of giving back

to society, become a valuable resource to our commu-

nity.” “I don’t know what Delaware County would do

without Lois and volunteers like her. They are an inspi-

ration and a role model to us all.”

If you would like to become a volunteer in the commu-

nity, but don’t know where to start, please call Connec-

tions Volunteer Center at (740) 363-5000. We have a

variety of volunteer needs from long-term needs like

board members to one day special events. Make today

the day you decide to give back. Give a little of your

time to make a BIG difference in the lives of others.

Lois Benton, on call volunteer for Connections

Volunteer Center, assisting Andrews House during

Christmas Cupboard preparation.

~ Author Unknown

6

SENIOR DRIVERS—ARE YOU SAFE???

For seniors to drive safely it is important for us to pay attention to any warning signs that age is interfering with our

driving safety and make appropriate adjustments. By reducing risk factors and incorporating safe driving practices,

many of us can continue driving safely long into our senior years.

Aging tends to result in a reduction of strength, coordination, and

flexibility, which can have a major impact on your ability to safely

control a car. For example:

• Pain or stiffness in your neck can make it harder to look over

your shoulder to change lanes or look left and right at intersections

to check for other traffic or pedestrians.

• Leg pain can make it difficult to move your foot from the gas to

the brake pedal.

• Diminished arm strength can make it hard to turn the steering

wheel quickly and effectively.

• As reaction times also slow down with age, you may be slower to spot vehicles emerging from side streets and

driveways, or to realize that the vehicle ahead of you has slowed or stopped.

• Keeping track of so many road signs, signals, and markings, as well as all the other traffic and pedestrians, can

also become more difficult as we lose the ability to effectively divide our attention between multiple activities.

In addition, modern technology provides more distractions such as the radio, TV, DVD, GPS, and cell phones.

Health problems don’t always mean that driving needs to be stopped, but they do require extra vigilance, awareness,

and willingness to correct them. Some health problems include:

•Conflicting Medications. Certain medications or combinations of medications can affect senses and reflexes.

Always check the label on medications and double check with your healthcare team if you are taking several medi-

cations or notice a difference after starting a new medication.

•Eyesight problems. Some eye conditions or medications can interfere with your ability to focus your peripheral

vision, or cause you to experience extra sensitivity to light, trouble seeing in the dark, or blurred vision. Can you

easily see traffic lights and street signs? Or do you find yourself driving closer and closer, slowing by the sign to

see it? Can you react appropriately to drivers coming from the back or on the side?

•Hearing problems. If your hearing is decreasing, you may not realize you’re missing out on important cues to

drive safely. Can you hear emergency sirens, or if someone is accelerating next to you or honking the horn?

•Problems with reflexes and range of motion. Can you react quickly enough if you need to brake suddenly or

quickly look back? Have you confused the gas and brake pedals? Do you find yourself getting more flustered

while driving, or quick to anger? Is it comfortable to look back over your shoulder or does it take extra effort?

Problems with memory. Do you find yourself missing exits that used to be second nature, or find yourself get-

ting lost frequently? While everyone has an occasional lapse, if there’s a pattern that is increasing, it’s time to get

evaluated by a doctor.

Even if you find that you need to reduce your driving or eventually give up the keys, though, it doesn’t mean the end

of your independence. Seeking alternative methods of transportation can offer many other health and social benefits,

as well as a welcome change of pace to life. In Delaware County we have many options for our seniors including

the DATA bus, cab service, and transportation services like those offered through Council for Older Adults. First

and foremost….BE SAFE!

7

Cook’s Corner

Homemade Herbed Chicken Noodle Soup

Fresh herbs like rosemary, tarragon, thyme and parsley and a garden variety of veggies come together for one

of the most delicious chicken noodle soups. This recipe uses low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth for a light,

nutritious lunch.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onions in oil until translucent. Stir in celery, carrot, rosemary,

tarragon, thyme and parsley and cook, covered, until vegetables are soft, 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Transfer vegetable mixture to a large pot and pour in chicken broth. Simmer over low heat, covered, for 30

minutes. Stir in chicken breast pieces and egg noodles and simmer, covered, 30 minutes more. Season

with salt and pepper.

Preparation Time: 20 min. Cooking Time: 60 Ready In: 80 min. Servings: 12

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 onions, diced

• 6 stalks celery, diced

• 6 carrot, diced

• 3/4 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

• 3/4 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon

• 3/4 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

• 3/4 tablespoon chopped Italian flat leaf parsley

• 4 quarts low-fat, low sodium chicken broth

• 3-1/2 cups cubed skinless, boneless chicken breast meat

• 1 (16 ounce) package egg noodles

• salt and pepper to taste

When you have a cold or the flu, a major symptom includes congestion in the nose, chest, and throat.

Chicken soup has specifically been shown in studies to thin mucus secretions. Broth and noodles pro-

vide carbohydrates for maintaining your energy levels, potentially helping you feel less lethargic. If

you add vegetables, you’ll boost the level of nutrients in the soup, which will help support immune

function. Slurp away on low-sodium soups that contain 30% less salt. You want the soup to contain

some salt, though, because sodium helps regulate the amount of fluid in the body. Basically, the salti-

ness in soup may help encourage hydration, says Lawrence D. Rosen, MD. This is important because

8

SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAMSENIOR COMPANION PROGRAMSENIOR COMPANION PROGRAMSENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM

Are you a Senior who needs extra money?

Are you 55 years or older and on a limited income? Do you

enjoy helping others? The Senior Companion Program has a

unique volunteer opportunity for people who have a sincere

desire and interest in helping older adults. Volunteers must

meet income guidelines.

Benefits include:

* Stipend of $3.40 an hour * Reimbursement for transportation expenses * Paid sick and vacation time * 10 paid holidays * Annual physical and on-duty insurance

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please call Senior Companion Program @ 614-857-1260 or

Suzanne Pingry at Connections, 740-363-5000.

Senior Companion Program, Catholic Social Services

197 E Gay Street, Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 857-1260

The Senior Companion program is funded by Catholic Social Services, the Corporation for National Service, and

the Council for Older Adults of Delaware County.

Just for Fun !

Unscramble the following words to name

a few things you might have found in your

Christmas stocking. 1. ooyy ____________________________

2. uagpnc __________________________

3. dguiikcrnpn ______________________

4. pelap ___________________________

5. lsvridelaolr _______________________

6. ishteslw__________________________

7. yendcnaca ________________________

8. colctoeah ________________________

9. hrbosoibran_______________________

10. bactxmsrhcoa _____________________

11. abll _____________________________

12. meabsrl__________________________

“If you see someone without a smile ....give them one of yours.”

—Unknown

Due to recent funding cuts, Con-

nections will be completing a few

fundraising events. Our next fund-

raising event will be an Italian din-

ner provided by Olive Garden.

This event will be held in April

with the date to be announced

later. Please consider supporting

this event as it will provide the

volunteer center with funds to as-

sist with day to day operations and

special volunteer events

like Make A Difference

Day. ☺

Answers to Just for Fun: 1. yoyo, 2. cap gun, 3. drinking cup, 4. apple, 5. silver dollar, 6. whistle, 7. candy

cane, 8. chocolate, 9. hair ribbons, 10. matchbox cars, 11. ball, 12. marbles

9