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TOLL-FREE: 1-800-427-7411 • Published and Distributed Free Since 1997 VOL. 21, ISSUE 125 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 F From the 2017 Maine Senior Games Comes to a Close Director’s Desk 017 was a banner year for the little experience running a darts To our volunteers: The MSG s this issue of the Senior Maine Senior Games even event, we received a tremendous would not go on if it were not for the News hits homes and busi- though it was a non-qualifying amount of support from the local countless hours put in by the 60+ nesses, I am asking for your 2year for Nationals. This year darts community. We look forward volunteers who put in a few hours,an A help to ensure critical fund- we had 550 athletes and over 60 vol- to growing this new event. entire day or a whole weekend. Thank ing is secured for unteers participating in events all To our athletes: whether you’re you, thank you, and thank you! many of the pro- across Maine. We are happy to wel- new to the games or a long-time grams and services come so many new athletes as well. competitor—thank you! The provided by the 27% of this year’s competitors were games would not exist without Southern Maine first time participants. There’s also your drive and support. We’re Agency on Aging in been an increase in the amount of honored to be a part of your well- Cumberland and female competitors—40% this year! ness goals and we’re humbled by York counties and by the other This year’s youngest athlete was 45 your stories—folks who have had AAA’s across the state. and our oldest was 94—way to go! open heart surgery, back surgery, Both the U.S. House and the This year we introduced a new stroke, cancer, limb replacements Senate have considered their FY sport—darts. Even though we had and still competed! Your sheer 2018 funding proposals for Older will to be active is amazing. Americans Act (OAA) and other aging programs, and lawmakers have until December 8 to either Photo captions clockwise: Medalists at 10-Pin reach a long-term funding agree- Bowling; Women’s Basketball; MSG Volunteers at ment or pass another short-term Track and Field; New event for 2017—Darts funding solution. That means now is the perfect time for constituents in Southern Maine to reach out to our Repre- sentatives and Senators to advo- cate for the highest possible fund- ing levels for OAA and other criti- cal aging programs in the final bill Congress passes. There are a few key messages about current funding proposals for local aging that I hope you will take to local lawmakers. We want lawmakers to support a recently proposed $14.2 million increase for Older Americans Act Title III B Hidden Treasures Revealed! Tis the Season Supportive Services, which fund SMAA’s Information and Resource n September 29, several local collections including works by John programs, Volunteer Services and businesses and law firms Swan, Tom Crotty, Sarah Knock, for Giving! Healthy Aging programs in South- opened their offices to our pa- Bernard Langlais, Paul Black, his is the time of year when we ern Maine! Otrons showcasing their corpo- Stephen Etnier and Anne Ireland to count our blessings and share We also want them to reject rate art collections. Pierce Atwood, name just a few. Ralph Lancaster of our time and treasure with proposed cuts for critical Medicare LLP; Jensen Baird Gardner and Pierce Atwood led a special tour for those who need help. If you counseling services under the fed- Henry, LLP; Epstein and O’Dono- VIPs including details about the de- T have a tradition of giving at this eral SHIP program as well as for van, LLP; Bank of America, Key velopment of their collection. Pro- time of year, please consider a gift to senior workforce development and Bank Monument Square, US Trust ceeds from the evening’s tour bene- the Southern Maine Agency on Ag- elder justice programs. The good and Merrill Lynch shared their art fited SMAA’s programs. ing (SMAA) to support our mission news is that that because the Sen- At each site, patrons were of improving the quality of life for ate proposed fully funding all of able to sample appetizers from older Mainers in York and Cumber- these programs, we have a chance Churchill Caterers, Bread and land counties. SMAA receives fund- to ensure the cuts will be rejected Butter Catering. Micucci’s Gro- ing from federal and state sources. in the final federal budget for next cery, Al’s of Scarborough, Trader However, the funding levels have re- year. Joe’s, Carpe Diem Wine Room mained flat for many years. Maine How do we do that? At and Jeannie Marshall Foods also is the oldest state by median age in SMAA, we are advocating for contributed food for the evening. the country and many older Main- these programs alongside our na- Thanks to Allagash Brewing and ers are fragile and require a great Ralph Lancaster leading the VIP tour of National Distributors for donat- continued on page 4 deal of support. In addition, media Pierce Atwood’s collection. ing beer and wine for the reports suggest that funding for this evening. Thanks to VIP Charters, Have questions about Senior News? at risk population is in jeopardy. Hannaford Bros. the host com- Call 396-6594 or email [email protected] SMAA relies on contributions mittee and many SMAA employ- from individuals and businesses. Southern Maine ees for their contributions to the You can give by sending a check Agency on Aging event. to SMAA at 136 US Route 1, Scar- 136 U.S. Route 1 “We are so grateful to all of borough, ME 04074. You can also Scarborough, ME 04074 the businesses who collaborated give on our secure online portal at with us on this event and to the the website: http://www.smaaa.org/ donors who joined us for this giving.html. evening. We are facing possible Many people prefer to make funding cuts for some of our pro- stock gifts. Instructions for gifting continued on page 4 continued on page 9 2 Senior News November-December 2017

Meals on Wheels Volunteer Honored MONEY MINDERS: Congratulations to Ann Helping ‘Amazing’ Clients Reardon, honoree for this year’s Ed Greenleaf Award. amela was in one of the first- One of the things Pamela didn’t ever training sessions for Mon- know before she started working nn Reardon has always ey Minders volunteers, held with her client was how much adap- been a very conscien- when the Southern Maine tive equipment is available for visu- tious Meals on Wheels P Agency on Aging (SMAA) was still ally impaired people. Her client has A driver. She engages located on Cumberland Avenue in digital books, a watch and a thermo- with her clients not only by Portland. That was 18 years ago, stat that talk, a scanner to read her talking, but most important- when Pamela saw an article in the mail, and a microwave and stove ly by listening. She notices Sunday paper and called for more that have special paint so she can little things from week to information. She continues to volun- feel the settings. week about the client’s L to R: Liz Engel, South Portland Site Manager, teer with the program because she Even with adaptive assistance, health and wellbeing. A nor- Ann Reardon, and Becky Greenleaf. has an “amazing client”—they’ve Pamela says it is often difficult for mally gregarious client may been meeting every two weeks for her client. She has had some falls be quieter one week and Ann will The Ed Greenleaf Award is an 12 years, and Pamela can’t imagine and some financial worries. She has notice and try to get a sense of award given in memory of Ed not continuing with her. had problems with credit card com- what may be on that client’s mind. Greenleaf, a much-loved Meals on Pamela’s amazing client is 93 panies that Pamela was able to cor- Ann was a visiting nurse in her Wheels volunteer for the South years old and blind; she lives in- rect. “Some organizations don’t seem past life and brings all that train- Portland Meals on Wheels site. The dependently in her own home. to have much empathy for people ing to her position as a Meals on award was created by Ed’s wife Her son and daughter-in-law live with physical barriers,” says Pamela. Wheels driver. She always comes Becky as a way to celebrate fellow next door, and she has 10 hours With a long career as a CPA, back with a full report on how volunteers who represented Ed’s of housekeeping assistance a Pamela finds the Money Minders everyone is doing and goes out of spirit. This year is eighth year the month, but other than that, she (MM) Program to be almost second her way to be a sympathetic ear to award has been presented. does everything for herself. nature. Budgeting, check writing each and every one. Congrats Ann! and balancing a checkbook are the free services provided by MM volun- teers for low-to-mid-income seniors. “Feeling useful and being able to volunteer in something I feel compe- tent at” satisfies Pamela’s desire to volunteer. “I’ve served on several boards, but that isn’t for me. I like the one-on-one connection.” For Pamela, Money Minders means more than offering bill-pay- ing assistance. Her client has a twin sister who is showing signs of de- mentia, and Pamela used to work with the Alzheimer’s Association. She is happy to listen to her client’s concerns and worries about her sis- ter, and she feels that her life expe- riences allow her to be able to help her client in this way, as well. Before every visit, Pamela calls her client to set up her next visit date and to ask how her client is do- ing. “Not bad for an old lady,” her client invariably says. Pamela loves to visit her client, to listen to her stories and share time with her. “It’s not just for the other person,” Pamela says. “If you’re open to it, you can get a lot out of it, too.” For more information about the Money Minders Program, and to find a volunteer like Pamela to help you keep your finances in order, please call the Southern Maine Agency on Aging at 1-800-427-7411 or 396-6500 and ask to speak to a Resource Specialist. For Money Minders like Pamela, the best part of their job is the connection they feel to clients.

Thank you Atria!

hank you to Atria of Kenneb- unk for hosting comedian Bob Marley for a night of nonstop Tlaughs for a great cause. Pro- ceeds from the evening benefited the Southern Maine Agency on Ag- ing’s Sam L. Cohen Center and The Center at Lower Village. Thanks to Atria of Kennebunk, Bob Marley, and all who attended! November-December 2017 Senior News 3

Hidden Treasures continued from page 1 grams that serve our most frail elderly clients”, said Kate Put- nam, SMAA’s Chief Advancement Officer. “This event helped raise money but also awareness for the Agency”, Kate continued. SMAA is planning another Hidden Treasures event for 2018. The details will be shared in Se- nior News and on the web site, www.smaaa.org when finalized.

Photo captions clockwise: Meg and Charlie Hurdman; Art from our members at the Cohen and Stewart Centers as a result of the generous grant from the Davis Family Foundation; Betsy and Tom Elliman; Peter Handy, Peter Gerrity, Marie Gerrity and Julie Moss 4 Senior News November-December 2017

outreach, but make sure to fill in de- AND/OR From the Director’s Desk tails about the effect these pro- • Make A Few Short Phone Calls. continued from page 1 grams have had on you and others If you’d rather call than write in our community. our lawmakers (or do both!), this is tional champions in Washington, • Put Your Concerns in Writing. an easy way to be heard! Use the DC. However, we need YOU to make If you can, put your concerns in Capitol Switchboard (202.224.3121) our voices be better heard by law- writing to email and/or fax it to our to reach DC offices, or look up the BOARD OF DIRECTORS makers! We hope you will consid- Senators and Representative(s). district phone numbers on their er taking the following steps in 2016-2017 Email is easiest, but sometimes a websites. support of Older Americans Act fax will draw more notice. Use the Thank you for helping SMAA PRESIDENT funding! language below to help you craft advocate for continued support for Kristine Sullivan, MLIS, your messages, but make sure to in- these critical programs. Scarborough How to Take Action: clude your personal experiences I wish you all a peaceful and VICE PRESIDENT Contact Senators Susan about these programs. You can find happy holiday season! Mary Jane Krebs, APRN, BC contact information for our Sena- Collins and Angus King and Westbrook Representative Chellie Pingree tors and Representatives at now to advocate for funding for www.senate.gov and www.house.gov SECRETARY Older Americans Act programs and you can email them right from Laurence W. Gross Susan Keiler, Biddeford and services. You can use some of that same site. Here’s a link to a Chief Executive Officer TREASURER the sample language below in your template that you can use if helpful. Thomas Gruber, Jr., Senior News Cumberland Foreside zĞƐ͕ / ǁŽƵůĚ ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ƐƵďƐĐƌŝďĞ ƚŽ is a publication of BOARD MEMBERS ^ĞŶŝŽƌ EĞǁƐ͊ Jeffrey Aalberg, MD, Portland  ϭ LJĞĂƌͬϲͲŝƐƐƵĞ ƐƵďƐĐƌŝƉƟŽŶ is $20 per address. Terry Bagley, Cape Elizabeth Stephen Braverman, Wells Name:______Denise Doyon, Biddeford Address: ______136 U.S. Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074-9055 City: ______State:______Zip Code:______Marie Gerrity, Cumberland Phone:(____)-____-______Email:______Telephone: 207-396-6500 Ann Hastings, Biddeford ‰ Check for $20 payable to Southern Maine Agency on Aging enclosed Toll-free: 1-800-427-7411 John Holland, Gorham ‰ Credit Card No.: ______e-mail: [email protected] Jeffrey Holmstrom, DO, Exp. Date:_____/_____ Security Code:______South Portland Web site: www.smaaa.org Please mail your payment to: David McDonald, Portland Editor: Kate Putnam ^ŽƵƚŚĞƌŶ DĂŝŶĞ ŐĞŶĐLJ ŽŶ ŐŝŶŐ ͬ ƩŶ͗ ^ĞŶŝŽƌ EĞǁƐ ^ƵďƐĐƌŝƉƟŽŶ Betsy Mead, Yarmouth ϭϯϲ h^ ZŽƵƚĞ KŶĞ͕ ^ĐĂƌďŽƌŽƵŐŚ͕ D ϬϰϬϳϰ [email protected] or David Smith, Falmouth We do not sell or share our mailing and email list. 207-396-6590 Advertising: Janet Bowne [email protected] or 207-396-6533 Mission Statement The Southern Maine Agency on Article Submission: Jessica Aging’s mission is to improve LeBlanc [email protected] the quality of life for older or 207-396-6520 adults, adults with disabilities, Design: Becky Delaney and the people who care for them. Printing: Sun Press, Lewiston Senior News is published six Commitment to Reasonable times per year in January, March, May, July, September Accommodation: and November. The Southern Maine Agency on Aging will, with adequate notice and upon request, provide appropriate auxiliary Circulation: 9,000 issues are distributed in public aids and services to persons with disabilities, to assist in effective com- places from Kittery to Bridgeton and Brunswick. munication and to participate equally Another 1,000 are distributed through Agency on in programs, services and activities. Aging events and locations. Total: 10,000 Call 1-800-427-7411 x503 or from the Portland calling area call 207-396-6503 to make your request. For details on advertising in “Senior News,” log on to www.smaaa.org and see Senior News on home page and/or send an e-mail to seniornews@ smaaa.org. The Southern Maine Agency on Aging AFFORDABLE You may also reach “Senior News” representative (SMAA) is a non-profit, charitable organ- Funeral & Cremation Services Janet Bowne at 396-6533. ization. Services of SMAA are supported We are a local provider serving your family with compassion and respect in part by state and federal funds provid- while keeping our commitment to affordable costs. Marketing options include, full color ads, advertori- ed through the Office of Aging and Dis- al columns and inserting pre-printed materials into ability Services of the Maine Department The most comprehensive cremation plans of Human Services. Learn more at the newspaper. Reach your potential customers with and funeral plans in Greater Portland… www.smaaa.org or by calling 207-396- Maine’s only newspaper specifically for people age always at affordable prices 6500 or 1-800-427-7411. *Pre-planning services also available 50 and older!

Our promises to you: Disclaimer of Endorsement: We appreciate the The Southern Maine Agency on • Personalized care from compassionate experts. loyal support of our advertisers who make the pub- • Customer service staff available 24 hours a day for you. Aging is committed to providing a lication of “Senior News” possible. The appearance • House calls in Southern Maine at your convenience. safe and welcoming space for of these advertisers does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the everyone regardless of his/her 999 Forest Avenue, Portland Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA). Advertis- race, ethnic identity, gender, 899-4605 ers are not permitted to use the name of SMAA, its sexual orientation, ability, age, AdvantagePortland.com employees or volunteers for marketing or product economic status, faith tradition, endorsement purposes. veteran status or life situation. November-December 2017 Senior News 5

lined, rimmed baking sheet. Cook HEALTHY EATING for 1 hour and 20 minutes, flipping 2017 Subaru Share the halfway through. (Squash should be WITH HOLLY: tender when pierced with a knife) Love Event to Benefit When cool enough to handle, halve Fall Produce Ideas length wise and scoop out the seeds. Then scrape with a fork to remove Meals on Wheels to Liven Up your flesh in long strands. Your squash is ver the last nine years, Subaru ready to eat or store for up to three of America and its participat- Holiday Plates days in an air tight container. ing retailers have donated Now that the squash is cooked, Omore than $94 million to help By Holly Bresnahan RD the sky is the limit! those in need—that’s the equivalent • Add pesto to the spaghetti of more than 1.7 million meals to Through this campaign, as a ix it up this year! Gather squash, garnish with basil seniors across the country! member of Meals on Wheels your family and friends and • Sauté garlic with olive oil, As part of The 2017 Subaru America, Southern Maine Agency experiment or rediscover add your favorite spices. Share the Love Event, Subaru will on Aging’s Meals on Wheels pro- Msome of the great produce Combine with the spaghetti donate $250 for every new Subaru gram will receive a share of the that chillier weather brings. squash. Sprinkle with parme- vehicle sold or leased from Novem- revenue earned in Maine. Last san, salt and pepper ber 16, 2017, through January 2, year this event generated over Sweet Potato • Substitute spaghetti squash 2018, to four national charities des- $3,200 in funds for SMAA’s pro- You’ve heard it before but sweet for grain based pasta with ignated by the purchaser or lessee. grams right here in York and potatoes surge ahead from the tomato sauce and meatballs Meals on Wheels America is one of Cumberland counties. white potato in fiber and vitamin A. • Mix spaghetti squash with four national participating chari- For more information please This perfect orange vegetable parmesan cheese and flour. ties, and has been since the incep- contact your local Subaru retailer makes a great side dish for break- Form into a patty and pan fry tion of the Event. for details or visit subaru.com fast, lunch or dinner. Cube the sweet to make a hash brown. Enjoy! potato, sprinkle with olive oil, dust with cinnamon or cumin and roast in the oven at 375 for 35 minutes until golden brown. You can serve them with a poached egg and sliced avocado for an extra antioxidant punch! Parsnips These cousins of carrots are of- ten overlooked. They are the same root shape as a carrot but the flesh is white. Parsnips are full of fiber with a decent amount of Vitamin C and folate too. Parsnips are typi- cally eaten cooked, either roasted or pureed. Try adding it to your next roasted vegetable tray or soup. They also mix very well with mashed potatoes to add extra fla- vor and nutrients. Pears Pears peak in the fall making them an excellent choice right now. Eaten with the skin, pears are a good source of fiber and antioxi- dants. (6 grams worth of fiber for one medium pear) Don’t be fooled at the grocery store when you pick up a pear and it is very firm. Pears are unique in that they do not ripen on the tree. Leave the pears at room temperature and when the fruit near the stem gives a little pres- So uthern Maine’ s Premiere As siste d Living Community for Memory Care . sure, it is ripe! Enjoy pears cut with cheese and crackers or try them grilled. Pears also compliment bleu Be proactive , be re ady . cheese and goat cheese well in your We’r e here to help. favorite green salad. Whe ther yo ur love d on e is in nee d of Spaghetti Squash If you’ve never tried spaghetti memor y care now , or a ye ar fro m now , squash, you are in for a treat! we invit e yo u to visit our bea utiful Spaghetti squash is a great low co mmunit y and join our wait list fo r calorie vegetable that can be substi- tuted for grain based pasta. (Real- rst av ailabl e ap artments . ly!) When choosing a squash, look for one that is free of spots and feels heavy for its size. Spaghetti squash Visi t Avit a toda y! Con tac t Le a Ru st can be hard to cut through when un- fo r mor e informatio n abo ut the cooked so roasting it whole is the wond erf ul wa y of life at Avi ta: easiest to prepare. See recipe below to get started. 207.857.90077.90077.9007 Spaghetti Squash prep: or : Le a@avi tao fstststrou dwat er.co m Take 1 medium squash (3 1/4 lbs). Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Use a small sharp knife and prick AVIT A OF STR OUDWATE R the squash all over. Place on a foil- 113 Landing Road | Westbrook , ME | av ita ofstro udwater .co m 6 Senior News November-December 2017

Rumford: River Valley Health Commodity Food Boxes Available in York and Oxford Counties Communities Coalition – 94 River Rd., Rumford. 2nd Wednesday of the he Commodity Supplemental • Must be able to pick-up the Saco: United Baptist Church – month, 9AM-12PM. Food Program (CSFP) has re- food each month 318 Main St., Saco (Cross St. En- Bethel: Bethel Church of the cently expanded in York and – If you cannot pick-up you trance). 1st Thursday of the month, Nazarene Food Pantry – 16 Church Oxford Counties and applica- may designate a family 10:30AM-12:30PM. Enter at Cross St. T St., Bethel. 2nd Monday of the tions are being accepted. member, friend, or neigh- entrance. month, 10:30AM-8PM. CSFP works to improve the bor to pick-up on your Biddeford: New Life Church – We also have a great need for health of low income individuals behalf. 551 Alfred St., Biddeford (South En- VOLUNTEERS to help us. If you aged 60 and above by providing – If you miss more than 2 trance). 4th Tuesday of the month, are interested please contact Volun- 30 pounds of nutritious USDA consecutive monthly pick- 12:30-2:30PM. commodity food items once a ups without calling the teer Services at 1-800-427-7411 month. A typical box may in- office first you will be dis- Kennebunk: St. David’s Episco- This Program expansion also clude nonfat dry milk, juice, charged from the program. pal Church – 138 York St. (Rte. 1), provides us with the opportunity to oats, dry pasta, rice, cereal, If discharged you are wel- Kennebunk. 4th Tuesday of the partner with new organizations to peanut butter, dry beans, canned come to reapply. month, 9-11AM. provide more pick up locations in meats, canned fruits and vegeta- Eliot: Eliot Methodist Church – York and Oxford County. If your or- To get started, you may request bles, and a block of cheese. 238 Harold L. Dow Hwy (Rte. 236), ganization would like to be a part- an application from our office by Eliot. 4th Thursday of the month nering distribution site please conta To qualify: calling 207-396-6583 or by visiting 11AM-1PM. • Maine resident age 60+ www.smaaa.org • Monthly income must be less Participants can pick up their Porter: Riverside United than $1,307 (single) or $1,760 box of food at their designated fol- Methodist Church Food Pantry – 5 From Jo Dill’s (couple) or household income lowing locations: School St., Porter. 3rd Friday of the month, 8-9:30AM. must be at or below 130% of Sanford: SMAA Meal Site – 26 Notebook the Federal Poverty Income Amherst St., Sanford. 3rd Thursday South Paris: The Moss Brook Guidelines. of the month, 11AM-1PM. Church Admin Building – 496 High St., South Paris. 2nd Wednesday of the month, 10AM-2PM.

Power Walk Power Walk has been ac- cepted as a National Senior Games (NSGA) event for 2019 and for this year only, you do not have to qualify. NSGA will be offering a 1500m which will be held on a track and the 5k power walk will be held on a 5k course. For those going to Na- tionals, this can be your third event (for 2019 only). Maine Se- nior Games 1500m has been and will be part of the Track and Field event. More informa- tion on whether we will offer the 5k power walk will be post- ed at a later date.

Ladies Bowling League Motorcoach Tours Now Booking Our ladies candlepin bowl- ing league will be starting again on January 4 and will continue until March 29. The New England Patriots Home Games New Year’s Eve at Foxwoods league plays every Thursday at ǀĞƌLJ ,ŽŵĞ 'ĂŵĞ Ăƚ 'ŝůůĞƩĞ͕ ZŝĚĞ KŶůLJ Ͳ Ψϱϱ ^ƵŶ͘ ĞĐ͘ ϯϭ Ͳ ΨϱϬ Big 20 in Scarborough at 4:30pm. Teams are four players each and we are still looking for VIP Casino Express to Foxwoods Boston Flower & Garden Show “Savor Spring” bowlers to join a team. The cost ŽŶƵƐ͗ ΨϮϬ ^ůŽƚ WůĂLJ͕ &ƌĞĞ ƵīĞƚ Ͳ ΨϰϬ tĞĚ͕͘ DĂƌ͘ ϭϰ Ͳ Ψϱϵ per week is $12 which includes dŚƵƌƐ͕͘ DĂƌ͘ ϭϱ ǁͬ :&< WƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂů DƵƐĞƵŵ Ͳ Ψϳϵ 3 strings, shoes and money for New York City Day Trip &ƌŝ͕͘ DĂƌ͘ ϭϲ Ͳ Ψϱϵ the kitty. It is a league where ^Ăƚ͘ EŽǀ͘ Ϯϱ Θ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ͕ ĞĐ͘ ϵ Ͳ Ψϵϵ ĞĂ͘ ^Ăƚ͕͘ DĂƌ͘ ϭϳ ǁͬ ^Ɖŝƌŝƚ ŽĨ ŽƐƚŽŶ >ƵŶĐŚ ƌƵŝƐĞ Ͳ we laugh, have fun and cheer Ψϭϰϱ each other on. Let me know if ^ƵŶ͕͘ DĂƌ͘ ϭϴ ǁͬ &ĂŶĞƵŝů ,Ăůů DĂƌŬĞƚƉůĂĐĞ Ͳ Ψϱϵ you are interested: jdill@ “Gardens Aglow” at Coastal Maine smaaa.org Botanial Gardens dŚƵƌƐ͕͘ ĞĐ͘ Ϯϴ Ͳ Ψϰϱ Looking towards 2018 2018 will be a qualifying Book Today! year for the 2019 National Se- nior Games in Albuquerque, www.vipchartercoaches.com NM. (June 14-25, 2019). The MSG schedule is being put to- (ph) 207-772-4457 (f) 207-772-7020 Tour & Charter Bus Company gether with some events sched- [email protected] 129 Fox St. Portland, ME 04101 uled already.Visit www.maines- rgames. org for updates. November-December 2017 Senior News 7

Want to Volunteer Gardening Enthusiasts Donate Arrangements to Meals on Wheels his summer local gardening Only in the enthusiasts donated flower Winter? arrangements to the South T Portland Meals on Wheels site. Meals on Wheels recipients are ot spending the winter in home-bound and many have physi- Florida or other warmer loca- cal limitations that prevent them tions? Busy in the spring, sum- from enjoy hobbies they used to mer and fall, but have free N have, like gardening. These time in the winter? Consider volun- arrangements put smiles on their teering with the AARP Tax-Aide. In faces and brightened their days! addition to actual tax preparation, If you have a hobby group and volunteers are needed to help with are interested in becoming involved scheduling, to greet taxpayers as with Meals on Wheels in your area, they arrive tax preparation loca- please contact JoAnn McPhee, Nu- Left to Right: Paulette Gallant (wearing sunglasses), Kate Sawdon, Pat Mordecai, Carol tions, to network computers and trition Manager at 207-396-6510. printers as well as a variety of ad- Parcher, and Linda Hanscom. ministrative tasks. Training for all volunteers is held in January. With the exception of volunteers doing actual return Social Security preparation, the training takes no Are you a member of the more than one day. Tax preparation Announces 2.0 starts on February 1 and ends on sandwich April 15. Once trained, volunteers Percent Benefit ? should be able to commit to a mini- generation mum of four hours each week. Increase for 2018 Caring for both your aging Planning to take a one or two week parents and your children? vacation or trip in March or April? onthly Social Security and Our help Not a problem! Volunteers swap or Supplemental Security In- Care Managers double up on shifts. come (SSI) benefits for more older adults maintain their Volunteers who want to be in- Mthan 66 million Americans independence with high volved with the actual preparation will increase 2.0 percent in 2018, quality of life. Call us. of tax returns should be comfortable the Social Security Administration working with computers. They do announced today. (207) 400-8763 The 2.0 percent cost-of-living A division of not need to be tax experts. Instead, 50 Foden Road, Suite 3 just have used tax software a tax adjustment (COLA) will begin with South Portland, ME 04106 program to prepare their own tax benefits payable to more than 61 MEMBER www.vnahomehealth.org return and possibility those of million Social Security beneficiaries friends. Volunteers preparing tax in January 2018. Increased pay- are required to pass open book tests ments to more than 8 million SSI to become IRS certified advanced beneficiaries will begin on Decem- Worry Less. Live More. volunteer tax preparer. Training is ber 29, 2017. (Note: some people re- provided in January either in a ceive both Social Security and SSI Say Yes to Living Well. classroom setting with other volun- benefits) The Social Security Act teers or on-line at one’s own pace. ties the annual COLA to the in- The time commitment for new vol- crease in the Consumer Price Index unteer tax preparers in January is as determined by the Department of significant. Training in subsequent Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. years is much less ‘taxing’ (pun in- Some other adjustments that tended). take effect in January of each year Although the AARP Tax-Aide are based on the increase in aver- program ‘s focus is on low to mod- age wages. Based on that increase, erate income taxpayers 50 and the maximum amount of earnings over, the program serves taxpayers subject to the Social Security tax or all ages. Volunteering for this (taxable maximum) will increase to program is a rewarding way to $128,700 from $127,200. Of the spend part of your Maine winter. estimated 175 million workers who Meet new people – both other vol- will pay Social Security taxes in unteers and the taxpayer served. 2018, about 12 million will pay There are currently twenty AARP more because of the increase in Tax-Aide locations in Cumberland the taxable maximum. and York counties. With the de- Information about Medicare mand and need for this program changes for 2018, when announced, always increasing, there is need for will be available at www.medicare. additional volunteers to join the gov. current AARP Tax-Aide team. The Social Security Act provides To learn more or volunteer, con- for how the COLA is calculated. To The Park Danforth offers both tact Joan Jagolinzer, District Coor- read more, please visit www. dinator at [email protected]. socialsecurity.gov/cola. Independent and Assisted Living options.

Personal ized Stay connected with SMAA Senior Living Sinc e 1881 Receive updates about new classes and workshops 777 Stevens Av enu e being offered, when Senior News is available on Por tland, M E 0 4103 newsstands and online, along with the latest information about SMAA happenings via email. NOW OPEN ! 58 NEW Independent Living Visit www.smaaa.org/email.html to sign-up today. Apa rtments 8 Senior News November-December 2017 Family Caregiver Support Program

Are you helping an older adult manage bills, prepare meals, manage Is caring for a family member or friend medical services? Do you help with bathing or dressing, household chores, leaving you feeling tired, isolated, sad, guilty, transportation to appointments, or companionship? Are you a senior who stressed? Caregiving may be the most difficult is raising someone else’s child? and rewarding thing you’ll ever do. The Then you are a Caregiver. Family Caregiver Support Program can help.

Geriatric Care Management—Questions and Answers What is Geriatric Care issues. A geriatric care manager • They make a care plan that improve the quality of your per- may also help families and their includes the results of the son’s life, as well as your own. Management (GCM)? care recipients with decisions con- assessment, recommendations, A geriatric care manager may nected to aging such as the aspects and referrals for local communi- How will I pay? Does Medicaid, be a social worker, nurse, gerontolo- of long-term care, whether at home, ty options. The care manager Medicare, or health insurance gist, counselor, or other profession- in an assisted living facility, or in a should go into depth in explain- al. GCM provides assistance for you nursing facility. If the person re- ing the details of the plan, what cover geriatric care management and a person you are caring for with quires special services or changes led to the recommendations, services? finding resources, making decisions, occur in their health or life, then and what you can expect. They Services are billed privately on and managing stress. GCM provides geriatric care management (GCM) will then help to prioritize an a fee-for-service basis. Check with “one stop shopping” for care for you may be helpful for you. action plan. the agency or private geriatric care and your person. • They arrange services that manager as to whether or not a slid- What do Geriatric Care are tailored to the needs identi- ing scale fee can be established. Why would someone need Managers do? What services do fied in the care plan and may Care management services provid- Geriatric Care Management? include: crisis intervention, ed by geriatric care managers are they offer? counseling and support, con- not covered in most policies and cur- GCM is especially helpful for A geriatric care manager coordi- sumer education and advocacy, rently are not recognized as billable long distance caregivers or but is nates care and services to meet the money management, referrals, services by either Medicare or helpful for anyone needing some ex- full social, emotional, physical, and decisions regarding appropriate MaineCare (Medicaid). A geriatric tra guidance and help in caregiving, healthcare needs of the person you housing options, assistance with care manager can help outline the particularly for someone with de- are caring for. However, all care man- moving a person to or from dif- general cost of services in order to mentia. GCM can help families and agers do not specialize in all areas.It ferent types of housing, advising find the best way to provide afford- care recipients cope with complex is important to find out whether a families on power of attorney or able services for you and your care care manager has experience in deal- guardianship issues, serving as recipient. ing with your specific needs. Geri- a liaison to families at a dis- atric care managers might help in tance, making sure things are Questions to ask when talking some of the following ways: going well, and alerting families • They conduct an in-person to problems. with Geriatric Care Management assessment to specifically • They monitor needs. Once agencies: understand you and your per- services and arrangements are • How long has the agency been son’s needs. Interview questions in place for the person, regular in business? cover a range of issues relevant monitoring is important. There • How long has the agency been to the person’s health and living also should be frequent re-eval- doing geriatric care manage- situation such as everyday uations to make any necessary ment? activities, nutritional status, adjustments. The geriatric care • Does the agency provide accred- safety, memory, depression, manager needs to monitor the ited, licensed clinical social finances, insurance, health his- person’s capabilities and func- workers, Masters level coun- tory, and more. tions as time goes on. This will selors, and/or gerontologists?

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• Are the care managers certi- • Are you familiar with area fied? If yes, what are their certi- resources? Congresswoman Pingree to Speak at fications? • Are you available for emergen- • Is this agency affiliated with a cies? Can I reach you easily? Rotary Club of Portland’s Annual professional organization? If • How do you communicate infor- yes, which ones? mation to me? • Are references available upon • What are your fees? (These Veterans Appreciation Lunch request? should be provided in writing to Veterans and their guests will be paid at the door on the day of • What kind of supervision is pro- the responsible party prior to the event. Only cash and checks vided for care managers? service). be treated to lunch and a will be accepted and pre-registra- • Does the agency have 24-hour • Can you provide me with refer- program honoring veterans tion is required. availability, 365 days a year? ences? Capturing the Rotary Club’s • Will they provided a list of all he Rotary Club of Portland will longstanding commitment to com- charges, such as phone calls, Helpful Resources: host their 3rd Annual Veterans munity outreach and support, the driving time, counseling, and Appreciation Luncheon on No- purpose of this event is to recognize To learn more, or to find a Geri- case management? vember 10, 12PM at The Italian and honor veterans. This opportuni- atric Care Manager in your area T Heritage Center in Portland, Maine. ty allows for family, friends, and visit Aging Life Care Association at This year’s luncheon will cele- community members to support Questions to ask when talking www.aginglifecare.org. brate veterans’ commitment and hundreds of local veterans and all with an Independent Geriatric For more information in York service to our country and feature are invited to attend. and Cumberland counties contact Care Manager: Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, To pre-register for the event, the Southern Maine Agency on Ag- • Are you knowledgeable about along with Joe Reagan, veteran and visit the Portland Maine Rotary ing at 1-800-427-7411 or online at dementia and associated care vice chairman of Veterans Count, an Website at www.portlandrotary.org, www.smaaa.org. needs? Easter Seals charity supporting or call (207) 899-6342. • What is your philosophy on Maine's Military and Veteran Com- Adapted 12/16 from Geriatric independent living versus nurs- munity. Care Management ©2008 ing home care? (You want to Last year’s Veterans Apprecia- Alzheimer’s Association, St. Tis the Season for Giving make sure that the geriatric tion Luncheon drew 300 attendees Louis Chapter. https://www.alz. care manager shares your views and sold out 10 days prior to the continued from page 1 org/stl/documents/GCM_Tips.pdf on what is important to the per- event. Due to the luncheon’s in- securities are on the web site or son). creasing popularity, this year’s you can call Kate Putnam, Chief • Are you a certified care manag- event has been expanded to accom- Advancement Officer at 207-396- er? modate 350 guests and is anticipat- 6590 or email her at kputnam@ • What are your professional cre- ed to sell out in response to high-de- smaaa.org. Kate is also available to dentials? mand limited seating. meet with anyone looking to plan • Are you licensed in your profes- The event is made possible for a bequest or other structured do- sion? through support from the Portland nation. Doing so can ensure sustain- • What professional organiza- Rotary as well as generous dona- ability for important SMAA pro- tions do you belong to? tions, which treat all attending grams, helping to hedge against ma- • How long have you been provid- veterans to lunch. There is a $20 jor cuts in funding from government ing care management services? www.smaaa.org charge for non-veterans, which is to sources. Thank you!

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE Medicare Open 3. a. True: Be sure to ask the Enrollment Ends Are You at Risk of supplier if they are a Medicare-ap- proved supplier before filling any December 7 Medicare Fraud? prescription. he Medicare Open Enrollment 1. What is the number on the 4. b. False: Allowing someone Period (OEP) is from October Medicare card? else to use your Medicare insurance 15 through December 7 every a. Medicare Provider ID 6. At a health fair, it is accept- is fraud and you could be prosecuted year. If you use the OEP to b. Social Security Number able for a person who offers a $50 by the federal government! T choose a new Medicare Advantage c. A Unique Identifier voucher for medications, to get your 5. b. False: The Centers for or Part D plan, that new coverage Medicare number in return. 2. When a podiatrist trims the Medicare and Medicaid Services will begin on January 1. a. True toe nails of a Medicare beneficiary, will be issuing new Medicare cards b. False she can bill for Medicare surgery. over the next few years for the sole What you can do during the OEP: a. True 7. Those who commit Medicare purpose of removing Social Security • Anyone who has (or is signing b. False fraud can include: numbers to combat identity theft. up for) Medicare Parts A or B a. People with Medicare The cards are not intended to be 3. Medicare only covers durable can join or drop a Part D pre- b. Suppliers of durable medical used like a credit card. If you receive medical equipment, like a walker or scription drug plan. equipment a call or an email from anyone oxygen, if you get it from a supplier • Anyone with Original Medicare c. Doctors and health care prac- claiming there is a cost for these enrolled in the Medicare program (Parts A & B) can switch to a titioners new cards, hang up or delete the with a prescription from your doctor. Medicare Advantage plan. d. All of the above email… it’s a scam—do NOT pro- a. True vide your bank account or credit • Anyone with Medicare b. False card information! Advantage can drop it and ANSWERS switch back to just Original 4. A Medicare beneficiary al- 6. b. False: Medicare cards Medicare (Parts A & B). lows her sister, who has no health 1. b. Social Security Num- should only be used to pay for cov- • Anyone with Medicare care coverage, to use her Medicare ber: The number on your Medicare ered services and/or supplies. A “dis- Advantage can switch to a new card to get health care services. This card IS your Social Security Num- count voucher” is NOT a service or a Medicare Advantage plan. is an act of kindness with no conse- ber (or the number of your spouse, supply. Say “no, thank you” and • Anyone with a Part D prescrip- quences. ex-spouse or parent that you are re- walk away. tion drug plan can switch to a a. True ceiving Medicare benefits under). new Part D prescription drug b. False Protect that number to avoid 7. d. All of the Above: Any identity theft! Medicare beneficiary or provider plan. 5. The Affordable Care Act is is- can commit Medicare fraud by If you want to join a new pre- suing new Medicare cards that can 2. b. False: Foot care is NOT a knowingly and willfully billing scription drug or Medicare Advan- be scanned or swiped like a credit covered service under Medicare for or causing Medicare to be billed tage Plan you can use the Plan card. most people. Medicare may cover for services and/or supplies not Finder tool on www.medicare.gov. or a. True therapeutic shoes or inserts for received, not needed or not ap- contact 1-8 b. False some people who have foot issues as propriate. a result of Diabetes. 10 Senior News November-December 2017

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Falmouth’s Original High School Now a Senior Living Center SMAA Services at Plummer DC Management, LLC, the The school, named after Head floor. The school’s original windows he Plummer School, designed managers of the new Plummer Custodian (and bus driver) Samp- have been refurbished and re-in- by Portland architect John Senior Living in Falmouth, have son D. Plummer, was the town’s first stalled, bringing lots of bright light Thomas (1886-1944), has engaged SMAA to provide a part- high school. After a new high school into each apartment. The original T served the town of Falmouth time resource coordinator on- was built in the 1950s, the Plummer gymnasium (including bleachers!) for over 80 years. Built in the site. Doug Wilson, who currently school continued as a Junior High has been restored and will serve as 1930s, this Colonial Revival style works part-time in SMAA’s until 1965, then served as an ele- a wonderful multi-purpose room for building was Falmouth’s first high Agewell Programs, will be our mentary school until 2011. Many community activities. school and is now on the National on-site coordinator: “I’m very ex- former teachers, parents and stu- Plummer Senior Living is adja- Registry of Historic Places. Many cited by this opportunity to assist dents have stopped by over the last cent to both the Ocean View retire- of its original design features are residents in getting connected to few weeks to view the final touches ment community (including SMAA’s still in place—the wooden cupola, community-based services. We are of redevelopment of the building own Stewart Adult Day Center) as with a clock and an octagonal cop- already partnered with Falmouth into 34 independent senior living well as the town-owned Mason- per dome, sits in the center on the Community Services (located ad- apartments. Two-thirds of the Motz activity center, home to Fal- gambrel slate roof. Landscaping in jacent to Plummer) and I look apartments are in the original high mouth Community Programs. front of the school includes an his- forward to building on this rela- school building and many of these SMAA will be providing many on- toric stone wall and flag pole dat- tionship to expand our evidence- contain original elements like chalk site resources (see sidebar), includ- ing to the original construction. based health and wellness pro- rails for the school’s blackboards ing our Advance Healthcare Semi- grams in the area.” In addition to and original wooden flooring. The nars, and our evidence-based providing A Matter of Balance, stage used in the auditorium has Agewell Tai Chi and Living Well Tai Chi and Living Well pro- been incorporated into a wonderful- programs. grams, SMAA will be providing ly unique apartment on the second on-site Advanced Healthcare counseling and more. Doug will also be assisting residents in ob- taining transportation, house- keeping, homemaker and other in-home services.

YOUR 1ST STOP FOR ANSWERS 1-800-427-7411 www.smaaa.org

NNeedeed HHelpelp BBalancingalancing YYourour MonthlyMonthly BBankank SStatement?tatement? TheThe SSouthernouthern MMaineaine AAgencygency oonn AAgingging offersoffers MMONEYONEY MMINDERS...INDERS... a FREEFREE programprogram toto assistassist peoplepeople ageage 5555 andand olderolder whowho needneed helphelp balancingbalancing a checkbookcheckbook andand writingwriting checks.checks.

ToTo learnlearn mmoreore oror ttoo sseeee ifif youyou areare eligible,eligible, Call:1-800-427-7411Call:1-800-427-7411 12 Senior News November-December 2017

Deepening Classes January 16 – March 15 J.R. Martin Community Center, Biddeford Tuesdays/Thursdays 9-10AM January 16 – March 15 Updates from Woodfords Church, Portland Agewell Tuesdays/Thursdays 10:15-11:15AM Additional winter classes are Call for Coaches/Leaders/ still being added and confirmed Instructors through November and December. Are you passionate about health For the most current listing of and wellness? Are you looking for a our workshops, please visit way to give back to your communi- www.smaaa.org ty? SMAA is actively recruiting vol- unteers to lead all of our evidence- based health management work- shops—including Tai Chi, A Matter Tips for Staying of Balance, Living Well for Better Health, and Living Well with Healthy this Chronic Pain. We are especially interested in Holiday Season building up our programs in South- ern York County, and north/west of The busy holiday season is near- Portland. ly upon us! Here in the Agewell Pro- Open House 12/7 1:30 at the grams we want to pass along a few Southern Maine Agency on Aging tips to help you stay healthy, active, and 12/12 at Southern York County and cheerful through this joyous, Location and Time TBD but sometimes stressful season. If you would be interested in 1. Pace yourself – try not to learning more about these programs over plan, and break your day up and becoming a volunteer, please into manageable segments. Taking contact us as: 396-6529 and attend time to rest and relax is important! one of our open house events. 2. Make healthy eating a pri- ority – With all the delicious and Workshops and Events tempting foods available and our Living Well with Chronic Pain busy schedules it can be easy to slip November 17 – December 29 into unhealthy habits. Make sure Prince Library, Cumberland you’re getting your fruits and veg- gies in or try making extra of a Fridays 1:15-3:45PM recipe and freeze portions for busy Tai Chi times. Registration opens December 1 3. It’s ok to say No – Some- times it’s hard to say no to friends, Beginner Classes family members or fun activities – January 15 – March 14 but listen to what your body and Martin’s Point Community Room, mind may be telling you. Scarborough 4. Don’t forget exercise – Get- ting regular physical activity is im- Mondays/Wednesdays 3-4PM portant not only for our bodies but January 16 – March 15 also our mental health! Aim for 30 J.R. Martin Community Center, minutes each day, even if it’s broken Biddeford up into a few shorter segments, and Tuesdays/Thursdays 10:15-11:15AM build time into your schedule. January 16 – March 15 5. Stay hydrated – With cooler Woodfords Church, Portland weather, it’s easy to forget that we need plenty of water. If you’re on the Tuesdays/Thursdays 9-10AM go, bring a water bottle with you, January 16 – March 15 Southern Maine Agency on Aging, Scarborough Tuesdays/Thursdays 9-10AM

A meal, and so much more. “One of the largest volunteer networks in southern Maine delivers 800 meals to homebound seniors struggling with hunger. Along with those meals, they deliver dignity and compassion. Please join me in making a gift today for Meals on Wheels so that no senior goes hungry.” –Senator George Mitchell

Donate or Volunteer—Either Way, YOU Deliver! Contact the Southern Maine Agency on Aging at www.smaaa.org or call 1-800-400-6325 or (207) 396-6583 November-December 2017 Senior News 13

Coats for Seniors Accepting Donations As You Like It Donation Change

onate your clean, gently used SMAA Main Office his fall the suggested donation We appreciate your coopera- winter coats to SMAA to help 136 US Route One, Scarborough for As You Like It (AYLI) vouch- tion and understanding. older Mainers ers was increased to $6.00 per If you have any questions re- Scarborough Town Hall (Communi- stay warm this voucher. garding this program update, or D ty Services Office, 3rd Floor) T winter! In addi- We have made every effort to about the Nutrition Programs at 259 US Route One, Scarborough tion, for each coat keep the suggested donation for Southern Maine Agency on Aging, donated, LL The Stewart Center the vouchers at a stable, constant please contact JoAnn McPhee, Nu- Bean will con- 74 Lunt Road, Falmouth amount for all program partici- trition Manager at 207-396-6510 or tribute $5 to pants for as many years as possi- by email at [email protected]. provide fuel as- The Sam L. Cohen Center ble. This change in the suggested sistance for old- 30 Barra Road, Biddeford donation per voucher was made to er adults in need. Baxter Memorial Library help ensure that the AYLI pro- Drop off your 71 South Street, Gorham gram remains viable and self-sus- coats before November 30 at the taining for the future for all AYLI www.smaaa.org following locations: Visit www.maine4a.org for more participants. information!

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TWINCITYGOLD.COM 14 Senior News November-December 2017 VOLUNTEER SERVICES & RSVP “An Invitation to Make a Difference”

Vet to Vet Volunteer Tom Gruber Honored as a Community Champion et to Vet volunteer and SMAA also serves as a member of the Cum- He was selected based on his Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA), board member Thomas Gruber berland Town Council. He visits volunteer work with Aging in Place, where he is treasurer of the SMAA has been named a 2017 Com- weekly with two veterans as a Vet to the Community Food Pantry, the Board of Directors. Susan Gold, co- V munity Champion by Molina Vet volunteer. Vet to Vet program, and Southern ordinator of Vet to Vet and Aging in Medicaid Solutions of Maine. The Place Cumberland, a town initiative award recognizes volunteers who Thomas Gruber, center, with of age-friendly programs and servic- have made extraordinary contribu- Larry Gross, SMAA Chief es, nominated Gruber for the award. tions to their community, have Executive Officer, left, and “Tom is one of those remark- shown outstanding commitment to Susan Gold, coordinator of able people who not only show em- serving those in need, and whose ac- Vet to Vet and Aging in pathy and love for his fellow hu- tivities have had a positive influ- Place Cumberland. Gruber mans, he also does everything he ence on the community. Winners re- received a 2017 Molina can to support them and help them ceive a trophy and a $1,000 grant live better lives,” said Gold. “He for the nonprofit organization of Community Champion spends practically every waking their choice. Award at a gala honoring hour doing something for some- Gruber, whose efforts helped es- volunteers statewide. Photo one—from delivering food to the tablish the Community Food Pantry Credit: Karen Campbell, Food Pantry and umpiring girls’ and Aging in Place Cumberland, Aging in Place Cumberland. softball to giving rides through AIP (as “Uber Gruber”) and accompany- ing a veteran to Sunday services.” Gruber has arranged with SMAA to use the Molina prize mon- ey to establish a fund to enable veterans living in Cumberland to attend the Stewart Adult Day Center. Veterans can contact the Stewart Center at 699-4618 for more information. Gruber and two other winners were honored at a celebration held at the Governor Hill Mansion in Au- gusta on September 13. Molino Medicaid Solutions is a national firm that contracts with state gov- ernments to provide health plans for people who qualify for govern- ment-sponsored programs.

Vet to Vet in the News

et to Vet is in the news this fall, featured on the radio, in a statewide magazine, and at a V meeting of Maine women vet- erans during November. Writer Jane Margesson writes about SMAA’s Vet to Vet program in her column in the November is- sue of Maine Seniors Magazine, a statewide publication geared to older adults. Margesson heard about Vet to Vet through her work with AARP. AARP highlighted Vet to Vet previously as part of an arti- cle on what local towns are doing to aid their older residents. Vet to Vet volunteers in the town of Cumber- land visit veterans in collaboration with that community’s Aging in Place initiative. Vet to Vet will hit the airwaves when the University of Southern Maine’s community radio station WMPG broadcasts a piece on the program as part of its Veterans Day Katherine Hill, OD, FAAO coverage on November 11. Jessica Lockhart, WMPG program director, interviewed Vet to Vet volunteer David Backman and coordinator Su- November-December 2017 Senior News 15

san Gold for the Volunteer Open Enrollment show. Backman, a Vet to Vet volun- Receptionists Begin Their Service teer since 2015, Five volunteer receptionists spoke about his trained to help out during the visits with a 93- Medicare Open Enrollment period year-old veteran from October 15 through December and the reward- 7 in SMAA’s Scarborough office. Volunteers ing relationship Volunteers are Denise Smith, Dot greet Open the two veterans Lee, Marcy Joncas, Nancy Su- Enrollment have developed. dalakis and Susan Laughton. They visitors with will be greeting and directing peo- On November a smile. 4, Gold and Vet ple to the Medicare/insurance clin- to Vet volunteer ics on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Wendy Wren ad- asking client to complete a satisfac- dressed the 5th David Backman and tion survey as well as providing an Annual Women Wendy Wren, Vet opportunity for satisfied clients to Veterans’ Lun- to Vet volunteers give a donation to SMAA in appre- cheon in Rum- ciation of this vital service. ford. The statewide event honors Maine’s women veterans and treats Volunteers Attend Adult Abuse them to manicures, haircuts, and and Fraud Training massages, followed by a luncheon and speakers. Wren described her Recently 25 SMAA/RSVP volun- relationship with a 77-year-old teers attended the Elder Abuse and GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP WITH COMPASSUS woman veteran, whom she has visit- Fraud Prevention workshop for vol- ed for the past two years. unteers and staff. At this Adult For more information on Vet to Abuse and Fraud Prevention Work- Are you grieving the los s Vet, please contact Susan Gold at shop Bridget McMahon, Esq., Legal [email protected] or 207-396-6521. Services for the Elderly, Paul Doher- of a loved one? ty, Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) volunteer and Carol Rancourt, so- cial worker at SMAA were the pre- Compassus offers a support grou p senters. Attorney McMahon spoke that can help. Join a Volunteer Help on the types of abuse and what role Monthl y Legal Services for the Elderly plays 5IFMPTTPGTPNFPOFTJHOJmDBOUJOZPV S Suppor t Needed in assisting with this important is- MJGFJTEJGmDVMU0VSHSJFGTVQQPSUHSPV Q Group sue. Paul Doherty spoke about fraud XJMMBEESFTTXBZTUPDPQF-FBSOXIB U In York and Cumberland County schemes and how to recognize and UPBOUJDJQBUF IPXUPDPQFXJUIZPV S 3rd W ednesday of ike numbers and people? Con- avoid them. Carol Rancourt spoke grief, and personal techniques t o ev ery month about what being a “mandated re- sider volunteering with the BTTJTUZPVBOEZPVSMPWFEPOFT 3:00-4:00 pm AARP Tax-Aide program. In porter” means and how to make a Compassus addition to actual tax prepara- report of suspected abuse. Registration is free and open t o 23 Spring Street, Suite C L Workshops like this one are held the public. Scarborough, ME tion, volunteers are needed to help with scheduling, to greet taxpay- three times a year as volunteer ers as they arrive tax preparation learning opportunities. We have two Call us to learn more! (207) 761-6967 locations, to network computers more workshops planned for Febru- ary and May and they will cover Vet- and printers as well as a variety of Compassus is patient first, always. administrative tasks. Training for erans Services and Advanced Health all volunteers is held in January. Care Planning. Notices of the up- With the exception of volunteers coming workshops are sent to all doing actual return preparation, volunteers via our email service, SCARBOROUGH: the training takes no more than Benchmark. Emails go out about (207) 761-6967 one day. Tax preparation starts on once a month. Check your spam fold- 23 Spring Street, Suite C February 1 and ends on April 15. er if you do not receive these notices. Scarborough, ME 04074 Once trained, volunteers should be We want to keep you in the loop compassus.com able to commit to a minimum of about all possible opportunities! four hours each week. If this op- portunity calls to you contact Vol- unteer Services at 207-396-6595 or email volunteer@ smaaa.org. Portland High School is search- ing for an academic tutor capable of Di culty hearing ov er tutoring high school level Latin. The ideal volunteer will be available af- the telephone? ter school 2:30-4:30PM on Mondays and/or Wednesdays. Contact Volun- Now you can experience clarity and con dence on every teer Services at 207-396-6595 or call − and not miss a word of what’ s said. Captioned email [email protected] for * more information. Telephone (C apT el®) is a service av ailable at no-c ost that Also Office help needed to as- allow s you to listen while reading every word the other semble packets for in town Portland part y say s throughout your conv ersation. and Saco locations. Short term as- signments during weekday business hours. Contact us to day to

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1-800-427-7411 MERelay .com • merelay@hamiltonrelay .com www.smaaa.org *Equipment and standard long distance charges may apply. CapT el® is a registered trademark of Ultrat ec, Inc. © 2016 Hamilton Relay 16 Senior News November-December 2017

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AAA ROADWISE DRIVER® CLASS SCHEDULE Responsible Driving for Mature Operators NOVEMBER 8 452 High Street • 4 hour program designed to increase driving Somersworth, NH awareness & confidence behind the wheel NOVEMBER 8 • Courses are led by AAA-trained & certified, 395 Griffin Road professional instructors. Bangor, ME • Maine residents can qualify for a 55+ insurance discount1 NOVEMBER 14 985 Turner Street • Online course also available in Maine, Auburn, ME New Hampshire & Vermont NOVEMBER 15 $15 for AAA members $ 2 746 Daniel Webster COST 10 O AAA Ro FF Highway #3 $20 for non-members Clas adwise s with a Driver uto insu Merrimack, NH rance q PROMO uote CODE : MO17 Sign up for a Class Today! PrePre-registration-registration is rerequired.quired. NOVEMBER 29 CALL 844.307.1605 CLICK AAA.com/roadwisecourseAAA.com/roadwisecourse 68 Marginal Way Portland, ME

1Maine licensed drivers 55 years of age or older may receive an insurance premium discount upon successful completion of the online or classroom courses. Certain restrictions may apply. NH and VT drivers should inquire with their insurance provider for available discounts. 2$10 class discount offer valid for ME, NH and VT residents through 12/31/17 who mention the offer, register for the AAA Roadwise Driver class and receive an insurance quote for DECEMBER 27 AAA Insurance. Discount valid on classroom course only. New quotes only. Not valid for online quotes. AAA insureds not eligible. NO PURCHASE REQUIRED 68 Marginal Way FOR QUOTE. AAA Northern New England membership requires the separate payment of annual dues and an admission fee for new members. AAA insurance is a collection of AAA branded products, services and programs available to qualified AAA members. AAA personal lines insurance is provided by the Portland, ME Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club (Exchange). AAA Northern New England is the licensed agent for the Exchange. Limit one $10 discount per class, per household per 6 months. We reserve the right to provide a substitute discount. Membership is not required for discount offer. All classes are 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Driving school schedules, locations and pricing subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2017 AAA Northern New England. All Rights Reserved.