Spring 2011 Ursuline Marks 30 Years of Service to Senior Citizens with May 18 Gala River City Brass and Pittsburgh Gospel Choir Join the Celebration Ursuline Senior Services, founded in 1981 to provide a myriad of services to senior citizens in need, celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gala on May 18, in the Ballroom of the Wyndham Grand Hotel. Entertainment was provided by River City Brass, led by music director and conductor James Gourlay. As an added bonus, River City Brass was joined onstage by the Pittsburgh Gospel Choir, under the direction of Dr. Herbert Jones. The River City Brass and Pittsburgh Gospel Choir join forces on ‘We Shall Overcome’ “The Art of Aging—A for one of many highlights of the evening. Celebration of Seniors Aging Highmark Blue Cross Blue beyond. Turo added, “As we with Dignity” was emceed Shield, Marianne Sufrin perform our tasks, we do so with by WTAE-TV news anchor Charitable Lead Annuity one basic belief: Every person Andrew Stockey. Trust, and PNC Bank. deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and care.” With nearly 200 guests in “The event provided a breathtaking attendance, the evening began concert and a grand way to Saluting Ursuline’s history of with a delightful reception celebrate Ursuline’s past 30 years service to the aging community bringing together old friends and while we also look to the future,” and its strong partnership with new supporters to congratulate said Ursuline Executive Director the Allegheny County Area the agency on 30 years of Anthony Turo who added that, Agency on Aging was Mary dedicated service to some of our since its founding, the agency has Phan-Gruber, Deputy most vulnerable neighbors in been offering a growing variety of Administrator for the AAA. need. Primary sponsors making programs to an ever-growing “Ursuline Senior Services the evening possible included: population of those 60 and older, identifies needs and provides D’Alessandro Funeral Home, in Allegheny County and Anniversary cont. on Page 4

A tribute to World Elder Abuse Brian Duke INSIDE... Pinetop Perkins, Awareness Day appointed new the boogie-woogie spotlights elder PA Secretary of piano player. issues. Aging. PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PA GE 7 For Seniors, Art Benefits the Mind, Spirit, and Body For some, art is a vocation...for our lives with others. By making a loneliness and isolation. Art is a others, a hobby. But regardless of work of art, we announce, “This is way of introducing ourselves to a person’s motivation for creating who I am. This is what I want to others. People are more likely to artwork, there is one aspect of say.” Expressive art provides vivid “come out of their shells” during art which you might not have access to memories, and is a useful shared experiences of play, fun, considered: creating art has a starting point for reminiscence and and spontaneity. Friendships grow therapeutic benefit. life review. during cooperative projects, or just from working side by side and It has long been known that for Expressive art discussing each other’s creations. people of every age, the act of creation is life-enhancing and provides Intellectual stimulation— nourishing for the spirit. Now we Communication through art know that the benefits go beyond vivid access to media exercises the brain and the spiritual: recent studies have memories, and promotes memory health. An art demonstrated that even when all project can represent a stimulating the other variables are the same, is a useful challenge to be met, inviting us to older adults who participate in art stretch our minds and look at the programs have fewer doctor visits starting point world in a new way. and lower healthcare costs, use less medication, experience a lower for reminiscence Emotional well-being— Creative rate of depression, and even have and life review. activity taps into the emotions fewer risk factors for entering a and allows us to more openly nursing home. Communication— People who experience and express our have difficulty expressing feelings. Participation in the arts Here are ways art programs enrich themselves verbally are often able has been shown to decrease stress and enhance the lives of older adults: to communicate through visual and depression. It also promotes Recreation— Whether making a means. For seniors dealing enhanced self-esteem. homemade gift, decorating for a with the effects of a stroke, Physical benefits— Drawing, special event, illustrating a thought, Alzheimer’s, or other condition sculpting, and assembling artwork or working on a practical craft that causes speech difficulty, visual are beneficial for coordination and project, creating artwork is a art can provide an alternative way small motor movements. Studies pleasurable way to spend leisure to connect. have also shown that creative time. Socialization— Seniors who activity lessens pain and even Self-expression— The act of participate in the arts are less enhances the immune system. creating is a powerful way to share likely to experience feelings of Art cont. on Page 6

Mission Statement — Helping older adults age with dignity. Administrative Staff Anthony J. Turo, MPA Ann Mason, MAT, MEd, NCG Karen Miller-Tobin, MEd In addition to the administrative Executive Director Guardianship Director Volunteer Programs Director staff, the following staff assisted in the development of this William Brickner, MEd, PHR Nancy Scott, BA Roxann Tyger, MPA newsletter: Director of Human Resources & Community-Based Options Service Coordination Director Betty Jane McAllister Administration Director Michelle Smart, MS, NPM Richard Murphy Dianne Mettrick, BS Protective Services Director Nadine Pcholinsky Finance Manager Elaine Resetar

Page 2 All About US • Spring 2011 Pittsburgh, top among them were So…thirty years! We are excited supportive services for the large tonight to have with US the numbers of seniors they found River City Brass [also celebrating “aging in place” all around them. a 30th Anniversary this year!] and the Pittsburgh Gospel Choir Three decades later, after transi - to note our Anniversary well! tioning from “Ursuline Center” Tonight also marks our second to “Ursuline Services” and finally “Art of Aging” event. [It should to “Ursuline Senior Services,” not escape our notice that some our agency still channels that of the members of these two fine same spirit of SERVICE, inspired ensembles have been practicing The following remarks were shared by simply looking around and their “art” as long as or longer with our guests at the May 18, 2011 opening our eyes to the needs of than Ursuline Senior Services has 30th Anniversary Event held at the our neighbors and making a been in existence!] So, we are so Wyndham Grand Hotel… commitment to help them in glad for the many of you who some small way. Thirty years! An Anniversary answered our invitation to sit worthy of note; a natural time to Whether providing CARE back…relax…and enjoy the celebrate from whence we came! MANAGEMENT in older musical reflections of the River Anyone who knows me knows I consumers’ homes, SERVICE City Brass and the Pittsburgh am never one to shy away from COORDINATION in Gospel Choir as they remind US an opportunity to reminisce [but residential senior high-rises, all of the “Art of Aging!” I promise to TRY to keep it PROTECTIVE SERVICES to As we did five years ago, we brief!!] our most vulnerable, at-risk want to draw your attention to senior neighbors, or Back in 1981, after the Ursuline the fact that “aging” is an “art,” GUARDIANSHIP support to Academy of Girls [or as one of and it is one fact of life we all those too incapacitated to manage its graduates and a member of my hold in common. We are ALL personal, financial or end-of-life leadership team refers to it—the aging—we each simply hold dif - decisions for themselves, past and Ursuline Academy for ferent points along the journey. present employees of Ursuline REFINED YOUNG LADIES] Whether you are “blowing a embrace that same commitment served the East End of Pittsburgh horn” or “singing to the heav - to our mission as our agency’s for over a century, the academy ens”—or just struggling to get founders… HELPING OLDER closed its doors and merged with through one more day—each of ADULTS AGE WITH DIGNI - the Lawrenceville Catholic us deserves the respect and the TY. Schools. The Ursuline Sisters dignity as we age that comes who built their ministry here And so, communities change…. from the simple fact that we are wanted to find a way of continu - The needs of those we serve all children of our Creator! ing their 100-year tradition of change…. But what doesn’t Like others before me, I cannot service to the people of change is our commitment to thank our supporters enough for Pittsburgh and thus, URSU - meeting those needs and to finding helping to celebrate Ursuline LINE CENTER, INC. was ways to serve as many people as Senior Services’ thirty years of founded. possible. Some of those ways history and service, and to sup - are most evident in our recent Ursuline Sister Elaine Eckert, a port US with your presence and development of VOLUNTEER Penn Hills native and alumna of financial generosity as we embark PROGRAMS where volunteers Ursuline Academy, was designat - on the next thirty years…and assist with monthly bill-paying, ed to do an assessment survey to beyond! I can already tell weekly companionship visits, identify community service needs you…we have big plans ahead! at the time. When the survey was daily telephone reassurance calls finished, the Sisters chose to and necessary shopping supports, God bless, address those needs they discov - all of which aid in our consumers’ ered among their neighbors who ability to maintain their self- Tony Turo lived in the East End of sufficiency as long as possible

All About US • Spring 2011 Page 3 In Memory of Pinetop Perkins As Ursuline Senior Services Mr. Perkins’s durability was born celebrates its 30th anniversary of the resilience and self-reliance this year, we are saddened by the he developed as a child growing up passing of one of our musical on a plantation in Honey Island, guests who helped US celebrate Miss., in the years leading up to our first 25 years: Pinetop Perkins. the Great Depression. Pinetop Perkins, the boogie- “I grew up hard,” he said in a 2008 woogie piano player who worked interview with No Depression, the in Muddy Waters’s last great band Pinetop Perkins American roots music magazine. “I and was among the last surviving picked cotton and plowed with the furnished him with his nickname members of the first generation mule and fixed the cars and played and became his signature number. of Delta bluesmen, died last with the guitar and the piano.” He appropriated the tune from the month at his home in Austin, Tex. repertory of the barrelhouse piano He was 97. “What I learned I learned on my player Clarence Smith, who was own,” he continued. “I didn’t have From his days in the groups of also known as Pinetop. much school. Three years.” Waters and the slide guitarist Mr. Perkins has also been credited Robert Nighthawk to the vigorous The author Robert Gordon, in his with teaching Ike Turner how to solo career he fashioned over the book “Can’t Be Satisfied: The Life play the piano. Rock and pop last 20 years, Mr. Perkins’s and Times of Muddy Waters,” pianists like Elton John , Billy Joel accomplishments were numerous wrote that Mr. Perkins “learned to and Gregg Allman have said they and considerable. His longevity as play in the same school as Muddy were influenced by his exuberant, a performer was remarkable—all —a cotton field, where the conju - down-home style of playing. the more so considering his fond - gation was done with a hoe and ness for cigarettes and alcohol; by the school lunch was a fish sand - Mr. Perkins worked for Waters for his own account he began smoking wich and homemade whiskey.” more than a decade, appearing on at age 9 and didn’t quit drinking his acclaimed comeback albums of Originally a guitarist, Mr. Perkins until he was 82. Few people the late ’70s and performing with concentrated exclusively on the working in any popular art form him at, among other shows, the piano after an incident, in 1943, in have been as prolific in the ninth Band’s celebrated final concert in which a dancer at a juke joint and tenth decades of their lives. 1976, which was billed as “The attacked him with a knife, severing Last Waltz.” A sideman for most of his career, the tendons in his left arm. The Mr. Perkins did not release an injury left him unable to hold a Mr. Perkins and other members of album under his own name until guitar or manage its fretboard. the Waters group left and formed his 75th year. From then until his the Legendary Blues Band in 1980. In 1943 Mr. Perkins moved to death he made more than a dozen Mr. Perkins sang and played piano Helena, Ark., to work with records on which he was the leader. on that ensemble’s records before Nighthawk. He later joined Sonny His 2008 album, “Pinetop Perkins leaving, in the late ’80s, to Boy Williamson’s King Biscuit & Friends” (Telarc), included concentrate on his solo career. Boys, before moving on to the contributions from admirers like band of the slide guitarist Earl In 2000 he received a National B. B. King and Eric Clapton. His Hooker. He also appeared on the Heritage Fellowship from the last album, released in 2010, was recordings that Nighthawk made National Endowment of the Arts. “Joined at the Hip” (Telarc), a for the Chess label and that He was given a Grammy Award for collaboration with the harmonica Hooker made for Sun in the 1950s. lifetime achievement in 2005 and player Willie Big Eyes Smith, It was for Sun, in 1953, that he cut won Grammys for “Joined at the which won a Grammy this year his first version of “Pinetop’s Hip” and, in 2008, for “Last of the as best traditional blues album. Boogie Woogie,” the song that Perkins cont. on Page 6

Page 4 All About US • Spring 2011 Anniversary cont. from Page 1 services, advocates for those highlight of the evening, a vulnerable to abuse and rousing dual performance manipulation, cares for those of the 1960’s standard who lack the capacity to do so “We Shall Overcome!” for themselves, promotes Guests were visibly independent living for those on moved by the gift offered limited incomes, and assists by both musical hosts residents in senior independent and left the event uplifted living facilities,” she shared with in the spirit of the Art of the guests. Aging.

Capping off the evening was a Ursuline Board Member Linh Quach memorable mix of brass and Langenbacher (center) with husband voices kicked off by the River Dave, and Guardianship Director City Brass and its director Ann Mason. Dr. James Gourlay. Mixing in with the River City Brass were Former Ursuline Executive Director the vocal strains of the Pittsburgh Ruth Buckley (center) is joined by Gospel Choir under the direction Marilyn Jenkins, Allegheny County of Dr. Herb Jones. Both Library Association, and Randy Detweiler, ensembles individually entertained Highmark to celebrate Ursuline’s 30th anniversary. Ursuline’s guests, leading all to the

Program Director Celebrates 20 Years at Ursuline Roxann Tyger, Program Director of primary concern in Roxann's of Community-Based OPTIONS/ efforts, second only to the Care Management for Ursuline constant attention and time spent Senior Services, marked 20 years on the improvement of service with the agency this past June provision to program consumers. 3rd. In that time, Roxann has Roxann's tenure working for the risen from the ranks of care aging makes her a trusted expert manager through program and tireless advocate on the ever- supervisor roles and finally to changing set of issues that face the directorship of one of the each new cohort of persons largest and well-respected care joining the over-60 generation. management programs in the Allegheny County Area Agency Ursuline Senior Services wishes on Aging network. Roxann's to express our congratulations tenure has been punctuated by grocery shopping program to to Roxann on reaching this innovation and creative support homebound consumers). important career milestone, along enhancements to the provision of Many of her ideas, all started here with our deeply-held appreciation care management services (from at Ursuline, ended up being for all that she continues to bring the creation of a team approach adopted in larger fashion across to USS each day she remains at to program supervision and the county system. the helm of our largest program! communications to the more Commitment to the support and Thank you, Roxann!! recent creation of an all-volunteer development of her staff is always

All About US • Spring 2011 Page 5 Pinetop cont. from Page 4 Elder Justice Coalition Urges President Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Obama to Issue Proclamation in Honor Live in Dallas” (Blue Shoe Project), a collaboration with his contempo - of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day raries Henry Townsend, Robert Lockwood Jr. and Honeyboy The Elder Justice Coalition sent a letter to President Obama asking him to Edwards. “Born in the Honey,” a issue a proclamation and hold a signing ceremony for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is held documentary about Mr. Perkins’s every year on June 15th. life, was released in 2007. Dear Mr. President: Ursuline Senior Services salutes the late, great Pinetop Perkins On behalf of the Elder Justice Coalition, I write to ask you to issue a and his strong and unique proclamation and hold a signing ceremony in honor of World Elder Abuse representation of the “Art Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2011. On this day, across the of Aging!” country and across the world, communities plan activities and programs to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. As you well know, the number of older Americans is growing fast. Far Art cont. from Page 2 outpacing the growth of older population is the incidence of abuse, neglect and exploitation to older adults. This problem has long been invisible to Art programs are available for most of society and, and as a significant and complex form of family people of every level of skill and violence, is among the gravest issues facing millions of older Americans ability who wish to participate, and their families. including those with physical or cognitive disabilities. To locate art World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) puts a spotlight on this opportunities in your community, issue. WEAAD provides an opportunity to communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older check with: adults by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and • Senior centers demographic conditions influencing elder abuse and neglect. • Community education and The Elder Justice Coalition, with more than 700 members playing a role lifelong learning classes in and a long time supporter of WEAAD, is the national advocacy voice • Parks and recreation representing the many disciplines involved in the fight against elder departments abuse. This includes adult protective services, ombudsmen, health care professionals, elder law and law enforcement, researchers, national, state • Adult day centers and local advocacy groups and key players in the aging network. • Art museum outreach programs In an effort to educate the public and raise awareness, the EJC hopes you • Art therapists will support WEAAD and promote elder justice: the right of every older person to be free of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It’s never too late to pick up a paintbrush, dig your hands into Ultimately, your proclamation of June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness sculptor’s clay, learn how make a Day and corresponding signing ceremony will serve as a call-to-action for quilt, work with your grandchil - individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about elder dren on a work of computer justice. art...the sky’s the limit when it We thank you for your tireless support of older adults and particularly comes to creativity! your support of the Elder Justice Act as part of the Affordable Care Act and its inclusion in your fiscal year 2012 budget proposal. Thank you for Right at Home, Inc. is a national your assistance in making this initiative a success, as well. If you or your organization dedicated to improving staff has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a Respectfully yours, dedicated network of locally owned, franchised providers of in-home care Robert Blancato services.

Page 6 All About US • Spring 2011 Brian M. Duke Confirmed as Newest PA Secretary of Aging

Brian M. Duke, the Caregiver: Outreach Ursuline Senior Services recently appointed and Assistance in congratulates Secretary Duke on and confirmed Our Communities his new appointment and looks Secretary of the Project with the forward to working with him Pennsylvania Pennsylvania closely in service to older Department of State University, Pennsylvanians. Aging, visited Agricultural Southwest and Extension Pennsylvania Education, May 25, 2011 to Intergenerational Older Americans join in the Programs and Month Featured celebration the 20th Aging. He is the anniversary of the author of Caregiver Brian Duke Connections to Southwestern PA Coalitions Advocacy Partnership for Aging (SWPPA). Guide: Uniting Voices, Building Community Community with the National Each year the Administration Prior to his nomination by Alliance for Caregiving. Governor Tom Corbett, Mr. on Aging (AoA) issues a theme Duke served as Director of the Mr. Duke continues to participate for Older Americans Month to Bucks County Area Agency on at the national, state and local assist our National Aging Aging. At the same time, he level to foster effective strategies Services Network of state, served as a member and Secretary to support family caregivers, tribal, area agencies on aging, of the Board of the Pennsylvania encourage aging well and build and community services Association of Area Agencies effective community partnerships. providers plan for activities on Aging. that might take place in May Mr. Duke served as Director of or throughout the year. Before joining the Bucks County Geriatric Program Initiatives AAA, Mr. Duke served as with the Institute on Aging of Executive Director of the New the University of Pennsylvania Jersey Foundation for Aging, a Health System. Before this he statewide public charity dedicated was in the field of hospital to improving the quality of life of administration for 20 years older persons. Prior to his work including service as Administrative with the Foundation, Mr. Duke Director of Physical Medicine and served as a consultant working Rehabilitation for Saint Mary with the US Administration on Medical Center in Langhorne and Aging and the AARP Foundation the Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital. The theme of this year’s in the development of statewide celebration—Older Americans: caregiving coalitions in 12 states. Mr. Duke holds a B.S. in Business Connecting the Community— He also co-chaired the Caring Administration from the paid homage to the many Community, a coalition of over University of Scranton, an MHA ways in which older adults 100 organizations convened by (Health Administration) from bring inspiration and WHYY, the public broadcasting George Washington University continuity to the fabric of station serving the greater and an MBE (Bioethics) from the our communities. It also Philadelphia region. University of Pennsylvania. Mr. highlighted the many ways Duke is an Associate Fellow of technology is helping older Mr. Duke has also served as the Institute on Aging of the Americans live longer, healthier consultant with the Family University of Pennsylvania. and more engaged lives.

All About US • Spring 2011 Page 7 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH PA PERMIT NO 147

4749 Baum Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15213 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Phone: 412-683-0400 Toll Free: 888-881-4749 TDD: 412-683-1023 In This Issue The Federal Elder Justice Act : A letter to President Obama for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Updates : Ursuline’s anniversary celebration wrap-up and review. Plus, a tribute to Pinetop Perkins.

Ursuline 30th Anniversary Commemorative Bracelet A limited supply remains...... of this one-of-a-kind work of art!

Genuine aquamarine nuggets, Piecoisa Czech crystal beads; Tibetan silver clasp and leaf.

Hand-crafted and donated to Ursuline by “Maria Maietta Custom Jewelry”

$30 each while supplies last! Contact Ursuline Senior Services at 412-683-0400 x231 (ask for Elaine) or email at 30thAnniversary @ursulineseniors.org

Ursuline Senior Services was awarded this Seal www.ursulineseniorservices.org of Excellence by the Pennsylvania Association of United Way Donor Designation Code: 281 Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), under the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Code for 2010: 54651 Standards for Excellence.