The Senior Spirit Newsletter of the Amherst Senior Center/Council on Aging

No. 1 Volume 43 February-March 2013 February 2013

Three AARP Tax-Aide volunteers (Pat McCabe, Arne Alper, & Katie) will be providing free tax return preparation at the Amherst Sr. Ctr., Thursdays, 9 AM-1 PM Feb. 7th—April 11th. Please call 259-3060 to make an appointment. AARP Tax- Aide volunteers work in conjunction with the IRS to bring you this service. Please look over the list below to be sure you bring all you need with you to your appointment.

IDENTIFICATION:  Social Security Card and Driver’s license (bring SS cards for all de- pendents)  Last Year’s (2012) Tax Return (Fed & Mass) and any papers in AARP envelope  Checkbook if you want to direct deposit any refund  Original notarized Power of Attorney (or executor) documents: if signing on behalf of taxpayer  If Non-Medicare, a copy of the HC-1099 (proof of insurance for MASS)  Please REMOVE all tax documents (1099s, W-2s, etc) from envelopes PRIOR TO appointment  If LEGALLY BLIND, bring current Certificate of Blindness

INCOME: (Any of these that apply)  Year-end Social Security SSA-1099 form showing benefits received  Any 1099 forms: interest (1099-INT), dividends (1099-DIV), retirement (1099-R), proceeds from stock/bond sales (1099-B), including original purchase price of any assets sold, Unemployment Comp (1099-G), Non-Employment Comp (1099-MISC) or Forms K-1.  Any W-2s from an employer, Gambling W-2G  Other Cash Income (eg. Alimony, Jury Duty pay)

CIRCUIT BREAKER CREDIT (Over those over-65 who own or rent—non-subsidized housing)  Actual Real Estate Tax bills showing your ownership (or a printout) from Town Hall  Actual paid water and sewer bills (not applicable to Hadley)

DEDUCTIONS: (Any of these that apply)  Real Estate taxes paid (even if you don’t itemize)  Alimony paid (to include recipient’s SSN)  IRA contributions  College Tuition payments: we need Form 1098-T from the college, and receipts for college supplies; student loan interest  Child care provider information (if applicable)  Residential Energy Credit: Bring record of any credit taken from 2006-2011  Loss Carryforwards: if you have sold stocks or bonds at a loss in prior years.

DEDUCTIONS FOR ITEMIZING: (only if the total is greater than your standard deduction):  Documentation of all State income tax paid YOU are cordially invited to attend our Fourth Annual AMHERST FOL-  Form 1098 home mortgage interest LIES!! This fundraiser is sponsored by the Friends of the Amherst Sen- ior Center and the monies are used to keep our programs going at cur-  Medical/Dental Receipts, to include Health/LTC insurance premiums rent levels in spite of years of budget cuts. Tickets are available in  Receipts for contributions to charity advance at the Senior Center or at the door. We hope to see you there!! If you cannot make your appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice so we can give your time slot to a wait-listed person. Editors of THE SENIOR SPIRIT: Nancy Hirsh Pagano, Karen Erman COUNCIL ON AGING MEMBERS WEB SITE: www.amherstma.gov/seniorcenter Barbara Sutherland, Rosemary Kofler, Dan Clapp, Joel Gordon, Joan 259-3060; 259-2413 (FAX) Golowich, Juana Trujillo, Mary Jane Laus, Jack Wollensak, Sue Dierks EMAIL: [email protected] Page 2 The Senior Spirit

2013 ANNUAL FRIENDS SOLICITATION AND MEMBERSHIP The Friends of the Amherst Senior Center 5th annual solicitation VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY and membership campaign has begun. The Senior Center, Thursday, February 14, 2013 especially in these difficult times, relies on your help to keep 2-4 PM programs and services going. This fiscal year we will again need to raise all program money through grants and donations. Perfomers will be: Any amount of money you can give is appreciated so we can The Dynamics continue to keep our elder “safety net” intact. “FRIENDS OF THE AMHERST SR. CENTER” A UMass co-ed acapella group SOLICITATION UPDATE A fundraising corporation was established in the Fall of 2007 to UMass student nurses help with refreshments help support the Senior Center in the face of dwindling Town funding. “Friends of the Amherst Senior Center” is a 501C-3, which means that monies it raises are tax deductible. In FY08 the Friends raised $6,350.00 THE AMHERST SENIOR CENTER In FY09 the Friends raised $19,745.37 Presents In FY10 the Friends raised $16,634.21 MUSICAL SHOWCASES In FY11 the Friends raised $16,441.66 Fridays (as listed below) at 2 PM In FY12 the Friends raised $14,752.25 Bangs Community Center, Amherst In FY13 the Friends has raised $7,697.50 FREE ADMISSION — FREE REFRESHMENTS Donors to the Friends since our last Senior Spirit: Ann Huner, Doris Holden, Saul Gladstone, Judith Glaser, Doris Atkins, Trudi Goheen Swain, Edith & Julius Fabos, Martha Tidlund, March 15th, 2013

Theodore Melnechuk, George & Ellen Goodwin, Leslie Arriola, Joan Logan, Ann Pfluger, Brian & Karen O’Connor, Larry Gutlerner, Ronald Meck – vocals, guitar, banjo Donna & Maurice Levin, Seymour Cabin, Marcia & Jean Holden, Beatrice Dragon, Les Brown & Mary Elizabeth Manz, Pamela & Joel Adrian Meck – violin Gordon, Dorothy Gilbert, Elaine Elias, Anne G. Cann, Eva & Nor- “We are a father/son duo who mainly performs Traditional man Brown, John C. Wollensak, Frank Sikora, Elliot Fortescue, and Contemporary Celtic/Folk music around the area. Our Stanley & Signia Warner, Marybeth Bridegam, Phillip & Nancy Tor- rey, Olivia Dworkin, Mary Jane Lannon, Raymond Binner, Dick & repertoire includes war ballads all the way to fiddle tunes Sonya Bergquist, Joan Golowich, Mary Hocken, Richard Niemi, from Canada. We also play music from pop/rock bands once Deborah Niemi, Charles Stevenson, Don & Barbara Elleman, in a while such as Van Morrison and The Beatles. Feel free to William M. Harris, Mary P. Hough, Shirley Packard, Margy Andrews, check out our website at www.ronaldmeck.com. This is our Charles L. Bestor, Susan Tyler, Jane VanderZwaag, Janice H. Ste- vens, Conrad & Barbara Wogrin, Shlomo Barnoon, Kenneth & Janet first showcase at the Bangs Community Center and we are Hoffman, Malcolm Meltzer, Arrelle Cook, Joelle Adlerblum, Mary H. looking forward to it” Smurl, Marietta Pritchard, Casey Clark, Gokce & Nural Ergun, Bill & Nancy Thompson, Myrtle Blanchard, Hubbard & Linda Smith, Amira Pellett, Edward & Emily Belt, Charles & Doris Drake, Sylvia Cuomo, DONATIONS TO THE AMHERST SENIOR CENTER’S Chonghyo Shin, Diane Kelton, Byron Koh, Ellen Story, Arthur R. Quinton, David & Sandra Knightly, Theodore Melnechuk, Jeanne ANNUAL FUND AS A RESULT OF THE 2012 CENSUS Ammon, Jon E. Kent, Ann Campney, Barbara Ford, Sara Van- ENCLOSURE —FINAL TALLY Steenburgh, Beverly Swihart, Donald & Honore David, Diana & Otto $6,857.18 Stein, Judy L. Simpson, Jaymie & Michael Chernoff, Peter Ward, (Names since the last Senior Spirit) Dena Dincauze, Janet Pynchon, Howard & Sybilla Sonoda, Fern Robinson, Adrienne Terrizzi, Louis & Caden Mainzer, Katherine S. Naughton, Robert Winne & Patricia Holland, Virginia Susan Cramer, Quentin & Mary Murrell Faulkner Richardson, Barbara Crossman, Janice & James Ratner, Mary Jane Menendez, Alice Swift, John Magarian, Barbara & Ted Slovin, Elea- THANK YOU! THANK YOU! nor Fraser, Moshe & Eleanor Bolotin, Betty Jacobson, Zina Tillona, ~~ Dana & Emy Dickey, Margo McMahon, Chris & Ellen Pile, Andrew & THE TOWN OF AMHERST 2013 CENSUS Valerie Steinberg, Sara Stelzner, Robert & Eulalia Collins, Sophie & TO ALL RESIDENTS WILL INCLUDE Dan Rogers, Ward Theilman, Jerry & Cynthia Brubaker, John T. ANOTHER FRIENDS ENCLOSURE Templeton, Sherry Wilson, Louise Pressman, Myra Lenburg, Curt& Janice Tausky, Arnold Friedman, Randi Stein, George & Sidney Treyz, Nathalie Bridegam, Paul Bracciotti, Priscilla Bernotas, Dael A. Chapman, Barbara Keegan, Carol Drexler, Joanne H. Hall Amherst Senior Center Staff Nancy Hirsh Pagano, Director/Program Director

Maura Plante, Program Director/Social Worker Karen Erman, Administrative Assistant (Office Manager) THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Helen MacMellon, Social Worker—Outreach (2-5 PM) Sandra Beighley, Lunch Site Director Lisa White, Senior Health Services Director ~ Reception Desk Main Phone # 413-259-3060 Fax # 413-259-2413 The Senior Spirit Page 3

ARTS AND CRAFTS NEW TECHNOLOGY CLASSES DRAWING CLASSES with Carolyn Bruneau My name is Marianne Staknis and I am a first year student at Smith

Mondays, 9:30-11:30 AM College. My major is currently undeclared, but I am on the pre-med

FEB. 4th, 11th, & 25th INTRODUCTION TO, OR track. I am from Concord, Massachusetts, where I volunteered for 3 REVIEW OF, PEN AND INK TECHNIQUES years at the town’s Council on Aging as a technology tutor. I taught We will practice showing value, texture, and dimension cell phone, Skype, and Facebook classes there, and I also occasion- with various techniques. We will also discuss mixed media combining ally answered general computer questions in tutoring sessions. I love pen and ink with colored inks, watercolor, graphite or colored pen- being able to help people connect with their friends and family cil. Subject will be Still Life, Landscape or People (working from pho- through new technologies! tos) Bring pen set or pen holder and separate nibs with India ink and colored ink. Also make sure you have paper that is appropriate for pen and ink, nothing with rough texture. 1. FACEBOOK BASICS

MARCH 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th Fridays, Feb. 1st, 15th, March 1st INTRODUCTION TO, OR REVIEW OF, SCRATCH BOARD, a reverse or 15th, 1:30-2:30 PM art form in black and white. We will practice techniques on scratch pa- Would you like to communicate with your friends and family on per, (provided). Scratch board will be available for purchase. I will have Facebook? Sign up for this class to learn the basics of using Face- a set of tools to try, otherwise you can use scissors, paper clips, or a book, with emphasis on safety and privacy. Bring in any questions wooden stylus to draw with. We will also discuss adding colored inks to you have, even if you are just interested in discussing the pros and the black and white drawings. You can always work with your own me- dium at any time, if what we are exploring isn’t interesting to you. cons of using Facebook. This class can accommodate up to 5 people. Feel free to call me, Carolyn Bruneau, 413-527-0579 with individual ideas, needs & requests. Classes are $10 each payable to the instruc- 2. HELP WITH YOUR CELL PHONE tor. Newcomers at all levels are welcome. Friday, Feb. 8th, 22nd, March 8th or THE ARTIST’S WAY 29th, 1:30-2:30 PM A workshop facilitated by Susan Carson Do you have a cell phone that you want to learn about? Curious to 12 Wednesdays, 10-11:30 AM learn how to text? Sign up for this class to have all of your cell phone January 9th—March 27, 2013 questions answered! Potential topics include checking voicemail, April 3rd– June 19th, 2013 making a phone call, adding contacts, and many New students can join at any time. more. This class runs for an hour and can Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, says her book is a course in accommodate up to 5 people. “discovering and recovering your creative self. It helps blocked artists to get unblocked. It helps to build self-esteem and form a deeper connec- SKYPE tion with you, the artist within.” Skype is a free program that you can install on Students will be working on one of the twelve chapters from the book your computer that allows you to video chat with each week. Examples are: Week One: Recovering a Sense of Safety. other people around the world using your computer. In this two- This week initiates your creativity. The readings, task and exercises aim session class, you will learn how to download Skype onto your com- at allowing you to establish a sense of safety, which will enable you to puter, make sure your privacy settings are safe, and learn how to use explore your creativity with less fear. Week Two: This week addresses self-definition as a major component of creative recovery. The essays Skype to make video calls. You are expected to attend both hour- and tools are aimed at moving you into a self-defined you. long sessions. This class can accommodate up to 6 people, and you Students are asked to purchase The Artist’s Way (available for are encouraged to bring your laptop. $10.30 as a paperback at Amazon.com). Susan is an artist and workshop leader who has led other Artist’s Way groups and loves leading 3. HOW TO INSTALL SKYPE them as a path to her artist self. Friday, Feb. 1st, 15th,March 1st or 15th 3-4 PM WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASSES The first class in spent learning how to install it, with step-by-step Wednesday: February 20, 9:30‐10:30 AM instructions and plenty of opportunities to get questions answered. Mondays: March 4 ‐April 8, 3:00‐4:00 PM QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO USE SKYPE These painting classes are designed for everybody who Friday, Feb. 8th, 22nd, March 8th or 29th 3-4 PM wants to spend an hour doing something really fun The second class is for people to come back after installing it and and rewarding. Whether you are already a watercolorist asking any questions that they have. I ask that people who attend the

or have never been able to draw a straight line, you will second session have come to the first session. You are welcome (and really enjoy this approach to painting. Each picture can be painted simply, expressively, or with great attention to detail. All you need to are encouraged) to bring your laptop if you have one. bring is a sense of adventure. The instructor will bring paint sets, brushes, water cups, and her original drawings photocopied onto SENIOR CRAFT CLUB WORKSHOPS watercolor paper for you to paint in your own way. For more Every Friday from 9-12 PM, in Room 101 of the experienced painters, looking for suggestions on technique, there Bangs, handcrafters work on projects of their own will be objects to paint from life with sample paintings of those choosing. This is a social group with lots of chatting, objects. The cost is $10 per person per one‐hour class and helpful instruction (upon request), and refreshments. includes all your supplies. Please pre-register at the Senior Center. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Some supplies are available such as fabric, yarn and thread. If you Carol Cherrington began offering painting workshops for seniors in don’t have your own projects underway, items such as knitted hats, August 2010. She completed a BFA in Painting at the School of gloves and scarves are made to be sold in the Senior Center craft the Boston Museum of Fine Arts & Tufts University. Her past work cases. experience includes public school art teacher and PCA work with The Craft “Club” is a benevolent group who have raised significant elders. Currently, Carol is a special education teaching assistant funds to purchase items needed by the Senior Center or to contrib- at Amherst Regional High School and lives in Pelham with her ute to the Center’s program account which was cut out of the Town husband and their younger daughter. budget a few years ago. Page 4 The Senior Spirit FOR YOUR HEALTH WHAT IS “NAVICARE”? THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE FOR ELDERS Weds., February 20th, 1-2 PM WITH LIMITED ABILITY, AND THEIR CARE- NaviCare is a Senior Care Options program offered GIVERS by Fallon Community Health Plan. Effective Mondays: April 1, 8 (no class 4/15), and 22 1/1/2013, NaviCare will be available throughout from 1-2 PM, Room 101. Ruth Rootberg, Am- SAT certified Alexander Technique teacher, Hampshire County. With this program, members will guide you to awareness and change. pay no monthly premiums, no co-payments for This program is free to all participants and is doctor’s visits and prescriptions (including many funded in part by Highland Valley Elder Ser- over the counter drugs), and no co-insurance. Ad- vices. You are invited to make a voluntary ditional benefits include dental, vision, hearing donation. services, transportation to and from medical ap- If you use a cane, walker or wheelchair and wish pointments, and much more! Our Primary Care to learn how to reduce stress and make the most of your mobility, this gentle hands-on education Team provides an individual care plan specifically can help you. Caregivers learn skills for them- designed to meet every member’s needs. To learn selves and a pair can learn to remind each other. more about the program Rod Payva will be here to These three classes are limited to six participants, present on 2/20/2013 at 1pm. Coffee and treats including caregivers. will be provided! Contact Nancy Pagano at 259-3114 with questions. You may phone Ruth directly to ask more about the Alexander Technique and whether this class is appropriate for you at (413) 687-7566. Or go to www.alexandertechnique.com/amherst for more information about Ruth and the Alexander Technique.

KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY Presented by Dr. Dan McBride Thursday, February 28th, 1:30 PM Dr McBride will speak on Knee Arthri- tis and Total Knee Replacements. He will be explaining basic anatomy of the knee and how arthritis of the knee is evaluated and treated. He will also discuss the various types of knee replacements (partial / total), explain the surgery and answer any questions related to the knee. Dr Daniel McBride is an orthopedic surgeon in COMPREHENSIVE HOME CARE practice in Hampshire Orthopedics and Sports BECAUSE THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME Medicine in Northampton with over 15 years of experience. He earned his medical degree from Providing a Full Range of Private Home Care Services State University of New York (SUNY), where he Reliable, Flexible, Centered on your Needs and Wants completed his internship and residency. Dr Since 1990 McBride has also completed Orthopedic Fellow- For a complimentary assessment ships at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Please call 413-665-9058 or 413-253-1881 Alabama and at Sportsmed SA in South Australia. www.comprehensive-homecare.com He works extensively with the sports teams at the [email protected] University of Massachusetts.

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NEW SERVICES FOR YOUR HEALTH AMHERST SENIOR TRAVEL CLUB BUS TRIPS Contact Nancy Pagano at 259-3114 for further THE TRAVELING TOOTHFAIRY information. Many people do not have access to dental care for a variety of reasons. It may be that SUPPER AT THE RED ROSE IN they don’t have dental insurance, there is a SPRINGFIELD & POPS WITH THE lack of transportation, financial reasons or HARTFORD SYMPHONY simply that there is not a dentist nearby. The Traveling Toothfairy, Marcy E. Fore- DATE: Saturday, February 23, 2013 man, RDH, BS, provides “On-Site Oral Healthcare” using portable dental equip- LEAVE: 4 PM RETURN: 10:30 PM approx. ment, as allowed by the Board of Registration in Dentistry. Space is limited. $50 deposit when signing please. Marcy will be visiting the Amherst Senior Center on Friday, COST: $65 (Ticket, van ride) You pay for your own meal. February 22nd, 2-5 PM & Friday, March 22 from 10-1 PM to NOTES: “The Impossible Dream—50 Years of Goodspeed offer Dental and Oral Cancer Screenings (no charge) and Den- Musicals” tal Cleanings. Dental Cleanings are $53 and can possibly be reduced based on income and household size. MassHealth, MOHEGAN SUN Commonwealth Cares and Senior Whole Health Insurances CASINO cover these services. Please call the Amherst Senior Center to schedule an appointment. DATE: Friday, March 8, 2013 LEAVE: 8 AM RETURN: 7-7:30 PM PHYSICAL THERAPIST AVAILABLE FOR FREE COST: $35 (motorcoach, gratuity) CONSULTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT Participants receive a $15 food voucher and a $15 The Amherst Senior Center has a consulting physical therapist NOTES: available to assist and advise seniors in the community on free bet..

Wednesdays from 12-2 PM. Jeanne Ammon, MS, PT BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS ([email protected]) has been assisting the staff in organiz- ing equipment from the Convalescent Equipment Loan Closet DATE: Wednesday, April 10th, 2013 and instructing them in the use of the equipment. Also a check- LEAVE: 8:30 AM RETURN: 6:30 AM list is being prepared to help seniors select the most appropriate equipment and make the necessary adjustments for its use. By COST: $ 60 (motorcoach, admission, gratuity) either calling or seeing a volunteer or staff member at the Senior NOTES: You are on your own at the Museum for approxi- Center to make an appointment, she can provide without fee: mately five hours.  Assistance in adjusting and instruction in use of convalescent equipment items.  Advice about orthopedic and physical problems

Appropriate referral to the community services that are avail-  able for treatment and care. OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE  Advice about items in the Convalescent Equipment Closet which are not normally inventoried and are given away by the DATE: Tuesday, May 22, 2013 Senior Center. LEAVE: 9 AM RETURN: 4 PM  Home safety evaluations with visits to the Clark House and COST: $55 (motorcoach, admission, gratuity) Ann Whalen Apartments, if indicated, at a mutually agreed upon time. NOTES: Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum which re-creates life in rural New England during the 1790s through 1830s. Talk with costumed historians, watch the CONVALESCENT EQUIPMENT blacksmith, cooper and potter as they work, see the his- & SUPPLIES toric homes of the day (many of which were moved to The normally inventoried items in our Convales- cent Equipment Closet include wheelchairs, walk- OSV from other communities), take a stagecoach ride. ers, commodes, raised toilet seats, tub seas and benches, bed Bring or buy your own lunch at the Village. bars, crutches, canes and a box of tennis balls that can be in- stalled on the legs of walkers for easier glide. Since a few of these items are in short supply and may have a waiting list, it is 2013 AMHERST SENIOR TRAVEL CLUB best to call the Senior Center ahead of time about the item(s) LONG TRIPS W/ COLLETTE VACATIONS that you need and set up a pickup time. . We have recently acquired two power chairs when are oper- 1. “NATIONAL PARKS OF AMERICA” May 18-29, 2013 ated by power sticks. One of the chairs is fully functional while 2. “CANADIAN ROCKIES BY TRAIN” Sept. 9-17, 2013 the other requires two new batteries at $130 each. The Senior Center is willing to give these chairs at no charge to member elders who can make use of them. Call the Senior Center at 259-3060 to find out whether the chairs are still available and to arrange a pickup time. Further information for all trips is available at the Sr. Travel Desk in the S.C.. Page 6 The Senior Spirit

SENIOR CENTER WELLNESS CLINICS HELD AT THE BANGS COMMUNITY CENTER FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS SENIOR FOOT CARE: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 AM at the Amherst Senior Sharon Beaulieu, RN, staffs our foot care (and ear Center in the Senior Center’s Ethel Moore Gallery. irrigation) clinics EACH FRIDAY from 9:40-12:40 PM. No advance appointments are needed to participate. The fee for service is $25. For an appointment call This clinic is run by retired or semi-retired nurses who 259-3060. Foot care includes nail clipping, callous removal, volunteer their time. therapeutic foot massage and hygienic foot bath. Sharon is willing to do home visits for foot care, if that is necessary. MASSAGE CLINICS AT BANGS Call her at 413-297-3276 to schedule a treatment in your home Licensed Massage Therapist, Talya Solomon, is (home visits are $40). scheduling head and neck and full body massages at the Bangs Center. Her charges are reduced for EAR IRRIGATION CLINICS seniors and are $40 per hour and $25 for a half hour. with Sharon Beaulieu, RN Clinics are held Tuesdays by appointment. Call Talya to Appointments are 20 minutes and may be scheduled make your appointment at 256-8225. Home visits are also for two sessions. Patients need to use Debrox Wax available. Talya’s web site is www.massagewithtalya.com. Softening drops at home two days prior to their appointment for hardened wax problems. Treatments are $25. Did you know that the Amherst Senior Center has a Sharon offers ear irrigation or foot care on Fridays from 9:40- part-time nurse offering free health services for 12:40 PM. Call the Sr. Ctr. at 259-3060 to schedule your appointment. seniors in the community? SR. HEALTH SERVICES w/ Lisa White, RN EAR IRRIGATION CLINICS “Helping seniors help themselves stay healthy” with Dr. Daniel Clapp Bangs Center Hours: Dr. Daniel Clapp is providing ear irrigation clinics the 2nd & 4th Mondays and Thursdays 1:30-3:30 PM Tuesday of each month from 3-4:30 PM to seniors at no charge. Those who avail themselves of this service will be encouraged

Screening & Monitoring Symptoms of Health Problems to make a $10 donation to the Amherst Senior Center Wellness blood pressure, blood glucose level, weight measure- Grants Gift Account instead of paying a fee. No Debrox drops needed. ments, etc. Senior Health Services seeks to promote Appointments can be made by dropping in or calling the Senior health & monitor ongoing health conditions. Center at 259-3060. Upcoming clinics are: Tuesdays 2/12 &  First aid for minor trauma 2/26; 3/12 & 3/26.  Health information and resource materials  Education: medications, diet, health conditions, concerns, ACUPUNCTURE FOR RELAXATION better healthcare, etc. We can help you identify and possi- with Elaine Walsh, M.Ac. Lic.Ac. bly change risk factors for developing health problems such Acupuncture clinics are now held Thursdays as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. from 9 AM-12 Noon at the Senior Center.  Assistance with health care needs Appointments are 30 minutes long and include Do you need help with a non-emergency health issue? ear acupuncture done in a relaxing, stress-free setting. Unsure who to go to? Please call 413-259-3257. The special fee for seniors is $15 for the 30 minute session. Come and discover the relaxation and well-being you can obtain from acupuncture. Appointments can be made by calling 413- HEARING CARE SERVICES 341-1466. Home visits are available upon request. Courtesy of the Avada Hearing Care Center, hearing aid repair service is available regularly at Elaine Walsh is a graduate of New England School of Acupunc- the Bangs Community Center. Walter Nowak, a ture where she also teaches laser acupuncture. She has main- Hearing Instrument Specialist, provides hearing aid tained a private practice for the past 15 years and is NADA cer- repair clinics and hearing screening once a month at the Senior tified in ear acupuncture. Center. He will be available Wednesdays, February 20th and March 20th, from 1-3 PM TOWN OF AMHERST AMBULANCE BILLS The following services will be provided at no cost:  Evaluations When you receive an ambulance bill from the  Screening Town, you need to complete the reverse side of the  Counseling bill where the insurance information is requested,  Ear Canal Inspection and then mail it back to the Collector’s Office. The  Hearing Aid Assessment Collector’s Office needs your health insurance infor- If there is an internal problem with the hearing aid, Walter will mation in order to send bills to Medicare and any assist you with returning it to the factory for repair. There will be a factory charge for all aids that need to be repaired at the other health insurance you have. If you have ques- factory unless the aid is still under factory warranty. tions about the bill you can call Maura Plante at Please call the Senior Center at 259-3060, if you wish to make 259-3213 or the Collector’s Office at 259-3020. an appointment, or if you wish information on hearing health, call 1-800-247-5666. The Senior Spirit Page 7

SENIOR CENTER WINTER FITNESS CLASSES

GENTLE FITNESS—Mon, Wed, & Fri. 11-11:30 AM—with Dona Motts & Penny Nolan Gentle fitness classes continue Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 11-11:30 AM at the Bangs Community Ctr. All exercises are done in a standing or sitting position and are set to music. Suggested donation is $1 per class. Newcomers are welcome anytime.

Dona Penney NOT JUST ANY LINE DANCING—Tuesdays, 10:45-11:45 AM—with Anastasia Christie Anastasia teaches an ongoing fitness class entitled NOT JUST ANY LINE DANCING Tuesdays, 10:45-11:45 AM. The cost is $4 per class (payable to the instructor). Beginners can start at any class; advanced registration isn’t necessary. About your instructor: Anastasia Christie, originally from Russia, has been teaching dance throughout New England in Senior and Wellness Centers. She has had 17-years of dance training in Ballroom Dancing and was a prize winner in a number of com- petitions in Europe and Russia. She was on a one-year world tour with the international group “Up With People” where she performed folk and line dances.

BALLROOM DANCING—Fridays, 9:45-10:45 AM, Instructor Anastasia Christie What can be better than starting out your morning to the tunes of big bands while getting a great workout for your body and soul? This course covers the basics of Waltz, Swing, Foxtrot, Tango, Cha-cha, Rumba and Mambo. Sign up for Anastasia’s class for eight weeks or take it one at a time. Anastasia instructs on the DVD companion to the book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Ballroom Dancing. No experience or dance partner necessary. Friendly atmosphere. Did you know...new research indicates that Ballroom Dancing may minimize the onset of dementia. Learning the intricate steps will keep your mind sharp and your body strong. Newcomers can join anytime. The fee per hour lesson is $6 per couple, $4 single.

FOLKDANCING—Tuesdays 1-2 PM—Instructor Eva Goldwater Exercise your mind as well as your body with INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCING. Folk dancing is a gentle, weight- bearing activity that engages your brain as well. Best of all, it’s FUN! If you can walk, you can do these dances. All dances are taught. The folk dance group meets Tuesdays, 1-2 PM in the Bangs Center’s Large Activity Room. Newcomers can join at any time, and there is no fee.

TAI CHI—Mondays 3-4 PM—Instructor Bailing Li Tai Chi is very helpful to elders to improve balance, flexibility, & concentration. It is a particular help for people who have arthritis because Tai Chi involves slow motion and reduces joint inflammation. Tai Chi for Seniors imparts great health benefits, such as: improved posture and balance to help prevent falls, better circulation, improved metabolism, enhanced immune and neuromuscular functioning, as well as healing and prevention of illness. According to Bailing, the American Medical Association recently researched Tai Chi and found that it also helps in cop- ing with headaches, shingles and osteoporosis. Bailing Li’s weekly TAI CHI classes are open to newcomers anytime. The charge is $7.50 per session.

OSTEOPOROSIS RESISTANCE TRAINING CLASSES Mondays & Wednesdays 8:30-10 AM and Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:30-4 PM Newcomers are welcome to observe these classes taught by Jamie Chernoff, Sophie Rogers, Valerie Stein, Betsy Howlett & Mary Beth Seminario to see if the class meets their needs. This osteoporosis-preventing and reversing exercise program was first pilot- tested by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in over 100 communities, two decades ago. Its demonstrated benefits were substan- tial and unequivocal. Over the last 20 years, because of the efforts of its creator, Miriam Nelson, PhD, author of the international best- sellers Strong Women Stay Young, Strong Women Stay Slim, Strong Women, Strong Bones, Strong Women Eat Well, and Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis, and the current Director of the John Hancock Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Tuft’s University, this program has been further improved, making it among the best available in the world. Typically, you will need to attend two or more classes a week, for at least six weeks, before experiencing significant health benefits. These initial health benefits include improved balance, muscle strength, mood and memory. Improvements in bone density require a longer commitment (at least 6 months). Voluntary donations of 50 cents per class are appreciated and used to purchase new equipment and supplies for this program. No advance registration is necessary—just come to a class to get started.

“FUNCTION WELL” Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 AM , Instructor Greg Coleman In this class students build strength and improve mobility, range of motion, and coordination—all things that are crucial for functioning well into your later years.

PRESCRIPTION HELPING HANDS PEAPOD® BY STOP & SHOP Do you have a difficult time picking up your prescriptions be- Do your grocery shopping without leaving your home! cause of transportation problems? We’d like to help. The Stop & Shop has an online grocery shopping service that Senior Center has volunteers who will pick up prescriptions delivers your groceries to you home. It’s called Pea- and deliver them to your home. Call Helen at the Senior pod®. Check it out at www.peapod.com or for further info Center 259-3062 for more information. call 1-800-5-PEAPOD. Page 8 The Senior Spirit FITNESS CLASSES (CONTINUED) MORNING YOGA FOR ALL ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION EXERCISE with Jaymie Chernoff Instructor Diane Hayden-Hixson Tues. & Thurs, 9:30-10:50 AM Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from (75 minutes) 12:30-2 PM The regular practice of yoga prepares you to This is a recreational group exercise and education live your life to the fullest from a place of program specifically designed for people with arthritis and strength and generosity. What are you waiting for? Begin now! related rheumatic diseases or musculoskeletal conditions, Perhaps you think you are not strong enough, not flexible taught by a trained and certified Arthritis Foundation enough, don’t know enough about yoga? Wherever your body instructor. is at this moment, this yoga class is for you. The class introduces and practices traditional poses, breath Each AFEP class includes a variety of stretching, and meditation, beginning with a gentle warm-up. We use strengthening, endurance-building and relaxation exer- chairs or the wall for support and help with balance whether we cises. In addition, each AFEP class will provide a short are sitting or standing. You will be safe while working to your health topic component. potential, growing in strength, improving balance and experienc- Scientific studies have shown, after eight weeks of at ing the joy of movement and awareness. least bi-weekly participation in the AFEP, you are likely to Drop-ins are welcome. The class fee is $5, the best yoga experience reduced joint pain and stiffness, as well as value in the Valley. Contact the instructor for questions at 413- maintained or improved mobility, muscle strength and 835-5370. functional ability. In short, if your joints need a “tune-up”

this is the exercise class for you. The Amherst Senior Center’s AFEP classes are 90 minutes in length, and are (Note: New Day & Time) held every MWF from 12:30 PM–2 PM and are $2 each. Newcomers are welcome. LEVEL ONE YOGA CLASS Instructor: Jaymie Chernoff Wednesdays, 10-11:15 AM Deepen your practice of yoga in this class where we focus on refining the fundamentals, building strength and flexibility, and having fun. While this class will challenge you, the instructor’s Anusara training emphasizes proper alignment, slow transitions, safety and the therapeutic effect of aligned movement. There are plenty of modifications for all levels with some experience of yoga. Yoga is for a lifetime! Bring a blanket or heavy towel. We supply mats, straps, blocks and bolsters. Drop-ins are welcome. The class is $5, the best yoga value in the Valley. Contact the instructor for questions at 413-835-5370. — Jaymie Chernoff is a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, trained in the Anusara tradition. Jaymie leads the yoga classes at the Amherst Senior Center, and is also a peer leader of the morning Osteoporosis Exercise Class (Mon. & Wed). She retired as a University administrator and became a yoga teacher in her 60s. She loves to help students find more spaciousness and freedom through yoga.

WELLNESS GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE The Senor Center doesn’t want anyone to be left out of its fitness classes or other wellness activities because of lack of funds. A $15 “wellness grant” is available to low-income Amherst elders upon request. Speak to Karen or Nancy in the Center and ask to fill out a simple means test form. A maximum of two $15 grants are allowed per month and can be used for clinic appointments or fitness classes. (The funds for this come from donations.) The Senior Spirit Page 9

LECTURES ON COSMOLOGY SENIOR CENTER SOCIAL PROGRAMS Taught by JAMES van LUIK, Professor CHINESE MAHJONGG Emeritus, Philosophy of Science Tuesdays 12:30-2:30 PM. Bangs Center ~ Ethel Moore Gallery SPECIAL & GENERAL RELATIVITY All are invited to come join the fun any week. 1/29, 2/5 , 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5 , 3/12, 3/19 Beginners are welcome! Here are some examples of what Professor van Luik will consider BRIDGE this term: space and time in classical mechanics, the idea of time in Wednesdays 12 noon-4 PM Thursdays 12:30-4 PM (by request) relativity, the Lorentz transformation, the Newtonian and Einstein concept of equivalence, the behavior of measuring rods and clocks SCRABBLE in motion, general results of relativity theory, Minkowski's four di- Keep your mind active & enjoy the mensional special relativity space. A special point will be to show camaraderie! Tuesdays, 1-3 PM. Ethel Moore Gallery that space-time is not (necessarily) something to which one can ascribe a separate existence independently of the actual objects of MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOS physical reality. That is, to emphasize, physical objects are not in If you’d like to learn how to play this fun game, space, but these objects are spatially extended. In this sense the folks are meeting on Mondays & Fridays, 1-3 PM. concept of empty space loses its meaning. Newcomers are always welcome!

BLACK HOLES BILLIARDS—Daily 9-4 PM 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21 PING PONG—Wednesdays 4-5 PM (or by request if space allows) Professor James van Luik will examine the following perspectives

which is to say that it used to be thought obvious that the surface of the earth was flat. It either went on forever or it had some rim over CRIBBAGE GAMES ANYONE? which you might fall. It was thought self evident that the earth ex- 9 AM Registration, 9:15-12 noon Games isted in a space that was flat in the sense that the geometry of Cribbage games are played every Friday morning Euclid (d. 256 BCE) applied. But in 1915 Albert Einstein (d. 1955) at the Bangs Community Center! Registration & put forward a theory that combined space and time into an addi- orientation is at 9 AM with play starting promptly at tional dimension, spacetime. The spacetime universe was not flat 9:15 AM. The format consists of a round robin with but warped, curved. The implications included the possibility that seven games against different opponents using the stars could collapse so completely that they become black holes, ACC (American Cribbage Congress) scoring meth- immediately maximally warping surrounding space with curvature odology of 2 points for a win, 3 points for a skunk and 0 points energy. What happens to anything: objects and data, for example, for a loss. that falls into a black hole? That is, what are the properties of black The facilitator of the program is Mary Burlington. Mary has holes, specially interesting since we can't see them. played cribbage for over 25 years and is a member of the ACC. No advance registration required for these free classes NEWCOMERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! held on Tuesdays, 1-3 PM in Room 101 of the Bangs.

A special educational event…. SENIOR CENTER DAILY LUNCH You are welcome to come any day, “PROCEDURES OF PERSONAL GENEALOGICAL Monday through Friday for our 11:45 AM RESEARCH” lunch. To make your reservation, please A seminar by James A. Smith, a former certified genealo- call Sandy Beighley, our lunch site direc- gist and author of genealogical research for Amherst tor, by the day before at 10 AM at 259-3164. Thursday, March 14, 2013 Please let Nancy (259-3114) at the Senior Center know 1:30-3 PM if you are confused about how to arrange for van trans-

This is a free seminar which will explore various portation to get here. The Senior Center sells dis- methods to find your ancestors. Learn what documents are counted dial-a-ride van tickets and any staff person can help you get started using the van if you never have. available, e.g. passports, bible records. Learn what Ancestry.com can offer. Jim will bring

samples of materials he has found and he will Usually on a Tuesday or Thursday, Gerry Weinstein answer your questions. comes in to play the piano during lunch to add to the fun.

NAME THAT TUNE Due to the enthusiasm shown at Steve Damon’s “Name That Tune” program thru the fall, Steve is con- tinuing to play for us Thursdays. Come join the fun MEMOIR WRITING WORKSHOPS before lunch from 10:30-11:15 AM— you’ll have a The Memoir Writing Workshops are held from great time! 1-3:30 PM on Thursdays. Are you writing up your

memories or would you like to? Join a group of spirited writers on Thursdays from 1-3:30 PM. We’ll write both in and out of This program is funded in part by a grant from class and read our work to the group. Sharing, support, and fun for The Amherst Cultural Council. all. The group meets weekly on an on-going basis. Page 10 The Senior Spirit

THE NEW OPTIONS COMMUNITY GROUP

Since 1997 we have been exploring pros and cons of a wide variety of research findings, con- cepts, practices, and ideas . . . for more integrally conscious, healthful, wise, mutually empa- thetic living, aging, dying, and thereafter . . . as they newly emerge from scientific, humanistic, and spiritual communities worldwide. No topic is out of bounds.

Feb. 2 - What the Internet is Doing To Our Brains? - A concern expressed in the book, “The Shallows” by Nicholas Carr who fears that interaction with the internet affects our mode of thinking. Does it decrease the depth of thought and concentration? (Coordinated by Dick Stein)

Feb. 13 – The American Prison System – Why does America have such a large fraction of it population in prisons.? Are there alternatives for some of those now incarcerated? Are they receiving the appropriate treatment? (Coordinated by Jane Madden)

Feb. 20 – Robotics - Technology increasingly enables us to employ robots to carry out some of our tasks. To what extent can and should this be done and how might this affect our lives? (Coordinated by Dick Stein)

Feb. 27 – Folly - Is there room in our lives for folly? Should we ban it, or encourage it? It can be a pleasur- able trifle, a whim, an adventure, exploring a new location, a financial risk and all the other "non-essential" events of our lives. (Coordinated by Jay Stryker)

Mar. 6 - Organization of Society - How do we organize ourselves so as to satisfy our needs without sacrific- ing our individuality? We must consider how we interact with the environment and each other. (Coordinated by Dick Stein)

Mar. 13 - Inspirations - Artists, mathematicians, mystics, musicians, poets, financial speculators, advertising writers and so on all attribute some or much of their success to inspired thoughts. Where do these come from? Are they "real", or just random brain activities (Coordinated by Jay Stryker)

Mar. 20 – Symmetry - There are many uses of the word symmetry. It is used in one way for Cosmology. It is used in our daily lives, often as an aesthetic criterion. We seem to enjoy pairs or mirror images in architec- ture, music, paintings, music etc., and also non-symmetry or asymmetry. (Coordinated by Jay Stryker)

Mar. 27 –Media and Censorship- We live in a world of images, talk, consumer items, political biases, and music lyrics on all kinds of topics. Are we being "informed" or "brainwashed"? There are hidden emotional messages in pictures (advertising, posters, TV) and speech ("code words") and in music lyrics but also in the kinds of chords and tones. (Coordinated by Jay Stryker)

Coordinated by Jay Styker, Jane Madden, and Dick Stein. All meetings, unless otherwise designated, are on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Bangs Community Center, Room 101. Discussions are limited to twenty people. Seating in the discussion circle is on a first come basis. Latecomers, if all seats are taken, may sit on the periphery and listen. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Dick at 413-549-0245 or you may Email him at [email protected].

FREE ONE-ON-ONE COMPUTER TUTORING LESSONS AVAILABLE Are you interested in learning how to use a computer? Or are you fairly competent on your computer, but need a little help now and then? Our peer instructors are gentle, patient and understanding volunteers who are happy to help you. Sessions are held by appointment and can often work around your schedule. To make an appointment, contact one of the instructors listed here: Leslie 548-9865, or Carl 256-8425 . Additional tutors may also be available at times. Inquire by calling Jack mornings at 259-2781.

COMPUTER LAB AVAILABLE AT THE SR. CENTER During our regular workday Monday thru Friday, 8-4 PM, our free computer lab is open for you to use. The Senior Spirit Page 11

FROM MAURA PLANTE, 259-3213, AND HELEN MACMELLON, 259-3062

U.S. TREASURY’S GO DIRECT CAMPAIGN AMHERST WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET Are you getting Social Security, VA, SSI (Supplemental Secu- The Amherst Winter Farmers’ Market is each rity Income), Railroad Retirement Board or other federal bene- Saturday, 10 AM-2 PM at the Amherst Middle School. fits by paper check? People currently receiving federal bene- It features fresh vegetables and fish, local meat, fit checks must switch to an electronic payment option by bread, and cheese, apples, preserves and ferments, March 1, 2013 as all federal benefit payments will be elec- soap and herbal products, plants and crafts. There is also live tronic by that date. You can choose to get your payments by music, kids activities, hot coffee, and prepared food to eat there direct deposit to a bank or credit union account, or to a prepaid or to take away! Are you interested in volunteering at the mar- debit card. People who have not chosen an electronic payment ket? Help Is needed with vendor unloading and pack up, greet- option by March 1, 2013, may receive their money after the ing people, & possibly the EBT table. A great way to spend time deadline date via the prepaid debit card. with a friend! Contact the market manager, Tamsin: To sign up for direct deposit into an existing bank or credit [email protected] union account:  Call (800) 333-1795 and a staff member will help you ASSISTANCE WITH  Visit your local bank/credit union and ask a Customer Service person to assist you PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES  Sign up online at www.godirect.gov Dr. Morton Harmatz, Professor Emeritus from  Schedule an appointment with Maura or Helen as they the University of Massachusetts Psychology have copies of the form for the sign up through the mail. Department and a Clinical Psychologist, has volunteered to help You need to have the following information to sign up for seniors dealing with psychological problems, family issues and direct deposit: Account type—checking or savings, Ac- other life challenges. His goal is to help seniors clarify the psy- count number, and Bank/credit union’s routing number. chological issues involved and possibly develop some strategies To sign up for a prepaid debit card the following options for dealing with the problems that may be troubling them. are available: Arrangements can be made for counseling sessions with Dr.  Call (800) 333-1795 and a staff member will assist you Harmatz through Maura Plante at 259-3213.  Sign up online at www.godirect.gov. Make sure you know the amount of your most recent federal benefit check, and have either your most recent MEDICAL APPOINTMENT DRIVERS NEEDED check on hand or know your 12-digit federal benefit check One of the services that has become extremely vital to Amherst seniors is transportation to medical number. If you are already receiving your federal benefit payments appointments when no other means is available. electronically, this change will not affect you. To meet this growing need, Maura and Helen maintain a list of volunteer drivers, but as there have been more seniors using this service, we need more drivers. A stipend of $0.50/mile 2013 ORIGINAL MEDICARE COSTS is available. Please contact Maura at 259-3213 or on-line at It’s a new year and some of the costs of [email protected] or Helen at 259-3062 or on-line at Original Medicare are different. [email protected] if you’d like more information, or For Part A, each month (in 2013) you will pay: would like to be added to the list. A CORI is required.  Nothing if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10 years or more  $24 if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes UMASS MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVERS NEEDED for 7.5 to 10 years The UMass Meals On Wheels Program needs sub-  $441 if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes stitute drivers to fill in when a regular driver is on va- for fewer than 7.5 years cation or ill. Substitute drivers need to be available For Part A, (in 2013) your coinsurance will be: from 2:30-4:45 PM and are contacted 2-3 days in  $0 for days 0-60 each benefit period. A benefit period begins advance of the delivery date. A reliable, insured car is required. the day you start getting inpatient care. It ends when you’ve Training, supervision and a small gas stipend are provided. been out of the hospital or skilled nursing facility for 60 days CORI required. For more information contact Maura Plante: 259- in a row 3213 or [email protected], or Helen MacMellon,  $296 each day for days 61-90 each benefit period [email protected], 259-3062.  $592 per day for days 91-150 (a total of 60 lifetime reserve days, which are non-renewable) For Part A, (in 2013) your deductible will be:  $1,184 each benefit period For Part A, (in 2013) your skilled nursing facility (SNF) stay coinsurance will be:  $0 for days 0-20 each benefit period  $148 per day for days 21-100 each benefit period For Part B, (in 2013) your deductible will be:  $147 each year For Part B, each month (in 2013) you will pay:  $104.90 if your income is at or below $85,000 ($170,000 for couples). People with higher incomes will pay more for Part B each month. The Senior Spirit Page 12

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

ED SMITH, ESTATE PLANNING BASICS OF ESTATE PLANNING & ELDER LAW & ELDER LAW ATTORNEY THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013, 1:30-3:00 PM THURSDAYS, FEB 21st & MAR 21st, Attorney Todd C. Ratner will be providing a seminar on the basics of estate planning and elder law. During Attorney Ratner’s presenta- 1-3 PM tion, he will discuss the following range of topics: Once a month, Ed Smith, a local estate planning and elder law attor-  Wills ney, will hold a legal clinic at the Senior Center. Ed will be on hand to answer questions about ways to plan effectively for your own and  Health Care Proxies your loved ones’ future. Have you got your will, power of attorney,  Durable Powers of Attorney health care proxy and other necessary documents in order? Will a  Deeds with Life Estate trust be helpful? Do you or a loved one have special needs? What  Asset Protection Plans regarding a potential relocation to a kind of public assistance are available and how do you go about ob- skilled nursing facility taining them? How best to avoid lengthy and expensive court involve- Attorney Ratner is an estate planning, elder law and business and ment when it comes to handling your affairs? What effect will the real estate attorney with Bacon Wilson, P.C. He is a member of the Affordable Health Care Act (Obamacare) have on Medicare, Medicaid National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and a recipient of Boston and Social Security? You may have created a financial plan. Com- Magazine’s Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Stars award. plete the process with an effective estate plan or a review of your (413) 781-0560; [email protected] existing plan. You’ll feel good that you’ve got one in place, and the next generation will be grateful that you cared to look out for them. Call the Senior Center to make your fifteen minute appointment. There is no charge. IF YOU RIDE THE FIXED ROUTE BUSES: Photo ID cards, for use by riders using PVTA fixed route buses, FREE FINANCIAL SEMINARS will be made at the Bangs Center Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 10 AM till 12 NOON. BY EDWARD JONES The Amherst Senior Center and the Amherst Town Hall offices do NOT The second Wednesday of each month from 10-11 sell any tickets for the fixed route buses. The 31-day bus pass can be AM, Rich Friese, Financial Advisor from Edward purchased at any Big Y market for a discounted rate of $20 (for elders Jones, cordially invites you to attend his free educational finan- and disabled people) or $43 (for the general public) if the Big Y Express cial seminar at the Bangs Community Center. Refreshments will Card is shown. If getting to a Big Y location is difficult, an order can be be served. taken care of through the mail. Simply send a check to PVTA and identify what you wish to purchase and PVTA will send the order out Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 10-11 AM promptly with a re-order form. Investment Perspective Seminar: Charting Your Path in 2013 Mail your check to: Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 10-11 AM PVTA Customer Service Center Rules of the Road Seminar: The Road to Financial Independence 1341 Main Street Springfield MA 01103

HOWARD SINGER’S “MONEY TALK” Tuesdays, February 12th & March 12th INTERESTED IN THE POTENTIAL FOR TAX-FREE Howard Singer, CFP, a local, fee-only advisor, con- RETIREMENT INCOME? LET’S TALK. ducts monthly seminars for the Amherst Senior Center. Howard leads a meeting the second Tuesday of the month Bob Meyers Rich Friese from 10-11:15 AM at the Bangs Center for soon-to-retire and Financial Advisor Financial Advisor retired individuals who want the facts, not the fantasy, about money matters. You are invited to attend Howard’s informative 100 University Dr ~ Suite 2 495 West Street ~ Suite 1 meetings, whether you are a first-timer or a long-timer. Some of Amherst 413.549.1979 Amherst 413.259.1189 the topics to be discussed are: cash flow planning, low risk investment strategies, income investments (without commissions), long www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC term health care issues, estate taxes, gifting strategies & more.

Edward Jones MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING

Computer Tutors and Resources

Training, Troubleshooting, and Support Reasonable Rates, Senior Discount, Free Initial Consult (413) 253-0629 [email protected] Maggie Magrath The computer tutor who comes to you! The Senior Spirit Page 13 Amherst Senior Center Activities February 2013 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

If you or someone you know in Hampshire or Franklin County 1 has a consumer problem or question, please contact: 9-12 Craft Club 9-12 Cribbage Games The Northwestern District Attorney’s 9:40-12:40 Foot Care & Consumer Protection Division Ear Irrigation w/ Sharon 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Dance 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1-3 Mexican Train Dominoes 1:30-2:30 Facebook Basics (413) 774-3186 Greenfield (413) 586-9225 Northampton 3-4 How to Install Skype northwesternda.org Working in cooperation with the Attorney General’s Office

4 5 6 7 8 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 8:30-9:30 Function Well 9-12 Craft Club 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 9-4 Massage 9-10 Salvation Army Rep. 9-10:30 COA Meeting 9-12 Cribbage Games 9:30-11:30 Drawing Workshop 9:30 Blood Pressure Clinic 9-12 Shakespeare Movie 9-12 Painting Workshop 9:40-12:40 Foot Care & 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 9:30 Free Bread Program 9-12 Acupuncture Ear Irrigation with Sharon 11:45 Lunch 9-1 AARP Tax Assistance 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Dance 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 10-11:15 Level I Yoga 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 11:45 Lunch 10-11:30 Artist’s Way 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 12:30-4 Bridge 10:45 Name That Tune! 11:45 Lunch 12:30 Chinese Mahjongg 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1-3 Mexican Train Dominoes 11:45 Lunch 1-2 Folkdancing 11:45 Lunch 1-3 Mexican Train Dominoes 1-4 SHINE Appointments 1-3:30 Memoir Writing 1-3 Cosmology 12:30-4 Bridge 1:30-2:30 Help w/ Cell Phone 1:30-3 Alexander Technique 1:30-3:30 Senior Health 1-3 Scrabble 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 3-4 Questions about How 1:30-3:30 Senior Health Services Services To Use Skype 3-4 Tai Chi 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 2-4 New Options 2-4 Brown Bag 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT

11 12 8:30-9:30 Function Well 13 14 15 8:30-9:30 Function Well 9-4 Massage 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 8:30-9:30 Function Well 9-12 Craft Club 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 9:30 Blood Pressure Clinic 9:30 Free Bread Program 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-12 Cribbage Games 9:30-11:30 Drawing Workshop 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 10-11 Edward Jones Seminar 9-12 Acupuncture 9:40-12:40 Foot Care & 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 10 Singer Seminar/SALT Mtg. 10-1:15 Level I Yoga 9-1 AARP Tax Assistance Ear Irrigation with Sharon 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 11:45 Lunch 10-11:30 Artist’s Way 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Dance 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 11 Senior Travel Club Meeting 10:45 Name That Tune! 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 12:30-4 Bridge 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch 12:30 Chinese Mahjongg 11:45 Lunch 1-3:30 Memoir Writing 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1-3 Mexican Train Dominoes 1-2 Folkdancing 12:30-4 Bridge 1:30-3:30 Senior Health 1-2 Strength In Numbers 1:30-3 Alexander Technique 1-3 Cosmology 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1:30-3:30 Senior Health Services Services 1-3 Mexican Train Dominoes 1-3 Scrabble 2-4 New Options 3-4 Tai Chi 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 2-4 Valentine’s Day Party 1:30-2:30 Facebook Basics 3-4:30 Ear Irrigation w/ Dr. Clapp 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 3-4 How to Install Skype

18 19 20 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 21 22 9-12 Craft Club BANGS CENTER 8:30-9:30 Function Well 9:30 Free Bread Program 8:30-9:30 Function Well 9-12 Cribbage Games 9-4 Massage 9:30-10:30 Watercolor Painting 9-12 Painting Workshop 9:40-12:40 Foot Care & CLOSED Ear Irrigation with Sharon 9:30 Blood Pressure Clinic 10-11:15 Level I Yoga 9-12 Acupuncture 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Dance Presidents’ Day 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 10-11:30 Artist’s Way 9-1 AARP Tax Assistance 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 11-1:30 Gentle Fitness 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch 10:45 Name That Tune! 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 11:45 Lunch 1-3 Mexican Train Dominoes 12:30 Chinese Mahjongg 12:30-4 Bridge 1:30-2:30 Help w/ Cell Phones 1-2 Folkdancing 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1-3 Atty Ed Smith Legal Clinic 2-5 Traveling Tooth Fairy 1-3 Cosmology 12:30 Boxes of Food 1-3:30 Memoir Writing 3-4 Questions about How 1-3 Scrabble 1-2 What Is “Navicare”? 1:30-3:30 Senior Health To Use Skype 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 1-3 Hearing Care Services Services 2-4 New Options 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 23 Hartford Symphony Pops Trip

25 26 27 28 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 9-12 Painting Workshop 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 9-4 Massage 9:30 Free Bread Program 9-12 Acupuncture 9:30 Blood Pressure Clinic 9:30-11:30 Drawing Workshop 10-11:15 Level I Yoga 9-1 AARP Tax Assistance 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 10-11:30 Artist’s Way 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 10:45 Name That Tune! 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 12:30 Chinese Mahjongg 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch 1-3:30 Memoir Writing 12:30-4 Bridge 1-2 Folkdancing 12:30-4 Bridge 1-3 Mexican Train Dominoes 1-3 Cosmology 1:30 Knee Replacement Seminar 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1:30-3 Alexander Technique 1-3 Scrabble 1:30-3:30 Senior Health 1:30-3:30 Senior Health Services 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 2-4 New Options Services 3-4 Tai Chi 3-4:30 Ear Irrigation w/ Dr. Clapp 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT The Senior Spirit Page 14 Amherst Senior Center Activities March 2013 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

1 9-12 Craft Club 9-12 Cribbage Games 9:40-12:40 Foot Care & Ear Irrigation with Sharon 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Dance 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch Printer’s space 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1-3 Mexican Train Dominos 1:30-3:30 Facebook Basics 3-4 How to Install Skype

4 8:30-9:30 Function Well 5 6 7 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 9-10:30 COA Meeting 8 AM Mohegan Sun Trip 9:30-11:30 Drawing Workshop 9-4 Massage 9-10 Salvation Army Rep. 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-12 Craft Club 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 9-12 Cribbage Games 9:30-10:30 BP Clinic 9:30 Free Bread & Produce 9-12 Acupuncture 11:45 Lunch 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 9-1 AARP Tax Assistance 9:40-12:40 Foot Care & 10-11:15 Level I Yoga Ear Irrigation with Sharon 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 12:30-4 Bridge 10-11:30 Artist’s Way 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Dance 11:45 Lunch 10:45 Name That Tune! 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 1-3 Mexican Train Dominos 12:30 Chinese Mahjongg 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch 1-4 SHINE Appointments 11:45 Lunch 1-2 Folkdancing 11:45 Lunch 1-3:30 Memoir Writing 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1:30-3 Alexander Technique 1-3 Cosmology 12:30-4 Bridge 1:30-3 Basics of Estate 1-3 Mexican Train Dominos 1:30-3:30 Senior Health 1-3 Scrabble 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise Planning & Elder Law 1:30-2:30 Help w/ Cell Phones Services 3-4 Questions about How 3-4 Watercolor Painting 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 2-4 New Options 1:30-3:30 Senior Health Services 2-4 Brown Bag To Use Skype 3-4 Tai Chi 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 11 12 13 14 15 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 8:30-9:30 Function Well 9-12 Craft Club 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 9-4 Massage 9:30 Free Bread Program 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-12 Cribbage Games 9:30-10:30 BP Clinic 9:30-11:30 Drawing Workshop 10-11 Edward Jones 9-12 Acupuncture 9:40-12:40 Foot Care & 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 9:30 Morning Yoga For All Ear Irrigation with Sharon 10 Singer/SALT Council Financial Seminar 9-1 AARP Tax Assistance 11:45 Lunch 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Dance 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 10-11:15 Level I Yoga 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 11 Senior Travel Club Mtg. 10-11:30 Artist’s Way 10:45 Name That Tune! 11:45 Lunch 2:30-4 Bridge 11:45 Lunch 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 11:45 Lunch 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1-3 Mexican Train Dominos 12:30 Chinese Mahjongg 11:45 Lunch 1-3:30 Memoir Writing 1-3 Mexican Train Dominos 1:30-3 Alexander Technique 1-2 Folkdancing 1-3 Cosmology 12:30-4 Bridge 1:30 Genealogy Seminar 1:30-3:30 Facebook Basics 1:30-3:30 Senior Health 2 Musical Showcase Services 1-3 Scrabble 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1:30-3:30 Senior Health 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 3-4 How to Install Skype 3-4 Watercolor Painting 2-4 New Options Services 3-4:30 Ear Irrigation-Dr.Clapp 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 3-4 Tai Chi

18 8:30-9:30 Function Well 19 20 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 21 8:30-9:30 Function Well 22 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 8:30-9:30 Function Well 9:30 Free Bread Program 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-12 Craft Club 9:30-11:30 Drawing Workshop 9-4 Massage 10-11:15 Level I Yoga 9-12 Acupuncture 9-12 Cribbage Games 9:40-12:40 Foot Care & 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 9:30-10:30 BP Clinic 10-11:30 Artist’s Way 9-1 AARP Tax Assistance 11:45 Lunch Ear Irrigation with Sharon 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 10-12 PVTA ID Cards 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Dance 2:30-4 Bridge 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 10:45 Name That Tune! 10-1 Traveling Tooth Fairy 1-3 Mexican Train Dominos 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 1-4 SHINE Appointments 12:30 Chinese Mahjongg 12:30-4 Bridge 1-3 Atty. Ed Smith Legal Clinic 11:45 Lunch 1:30-3 Alexander Technique 1-3:30 Memoir Writing 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1-2 Folkdancing 12:30 Boxes of Food 1-3 Mexican Train Dominos 1:30-3:30 Senior Health 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1:30-3:30 Senior Health Services 1-3 Scrabble 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 1-3 Hearing Care Services Services 3-4 Watercolor Painting 24 2 PM 4th Annual Follies 3-4 Tai Chi 2-4 New Options 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 25 26 27 28 29 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8:30-9:30 Function Well 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 8:30-9:30 Function Well 9-12 Craft Club 8:30-10 Osteoporosis RT 9-4 Massage 9:30 Free Bread Program 9-12 Painting Workshop 9-12 Cribbage Games 9:30-11:30 Drawing Workshop 9:30-10:30 BP Clinic 10-11:15 Level I Yoga 9-12 Acupuncture 9:40-12:40 Foot Care & 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 9:30 Morning Yoga For All Ear Irrigation with Sharon 10-11:30 Artist’s Way 9-1 AARP Tax Assistance 11:45 Lunch 10:45-11:45 Line Dancing 9:30 Morning Yoga For All 9:45-10:45 Ballroom Dance 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 11:45 Lunch 10:45 Name That Tune! 11-11:30 Gentle Fitness 12:30-4 Bridge 12:30 Chinese Mahjongg 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch 11:45 Lunch 1-2 Folkdancing 12:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1-3 Mexican Train Dominos 12:30-4 Bridge 1-3:30 Memoir Writing 1-3 Cosmology 1-3 Mexican Train Dominos 1:30-3:30 Senior Health Services 2:30-2 Arthritis Exercise 1-3 Scrabble 1:30-3:30 Senior Health 1:30-2:30 Help w/ Cell Phones 3-4 Watercolor Painting 2-4 New Options Services 3-4 Tai Chi 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT 3-4 Questions about How 3-4:30 Ear Irrigation-Dr. Clapp 2:30-4 Osteoporosis RT To Use Skype

The Senior Spirit Page 15

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

WHAT IS THE AMHERST S.A.L.T. COUNCIL? SALVATION ARMY

Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (S.A.L.T.) Assistance is available for senior citizens in need at the Council members work with the Police, Fire and Sher- Amherst Senior Center on the first Wednesday of each month, riff’s Departments on projects that increase the safety 9-10 AM. Our counselor is Kay Fite. Also, assistance may be obtained at the Amherst Survival Center each Tuesday, 1-2:30 PM. For and the well-being of our older residents. income-eligible individuals, vouchers may be obtained for the following WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A MEMBER? items: Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month (except  Prescription Eyeglasses: Eye exam within last 2 years and prescrip- July and August) at 10 AM at the Amherst Police tion information is required. Voucher is redeemable at Vision Show- Department. New members are always welcome to join. Call Bob case (Rte 9, Hadley) Joy at 253-7059 for more information about S.A.L.T. Clothing Vouchers: Redeemable at: The Salvation Army Thrift Store  The S.A.L.T. Council will sponsor a table in the front lobby of (Rt. 9, Hadley) or at The Hospice Shop (University Drive, Amherst) the Bangs Community Center the second Tuesday of each  Emergency Assistance: month with information about their programs. Stop by and get Utilities, if termination notice has been received. acquainted with some of the programs the S.A.L.T. Council Prescription medications not covered by insurance. has to offer. Rental Assistance, if eviction notice has been received.

Center for Extended Care at Amherst 150 University Dr. Amherst MA 01002 (413) 256-8185 / WWW.CECAA.COM

“A family tradition for life’s transitions”. We strive to enhance the dignity of each resident, enabling independence in a structured program of nursing care, activities, and social needs. Throughout the past 30+ years as a family owned-and-operated, skilled nursing facility, we provide a comfortable continuum of care… Respite care...hospice care...long-term care… Restorative care...rehabilitative care… From our family to yours. The Senior Spirit Page 16

FRIENDS OF THE AMHERST SENIOR CENTER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION 70 BOLTWOOD WALK U.S. POSTAGE PAID AMHERST, MA 01002 AMHERST, MA PERMIT NO. 64 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

FROM THE EDITORS Since 1991,The Senior Spirit has been completely funded by donations and advertisers. A special thanks to the Senior Travel Club for funding the travel page of The Senior Spirit. We consider the following people to be Friends of the Spirit: Zella Harrington, Quentin & Mary Murrell Faulkner, Barbara & Conrad Wogrin, Maria Zraunig, Katherine Naughton, Frederick Irving, Priscilla Bernotas, Elizabeth R. Stern, John V. Morgan & Pamela Wilkinson

DONATE SUBSCRIBE to The Senior Spirit as a “Friend of the Spirit” Under 60 OR live outside Amherst? Enclosed is $ ______To receive The Senior Spirit by mail for 1 year Please make check payable to (6 issues), please make check for $10 payable to “Senior Center Program Account” “Senior Center Program Account” and mail to: and mail to: Amherst Senior Center Amherst Senior Center 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002 Name ______Name ______Address______Address ______Town ______Town ______State ______ZIP ______