Veterans Day 2013 . We Shall Never Forget!

MATURE LIVING St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging 80 State Highway 310, Suite 7 Canton, New York 13617-1497

Director: Nancy Robert PH: (315) 386-4730 Website: www.stlawco.org

November/December 2013 Happy Thanksgiving!

Veterans Day 2013…. We Shall Never Forget! (Submitted by Michael Boprey, St. Lawrence County Veteran’s Director)

With Veterans Day upon us, please remember our troops, still overseas, in harms way. As the media coverage has become less and less, it has been easy to forget that the War on Terrorism is still being fought, and our servicemen and women are still continuing to serve our nation both at home and abroad. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts. To quote President Calvin Coolidge, “A nation which forgets its defenders, will itself be forgotten”. (2007 - Master Sergeant Boprey, (2nd from right) NCOIC Med. Lab., AFTH, Balad Airbase, Iraq) I send a heartfelt and sincere thank you to all of our Veterans on THEIR day, as well as all their family members who supported them during their time of service. Whatever branch you may have served, be it war or peacetime, it is because of you that we are all able to continue to share in the freedoms we have. It is an interesting fact to point out that according to the U.S. Census Bureau: (Geographic Comparison Table 2009) that Veterans make up only 9.5% of the American population. Regardless of whether they were drafted, or voluntarily served, it is this small portion of our population who have answered our Nation’s call, willing to lay down their lives in its defense. It is on this Veterans Day, that we, as a Nation united, officially acknowledge and give thanks to these living Heroes.

HISTORY …Veterans Day, November 11th, is the day we celebrate our Veterans, and although the government may give an official day off on a Monday or Friday if the date falls on a weekend, it is always observed on the 11th. This is due to the fact that it was the 11 th hour of the 11th day of the 11th Month of 1918 in which both England and France commemorated the ending of World War I with ceremonies in which an “unknown soldier” was buried in the highest place of honor. This date became internationally known as Armistice Day. United States followed suit and in 1921 buried an unknown soldier on a Virginia hillside overlooking Washington D.C. Today this gravesite is known as the “Tomb of the Unknowns”, and the hill is part of the Arlington National Cemetery. Through the years, Armistice Day was changed to become Veterans Day, and at exactly the 11th hour of this 11th day in November, a heart moving ceremony takes place with a color guard from each of the services, the laying of a wreath by our President, and the playing of Taps. Veterans Day recognizes ALL Veterans, especially those still with us. I encourage you to attend a local Veterans Day event, be it a parade, church service, or memorial. More importantly, be sure to personally thank a Veteran, and of course, you never have to wait for Veterans Day to do this.

1 WEATHER RELATED CLOSINGS… When inclement weather conditions occur, Office for the Aging Nutrition Sites may need to close and/or Home Delivered Meal routes may be canceled. Closings are made on the basis of recommendations by the County Sheriff’s Office. Driving conditions may force cancellation of meal deliveries in one area and not another. If you are receiving Home Delivered Meals, Office for the Aging will provide you, in advance, with a frozen emergency meal to be used on a day we are unable to deliver. Watch for weather closings to be announced on the following radio and television stations: WNCQ; FM.WCIZ (102.9FM/98.7FM); WPDM (1470AM/99.FM); NORTH COUNTRY PUBLIC RADIO; WMSA (1340AM); WYBG (1050AM); YESFM (96.7FM); Channel 7 TV

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR WINTER STORMS AND EXTREME COLD Before: Stay informed of winter weather, keep a sufficient supply of heating fuel, winterize your home, learn how to shut off water valves (in case pipe bursts), winterize your car (keep a shovel, small broom, and scraper in your vehicle) and add rock salt, sand, and shovels to your emergency supply kit. Also keep extra socks, hats, and mittens on hand.

During: Conserve fuel. Stay safe and dry indoors. If you are outside, cover your mouth, keep dry, and avoid overexertion. Wear layers, mittens, and a hat. Watch for signs of frostbite (loss of feeling and white or pale extremities) Watch for signs of hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion).

Driving: Drive only if necessary. If a blizzard traps you in your car, pull off the road and stay in your car. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna and turn on the inside light at night for rescuers to see.

***Shingles Vaccines At Your Local Pharmacy*** Many NYS pharmacists are authorized to administer shingles shot for individuals covered under Medicare Part D. Pharmacies will bill Medicare Part D but patients need a prescription from their doctor. St. Lawrence County Pharmacies that have the vaccine in stock and also administer the vaccine are Kinney Drugs, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kimro’s Medicine Place (Ogdensburg), and Price Chopper Pharmacy (Canton). Contact your doctor with questions about providing a shingles vaccine.

Medicare and the Marketplaces: What People with Medicare Need to Know Health Insurance Marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allow people who are uninsured or underinsured to shop for health coverage. The Marketplaces are also known as Exchanges.

• If you already have Medicare, your coverage will not change as a result of the new Marketplaces. Someone who knows you have Medicare cannot sell you a Qualified Health Plan through the Marketplaces. • Under ACA, most people are required to have a minimum level of health coverage, called “essential health coverage.” Medicare counts as essential health coverage, so having Medicare meets this federal requirement. Medicare will not cost you more and your taxes will not be raised as a result of the Marketplaces. • Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap supplemental plans and stand-alone Part D plans will not be sold through the Marketplaces. (Information taken from Medicare Rights Center / “Getting Medicare Right)

2 Thanksgiving and the History of Turkey (Lewis County Office for the Aging Newsletter/Dina Lawson, Registered Dietician)

• Wild turkey is native to North America and was a popular food with the Native Americans. The Native American Wampanoag Tribe introduced turkey to the pilgrims around 1620, the tribe also assisted settlers in planting foods such as corn and squash.

• The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 under Governor William Bradford and the Native Americans were honored as guests!

• Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the United States on October 3, 1863 by a proclamation from President Abraham Lincoln. The proclamation stated that the last Thursday in November would be Thanksgiving Day. Health Benefits of Turkey Turkey is considered a favorite low fat food, along with chicken. Some studies say that cooking the poultry with the skin on seals in the meat’s natural juices. The fat from the skin doesn’t seep into the meat making poultry a lean meat food. Turkey is naturally low in fat without the skin. A 5- ounce serving of skinless turkey has a good amount of folic acid, B-vitamins, and zinc. Source: http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodhistory.

From Our Recipe Corner … Sweet Potato – Turkey Hash Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into ½ in. pieces)…1 medium apple (cored and cut into ½ in. pieces)… ½ cup reduced fat sour cream…1 tsp. lemon juice…1 tbs. canola oil…1 medium onion (chopped)…3 cups diced, cooked, skinless turkey or chicken…1tbs. chopped fresh thyme, or 1 tsp. dried…½ tsp. salt, freshly ground pepper to taste.

Preparation: 1) Place sweet potatoes in medium saucepan, cover with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook for 3 min. Add apple and cook until everything is just tender, but not mushy, 2 to 3 min. longer. Drain. 2) Transfer 1 cup of mixture to a large bowl; mash. Stir in sour cream and lemon juice. Add remaining unmashed mixture and stir gently to mix. Set aside. 3) Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 2 to 3 min. Add turkey (or chicken), thyme, salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 2 min. 4) Add reserved sweet potato mixture to the pan; stir to mix. Press on the hash with a wide metal spatula; cook until bottom is lightly browned, about 3 min. Cut hash into several rough sections; flip and cook until undersides are browned, about 3 min. longer. Serve immediately. (Nutrition per serving: 214 calories, 7g fat, 2g sat, 3g mono, 56mg cholesterol, 14g carbohydrates, 23g protein, 2g fiber, 262mg sodium, 475mg potassium) 1 carbohydrate serving

POTSDAM COMMUNITY Thanksgiving Day Community Free Will Dinner Nov. 28, 2013 … 12 PM to 1:30 PM … Hosted by: Trinity Episcopal Church (Maple St., Potsdam) Turkey Dinner (turkey, gravy, potatoes, stuffing, veggie, cranberry sauce, dessert) Contact person: Mary Van Leuven / PH: 244-0067

3 Advisory Council Meeting at Ogdensburg Dobisky Center, Monday November 4th

Monday, November 4th is the next public meeting for Office for the Aging Advisory Council. The meeting will be held at 10 AM at the Dobisky Center, located at 100 Riverside Ave. in Ogdensburg.

Guest speaker will be Diana McCormick, Office for the Aging Meals Program Manager. The meeting is open to the public and after the meeting a fish dinner is available at the Ogdensburg Nutrition Site at Centennial Terrace. If you would like to stay for lunch, notify Chris Fobare at Office for the Aging, 386-4730 as soon as possible.

The Advisory Council is a group of concerned older adults, service providers, and others who meet five times a year to review programs and services provided through Office for the Aging. The Advisory Council advocates for needs of Older Adults and helps assure the development of the continuum of care within communities. For information, contact Office for the Aging, ph: 386- 4730.

HEAP BENEFITS 2014

St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services will begin accepting HEAP applications on November 18th. Furnace replacement and repair has been suspended this year. HEAP customers who receive regular fuel benefits in November will not be eligible to apply for an emergency fuel benefit until January 2nd, 2014. HEAP customers who also need electricity to run their furnaces and receive a disconnect notice will not be able to apply for the emergency benefit until January 2 nd. The State has scheduled a HEAP closing date of March 17, 2014 for regular and emergency benefits.

This coming heating season, eligible applicants may receive one regular benefit, one emergency fuel benefit, and one emergency electric benefit. The monthly income guidelines for 2013-2014 heating assistance program are as follows:

Household size Income Household size Income 1 $2,175 6 $5,521 2 $2,844 7 $5,646 3 $3,513 8 $5,772 4 $4,182 9 $5,897 5 $4,852 10 $6,023 11 $6,461 Households receiving Food Stamps and or Public Assistance do not ordinarily need to complete a HEAP application. HEAP questions can be directed to the HEAP Unit at (315) 379-2303. By email contact [email protected] or [email protected].

If you need an application, call (315) 379-2303 on or after November 18 th. All applicants may apply this year through the mail. HEAP applications are available at the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services in Canton. Applications are also anticipated to be available at Catholic Charities in Ogdensburg, St. Vincent de Paul Society in Massena, Gouverneur Neighborhood Center, and the mybenefits.ny.gov website. Anyone interested in applying for heating equipment repair or replacement should contact Social Services Department at (315) 379-2303 to set up an interview or request that an application be sent. 4 ****Applications for seniors will also be available at Office for the Aging at the beginning of HEAP Season, November 18th.

Drivers Needed for Potsdam Home Delivered Meals! Office for the Aging is in need of “Community Volunteers” to assist with delivering meals to 20 elderly Potsdam Village residents. Volunteers are needed for one hour every Tuesday from 11 AM to 12 PM. Without community support, we will not be able to continue the Potsdam Village Home Delivered Meal Service after November 12th. If interested in volunteering for this very worthwhile program, contact Dianna McCormick, Meals Program Manager at 386-4730 between 8 AM - 4 PM Monday thru Friday.

Office for the Aging Home Care Program If you are 60 or over and in need of home care services, Office for the Aging is accepting referrals for the Expanded In Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP). This home care program assists elderly, fragile individuals to help maintain quality of life at home. EISEP provides personal care including bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation to County residents who are non-Medicaid eligible. Services provided may be on a cost-share basis depending on income levels. Contact: Stacey Kass, EISEP Coordinator, phone: 386-4730 (EISEP is supported by NYS Office for the Aging and St. Lawrence County)

Annual Public Hearings Held in October Nancy Robert and Chris Fobare from Office for the Aging recently conducted Public Hearings in the following communities, Massena, Potsdam and Star Lake. Approximately 75 people attended, and some seniors and advocates asked important questions related to continuation of financial support for Aging Programs and Services. Office for the Aging Director, Robert explained Public Hearings are held to inform seniors and advocates, caregivers, and other interested individuals about changes to federal and state supported programs and services. Robert stated “this is an opportune time to hear comments from the public regarding programs.” All comments, testimonials, and written statements are compiled and forwarded on to NYS Office for the Aging.

I Can Feel Better Workshops

Office for the Aging is partnering with St. Lawrence County Health Initiatives to provide a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) at different locations throughout the county.

The first “I Can Feel Better Workshop” was held at Baldwin Acres in Norwood during August and September. Approximately 12 older adults participated in this 6 week workshop. This is an evidence based health program with proven positive results for participants.

“I Can Feel Better” Workshops are being held in November in the following locations: Waddington…Tuesdays, Nov. 5 to Dec. 10th 1:00 – 3:30 at Hamilton Gardens Community Rm. 5 Gouverneur….. Thursdays, Nov. 7 to Dec. 12….10:00 – 12:30 at Pine Grove Community Rm. More info and to register contact: Linda Caamano (Health Initiatives) at 261-4760 ext. 230 Celebrate Three Kinds of Awareness This Month!! (Information provided by Misty White, SUNY Potsdam Community Health Student Intern)

November is “National Caregivers” Month. This month is planned every year as a time to thank, support, educate and give power to the family givers in our lives and in the lives of others. Caregivers provide care to loved ones and other people that are living with chronic illness, disability or the frailties of old age. When you see a caregiver this month, make sure they know that their work for others is valued. Information provided by www.caring.com/pub.59/issue.911/

November is “National Diabetes Awareness” Month. Diabetes is our nation’s fastest growing chronic disease. We need to start to put a stop to Diabetes from growing any larger. Diabetes Type 2 can be prevented by eating healthier, getting exercise daily and keeping a healthy weight. Show your Diabetes Awareness by wearing blue on World Diabetes Day which is Wednesday, November 13th, 2013. Information provided by http://www.diabeteswa.com.au/News_and_Events/World_Diabetes_Day_2013

November is “Alzheimer’s Awareness” Month. Alzheimer’s is a form of Dementia. Dementia is a brain disorder that destroys a person’s memory, thought and speech. Scientists are learning more about Alzheimer’s to be able to soon find a cure. To show and to increase awareness about Alzheimer’s, participate in Purple Sunday on Sunday, November 10, 2013. Purple Sunday is an event that promotes Alzheimer's awareness, the importance of early detection, as well as helpful programs provided by the Alzheimer's Association. Information provided by http://psychcentral.com/lib/facts-about/alzheimers-disease

Senior Computer Classes

St. Lawrence University Community Based Learning Program is partnering with St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging again this fall semester, providing computer classes to senior citizens. The classes are being held in Canton at the BOCES Computer Lab.

Six St. Lawrence University students teach the classes with Student Mentor, Renee Lavigne, overseeing and assisting. The two classes, Cyber 1 and Cyber 2, assist older adults who have no computer experience or limited computer experience. Seniors learn computer skills and gain knowledge of safe internet usage.

Weekly classes started September 23rd and will continue until first week in December!

Office for the Aging appreciates the student instructors who provide valuable computer instruction and BOCES support for the usage of their computer lab. These classes would not be accessible to older adults without the assistance from St. Lawrence University and BOCES. Thank you to our dedicated Community – Minded Partners!!! 6 NOVEMBER 2013 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 10/28 Sloppy Jo’s 10/29 Deluxe Burgers 10/30 Spooky Chicken 10/31 Tuna Noodle 11/01 Pizza Wax Beans Chips Goulash Green Beans Casserole Italian Mixed Vegetables Milk Lettuce/Tomato Monster Mashed Potatoes Beets Apple Rings Warm Fruit Crisp California Mixed Dinner Roll Muffin Milk Vegetables, Milk Milk Milk Assorted Dessert Cookie Pumpkin Pudding Fruit Fluff

11/04 Seasoned 11/05 Election Day 11/06 Chicken Cacciatore 11/07 Sweet & Sour 11/08 Cook’s Choice Baked Fish County Offices and over Pasta Pork over Rice Hash Browns, Peas Food & Friendship Italian Green Beans Oriental Mixed Muffin, Milk Centers Closed Italian Bread, Milk Vegetables, Muffin, Milk Ice Cream Fruit Salad Fruited Jell-O 11/11 Veteran’s Day 11/12 Goulash 11/13 Turkey/Gravy 11/14 Breaded 11/15 Savory Roast California Vegetables Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes Chicken/Cheese Pork w/Gravy County Office and Dinner Roll with Gravy, Cranberry Sandwich, Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Food & Friendship Milk Sauce, Squash, Milk Potatoes, Brussel Gravy, Peas & Carrots Centers Closed Fruit Dinner Roll Sprouts, Milk Wheat Bread, Milk Assorted Pie Ice Cream Jelly Roll 11/18 Herb Baked 11/19 Swedish Meatballs 11/20 Sausage/Peppers/ 11/21 Pot Roast 11/22 Cook’s Choice Chicken, Buttered over Rice, Stewed Onions on a Roll Potatoes/Carrots & Gravy Noodles, Garlic Cheese Tomatoes, Dinner Roll Creamed Corn Dinner Roll Biscuit, Beets Milk Chips Milk Milk Fruit Crisp Milk Cookie Fruit Cookie 11/25 Breaded Fish 11/26 Meatloaf with Gravy 11/27 Frank on a Bun 11/28Thanksgiving Day 11/29 Closed Sandwich, Tator Tots Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Macaroni & Cheese Peas Spinach, Muffin Broccoli County Offices and County Offices and Milk Milk Milk Food & Friendship Food & Friendship Pudding Parfait Fruited Yogurt Fruited Bavarian Centers Closed Centers Closed

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING NUTRITION PROGRAM Food & Friendship Centers: Brasher, Canton, DeKalb, Edwards, Morristown, Ogdensburg, Potsdam and Star Lake Suggested Donation: $3.00(age60+) ……..Guest Fee $5 (under age 60) MENU IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE. For more information contact DIANA MCCORMICK (PH: 386-4730) 7 November …Please Check Nov. Flu Shot Dates… Mon., Nov. 4...Public Health Flu Shot Clinic (Canton Human Services Bldg.80 St. Hwy. 310, Suite 2, Rm.224,1- 3PM) Sun., Nov. 3 … DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS …”SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR” Tues., Nov. 5…….Election Day (County Offices/Nutrition Sites Closed) Thurs., Nov. 7…... North Country Chapter StateWide Mtg.(Best Western, Canton,10 AM) Tues., Nov. 12…. Public Health Flu Shot Clinic (Ogdensburg/Riverview Towers 206 Ford St./3rd flr.Blevins Bldg.,1- 3PM) Wed., Nov. 13….Public Health Flu Shot Clinic (Massena Community Ctr., 61 Beach St., 1-3 PM) Thurs., Nov. 14…. County Council Mtg. (10 AM / Potsdam American Legion) Mon., Nov. 11……Veteran’s Day (County Offices/Nutrition Sites Closed) Mon., Nov. 18……Public Health Flu Shot Clinic (Gouverneur/Cambray Courts, 68 W. Main St., 1-2:30 PM) Mon., Nov. 25…... Public Health Flu Shot Clinic (Potsdam/New Hope Community Church, Grant St. 1-3 PM) Thurs., Nov. 28….Thanksgiving Day (Potsdam Community Dinner /Trinity Episcopal Church) Fri., Nov. 29………County Offices/ Nutrition Sites Closed

December Thurs., Dec. 5… North Country Chapter StateWide Mtg.(Best Western, Canton,10 AM) Sat., Dec. 7th … Pearl Harbor Day Thurs.,Dec. 12… County Council Mtg. (10 AM / Potsdam American Legion)

Wed., Dec. 25…. Merry Christmas Tues., Dec. 31….. New Year’s Eve Mature Living is published as a community service to older adults. Supported by: Administration for Community Living… NYS Office for the Aging… St. Lawrence County

ST LAWRENCE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING 80 STATE HIGHWAY 310, SUITE 7 CANTON, NY 13617-1497 Telephone: (315) 386-4730