November/December
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SOUTHERN MAINE Senior News Agency on Aging mission driven–donor supported TOLL-FREE: 1-800-427-7411 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2010 caring, generous and kind-hearted Meals on Wheels Volunteer Takes Top Honors person. So, it really was no surprise on September 9 when Fred was By Eileen Whynot, VNA Home Health & Hospice be- sharing music, games and conversa- awarded the first Greenleaf Award, “Senior News” Editor come the first Medicare certified tion during weekly visits. Every presented by the estate of Ed hospice in Maine and served on its Wednesday he spends a few hours at Greenleaf who was also a Meals on red Howard, 83, of South Port- board for ten years. a nursing home where he has Wheels volunteer until he passed land has been quietly making For the last 11 years Fred has cheered many people with his sense away in 2009. Ed and his wife life better for older adults since delivered Meals on Wheels twice a of humor and the activities he leads. Becky planned the award to recog- Fthe 1960s when he helped im- week and has done so much more Fred Howard is the epitome of a continued on page 13 prove home health care benefits for than drop off food—driving people to seniors while he worked at Blue appointments and arranging for the Cross Blue Shield. After his retire- things they might need, in addition ment in 1989 he volunteered to help to being a friend and companion Becky Greenleaf presents the first Edward Greenleaf Memorial Award to Fred Howard. The Award will be given annually to a South Portland area Meals on Wheels volunteer who best demonstrates compassion and dedication to his or her Meals on Wheels clients. Susan Reid sings for Veterans Appreciation Day at Trsulow Adult Day Health Center. Southern Maine Agency on Aging crease in the number of generous NON-PROFIT donors giving gifts of $1,000 or more ORGANIZATION from the previous year. More of our 136 U.S. Route 1 U.S. POSTAGE Scarborough, ME 04074 PAID recent year’s success will be high- Lewiston, ME Permit #56 lighted in our 2010 Report to the ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Community due in January. TIME-SENSITIVE MATERIAL 2011 Board of Directors and Officers I am pleased to announce that Jud Knox, President of York Hospi- tal was elected our new Board Chair now offered in Scarborough and and USM Professor Michael Brady From the Director’s Desk Bridgton weekly and monthly in Vice Chair, Terry Blanchard will Family Caregiver Month Windham and Springvale. continue as Treasurer and Charlene Additional locations and Thompson will serve as Secretary. ach November our coun- times are set up during The Board also welcomes Represen- try celebrates National open enrollment, which tative Sally Lewin of Eliot, SMAA Family Caregivers starts November 15. It is Volunteer Medicare Advocate David E Month to honor the mil- very important that every- Smith of Falmouth and Kathleen lions of unpaid family care- one review their Medicare Wohlenberg, Director of Quality givers who make it possible plans every year, because and Case Management at Bridgton for countless older adults to drug coverage can change. Hospital, as new members. remain in their own homes or live SMAA relies on the combined where they chose with the support Fiscal Year End skills and time of our Board Mem- of family and friends. Here in south- We closed the books on the 2010 bers and many other volunteers ern Maine we are fortunate to have Annual Fund on September 30th, without whom we could not reach Ann O’Sullivan and Kate Dulac on and the news is all good. Despite an the 15,000 older adults that benefit- our professional team available to ongoing recession, SMAA received ed from our services in 2010. Many educate the public about resources gifts from a record-breaking num- thanks to our dedicated staff and to help family caregivers. Learn ber of individuals, foundations, or- the 1,000 volunteers who worked more in the Family Caregiver pages ganizations and corporations total- with us over the last year. Scarborough Terrace, an assisted living of “Senior News” or give us a call. ing $651,234. My best wishes for a Happy community, held a parade and costume We garnered 506 new donors— Thanksgiving to all of our readers. contest along with their annual “Monster Medicare Open Enrollment many of whom received Medicare Mash” on October 29 to celebrate Our fastest growing service is insurance counseling and other Halloween. Residents were treated to assisting people with their Medicare services we provided, or are volun- musical entertainment by Travis and health insurance decisions. teers for our various programs and Laurence Gross Humphrey. SMAA’s Medicare Seminars are services. We also saw a 39% in- Executive Director, SMAA SOUTHERN MAINE 2 Agency on Aging November-December 2010 Jerry Rosen: Out and About at Age 90 By Hunter Howe Jerry attended the Chicago College of Podiatry. He spent the next 45 s one ages, constructive ener- years practicing podiatry, the last gy often succumbs to chair- 20 years at Maine Medical Center, sitting contemplation. For retiring in 1995. Phyllis and Jerry Asome the thought of being have two children, two grandchil- glued to a Barcalounger is foreign dren, and one great grandchild. territory. One such person is Jerry In 1999, Jerry saw an advertise- Rosen, a 90-year-old whirlwind of ment looking for Money Minders activity who travels in the land of volunteers. “I had time on my vim and vigor. hands, and the opportunity to help In September the “Portland the less fortunate attracted me; I Press Herald” highlighted Rosen’s guess I’m the compassionate type.” Pictured here is Jerry Rosen, way in the back with his family, celebrating his 90th volunteer work with the Trauma In- Since then Jerry has enjoyed a long- birthday. Says Jerry, “My kids frequently ask me how long I plan to continue tervention Program, which pro- term relationship with each partici- volunteering. I tell them, indefinitely.” motes and provides immediate emo- pant he has assisted. He visits his tional and physical support to vic- current client once a month, usually dinator Maryann McGreehan says tience. But the team leaders and so- tims of a sudden traumatic event. for an hour or two. He opens the Jerry had been with the program al- cial workers are always there to Jerry also volunteers with the mail and reviews the finances, in- most since its inception in 1998. provide support for a special prob- Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s cluding balancing the checkbook “We’re blessed to have him; he’s lem or a delicate situation.” Money Minders program, which and writing the checks for the par- committed, caring, and top notch, a “I had one client with a number trains volunteers to work with sen- ticipant to sign.” great guy.” of problems. On my first visit, the iors in their own homes so they can The aspect of the work that he Currently, there are 64 volun- house was a mess, with mail and maintain control of their finances. likes best, however, is the opportuni- teers in the program. “They’re all other literature strewn all over, and The son of Russian immigrants, ty for a close personal relationship. “I dedicated people,” Jerry said. “A I noticed that some of the unopened Jerry graduated from Portland like to ask questions such as how successful volunteer is someone who mail was from collection agencies.” High School in 1937. Drafted in they’re really doing. I enjoy the grati- can handle his/her own finances, is This situation can occur when peo- 1942, he spent four years in the fication of assisting someone who a good listener, is compassionate, ple don’t want their families to Army Medical Corps. After release needs help. I’m lucky to be on the giv- and understands without judging. know that they’re having financial from active duty, he and his wife ing end and not on the receiving end.” The most difficult part of working trouble.” When asked how he copes, Phyllis moved to the Midwest where Money Minders Program Coor- with the participants is having pa- Jerry paused, smiled and said, “It’s satisfying. You know, they always express their gratification. I have to believe that I’ve taken a burden off their shoulders.” Reflecting on his age, Jerry said, “It’s hard to believe I’m 90. I’ve experienced life with a wonderful wife, my constant companion of 64 years. I enjoyed going to work every Enjoy Worry-Free Bathing Again day. I played racquetball until I was 30 Years 80. My mind and body are active all Experience Free In-Home the time. I still play golf twice a Locally Owned week, do crossword puzzles, read a Consultation & Operated lot and of course, volunteer. My kids Total Bathroom frequently ask me how long I plan to Remodeling Available continue volunteering. I tell them, All Work Guaranteed indefinitely.” with a 12-Month Jerry left us with a quotation Worry-Free Warranty from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned Serving Maine, that you can’t go through life wearing New Hampshire 30 Year Limited Warranty a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You & Massachusetts have to have one hand free to throw $500 MANUFACTURER'S REBATE on any JETTED TUB purchased by 12/15/2010! something back.” For Jerry, “that’s what volunteering is all about.” One Route 236 • Kittery, Maine Open 5 days a week for your browsing convenience! Those interested in volunteer- ing with Money Minders should con- (North Star Medical Complex) Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 207-646-4542 or Toll Free: 1-888-534-9211 tact Maryann McGreehan at 1-800- www.makeyourhomeaccessible.com Personal Consultations by Appointment 427-7411 x523 or 207-396-6523.