A free publication of the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Advocacy, Action and Answers on Aging for Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas Counties Summer 2016

Our Mission Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc. advocates on aging issues, builds community partnerships and implements programs within Shawnee, Jefferson, and Douglas counties to help seniors live independent and dignifi ed lives. A standing- • Is a 501(c)3 non-profi t room-only organization audience listens • Is funded by tax-deductible intently as contributions, federal funds, under state general Silver Haired funds and funds through Legislature local governments President Jay • Does not discriminate on Rowh speaks the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, about Senior religion, or disability Care Act cuts. Please see story on page 3. www.jhawkaaa.org A Message from Jocelyn Lyons, JAAA Executive Director

My past articles in the Amaz- to reach their golden years. I study was due to the shortfall in State when this information was ing Aging newspaper have been them as I sit at a restaurant, walk General Funds which resulted in printed in one of our area news- personal refl ections and this one through the mall, visit the hospital a 30% statewide reduction in a papers, a State offi cial stated that will not be any different. The only and view through their eyes as a program that provides in-home “family and community mem- difference with this column is the resident of long term care facilities. services such as bathing and bers would likely take up the diffi culty of refl ecting my feelings There is no greater generation homemaker services. However, slack and help those seniors.” with so little space. than our senior generation. A for JAAA, the reduction was 39%. (As I type this I am angry again at I have written in proud generation, one Hearing such news was shocking the lack of empathy.) I wish that the past how I felt that that has pride in our to say the least, because in my offi cial would have contacted our from childhood I was communities and pride near 40-year tenure with JAAA offi ce or any of the ten other AAAs groomed to have a in their civic advocacy we have never experienced such to learn about the program and career in the aging net- efforts that reaped the a loss in funds that signifi cantly the clients we serve. I would have work. My childhood benefi ts they enjoy and gravely impacts the most told the offi cial that the family was centered on the today and established vulnerable senior population. and/or community are already elders in my neighbor- for senior generations SCA program serves the home- involved in the senior’s care, but hood and elder family following them. My bound senior. A senior who needs they cannot do it all. Example, I members and their work at JAAA is not a assistance to remain independent, would not want my son bathing friends. I refl ect how I job, it is a passion, it is my a senior who elects to remain in me! Allow me to have some dig- studied them, listened and learned mission, it is my purpose! their home rather than enter a facil- nity please. from my elders. That continued That love was challenged in ity, a senior who has some family/ Lastly, the fi nal blow was the into adulthood and here at JAAA. I being informed by the Kansas friend assisting, but more assis- impact the reductions had on was taught respect and taught love. Department for Aging and Dis- tance is needed. This is a senior the administration of JAAA. The I listened to their stories about abilities Services of the reduction who is paying toward the costs of reduction called for layoffs and their childhood, early adulthood of Senior Care Act (SCA) funds the service they are receiving. This reduction of staff hours. A total and the hard times they endured this past spring. The reduction is your family member, friend, and of fi ve positions were signifi cantly neighbor. This is a person who is impacted. The manner in which still contributing to the tax base of case management will be provided • Amazing Aging is a publication of Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc. our communities. These are our will further impact our serving of • Funded by annual contributions from readers like you, and advertising seniors who have worked hard, sac- our SCA clients. • Copies distributed: 7,000+ rifi ced, and continue to be active in JAAA is a family. I acknowledge their civic duties as best they can. JAAA staff as the best staff of any You are encouraged to write us at: And it just angers me how little organization. The case managers regard and respect is given for this go above and beyond our expec- Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc. great population. tations. They have established 2910 SW Topeka Blvd. The reduction impacts 172 intimate relationships with their Topeka, KS 66611-2121 persons in our area. Upon being clients. The services they provide (800) 798-1366 or (785) 235-1367 informed of the reductions, JAAA are valuable to many of our cli- immediately had no other choice ents and their family members. Marsha Henry Goff, editor but to implement a wait list. JAAA Case managers are ensuring their had no other choice but to make clients’ needs are being addressed, Amazing Aging is a publication of Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging. Publishing diffi cult decisions to reduce the evaluating their safety, and honor- of letters from readers, opinion columns or advertising does not constitute agree- hours of services to our clients. So ing them as an elder. ment or endorsement by this newsletter or Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging. as I’ve stated in print and television The reduction to the Senior Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, interviews, effective July 1, our cli- Care Act program is demeaning, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. If you feel you have been discriminated ents now receive one bath every disrespectful, and morally wrong. against, you have a right to fi le a complaint with the Agency. In accordance with two weeks. ONE!!! That is dang The State of Kansas is better than ADA regulations, every effort will be made to accommodate people with dis- (I really want to use stronger lan- this and needs to do better by this abilities. If you need special assistance, please call Jocelyn Lyons at Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc. guage) shameful. population. Now to add insult to injury, Seniors Count!

2 • Summer 2016 AMAZING AGING! Senior Care Act cuts are ‘penny wise and pound foolish’ By Marsha Henry Goff asked to sacrifi ce their own wellbeing She worries a great deal about went to a rehab center where she was and independence as a result of the transportation. “I have to have spe- “taught to be blind. They taught me Surveying the standing-room- Kansas revenue shortfall.” cial transportation which is $8 a how to walk with a cane and how to only crowd attending the press con- Jocelyn Lyons, executive director of round trip. I can’t afford that.” Her read using Braille.” ference to address recent Senior Care JAAA, says the agency faces a 39 per- aide, Sara, solves the transportation After completing her blind train- Act (SCA) cuts, Jay Rowh, Beloit, cent cut. “That means,” she explains, problem by using her own car to take ing, she went to work part-time — president of the Kansas Silver Haired “that a client receiving two baths a Nancy to grocery shop. Once Nancy and substituted full-time for other Legislature, exclaimed, “There are week will now receive a bath every two transfers to the car, Sara takes the workers at every opportunity — in towns in my county not this big!” weeks.” The impact of the cut affects wheelchair back in the house and, at the legal department at SRS where Sprinkled throughout the audience clients in many different ways. the store, brings out a motorized cart she took reports from the public on were seniors, caregivers and work- At 67, Bobbie Jean O’Neal needs for Nancy’s use while shopping. The the Fraud Hotline until she retired at ers from area agencies on aging who some of the help she has been giving to entire process takes about two hours. the age of 65. were wearing bright red T-shirts others for most of her life. “I’m losing “She got me out of the house. I just Patti Jo draws a distinction emblazoned with SENIORS COUNT my social worker. I’ve been caring for felt trapped here.” between those who have been blind on the front. On the back were the people all of my life and the services Additionally, Nancy’s rent has to since birth and those like her who words: AND WE VOTE! I need now, they are cutting. I need be paid by money order. The rent is became blind after living a sighted Over 100 people met in the lower help with my medication, cleaning due so soon after her disability check life. “I would rather be blind than level at JAAA to explain and learn and cooking.” The loss of her JAAA arrives that there is little time to mail deaf,” she says, “because I can hear how the $2.1 million cut to SCA will case manager, Theresa Foster, due to it, even if she could go to the store the birds and picture what they look impact Kansas seniors. That amount SCA cuts is a bitter blow for her. “I for the money order. “Sara would get like, and when a plane fl ies over, I represents a 30 percent cut, the high- trusted her; she earned my trust. She the money order and drop it off at the know how it looks.” est in the program’s history. Under helped me with insurance and burial landlord for me, saving me a late fee.” Due to her independent spirit, the leadership of Gov. Mike Hayden, plans. My mother is 85 and she’s also Before she became disabled, Patti Jo needs little help, but what the SCA passed the Kansas Legisla- losing services.” Nancy worked in retail and food help she needs is essential. “I have a ture unanimously — not a single nay Bobbie Jean lives with her mother service prior to becoming an offi ce machine that will read printed mate- vote — in 1989. and sister. “We want to stay in our worker. She took care of her mother rial and forms that come in — impor- The program provides in-home own home. We have worked hard until she died. Her physical and fi nan- tant things that might have to do with services to individuals, age 60 or enough and I think we have earned cial struggles understandably make the government. The machine can older, who contribute to the cost of it.” Bobbie Jean worked 33 years for her depressed. Nancy says that JAAA read them, but it can’t fi ll them out. services which may include attendant the State of Kansas at Kansas Neuro- has been a big help in making her The important papers and forms I care (e.g., bathing, dressing), respite logical Institute. During her working life easier: “They hooked me up with receive have a deadline and if I didn’t care, homemaker, chore services and/ years, she also helped others in the another therapist.” have her [JAAA Caseworker Theresa or adult day care. Services are based community, taking them to the store Patti Jo Schiefelbein is a remark- Foster] to help me fi ll them out, I’d be on a sliding fee scale according to the or helping with their laundry, all with- ably independent woman. Blinded at in big trouble.” individual’s ability to pay. out expectation of payment. the age of 36 by a genetic disease, she CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 The average nursing home patient Theresa Foster, who will soon be can pay for nursing home care for leaving JAAA for a similar position in only a few months before being Southeast Kansas, believes her work forced into the taxpayer-supported with Bobbie Jean’s family demon- FAREWELL, YOU WILL BE MISSED! Medicaid program. Legislators rec- strates the SCA program’s success. Due to the recent State reduc- Case Manager; Elaine Crawford, ognized in 1989 that spending a few “That’s a family we’ve really been tion in the Senior Care Act pro- Data Entry; and Amanda Sellers, dollars to provide services allow- able to help.” gram, JAAA, for its fi rst time in Information Specialist. ing seniors to remain in their homes, Nancy McIndoe, who uses an elec- history, was faced with the task We ask the public to please where they want to be, was vastly tric wheelchair due to back and knee of laying off staff. Words cannot bear with us as the morning superior to spending 20 or more times injuries and asthma, says the cut to express our gratefulness for receptionist position was also that amount to provide nursing home her services has put her “in kind of a your valuable services. All staff eliminated due to the reduc- care. bind.” The emotional impact of being affected by the decision will be a tions. Multiple staff members So what has changed? According cut from six hours a week to 5 hours treasure to their future employer, have been assigned the duties to to Janis DeBoer, executive director a month is overwhelming. “I need however, JAAA wants to say ensure a live voice continues to of Kansas Area Agencies on Aging help with my meds and cleaning; my thank you to: Theresa Foster, answer our phones. Association, “Seniors are being housekeeping is going downhill.” AMAZING AGING! Summer 2016 • 3 Vicki Julian presents a memoirs workshop to Kansas Writers, Inc. By Marsha Henry Goff her better than you do? One hun- dred years from now, your descen- “Have you considered writing dants are going to want to know your memoirs?” Vicki Julian asked what your life was like.” members of Kansas Writers, Inc. at Julian presents to writers and the Topeka Public Library. “If not, non-writers alike, but says she why not?” likes presenting to writing groups Julian explains that many because she does not have to coax people are intimidated about writ- them to write. That became appar- ing their memoirs because they do ent when she gave them three min- not think their lives are interesting. utes to write an introduction to “But you’ve lived through space their respective memoirs. exploration and putting a man on Lily Ann Fouts wrote a cliff- the moon, the invention of micro- hanger of an introduction: waves and personal PCs.” August 23, 1993 — Albuquerque, Julian presents workshops NM: Run, run RUN!” I ran side-by- on memoir writing to groups side with Rosy, my 12-year-old sister. throughout Douglas and Shawnee We had been in hiding half her life, Counties. “Writing for your kids and now the cops were hot on out tail. is the best reason. To know who It all began in the mid-80s, when I they are, they need to know where was in fi rst grade. My father, who until Vicki Julian reads a humorous example from Mark Abraham’s memoir. they came from.” she encourages. then had been largely absent from our “Wouldn’t you like to know what lives, decided to kidnap my sister and assigned the members to write two little girls’ revenge on a mean your great-grandmother’s life was me and turn us against our mother. about an event in their lives. Five rooster: like? Wouldn’t you like to know Later in the workshop, Julian minutes later, she asked them to Rosy and I sat on the back step, read what they had written. glaring at the stupid chickens. The Janet Jenkins-Stotts chose a evil rooster, so fond of racing us and childhood adventure: pecking at our legs had to go. The story of my adventure in the “I’ve got a great idea,” I said. Rosy pear tree became a standing joke looked at me with anticipation on her between my family and the neighbors face. “Let’s throw him over the wall for over 20 years. into the neighbor’s yard. He can be I was 5 years old and an adventur- with their chickens.” ous climber. I was profi cient at climb- The next time he tried to attack, ing and horrible at getting down. The we dove for his skinny leathery feet. day I climbed the pear tree, I had ”One, two, three,” we said, swinging gotten as far up as I could get and was him in time to the numbers and then frozen there, unable to even begin the h urling him as high as we could. The journey down. The 10-year-old neigh- rooster squawked with surprise and bor boy volunteered to climb up to get disappeared over the neighbor’s wall. me, but I wanted my mother. Carolyn Cabral wrote a story Unfortunately, she was recovering proving that mother knows best: from polio and didn’t have the use of When I was 15, my mom sent me her left arm, but it was her or no one, to Maine to get me away from a boy L-R: Anne Barringer, Lily Ann Fouts, Jan Jenkins-Stotts and Tish so up the tree she came. to whom I had grown so attached. The Glason busily record their memories. Lily Ann Fouts told a tale of CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 4 • Summer 2016 AMAZING AGING! ‘Aged to Perfection’ 5K Fundraiser Benefi ts JAAA Guardian Angel Fund By Sara Wood strong dedication to our elderly self-esteem and confi dence. Genesis The idea of the 1 mile walk/5K Race Coordinator population as they are a proud par- Health Clubs takes their dedication fun run fundraiser is to promote the ticipant of the Healthways Silver one step further offering up to four physical, social and emotional well- Genesis Health Clubs of Topeka Sneakers program. The Healthways sessions with their in-house certi- being of our senior community. This and Lawrence are showing support SilverSneakers Fitness program fi ed fi tness trainers for all of their is a great opportunity to encourage for the elderly by co-sponsoring is an insurance gym members families to participate by walking a 5K fundraiser for the Jayhawk benefi t included at no additional or running with or on behalf of an Area Agency on Aging at 9 a.m. on in more than 65 cost. aged parent, grandparent, or great- Saturday, September 3 at the Wash- Medicare health The Guard- grandparent. Additionally, all par- burn University campus. The 1 mile plans. The Sil- ian Angel Fund ticipants will receive a “fi nisher’s walk/5K fun run will raise money verSneakers allows the Jay- medal” and a “virtual” run option for the local Guardian Angel Fund program allows hawk Area is available for those who are not that helps supply necessary items health plans and Agency on Aging able to attend the actual race. Fees that are not covered under any other group retirement to provide items are $20 for the walk, $30 for the run funding to our aging citizens. This plans to provide such as walkers, and $25 for the virtual run. is a timely effort to help our aging a gym mem- incontinence sup- As people are living longer lives population as the state has recently bership to their plies, dentures, they need the support to stay health- announced a $2.1 million cut in insured, usually hearing aids, and ier for those enduring years. Please services for the elderly. There has at no additional other necessities join us on Saturday, September 3 at never been a more important time cost. The impor- to live a more 9 a.m., on the Washburn University to show support for our seniors, as tance of physi- dignifi ed life to campus for this one of a kind inter- they are already on fi xed incomes cal fi tness for our elders has been our seniors in need. The Jayhawk generational experience. Registra- and the natural aging process takes proven to help keep them more Area Agency on Aging serves people tion is available on the Jayhawk a toll on their health. independently mobile, healthier, age 60+ of all income levels in Shaw- Area Agency on Aging website: Genesis Health Clubs has a socially active, and increases their nee, Jefferson and Douglas counties. www.jhawkaaa.org.

AMAZING AGING! Summer 2016 • 5 Better every year: JAAA’s fundraiser benefi ting Guardian Angel Fund

By Marsha Henry Goff they dined. Later in the evening, giving out scarves and leis. Other from TARK who were watching the good doctor returned as Lib- members of the Fifties’ Secrets Band the festivities from the loft. Elvis (aka Bob Lockwood erace, complete with toupee, spar- perform solos particularly suited to The silent auction took over of McLouth) treated guests at kly costume and candelabra. their talents. The band consists of most of the East Room this year JAAA’s “There’s No Place Like Our Honorary Chairs, Deborah Lockwood’s sons Park (bass guitar) and offered everything from sports Home” dance to a night in Las and Brad Aboud (the latter wearing and Bobby (drums), Jeff Nelson memorabilia and tickets to fi ne Vegas on a beautiful May eve- an Elvis wig), kicked off the dance (lead guitar), Ken Burke (keyboard) art, kitchen appliances to vacation ning at Great Overland Station. by dancing to “Lost in the Fifties/In and Debbie Husted (vocalist). If packages and airline tickets. Each The fundraiser which benefi ts our the Still of the Night.” After a few you are getting the picture of music year April Maddox, JAAA Case Guardian Angel Fund has evolved bars, they were joined on the fl oor offering “something for everyone,” Management Program Manager, over the years and attracts dancers by Honored Guests Paula Hladky that is an accurate description of the and Kathy Green, a member of the (and watchers) of all ages. Some and Willard Epling of Jefferson evening’s entertainment. dance committee, acquire more come for the entertainment, some County and Becky and Rodney Lockwood’s youngest son, auction items, both in quantity for the delicious food prepared by Johansen of Douglas County. Elvis Perry, who bears a remarkable and quality. JAAA staff members Aboud’s Catering and some for the appropriately performed “Viva Las resemblance to a young Bret do an amazing job of beautifully vast array of silent auction items. Vegas” as his fi rst song. Michaels, has occasionally per- packaging the items. Most guests come for all three. A crowd favorite is his perfor- formed in the band, but now shows Plans are already underway for Guests were treated to a beau- mance of “Teddy Bear” when he up to help out and dance with his May 2017’s event. Details will tiful piano performance by Dr. gives stuffed animals to unsuspect- mother. He quickly headed upstairs be announced in a future issue of Lanny Snodgrass of Seattle as ing guests. He is also generous in to wow and dance with the group Amazing Aging.

Becky and Rodney Johansen, Lawrence, owners of Eileen’s Colossal These kids started rockin’ when Perry Lockwood (aka Brett Michaels) Cookies and our Honored Guests from Douglas County, are pictured joined them. with Elvis. 6 • Summer 2016 AMAZING AGING! Upper left: The drummer (Bobby Lockwood) sits in back and rarely appears in photos taken from the front. Above: This couple loves to dance and we loved the poodle skirt! Left: Little Frannie was awed by Elvis last year and still is as she hangs onto the hand of her mother, Susan Harris, Aging and Disability Resource Center Man- ager. Joan Martin, Lawrence, loves the teddy bear Elvis gave her.

Dr. Lanny Snodgrass donned wig and costume to perform Honorary Chairs Deborah and Brad Aboud pose with Elvis lovely piano music a la Liberace. (note Brad’s Elvis wig). AMAZING AGING! Summer 2016 • 7 Paula Hladky and Willard Epling use their boundless energy and desire to serve to make the world a better place You have to wonder how Perry deputy chair of the KAB Board of residents Paula Hladky and Wil- Directors Business Committee. In lard Epling ever found time to 2010, they received the Eldon and work. Laid off from DuPont the Maggie Pinick Award as the out- same day at the respective ages of standing KAB volunteers of the 50 and 55, the couple retrained year for Topeka-Shawnee County. and became custodians at Perry- Until recently, they represented Lecompton High School. When all the volunteers of Douglas and they clocked out of that job for the Shawnee Counties as members of last time, their volunteer activities the RSVP (Retired and Senior Vol- became many and varied. unteer Program) Advisory Council As volunteers for Douglas and they were recognized in 2015 County Medical Reserve Corps for their Commitment to Service to (MRC), they immediately began RSVP. helping with immunization clin- In 2014, they received Barack ics, free dental days, preparedness Obama’s Presidential Volunteer fairs and WIC (women, infants Service Award for their commit- and children) activities. They cur- ment to The Kansas Children’s Dis- rently serve on the MRC Leader- covery Center. Paula was elected by Paula Hladky and Willard Epling represented Jefferson County as ship Team and on April 8, 2016, PSA 4 as the Kansas Silver Haired Honored Guests at JAAA’s recent fundraiser for its Guardian Angel were recognized for their work Legislator for Jefferson County Fund. with MRC during the Champions and attends hearings and meetings of Health Breakfast at the Commu- that advocate for senior rights and the Jayhawks, go to movies, spend to use their retirement years to nity Health Facility in Lawrence. issues in Kansas. In her spare time, time in the swimming pool, and make this a better world to live in.” They volunteer for Douglas she serves as the secretary of the ‘LIVE LIFE WELL’ in Perry, Kansas. It certainly works for Paula and County Emergency Management Perry United Methodist Women. And we love to encourage seniors Willard! as team members of, and instruc- They co-chair the church hos- tors for, the Community Emer- pitality committee and serve as co- gency Response Team, which coordinators for Disaster Response prepares citizens to perform essen- for the Perry United Methodist tial life safety actions in the event Church. Paula serves as a member of an emergency. They also lead of the Staff/Pastor/Parish Relations the moulage team helping create Committee for their church as well. life-like scenarios for training pur- She is the treasurer for the Perry poses. They were nominated for Rural High School/Perry Lecomp- the 2010 Wallace Galluzzi Out- ton High School Alumni Asso- standing Volunteer Award by the ciation. Both Paula and Willard Board of Directors of the United serve as volunteers of Perry Pride. Way of Douglas County for their They are currently the co-pres- contributions to DCEM. In 2014, idents of Perry Senior Citizens. As Paula was selected as the Out- such, they provide a monthly meal standing Community Emergency which includes wellness , social- Response Team Member of the year. ization and nutrition for approxi- As volunteers for Keep America mately 50 senior citizens in the Perry Beautiful, they are very involved in area. A recent meeting of the group recycling and litter control. Willard featured McLouth resident Bob presently serves as chair of the KAB Lockwood who performed as Elvis. Board of Directors Government Paula says, “When we’re not vol- Committee and Paula serves as the unteering, we ride bikes, cheer on 8 • Summer 2016 AMAZING AGING! Thank you for supporting JAAA’s Guardian Angel Fund Our Guardian Angel Fund was established to enable us to purchase needed items for our clients who encounter gaps in Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Your contribution to this fund makes you someone’s guardian angel.

Our Heartfelt Thanks to our Generous Donors

A Helping Hand Home Care Epic Fun LLC Marian Brown Southwest Airlines Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad Family Dollar Mars Chocolate North America Spangles Aboud’s Catering Family Pet Hospital Marsha and Ray Goff (In memory SpartyHawk Cache Advantaged Home Care Gage Center Bowl of June S. and L. Lew Henry) SS Design Concepts Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Gary and Martha Skeet McAlister’s Deli Stanford & Son’s Comedy Club April Maddox Ghost Tours of Kansas, LLC McCain Steve Brennan Fine Art Photography Assisted Transportation Gilcrease Museum McNellie’s Group Restaurants Stone Pillar Vineyard and Winery Atria Hearthstone Glory Days Pizza Merry Maids 6XQ¿UH&HUDPLFV Aura Salon Godfather’s Pizza Mesner Puppet Theater 6XQÀRZHU+LOOV*ROI&RXUVH BA Green Construction Gourmet Gift Baskets MHG Ink Communications Sunset Zoo Beauchamp’s Art Gallery and Grand Country Music Hall Michael and Kathy Green Surprise Boom (Brenda Johnson) Frame Shop Hamm, Inc. Midland Care Home Health Susan Harris Billy Vanilly Cupcakes Henry’s Grill at Harley Davidson Missouri Botanical Garden’Moburts Tailgators Sports Pub and Grub Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Herman’s Beef and Sausage House Musical Theatre Wichita Tallgrass Tap House Blue Owl Crochet Horton National Bank Napa Auto Parts Tanganyika Wildlife Bolder Band (Branch GNB) Old Chicago Trinity In Home Care Bondbond’s Hot Box Cookies Omaha Storm Chasers The Amazing Pizza Machine Branson Baldknobbers Howl at the Moon Orange Leaf The Coterie Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex Hy-Vee Overbrook Quilt Connection The Hub Brian Brooks Interim Oz Museum The Mad Greek Brittney Vogel Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Paint Therapy Uncorked The National Museum of Toys/ Breakout KC Jean Stueve Painting by Dibs Miniatures &DI¿HQG&RIIHH&RPSDQ\ Jocelyn Lyons Panera Bread The National WW I Museum and Cards ‘n Such John McMurphy Papio Fun Park Memorial Caregivers Home Health Jefferson’s Paradise Park The Red Door Carol Sook JLE Crafts and Woodworking Phoenix Suns The St. Louis Cardinals Casey’s General Store Kahn & Associates, Inc. Pie Five The Tasteful Olive Charles Benton Kansas Belle Dinner Train Pizagels Pizza & Bakery The Turquoise Tomato (Jennifer Allred) Cheesecake Factory Kansas City Chiefs Football Club Polo Custom Products Threshing Bee Chris Seembower Kathy Green Prairie Band Casino and Resort Tiny Prints Chuck and Erma Fisher Kaw Valley Greenhouses Primitive Creations by Topeka Capital Journal Clark Builders KC Melting Pot Theatre Sherri Edmonds (Staci Fisher) Cook’s American Grill KC T-Bones Project Lively Topeka Performing Arts Center Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants Kelly S. Donaldson/Edward Rachel Nelson Topeka Train Robbers Core First Bank & Trust Jones Renew Medical Aesthetics Traci Lynn Jewelry (Beverly Hall) Crooked Post Winery Keynundrum Rick Steenbock Tulsa Zoo Coyote Canyon Kline Family (In Loving Memory Rolling Hills Zoo Turpentine Creek Creations of Joy of Lew, June and Bette Henry) Sam’s Club TWA Museum Cyrene Holt KSU Sandwich Bowl Two Brothers BBQ Dani Schad KU Sara Wood Unforgettaballs Denny’s Ladies Time Health and Fitness 6HFXULW\%HQH¿W Vern’s Retail Liquor Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Club Sharon M. Green, O.D. Vintage Chic Dillon’s Lake Shawnee Golf Course Sharon Hawks Wichita State Drop Zone Paintball Park Lauritzen Gardens Sharon Wright Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park Durham Museum Layla Watson Shelly Roehrman Windsor At Home Care Dynamic Computer Solutions of LinHoff Creations Shirley Biller Wolfe’s Topeka, Inc. Lockedin KS Silver Haired Legislature Woodworking by Willie Eagle Auto Wash LouAnne Maddox Simply Sweet by Tiffany Worthington’s Hardware and Cafe Earrings by Dawn Wanttie Mainstream Botique Sky Zone in KC Zoobooks

Larger bold text denotes higher level of giving Our heartfelt gratitude to Topeka Community Foundation Topeka Community Foundation mother could attend her daughter’s recently contributed a most welcome funeral, declawing a cat who inad- $2,500 to Jayhawk Area Agency on vertently scratched its owner, set- Aging’s Guardian Angel Fund. A ting up life-threatening infections, great many of the frail and indigent and covered moving expenses to seniors JAAA serves will benefi t from remove an elderly woman from an the Foundation’s generosity. abusive situation. Guardian Angel Fund is unique Guardian Angel Fund assists in that 100 percent of all monies JAAA in enabling seniors to remain contributed goes directly to those in their homes rather than moving in need. Money from the fund takes to institutionalized care. Some- care of necessities that cannot be met times keeping them at home is as by JAAA’s funding sources that strictly simple as replacing a nonworking limit what those funds may cover. refrigerator or repairing a furnace. Guardian Angel Fund meets We at JAAA are sincerely grateful needs as unique as the fund itself. that Topeka Community Founda- Over the years, the fund has paid tion recognizes the importance of for an air conditioner for a Hos- Guardian Angel Fund to so many pice patient, a train ticket so a of the seniors we serve.

willing to help her in the way that Senior Care Act Theresa does. CONTINUED FROM PAGE THREE The women whose stories are told Colors also can present a prob- above are only three of 172 seniors lem. Imagine not being able to tell the served by the SCA through JAAA. It colors of your clothes. Patti Jo has a is important to remember that the indi- color machine to identify colors, but viduals who are helped by SCA were the machine is sometimes incorrect. once productive members of society “So when I get new clothes, The- and, in most cases, still are to the best resa will come out and tell me the of their ability. Patti Jo, for example, colors. She will also read my mail to makes Ring-a-Day calls each morn- me because my machine cannot read ing to check on homebound people. handwriting, only printed material.” The cuts to services are disastrous Patti Jo gets her bank statement in to those who need them and — if, as Braille and pays her bills with a phone expected, many of them are forced to call after utility and other statements go on Medicaid or into nursing homes are read by her machine. She says it — the cuts will prove equally disas- has been impossible to fi nd someone trous to Kansas taxpayers.

Amazing Aging strives to provide readers with the infor- mation they need to live independent and productive lives. We also seek to feature stories of seniors who are active as workers, volunteers or engaged in hobbies. If you know a senior you would like to see featured in a future issue, please contact editor Marsha Henry Goff at [email protected] or write to her in care of JAAA, 2910 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66611. 10 • Summer 2016 AMAZING AGING! Thank You!!! On behalf of the staff of Jayhawk with your gesture to build morale Area Agency on Aging, we would in light of the Senior Care Act fund like to thank the JAAA Board of reductions were very much appre- Directors and Advisory Council for ciated. the surprise breakfast during our It is great to have your support July morning staff meeting. and acknowledgment of the value Your words of support in rec- this staff brings in carrying out our ognizing the value of staff to the mission of serving the aging and agency and clients we serve along disabled population.

many hours battling space aliens, both Memoirs workshop separately and in competition with CONTINUED FROM PAGE FOUR each other. Mike, like he always was, very day I got back home I ran into was much better than me at this game. our apartment and called him to let My one goal in life was to beat him him know I was back in town. at something, anything, but Space Fifteen minutes later, I dashed for Invaders was clearly not going to be the front door when I heard the fi rst it. I always wondered how he was so knock, however my mom got to the damn good at it right out of the box. door fi rst. She looked at him through It wasn’t until we were adults that the screen door, and didn’t say a word. he confessed that he had known where I heard him ask, “Is Carolyn home?” Mom hid our presents. He would come My mom turned to me and said, home every day after school, unwrap the “That boy is here to see you.” I didn’t game, play and rewrap the present before understand why she tried to stand in the anybody else got home. That explains way of true love until later in life when Space Invaders, now if I could only he turned out to be every bit of an idiot explain away his prowess at Monopoly. she told me he was all those years earlier. At workshop’s end, the group Holidays, Julian says, always expressed enjoyment of the exer- provide a good story. Tish Glason cises. Julian and her colleague, offered a Christmas memory: Micki Carroll, operate My Legacy One year for Christmas, my par- of Words, a memoir writing service. ents got my brother and me an Atari Julian may be contacted through game system. My brother and I spent her website, VickiJulian.com. Call Kevin at 841-9417 to place your display ad in the Fall 2016 issue of Amazing Aging! The deadline is October 15.

AMAZING AGING! Summer 2016 • 11