Senior Scope FREE NEW BEDFORD’S Serving the towns of Acushnet n Dartmouth n Fairhaven n Gosnold n Marion n Mattapoisett n Rochester Vol. 29, No. 6 Published by the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts • Jonathan F. Mitchell, Mayor December 2012 Vets Breakfast, p.9 n Editor’s Notes........................2 n Donations...............................2 n Medicare Premiums..............3 n SRTA Fare Increase..............3 n Menu for December..............4 n Recipe Roundup....................4 n Shopping Guide.....................5 n Update....................................6 n Trivia Quiz.............................7 n Senior Travel..........................7 n At the Senior Centers............8 n Foods Under $1......................9 n Low Levels Vitamin D...........9 n Free Vascular Screenings....10 n Cancer and the Holidays....10 n Beta Blockers and Sleep......11 n Extend Life Expectancy......11 n Secrets to Getting Along.....12 n Reader Exchange.................12 n Los Articulos en Español.................... Página 9 n Os Artigos em Português................. Página 9 This photo of the New Bedford Free Public Library on Pleasant Street decked out in holiday lights was taken in December 1949, when downtown was a shopper’s Mecca. Photo courtesy of Spinner Publications. How to Impart Wisdom and Experience to Your Grandchildren There are 70 million grandparents in the U.S., more than ever before. According to the recent study Grandparents Investing in Grandchildren: The MetLife Study on How Grandparents Share Their Time, Values, and Money, which found that, increasingly, grandparents are a vital source of financial support for American families, they’re also in the enviable position of being sought after for wisdom and advice, even from teenagers. How can grandparents make the best of their relationships with their grandchildren and have the most impact possible? Based on its study, the MetLife Mature Market Institute is offering a tip sheet, Grandparents Investing in Grandchildren: Actions Speak Louder Than Words, produced with Generations United. The guide provides grandparents with advice on how they can be influential in a positive way on topics including values, beliefs, civic engagement, heritage and even cooking. It reports that they can also be an important influence on finances through both words and example. “Grandparents continue to be a positive influence on their grandchildren. Even though some are long distance and families seem to have less leisure time than in the past, it’s more critical than ever for grandparents to pass on life lessons, family history and positive values, through strong relationships with their grandchildren,” said Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D., director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. According to the MetLife tip sheet, grandparents should consider the following: Share values and beliefs. Areas that resonate the most with grandchildren are honesty and good behavior, education, family history, self-sufficiency and good health habits. Grandparents are also successful at teaching their grandchildren the importance of community involvement through philanthropy, volunteerism and voting. Celebrate family. The guide suggests taking the time to create family history through an audio-visual message, a family tree, photos and/or by preparing meals together, which creates the perfect setting for conversations about family recipes and those from whom they originated. Invest in your grandchildren’s financial security. Increasingly, grandparents are helping to support their grandchildren, especially through assistance with tuition. Grandparents can be particularly helpful by also helping grandchildren to acquire financial literacy skills. They help foster early saving habits, encourage smart spending and making investments. Social Security Office in New Bedford Cuts Hours Again The New Bedford Social Security office is now open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. Beginning January 2, the office will close to the public at noon every Wednesday. This is the second reduction in hours in a little over a year. On August 15, 2011, Social Security offices nationwide began closing to the public 30 minutes early each day. While employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow them to complete face-to-face interviews and process claims work without incurring overtime costs for the agency. The significantly reduced funding provided by Congress under the continuing resolution for the first six months of the fiscal year makes it impossible for the agency to provide the overtime needed to handle service to the public as it has done in the past. Most Social Security services do not require a visit to a Social Security ... continued on page 3 2 december 2012 Senior Scope Remember When Photo Dated Ricardo Alcobia responded to our request for information on the Remember When photo in our October issue. The car on the right side, facing north, is a 1936 Chrysler product. Since this is the newest vehicle in the “Rudolph” is not one of my favor- photo, it was taken after production of 1935 autos. The cars on the left, ite songs now, but I still love Christ- facing south, are all box styles, probably 1932 or 1933 models. mas music. It’s one of my favorite things about the season. A popular gift in 1949 was a General Electric combination sandwich grill and waffle maker. We had In Memory/In Honor one in our kitchen and it got plenty of use with our large family. honor of my parents, Marion L. and Jack Henderson, who made every Dickens’ “The Christmas Carol” In Christmas memorable $10.00 narrated by Vincent Price was first -Love, daughter Joan Beaubian broadcast in 1949, and I remember watching it on our black and white In memory of Terry Goulart $15.00 -Linda Anderson TV. As a nine year old, I found it a little scary, especially the Ghost of Zonia L. Christopher Raffa $10.00 of Christmas Past dragging those In memory -Love, Peter heavy chains. Our knowledge of the world was In memory of Sylvester Luce $10.00 more limited in 1949 than it is today, -Wife, Louise Luce and son, Stephen and expectations were simpler. Dad $25.00 would take us for a drive to see the In memory of my husband, Davis Balestracci -Wife, Mary lights around the city and maybe to the Taunton Green. That was an In memory of Bruce Bochman $10.00 adventure. -Muriel and John Green But mostly our world centered on $10.00 home, church and school, all located In memory of Eva Benoit, who loved Christmas -Love, daughters Muriel and Laurette within a few blocks of each other. We lived in the North End and In memory of my husband, Anthony Cardullo $25.00 some of our favorite haunts at -Olga Cardullo Christmastime were Hobby Town, Kresge’s and Woolworth on Acush- In memory of Mario “Marty” Costa $10.00 -Wife, Hedy Costa net Avenue. We walked to all these places and marveled at all the amazIn memory of Napoleon Santos Sr. $5.00 ing things on display. -Anonymous There was no Internet, no online shopping and no Toys ‘R Us. But In memory of Aurora Dellecese $5.00 the toy departments at the Star Store -Anonymous and Hutchinson’s on Union Street $25.00 were just as wondrous to us as any In memory of my father, Charles Almeida -Catherine Michaud, Dartmouth modern toy emporium. Christmas Day we were dressed In honor of the members of the Wonder Bowl Seniors Mixed Bowling League in special outfits and went to Mass $10.00 at St Anthony. The church was -Armand J. Turgeon beautifully decorated and sparkled In Thanksgiving with thousands of lights. The rest of the day was spent visiting relatives Thank you St. Jude for prayers answered $10.00 and playing with our toys. -M.S. I really don’t remember what gifts I received for Christmas in 1949. I Thankful to St.Jude for answering prayers. Publication $10.00 -Anonymous do remember that the holiday glow came not from presents but from the $5.00 love and spirit that cannot be extin- Thank You St.Jude for prayers answered -V.B.M. guished. Happy Holidays to all our read- Thank you St. Jude and St. Anthony for prayers answered $5.00 ers. -Anonymous Christmas in New Bedford, 1949 The picture on the front page of the library downtown bedecked with holiday lights took me on a trip down Memory Lane. When Christmas came to New Bedford in 1949, I was nine years old. My older sister was eleven and my younger sisters were five and one. My grandparents also lived with us, and friends, cousins, aunts and uncles visited often. As you can imagine, our household bustled with activity. All the holidays were fun, but without doubt Christmas was the best season of all. The excitement and anticipation were heady. Unlike today, the preparations were more concentrated in the week or two leading up to the holiday. We did not put up our tree until the Sunday before Christmas and it came down right after New Year’s. Now I see people buying live Christmas trees the day after Thanksgiving. In 1949 mail was delivered twice a day, and Christmas cards arrived mostly during the last week before Christmas. We were allowed to open the ones addressed “and Family” or “and Daughters.” That made us feel special. Traditional foods we only enjoyed once a year were a big part of the holiday celebration. Mom made French meat pies or tourtieres, which I still make at Christmas. For dessert Mom made raisin pie, squash pie and maybe a few others. I can still see her in my mind rolling out pastry on the Formica top table with chrome legs. She also made a fruitcake from a recipe that came from Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, where Dad worked in the kitchen when they lived in New York in the 1930s. I was never a fruitcake fancier, but most people liked this one. Helping in the kitchen was fun and we looked forward to it. We peeled apples and cracked nuts, and stuffed walnut halves in dates, then rolled them in sugar. We also washed a lot of dishes. A quick Internet search revealed that “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry was introduced in 1949 and it was a huge hit. My sisters and I loved it and drove our parents crazy, singing it over and over. Donations to SeniorScope Thank You St. Anthony $10.00 Thank You St. Jude and Sacred Heart of Jesus for prayers answered $10.00 Thank You St. Jude, you answered my prayer $20.00 -Anonymous -Anonymous -Anonymous Donations this month Donations last month Total donations year to date (FY’13) Reminder SeniorScope does not publish a January edition. The next issue will be out February 5. Senior Scope To: SeniorScope 181 Hillman Street, New Bedford MA 02740 Yes, I want to help support SeniorScope. My voluntary donation in the amount of $ ___________ is enclosed. newbedford’s Published by the City of New Bedford, Department of Community Services, with a grant from Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. Jonathan F. Mitchell, MayorDistribution: Michael Graffeo Jeannine Wilson, Editor Thomas Mello Joan Beaubian, Clerk SeniorScope will not accept political advertising. For further information on advertising rates, please call: (508) 979-1510 or (508) 979-1544 City of New Bedford, Council on Aging 181 Hillman, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740 $240.00 $203.00 $895.00 You may list my name and my town/city in a future issue (my street address will NOT be listed) Do not list my name; I am contributing anonymously. Please list my donation as follows: In Memory of: ___________________________________________ Get Well Wishes for: ______________________________________ In Honor of: (Birthday or other celebration) ____________________ My Name is _____________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ december 2012 2013 Medicare Premiums and Deductibles Announced by CMS The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced the 2013 Medicare Part B premium will be $104.90 per month, up $5 from the current $99.90 per month, and the Part B deductible for 2013 will be $147, up from $140 this year. Most beneficiaries will not realize the change because they pay the Part B premium directly from their Social Security check. This increase will offset the 1.7 percent cost of living (COLA) increase in 2013, and absorb about a quarter of a typical retiree’s cost-of-living raise in Social Security payments. Part B is the voluntary medical insurance covering medically necessary doctors’ services, preventive care, durable medical equipment, laboratory tests, x-rays, limited home health and ambulance services Beneficiaries whose income is more than $85,000 for an individual or $170,000 for couples will see an increase of $42 to $230.80 per month. Even though payment reforms enacted over the past few years have kept these costs lower than expected, the announcement offers a stark reminder to policymakers embroiled in deficit reduction negotiations: older adults and people with disabilities with Medicare already pay a high amount for their health care, states Medicare Rights Center President Joe Baker. Half of all people with Medicare live on annual incomes of $22,000 or less, and health care costs account for 15 percent of household expenses for the average person with Medicare compared to 5 percent for non-Medicare households. The average Medicare beneficiary spends $4,500 on health care per year. In the last five years of life, beneficiaries spend an average of $38,688 per year. For 25 percent of beneficiaries, out-of-pocket costs average $101,791 during this period. “This harsh financial reality makes clear that any proposal to find savings in the Medicare program should not force people with Medicare to pay more for less health security,” said Baker. Instead of shifting costs to beneficiaries, the Medicare Rights Center supports cost savings solutions that address the problem of rising health care costs in the system overall. SRTA Phases in Fare Increase for Demand Response Riders After holding two public hearings and receiving over 70 comment cards from senior citizens from across the region, SRTA held a Board meeting on October 18 to decide on a proposed fare restructuring plan. SRTA’s original plan was to move from charging $1.25 per zone to a $1.50 flat fare for fixed route (regular bus) service. However, SRTA was taking the lead from Boston in proposing to charge disabled and seniors who use the door to door “demand response” van a double fare of $3.00 each way. “This is more than double the fare for trips that are now one zone,” said demand response rider Susan Goss of New Bedford. Bus Riders United put pressure on SRTA to call off the disproportionate fare increase. Members were especially concerned about the doubling of the one zone fare. At the October meeting, the fixed route portion of the proposal passed, but Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan, SRTA Board Chair, led a vote to postpone a decision on the demand response fare. He asked SRTA to meet with Bus Riders Social Security ... 3 Senior Scope United, Mass Senior Action, and Coalition for Social Justice, to come up with a new proposal to address concerns about the fare hike. Bus Riders United proposed two different options to keep a low rate for demand response, but in the end SRTA pushed forward with a proposal that would phase in the $3 fare for one zone rides over three years with riders paying $1.75 in 2013, $2.25 in 2014 and $3 in 2015. The rides of two or more zones would start and stay at $3 each way. The $3 fare includes an option for savings of 50 cents per ride with purchase of a 10 ride pass. “We appreciate the SRTA administration listening to our concerns and working to find a way to lessen the impact on demand response riders,” said MSAC Chapter Vice President Michelle Silvia. “We look forward to working with SRTA and the Mayors to find ways to bring fare relief for the lowest income demand response riders that are facing this increase. We think it’s important to make sure all riders have access to affordable public transportation.” Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Forty Years of Helping People in Need By Delia De Mello Social Security The Social Security Amendments of 1972 created a new federal benefit program. This month, that program — the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program — celebrates its 40th anniversary. Administered by Social Security, SSI is a needs-based program for people 65 or older, blind, or disabled who have limited income and resources. For income, we count things such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions. However, Social Security does not count all of your income when it decides whether you qualify for SSI. For example, we don’t count food stamps or most home energy assistance. For resources, we count the things you own, such as real estate (other than the home you live in), bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds. A person with resources worth no more than $2,000 may be able to get SSI. The resource limit is $3,000 for couples. To qualify for SSI, you also must live in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands and be a U.S. citizen or national. In rare cases, noncitizen residents can qualify for SSI. If you live in certain types of institutions or live in a shelter for the homeless, you may qualify for SSI. People with blindness or a disability who apply for SSI may be able to get free special services to help them work. These services may include counseling and job training. The monthly maximum federal SSI payment is the same nationwide and amounts to $698 for an individual and $1,048 for a couple. However, the amount you receive depends on factors such as where you live, your living arrangements, and your income. Some states add money to the federal payment. Funding for the SSI program comes from the general revenues of the U.S. Treasury, not from Social Security payroll taxes. To learn more about SSI, read the online publication, You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/11069.html or visit the SSI page at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi. Elder Law Attorneys Call on CMS to Take Action to Protect Older Americans The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to revise observation status rules in order to protect the financial security of Medicare beneficiaries. In a letter to CMS, NAELA requested immediate changes to ensure that older adults are not unfairly kept from being admitted into hospitals in order to save Medicare dollars. Observation status refers to the classification of a patient in an acute care hospital as an outpatient, even though, just like an inpatient, the person is placed in a bed in the hospital, stays overnight, and receives medical care. Classification as an outpatient negatively impacts older Americans. Outpatient classification may make a patient ineligible for Medicare coverage of subsequent skilled nursing facility care because Medicare requires three days of inpatient status to qualify for Medicare coverage. The use of this practice is of great concern to NAELA members as they often represent elderly clients whose hospital stays have been inappropriately classified as observation status. More than 10 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are placed on observation status for more than 48 hours. NAELA stressed that observation status is making the goal of affordable health care unattainable for many Medicare beneficiaries. Many NAELA members’ clients have either paid the cost of skilled nursing facility care out of their own pockets or gone without the necessary care. Not only is observation status costly for older Americans, classifying patients as outpatient or inpatient is an expensive process for the Medicare system and a waste of the program’s resources. Savoy Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 670 County Street, New Bedford continued from page 1 local office. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits, signing up for direct deposit, replacing a Medicare card, obtaining a proof of income letter or informing us of a change of address or telephone number are conveniently available at www.socialsecurity.gov or by dialing our toll-free number, 1-800-7721213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. Many of our online services also are available in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov. What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day. Phyllis Diller A homelike atmosphere for short term rehabilitation, respite, hospice or long term care. Owned and operated by a physician. Call to schedule a tour Tel. 508-994-2400 Fax 508-994-4746 4 DECEMBER 2012 Senior Scope MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 3 Sloppy Joe Hashbrowns Green beans Hamburger Roll Strawberry Cup 4 Chicken Chow Mein Asian Rice Whole Wheat Roll Pineapple Low- Sugar Pudding 5 Macaroni & Cheese Escalloped Tomatoes Multigrain Roll Peaches 6 Roasted Turkey w/Gravy Whipped Potato Winter Squash Whole Wheat Bread Apple Cranberry Crisp Diet:Graham Waffle 7 Swedish Meatballs Stroganoff w/ Buttered Noodles Winter Blend Veggies Fruit Muffin Fresh Fruit Cal: 685 Na: 795 mg CHO: 100g* Fat: 25% Cal: 581 Na: 774 mg CHO: 67 g* Fat: 27% Cal: 730 Na: 890 mg CHO: 91 g* Fat: 33% Cal: 674 Na: 894 mg CHO: 98 g* Fat: 24% Cal: 785 Na: 973 mg CHO: 94 g* Fat: 36% 10 Chicken Pot Pie w/Veggies Mashed Potato Cornbread Apricots 11 Beef & Cabbage Casserole Confetti Rice Multigrain Roll Applesauce 13 Beef Stew w/ vegetables Boiled Potatoes Fruit Muffin Strawberry Cup Cal: 764 Na: 762 mg CHO: 92 g* Fat: 31% Cal: 603 Na: 697 mg CHO: 78 g* Fat: 27% 12 Kale Soup Pineapple Ginger Chicken Lyonnaise Potato Whole Wheat Roll Cutie Pie Diet: Cookie Cal: 814 Na: 1161 mg CHO: 90 g* Fat: 40% 14 Crunchy Fish Sticks Tartar Sauce Au Gratin Potatoes Zucchini & Tomatoes Whole Wheat Bread Fresh Fruit Cal: 715 Na: 909 mg CHO: 82 g* Fat: 37% 17 Cheese Tortellini w/ Tomato Florentine Sauce Italian Blend Whole Wheat Roll Pears 18 Cold Plate Chicken Salad Pasta Salad Tossed salad w/dressing Pita Bread Strawberry Cup Cal: 813 Na: 829 mg CHO: 100 g* Fat: 30% 19 Roast Pork w/ applesauce gravy Red Bliss Potato Holiday Blend Veggies Whole Wheat Bread Brownie/ Diet: Cookie Cal: 777 Na: 650 mg CHO: 81 g* Fat: 37% 25 Holiday Office Closed 26 Minestrone Soup Honey Mustard Chicken Garlic Mashed Potatoes Whole Wheat Roll Birthday Cake Diet: Graham Waffle Cal: 1029 Na: 1176 mg CHO: 112 g* Fat: 37% Cal: 557 Na: 845 mg CHO: 72 g* Fat: 28% 24 American Chop Suey Wax & Green Beans Fruit Muffin Peaches Cal: 557 Na: 845 mg CHO: 72 g* Fat: 28% Cal: 822 Na: 645 mg CHO: 98 g* Fat: 38% 20 Turkey Divan w/ broccoli Buttered Noodles Multigrain Roll Peaches Cal: 777 Na: 681 mg CHO: 91 g* Fat: 28% 27 Veggie Chili w/ vegetables Dirty Rice Multigrain Roll Apricots Cal: 659 Na: 690 mg CHO: 107 g* Fat: 18% 21 Meatloaf w/ brown gravy Whipped Potatoes Beets Whole Wheat Bread Fresh Fruit Cal: 751 Na: 811 mg CHO: 100 g* Fat: 31% 28 Salmon Boat w/ Lemon Dill Sauce O’Brien Potato Glazed Carrots Whole Wheat Bread Strawberry Cup Cal: 645 Na: 793 mg CHO: 101 g* Fat: 21% 31 Chicken a la King Whipped Potatoes Peas Whole Wheat Bread Cutie Pie Diet: Cookie Cal: 873 Na: 805 mg CHO: 112 g* Fat: 27% Sweet & Savory Beef Stew Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream Ingredients: 2 1/2 teaspoons canola oil, divided 8 ounces bottom-round beef, trimmed, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour 1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth 2 1/2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash 1/3 cup dried cherries Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage links, casings removed, crumbled 1/4 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes 1/4 cup diced onions 1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (14 1/2 ounce) cans Italian plum tomatoes, drained, coarsely chopped 3/4 cup whipping cream 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 ounces pasta 1 1/2 tablespoons minced parsley Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large ovenproof saucepan over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to medium-low, add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and shallot to the pan; cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Stir in thyme, sage, salt and pepper; cook for 30 seconds. Return the beef to the pan and sprinkle with flour. Cook, stirring often, until the flour browns, about 3 minutes. Pour in broth; scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking until the liquid bubbles and thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Stir in squash. Cover the pan and transfer to the oven. Bake for 1 hour. Stir in cherries, cover and continue baking until the meat is tender when pierced with a fork, about 30 minutes more. Serves 2 Source: eatingwell.com Directions: Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and crushed red pepper. Cook until sausage is no longer pink, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook until onion is tender and sausage is light brown, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Add tomatoes, cream, and salt. Simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 4 minutes. (Can be prepared one day ahead. Cover and chill.). Cook pasta in large pot of boiling water. Drain. Bring sauce to a simmer. Add pasta to sauce and cook until pasta is heated through and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes. Divide pasta between plates. Sprinkle with parsley. Serves 2 Source: food.com NOW! in Greater New Bedford Coastline Elderly Services Presents DECEMBER 3-4-7 JANUARY 14-15-18 FEBRUARY 11-12-15 MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION TO BOSTON FOR SENIORS AND DISABLED 508- 991-6253 $40.00 RT for residents of NB, FHVN and MATT $50.00 RT for all others in Greater NB Pick ups 7:00am Fairhaven Council on Aging 7:30am Stop and Shop King’s Highway CALL for schedules and reservations 508-991-6253 Funding provided by MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs And MA Dept. of Transportation Surprenant & Beneski, PC “Senior Estate Planning 101” Thursday, December 6 - 1:30-2:30pm Wamsutta Club, New Bedford Light refreshments will be provided SEATS ARE LIMITED, PLEASE RSVP TODAY to Ana Marques at 508-742-9113 Attend this great workshop and learn how to • Protect your family’s legacy and inheritance • Set up a living trust to avoid probate • Protect your home and life savings • Avoid death taxes... and much more DECEMBER 2012 5 Senior Scope Special Shopping and Services Guide Linnea R. Michel Attorney at Law Legal Services for Elders Wills - Power of Attorney Home Visits Available [email protected] • (508) 264-5996 ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE CENTER Privately owned building in the North End of New Bedford. Taber Mill is now accepting applications for bright 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Specially designed for people 62 years old and over and for handicapped and disabled persons who are 18 years old and over. Rent based on 30% of adjusted income. Income requirements, please call for more info. PROJECT INDEPENDENCE “Serving Adults with Medical Needs For More Than 25 Years” Karen A. Maciulewicz, M.S. R.N.C 250 Elm Street* New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone:508-997-1441 Fax: 508-997-5594* www.piadhc.org Caregiver Grant Funded by Title III-E of O.A.A Sponsored by Coastline Elderly 217 Deane Street, New Bedford, MA 02746 (508) 996-3111 VOICE-TDD# 1-800-439-2370 The Car Barn Designed for the Elderly HUD subsidized affordable housing specially designed for People 62 years and older and for handicapped/disabled persons ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 1 AND 2 BEDROOM UNITS The Car Barn offers many amenities: • Gated community • Heat and central air included • Daily activities • Beauty salon • Computer room • Fitness center • Movie theater • Library • Community room • On-site laundry facility • Manager and Residential Service Coordinator • 24-hour maintenance available • Handicapped accessible Please call for more information 508-997-5484 Happy Carriage House Carriage House at Acushnet Heights is a development consisting of 34 apartments made up of studio and one-bedroom units with some fully accessible units. Rent is subsidized and based upon 30% of the resident’s annual adjusted income. Applicant, or a member of the applicant household, must be 62 years of age or older. Carriage House at Acushnet Heights offers many amenities: • Affordable rent • Beautiful living environment • Plenty of natural light • Community Patio/deck for outdoor enjoyment • Examination Room • Library • Community Room • Heat and hot water and electricity included with rent • All units have air conditioning • New appliances • Covered parking (limited) • On site coin-op laundry • On site beauty salon • 24 hour maintenance Choose Carriage House at Acushnet Heights as your new home. Call 508-993-0433 for an application today. Equal Housing Opportunity Handicap Accessible For information on Senior Scope’s ad rates, please call 508-979-1510 or 508-979-1544 Olympia Tower Now Accepting Applications. Overlooking New Bedford Harbor and Buzzards Bay, Olympia Tower is now accepting applications for 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Specially designed for people 62 years old and over and for handicapped or disabled persons who are 18 years old and over. Enjoy the convenient downtown location and feel secure in the friendly atmosphere. Rent based on 30% of adjusted income. Income requirements, please call for info. (508) 997-1205 TDD# 800-439-2370 Holidays! to all our readers and loyal advertisers! 6 Update December 2012 Senior Scope Holiday House Tour To herald the holiday season, residents of New Bedford’s historic neighborhoods will once again be opening their beautifully restored homes for the New Bedford Preservation Society’s signature fundraising event, the 21st Annual Holiday House Tour. This year’s candlelight tour will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, with the December 9 afternoon tour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Both tours start at the Wamsutta Club, 427 County Street, where an elegant pre-tour brunch will be held on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with a holiday raffle and silent auction of beautiful gifts, art, antiques and handcrafted items. Pre-tour brunch reservations ($17) can be made but are not required by calling the club at 508-997-7431. Advance, discounted tour tickets are on sale at various locations. For information, call the New Bedford Preservation Society office at 508-997-6425. Visit us on Facebook or at www. nbpreservationsociety.org for a look at homes featured on previous tours. All proceeds will benefit the work of the society in its efforts to maintain and promote historic preservation in New Bedford. Carol of the Bells Fundraiser The New Bedford Museum of Glass will be hosting a Carol of the Bells Holiday Fundraiser on Saturday, December 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the museum located at 61 Wamsutta Street, New Bedford. The event will include food, music, full access to the museum, and an auction featuing one of a kind, handmade glass bells made by local and nationally known artists such as Jack Loranger and Chris Belleau. All proceeds from the auction will go to the funding of an educational lecture and demonstration series beginning early next year. Tickets are $10 in advance, available at the museum, and $15 at the door. For more information, visit the museum’s website at http://www.nbmog.org/Carolof-the-Bell-Fundraiser.html St. Anthony Christmas Concert On Sunday, December 11, at 3 p.m. David Touchette’s Spirit of St. Anthony Choir will be joined by Steven Young’s Bridgewater State University Chamber Choir and Sandy Morgan’s Occasion Singers in a Christmas concert. The program includes a sing-along of favorite Christmas hymns ending with a community sing of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. The musical event will be followed by complimentary hot chocolate served in the church hall. Free parking is available at the Whale’s Tooth (ferry) lot in Downtown New Bedford. From there, trolley transportation is provided between the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The church is located at 1359 Acushnet Avenue. This is a benefit concert for St. Anthony of Padua church’s Historic 1912 Casavant Organ Renovation Fund. Although no admission is charged, donations are collected during the concert, and participation in the “adopt an organ part” program is encouraged. For information, call the church at 508-993-1691 or Gisele Pappas the concert coordinator at 508-264-8010. Independent Living Expo a Success Family Holiday Pops Concert The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra’s “Hear the Cheer!” family holiday pops concerts will be held Saturday, December 22, at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Zeiterion Theatre. This one-of-a-kind holiday season tradition on the South Coast will feature vocalist Amanda Carr and the NBSO orchestra performing songs of the season, along with festive holiday decorations and even a photo-op with Santa. For more information Email [email protected] or call 508-997-5664. More than 300 people visited the Independent Living Expo November 14 at the Hawthorne Country Club. Top photo, Senior Whole Health Marketing Relations Specialist Juraci Capataz talks with a visitor. Bottom photo, a group enjoys the hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment at the Expo. Santa Run for Cardiac Program The second annual Santa Sightings 5-kilometer Fun Run in downtown New Bedford is expected to draw up to 3,000 running Santas, all to benefit Southcoast Health System’s Cardiac Prevention Program. The Santa Run will take place Saturday, December 8, at 11 a.m. and will start at New Bedford City Hall on the corner of William and Pleasant Street. The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) fun run is open to all levels of runners, walkers and people who simply love the holiday season. All registered runners will receive their own Santa suit to wear during the race. To register, visit www.thesightings.com. Registration through Thursday, December 6, is free for children seven and under (no suit provided), $20 for children ages 8 to 12, $30 for teens ages 13 to 17 and $40 for adults. Registration closes at the end of day on Thursday, December 6. FALL RISK INDICATOR PROJECT IF YOU FALL... CALL! This program is designed for anyone over 60 years of age who wants to learn: “WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU” WILL BE CONDUCTED AT: Brooklawn Senior Center on December 10th 11:30-12:30pm. Buttonwood Senior Center on January 17th 11:30-12:30pm Sign up at each site for an assessment with staff. This interactive project addresses an area that is critical to maintaining independent living for seniors This project is administered by Family Service Association and is funded in part by a Title IIIB grant from Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. through contracts with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. For more information, please call Tami O’Neil at 508-677-3822, ext. 3577. CITY OF NEW BEDFORD COA & SENIOR CENTERS TRIM A TREE PARTY Thursday, December 6 12:30 - 2:30 PM Brooklawn Senior Center 1997 Acushnet Ave Seasonal refreshments for your enjoyment And It’s FREE Christmas Carol Sing - Along With New Horizons December 2012 Senior Scope George Smith Honored by Mass. Senior Action Council New Bedford’s George Smith was recently honored at the Annual Dinner of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council (MSAC) with an “Unsung Hero Award.” The award is presented to a new member to recognize their efforts and contributions to the Chapter. “George has been very active this year doing outreach in the senior community,” said Eileen Marum, Bristol County Chapter president. An NSTAR retiree and former president of Utility Workers Union Local, George served on the New Bedford City Council from 19932001 and has taken an active role in the community since his retirement. He was chairman of the New Bedford Planning Board and Commission for Citizens with Disabilities. For many years, he has been actively involved with Coastline Elderly Services serving on the Board of Directors as Vice-President and President. George became involved in MSAC after attending a rally at the Wang Theater in Boston last year with 3,000 people gathered to call for protection of Social Security and Medicare. “When I heard about proposed cuts to Social Security that got me fired up!” shared George. George has spoken to over a dozen groups in the New Bedford Area on MSAC issues, from protecting the senior meal program to fighting for transportation for seniors, and especially on the topic of protecting Medicare and Social Security. To find out more about how you can get involved in Mass Senior Action, call Daria Gere, community organizer at 508-993-2680. where they will have an opportunity to present their concerns. “The surveys provide elders with an opportunity to tell Coastline what they need or want for services. It is always better to listen to the elder’s opinion rather than try to guess what it is that they need,” said Ann McCrillis, Area Agency on Aging planner at Coastline. The goal of the statewide study is to determine which services are most critical to enable seniors to remain in their own homes with high quality of life as long as possible and to empower older people to stay active and healthy. 1) The world’s largest office building was completed in 1943. What is it called? Hint: it is in the United States. 2) What Argentine dance was condemned by the Vatican in 1913 as being too lewd and suggestive? 3) In 1988, Curtis Strange became the first person in sport to win one million dollars in a single season. What was his sport? 4) Who played the male lead in the TV series Quantum Leap? 5) Which U.S. President decided to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? 6) When Columbus discovered America in 1492, which area was he closest to? a) Maine b) Massachusetts c) Bahamas d) Virginia Contact the Fairhaven Council on Aging at 508-979-4029 about the following trip: Tues. Jan. 15 -- Foxwoods Casino ____________________________________________ Contact the Rochester Council on Aging at 508-763-8723 about the following trips: Mon. Dec. 10 – Dartmouth Christmas Tree Shop & Vanity Fair Thurs. Dec. 13 – Festival of Lights -- LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro Multi-Day Tours Contact the City of New Bedford Senior Travel program at 508-9916171 about the following trips open to anyone 50 or older: May 20 - 24, 2013 -- 5 Day Ottawa, Canada, including the 1000 Islands. Estates to Plates Food Drive The law office of Surprenant & Beneski P.C. of New Bedford, Hyannis and Brockton, has implemented an “Estates to Plates” program as part of its ongoing service to the community. “When we learned that many of our local food pantries are running at an all-time shortage of supplies, we knew we needed to help,” said Attorney Michelle Beneski. She added, “Here at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. we believe that small actions can make a big difference in our community.” In the current economic climate, some of our family members, friends and neighbors are out of work and at times cannot afford even the basics. They depend on the donations from food pantries to make ends meet. The Estates to Plates program asks anyone who attends one of the firm’s free seminars or consultations to bring a non-perishable or canned food item with them to donate. At the end of every month all the donations will be brought to one of the food pantries in our community. Most of us think canned food drives are for the holiday season. The truth is that the need is yearround. Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. plans on making this food drive an on-going event throughout the year. “We are so blessed to have a wonderful community that comes through when the need is so great,” said Beneski. “I just know the response will be tremendous.” Donations can be dropped off at their office at 35 Arnold Street, New Bedford, Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 5p.m. Do you Enjoy Dining Out? Trivia Quiz By Ed Camara Day Trips Contact the City of New Bedford Senior Travel program at 508-9916171 about the following trips open to anyone 50 or older. Sign up now for new summer tours. Stop by the Hazelwood Senior Center to pick up a brochure. Sat. Dec. 8 – “Memphis” – Providence Performing Arts Center Tues. Jan. 8 – Twin Rivers Casino Mon. Feb. 11 – Foxwoods Casino Wed. Feb. 27 – Newport Playhouse Tues. March 12 – Twin Rivers Casino Wed. March 13 – Boston Flower Show Tues. March 26 – Aqua Turf Club -- Tribute to Barry Manilow Mon. April 8 – Foxwoods Casino _____________________________________________ Coastline Conducting Needs Assessment of Elders Coastline Elderly Services is currently conducting a study to determine the needs of elders in the area it serves, which includes the city of New Bedford and the towns of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Cuttyhunk Island. Surveys were mailed to a sampling of elders in these communities the week before Thanksgiving. Those who received the survey forms are asked to return them to Coastline by December 20. Elders who did not receive a survey can attend a meeting at the Rochester Council on Aging on Monday, December 17 at 2:30 p.m., Senior Travel 7 7) When the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth, what Indian tribe met him? a) Iroquois b) Seminoles c) Nashaweenas d) Wampanoags Once again, Dinner for Two Dining Books are being sold at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging Senior Center. As in prior years, the books are priced at $29.95 each. If you buy three books, for yourself or to give as gifts, you’ll receive a fourth book free. Make your check payable to the Friends of the Elderly with “Dinner for Two” on the memo line. Cash is acceptable as well. Reserve your books by calling the Council on Aging, 508-758-4110. This sale helps the Friends of the Elderly to support the Mattapoisett Council on Aging. 8) Besides pulling back on the throttle, what does a modern airplane pilot use to slow down? 9) When the Yankees started putting numbers on the backs of their uniforms in 1929 what did they represent? a) The position the individual played on the field b) The years the player had been on the team c) The position of the individual in the batting order d) They were randomly picked 10) In 1937 the Redskins pro football team moved to Washington. From what city? a) Philadelphia PA b) Boston MA c) Albany NY d) Canton OH Center for FACIAL PLASTIC & HAIR RESTORATION SURGERY at Hawthorn Medical 8 At the Senior Centers Acushnet Senior Center For more information on the following activities, call the Acushnet Council on Aging at 508-998-0280. Cribbage players needed on Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and Fridays at 12:00 p.m. The French Cultural Group now meets on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The Tuesday Pitch League is playing in the afternoons. Play starts promptly at 1 p.m. so be sure to arrive a few minutes early. New players and substitutes are always welcome. Diabetic Toe Nail Care with a professionally licensed manicurist is available every other Friday by appointment. A Beginners’ Exercise Class with Larry Bigos meets Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Go at your own pace while building strength and making new friends. Cardio-Dance-Fit is a fun, energizing one-hour workout to great music. The class meets Thursday at 10 a.m. with Certified Instructor Ellie Higgins. The Red Hat Society meets the first Thursday of the month at 11 a.m., to set the schedule for the following month’s activities. New members always welcome. Chair Yoga with Sue Ashley meets on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 10. Cardio Fusion, a low-impact, high energy class, meets Fridays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. On Fridays at 11:15 a.m., Strong Women, Strong Bones with Karen Corcoran helps you stretch, flex and build core strength. Ashley Park Center The Ashley Park Center in New Bedford is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 pm. For information on activities, such as cards, dominoes, and crocheting, call Lidia at 508-991-6211. Brooklawn Senior Center For more information on the following activities, call the Brooklawn Senior Center at 508-961-3100. A gala Trim-a-Tree Party is planned for Thursday, December 6, at 1 p.m. A Fall Prevention Clinic will be held Monday, December 10, at 11:30 a.m. Art classes are free and materials are provided. Decorative Painting meets on Monday at 10 a.m. and Drawing What You See/Watercolor meets on Friday at 10 a.m. Craft Classes are offered the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m., led by The Oaks and all supplies are free. The Discussion Group that meets on Tuesday afternoons at 1 is welcoming new members. Enjoy the ancient Chinese game Mah Jongg every Tuesday at 10 a.m. with instructor Joan Blanchette. Experienced and new players are welcome. Whist players enjoy great people and prizes every Wednesday at 1 p.m. Play Cribbage Wednesday mornings starting at 10. If you’ve never played and are interested, join in as the players teach you this longtime favorite. The Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, December 12. The book to be discussed is “Three Weeks in December” by Audrey Shulman. Everyone of any physical ability is encouraged to participate in the Strength and Conditioning class with Larry Bigos that meets on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Tai Chi classes are suspended for December and will resume in January. Buttonwood Senior Center For more information on the following activities, call the Buttonwood Senior Center at 508-991-6170, ext. 5: An Aerobics class meets on Mondays at 10 a.m. Gentle Yoga with Joan Davignon meets on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Painting with Friends meets on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. with instructor Kathy Arruda. Tai Chi with Karen Corcoran meets every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Join this free class and improve your health and balance. The Swing Dancercise class with Victor Fonseca meets from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. Dartmouth Senior Center DECEMBER 2012 Senior Scope For more information on the following activities, call the Dartmouth Senior Center at 508-999-4717: Join respiratory therapist Cornel Boudria for an overview of the Proper use of Rescue and Long Acting Metered Dose Inhalers on Wednesday, December 5, at 10 a.m. A Holiday Party will be held on Wednesday, December 12, at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be followed by the singing entertainment of “Just Us.” Reservations are required. On December 17, at 10 a.m., a dietician from the Southcoast Prevention Program will discuss Healthy Holiday Eating. Learn eating tips, how to make healthy choices, and how to stay healthy all season. Get into the holiday spirit with some cookie decorating on Friday, December 21, at 10 a.m. and the movie“The Edaville Railroad.” It’s free but sign up is required. On Thursday, December 27, at 10 a.m. the children from the I’ve Got Rhythm dance studio will be at the Center to entertain us. A Lifeline Diabetic and Medical Supply representative will now visit the center on the third Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. No appointment is necessary. Stop in the Center most mornings at 9:30 for a game of pool. We are looking for Cribbage players. If you are interested in playing or would like to learn how, join our players on Tuesdays at 9:30. Tai Chi class meets on Tuesdays, 9 a.m.to10 a.m. This Chinese health exercise will improve your balance and mobility. Dental Hygiene Services are available at the Center including Dental cleanings, Screenings and Fluoride treatments, covered by Mass. Health or fee of $75.00. Center has consent and medical history forms and will schedule appointments. Computer Clinics meet on Tuesdays from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn the basics for a strong foundation and use the computer to do what you want. The Gentle Yoga class meets Thursdays at 10 a.m. Play Cribbage on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Zumba Gold class meets Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to12 p.m. and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pound by Pound, a free weight loss support group, meets Mondays at 10 a.m. Walkins are welcome. A free Walking Group meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Several different walking levels are included, and a pedometer and walking log provided. Monthly outings feature different walking locations. The Basic Sewing Class meets Thursdays at 11 a.m. We provide a machine or you may bring your own. No sign up is required. Chair Massage is available Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Gentle Yoga with instructor Joan Davignon meets on Thursday at 10 am. Free Osteo Exercise classes are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:15 a.m. Personal trainer Larry Bigos teaches an individualized Flex and Strength class on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. and Friday at 9:00 a.m. Beginners are welcome. This class is offered at a reduced cost of $3.00. A Foot Care Clinic is held on the first Thursday and last Tuesday of each month. Appointments are required. Downtown Senior Center For more information on the following activities, call the Downtown Senior Center at 508-991-6255: Bingo games are held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:00 to 2:30. Are you still a kid at heart? Come in and play games on the Wii video system available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fairhaven Senior Center For more information on the following activities, call the Fairhaven Council on Aging at 508-979-4029: Knitting for Beginners meets Monday afternoons from1to 2. Bring your needles, yarn and a pattern or a project. Acrylics Art Class with Vickie Frazer meets on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Call for information. Zen class with Vickie Frazer meets Tuesday from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Fit Quest, a new healthy weight program, meets on Thursday mornings. Confidential weight-in between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.is followed by a meeting featuring tips on losing weight and keeping it off. Single Seniors Supper Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month for a light supper and companionship. Friends of the Fairhaven Elderly meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. New Computer Classes meet on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Call for times and to sign up. A new Chair Yoga class meets on Monday mornings from 10:15 to 11:15. An Osteo Exercise class meets Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8:45 to 10:15. A Wellness Clinic is held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30. On Tuesday the Wii Fit group meets from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Play Bridge on Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and play Pitch on Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Trips to the Mall are scheduled every Wednesday. Call for details. A Painting Class meets on Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30. The fabulous O.T.s entertain Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3. The Tai Chi class meets on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Zumba meets on Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Complete Foot Care by a licensed professional is available once a month. Call for dates and times. Hazelwood Senior Center For more information on the following activities, call the Hazelwood Senior Center at 508-991-6208: Gentle Yoga with Joey Machado meets Monday at 10:15 a.m. Strength and Conditioning with Larry Bigos meets at 11:30 a.m. Dancercise with Big Band Music led by Victor Fonseca meets every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A Knitting and Crocheting class meets on Thursday mornings at 9:30. Beginners are welcome. Move those feet at the Line Dancing class every Thursday from1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Instructor Nancy Cabral will help you to learn the most fun and new dances. Marion Council on Aging For information on activities, call the Marion COA office at 508-748-3570. If no one answers, please leave a message and someone will get back to you. On Wednesday, December 5, at 1 p.m. at the Marion Police Station, Michelle Rodriquez from Inside Out Acupuncture will be discussing this ancient healing practice. She will also discuss Chinese Herbal Medicine. The COA will host an Arts and Crafts Fair at the Music Hall on Saturday, December 8, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Groovercise has been moved to Town of Marion’s Atlantis Drive Facility. This low impact aerobics class is held on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise followed by upper and lower body strength training. The grocery store transportation schedule has changed. Every Wednesday the van goes to Market Basket. The Friday schedule remains the same, alternating between Wareham and Fairhaven. The COA offers transportation to the Y in Wareham on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pick up will begin at 10:30 a.m. The van will bring you to the Y in Wareham and pick you back up at 1 p.m. The COA has a drop off box outside the office door for used eye glasses which will be donated to the Lion’s Club. Mattapoisett Social Center For more information on the following activities, call the Mattapoisett Council on Aging at 508-758-4110: Water Aerobics is back every Monday morning. Transportation is provided to the New Bedford YMCA for the 9 a.m. class. A new Prescription Exercise QiGong class meets on Fridays at 10 a.m. Another QiGong class meets on Mondays at 10 a.m. Play Mah Jongg every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and Scrabble every Monday at 1 p.m. Play Beginner’s or Duplicate Bridge on Thursdays at 9 a.m. All levels of players are welcome. Refreshments will be served. Duplicate Bridge players also meet on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. On Monday and Wednesday, a Strength and Balance class for all abilities meets at 12 noon. A Yoga class meets on Tuesday and Friday mornings at 8:45. The Cardio and Strength class, an aerobic and strength training class with low to moderate intensity, led by a certified group exercise instructor meets on Mondays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. The Public Health Nurse is available on Thursday mornings at 9:30. On Fridays Foot Care is available all day by appointment. At the Senior Centers... continued on page 12 DECEMBER 2012 Nutrition News Senior Scope Healthy Foods Under $1 With the holidays upon us, it can be a very expensive time for us. Thankfully you can continue to eat healthfully without killing your budget. Check out these 10 Healthy Foods Under $1 1. Lentils (about $1.49 per pound or $0.11 per ¼-cup dry serving): Lentils provide 3 grams of fiber per ½-cup serving. Plus, they are rich in folic acid and vitamin B6 and are a great vegetarian source of iron. Serve them with a good source of vitamin C, like tomato, red pepper, or a squeeze of lemon, to make the iron more absorbable.” 2. Kiwis (about $0.50 each): Kiwis are packed with nutrients such as fiber, vitamins C and E, and potassium. They also contain the phytonutrient lutein, which can help protect your eyes against macular degeneration and cataracts. Leave on the fuzzy brown skin to increase your intake of fiber and vitamin C. 3. Canned Salmon (about $4.89 per 14.75-oz can or $0.90 per 2-oz serving): Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to help reduce inflammation and the risk of heart attacks. 4. Bananas (about $0.45 each): Bananas are rich in fiber, vitamins C and B6, and, most notably, potas- sium, a mineral known to control blood pressure. One medium banana contains more than 400 milligrams of potassium. 5. Oatmeal (about $4 per 42-oz can or $0.18 per ½-cup dry serving): This unassuming breakfast option contains soluble fiber, which may help lower cholesterol and consequently the risk of heart disease. For a quick breakfast, cover ½ cup oats with 1 percent milk or soymilk and place in the fridge. In the morning, top with your choice of grated fruit, nuts, or ground flaxseed and drizzle with 1 teaspoon honey. 6. Brown Rice (about $1.99 per pound or $0.18 per ¼-cup dry serving) It has more fiber and therefore a lower glycemic index than white rice, so it will give you a steadier level of energy. 7. Navel Oranges (about $0.84 each): These citrus fruits are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and folate, which can help prevent neural-tube birth defects. Look for the best ones from mid-fall to early summer. 8. Baby Carrots (about $1.45 per pound or $0.27 per 3-oz serving): These easy-to-eat vegetables are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A. This vitamin promotes eye health Health Foods... continued on page 12 Senior Safety 9 Healthy and Safe Holidays Are in Sight The holiday season doesn’t have to be a difficult time for older adults, according to Dr. Judith Black, medical director for Highmark Senior Markets. Dr. Black says a designated health partner can help you stay healthy and safe by following these tips: Designate a health partner – Consider asking a loved one to become your designated health partner. An older adult often needs a little extra care and attention during the holidays and now is a great time to ask someone. A designated health partner can be an advocate for your care and help you navigate the health care system. The goal is to connect caregivers to older adults they care for in order to obtain the appropriate care so they can stay as healthy as possible. Think Safety First – The holidays can be a beautiful time of year, but it may also signal more snow and increased risks for weatherrelated incidents or slips and falls. If possible, plan to talk each day at a designated time with a loved one or health partner so they know that you are safe. Avoid staying outside for long periods of time to prevent hypothermia. Take frequent breaks and remember to keep exposed skin covered at all times. To avoid falls, don’t carry heavy packages while walking on ice or snow. Falls are a major reason seniors are admitted to the hospital and pose a threat to your independence. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t go outside. You are much safer when you stay indoors. Watch your diet – With the holiday season approaching, it’s even more important to watch your consumption of food and alcohol so you don’t gain weight. Try to stay within the recommended daily allowances for consuming calories. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends between 1,600 to 2,800 depending on your gender and activity level. Stay active – Keep yourself active by staying committed to a fitness routine. During the holidays, those extra helpings and sweets can really add up and cause you to gain weight. Keep contacts close by – Keep telephone numbers and email addresses close at hand in case you need to reach your health partner or family members quickly. Dartmouth Veterans Breakfast Held Low Levels of Vitamin D Linked to Increased Mortality in Elders Low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased mortality in older adults, according to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM). The study also indicates that the potential impact of increasing vitamin D levels is greater in African Americans than Caucasians because vitamin D insufficiency is more common in African Americans. For the past several years, there has been considerable interest in the role vitamin D plays in improving health and preventing disease. Low levels of vitamin D have been directly associated with various forms of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Most studies regarding the health effects of low vitamin D levels have been conducted on persons of European origin, but the current study examines the relationship between vitamin D and mortality in blacks and whites. “We observed vitamin D insufficiency in one third of our study participants. This was associated with nearly a 50 percent increase in the mortality rate in older adults,” said Stephen B. Kritchevsky, PhD, Professor of Internal Medicine and Transitional Science at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, and lead researcher of this study. “Our findings suggest that low levels of vitamin D may be a substantial public health concern for our nation’s older adults.” Niveles que Bajos de vitamina D son asociados con la mortalidad aumentada en adultos más viejos, según un nuevo estudio aceptado para la publicación en el Diario de La Sociedad Endocrino de la Endocrinología y el Metabolismo Clínicos (JCEM). El estudio también indica que el impacto potencial de niveles crecientes de vitamina D es más grande en norteamericanos africanos que Caucásicos porque insuficiencia de vitamina D es más común en norteamericanos africanos. Durante los últimos varios años, ha habido interés considerable en los juegos de vitamina D de papel a mejorar la salud y prevenir la enfermedad. Los niveles bajos de vitamina D han sido asociados directamente con varias formas de cáncer y enfermedad cardiovascular. La mayoría de los estudios con respecto a los efectos de la salud de niveles bajos de vitamina D han sido realizadas en personas de origen europeo, pero el estudio actual revisa la relación entre vitamina D y mortalidad en negros y vestido blanco. “Observamos insuficiencia de vitamina D en la tercera parte de nuestros participantes de estudio. Esto fue asociado con casi un aumento de 50 por ciento en la tasa de mortalidad en adultos más viejos,” dijo Stephen B. Kritchevsky, el doctorado, el Profesor de Medicina Interna y Ciencia de transición en la Estela Forest Escuela de Medicina, y de investigador principal de este estudio. “Nuestras conclusiones sugieren que niveles bajos de vitamina D puede ser una preocupación sanitaria substancial para nuestros adultos más viejos de la nación”. Los Niveles bajos de Vitamina D Ligaron a la Mortalidad Aumentada en Ancianos It was a full house at the Veterans’ Breakfast at the Dartmouth Senior Center on November 9. The annual event is sponsored by State Representative Chris Markey and the Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly. Níveis baixos de Vitamina D Ligaram a Mortalidade Aumentada em Anciãos Que níveis Baixos de vitamina D são associados com mortalidade aumentada em adultos mais velhos, de acordo com um novo estudo aceito para publicação nA Sociedade Endócrina Diário de Endocrinologia Clínica e Metabolismo (JCEM). O estudo também indica que o impacte potencial de crescentes níveis de D de vitaminas é maior em americanos africanos que pessoas de raça branca porque vitamina que insufficiency de D é mais comum em americanos africanos. Para os vários anos passados, havia interesse considerável nos jogos de D de vitamina de papel em melhorar saúde e prevenir doença. Níveis baixos de vitamina D diretamente foram associados com várias formas de cancro e doença cardiovascular. A maioria de estudos concernente os efeitos de saúde de níveis baixos de D de vitamina foram conduzidos em pessoas de origem européia, mas o estudo actual examina o relacionamento entre vitamina D e mortalidade em preto e brancos. “Nós observamos vitamina insufficiency de D em um terceiro de nossos participantes de estudo. Isto foi associado com quase um 50 por cento aumento na taxa de mortalidade em adultos mais velhos,” disse Stephen B. Kritchevsky, PhD, Professor de Medicina Interna e Ciência Transitória no Desperta Escola de Floresta de Medicina, e pesquisador principal deste estudo. “Nossos resultados sugerem que níveis baixos de vitamina D podem ser uma preocupação de saúde pública substancial para nossos adultos mais velhos da nação. Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. Norman Vincent Peale 10 Senior Scope Your Health Free Vascular Screenings this Month Southcoast™ Hospitals Group announces free vascular screenings during the month of November. Regular vascular screenings can detect peripheral artery disease, or PAD, a potentially serious circulatory problem. The non-invasive screenings are performed by a trained nurse and take approximately 20 minutes. Patients should arrive 15 minutes prior to screening time. The free vascular screenings are open to both men and women. Appointments are required and can be requested by calling the numbers listed below. Space is limited and appointments will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis. No walk-ins will be accepted on screening days. Wednesday, December 12 Southcoast Center for Women’s Health 300B Faunce Corner Road in Dartmouth Appointments will be scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Please call 800-276-0103. Thursday, December 13, and Thursday, December 27 Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care 206 Mill Road in Fairhaven Appointments will be scheduled between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please call 800-276-0103. Monday, December 17, and Monday, December 31 Southcoast Health Systems 100 Rosebrook Way, Wareham Appointments will be scheduled between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please call 800-276-0103. People who have eye diseases that damage their central vision can regain the ability to read quickly and comfortably by using digital tablets, according to a recent study. The research found that people with moderate vision loss could increase their reading speed by 15 words-perminute, on average. Using a tablet with a back-lit screen resulted in the fastest reading speeds for all study participants, no matter what their level of visual acuity. The research was presented at the 116th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Loss of central vision affects millions of people who have eye diseases such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, which damage the light-sensitive cells of the eye’s retina. When treatments such as eyeglasses, medications, or surgery are no longer effective, ophthalmologists – eye medical doctors and surgeons – help patients maximize their remaining sight by using low-vision aids. Before digital tablets came along, reading aids were limited to lighted magnifiers, which are cumbersome and inconvenient by comparison. In the study, which was conducted at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, researchers found that patients with the poorest vision − defined as 20/40 or worse in both eyes− showed the most improvement in speed when using an iPad or Kindle, compared with print. The researchers believe the iPad’s back-illuminated screen is the key to the significantly improved reading speed achieved by patients with moderate vision loss. The original Kindle, which was used in this study, does not have a back-lit screen. “Reading is a simple pleasure that we often take for granted until vision loss makes it difficult,” said Daniel Roth, M.D., an associate clinical professor at Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine who led of the study. “Our findings show that at a relatively low cost, digital tablets can improve the lives of people with vision loss and help them reconnect with the larger world.” Digital Tablets Improve Reading for People with Moderate Vision Loss Southcoast VNA Your care. Your comfort.Your way. Let our team of dedicated, highly skilled professionals provide all your home health and hospice care needs. Home Health Care • Skilled Nursing • Rehabilitation • Home Health Aides Specialized Nursing • Wound & Ostomy Care • Advanced Cardiac Care • In-Home Telemonitoring Hospice and Palliatitve Care Serving all of Southeastern Massachusetts & East Bay, Rhode Island. feel better 800-698-6877 www.southcoastvna.org DECEMBER 2012 Don’t Let Cancer Spoil Your Holidays By Deborah J. Cornwall Having cancer or caring for a cancer patient in the family is hard, but cancer during traditionally happy holidays is even harder. It’s a time when each family enjoys traditional shared activities usually characterized by good food, drink, and company. Yet how can you carry out these traditions when you’re in the throes of cancer treatment or even dealing with the aftermath? The most important message from cancer caregivers who have worked through these challenges is to seek normalcy, no matter what the patient’s prognosis. It may sound counter-intuitive, but it’s profound. It all stems from the issue of control. Throughout the cancer care process, both caregivers and patients experience a fundamental loss of control. On some days, it may feel as though there is nothing left of the “good old days.” Every aspect of their lives has been turned upside down. They may be feeling depressed, anxious, or preoccupied. Perhaps worst of all, their friends and relatives often don’t know what to say, or do, to help. The combination of these factors can make the holidays feel like a particularly sad and lonely time, and it might bring the temptation to mourn what’s been lost. But cancer caregivers recommend that you try to maintain a few of your past traditions, social connections, and dayto-day activities in the interests of being able to celebrate what you still have. So . . . exactly what does this mean? Pursuing normalcy means doing four things:: Keep It Festive As tempting as it might be, don’t ignore the holiday. Instead, find a way to put a smile on your and your patient’s faces. Make sure you find something every day to bring you joy. It may be a baby’s laugh, or smelling a rose, or telling a joke that breaks a loved one’s sense of depression or isolation. It may be preparing the world’s best clear chicken broth for a patient who’s having trouble keeping food down, or it may be just a few minutes holding hands while favorite holiday music plays. Identify a few key elements of your traditions that you can maintain, like Christmas Eve Mass and decorated sugar cookies, or lighting the Chanukah Menorah and giving the kids chocolate coins. Keep It Simple Caregivers are often so tired and stressed when the holidays come that even the idea of all of the traditional holiday activities and “fixings” can feel overwhelming. This is an important time to focus on simplicity. Only do the part of the holiday that matters the most for you and your patient. That means: At home, if you decorate, bring out only your favorite ornaments. Keep decorations simple, and focus on things that remind you of the good times. Consider postponing gift-giving completely and focus on togetherness. For adults, time with family and friends is usually far more enriching than opening presents. If you must shop for gifts, find ways to do holiday shopping on line or by phone, for things like a decorated tabletop tree or a basket of fruit or cheese goodies. Also consider developing a theme, like “laughter” or “comfort” that can focus giftgiving and divert from the daily stresses of treatment. Think about playing a game (like the New Yorker Cartoon Captions Game, which involves writing captions for cartoons) with family or friends that will bring laughter and good feelings. Let people do things for you. Keep a notepad handy for noting who brought you things. You might even want to keep some little bags of Hershey’s Kisses or Ghirardelli mints next to your front door as a thank-you so you don’t have to write thank-you notes. Keep It Social Remember that the real meaning of the holiday is togetherness, whether that means gathering together family members or getting together with friends. Family and friends bring normalcy. There are two reasons for you to let others help. First, the patient needs friends, now more than ever and especially during the holiday season. Too many people are afraid of cancer it’s not necessarily that they think they can catch it from the patient, but they don’t know how to talk to either of you, so they may shy away. Encouraging friends to stay close reminds you of normalcy. Second, no one knows how long the cancer caregiving experience will last. It can last for a few weeks or for over 20 years. You may well need friends and their help a lot later in your caregiving, especially when you get caregiver fatigue. So make sure you reach out to friends and family. If invitations to you both dwindle, invite others to your house. Sometimes friends don’t want to intrude on your privacy, so they stop inviting you out. Make it clear to them that you’re determined to maintain your social connections, even if the visits are shorter or closer to home. Keep It Positive Cancer disrupts your whole life, and sometimes it’s hard to remember the good things, the things you still have. Finally, if you’re dealing with the aftermath, following a patient’s death, and you’re wrestling with how you’ll get through the holidays, be willing to change family rituals. Consider focusing the holidays around family and friends in a new setting. Many cancer patients live long and happy lives, well after their initial diagnoses. Holiday periods nourish their spirits and remind them how much they have to live for. Family caregivers can help lengthen their lives simply by reminding them of normalcy and reducing anxiety. They can do that by celebrating holidays with zest that keeps things festive, simple, social, and positive. Deborah Cornwall is a cancer survivor and has over 20 years of experience as a leadership volunteer for the American Cancer Society at national, regional and local levels. DECEMBER 2012 Your Health Caregivers to the Elderly Need to Care for Themselves Too One of the important lessons caregivers to the elderly need to learn is that they have to take care of themselves as well—and first. “If we learn to care for ourselves, we have more energy for others,” says Janet Foreman, CRNP, director of care management for the Harrisburg law firm SkarlatosZonarich LLC. “Set aside time every day in order to take care of yourself.” Foreman is a nurse practitioner and advocate for the elderly who is part of a team that serves elderly clients at SkarlatosZonarich. She and her siblings acted as caregivers for their parents. Foreman shared her experiences at the Women Leading Women Conference October 19 in Pennsylvania. “My mother spent her final year dying in a nursing home, crippled and in pain from cancer,” she said. “How does one get through this and still function without feeling guilty when we take time for ourselves? It’s tough but necessary to keep your priorities straight. Get outside support for yourself if needed.” Foreman said the stress on caregivers can be reduced by advanced planning. Get legal documents in order for yourself and your loved one before they are needed. This includes a power of attorney and living will, as well as documents that can provide compensation to the caregiver child. Know where these documents are kept. Respect your loved one. Find out what your loved one’s goals are as aging begins. Does he or she want to stay at home, go into a retirement community, save money for the children? Make sure your loved one is receiving all available benefits, including VA and Medical Assistance home-based services. Have family meetings to make sure children and other relatives respect the desires of the aging or ill family member. The aging loved ones may have their goals and wishes and family members another. Keep in mind that staying at home is not always the best option if the safety and health of the older person is at risk. Visit retirement communities and nursing facilities to learn about alternatives. It may take a stay at home following an illness for the elder to realize this is not the best alternative. Arrange for weekly respite care for the caregiver even if for just a few hours. Beta-Blockers and Sleep Problems Over 20 million people in the United States take beta-blockers, a medication commonly prescribed for cardiovascular issues, anxiety, hypertension and more. Many of these same people also have trouble sleeping, a side effect possibly related to the fact that these medications suppress night-time melatonin production. Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) have found that melatonin supplementation significantly improved sleep in hypertensive patients taking betablockers. Commonly prescribed beta-blockers include Toprol XL. Inderal, Lopressor, Tenormin. “Beta-blockers have long been associated with sleep disturbances, yet until now, there have been no clinical studies that tested whether melatonin supplementation can improve sleep in these patients,” explained Frank Scheer, PhD, MSc, an associate neuroscientist at BWH, and principal investigator on this study. “We found that melatonin supplements significantly improved sleep.” “Over the course of three weeks, none of the study participants taking the melatonin showed any of the adverse effects that are often observed with other, classic sleep aids. There were also no signs of ‘rebound insomnia’ after the participants stopped taking the drug,” explained Scheer, who is also an assistant professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “In fact, melatonin had a positive carryover effect on sleep even after the participants had stopped taking the drug.” The researchers caution that while this data is promising for hypertensive patients taking betablockers, more research is needed to determine whether patients taking beta-blockers for causes other than hypertension could also benefit from melatonin supplementation. Southcoast Hospitals Receives Accreditation from Commission on Cancer Southcoast™ Hospitals Group has received the highly regarded Approval with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) for its systemwide oncology program. The three-year Approval with Commendation, the highest rating awarded by the Commission on Cancer, is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of performance. Receiving care at a Commission on Cancer-accredited facility 11 Senior Scope ensures that a patient has access to comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the art services and equipment, a multi-specialty team approach, information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options, access to cancer-related information, education and support, a cancer registry that collects data on type, stage, treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up and quality of care close to home. Certification also covers nonmedical aspects of cancer care, including psychosocial support and end-of-life care. It includes inpatient and outpatient services. Exercise, Eating Fruits and Vegetables Extend Life Expectancy Women in their seventies who exercise and eat healthy amounts of fruits and vegetables have a longer life expectancy, according to research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Researchers at the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University studied 713 women aged 70 to 79 years who took part in the Women’s Health and Aging Studies. “A number of studies have measured the positive impact of exercise and healthy eating on life expectancy, but what makes this study unique is that we looked at these two factors together,” explains lead author, Dr. Emily J Nicklett, from the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Researchers found that the women who were most physically active and had the highest fruit and vegetable consumption were eight times more likely to survive the five-year follow-up period than the women with the lowest rates. Key research findings included: More than half of the 713 participants (53 percent) didn’t do any exercise, 21 percent were moderately active, and the remaining 26 percent were in the most active group at the study’s outset. During the five-year follow up, 11.5 percent of the participants died. Serum carotenoid levels (from fruits and vegetables) were 12 percent higher in the women who survived and total physical activity was more than twice as high. Women in the most active group at the start of the study had a 71 percent lower five-year death rate than the women in the least active group. Women in the highest carotenoid group at the start of the study had a 46 percent lower five-year death rate than the women in the lowest carotenoid group. When taken together, physical activity levels and total serum carotenoids predicted better survival. “Given the success in smoking cessation, it is likely that maintenance of a healthy diet and high levels of physical activity will become the strongest predictors of health and longevity. Programs and policies to promote longevity should include interventions to improve nutrition and physical activity in older adults,” said Dr. Nicklett. Botox as Effective as Medication for Urinary Urgency Incontinence Botox® injections to the bladder are as effective as medication for treating urinary urgency incontinence in women, but the injection is twice as likely to completely resolve symptoms. These findings were published in the latest issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Urgency incontinence is urinary incontinence with a strong or sudden need to urinate. Traditionally, this condition has been treated with drugs known as anticholinergics, which reduce bladder contractions by targeting the bladder muscle through the nervous system. However, many women who take anticholinergic medications experience side effects, including constipation, dry mouth and dry eyes. “Prior to this study, we reserved (Botox) for women who did not respond to traditional oral medication,” said Linda Brubaker, MD, MS, co-author of the study. “However, this research supports the use of either of these approaches as appropriate first-line treatment in women.” An estimated 15.7 percent of U.S. women experience urinary incontinence. Women are twice as likely to experience urinary incontinence as men. “These results will help doctors weigh treatment options for women and make recommendations based on individual patient needs,” said Dr. Brubaker, who is in the Division of Female Pelvic & Reconstructive Surgery, Loyola University Health System. 12 Secrets to Getting Along with Your Daughter-in-Law The holidays are coming and this year you’re determined not to let family drama get you down! So what are your options? You can leave town, hope your in-laws decide to spend the holidays with someone else or you can shift the situation and, with it, shift your emotional reaction. Deanna Brann, Ph.D., author of the new book Reluctantly Related: Secrets to Getting Along with Your Mother-in-Law or Daughter-in-Law, says, “Let’s face it, the Mother-inLaw/Daughter-in-Law relationship starts out artificially. You aren’t family through blood and you didn’t choose to be friends, so how do you build a foundation for a happy holiday?” Here are five tips for (nearly) stress free festivities: Be a team player: Regardless of who is hosting, remember to ask questions, compliment your motherin-law or daughter-in-law, offer help and let her know you’re interested in her thoughts. Don’t take things personally: Everyone is stressed during the holidays, so as long as you know you’re on your best behavior, you can be certain “it’s not all about you.” Find the humor: No matter what happens look at the humor in it and tuck it away for a story about what she did “this” time. Find some down-time for yourself: Just a few minutes to reflect and re-energize can be just what you need to get your energy back. Establish ground rules in advance: Talk to your spouse and agree on how long you’ll be staying. If necessary, take two cars and don’t forget to let your family know what time you plan to leave. Xifaras Wins Poetry Prize Attorney Robert Xifaras, a local businessman and entrepreneur, has been awarded a prize for poetry by the Bartleby Scrivener Poetry Group at Baker Books. An avid reader and writer, he became a member of the group about six years ago. Mr. Xifaras has written more than 300 poems, a short story, a play, and what he considers his greatest attempt, a non-fiction self-help book of general knowledge so others can learn from his 81 years of life experiences. Answers to Trivia Quiz 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) December 2012 Senior Scope The Pentagon Tango Golf Scott Bakula Harry Truman 6) C 7) D 8) Flaps 9) C 10)B Learn about activities in our area. Keep up to date with health and Medicare news Plus: Recipes, Photos, Trivia,Travel and much more LOOK SeniorScope Subscriptions Have you ever thought of a subscription to Senior Scope as a gift for Christmas ? Do you have friends who have retired and left the area but would like to keep up on all of the goings on back home? You can send them SeniorScope and we will take care of everything for just the cost of mailing. Mail Subscription Yes, I want to send SeniorScope by mail. Enclosed is a check or money order in the amount of $12 to cover postage and handling for one year (10 issues). Name__________________________________________ Street__________________________________________ City or town ________________________Zip_________ Telephone ______________________________________ Mail to: SeniorScope 181 Hillman Street, New Bedford MA 02740. Reader Exchange 1949 Christmas Memory by Joan Henderson Beaubian December 25, 1949, fell on a Sunday, so without even searching my memory bank, I am sure we were in church, the Bethel African Memorial Church to be exact. We had a pageant every year and more than once I was the angel, dressed in a white choir robe with wings and a halo. My hair was probably in Shirley Temple banana curls that my mother had styled on a pencil. (I always recall that dress clothes were the most uncomfortable and usually topped off by patent shoes that I pretended were tap dancing shoes, and ankle socks that kept slipping down in the back.) For years, I prided myself on being chosen to play the role of the angel, who had a special place in the balcony and the spotlight would shine on me as I professed “Behold, A child is born.” In relating this story to a group of former neighbors, one happened to have been my Sunday school teacher who made it clear that the role of the angel was given to me so that I would be away from the other kids and that would keep me from talking. At the Senior Centers... continued from page 8 Rochester Senior Center For more information on the following activities, call the Rochester Senior Center at 508-763-8723: The Annual Christmas Party Luncheon will be held on Friday, December 14, at noon. The menu includes a full Roast Beef dinner with all the fixings. Please sign up by Wednesday of that week to reserve your spot. The Annual New Year’s Eve Party on Monday, Dec. 31, from noon to 2 p.m. will feature great music, great food and great company. This is a free event. Noisemakers, hats, and everything to celebrate will be provided. Christmas Cards are here! The COA receives donations of cards with envelopes for all occasions. They are available for a mere donation of ten cents a card. The Friends of the Senior Center are offering a day of holiday gift wrapping on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The monthly informal gathering of Rochester Veterans of any age will be held on Wednesday, December 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday night Bingo is canceled for the winter and will start up again in March. Soup & Sandwich lunches are back on Mondays at noon. Everyone is welcome. Please call in advance to reserve your meal. There is no charge, but a donation of $ 4.00 would be appreciated Weekly grocery shopping trips are now being scheduled on Wednesdays. We will shop at Market Basket in New Bedford. Any senior is welcome to ride the van, but must sign up in advance to reserve a seat. We leave at 8:30 and return at 12:30 Weekly Blood Pressure Checks with Town Nurse Betsy Dunn have moved to Mondays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cardio-Fit Groovercise, an exercise class led by certified instructor Ellie Higgins, now meets on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. New Chair Yoga Classes meet on Monday afternoons from 1 to 2 with Susan Ashley, a certified fitness instructor and personal trainer. This modified format offers yoga practice without having to get down on the floor. Scrabble with Judy MacGregor meets on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Friday Movies are free and we serve popcorn too. Movies start at 1:30 sharp. The schedule for this month: Dec. 7, The Christmas Lodge; Dec.21, Christmas Cottage; and Dec. 28, The Artist. The newly updated Computer Lab is available every day. Volunteer Dawn Larson is available on Fridays at 11:15 a.m. If you cannot make that time, call the Center and we will have Dawn contact you directly. Traditional and Country Western Line Dancing class meets Friday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 with instructor Nancy Cabral. Stepping and Stretching on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., is a fun filled hour of easy exercise to build strength and improve balance. Most exercises are done from your chair. New Acrylics painting class with volunteer Roxy Simpson meets on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. All levels are welcome. Ye Olde Breakfast Shoppe serves breakfast Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. This is a joint effort of the Friends of the Senior Center and the Rochester Lions Club Health Foods... continued from page 9 and gives the immune system a boost. 9. Popcorn ($3.49 per 9-oz box or $0.39 per 1-oz serving): Plain airpopped popcorn is a great wholegrain snack that adds up to only 30 calories per cup. 10.Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans ($1.19 per 15.5-oz can or $0.31 per ½-cup serving): Chickpeas are low in fat, high in fiber, and a great plant-based source of protein. Chickpeas have approximately 5 grams of protein per cup, almost as much as 1 ounce of meat. Rinse and drain chickpeas to decrease sodium content and add to salads for a hearty dish. Source: http://www.foxnews. com/leisure/2012/10/23/10-healthyfoods-under-1/#ixzz2AnpNlZNZ In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it “Christmas” and went to church; the Jews called it “Hanukkah” and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Hanukkah!” or (to the atheists) “Look out for the wall!” Dave Barry
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