NewsletterThe Conkling Center

Collaboration Consultation Presentation

Our Mission:Is to enhance the quality of life of seniors in the community, directly and indirectly, by providing services, programs, and opportunities to meet their ever-changing needs.

JUNE 2018

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers:Brian Bearor, PresidentTheresa Middleton, Vice PresidentBrian Corcoran, TreasurerBarbara Sweet, Secretary

Directors:Rene ClementsRick CunninghamMike DezikMary FarrKristine FlowerCindy HorganToni HomenickLynne MasonCarol MerchantKevin O’BrienRev. Lamont RobinsonLaura Sipowicz

Executive Director:Joan K. Tarantino

The Conkling Center79 Warren Street

Glens Falls, NY 12801518-793-1494

For more information about The Conkling Center and to find the most up to date list of programs, visit us online at www.TheConklingCenter.org and find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheConklingCenter.

HISTORY OF THE CONKLING CENTERformerly The Glens Falls Home

When The Glens Falls Home opened in 1899, society at the time kept women from many leadership roles, and men played such key roles for The Glens Falls Home such as guiding finances. As a result, The Glens Falls Home had two separate boards.

There was a Board of Lady Managers on which women served. The women serving on this board were; Mrs. John R. Loomis, Jr., Mrs. Byron Lapham, Mrs. R. N. Peck, Margaret Bowden, Mrs. A. Armstrong, Mrs. Daniel J. Finch, Mrs. E. P. Moore, Mrs. Howard S. Paine, Mrs. Solomon A. Parks, Mrs. W. H. Robbins, Mrs. D.S Saylor, Mrs. Arthur W. Sherman, Margaret Walker and Mrs. Sherman Williams.

There was a Board of Directors on which men served. The men serving on this board were;

Dr. Thomas H. Foulds-President, George Greenslet-1st Vice President, Merritt Ames-2nd Vice President, Daniel L. Robertson-Secretary, James A. Holden-Treasurer, Dr. Stephen T. Birdsall, Roswell Denton, Charles R. Eddy, Joseph E. Sawyer, G. W. Scott, Jacob M. Varney, Egbert W. West, Clarence M. Wilmarth and Charles H. Wilson.

In 1949 changes were made to the policy of separation that led to today’s single Board of Directors made up of talented community leaders, chosen without regard for gender.

The 2018–2019 Board of Directors for The Conking Center are Brian Bearor-President, Theresa Middleton-Vice President, Brian Corcoran-Treasurer, Barbara Sweet-Secretary, Laura Sipowicz- Past President and Directors Rene Clements, Rick Cunningham, Mike Dezik, Mary Farr, Kristine Flower, Cindy Horgan, Toni Homenick, Lynne Mason, Carol Merchant, Kevin O’Brien and Reverend Lamont Robinson.

Today’s Board provides invaluable oversight and input to assure the sustainability of the organization.

Upcoming Programs

Tuesday, June 13 1:00 pm - 2:00 pmSEATED EXERCISE CLASS(The Conkling Center)If you prefer to exercise while sitting in a chair, come try this class. Dizziness (vertigo), joint pain (knee arthritis), numbness in the feet (neuropathy) are all reasons you may get more out of your work-out if you remain seated. Throw in some fantastic music and you will enjoy working toward great results! The class will be led by Noelle Stevens, MD of ONE Fitness and Wellness in Queensbury. Registration is requested as seating is limited. Call 518-793-1494. No fee.

Tuesday, June 19 10:30 am - 1:00 pmLEARNING, LUNCHING, AND LOUNGING AT WIAWAKA(Wiawaka Center for Women, 3778 NY 9L, Lake George)Come enjoy the day with Learning, Lunching, and Lounging! Learn about The Fascinating Life of Katrina Trask. Local speaker and “literacy dramatist” Betty Spinelli has a passion for storytelling and an in-depth knowledge of local historical figures. You may know of the Trask family in conjunction with Yaddo Gardens in Saratoga Springs. The Trasks also had a connection to Wiawaka. Come hear stories about Katrina Trask’s life that go beyond information to which the public has access. A delightful lunch with follow. After lunch you are invited to enjoy the porch and the grounds until 4:45 pm. Men are invited to come along too! Reservations are required by June 1st. Please call 518-793-1494. Fee: $15 includes lunch.

Tuesday, July 10 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmTHE TRAVELING PAINTS(The Conkling Center)The Traveling Paints are coming back to The Conkling Center. Spend part of your afternoon being creative while learning how to paint some beautiful tulips. Reserverations are required by Tuesday, July 3rd so make your reservation now by calling 518-793-1494. Fee: $10 payable prior to the day of the event.

Tuesday, July 17 1:00 pm - 2:30 pmUNDERSTANDING AND RESPONDING TO DEMENTIA-RELATED BEHAVIOR(The Conkling Center)Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Joins us to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Presenter is Lindsay Stanislowsky, program manager for Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties, Alzheimer’s Association. Please call 518-793-1494 to reserve your place. No fee.

Wednesday, July 25 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm THE MANSIONS OF MILLIONAIRES’ ROW ON LAKE GEORGE(The Conkling Center)Lake George and Millionaires’ Row has such a rich history, stories, and historical significance that needs to be shared. Please join us for a journey of elegance and history while Carol McCarthy takes us on a “tour” of selected mansions on Millionaires’ Row on Lake George. A few of the elegant mansions that have survived in some way since the turn of the 20th century will be explored through a series of vintage photos. Registration is requested as seating is limited. Please call 518-793-1494. Fee : $5.

Tuesday, August 21 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm RECOGNIZING AND COPING WITH CAREGIVER STRESS(The Conkling Center)This program talks about what causes those who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia to experience emotional and physical stress, and how to handle the stress of caregiving effectively. Presenter is Lindsay Stanislowsky, program manager for Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties, Alzheimer’s Association.Please call 518-793-1494 to reserve your place. No fee.

If you are interested in attending a program, please contact our office at 518-793-1494 for information and to register. There may be a fee charged for some programs.

‘Housing Options for Seniors’ Guide Available

The updated Housing Options for Seniors booklet is now available at our office. This resource provides information on the various senior housing options in the area. Anyone interested in receiving a copy, can stop into our office at 79 Warren Street, Glens Falls. You can also access it on our website TheConklingCenter.org

Hamilton County • Northern Saratoga CountyWarren County • Washington County

HOUSING OPTIONS

FOR SENIORS

Hamilton County

Northern Saratoga County

Warren County

Washington County

Produced by

Includes listing and definitions for:

Subsidized and Market Rate Senior Apartments,

Section 8, Adult Care Facilties, Family-Type Homes

for Adults, Retirement Living, and Nursing Homes.

GLENS FALLS, NEW YORKAGELESS OPPORTUNITIES

2017 EDITION

Testimonials

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Summer Safety Tips

Message from the Executive DirectorThe snow and ice are behind us and beautiful sunny weather is here.

It has been busy at The Conkling Center with the numerous rides provided and the many programs we have offered. Please remember to call in advance to schedule a ride and/or register for a program.

On March 22, 2018, the Warren County Bar Foundation honored The Conkling Center for the good work we do in the community. We were excited and pleased to receive this recognition. This is an incredible group of attorneys, many who have given their time to assist The Conkling Center in offering informative and educational programs.

In April, we held our annual meeting. Our new board officers were elected. D. Tucker Slingerland MD was the speaker. Dr. Slingerland spoke about

Hudson Headwaters Health Network‘s various services and facilities. They serve thousands of patients and offer a variety of services to community members.

On June 19, 2018 The Conkling Center along with The Post Star will be honoring our “Shining Stars.” Twenty individuals will be honored at a luncheon at the Great Escape Lodge. These individuals were selected from the forty-five nominations received. I would like to thank all the individuals that work so hard on this event, staff at the Post Star, The Conkling Center staff, our judges, our marketing person responsible for the awards and the many others that assist in pulling this event together.

Thank you to the many community members who have donated to The Conkling Center in 2018. Your support and generosity is greatly appreciated and allows us to keep doing what we do!

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“ON THE GO”Our two accessible vehicles travel within a 20 mile radius of the City of Glens Falls. Our transportation is door to door. Our concierges assist wheelchair bound individuals into the vehicles and assure they are harnessed safely. The concierges do not go into medical appointments, individual’s homes, etc.

There is no fee for this program. You, our riders, are the ones that help keep this program running. Your

donations are used toward the overall expenses of this program. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Thank you to our riders for your generous donations in 2018.

Vicky Saraceni – Program CoordinatorVicky Saraceni is the Program Manager with The Conkling Center. In this role, Vicky does a wide variety of duties including grant research and writing, development of innovative programs, board administration, and special projects. “I love coming to work and getting the opportunity to be part of an amazing team of dedicated and compassionate professionals,” said Vicky. “Everyone at The Conkling Center has strong relationships with our community – including the people we serve and the businesses and service organizations that we partner with.”

Vicky holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health Administration and has a Grant Professionals Certification. She is the former Director of Corporate Compliance and Community Services for the Adirondack Health Institute and has over 25 years of grant writing experience. She has also served on the Board for the Tri-County United Way, Warren-Washington Association for Mental Health, New York State Public Health Association, New York State Rural Health Association, New York State Oral Health Coalition, and New York State EMS Education Corporation.

Vicky lives in Hadley with her husband, Dave and enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, cross-country skiing, spending time with her 13 grandchildren and getting together with friends.

“Thank you very much, I appreciate your service. It is very helpful & keeps me going. With Love.” - AN

“The Conkling Center – Enclosed is a donation for my rides in April. This is the first time I used your service and it worked out very well for me. I appreciate it. Thank You so much.” - KS

Upcoming ProgramsTuesday, September 11 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm CARD MAKING WITH KRISTA(The Conkling Center)Krista Clements, an independent Stampin’ Up Demonstrator will teach you how to make beautiful handcrafted greeting cards using rubber stamps, ink, card stock and other fun supplies. No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided. Impress your family and friends with your take-home masterpieces. Registration is required by Tuesday, September 4, 2018. Please call The Conkling Center at 518-793-1494. Fee $10.00

Tuesday, September 18 1:00 pm - 2:30 pmWHAT IS NEW AT THE GLENS FALLS HOSPITAL?(The Conkling Center)There are many wonderful and new happenings at the Glens Falls Hospital…The Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, The Snuggery, and some new announcements for this fall. More details to come. Presenters are Tracy Mills, VP Planning; Cindy Sherwood, VP Development; and Heather O’Connor, Program Director at the Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease. Please call 518-793-1494 to reserve your place. No fee.

Wednesday, September 26 10:00 am - 11:15 a.m.MEDICARE BASICSOpen Medicare enrollment is fast approaching. We want to help simplify the options for eligible individuals. Attend this session to learn about Medicare: what is it; who is eligible; what are the different parts of Medicare; what does it cover; what are your options; enrollment dates; and much more. Presenter is Steve Porto, Cool Insuring Agency.Please call 518-793-1494 to reserve your place. No fee.

More programs will be added during the upcoming months. Please check The Conkling Center website at theconklingcenter.org and watch for The Conkling Center ad each month in The Chronicle, usually the third Thursday of the month.

Protect yourself during the extreme heat and sun exposure during the summer months. Take care of yourself by giving attention to;

1. Staying Hydrated2. Talking with your doctor3. Keeping Cool4. Communicating with your family and neighbors5. Wearing the Right Clothes6. Protecting your eyes7. Wearing a hat

There are many other things to think about during the summer months. Check out care.com/senior-care the website where this information is located.

The Greatest Battle in AmericaSaratoga and Its Legacy — Some “Take-Aways” from the PresentationOn Wednesday, April 25th, Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer gave a passionate and interestingly detailed presentation on the Battle of Saratoga. Eric is an historian at Saratoga National Historical Park and has dedicated his life’s study to the organization, personnel, and material culture of the military forces associated with the Northern Campaign of 1777.

One of the main reasons that British victories at some earlier battles turned into losses by the time the troops reached Saratoga can be summed up as training versus experience. Ranger Eric emphasized that experience is more important than training. Many of the British had never been in an actual battle and were newly located to the area. The Continental Army had been in battle in Boston and other areas and continued on to Saratoga. Also they were use to fighting in the woods where the British were use to being more in the open with their canons. It was also interesting to learn that there were very few soldiers from New York at the Battle of Saratoga. Most were from New England and Pennsylvania. The Oneida Nations became the first ally of the United States followed shortly after by France. One humorous side note was that the German soldiers were very slow moving!

VETERANS DAY RECOGNITION BREAKFAST

Wednesday, November 7 8:30 am - 11:30 a.m (Mohican Ballroom, Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, Route 9, Queensbury)All veterans, wives, widows and widowers are cordially invited to the annual Veterans Day Recognition Breakfast sponsored by the Greater Glens Falls Senior Center and The Conkling Center. This year the plated breakfast will be followed by the popular radio show of the 40’s produced by Glens Falls own Gary Ferris. Two years ago, Gary’s music had people dancing between the table to tunes that brought back memories from seventy some years ago. His commercials had people saying that they remembered that local store or product. Call to reserve your seat: 518 -793-1494. No fee.

Please visit our website at TheConklingCenter.org for the full

calendar of programs and events.