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VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2

LUTHER HOUSE , 120-126 JENNERS POND ROAD , WEST GROVE , PA 19390 610-869-4240

Luther house gazette February 2016

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2

February Activities Scheduled

Monday, February 1st, Assumption School Students will be here to do

various volunteer activities.

Sunday, February 7th, Community of Love Church will be distributing

cans of soup on Super Bowl Sunday.

Sunday, February 14th residents will be going to the Milburn Stone

Theater to see the musical “Gypsy.”

The Fireplace by Hal Borland (1900)

Philosophy and faith are companions at the hearth, and ever have been.

There are better ways to heat a house, but neither love nor friendship

is too much concerned with economics. Man built a home around a fire,

and there a family grew. To his fireside man brought his friends, and friendship grew, and understanding.

So hearth became home, and home became heart. It has little changed over the centuries.

What greater friendship or understanding is than that which stands, back to hearth,

and faces outer cold and darkness unafraid.

P A G E 2 L U T H E R H O U S E G A Z E T T E

Volunteer - Do you have a story, poem, recipe, painting, photo, craft, and/or any other ideas or items, etc. you would like to share in future Luther House Gazettes?

Volunteer opportunities at LH are available: deliver Gazettes, deliver posters, fundraise, organize bulletin boards, new resident welcome committee, back-up Meals-on-Wheels driver, back up Wawa donation and/or Starbucks driver, etc.

Annual Wellness Visit

The Annual Wellness Visit is an annual appointment with your primary care doctor to develop your

plan of preventive care for the upcoming year. This visit is not a head-to-toe physical; rather, it is an op-

portunity to discuss your current health with your doctor and create a plan for promoting your health and

wellness. You will likely discuss your medical and family history, complete a health-risk assessment that

considers your health status, injury risks, and any health needs, and

compile a list of all of your current medical providers and medications.

You and your doctor might create a checklist or screening schedule for

various preventive health care screenings.

Medicare covers many preventive care services, and this checklist will

depend on your health status and what services you are eligible to re-

ceive: identify risk factors and current medical and mental health con-

ditions along with related current or recommended treatments check

your height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index, screen for

cognitive impairment, including diseases such as Alzheimer’s or other

forms of dementia, review risk factors for depression, review your

functional ability and level of safety, including screening for hearing impairments and for your risk of fall-

ing and/or give health advice and referrals to preventive counseling programs such as weight loss, physi-

cal activity, smoking cessation, fall prevention, and nutrition.

Original Medicare covers the Annual Wellness Visit with no coinsurance or deductible as long as you

see doctors or other health care providers who accept Medicare assignment. Medicare Advantage plans

cover all preventive services the same as Original Medicare, so your plan is not allowed to charge cost-

sharing fees (coinsurances, copays or deductibles) for preventive services that Original Medicare does not

charge for as long as you see in-network providers.

It’s very important to keep in mind that, while the Annual Wellness visit itself is free, out of pocket

costs can apply for additional care you receive during or following the visit. If your primary care provider

explores or treats a new or existing health issue or runs test separate from those listed above during the

Annual Wellness Visit, you may be charged. Services not included in the Annual Wellness Visit are billed

separately and are subject to the usual copays and deductibles.

Wawa Food Donations Every weekday Wawa food donations are placed in the activity room freezers. Please help yourself. Delivery days are: Luther House I - Thursdays & Fridays, Luther House II - Tuesdays, Luther House III - Mondays, Luther House IV - Wednesdays. Note: Delivery times are at the discretion of each volunteer.

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Applying for a 2015 rent rebate — Application Procedure

The Pennsylvania Rent Rebate Program is a state wide program that benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 and older. Income eligibility is $15,000 a year or less. Remember to count only half of your social securi-ty income when calculating total income. If you applied for a rent rebate last year, you will automatically be mailed an application booklet this year. If you have never previously applied, you can pick up a booklet at the post office beginning in late February, representative John Lawrence’s office, on-line at www.revenuepa.gov or by calling 1-888-222-9190.

The application requires two pages to be completed and sent together: PA Rent Certifi-cate Occupancy Affidavit (filled out by Luther House staff) and the PA 1000 Rebate Claim (with the pink boxes - filled out by the resident).

First, there is no need to give your blank PA Rent Certificate - Occupancy Affidavit to your building administrator as before. Katie will be preparing all Affidavits ahead of time for all four buildings. Resi-dents will be able to pick up your completed PA Rent Certificate - Occupancy Affidavit anytime after May 1st from the following: if you live in building I - see Ted, if you live in building II - see Noreen, if you live in building III - see Katie, and if you live in building IV - see Diane.

Second, fill out the resident income form (PA 1000 - Re-bate Claim with the pink boxes) using the information received on the landlord form.

Finally, send both completed forms to: The Department of Revenue, Rent Rebate Program, PO Box 280503, Harrisburg, PA 17128.

If you need help filling out the PA Rent Certificate (resident portion with the pink boxes), call Diane at 610-869-4240 x 111 for assistance or you may call the office of PA Representative John Lawrence at 610-869-1602.

Note: If you need your landlord form completed before May 1st - you may bypass Luther House staff completely by taking proof of rent paid in 2014 to any Notary. Your own bank should have a Notary and they may notarize for free. The Notary will notarize the landlord form based on the rent information you have pro-vided. You can then process the forms at your convenience. However, this will not result in you getting your rent rebate check sooner. Rent rebate checks will still not be sent out from Harrisburg until after July 1st.

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2

We Love Pets at Luther House

Dogs and cats make great companions but not everyone is comfortable around animals. As a reminder - it is against LH policy to linger with your pet in common areas such as the activity room, parlor or hallways. You may pass through the common areas but please do not linger. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

P A G E 4 L U T H E R H O U S E G A Z E T T E

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons. If

you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months,

sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Treatment for SAD may include light therapy

(phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications.

Seasonal affective disorder is a subtype of major depression that comes and goes based on seasons.

Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include: irritability,

tiredness or low energy, hypersensitivity to rejection, heavy, "leaden" feeling in the arms or legs, over-

sleeping, appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates and/or weight gain.

It's normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you

can't get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is especially important if

your sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or turn to

alcohol for comfort or relaxation.

Treatment for seasonal affective disorder may include light therapy, medications and psychotherapy.

In light therapy, also called phototherapy, you sit a few feet from a special light therapy box so that

you're exposed to bright light. Light therapy mimics natural outdoor light and appears to cause a change

in brain chemicals linked to mood. Before you purchase a light therapy box, talk with your doctor

Some people with SAD benefit from antidepressant treatment, especially if symptoms are severe.

An extended-release version of the antidepressant bupropion may help prevent depressive episodes in

people with a history of SAD. Your doctor may recommend starting treatment with an antidepressant

before your symptoms typically begin each year. He or she may also recommend that you continue to

take the antidepressant beyond the time your symptoms normally go away. Keep in mind that it may

take several weeks to notice full benefits from an antidepressant. In addition, you may have to try differ-

ent medications before you find one that works well for you and has the fewest side effects.

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is another option to treat SAD. Psychotherapy can help you

identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that may be making you feel worse, learn healthy

ways to cope with SAD and manage stress.

In addition to your treatment plan for seasonal affective disorder, try the following: make your en-

vironment sunnier, open blinds, sit closer to bright windows, take a long walk, or simply sit on a bench

and soak up the sun. Exercise and other types of physical activity help relieve stress and anxiety, both of

which can increase SAD symptoms. Get enough rest and take time to relax. Engage in a form of regular

physical activity. Learn techniques to manage your stress, and make an effort to connect with people

you enjoy being around.

There's no known way to prevent the development of seasonal affective disorder. However, if you

take steps early on to manage symptoms, you may be able to prevent them from getting worse over

time.

For more information, ask your doctor.

PAGE 5 V O L U M E 1 0 , I S S U E 7 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2

Good Neighbor Reminders:

All common room reservations must be registered with Diane to prevent double booking.

After all private parties, it is the responsibility of the resident or family who reserved the room to remove all accumulated trash to the trash room. Do no leave trash behind for housekeeping.

Double bag and tie all trash before proceeding down hallways to trash room. This will prevent staining due to leakage on hall carpeting.

“Pet waste” trash receptacles are located in several places around the LH campus. They are for pet waste only. Do not place ordinary trash items such as cans, bottles or food wrappers into these specifically designated trash cans.

All children visiting LH, must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Spotlight on Resources

Do Not Call List” (state) if you want to stop unwanted state wide telemarketing calls to your residen-

tial or wireless phones, contact 1-888-777-3406 to request that your name be placed on the “Do Not

call registry.” “Do Not Call List”(national) registry number is 1-888-382-1222.

Durable Medical Equipment may to obtained for free through a variety of contacts: West Grove Li-

ons club at Robert Yeatman 484-883-0515, Abilatools, Inc. at 610-594-7021, & Access Mobility Spe-

cialist at 610-518-2221.

Tax Preparation help can be found at area Senior Centers. Individuals must call the senior center first

to make an appointment.

Renter's Insurance is a type of home insurance that protects the holder against accidents, damages,

and losses that occur in a rented residence. Renter's insurance provides coverage both for the insured's

belongings and for liability that may result from an accident in the insured's home. Many policies cov-

er replacement cost, meaning that the insured will receive the money necessary to purchase a new

item that is equivalent to the damaged one instead of a portion of that cost adjusted for depreciation.

If you need help obtaining renters insurance, call Diane at 610-869-4240 ext. 111.

Vision Assistance devices are available to all residents of LH. The magnification assistive devices are

located the libraries of LH I and LH III. User guides are available at each station.

Cornerstone Presbyterian Church Youth Choir perform at LH

P A G E 6 L U T H E R H O U S E G A Z E T T E

The Origin of Phrases

Give a cold shoulder

Origin: In medieval England, it was customary to give a guest a cold piece of meat from the shoulder of mutton, pork, or beef chop when the host felt it was time for the guest to leave. This was a polite way to communicate, “You may leave, now.”

Go the whole nine yards

Origin: During World War II, the fighter pilots were equipped with nine yards of ammunition. When they ran out, it meant that they had tried their best at fighting off the target with the en-tirety of their ammunition.

Let one’s hair down

Origin: In public, the aristocratic women of medieval times were obliged to appear in elegant hair-dos that were usually pulled up. The only time they would “let their hair down” was when they came home and relaxed.

This Month in History

February 8, 1910 - The Boy Scouts of America was founded by William Boyce in Washington, D.C., modeled after the British Boy Scouts.

February 9, 1943 - During World War II in the Pacific, U.S. troops cap-tured Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands after six months of battle, with 9,000 Japanese and 2,000 Americans killed.

February 13, 1635 - Boston Latin School, the first tax-payer supported (public) school in America was established in Boston, Massachusetts.

Birthday - Astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was born in Pisa, Italy. He was the first astronomer to use a telescope and advanced the theory that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the solar system.

February 14, 1849 - Photographer Mathew Brady took the first photograph of a U.S. President in office, James Polk.

Birthday - Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was born in Adams, Massachusetts. A pi-oneer in women's rights, she worked tirelessly for woman's suffrage (right to vote) and in 1872 was arrested after voting (illegally) in the presidential election. She was commemorated in 1979 with the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, thus became the first American woman to have her image on a U.S. coin.

Birthday - Admiral Chester Nimitz (1885-1966) was born in Fredericksburg, Texas. He commanded Allied naval, land and air forces in the South Pacific during World War II, and signed the Japanese surrender document on September 2, 1945.

February 27, 1950 - The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, limiting the presi-dent to two terms or a maximum of ten years in office.

PAGE 7 V O L U M E 1 0 , I S S U E 7

Remember when you go into the world Keep your ears wide open.

Be kind to one another. Take care of each other.

Tell the truth. Always do your best.

Listen to the big people and the little people. Explore new paths and have fun.

Know that you are loved like crazy. Give thanks for all your blessings.

Above all else, Love and you will do wonderful things in the world.

Please REMEMBER OUR TROOPS in your thoughts and prayers, and especially:

Bryan Hammell, grandson of Mary

Hammell (LH I)

James Edward Tackett, grandson of Jennifer

Rosa (LH IV)

Brock Morris, nephew of Jen Rosa (LH IV)

Jason Sunderland, son of Phyllis Sunderland

(LHI)

Jonathan Shavor, grandson of Nancy & Bob

Brynildsen (LH II)

Gregory Shaneman, grandson of Hilda

Shaneman (LH I)

Stephen Burke, grandson of Vera Passmore

(LH III)

William W. Farmer III, grandson Al Watson

(LH IV)

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2

My Favorite Recipe ...

Hawaiian Rice Salad

Anne O’Connell

2 cups cooked white rice, cold

1tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 - 14 ounce can crushed pineapple, well drained

1 cup of miniature marshmallows

1 cup flaked coconut

1 cup whipping cream

Mix rice, pineapple, coconut, sugar and marsh-mallows in a bowl.

Whip cream with additional sugar and vanilla until stiff.

Fold into rice mixture.

Chill.

Decorate with maraschino cherries or slices of fresh pineapple or strawberries.

Grandparent’s Corner -

My grandchildren’s laughter

is my favorite sound.

The sound of them sleeping

is a close second.

P A G E 8 L U T H E R H O U S E G A Z E T T E

March

Happy Birthday February

Luther House Information

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday

8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Telephone: 610-869-4240 or TTY/TDD AT 7-1-1 to connect through the PA Relay Service

for Hearing Impaired

www.lutherhousepa.org

After hour maintenance

emergencies, please dial:

610-869-4240 ext. 0

Luther House is an equal

housing opportunity

organization providing housing

regardless of race, color,

religion, sex, handicap

or national origins.

Articles are due by the 24th

for next month’s publication.

Diane Berquist, reporter and

layout

Katie Parker, activity calendar

Smile a lot. It costs nothing and is beyond price.

Photograph

By

Beverly DeSanto

A Measuring Rod by William Wordswoth

Every once in awhile, take the scenic route Sing in the shower Use the good silver

Be forgiving of yourself and others Keep secrets

Never give up on anyone. Miracles happen everyday

3 - Jean Bugenhagen - III

Shirley Tingley – III

6 - Karen Toto - II

9 - Doris Mayes - III

10 - Rosemarie DePoulter - I

13 - Jones Osborne – II

Delbert Atwood - III

15 - Marie Sweeney - II

17 - Wilma Jean Powell – III

18 - Martha Boyer - II

19 - Janet Parme - III

21 - Darla Moore - III

22 - Doris Pugh – II

Eileen Love - II

24 - Beverly DeSanto - IV

1 - Hilda Shaneman - I

John Sebastian - I

2 - Brenda Martin - I

Phyllis Cogdill - II

4 - Bertha Moore - II

6 - Mary Jane Irwin - III

Agnes Kennedy - IV

10 - Margaret Russell - III

11 - Dolores Santiago - II

13 - Shirley Kurtz - II

Dell Gary - III

16 - Marian Pitts - III

20 - Ruth Wells - I

21 - Asik Mehdihanian - II

22 - Kornelija Jaunakais - I

24 - Richard Boyer - II

25 - Mary Dennison - III

26 - Jean Dorety - II

28 - Beverly Lowthert - III

30 - Jean Root - I

31 - Virginia Sloyer - III