NEWSLETTER VOL. 9 NO. 1

TAKE A LOOK

I N S I D E

SPRING 2015

NORTH HEMPSTEAD NAMED AARP AGE-FRIENDLY TOWN

A MESSAGE FROM SUPERVISOR BOSWORTH

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth announced recently that AARP will designate the Town of North Hempstead as a member of the “AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities,” an indication of the Town’s commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors residing within North Hempstead. The designation earns the Town of North Hempstead a place in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities, which allows North Hempstead access to WHO resources to better serve its aging community, including successful age-

Welcome to our new PIONEER newsletter, brought to you by the Town of North Hempstead’s Project Independence. I hope you enjoy our re-designed layout, which includes some new

and old special features like the Caring Corner and insightful columns from various PI contributors. We will also keep you informed about upcoming PI events and activities.

Project Independence exists to help you, our senior Town resident, age in place safely and comfortably. We hope that this newsletter will enhance your ability to

do just that. We’d love to hear what you think of the new design. Write us at projectindependence@northhempsteadny.gov.

Emergency Preparedness: Increase the visibility of your house in case of emergencies…2

Virtual Senior Center: Partake in classes with other senior residents from your own home…7

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Emergency Services... We can’t find your house!

Recently, Project Independence received a call from a member’s granddaughter concerning her grandmother’s recent move into a local assisted living facility. Her grandmother (Mary), age 97 and in good health, felt bullied and shunned because of her age. The younger seniors won’t let her sit at their table or participate in their activities.

A PI Social worker helped by partnering with the facility staff to put supports in place including, introducing Mary to new residents, enrolling in classes, learning the IPAD, and participating in discussion groups. Mary was thrilled to have met residents with similar interests and she really enjoys FaceTime with her grandchildren!

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If an Amazon.com delivery can’t quickly find your house, you will survive. Suppose though that emergency responders (fire, police, paramedics, etc.) can’t easily find your house – it could mean the difference between life and death.

Recently, I took an informal walking survey, on a bright sunny day, in my own my neighborhood. What I observed is that about 1 in 15 homes do not have visible house numbers. I repeated my informal walking survey in the evening, and observed something even more disconcerting, at night, many of the homes that had visible house numbers in daylight, were not visible at night. Add snow, fog or rain and visibility

of your house number decreases. Every second/minute wasted looking for your house number is critical in an emergency situation.

Here are some helpful thoughts I put together to make sure your house number is visible. Make sure the house number is not hidden by shrubs, snow or other obstacles. Have color contrast between the number and the background. Your house number should be illuminated at night. It should be visible from all directions and be large enough to be seen from 50 feet away or the middle of your street. Numbers should be easy to read, so stay away from script or fancy styles. I strongly recommend that you make the changes necessary to make sure your house number is always visible, day or night. These good practices could save time and even your life!

Call 311 or 869-6311 for more information

North Hempstead Named Age-Friendly Town

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friendly strategies, planning tools, and other resources to improve the health, well-being, satisfaction, and the quality of life of aging residents. William I. Stoner, Associate State Director for Livable Communities AARP, said “We are thrilled to welcome the Town of North Hempstead into the AARP Network of Age Friendly communities. The Town has been a leader in aging in place for years and has a great deal to share with other stakeholders around the country and the globe.”

AARP’s Network of “Age-Friendly” communities focuses on improving the elements of communities that enhance independent living with a goal of having older citizens take a more active role in their communities, including housing, caregiving, community engagement, volunteering, social inclusion and combatting isolation among older citizens. Jacob Kott, a key AARP volunteer-representative, from North Hempstead, will be working with the Town on this endeavor. Mr. Kott, is also a resident of North Hempstead and a Project Independence Advisory Committee member, who said, “I look forward to working closely with the Town to highlight all of the best practices that are already in place and to help draft a plan to integrate the ‘Age-Friendly’ communities program.”

Some of the excellent benefits for the Town of North Hempstead in joining the AARP and WHO networks include: connection to a global network of participating communities, as well as aging and civil society

experts; access to key information about the program: latest news, best practices, events, result challenges and new initiatives; opportunities for partnerships with other cities, both domestic and overseas; mentoring and peer review evaluation by other member cities, in the U.S. and abroad; recognition by both AARP and WHO of the community’s commitment to become more age-friendly. Supervisor Judi Bosworth said, “The Town of North Hempstead is a natural fit for the ‘Age Friendly’

community network. Project Independence, the Town’s aging-in-place initiative, has already been in the forefront of aging well environments. Joining a world network will give our Town’s senior residents even more access to programs, services and aging-in-place policy. We look forward to continuing to build our ‘Age Friendly’ network with the rest of the world.”

1. Take stock of your medicine cabinet: check expirations dates and discard any unused medications. (Please dispose of medications using safe guidelines or utilizes the Town’s S.T.O.P. Program for proper disposal.)

2. Clean up clutter to reduce risk of falling.

3. Organize documents from the year. Consult an accountant on what documents can be shredded.

4. Replace all batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

5. Make sure your fire extinguisher has been inspected within the past year.

Top 5 Spring Cleaning Safety Tips

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P.I. MEMBERS

Jack has been a member of PI since 2012. He is active on the PI Great Neck Advisory Committee and understands the significance of PI’s impact on our Town’s seniors. He is coordinator of volunteers in the Town for AARP and has been instrumental with the Town becoming a designated “Age-Friendly” community.

Julia has lived in New Cassel since 1962 and is a PI Advisory and Sub-committee member. Julia participates in the PI-Exercise for Balance & Strength Program and is on the Bunky Reid Park All Star Basketball Team Board. Julia wholeheartedly embraces any program for the betterment of her beloved New Cassel.

Joan has been a PI and Advisory Committee member since 2009. As a librarian, she helped set up the PI Resource room at DOSA and the mini-library at the “Yes We Can” Community Center. She brings magazines, calendars and greeting cards to Magnolia Gardens Housing. Joan arranged for PI to participate in the ConkerrCancer program for hospitalized children.

JACK

JULIA

JOAN

F R O M G R E A T N E C K

F R O M W E S T B U R Y

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IN THE NEWS

Joan was an original member of PI, joining in 2006. She participates in many PI programs, including the PI New Hyde Park Advisory Committee, the JULIETs, the book club, and attends most monthly health chats. In addition to participating in PI, Joan is involved in many civic groups in her community.

Dee has been a PI member since 2009 and is an avid user of many PI services. She is a regular member of the PI Port Washington Advisory Committee and uses the PI Taxi program, the Help at Home Program and meets with a PI social worker and nurse. Dee joined PI because of its forward thinking programs and services.

Mike joined PI in 2009 and was instrumental in the planning of the Mineola/Williston Park PI Open House. Mike is a “staple” at Town events and is a member of the PI Advisory committee. He sits on the boards of the Salvation Army, Sagamore Hill, Corpus Christi Church, and the Mineola Library. He attends many PI activities as well.

JOAN

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Why, in a town that offers easily accessible advice, guidance, and assistance to its senior citizens, are there still many elderly residents who are hesitant to ask for help? With a Town Supervisor like Judi Bosworth, who is an advocate and fully supports the Department of Services for the Aging, it is difficult to understand why any “senior” in North Hempstead would be reluctant to reach out confidently when they are in need of assistance of any kind. We are fortunate to live in a community whose members typically respond to their neighbors with a kind word or helping hand, surely a blessing to an older individual who might be living alone. Although some may fear that asking for help is a sign of weakness or an opportunity to be taken advantage of, one of the reasons for the Town’s Project SAFE programs, is the reality that we age “better” when we can do it in a caring and supportive environment of family, friends, and community.

Seeking help does not signal a loss of independence or the desire to “give up”. In fact, the opposite is true. Realizing that we don’t have to “go it alone” is inherent to continuing to live the life we want to live, no matter what age we might be. Although there may be many valid feelings associated with one’s desire to remain completely independent at an advanced age, loving and respecting yourself enough to realize that this may not be possible should guide your choices. Accept who you are and embrace the help that is available for the asking. Remember that you have so much to offer and a lot more life to live! Become empowered by knowledge of what is available to you through DOSA (Department of Services for the Aging) by calling 311 for upcoming events, and by tuning into the “Project Independence and You” radio program each Friday from 10:00 A.M. to Noon on 88.1 FM for informative discussions with weekly guests of varied backgrounds. The final thought is to remember that you are not alone and the Town, your neighbors and your friends are here for you with help and support – so just ask!

John Ryan is the host of Project Independence and You Radio Show and Moderator of the Project SAFE series

REMEMBER: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is not true!

Get more information on how to protect yourself and those you care about at Project SAFE Seminars (dates on back)

1. Shred all receipts with your credit card number or personal information.

2. Use direct deposit for benefit checks to prevent checks from being stolen from the mailbox.

3. Never give your credit card, banking, Social Security, Medicare, or personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call.

4. Be skeptical of all unrequested offers and thoroughly do your research if you’re seeking any type of services.

5. Sign up for the “Do Not Call” list (www.donotcall.gov) to prevent telemarketers from calling and take yourself off multiple mailing lists. Phone: 1-888-382-1222.

TOP 5Ways to Protect

Yourself from Scams

It is Okay to Accept Help!

b y John Rya n

(National Council on Aging)

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SelfHelp Community Services, Inc. and the Kimmel Foundation will be implementing a Virtual Senior Center program within the Town of North Hempstead. This program uses an interactive technology system to connect homebound seniors with friends and other residents, allowing them to interact in group activities. On October 14, 2014, Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board approved this program to begin in 2015. Supervisor Bosworth said, “Homebound senior residents in our Town should have access to programs and activities. It is wonderful that a program such as this exists and can offer these types of services to seniors in the comfort of their own home.” If you are interested in utilizing the program or volunteering to teach a course, please call 311 or 869-6311.

Upcoming North Hempstead 2015 S.T.O.P. Dates

Saturday, April 11thMichael J. Tully Park1801 Evergreen Ave.New Hyde Park

Sunday, May 17th Michael J. Tully Park1801 Evergreen Ave.New Hyde Park

Saturday, June 20th North Hempstead Beach Park North Lot175 West Shore RoadPort Washington

Nassau County Veterans Service Agency (including the agency’s transportation program): 516-572-6560

VA Hospital in Northport: 631-261-4400VA New York Regional Office: 1-800-827-1000VA Life Insurance: 1-800-669-8477

L.I. State Veterans Nursing Home: 631-444-8500U.S. Veterans Affairs- Veterans Resource Center: 516-348-0088

VETERAN’S CORNER

Virtual Senior Center

Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town of North Hempstead Veterans Advisory Committee (VAC) met on February 28th to discuss ideas for upcoming outreach to veterans within the Town. One of the top priorities of Supervisor Bosworth and the VAC is to ensure that all veterans know whom to contact when they have questions about benefits or if they are in an emergency situation. Here are some important contact numbers for veterans:

This information and more about the North Hempstead Veterans Advisory Committee is available at www.northhempsteadny.gov/veterans.

Dispose of household hazardous waste, shred your old documents, donate clothing and gently-used household items and trash expired or unwanted pharmaceuticals! Upcoming North Hempstead 2015 S.T.O.P. Dates:

Drop off Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. For safety reasons, no materials will be accepted prior to 9:30 a.m. or after 3 p.m. Residential material for shredding will be accepted but must be limited to four boxes or bags per car.

Nassau County Department of Social Services: 516-227-8519; After Hours: 516-573-8626Long Island Crisis Counseling and Referral Center Hotline: 516-679-1111

Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 516-542-0404Nassau University Medical Center: 516-572-0123

LI Coalition for the Homeless: 516-742-7770 ext. 13North Shore LIJ Military and Veterans Liaison Services: 516-562-3235

Here are important contact numbers during emergencies:

Wednesday April 22 & May 13 at 2 p.m.Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main Street #1, Port Washington

Refreshments included

At Clinton G Martin Park (1601 Marcus Ave, New Hyde Park), April 18, May 16, June 6 & June 27 from 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. $20 for AARP members and $25 for Non-Members

Attend an upcoming session to meet with the Supervisor’s Applicant Advocate and have your questions or concerns addressed regarding your Building Department Application.

Project SAFE (Seniors Against Financial Exploitation) Dates

AARP Driving Courses

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Spring 2015 Mobile Office Hours for the Building Department

Tuesday, April 14th from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.Hillside Public Library

155 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park

Monday, April 20th from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.Shelter Rock Public Library

165 Searingtown Road, Albertson

Town of North Hempstead220 Plandome RoadManhasset, NY 11030

PRST STDU.S. Postage

PAIDFlushingNew York

Permit No. 460

Tune in every Friday Morning from 10 a.m. to Noon for the Project Independence and

You Radio Show on WCWP 88.1 FM! You can also visit the LIU-Post website, wcwp.org,

to hear the program live, or catch up with past shows on tonhprojectindependence.net