Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDPermit No. 115Pittsfield, MA 01201

Volume 34, Number 6 • June 2017 • The monthly newspaper for Berkshire County seniors • Free

Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. • Proudly promoting Elder Independence since 1974 •

Berkshire Senior

InSide

Berkshire Seniors ............... 2

Government Update .......... 3

SHINE ................................... 4

Alzheimer's/Caregiver ...........5

For Your Information ........6, 7

Farmers Markets ....................8

Elder Services .....................9-11

Health Matters ......................13

Our Community ................14

Nutrition ............................ 16

Getting Your Affairs in OrderSee page 6

LAUGHTER PAGE 13

MARKET PAGE 8

Like Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc.

Audrey Hepburn said, famously, “I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.”

Sure, you may say, every-one loves to laugh. What’s the big deal about laughing? Well, we’re going to tell you what some of the experts say:

The staff at the Mayo Clinic says, “When it comes to relieving stress, giggles and guffaws are just what the doctor ordered. A good sense of humor can’t cure all ailments, but data is mount-ing about the positive things that laughter can do. A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:

Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your

intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins which are released by your brain.

Activate and release your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase your heart rate. The result? A good, re-laxed feeling.

Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help re-duce some of the physical symptoms of stress.”

Aside from a quick pick-me-up, the Mayo Clinic also advocates the long-term ef-fects of laughter, such as improving your immune system, relieving pain, im-proving your mood, and helping you connect with other people. Laughter can help you lessen your depres-sion and anxiety, perhaps from chronic illness or the

like, and may make you feel better overall.

Sure, you may say, what if I have no sense of humor, or it’s been drained out of me? Well, we say that it can be learned, developed, or re-kindled more easily than you may think. Here’s a few jump-starting ideas:

Put a little humor in your life. Find a few simple items, like photos, greeting cards, or cartoons that tickle your funny-bone, and hang them at home or in your office. Look online at comedy web-sites. Go to a comedy club.

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Find a way to laugh at your own situ-ations. Practice laughing, even if it feels forced at first. At work, remember to laugh with your boss, not at him or her.

Share a laugh. Spend time with friends who make you laugh, and share funny

Is laughter really therapeutic?By Flo Brett and Roger Gutwillig

You can now find the bounty of Massachusetts Agriculture at your local farmers’ market,

You can expect to find a festive atmosphere and a wide array of fresh vegetables and fruits. You may also find baked goods, maple prod-ucts, honey, eggs, farmstead cheeses, apple cider, jams and jellies, flowers, and even turkey and meats. The Com-monwealth of Massachusetts

Berkshire County Farmers' Markets

offers two programs to make the Farmers’ Markets more affordable to all:Farmers Market coupons

Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons are usually not available until after July 1 — check with your local Coun-cil on Aging or Senior Center after that date. To be eligible for coupons on the basis of income, an applicant’s gross household income (i.e. before taxes are withheld) must be no more than 185 % of the U.S. Poverty Income Guide-lines. The guidelines for July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018: 1 person household, $22,311/yr ($1,859/m); 2 persons $30,043/yr ($2,504/m).Farm-ers’ Market Senior coupons are used like cash with par-

Comedy Dungeon performed recently at the Ralph Froio Senior Center's Variety Show to a standing room only crowd.

Fresh, healthy and delicious food in now available at your local farmers' market.

June 2017Page 2

Berkshire Seniors

Editor and Production: Karen Shreeft er

Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich, John-Arthur Miller,

Bonny DiTomasso, Laura Feakes, John Lutz, and Rhonda Serre

Advertising Sales: Bob O'Connor

1-800-544-5242 or 499-0524

Berkshire Senior is published monthly by Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc., 877 South Street, Suite 4E, Pittsfi eld, MA 01201, 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242, e-mail: esbc@esbci.org or on the internet at www.esbci.org.

NOTICEElder Services sells advertising to defray costs. Inclusion of advertisers in no

way implies that Elder Services endorses any product or service.

Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion

of Elder Services. For medical, fi nancial or other advice, seek a qualifi ed

professional in the appropriate fi eld.

Elder Services and its programs are funded, in part, by the Massachusetts

Executive Offi ce of Elder Aff airs.

State and federal funds provided to Elder Services are limited. Elder Services

welcomes charitable donations to help meet the growing needs of Berkshire

seniors, and gratefully acknowledges all donations.

Elder Servicesof Berkshire County, Inc.

Berkshire SeniorTo Elder Services

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

By Dean Lagrotteria

On June 15, communities across the U.S. and around the world will mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and work to highlight the tragic issue of elder abuse.

Approximately one in 10 Americans aged 60 and over have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as 5 million elders are abused each year. That boils down to 570 per hour or nine each minute. One study estimated only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported.

Elder abuse comes in many forms. Abuse includes physical abuse, emo-tional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and self neglect. Self neglect is when a person is unable to meet their own basic needs which could have the potential of causing serious harm.

Elders who are abused are twice as likely to go to a hospital, four times as likely to go to a nursing home and three times as likely as their counterparts to die sooner.

Often times the abuser is the one closest to an elder. 60% of abuse is committed by a family member, most being spouses and adult children.

Problems such as cognitive impairment, social isolation, increased medi-cal needs, and physical decline can all lead to a person becoming vulnerable to abuse or exploitation.Can elder abuse be prevented?

Yes. Understanding the warning signs and learning how to protect yourself or a loved one can help. • Some of the signs or indicators of abuse or self neglect are:

• Weight loss

• Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities

• Poor hygiene

• Unusual increase in banking activity

• Unexplained bruising or cuts

• Lack of food in the home

• Utility shut offs

What terrific meals!Thank you for all my previous meals. What a great privilege to have them available. I no longer need them but am so grateful for having done so. The workers deserve so much credit as the meals are so well planned and appeal-ing. Also, the drivers sure make your day by their smiling and friendly way of serving you.Thanks again,Elaine F.

Dear Ms. Shreefter (Editor),Just thought I’d say I enjoy the "Berkshire Senior" and all its information.Thank you,Mrs. E

Elder Services' website is very helpfulThank you for the information I found on your (web)site. I’ve been collecting information to share with my brother, both about making his home more accessible and just general good advice I come across. Thank you, M.Editor's Note: Elder Services' website is: www.esbci.org

In reference to our Volunteer Appreciation CelebrationTo the staff of Elder Services, We would like to thank you for a wonderful afternoon of food and friends. The food was yummy and it was very enjoy-able being with other volunteers!Sincerely,“The Dalton Gang”

• Decrease in cleanliness of the home

• Missing medications

Here are only some of the things you can do to protect yourself… • Take care of your health and see you doctor regularly

• Appoint someone you trust as Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy. Seek legal advice before signing legal documents

• Stay active in the community to avoid social isolation

• Don’t give personal information over the phone

• Go to https://ncea.acl.gov for more information about prevention

• Contact your local elder service agency for information on services to keep you at home safely. For the Berkshires contact Elder Services of Berkshire County at 413-499-0524. For the rest of the state call 1-800-Age-Info.

What to do if you suspect elder abuse• If an older adult is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911.• To get a trained caseworker involved, contact your local Elder Protective

Services agency. • For the Berkshires call Berkshire Elder Protective Services at 1-855-

874-3242. • If you are outside of the Berkshires, but in Massachusetts call 1-800-

922-2275 for the Elder Abuse Hotline. • For the rest of the country go to www.N4A.org for a list of Protective

Services agencies.• Long-term care ombudsman programs and the police can be contacted

for information and assistance as well. Once an elder abuse report is received, a trained Protective Service

caseworker is assigned to investigate the allegations. If the investigation re-sults in the confirmation of one or more types of abuse, the elder is offered an array of services to address the situation. In cases of serious abuse, the Protective Services agency must make a report to the District Attorney for possible prosecution

Elder abuse can be prevented or alleviated. There is no shame in having suffered or suffering from abuse. Everyone has the right to live free from fear, abuse and exploitation. Again, June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness day. The color purple symbolizes the growing problem of elder abuse. Please wear purple on that day to show support for the prevention of elder abuse.

Dean Lagrotteria, Protective Service Regional Program Director, Berkshire Elder Protective Services at LifePath, Inc.

June 2017Page 3 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior

Government Update

Berkshire County State LegislatorsIt's important to keep your legislators in-formed about what is important to you. If you have questions or comments that you want to share with your Berkshire rep-resentatives, you can contact them using the information below:

• Rep. Gailanne Cariddi (1st District): 1-617-722-2370 & 664-6812gailanne.cariddi@mahouse.gov

• Rep. Paul W. Mark (2nd District) 1-617-722-2013 & 464-5635paul.mark@mahouse.gov

• Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier (3rd District) 1-617-722-2240 & 442-4300tricia.farley-bouvier@mahouse.gov

• Rep. Smitty Pignatelli (4th District) 1-617-722-2017 & 637-0631rep.smitty@mahouse.gov

• State Senator Adam Hinds 1-617-722-1625adam.hinds@masenate.gov

Elder Services Speaks 200 Languages!Beginning English speaker? Did you know that Elder Services has the ability to communicate with individuals speaking over 200 different languages? Don’t let language be a barrier to getting services for you, your aging parents or grandparents.

Call us today at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 for more information .

Looking for Quality Affordable Senior Living?

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APPLICANTS MUST MEET STATE AND FEDERAL GUIDELINES

Senior issues and the state budget

By State Rep. Paul Mark

Spring is budget season in the Massachusetts General Court. The House of Representatives goes first, with the House Committee on Ways and Means releasing an initial version of the Fiscal Year 2018 state budget in early April. This initial version is the result of months of studying rev-enue numbers, evaluating the needs of constituents and state agencies, conducting multiple public hearings around the state, and considering the Governor’s budget requests from late January. Once the members of the

House see this first draft plan, we have three days to offer amendments of our own, and a week after that to co-sponsor amendments that other legislators have filed. We then meet at the State House the last week of April to consider each and every line item, each and every amendment, and debate what we think should be included and what should be left out. The Senate follows the same process in May, the House and Senate versions are reconciled over the month of June, and the new fiscal year begins on July 1.

Every year, services for seniors are among the most important we fight for during that budget process. It is important as a legislator to look be-yond numbers on a spreadsheet and to realize what those numbers actually represent. They represent services that are vital to residents of our com-monwealth, and money that is coming out of the pockets of hard working people throughout Massachusetts. We strive to balance those two needs by finding budget items that result in the biggest bang for our limited dollars through programs that are investments thatwill end up saving us all money over time. Services for seniors are among the best investments we can make. Helping to keep people in their homes can both save money in the long run and improve the quality of life for someone who has paid into the system for many years. Preventative services like meals on wheels and transporta-tion for medical treatment keep people healthy, safe, and living longer and better lives. That benefits everybody regardless of age in a profound way.

Throughout my time serving the people as state representative, I have never felt more uncertainty than I do this year as a result of the tone and news coming out of Washington, D.C. As I write this, I have no idea what our national health care law, our federal budget, or attempts to change and possibly undermine Medicare and Social Security will look like. While Massachusetts can and will continue to lead on access to healthcare and services for our residents, we will be in a tough position if we are expected to backfill cuts that could top one billion dollars from the federal government. It is imperative that we all keep an eye on what is happening in congress,

and let our federal delegation know that we support them in their efforts to fight unnecessary cuts that would be harmful to seniors, children, and our neighbors throughout Massachusetts.

State Representative Paul W. Mark represents the 2nd Berkshire district. To contact him call 1-617-722-2304 or email Paul.Mark@mahouse.gov.

— AND OPERATED FOR THREE DECADES —

Award-winning traditionalassisted living and memory care.

413-499-1992 | Wingatehealthcare.com

June 2017Page 4

SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone)

Adams Visitors Center 743-8333 3 Hoosac StreetBecket/Otis/Sandisfield Otis Town Hall269-0100 x107 One North Main RoadDalton Senior Center684-2000 40 Field Street ExtensionGreat Barrington Claire Teague Senior Center528-1881 909 South Main StreetHinsdale Hinsdale Town Hall655-2310 or 655-2929 39 South StreetLanesborough Lanesborough COA448-2682 83 North Main StreetLee Lee COA243-5545 21 CrosswayLenox Community Center637-5535 65 Walker StreetNorth Adams Spitzer Center662-3125 116 Ashland Street.Pittsfield Ralph J. Froio Senior Center499-9346 330 North StreetSheffield Senior Center229-7037 25 Cook RoadStockbridge Senior Center298-4170 x263 50 Main StreetWilliamstown Harper Center458-8250 118 Church Street

City/Town/Phone Address

Where You Can Meet With a SHINE Counselor*

* There is no charge for meeting with SHINE counselors.

Medicare CornerYour Monthly Answers to Common Questions

What are the implications of repealing the Affordable Care Act for Medicare spending and seniors?

Elder Services is monitoring this closely and will keep you informed as changes are announced.

From set-up of in-home care to emotional support and painmanagement, we’ve been providing care to BerkshireCounty for more than 35 years. We are the Berkshire’s mostpersonalized hospice, with neighbors caring for neighbors.

The difference is in our care.

35 years of hospice.

Thousands of lives touched.

HospiceCare in The Berkshires

We’re Perfecting the Art of Superior Care

877 South Street Suite 1WPittsfield, MA 01201413-443-2994www.hcib.org

Prescription Advantage, admin-istered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, is a prescription drug insurance plan that is available to Massachusetts residents age 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with disabilities who meet income and employment guidelines.

Prescription Advantage offers two types of prescription drug cov-erage:For individuals with Medicare

Prescription Advantage provides supplemental assistance, based on in-come, for its members with Medicare prescription drug coverage. Medi-care is the primary drug insurance for Prescription Advantage members with Medicare. Prescription Advan-tage is a secondary payer.

Depending on income, Prescrip-tion Advantage may help pay all or part of the Medicare prescrip-tion drug plan’s drug co-payments. Prescription Advantage will also provide an out-of-pocket spending limit. Once this limit is reached, Prescription Advantage will cover drug co-payments for the remainder of the plan year.For individuals without Medicare

Prescription Ad-vantage offers mem-bers, who do not qualify for Medi-

care, primary prescription drug cov-erage. This coverage has no monthly premium. Depending on income, members will pay a co-payment for prescription drugs and will have an annual out-of-pocket spending limit and quarterly deductible. Once this annual out-of-pocket limit is reached, Prescription Advantage will cover drug co-payments for the remainder of the plan year.

Please note: The legislation which funds Prescription Advantage re-quires the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to operate the program within its appropriation for the current fis-cal year; thus, during the course of the year, the Plan may be required to impose cost containment measures.For more information

Call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636) TTY 1-877-610-0241Customer Service Representatives are available to answer your ques-tions Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To enroll in Prescription Advan-tage by phone:call1-800-243-4636 (1-800-AGE-INFO) Press 2

Prescription Advantage overview

June 2017Page 5 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior

Caregiver Information

18 Oak St., Pittsfield, MA(413) 447-3800

Established in2001

Serving All of New England & New York

If You Need Transportation Assistance, We Are Available 24/7, 365 Days

You name it, we do it!

WheelchairSupplied if Needed

Elder Services' Richard & Rita Gallagher Alzheimer's

Resource Center is for YOU!

The Center is at Elder Services, 877 South Street in Pi sfi eld and off ers:• books • videos • brochures • journals • and more

Use this invaluable resource when you or someone you know needs

Alzheimer’s informa on.

Call 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 for more informa on.

CAREGIVER DISCUSSION GROUPSElder Services’ Caregiver Coordinator Joe Choon leads monthly caregiver discussion groups. Unless otherwise noted, the groups meet at Elder Services.

• 2nd Tuesday, 10 - 11:30 a.m., at Elder Services

• 3rd Wednesday, 1- 2:30 p.m., Gt. Barrington COA

• 4th Thursday, 1 - 2:30 p.m., North Adams' Spitzer Center

New members are always welcome. There is no charge. Come for conversation, support, & helpful information.

For information call 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.

10 questions to ask before hiring a caregiver or home care agency

By Marlo SollittoMake no mistake, not all home care agencies are created equal. Using an

agency to provide paid caregivers may give older adults and their families a false sense of security regarding their background and skill set, according to a recent study. Just because they are an agency employee doesn’t necessarily mean they are trained to care for an elder.Find a home care provider

Home health care is the answer many families seek and enjoy to great satisfaction. It offers extended freedom and independence for their aging loved ones, but it also presents a challenge. This type of care entails inviting and trusting a stranger into a private home. Therefore, it is extremely important for families to consider and research all possibilities as they search for agen-cies or private individuals to provide this care.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, surveyed 180 agencies around the country about their hiring methods, screening measures, training practices, skill competencies assessments and supervision.Survey results about in-home care practices• Only 55 percent of the agencies ordered a federal background check.• Only one-third of agencies said they conducted drug testing.• Only one-third tested for skill competency.• Supervision ranged from none to weekly and included home visits, tele-

phone calls and visits to the office.Based on these results, people looking for home caregivers are taking shots

in the dark as to whether they will get a trained professional who provides quality care or one with little to no experience and training.

By being an educated consumer, you can find a qualified, reputable agency that employs home health aides who will provide care with compas-sion and skill.10 questions to ask before you hire someone1. Number one on the list is to go through a well-known agency. This does

not necessarily mean a large franchise. Get references and be sure to compose a list of questions for them when you call.

2. What recruiting methods do they use? How are they finding job candi-dates? Newspaper ads? Staff agencies? Craig’s List?

3. What are their hiring requirements for prospective employees? Do they ask about prior experience? Are employees required to be available for certain shift lengths? How many families does the agency serve?

4. What screenings are performed before hiring? Criminal background checks, federal or state? Drug screening?

5. How does the agency assess each caregiver’s capabilities? What is their proficiency level in basic care, their strengths, weaknesses? Their indi-vidual interests also play a role in finding a good fit for clients.

6. Does the agency provide training? What does that training entail? Are they knowledgeable about elderly health conditions and certified in CPR? What other certifications do they have?

7. Are employees insured and bonded through the agency? What is the procedure if there is ever a suspicion or accusation of theft or abuse?

8. Is the agency diligent about sending the same person to the home, rather than a revolving door of strangers? (Keep in mind there are benefits to having two primary in-home aides to establish a relationship, so that if one moves on, there is another familiar with the family and their routine.)

9. If you are not satisfied with a particular person, will the agency provide someone else?

10. Does the agency evaluate the quality of the care provided on a regular basis? How frequently? Who conducts the evaluation?Like so many things, hiring in-home caregivers requires due diligence to

make sure competent, safe and compassionate care is provided at all times. Invest the time in the beginning to interview possible candidates for home health care agencies and the individual that will be providing services in the home. Answering these important questions can provide the peace of mind a family needs regarding the care of their senior loved one.

Serving as a contributing editor since AgingCare.com’s inception in 2007, Marlo Sollitto assists with the journalistic direction of AgingCare.com, re-searching and writing articles on all aspects of elder care.

Berkshire Alzheimer’s Partnership’s 9th Caregiver ExpoElder Services of Berkshire County participated in the recent Berkshire Alzheimer’s Partnership’s 9th Caregiver Expo at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield. Elder Services’ Options Counselor Noel Lang and Caregiver Coordinator Kate Roux provided information and support to the attendees.

June 2017Page 6

For Your Information

Getting your affairs in order helps you and loved ones

Ben has been married for 47 years. He always managed the family’s money. But since his stroke, Ben is not able to walk or talk. His wife, Shirley, feels overwhelmed. Of course, she’s worried about Ben’s health. But, on top of that, she has no idea what bills should be paid or when they are due.

Across town, 80-year-old Louise lives alone. One night, she fell in the kitchen and broke her hip. She spent a week in the hospital and 2 months in a rehabilitation nursing home. Even though her son lives across the country, he was able to p ay her bills and handle her Medicare questions right away. That’s because, several years ago, Louise and her son made a plan about what he should do in case Louise had a medical emergency. Plan for the future

No one ever plans to be sick or disabled. Yet, it’s this kind of planning that can make all the difference in an emergency.

Long before she fell, Louise put all her important papers in one place and told her son where to find them. She gave him the name of her lawyer, as well as a list of people he could contact at her bank, doctor’s office, insurance company, and investment firm. She made sure he had copies of her Medicare and other health insurance cards. She added her son’s name to her checking account and safe deposit box at the bank. Louise made sure Medicare and her doctor had written permission to talk with her son about her health and insurance claims.

On the other hand, Ben always took care of family money matters, and he never talked about the details with Shirley. No one but Ben knew that his life insurance policy was in a box in the closet or that the car title and deed to the house were filed in his desk drawer. Ben never expected that his wife would have to take over. His lack of planning has made a tough job even tougher for Shirley. What exactly is an “important paper”?

The answer to this question may be different for every family. Remember, this is a starting place. You may have other information to add. For example, if you have a pet, you will want to include the name and address of your veterinarian. Include complete information about:Personal Records• Full legal name• Social Security number• Legal residence• Date and place of birth• Names and addresses of spouse and children• Location of birth and death certificates and certificates of marriage,

divorce, citizenship, and adoption• Employers and dates of employment• Education and military records• Names and phone numbers of religious contacts• Memberships in groups and awards received• Names and phone numbers of close friends, relatives, doctors, lawyers,

and financial advisors• Medications taken regularly (be sure to update this regularly)• Location of living will and other legal documentsFinancial Records• Sources of income and assets (pension from your employer, IRAs, 401(k)

s, interest, etc.)• Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid information• Insurance information (life, health, long-term care, home, car) with policy

numbers and agents’ names and phone numbers• Names of your banks and account numbers (checking, savings, credit

union)• Investment income (stocks, bonds, property) and stockbrokers’ names

and phone numbers• Copy of most recent income tax return• Location of most up-to-date will with an original signature• Liabilities, including property tax— what is owed, to whom, and when

payments are due• Mortgages and debts—how and when they are paid• Location of original deed of trust for home• Car title and registration

• Credit and debit card names and numbers• Location of safe deposit box and key Steps for Getting Your Affairs in Order

Put your important papers and copies of legal documents in one place. You can set up a file, put everything in a desk or dresser drawer, or list the information and location of papers in a notebook. If your papers are in a bank safe deposit box, keep copies in a file at home. Check each year to see if there’s anything new to add.

Tell a trusted family member or friend where you put all your impor-tant papers. You don’t need to tell this friend or family member about your personal affairs, but someone should know where you keep your papers in case of an emergency. If you don’t have a relative or friend you trust, ask a lawyer to help.

Give permission in advance for your doctor or lawyer to talk with your caregiver as needed. There may be questions about your care, a bill, or a health insurance claim. Without your consent, your caregiver may not be able to get needed information. You can give your okay in advance to Medicare, a credit card company, your bank, or your doctor. You may need to sign and return a form. Legal documents

There are many different types of legal documents that can help you plan how your affairs will be handled in the future. Many of these documents have names that sound alike, so make sure you are getting the documents you want. Also, State laws vary, so find out about the rules, requirements, and forms used in your State.• Wills and trusts let you name the person you want your money and

property to go to after you die.• Advance directives let you make arrangements for your care if you become

sick. There are two ways to do this:• A living will gives you a say in your health care if you become too sick

to make your wishes known. In a living will, you can state what kind of care you do or don’t want. This can make it easier for family members to make tough healthcare decisions for you.

• A durable power of attorney for health care lets you name the person you want to make medical decisions for you if you can’t make them yourself. Make sure the person you name is willing to make those decisions for you.

• For legal matters, there are two ways to give someone you trust the power to act in your place:

• A general power of attorney lets you give someone else the authority to act on your behalf, but this power will end if you are unable to make your own decisions.

• A durable power of attorney allows you to name someone to act on your behalf for any legal task, but it stays in place if you become unable to make your own decisions. ResourcesYou may want to talk with a lawyer about setting up a general power of

attorney, durable power of attorney, joint account, trust, or advance direc-tive. Be sure to ask about the lawyer’s fees before you make an appointment.

You should be able to find a directory of local lawyers at your library, or you can contact your local bar association for lawyers in your area. Your local bar association can also help you find what free legal aid options your State has to offer. An informed family member may be able to help you manage some of these issues.Getting your affairs in order FAQsWho should you choose to be your health care proxy?

If you decide to choose a proxy, think about people you know who share your views and values about life and medical decisions. Your proxy might be a family member, a friend, your lawyer, or someone with whom you worship.My aging parents can no longer make their own health care decisions. How do I decide what type of care is right for them?

It can be overwhelming to be asked to make health care decisions for someone who is no longer able to make his or her own decisions. Get a better understanding of how to make health care decisions for a loved one, includ-ing approaches you can take, issues you might face, and questions you can ask to help you prepare.How do you help someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia get their af-fairs in order?

A complication of diseases such as Alzheimer’s is that the person may lack or gradually lose the ability to think clearly. This change affects his or her ability to participate meaningfully in decision making and makes early planning even more important. Find legal and financial planning tips, includ-ing information on advance directives, resources, and additional advance planning advice.

June 2017Page 7 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior

For Your Information

Outings, Events, Meetings, Groups,

Volunteer Opportunities, and More!

For information about membership, visit any Greylock branch throughout Berkshire County. Or, visit us online at www.Greylock.org. Federally Insured by NCUA

Join QTC and take advantage of all the benefits and services the Club has to offer.

Quality Time Club®for Greylock members age 55 and over

The

I am considering becoming an organ donor. Is the process different for older adults?

There are many resources for older organ donors and recipients avail-able from the U.S. government. For information for potential donors and transplant recipients over age 50, including how to register to be a donor, see related article on this page.

I want to make sure my affairs are in order before I die, but I’m not sure where to begin.

The National Institute on Aging has a resource guide entitled, «End of Life: Helping with Comfort and Care.» This guide can help you and your loved ones discuss key issues at the end of life, including finding hospice care, what happens at the time of death, managing grief, and preparing advance directives along with resources for more information.

For More Information about Getting Your Affairs in OrderAARP1-888-687-2277 (toll-free)1-877-434-7598 (TTY/toll-free)1-877-342-2277 (Español/línea gratis)member@aarp.org(email)www.aarp.org

CaringInfo1-800-658-8898 (toll-free)caringinfo@nhpco.org (email)www.caringinfo.org

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE/toll-free)1-877-486-2048 (TTY/toll-free)www.medicare.gov

Eldercare Locator1-800-677-1116 (toll-free)www.eldercare.gov

National Elder Law Foundation1-520-881-1076info@nelf.org (email)www.nelf.org

For more information on health and aging, including the free booklets Long-Distance Caregiving: Twenty Questions and Answers and End of Life: Helping with Comfort and Care, contact:National Institute on AgingInformation CenterP.O. Box 8057Gaithersburg, MD 20898-80571-800-222-2225 (toll-free)1-800-222-4225 (TTY/toll-free)niaic@nia.nih.gov(email)www.nia.nih.govwww.nia.nih.gov/espanol

Visit www.nihseniorhealth.gov, a senior-friendly website from the Na-tional Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine. This website has health and wellness information for older adults, including information about planning for end-of-life care. Special features make it simple to use. For example, you can click on a button to make the type larger.

Information for this articles was provided by the National Institute on Ag-ing National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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Organ donation can save lives

There’s no age limit to donation or to signing up. People in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond have been both organ donors and organ transplant recipients. Below are some facts you should know about donation for people over age 50.• Fact: People of all ages can be organ donors. To date, the oldest organ

donor in the U.S. was age 92. He was a liver donor and saved the life of a 68-year-old woman.

• Fact: Don’t rule yourself out. Being older doesn’t mean you can’t be a donor. Doctors will decide at the time of your death whether you can donate.

• Fact: In 2015, more than 60 percent of all the people who received organ transplants were 50 or older. And nearly 20 percent of all people who received transplants were over age 65.

• Fact: In 2015, about 1 out of every 3 people who donated organs was over the age of 50. You’re never too old to make a difference.

Registering as a donorThe process of donation most often begins with your consent to be a

donor by registering in your state. Signing up does not guarantee you will be able to donate your organs, eyes, or tissues—and registering usually takes place many years before donation becomes possible. But it is the first step to being eligible to save lives. To register go to https://www.organdonor.gov/register.html.

Information for this article was provided by the Health Resources & Services Administration.

June 2017Page 8

Farmer's MarketsAdams Farmers’ Market

3 Hoosac St- Adams Visitor CenterJuly – October Sunday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Senior Coupons Accepted

Berkshire Area/Lanesboro Farmers’ MarketBerkshire Mall Parking Lot by Sears; Route 8

Until November - Wednesday & Saturday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.WIC & Senior Coupons Accepted

www.farmfresh.org

Great Barrington Farmers’ Market18 Church Street

Until October 28 - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.WIC, Senior Coupons, & EBT-SNAP Accepted

http://greatbarringtonfarmersmarket.org, also on Facebook

Hancock Farmers’ Market3210 Hancock Rd.-Appletree Hill Organic Farm farmstand yard

June 4 to October 15 - Sundays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lee Farmers’ MarketTown Green next to Town Hall & First Congregational Church

Until September – Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.WIC &Senior Coupons Accepted

www.leefarmersmarket.comSee them on Facebook

Lenox Farmers Market18 Main St- Roche-Reading Park

Until September - Friday, 1- 5 p.m.WIC & Senior Coupons Accepted, EBT-SNAP Acceptedwww.lenoxfarmersmarket.com, see them on Facebook

North Adams Farmers’ MarketMarshall St. & Center St-St. Anthony Municipal Parking Lot

June 10 to October 21 - Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.WIC, Senior Coupons & EBT-SNAP Accepted

www.explorenorthadams.comSee them on Facebook

Otis Farmers’ Market2000 East Otis Rd.-L & M Auto, Rt. 23

Until October 7 - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.WIC & Senior Coupons Accepted, EBT-SNAP Not Accepted

Pittsfield/Downtown Farmers’ MarketOn the Common across from the First Street Parking Lot

Until October 14 - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.WIC, Senior Coupons, & EBT-SNAP Accepted

http://farmersmarketpittsfield.org, also on Facebook

Sheffield Farmers’ Market125 S Main St-Old Parish Church Parking Lot

Until October 6 - Friday, 3 – 6:30 p.m.WIC & Senior Coupons Accepted, EBT-SNAP Not Accepted

www.sheffieldfarmersmarket.org see them on Facebook

West Stockbridge Farmers’ MarketMerritt Green on Harris Street-Village Center

Until October 5 - Thursday, 3 - 7 p.m.WIC, Senior Coupons, & EBT-SNAP Accepted

www.weststockbridgefarmersmarket.org See them on Facebook

Williamstown Farmers’ MarketSpring St. & Walden St-Spring Street Parking lot

Until October - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.WIC, Senior Coupons Accepted

www.williamstownfarmersmarket.org

Windsor Farmers' Market1173 Route 9

June to October - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. WIC & Senior Coupons Accepted

ticipating farmers at certified Farm-ers’ Markets. Look for the "Farmers’ Market Coupons Accepted" sign at individual farmers’ stalls at the mar-ket. If you do not see the sign, just ask the grower if he/she participates in the program. No change is given for the coupons, so be sure to use the full amount of every coupon with each purchase.

New! Massachusetts’ Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)

Beginning April 1, 2017, for a three year period, the Massachusetts’ Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) will match SNAP (Supplemental Nu-trition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) recipients’ purchases of local fruits and vegetables at par-ticipating: Farmers markets, Farm stands, Mobile markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm share programs. SNAP recipients will receive an instant, dollar-for-dollar match credited to their EBT card on eligible purchases. HIP can only be earned through participat-ing HIP locations and using SNAP/EBT terminals that have been pro-grammed to process the new benefit. SNAP customers should look for the Healthy Incentives Program logo at participating retailers.Currently in Berkshire County the participating retailers are both CSAs: Brattle Farm, Williams St, Pittsfield 413-822-1516; and Many Forks Farm, River Rd,

Clarksburg, 413-281-1814. However, more HIP retailers are continuous-lybeing added as the summer season progresses. (Note:SNAP benefits can be used at many Berkshire Farmers Markets, just without the HIP bonus- see the listing below)

It is easy to earn the incentive and funds are immediately added to SNAP recipients’ EBT cards. You can see the amount of HIP benefits earned on your receipt after making each HIP purchase.The earned incen-tives can be used right away, or saved for a future purchase at any SNAP retailer on any SNAP eligible foods. The HIP incentive benefit has a monthly cap based on household size: Households of 1-2 can earn up to $40 per month, 3-5 members $60. SNAP households will need to spend SNAP dollars on fruits and vegetables at one of the four main points of sale to earn the HIP incentive. HIP benefits are earned when SNAP recipients swipe their SNAP/EBT card for fruit and vegetable purchases, or when they enroll with a CSA farm to participate in the CSA farm share Pilot.

If you are a SNAP recipient and want more information on HIP, a list of retailers where you can earn the extra benefit or if you have any ques-tions please call Project Bread’s Food-Source Hotline: 1-800-645-8333. To find a HIP retailer nearest you can visit the MassGrown website, www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/hip.htm.

Reduce your alcohol intake

Watch your diet & weight

Monitor your cholesterol

Exercise regularly

Reduce your stress

Keep Your Heart Healthy

Visit your doctor regularly

MARKETS PAGE 1

We Thank Our Advert isersfor Their Support!

June 2017Page 9 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior

Elder Services

Elder Services’ Volunteers Make a Difference...

JOIN US!ELDER SERVICES INVITES YOU TO JOIN OUR TEAM OF EXCEPTIONAL

VOLUNTEERS WHO EACH DAY MAKE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

FEEL THE REWARDS OF DRIVING SOMEONE TO AND FROM A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT, TO A NURSING HOME TO VISIT A LOVED ONE, OR TO THE

BANK.

IT MEANS SO MUCH MORE TO AN ELDER THAN JUST A RIDE.

MANY BERKSHIRE COUNTY SENIORS HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND MUST RELY ON THE DEDICATION AND COMMIT-

MENT OF OUR VOLUNTEERS.

Please call Elder Services at 499-0524

or 1-800-544-5242 to schedule a personal interview.

At the age of 96, Ralph Farrar, Sr. of Adams is our oldest and one of our longest serving volunteers. He is joined here by Elder Services' Executive Director John Lutz and DeeDee O'Bryan.

This year’s event was held at Mazzeo’s Ristorante and was attended by 125 Elder Services of Berkshire County volunteers including this group from Stockbridge.

The afternoon was filled with laughter and thanks as John Lutz visits with our team from the Dalton meal site.

Many local partners donated gifts that were raffled off to those in attendance. Here, SHINE volunteer Mary McDarby of Lee is presented with a jar of Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup from Berkshire Mountain Distillers.

Elder Services says thank you to volunteers

Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. had the privilege of celebrating its Volunteers during Volunteer Appreciate Week in April.

Thank you Mazzeo's Ristorante and all the partner organizations that donated raffle prizes and gifts for Elder Services' 125 honored guests!

June 2017Page 10

Elder Services

You Can Donate to Elder Services Online!

Just go to www.esbci.org & click the IDONATE button!

Scroll down the page to see a number of options for supporting Berkshire

seniors. You can provide an e-check, use your credit or debit card, or donate

non-cash items. You can donate to the “Greatest Service Need” or choose

to designate your gift to the Elder Independence Appeal, Meals on Wheels,

the Elder Care Fund, or make a Memorial or In Honor of Donation.

Thank you for your help!

We RememberMarch Memorial Donations

Elder Independence Appeal

General Donations

Editor’s Note:

Unless requested otherwise, each month Berkshire Senior publishes the names of donors to Elder Services and those honored by the donations. These funds help Elder Services provide Berkshire seniors with programs and services to help them remain independent. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

Meals On Wheels

Mrs. Jane BettiMr. Nathan DoctrowMr. & Mrs. Gaetano Fragala

Dominic DelSignoreMs. Mary FerraroMs. Judy Jansen

Josephine GilardiMrs. Jeanne M. BresnehanMr. & Mrs. Robert BriggsMr. & Mrs. Joseph CurleyMs. Sandra FidlerMr. & Mrs. Lois KuchMs. Peggy LarkinMr. & Mrs. Mario Trapani

Elizabeth HebertMr. & Mrs. Adolph BuchinskiMs. Linda CarterCorvette of BerkshireMr. & Mrs. James DerosiersMs. Lynn EddyMr. Michael PurcellMs. Carmen J. SimonelliMr. & Mrs. William SturgeonMr. & Mrs. Gordon VanormanMr. & Mrs. Nathan Zuckerman

Bob McManusMs. Michelle McMurrayMs. Dianna Pikul

John S. RysMrs. Claire L. BercuryMr. Steven BlinnMs. Catherine A. BriggsMs. Dawn DelleaMs. Inez DenningMr. & Mrs. David DinicolaMs. Diana FontanaMs. Suzanne FournierGreylock Federal Credit UnionMr. & Mrs. Richard LacatellMr. & Mrs. Richard LuczynskiMr. Michael MorrettMs. Dianna PikulMr. & Mrs. Edward RizzardiniMr. & Mrs. Kenneth SewallMs. Irene TremblayMs. Diane Israelite Weinstein

Charles & Ann SchaferMrs. Olivia S. Zegarowski

Ms. Kathleen Phillips

Mr. John DifilippoMs. Magda Tsipis

Ms. Averill WilliamsThursday Morning Club

Mr. Joshua KarabuMrs. Leda MelideoMs. Denise M. Talabach

Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. announces the open-ing of a Request for Proposals process for Sub Grants under Title III of the Older Americans Act. These funds enable organizations, businesses, and coalitions to develop programs that offer specialized services to the elder community. Grants typically range between $1,000 and $5,000 and run for a one-year term, and may have the option for renewal.Interested applicants

The application process begins with a Letter of Intent due by June 2. The entire Request for Proposals can

Elder Services announces of sub grants availability

be viewed on the Agency’s website at www.esbci.org and final proposals are due on Friday, June 16 by 4 p.m. There will be an interested bidders meeting at Elder Services’ office at 10 a.m. onwTuesday, May 23.

For more information contact Rhonda Serre, Outreach & Advance-ment, 499-0524 x 728 or rserre@esbci.org.

For more information on Sub Grants under Title III of the Older Americans Act visit, http://www.aoa.gov/AoA_Programs/OAA/Index.aspx

Fallon Health Foundation helps support Elder Services' Nutrition Program

Kimberly Salmon, the Director of Community Relations for Fallon Health Foundation, presented Elder Services' Executive Director John Lutz with a Hunger Relief grant of $2,500 to support Elder Services' Elder Nutrition program. We are grateful for the support and partnership of Fallon Health.

June 2017Page 11 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior

Elder Services

Local SCSEP Employee Emma Harris in the national spotlight

Older Americans Month is an annual event that is held every May, with the pur-pose of celebrating older Americans and recognizing the essential role they play in our communities and our nation.

To commemorate this event, "Berkshire Senior" would like to share the following success story, which was submitted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is a perfect example of why Elder Services does

what it does and shows how the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) program is continuing to make a difference in the lives of older workers.

Two years ago, SCSEP participant Emma Harris, 66, could no longer continue to keep up with the physical demands of her cashiering job and was out of work. Through her placement at New Direction, a pregnancy and sexual health resource office in North Adams, she has learned to operate of-fice equipment and manage the phone system. Watson has received Word, Excel, and Publisher computer training and is learning to master the database system. She has been able to set up group mails, contact lists, and keep office calendars in Outlook and is able to browse various websites, compare prices, and place orders for office supplies.

Harris assists with organizing the annual fundraising dinner and mail-ing out donor acknowledgement letters. She also represents New Direction at the North Adams and Pittsfield Street fairs during the summer and fall.

Emma Harris was offered a permanent placement with New Direction in November 2016. The Executive Director describes her as self-motivated and not afraid to try different jobs as they are all needed and that overall, Emma is a delight to their clients, their families, and her co-workers.

Senator Hinds at special lunch event at the Ralph Froio Center

State Senator Adam Hinds and District Aide AJ Enchill joined Pittsfield Council on Aging’s Executive Director Vincent Marinaro and Elder Ser-vices of Berkshire County’s Executive Director John Lutz in serving lunch at the Ralph J. Froio Center in Pittsfield. The Ralph Froio Center is one of 15 congregate meals sites around Berkshire County that partner with Elder Services’ Elder Nutrition program. To find the meal site near you or to see if you qualify for Meals on Wheels, call us at 499-0512 or see page 16.

State Senator Adam Hinds District Aide AJ Enchill, State Senator Adam Hinds, Pittsfield Council on Aging’s Executive Director Vincent Marinaro, and Elder Services of Berkshire County’s Executive Director John Lutz.

Questions about housing?

Call Elder Services

1-800-544-5242 or 499-0524

Did You KnowMany businesses offer senior discounts so always check with your local grocery, pharmacy, and other businesses or call them ahead to see if they do have senior discounts and senior discount days. Some local groceries stores pick up seniors and others have programs that result in gas discounts.

June 2017Page 12

Berkshire Senior

Joel A. LessManaged Properties, Inc.

An affordable supportive and enriched living environment that offers:• One & two bedroom apartments • Three bedroom townhouses designed for families• Beautiful, tranquil setting with river views• Spacious community room, guest speakers & on-going social activities• On-site social service coordinator & resource for all tenants• Rent based on 30% of your income including: on-site maintenance; heat & hot water; secure building; laundry facilities, intercom system, elevator, appliances, and allowances for electricity

Apply in person at 600 Main Street, Dalton, MA or call 413-684-0043 for an appointment

Professionally managed by: Joel A. Less Managed Properties, Inc.A Member of the Institute for Real Estate Management

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Private Balcony or Patio Resident Services Wellness Programs Off Street Parking Pet Friendly

VISIT US ON THE WEB WWW.OCONNELLSENIORLIVING.COM

June 2017Page 13 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior

Health Matters

If you have any concerns re-garding elder abuse or neglect, call 1-855-874-3242, Monday through Friday from: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After hours, call the Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-922-2275.

Safety is a Right!

jokes or stories with them. You’ll find you get invited out more. But remember; don’t laugh at the expense of others. Use your best judgment to discern a good joke from a bad or hurtful one.

Knock, knock. Browse through your local bookstore, library, or online. Get a few rib-ticklers in your repertoire that you can share with friends and associates.

Go ahead, give it a try. Turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile, and give a little laugh, even if it feels a little forced. If you want a bigger laugh, try doing it while look-ing into a mirror. Now take stock of how you’re feeling. Are your muscles a little less tense? Do you feel a little more relaxed or buoyant? That’s the natural wonder of laughter at work!

P.S.- If you are lucky enough to be a senior (55+ years old), you might want to join us in the “Comedy Dungeon,” a comedy workshop at the Ralph Froio Senior Center, on North Street in Pittsfield. Raucous meetings every Friday morning at 11a.m. in the Boardroom. Tell jokes, watch classic videos, write and perform comedy skits, share laughs with a dozen like-minded jokesters.

Flo Brett founded the Comedy Dun-geon several years ago with her life-partner, Roger Gutwillig. They reside in Pittsfield, where they are active in many volunteer activities, including the Active Agers Advisory Council, part of the Age- Friendly Berkshires initiative.

Unfortunately, the answer is of-ten “No.” Advertisements for “dietary supplements” frequently claim they will keep you from getting sick, or help you to live longer. But according to the National Institute on Aging, “Often there is little, if any, scien-tific support for these claims…Some supplements can hurt you. Others are just a waste of money because they don’t give you any health benefits.”

There are many “dietary supple-ments” on the market today that are sold over the counter, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, herbs, and hormones. Some products, like drinks or energy bars, have supplements added to them. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not review these supplements before they reach the market — only if they believe a product is considered unsafe.

The best way to get vitamins or minerals is through the food you eat — not added supplements. If you feel you can’t eat enough, ask your doctor if you need a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. It doesn’t have to be labeled for “seniors,” and it doesn’t have to be a large, or “mega dose” vitamin. The theory that “if a little is good, a lot must be bet-ter,” does not hold for supplements. Taking more than 100% of the daily value of a vitamin or mineral could be harmful, and your body may not be able to use the entire supplement, so you’re wasting your money. People over age 50 may need supplements for certain purposes, such as vitamin B12, Calcium and vitamin D, extra Iron for women, and vitamin B6.

Antioxidants are natural sub-stances found in food. There is no proof that large doses of antioxidants will prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, cataracts, or heart disease. Rather than taking a supplement, eating fruits and vegetable, at least 5 servings per day, or using vegetable oil and eating nuts can give you the antioxidants you need.

There are also herbal supple-ments, like ginseng, Echinacea, or ginko biloba, which come from cer-tain plants. When you use any herbal supplements, you are using them as a drug, and they can interfere with oth-er medications you may already be taking. Some herbal supplements can cause high blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, seizures, heart attacks, or stroke. Some supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or, if a person takes

them before or after surgery, they can affect the person’s response to anesthesia. Dietary supplements can also interact with certain prescrip-tion drugs in ways that might cause problems. Vitamin K, for example, can reduce the ability of certain blood thinners to prevent blood from clot-ting. Antioxidant supplements like vitamins C and E, can reduce the effectiveness of some types of cancer chemotherapy.

Before you start taking a dietary supplement, talk to your doctor or a registered dietician. Don’t go on the recommendation of a friend or the internet. Consider the source of any information you read: is it from a group that stands to make money from the sale of this product? If something worked for your neighbor, it does not mean that it will work for you. Don’t buy supplements that have combinations of ingredients that you do know, want, or need.

All products labeled as a dietary supplement carry a supplement facts panel that lists the contents, amount of active ingredients per serving, and other added ingredients (like fillers, binders, and flavorings). The manu-facturer suggests the serving size, but you or your health care provider might decide that a different amount is more appropriate for you.

There is actually a federal Office

Are dietary supplements worth buying?

By Al Norman

of Dietary Supplements (ODS), part of the National Institutes of Health, which publishes fact sheets that give consumers an overview of individual vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements. ODS says if you don’t eat a nutritious variety of foods, some supplements might help you get ad-equate amounts of essential nutrients. However, supplements can’t take the place of the variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet. Con-tact ODS at 1-301-435-2920, or visit https://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInfor-mation/DS_WhatYouNeedToKnow.

Al Norman is Executive Director of Mass Home Care.Editor's Note: Always check with your doctor before taking dietary supplements.

LAUGHTER PAGE 1

June 2017Page 14

Our Community

At recent RSVP’s Open House/Job Fair, Mayor Linda M. Tyer presented RSVP with a Proclamation that recognized the total number of hours that RSVP volunteers committed to stations throughout Berkshire County. A quote taken from the Proclamation; “AmeriCorps and Senior Corps participants serve more than 50,000 locations across the country, including 71 in Berkshire County, bolstering the civic, neighborhood, and faith-based organizations that are vital to our country’s economic and social well-being. More than 345 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds provide necessary support to residents, improving the quality of life in Berkshire County. RSVP has contributed more than 29,135 hours of ser-vice in the City of Pittsfield and throughout the county. These volunteers demonstrate commit-ment, dedication, and patriotism by making an intensive pledge to service, a devotion that remains

Let's do breakfast…at Sheffield Senior CenterSheffield Council on Aging held a series entitled, "A New Direction for Aging." It was facilitated by Cynthia Casoff-Henry, a local author (Dying: A Guide to a More Peaceful Death). She is also a practiced mid-wife and Hospice nurse.Topics in the series included "Community Engagement," “Health & Nutrition, Exercise & Medication," "Financial and Legal Check Up," and "Emotional Health and Wellness."

with them in their future endeav-ors; and the City of Pittsfield rec-ognizes the value of this program and commends all staff members and volunteers who have so generously given their time and efforts to many worthy causes in this community.”

The other component of the Open House was the Job Fair for our current RSVP Volunteers as well as guests from the general public. We invited our Stations to come, man a table with infor-mation on current opportuni-ties, and mingle with our guests. There were 11 Stations here and 3 providedliterature and approxi-mately 80 guests in attendance. Many of the Stations were able to fill their open positions that day and others made great connec-tions for future needs. Overall, it was a wonderful day and very successful!

RSVP’s sponsored a Chestnut Tree Planting at Springside Park at 874 North Street watch for the July article for an update.

RSVP’s happenings

Monthly support group for LGBTQ elders:

Rainbow Seniors Talk and Listen GroupsThird Saturday, 2 p.m. at Berkshire Athenaeum 2nd floor conference room

Join the conversation in a private, confidential setting.The topic of the month is up to you.

And don’t forget our two monthly fun meetings.

Pittsfield: The first Saturday at the Berkshire Athenaeum Conference Room, 2 - 4 p.m.

Williamstown: The third Tuesday of each month, 12 - 2 p.m.Featuring our famous potluck lunches and programs at

First Congregational Church of Williamstown (906 Main St., at Route 2 and Chapin Hall Road)

For more information, contact Ed at 441-6006 or ed@rainbowseniors.org.Sign up for our email announcements and never miss a minute of the fun.

Have Questions? Call Elder Services at

1-800-544-5242 or 499-0524

June 2017Page 15 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior

Visit www.berkshirehealthcare.org to contact a location near you.

HILLCREST COMMONS • MT. GREYLOCK EXTENDED CARE • KIMBALL FARMS • FAIRVIEW COMMONS

WILLIAMSTOWN COMMONS • NORTH ADAMS COMMONS • HOSPICECARE IN THE BERKSHIRES

We’re Perfecting the Art of Superior Care.

Exceptional Care, everywhere in Berkshire County

800-445-4560www.berkshirehealthcare.org

Nationally recognized quality, hometown care

• Independent and Assisted Living

• Memory Care

• Short-term Rehab• Skilled Nursing• Hospice Care

Berkshire Senior

¿Habla usted español?

Elder Services cuenta con servicios de intérpretes y en los folletos de la agencia está disponible en español.

Llame por favor 499-0524 o 1-800-544-5242

Berkshire Elder Law CenterCall for my FREE

Home & Savings Protection Kit.DONʼT LOSE EVERYTHING, PLAN NOW!

• Estate and Medicaid Planning • Real Estate Transactions • Will and Probate Administrations

JAMES J. SISTO (413) 664-7700 (413) 458-9800Elder Law Attorney

www.BerkshireElderLaw.com311D Main Street

Williamstown, MA 0126740 Main Street

North Adams, MA 01247

Savino Empire Monuments, Inc.

Est. 1931 Complete Service of

Monuments & Markers

100 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

(413) 442-4149

Donna Brewer, Owner

Get help at the touchof a button –

24 hours a day,7days a week!

Personal Emergency Response Service

Call 413-442-6363

World Headquarters – Novi, MICare Center – Pittsfield, MA

Available Nationwide

Elder Services' Nutrition Program

June

Elder Services' Senior Lunch Sites Elder Services offers hot, nutritious noontime meals at senior lunch sites located throughout Berkshire County. Anyone 60 or over can reserve a meal at any of the sites by calling the site they would like to attend by 11:30 a.m. the previous day. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 per meal.

If You Receive Meals on Wheels & Are Not Going to be Home

PLEASE TELL YOUR MOW DRIVER OR CALL US TOLL FREE BY 9 A.M. at 1-800-981-5201.

SENIORS 60 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER

Suggested Donation - $2.00

All contributions are returned to the community toward the cost of the Nutrition Program and Services.

Dietary Information

All meals include 1% Milk 102 calories/107 mg sodium. Calories and sodium from salad dressings, margarine, crackers and condiments are not included. *High Sodium Entree **Modifications for restricted sugar available

City/Town/Phone Address Meal Times

Days Meals Served M T W Th F

Adams 743-8333

Community Center 3 Hoosac St. 11:30 a.m.

Becket 623-8934

Town Hall Route 8 11:00 a.m.

Cheshire 743-9719

Senior Center 119 School St. 11:30 a.m.

Dalton 684-2000/684-0016

Senior Center 40 Field St. Ext. Noon

Great Barrington 528-4118

Claire Teague Senior Ctr. 917 South Main St. 11:30 a.m.

Lanesboro 442-2682

Town Hall 83 North Main St. 11:30 a.m.

Lee 243-5545

Senior Center 21 Crossway Village 11:30 a.m.

Lenox 637-5535

Community Center 65 Walker St. Noon

City/Town/Phone Address Meal Times

Days Meals Served M T W Th F

North Adams 662-3125

Spitzer Center 116 Ashland St. 11:30 a.m.

Pittsfield 499-9346

Ralph J. Froio Senior Ctr. 330 North St. 11:30 a.m.

Pittsfield-Kosher 442-2200

Cong. Knesset Israel 16 Colt Rd. Noon

Stockbridge 298-4170, x263

Senior Center 50 Main St. Noon

Stockbridge 298-7037

Heaton Court 5 Pine St. 11:30 a.m.

Sheffield 229-7037

Senior Center 25 Cook Road Noon

Williamstown 458-8350

Harper Center 118 Church St. 11:30 a.m.

1 2

5 6 7 8 9

12 13 14 15 FATHER'S DAY 16

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26 27 28 29 4th of July Picnic 30

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Beef Stroganoff Chicken Salad

Egg Noodles Tossed Salad

Peas & Carrots Cold Spiced Beets

Dinner Roll Hot Dog Roll

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Roast Pork w/Gravy Chicken Amandine Skillet Frittata w/Cheese Sauce Macaroni & Cheese

Pineapple Tidbits Apricots

Broccoli Mashed Potatoes Brown Rice Pilaf Roasted Potatoes Stewed Tomatoes

Wax Beans Winter Squash Mixed Vegetables Beets Peas and Pearl Onions

Italian Bread 100% Wheat Bread Oat Nut Bread Rye Bread 100% Whole Wheat

Diced Peaches Applesauce Tropical Fruit Salad Banana Snack Loaf

Tossed Salad (cong)

Tuna Salad Chicken Parmesan Calico Beans and Sausage Roast Turkey w/ Gravy BBQ Beef Patty

Carrot Raisin Salad Penne w/ Sauce Brown Rice Sweet Potatoes Roasted Potatoes

Tossed Salad Broccoli Mixed Greens Brussels Sprouts Carrots

Chocolate Chip Cookie**

Hot Dog Roll Italian Bread 12 Grain Bread w/Cheese sauce Hamburg Bun

Mixed Fruit Apple Spiced Apples Dinner Roll Fruited Yogurt**

Sage Stuffed Chicken Salmon Boat Cheeseburger Chef Salad Goulash

w/Gravy Newburg Sauce Tater Tots 3 Bean Salad Spinach

Mashed Potatoes Roasted Potatoes Sugar Snap Peas Coleslaw Wax BeansWinter Squash Corn Hamburg Roll 100% Whole Wheat Italian Bread

Oat Nut Bread 100% Whole Wheat Fresh Orange Ice Cream Cup** Pineapple

Applesauce Apricots Tossed Salad (cong)

Stuffed Shells Meatloaf w/Gravy Beef Stew Hot Dog Chicken Piccata

w/Meat Sauce Mashed Potatoes Roasted Potatoes Sauerkraut Rice Pilaf

Carrots Peas Broccoli Baked Beans Mixed Vegetables

Green Beans 12 Grain Bread Biscuits Hot Dog Roll Dinner Roll

100 % Whole Wheat Bread Diced Peaches Applesauce Watermelon Diced Pears

Pineapple Tidbits