Non-Profi t Org.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDPermit No. 115Pittsfi eld, MA 01201

Volume 24, Number 8 • August 2008 • The monthly newspaper for Berkshire County seniors • Free

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

Berkshire Senior

What's InsideElder Services Update ...... 2Government Update ........... 3Caregiving ........................... 4Summer Fun ........................................8, 9Elder Services ..................... 6, 7Your Dollars ........................ 10, 11COA Update ........................ 12For Your Health ................... 14-15

“Every day is a wonderful day,” smiles Bill O’Donnell, a well-known local drummer, who began playing drums at age nine and continues today at age 84. He performs with The Hi Fi’s, a band that plays throughout Berkshire County.

O’Donnell was born in Stock-bridge, where his father was the train station agent on South Street. O’Donnell’s mother, a performer and piano player, instilled in him the love of music. In 1931, fi ve-year-old Brunina (Bunny) Pisani immigrated to the United States from Serra San Bruno, Calabria, Italy.

O’Donnell met Bunny, the love of his life, in the 1940s. In 1945, Bunny and Bill met at the Lido Restaurant, on North Street, where Bunny was cashier. Both shared the love of music and dancing, and they were married in June 1946. They recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary. The O’Donnell’s have three daughters, fi ve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Bunny will tell you “we are very blessed.”

Although retired for many years, and contending with some health is-sues, the O’Donnells continue to be

The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk, now in its 16th year, draws almost 400 people to a beautiful location along the shores of Cheshire Lake. This annual nationwide event sponsored by the Alzheimer’s As-sociation raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This year’s walk will be Saturday, September 13 at 9 a.m.

Some walkers are family mem-bers who form teams. Many wear t-shirts or buttons with the name or picture of the family member they wish to honor. Other teams are made up of caring professionals who work in places such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, elder and health-care agencies. These are people who understand the chal-lenges faced by families dealing with dementia. Co-workers, school children, college classmates — teams and individuals from all facets of life — come together to raise funds and

awareness. This year’s goal: to sur-pass the $45,000 raised in 2007.

Paul Colombari, owner of Papa Joe’s Restaurant in Pittsfi eld, has been participating in the Memory Walk for the past 10 years. He and his family walk as a team — “Toffy’s Tuffi es” — in memory of his mother Pauline, known affectionately as Toffy, who died at age 77 after struggling with Alzheimer’s for many years. With wife Sherry, Paul helped care for his mom during those rough times. But it wasn’t the only time they watched a family member slip away into the fog of Alzheimer’s, with the agoniz-ing memory loss, confusion, and personality changes that earmark this always-fatal disease. Colombari’s mother had seven siblings – and all of those aunts and uncles eventu-ally succumbed to Alzheimer’s. It’s a family legacy that Colombari does not want to see passed along to future

Many Berkshire County seniors are at risk of losing their indepen-dence because they are unable to live safely in the community with-out specialized intervention. Others need assistance to manage monthly fi nancial tasks. For some, all that is needed to help them remain in their own homes is a hot, nutritious mid-day meal. In response to these needs, Elder Services offers the En-hanced Elder Intervention, Money

Management, and Meals on Wheels programs. Berkshire United Way, Northern Berkshire United Way, and the Williamstown Community Chest will provide funding to help Elder Services to continue to provide these three programs to seniors in need.

The Enhanced Elder Interven-tion program was created by Elder

United Way and Community Chest provide help for seniors in need

“Every day is a wonderful day:” Bill and Bunny O’Donnell

By Bea Cowlin, LSW

Walking the Walk: Join hundreds in this year’s Memory Walk

By Karen Gold

Memory Walk 2007 participants: L to R, Rick Ross, Rose Belisle and Ann Ross

Bill and Bunny O’Donnell

MEMORY PAGE 4

O'DONNELL PAGE 12

HELP PAGE 6

Get your raffl e ticketsSee page 10

August 2008Page 2

“No Heat, No Eat” crisis looms...

By Robert P. Dean

Although it is still summer and temperatures are in the 80's and 90's, it is time to begin to pre-pare for the “no heat, no eat” sce-nario many seniors will face this winter. The high costs of gasoline and heating fuel are combining to create a looming crisis. Unlike in years past, oil companies are refusing to let their customers “lock in” at lower rates and pre-pay for this winter’s heating oil, which means that seniors and others will be forced to purchase their heating oil at much higher

winter rates. The typical retiree on Social Security receives about $1,100 dollars a month, the same amount it would cost to fi ll a 275 gallon oil tank at $4.00 a gallon. The huge jump in oil prices will create extreme fi nancial hardship for many, who will fi nd it diffi cult to heat their homes and pay for other basic necessities such as food.

Elder Services, as a member of Mass Home Care, sent a letter to the Governor this past month in regards to the growing fi nancial strain that energy — and food - costs are placing on many seniors. The Mass Home Care letter states in part that:

“Unprecedented spiraling of gasoline and heating oil have cre-ated a fi nancial crisis for many households across our state. There is no immediate easing of this crisis, and we are growing increasingly alarmed that many of our elders and families will no longer be facing a “heat or eat” dilemma - but a “no heat and no eat” reality.

Infl ated gas prices have had an impact on programs as varied as meals on wheels to fuel assistance. The cost of a homemaker or a care

Elder Services UpdateFrom the Director

Editor and Production: Karen Shreefter

Editorial Board: Bea Cowlin, Robert P. Dean, Angela Fields, Simone Gaunt, Lisa Lungo, and Roger Suters

Advertising Sales: Bob O'Connor 1-800-544-5242 or 499-0524

Berkshire Senior is published monthly by Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc., 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfi eld, MA 01201, 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242, e-mail: esbc@esbci.org or on the internet at: http://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 Affairs.

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 Senior

Robert P. Dean is Executive Director of Elder Services.

manager to travel to her client, the cost of a meals driver to complete his route, the cost of an oil tank fi ll up — elders on fi xed incomes are now in deep trouble, and will be way over their heads by the Fall, when the cost of heating a home will be untouchable. Oil companies don’t take clients on credit. Renters who pay their own utilities will go without heat. Landlords who pay for heat will (increase) their rents as soon as the lease allows.

We are asking that you convene a summit on the impact of energy prices on Massachusetts consumers, especially the poor, to begin to push for state and federal responses to this clear and present danger....We need to address the fi nancial relief options available to us: increased outreach for food stamps; increased allotments of food stamps; higher thresholds of LIHEAP energy assistance, and higher income and asset eligibility for fuel assistance. This must be put into gear now—not in the Fall... We are prepared to work with you to seek solutions for protecting our vulnerable citizens from these price shocks, and the prospect of an empty oil tank and an empty refrigerator.”If you are one of the many who will be placed in economic distress by

rising heating costs, you may want to consider food stamps, which are easier to apply for than ever before. The application for seniors age 60 and over has been simplifi ed, and there is no longer any asset test for most food stamp applicants, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The Food Stamp Program utilizes a card similar to credit or bank debit cards, which means that no one around you, other than the cashier, can tell that you are paying through the Food Stamp Program. If you would like to know more about the Food Stamp Program or other ways to help supplement your food budget, please give us a call.

With regard to the rising cost of heating fuel, we are pleased that the Governor has proposed the creation of a new $20 million Energy Assistance Trust Fund “for the purpose of assisting low-income elders, working families and other households with the purchase of heating oil, propane and natural gas, electricity, and other primary or secondary heating sources”. This is a good start, but more needs to be done. Stay tuned...(Editor’s Note: See pages 3, 10 and 14 for related articles and informa-tion).

August 2008 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior Page 3

Government Update“Community First,” supporting seniors to remain at home

By Governor Deval Patrick

I hear from seniors in every corner of the Commonwealth on a variety of issues, but one point I hear again and again is a desire to be able to stay in their homes and their com-munities. They tell me that living at home or in other community-based settings can help older adults and those with disabilities continue to lead dignifi ed, independent lives.

I know this fi rsthand. I grew up in a three-generation household with my mother and her parents. Years later, my grandmother and then my mother lived with me and my family. I know how important it was for my

family to stay together, what it meant to my mother and grandmother and to my daughters as well.

That is why I have directed my administration to empower and support seniors so that they can live with dignity and independence in their own communities – what we call the “Community First” approach.

We are working hard to expand, strengthen and integrate the various community-based and long-term service programs. These resources are focused on individual needs and offer the high quality and choice of care all people of Massachusetts deserve, reaching any person who needs sup-port regardless of race, ethnicity, language, ability to communicate, sexual orientation or geography.

I know that the populations of seniors and disabled individuals in the Commonwealth are growing. I also know that many depend on state-sup-ported programs such as MassHealth. That is why my team will continue to expand access to these services by strengthening home and community based-care, housing, employment opportunities, nursing facility services and the availability to accessible transportation.

We will also reach out to individuals looking for assistance as they transition back into their communities. Our state government, Aging Ser-vice Access Points (ASAPs), Independent Living Centers and advocates across the Commonwealth are actively working to engage individuals in the transition process. If you or someone you know needs help transitioning back into the community, please ask us.

There are other issues we are working on as well. Seniors need hous-ing that is both affordable and accessible, and property taxes that are not overly burdensome.

Most of all, I want you to know what resources are already available to help you, whether you are a senior, a family member or a health care provider. Having a full-range of options will help you make the best deci-

sion for you and your family.If we are going to move Massachusetts forward, we are going to have

to rebuild a sense of community. We need to build a commonwealth where people see their stake not just in their own dreams, but in those of their neighbors as well. The Community First approach is just one part of that. For more information, please call us: 1-800 AGE INFO (1-800-243-4636) or TDD/TTY 1-800-872-0166.Editor’s note: For information about services for seniors in Berkshire County contact Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. at 499-0524 or 1- 800-544-5242 or visit the website at www.esbci.org.

County well served by Governor and Berkshire delegation

During the past year, Berkshire County seniors have once again been well served by their elected representatives to the Massachusetts House and Senate. Senator Benjamin Downing, and State Representatives Daniel Bosley, Denis Guyer, William “Smitty” Pignatelli, and Christopher Speranzo have been steadfast in their support of the need for suffi cient funding for home and community-based services for seniors, including the new Community First initiative. On behalf of Elder Services, I would like to thank Senator Downing and Representatives Bosley, Guyer, Pignatelli, and Speranzo for their support of Berkshire seniors. I would also like to thank Governor Deval Patrick for his support of home and community services, and for proposing the new Community First initiative.

Robert P. Dean is Executive Director of Elder Services.

August 2008Page 4

Caregiving

ELDER SERVICES PRESENTS

Principles & Practice of Caregiving:A Home Health Care Training for Family Caregivers

The Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association’s four-part caregiver training will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on four Mondays in

September at Crossway Village, High Street, Lee.

Each session provides information on various aspects of caregiving. You may attend one, several, or all sessions.

Nutrition and Meal Planning September 8 • 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Physical and Occupational TherapySeptember 15 • 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Basic Personal Care and MedicationSeptember 22 • 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Infection Control in the HomeSeptember 29 • 1:30-3:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, please contact Elder Services Information & Referral Department at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242

or Joan Lane, RN, at the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association at 243-1212 or 1-800-427-1208.

The series is free of charge and is not intended for professional caregivers. This program is funded in part by Elder Services of Berkshire County.

generations.“I do it for my kids,” explains

Colombari. “They should never have to deal with this.” Colombari’s team spends the summer months raising money for the services and research that the Alzheimer’s Association provides to the more than 120,000 people in Massachusetts who are facing this disease. His restaurant is decorated with paper forget-me-nots, inscribed with the names of loved ones, for which customers make a small donation. Team Toffy’s Tuffi es also sponsors an annual spaghetti dinner fund raiser at Papa Joe’s, scheduled for this month.

Elder Services has long been at the heart of supporting Alzheimer’s families. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to meet the numerous and challenging needs of its neighbors struggling with Alzheimer’s. Elder Services, through its extensive Information & Referral system and programs like caregiver support and Meals on Wheels, as well as its wide-spread affiliations with other Berkshire providers, gives families the means to live with dignity and self-determi-nation. The Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource Center at Elder Services is an excellent fi rst step for those seek-ing information on dementia.

Before hitting the trail with the hundreds of other walkers this year, Colombari will fi rst make sure his staff at Papa Joe’s is doing what they do best – preparing pizzas, which he generously donates and delivers

to feed the ever-growing number of children who take part in the Walk, many to honor a grandparent. He does it with the hope that those youngsters, joyously and boister-ously walking the trail, will inherit a world without Alzheimer’s.

The Berkshire Memory Walk is an easy, non-competitive event for all ages. Most walkers raise money for Alzheimer’s care and research by asking for donations from family, friends and co-workers. Other teams hold fund-raisers prior to the Walk. However, anyone who would like to participate in the Memory Walk is welcome – the more walkers, the bigger and more newsworthy the event, the more public awareness is raised about Alzheimer’s.

Participants can walk as much or as little of the course as they wish. The Walk will kick off at Farnams Causeway, along the Ashuwillticook Trail in Cheshire, on Saturday, Sep-tember 13, at 9:00 a.m. A lunchtime concert by Bernice Lewis will follow the Walk, with pizza provided by Papa Joe’s and boxed lunches do-nated by Applebee’s for all registered Walkers. Bowey the Clown will be on hand to entertain. To form a team, or to register as an individual, call 499-0691 or sign up online at www.alz.org/ma.Karen Gold is on the Boards of the Alzheimer’s Association’s MA/NH Chapter and of Elder Services, is a member of the Berkshire Al-zheimer’s Partnership, and serves on the Berkshire Memory Walk committee.

MEMORY PAGE 1

Bartlett-Wellington Inc.Funeral Services

Call 684-0215 or 445-4064

525 Main Street, Dalton

Because nursing homes have changed in recent years. A lot.

For example, many of the people we serve aren’t long-term residents. They’re short-term patients who stay a while after an illness or surgery, then return home or to another community setting. While they’re with us, we provide state-of-the-art, patient-centered rehabilitation. Round-the-clock nursing care. Social services support. Meals and snacks. And engaging activities to help make each day more enjoyable.

But it’s not really about being here…it’s about going home. Each year, 51% of the people we serve go home to family, friends, and favorite activities—stronger, healthier, and with more confidence than when they arrived.

To find out more, stop by the Berkshire Healthcare facility near you or call 1-800-445-4560.

Local Facilities:

We’re Perfecting the Art of Superior Care.

berkshirehealthcare.org

August 2008 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior Page 5

Berkshire Senior

The Berkshire Common2 South Street

Pittsfield, MA 01201413-443-3525 or 1-800-760-9610

“There’s So Much To Enjoy at EPOCH.”

w w w. e p o c h s l . c o m

Millie Scigliano

For information or a personal visit, call 413-499-1992.

Whether it’s exercising, playing cards, going out to lunch or knitting for the upcoming benefit craft fair, Millie Scigliano says, “At EPOCH there’s always something to do, and for the first time in my life, I have the time to enjoy it all . . . every day!”

EPOCH Assisted Living at Melbourne is committed to offering active assisted living that blends daily support with a dignified lifestyle, which has made it Melbourne’s Residence of Choice for Seniors.

August 2008Page 6

Elder Services

Executive Offi ce of Elder Affairs visits the Berkshires

Services to address the needs of at-risk seniors who, due to a variety of personal challenges, are unable to live safely in the community without assistance. The majority of the seniors served are low-income. Some are homeless. Almost half are age 80 or older. In many cases, the senior exhibits extreme self-ne-glect, has undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues, denies having a problem, or resists receiving help. Trust must be built and a rapport established before he or she will consider accepting help.

The Enhanced Elder Interven-tion program benefi ts local com-munities by providing a safety net for fragile Berkshire seniors. The program provides support to po-lice and fi re departments and other community organizations when they become involved in situations involving at-risk seniors requiring interventions for which they may not have the resources. The existence of the Enhanced Elder Intervention program frees municipal workers, such as members of the police and fi re departments, to focus on their primary job descriptions: fi ghting crime, responding to emergencies, and putting out fi res.

The Money Management As-sistance program assists seniors with monthly fi nancial tasks while

enabling them to maintain autonomy over their fi nancial matters. The program matches trained volunteers with seniors to help organize monthly bills, write checks at the senior’s di-rection, balance the monthly check-ing account statements, and develop a workable budget. The Money Management Program often serves seniors dealing with unpaid bills, threatening notices, and the fear of eviction. The volunteer sees that bills are paid, budgets followed, and independence is maintained.

The Money Management man-ager works in conjunction with local human services organizations, hous-ing authorities, Councils on Aging, and fi nancial institutions to identify seniors in need of this service. Re-ferrals also come from other health and human service providers such as the Visiting Nurse Associations, the Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse of the Berkshires, and religious institutions. Also, increasingly, seniors in need of this service are referring themselves.

Elder Services’ Nutrition/Meals on Wheels program serves all of Berkshire County. Last year, Elder Services’ Lanesboro kitchen pre-pared over a quarter of a million meals, producing more than 1,000 hot, nourishing meals a day each Monday through Friday.

Over 200,000 meals were de-

Elder Affairs staff visited Elder Services’ Lanesboro Kitchen: (L to R) Elder Services’ Food Service Manager David Gage, Elder Affairs’ Assistant Secretary of Program Planning and Development Ruth Palombo, Elder Services’ Executive Director Robert P. Dean, and Undersecretary of Elder Affairs Sandy Albright.

On a recent visit to Berkshire County, Undersecretary Sandy Albright and Assistant Secretary of Program Planning and Develop-ment Ruth Palombo of the Massa-chusetts Executive Offi ce of Elder Affairs, the state’s unit on aging, visited Elder Services’ Lanesboro kitchen, and observed preparation of that day’s lunch, which they later

enjoyed at the meal site located at the Ralph Froio Senior Center in Pitts-fi eld. (One of 14 lunch sites located throughout the county.)

The two concluded their day with a visit to Crossway Village in Lee, where they saw fi rst-hand the beautifully transformed building that is now Elder Services’ senior housing with enriched services.

HELP PAGE 1

livered directly to the homes of frail seniors, and the rest served to seniors attending 14 lunch sites located throughout the county. Drivers travel more than 226,000 miles each year to bring hot, nutri-tious, home-delivered meals to frail homebound seniors each weekday.

Federal funding for Elder Ser-vices’ Nutrition/Meals on Wheels program has remained basically the same for the past 13 years, while the cost of purchasing and preparing the food, and delivering the meals to the homes of frail seniors has continued to grow. The program has been dangerously under-funded for years, even as the cost of food and gasoline has skyrocketed. The Meals on Wheels program, which has a very lean budget, has been hit particularly hard, and needs community support in the form of donations, sponsorships and grants, to help reduce its operating defi cit.

United Way/Community Chest

allocations for these three pro-grams for the fi scal year July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 are: Berkshire United Way, $58,355 to help seniors in Central and South-ern Berkshire County, Northern Berkshire United Way, $20,900 to help seniors in Northern Berk-shire County, and Williamstown Community Chest, $11,000 for Williamstown residents.

The invaluable support pro-vided by Berkshire United Way, Northern Berkshire United Way, and Williamstown Community Chest will help Elder Services ful-fi ll its mission to provide Berkshire seniors the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.

To learn more about Enhanced Elder Intervention, Money Man-agement, Meals on Wheels, or other Elder Services programs, call 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.

Mutual of America Life Insur-ance Company has provided a grant of $1,500 to Elder Services’ Nutri-tion/Meals on Wheels program. The program serves all of Berkshire County. Last year, Elder Services’ kitchen prepared over a quarter of a million meals, producing more than 1,000 hot, nourishing meals a day each Monday through Friday. Over 200,000 meals were delivered directly to the homes of frail seniors, and the rest served to seniors attend-ing 14 lunch sites located throughout the county. Drivers travel more than 226,000 miles each year to bring hot, nutritious, home-delivered meals to frail homebound seniors each weekday.

Federal funding for Elder Ser-

vices’ Nutrition/Meals on Wheels program has remained basically the same for the past 13 years, while the cost of purchasing and preparing the food, and delivering the meals to the homes of frail seniors has continued to grow. The program has been dangerously under-funded for years, even as the cost of food and gasoline has skyrocketed. The Meals on Wheels program, which has a very lean budget, has been hit particularly hard, and needs community support in the form of donations, sponsorships, and grants, to help reduce its operating defi cit.

For more information, call El-der Services at 1-800-544-5242 or 499-0524.

Mutual of America Life Insurance Company helps Meals on Wheels

(L to R) Senior Field Vice President, Robert V. Fay, of Mutual of America, and Mutual of America’s Senior Consultant Michael Braney, present a check for $1,500 to Elder Services Executive Director Robert P. Dean and Elder Services Fiscal Director Nicholas Kirchner.

August 2008 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior Page 7

Elder Services

Elder Services 2009 Needs Assessment 1. Do you exercise regularly (including walking in your own residence)? Yes No

2. Have you experienced a fall during the past year (including in your own residence)? Yes No

3. During the past 12 months, have you had to skip any of the following because of a shortage of money? (Check all that apply)

Yes No Not Applicable Food _____ ____ _____ Utilities _____ ____ _____ Gas for Car _____ ____ _____ Home Repair _____ ____ _____ Rent or Mortgage _____ ____ _____ Medical Appointment _____ ____ _____ Prescription Drugs _____ ____ _____ Dental Care _____ ____ _____ Hearing Aid _____ ____ _____ Eyeglasses _____ ____ _____

4. Which of the following means of transportation, do you utilize on a monthly basis? (Check all that apply)

Yes No Not Applicable Family _____ ____ _____ Friends _____ ____ _____ Neighbors _____ ____ _____ Public Transportation _____ ____ _____ COA Van _____ ____ _____ Elder Services _____ ____ _____ Others _____ ____ _____ Self _____ ____ _____

5. Do you live with: spouse other family member alone other

6. Do you receive any of the following help from family or household members? (Check all that apply)

Yes No Not Applicable Housing _____ ____ _____ Personal Care ______ ____ _____ Financial Assistance ______ ____ _____ Social/Emotional Support ______ ____ _____ Transportation _____ ____ _____

7. What are your greatest unmet needs?

1.

2.

3.

Tell us what you thinkElder Services would like your help to identify the unmet needs

of Berkshire County’s seniors. You can assist Elder Services by taking a moment to let us know

what you think are the most pressing needs of seniors age 60 or older. Please complete the following survey and mail or bring it to our of-fi ce: Elder Services, 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfi eld, MA 01201. If you have any questions, please call: Catherine A. Doherty, 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 Ext. 728.

Thank you.

We RememberMay Memorial Donations

Editor’s Note: Unless requested otherwise, each month Berkshire Se-nior publishes the names of donors to Elder Services and those honored by the donations. These funds help Elder Services provide area older adults with programs and services to help them remain independent. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

General Donations May 2008Mr. & Mrs. Paul Henchey

Elder Independence Appeal May 2008Mr. & Mrs. William E. Tierney, Sr.

Meals on Wheels Donations May 2008Mr. Robert GiulianiMr. & Mrs. Daniel Miller

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August 2008Page 8

Summer Fun

On June 20, 2008, the residents of Crossway Village in Lee gathered to celebrate the Summer season with a traditional summer barbeque and entertainment from the music group, The Great American Songbook.

Crossway Village is the fi rst housing project to be developed by Elder Services. The property is managed by Berkshire Housing Services, Inc. The Lee Council on Aging is located at Crossway Village.

Crossway Village offers supports and services to help residents maintain their highest level of independence. An Elder Services Residential Coordinator is located on site to assess the needs of residents, provide information to residents and families about service options and coordinate in-home supports as appropriate. Elder Services also has a meal site at Crossway Village and serves lunch Monday through Friday to both residents of the building and seniors in the community.

For more information about Crossway Village, call Elder Services’ Information and Referral Department at 499-0524 or 800-544-5242.

Summer at Crossway Village

By Lisa Lungo

Elder Services Residential Coordinators Gail Rothwell and Alissa Frechette

Richard Mayer, Kate O’Connor and Rico Spence (L to R) of The Great American Songbook entertain the group.

(L to R) Carol Akroyd, Joseph Macchi, Marion Hunter and Karen Kelly share stories.

Crossway residents (L to R) Miriam Sparling-Concepcion, Ruth Decker and Bertha Eurich enjoy the food.

August 2008 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior Page 9

Summer Fun

Are you getting enough fl uids?

For summer fun, keep yourself hydrated. “Older people just don’t feel as thirsty as younger people. They have to make a conscious effort to drink more to stay well-hydrated,” says Robert Russell, M.D., associate director of the Tufts University USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston. Dehydration is a serious matter for seniors; it can lead to blood pressure problems, blood clots, chronic constipation and may compromise kidney function. Seniors need to down eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. Coffee, tea and alcohol don’t count.Facts· Your body is approximately 50% water.· Thirst is not a good measure of dehydration in seniors.· Products containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, or sodas and alcoholic beverages can dehydrate you.Signs & symptoms of dehydration· Loss of appetite· Increased effort for physical work and/or a lack of energy· Headache, nausea, and/or dizziness· Diffi culty in concentrating and/or increased confusion· Hot skin· Tingling of arms, hands, and/or feet· Speech diffi culty and/or dry tongue· Dry mucous membranes in nose & mouth· Upper body muscle weakness and/or muscle spasms· Sunken appearance of the eyes in their socketsRecommendations· At least 6.5 cups of fl uid every day (1,500 ml / day)Note: If you have congestive heart failure (CHF) or kidney disease,

please consult your physician for your needs.Antonio S. Santo, Ph.D. prepared part of this article for the Erie County Department of Senior Services in New York State.

Beautiful day for a picnic at Providence Court

By Lisa Lungo

The sun was out. The air was warm. And the grills were sizzling! Residents at Providence Court in Pittsfi eld held their annual summer picnic on July 18.

Supportive Housing at Providence Court is a collaborative effort between Elder Services of Berkshire County and the Pittsfi eld Housing Authority to provide on-site services that enable all residents of Providence Court to live safe, independent and enjoyable lives in their own apart-ments. This project is one of many statewide programs jointly funded by the Executive Offi ce of Elder Affairs and the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Services offered include a personal care aide located in the build-ing between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. to respond to emergencies, a personal emergency response system in each apartment and a meal site that serves lunch Monday through Friday and a continental breakfast on Saturday morning. An Elder Services Residential Coordinator is located on site to assess the needs of residents, provide information to residents and families about service options and coordinate in-home supports as appropriate.

For more information about Providence Court, call Elder Services’ Information and Referral Department at 499-0524 or 800-544-5242.

Providence Court residents (L to R) Richard Recchia, Ellen Wood, Rita Duprat and Rosemary Cummings.

(L to R) Elaine Dutcher, Wava Henault, Pauline Moon and Rosetta Fitzgerald visited before lunch at Providence Court.

FARMERS' MARKET COUPONS Elder Services is distributing Farmers' Market Coupons to eli-gible elders. The total coupon value is $30 per person. Those age 60 or older and eligible for Food Stamps, SSI, Housing as-sistance, Medicaid or commodity food assistance are eligible for Farmers' Market coupons, which can be used at local Farmers' Markets to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. For informa-tion, call Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.

Mary Tosetti with Providence Court Elder Services Residential Coordinator Maria Arias,

August 2008Page 10

Your Dollars

MEALS ON WHEELSRAFFLE

$1.00 PER TICKET, 6 FOR $5.00

2 GRAND PRIZES:

TWO TICKETS TWO ROUND TO FENWAY PARK TRIP TICKETS

OTHER TOP PRIZES:

Round of Golf for 4 at Cranwell Resort $250 gift certificate from Zabian’s Jewelers

OVER 50 OTHERGREAT PRIZES

Drawing August 28, 2008

Senior Power: Stretch your dollar

By Simone Gaunt & Laura FeakesDon’t miss these important money saving tips to help you manage

your budget this coming winter season. Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC): Fuel assistance to help low income people pay for their primary source of heat. This program helps to offset part of the cost of fuel and is available from November 1st through April 30th. Renters whose heat is included in their rent may also be eligible. For income guidelines and to apply for fuel assistance, call BCAC: 663-3014 (North County); 445-5671 (Central County); or 528-1947 (South County).Citizens Energy Oil Program (Joe 4Oil): People who need help heating their homes can purchase a one time delivery of up to 200 gallons of home heating home oil for half the retail price per gallon. This program covers oil purchases only and does not apply to burner primes or services. This program is available December through mid March. For income guidelines call: toll free 877-JOE-4-Oil /1-877-563-4645, or call BCAC.The Center for Ecological Technology (CET): Heating Oil Co-Op that contracts with full service dealers to sell oil at a reduced rate off the market price for co-op members. Consumers who heat their homes, apartments or small businesses with oil can save a signifi cant amount of money each heating season. The consumer must join the co-op at a cost of $15 per household, $25 per business and $7 for students and low income individuals & seniors. Call CET to apply: 445-4556. Western Mass Electric Company: Provides a 35% discount to con-sumers who are also eligible for AFDC, EAEDC, Food Stamps, SSI, Medicaid, Fuel Assistance and/or some VA benefi t programs. Call WMECO to request an application: 499-0260 or 1-800-286-2000.Berkshire Gas Company: Offers reduced rates to low-income cus-tomers who receive public assistance benefi ts and meet income limits. Eligible customers get a 20% to 40% discount on their gas rates. Utility companies enroll eligible customers automatically, or customers can apply directly. Call Berkshire Gas Co. for details:1-800-292-5012.The Salvation Army (Pittsfi eld and North Adams): Offers help with winter fuel expenses through their Good Neighbor Energy Fund, which helps people in need pay for their winter heating fuel and other energy bills. The fund is for families or individuals who are facing a short-term fi nancial crisis and do not qualify for other fuel assistance programs. It is a joint effort between the gas and electric utility com-panies and the Salvation Army. Money for the fund comes from the utility companies, donations from utility customers and businesses and other charitable donors. It is available from December 1 until funds run out. For income guidelines and to apply, call the Salvation Army in Pittsfi eld: 442-0624 or in North Adams: 663-7987.MassSave: An energy savings program for Massachusetts homeown-ers and renters. It offers energy tips and information about free home energy assessments, energy-saving products, and loans, rebates, and other incentives for energy-saving home improvements. To see which rebates, loans, home energy assessments, or other energy programs are available use their website MassSave.com or call 1-866-527-7283 . Veterans’ Services (VS): Provides cash and medical assistance to low-income Massachusetts wartime veterans and their families in need of immediate help. To determine eligibility, call the Veterans Services Offi cer: North County: 662-3040, South County: 528-1580, and Pittsfi eld: 499-9433. Massachusetts Food Assistance Program: Government assistance to help low-income families and individuals in Massachusetts buy food. New rules make it easier for many applicants to be eligible for food

stamps by no longer considering assets in many cases. This will be particularly helpful for those seniors with monthly incomes between $700 and $1,400, but who have never received food stamps or SSI because they have liquid assets over $3,000. Call the Department of Transitional Assistance: Pittsfield Office:

236-2000; North Adams: 663-1100, Toll free 1-800-645-8333. Link-Up America & Life Line Phone Discount: Make telephone ser-vice more affordable for Massachusetts residents with limited incomes. Anyone who receives fi nancial assistance from one or more of the fol-lowing programs administered by the Commonwealth of Massachu-setts is eligible to apply to Link-Up and Life Line. The programs are: Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC); Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC); Supple-mental Security Income (SSI); MassHealth (Medicaid); Food Stamp Benefi ts and Fuel Assistance. Call Verizon to request an application: 1-888-382-6500. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Cash assistance for people 65 or older and those of any age who are disabled or blind, and with few assets and a small income. SSI provides monthly cash payments that vary in amount depending on the personal situation. The maximum benefi t for a single person age 65 or older, paying full living costs is about $765.82. The more income you have, the lower your SSI payment will be. For information call Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 or call or go to your local Social Security offi ce - Pittsfi eld: 78 Center St., Suite 101, 499-2432; North County: 37 Main St., North Adams, 664-7951.

Just a reminder...Massachusetts laws prevent utility companies from shutting off

service to people in special situations. Senior households, low-income families with infants, people with serious illnesses who cannot afford to pay their utility bills, tenants whose landlords are responsible for utility bills and low-income people who would be without heat during the winter are eligible for shutoff protection.

This article and the tips are excerpted from the website Massresources.org.Simone Gaunt and Laura Feakes are Elder Services Information & Referral/Intake Specialist.

To purchase raffl e tickets stop by Elder Services, 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfi eld - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m

August 2008 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior Page 11

Call us today — (413) 442-2888 or Toll Free — 1-800-621-2674

For your security all staff are insured, bonded, and criminal screened.Services available 24 hours 7 days a week

Professional, Committed, & Quality Personnel at Premier

Live-in Aide Companion/Home Health Aide RN/LPN Nursing Visits Respite CareAlzheimer’s, Stroke, & other Specialty Care

Your DollarsBaseball and Social Security: Your turn at bat

By Dan MoraskiBaseball is America’s pastime. It’s also game known for its num-

bers. Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, Cal Ripken’s record of 2,632 consecutive games played and Hank Aaron’s 755 career home runs all tell stories much larger than the numbers themselves. Mention any one of these numbers to a baseball fan and you’re sure to call to mind memories and anecdotes.

Social Security’s numbers tell stories too. The fi rst lump sum Social Security payment was made to Ernest Ackerman in 1937 for a whopping 17 cents. That wasn’t a bad return, considering Mr. Ackerman only worked one day and contributed fi ve cents in Social Security taxes before retiring. The fi rst monthly Social Security check went to Ida May Fuller in January 1940, for $22.54. Fuller, who received her fi rst check at age 65, lived to be 100, which means she collected Social Security benefi ts for 35 years.

In 2008, over 50 million Americans will receive nearly $614 billion in Social Security benefi ts. That’s one out of every fi ve dol-lars spent by the federal government. The average monthly benefi t for a retired worker in 2008 is $1,079 - a far cry from Miss Fuller’s $22.54.

Ninety percent of Americans age 65 and older receive Social Security benefi ts.

An estimated 164 million workers are covered under Social Security - that’s 96 percent of the workforce. And Social Security is more than just retirement benefi ts. Disabled workers and their dependents account for 18 percent of the total benefi ts paid, while survivor’s benefi ts account for 13 percent. Almost one in four work-ers will become disabled before reaching age 67 and the majority of these workers have no long-term disability insurance besides their Social Security coverage.

Not only do these numbers paint a picture of Social Security today, they also help us predict how that picture will change in the future. In 1935, the life expectancy of a 65-year old was 12.5 years. Today it’s 18 years. There are currently 3.3 workers for every Social Security benefi ciary. That number will decrease to 2.1 workers per benefi ciary in 2034. By that time, there will be almost twice as many older Americans as there are today.

Another important statistic: more than one million people have applied for retirement benefi ts the fast, easy, and convenient way-on-line. So when you’re up to bat for retirement, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and you’re sure to hit a home run.

Baseball and Social Security: America’s pastime and America’s retirement program. Both have long and storied histories and asso-ciations with numbers that can evoke recollections of days gone by, refl ections of present times and predictions of the future. Learn more about Social Security by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.Daniel Moraski is the Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist in Springfi eld, Massachusetts.

MEALS ON WHEELS RAFFLE 2008 PRIZE LIST

TWO ROUND TRIP TICKETS ON SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TWO RED SOX TICKETS TO FENWAY PARK

Round of Golf for 4 with 2 carts ...........Cranwell Resort, Lenox$250 gift certifi cate ............................... Zabian’s Jewelers, Lee$125 gift certifi cate ..............American Auto Detailing, Pittsfi eld$100 gift certifi cate ...............Ward’s Nursery, Great Barrington$100 gift certifi cate ......................... George’s Liquors, Pittsfi eld$100 gift certifi cate ..........................Crown Jewelers, Allendale$100 off Benjamin Moore Paint .......................... Lee HardwareFreshwater Pearl Necklace ..........Evergreen, Great Barrington$75 gift certifi cate ... Mill on the Floss Restaurant, New Ashford3 gift certifi cates to local eateries .......Friends of the Gallagher

Alzheimer’s Resource CenterOne week of half-day camp ......................Gymfest Day CampOne year Family Membership .............Hancock Shaker Village4 $50 gift certifi cates .................. Salmon Run Fish House, Lee2 $50 gift certifi cates ......................Bass Water Grill, Cheshire$50 gift certifi cate .......................................... Aster’s, Pittsfi eld$50 gift certifi cate ........................................ Village Inn, Lenox$50 gift certifi cate ........................................ Glad Rags, Lenox$50 gift certifi cate ................... Nejaimes’ Wine Cellars, LenoxGift Basket ........................................Season’s Hallmark Shop $50 worth of Home Heating Oil ............ O’Connell Oil AssociatesLunch for Two .......................Aegean Breeze, Great BarringtonDinner for Two ......................................Jack’s Grill, HousatonicBrunch for 2 .................................Dakota Restaurant, Pittsfi eld2 Lunches for 2 ......................................Samel’s Deli, Pittsfi eld$35 gift certifi cate ....................................Hair Studio, Pittsfi eldGift Basket ............................................ Gould Farm, Monterey 2 $30 gift certifi cates...............................................99 Restaurant$30 gift certifi cate ............................................... Dufour ToursTray of Baklava....................Nejaimes’ VIP Travel, Stockbridge2 $25 gift certifi cates ...........................Midas Muffl er, Pittsfi eld$25 gift certifi cate .......................................... The Elbow Room$25 gift certifi cate .................................... Ben’s Clothing in Lee$25 gift certifi cate ...............................................CVS, Pittsfi eld$25 gift certifi cate ............................................ Joe’s Diner, Lee2 half gallons maple syrup .................Dave Gage Family Farm$25 gift certifi cate .................................... Shear Design, Lenox$25 gift certifi cate ........................ Bobby Hudpuckers, Pittsfi eld2 $25 gift certifi cates ..............Sullivan Station Restaurant, Lee$25 gift certifi cate ................................Home Goods, Allendale$20 gift certifi cate ......................Highland Restaurant, Pittsfi eld$20 gift certifi cate .........................................Bennigan’s, Lenox$20 gift certifi cate ................................................Arizona Pizza$20 gift certifi cate ................. Panayiotis Grill and Pizzeria, Lee$20 gift certifi cate .................................... Papa Joes, Pittsfi eld$15 gift certifi cate ............................Pete and Chris Restaurant2 Free Pizzas ............................................................ Pizza HutSmall Ice Cream Cake .....................................Ben and Jerry’s$10 gift certifi cate ................................... Price Chopper, Lenox

$1.00 PER TICKET, 6 FOR $5.00

To purchase raffl es tickets stop by Elder Services, 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfi eld - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

August 2008Page 12

COA Update

“Volunteers make it happen” is a saying put into action at the Florida Senior Center. Some 42 volunteers were honored with a recent barbeque luncheon. Director Donna Hartlage reported that in her 10 month tenure, in addition to the weekly on-going Council on Aging (COA) activities, such as the walk-ing club and bone strengthening program, volunteers had donated over 700 hours to provide 45 special programs for seniors.

Those who have served on the Council on Aging this year were recognized for their service: Fran-ces Bedini, Chair, Mae Embry, Terry Culpepper, Priscilla Bray-man, Carl Lasher, Edward Mor-rone, Margo van Peterson, Barbara Newman, Joyce van Tilborg, Anne Mowe, and Dan “Marty” Pierce. Members of the Friends of the Council: Maggie Furlon, Doris Lewis, Ella Tower, Kathy Ballou, and Judy St. Jacques were also honored for their volunteer support. The well-known performing group, The Aladdins, were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their long standing commitment to providing monthly entertainment at the center. Other volunteers with special talents and a willingness to serve include Al Bedini, Sr., Al Bedini, Jr., Mike Belcher, Dan and Linda Burdick, Jana Brule, Stan and Marilyn Brown, James Birch, Pauline Campbell, Grace Chilson, Howard Burdick, Al Gallese, Ana Gentes, John Rogers, Bob Sumner,

Florida COA honors volunteers By Donna Hartlage

Sue Smith, and Peter van Tilborg. Examples of volunteers who

have recently made a difference include Jim Birch and John Rogers, whose efforts resulted in new horse-shoe pits being constructed on the property. Volunteer and COA Mem-ber Ed Morrone donated an electric bike and two electric scooters for a raffl e held at the luncheon, the proceeds of which will benefi t the work of the Friends of the Council. Winners of these prizes were Mary Rosasco, Shane St. Jacques, and Doris Lewis. Town resident Henry Bounds, a well-known wedding photographer, donated his time to take photos at the celebration.

Although Representative Daniel Bosley was unable to attend, a spe-cial award for the State Representa-tive had been prepared, expressing appreciation for his long time sup-port of elders in Massachusetts. Elder Services of Berkshire County Executive Director Robert P. Dean and SHINE Coordinator Marjorie Ware both received certifi cates of appreciation for their work on behalf of seniors. Special recognition was also given to the Florida Highway Department crew for their efforts “beyond the call of duty” in main-taining the facility and grounds, as well as for providing other services when needed.

For more information on the programs and services offered by the Florida Council on Aging, lo-cated at 367 Mohawk Trail, Drury, call Director Donna Hartlage at 662-2811.

Florida Council on Aging volunteers enjoyed the recent Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

dedicated community members. They are devoted members of St. Mark’s Parish, and Bunny will tell you that their faith is extremely important in their lives.

Bunny explains, “It was and still is our faith that allows us to face challenges that life continues to bring.” In addition, they are avid members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Ralph Froio Senior Center. Bill describes the center as “an active place that is full of friends that have become like family.”

With other members of the quilting club at the Senior Center, Bunny has made quilts for home-less veterans. She has also knitted “prayer shawls.” Bunny explains that a prayer shawl is made for someone in need of prayers. While

knitting the shawl, you pray for that person. The intention is for the prayer shawl to go to someone in need of assurance, comfort, and warmth.

Bill has been a member of several bands as well as The Hi Fi’s, which you can hear at the Ralph Froio Senior Center as part of a summer concert series. These concerts are co-sponsored by Lo-cal 171 of Greater Springfi eld, the American Federation of Musicians, the Music Performance Trust Fund, the City of Pittsfi eld and the Pittsfi eld Council on Aging.

Bill and Bunny have given joy to so many in our community, and they continue to count their bless-ings. They say life has been good to them – every day is a wonderful day. Bea Cowlin is Elder Services Care-giver Liaison.

O'DONNELLS PAGE 1

August 2008 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior Page 13

Berkshire Senior

80 Center Street , Pittsfield, MA 01201

413.499.4562 or 800.649.4562

HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Providing homecare to BerkshireCounty residents for over 20 years

Personal Care

Meal Prep

Companion Care

Medication Reminder

Overnight Care

Light Housekeeping

Grocery Shopping

Laundry

August 2008Page 14

For Your Health

Roger Suters

(L to R) Althea Kent, Cecilia Defarrari, Isabella Kent, and Vivienne Nemerson demonstrate how easy it is to use coupons from the Massachusetts Farmer's Market Program for seniors for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Elder Services has announced that the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources will be offering each eligible senior who requests Farmer’s Market Coupons $30 in coupons this year, rather

Farmer’s Market coupon amount increased from $10 to $30

than the usual amount of $10. Twelve coupons worth $2.50 each will be distributed to each senior. The coupons can only be used on fruits, vegetables and cut herbs. To be eligible, you must be at least 60 years old, and have limited fi nan-cial resources.

For more information, contact Elder Services’ Information and Referral Department at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.

Roger Suters

Congressman John W. Olver attended the recent grand opening of the Community Health Program Dental Center in Great Barrington. Above with Olver are (left to right): Daniel Camacho, Lisette Mendez, Dr. Monica Torrenegra, Lymaries Rodriquuez, and Lucy Leonard.

On June 30, the Community Health Programs (CHP) Dental Center on Main Street in Great Barrington held its grand opening celebration and later that day wel-comed its fi rst patient. The patient was the fi rst of over 1,700 people on a waiting list, which CHP fi rst compiled over a year ago during its oral health outreach efforts. That astounding number demonstrates the dire need for a community dental center in the southern Berk-shires.

The Dental Center’s staff, led by Dr. Monica Torrenegra, hopes to make a real difference in the community’s oral health including making every accommodation for seniors, and giving special care to those with medical conditions, physical limitations, and those liv-ing on a fi xed income.

The facility has been a dream of Community Health Programs going back over 30 years ago when CHP founder pediatrician

From vision to reality — The Community Health Programs Dental Center opens its doors

By Judy Eddy

Dr. Thomas J. Whitfi eld made his rounds treating children along the back roads of this rural terrain. CHP, then known as Children’s Health Program, though keenly aware of the lack of affordable, accessible dental care in our area, was not in a position to solve the problem. In 2000, a number of factors coalesced to make the CHP Dental Center a reality. CHP became a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), which meant they could treat people of all ages. To refl ect this, CHP changed their name to “Community Health Programs.”

The new CHP Dental Center is located at 343 Main Street in Great Barrington, behind Berk-shire Community College’s South Campus. It is a state-of-the-art comprehensive general dentistry practice for the whole family. They offer a wide array of services and treatments, including consulta-tions, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fl uoride, restorative procedures, root canals, prosthetics (includ-ing crowns, partials and dentures) and emergency dental care and referrals to specialists. They ac-cept Medicaid and MassHealth, as well as most insurances, and offer a sliding scale and free care to those who qualify. The dental facility meets the health and safety requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Department of Public Safety.

For more information, call 528-5565.

Judy Eddy is affiliated with Community Health Programs.

BRTA, ADA, and MassHealthApproved. Committee Member

of the Taxi/LimousineParatransit Association.

Now NY Medicaid Approved.

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Inc.CABULANCE(413) 447-3800 • 1-888-466-2781

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August 2008 Elder Services' Berkshire Senior Page 15

For Your Health

Staphylococcus aureus is a skin bacteria that has been a challenge in health care for many years. In the past 25 years, the bacteria have become resistant to a number of commonly used antibiotics and many patients are aware of the strain called “MRSA”– Meth-acillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

So why is this of interest to seniors? MRSA is a problem in hospitals and recently a cause of infections in people who have no association with health care or hospitals. The new strain of MRSA, called “community ac-quired” MRSA, has a different ge-netic makeup and causes a unique group of clinical problems. In the hospital, MRSA causes wound infections, bloodstream infections, and occasionally pneumonia. Hos-pitalized patients who are at risk of acquiring these infections include those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, hardening of the arteries, kidney disease, skin diseases and cancer. These condi-tions place senior patients at risk of these infections.

Seniors are often in need of hospitalization, receiving treatment for cancer and other treatments, all of which can be complicated by MRSA infection. Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers have patients with these treatments as well and have similar issues with this bacteria.

Hospitals and other health care facilities are very aware of the po-tential for spread of MRSA in the in-patient setting. Hospital staff are mandated to practice hand washing - using the more effective new al-cohol-based hand gels seen all over patient care units – both before and after examining patients. Patients found to have the MRSA bacteria are placed on extra “precautions” called “contact isolation.” Patients and families are often concerned and confused when this type of isolation is used. At our hospital,

Preventing MRSABy Paula Aucoin, M.D.

nurses are encouraged to provide educational information to patients and their families. We emphasize that isolation is designed to prevent our hospital staff from spreading germs from one patient to another. This spread can occur from con-taminated hands, equipment and even clothing. We stress, however, that family who are not caring for other hospitalized patients are not at any risk to their own health or to the health of their loved ones at home. We encourage patients to remind hospital employees and medical practitioners to utilize the isolation equipment and to use good hand hygiene. Families and patients are also encouraged to use hand washing and good hygienic practices. It is a measure of qual-ity for the hospital that our rates of spread of this and other resistant organisms is low.

Community acquired MRSA is a more recently recognized problem. This strain of the staphy-lococcus organism causes rather distinctive skin lesions – often mistaken for spider bites. Unlike the hospital strain, this infection can occur in patients without previ-ous illnesses or disease conditions. This infection has been known to create problems for schools, health clubs, group living situations and sports teams. Several MRSA out-breaks have made national news affecting sports teams.

Fortunately, treatment for both health care and community ac-quired MRSA is available both with intravenous and oral antibiot-ics. Plus, two older agents — tet-racycline and a type of “sulfa” drug — are also effective against MRSA and are available in oral (pill) form and often used to treat outpatient skin infections. Patients and healthcare institutions can be pro-active in preventing infections due to MRSA. Since antibiotic use increases the development of resistant bacteria, health care pro-viders are urged to use these agents appropriately and patients should take the full dose prescribed. It is helpful to remember that some of the common sense measures of hygiene, careful use of treatments and even “old fashioned” antibiot-ics are still important.Dr Paula Aucoin is a board cer-tified consultant in Infectious Diseases at Berkshire Medical Center. She is Medical Director of Infection Control and an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine.

10 tips to beat the summer heatBy Simone Gaunt and Laura Feakes

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) advises people to be cautious during periods of extreme summertime heat, and is offering some tips to help keep cool and safe. A few com-mon sense measures can reduce heat-related problems, especially for the elderly, the very young and people with respiratory ailments, who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures.

Here are some tips to follow during hot, humid weather:Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. Do not try to do too much on a hot day. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the cool-est part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.Wear lightweight, loose-fi tting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will refl ect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body tem-perature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually de-hydrate your body.Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do not have air condition-ing, stay on your lowest fl oor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body. Or go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned senior centers, libraries, theaters and other com-munity facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.Check on family, friends and neighbors.In normal weather, the body’s internal thermostat produces perspira-

tion that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain normal temperature. Following these recommendations can prevent heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.Simone Gaunt and Laura Feakes are Elder Services Information & Referral/Intake Specialists.

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August 2008Page 16

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

1Lasagna

Meat SauceItalian Mixed Vegetables

ZucchiniItalian BreadMixed Fruit

4 5 6 7 8Barbecue Beef Bread Pork Patty Roast Turkey w/ Gravy Chef's Salad Shepherd's Pie

Brown Rice w/ Bulgar w/ Gravy Mashed Potatoes Pasta Salad Mashed Potatoes Spinach Sweet Potatoes Green Beans Almandine Carrot Raisin Salad Corn

100% Whole Wheat Bread Cauliflower au Gratin Sour Dough Bread Potato Bread Multi Grain Bread Fresh Fruit Rye Bread Pudding w/ Topping* Pineapple Cookie*

Applesauce11 12 13 14 15

Sweet & Sour Pork Hot Dog** Beef Stew Pork Roast w/ Gravy Macaroni & Cheese Buttered Rice Baked Beans Boiled Potatoes Roasted Red Potatoes Stewed Tomatoes

Brussels Sprouts w/ Cole Slaw Mixed Greens Creamed Carrots Succotash Cheese Sauce Hot Dog Roll Biscuit 100% Whole Wheat Bread Rye Bread

Multi Grain Bread Apple Crisp* Peaches Pudding w/ Topping* Applesauce Fresh Fruit

18 19 20 21 22Baked Ham** Egg Salad Sweet & Sour Meatballs Oriental Chicken Salmon Boat w/ Sauce

Sweet Potatoes Potato Salad Buttered Noodles Fried Rice Roasted Potatoes Braised Red Cabbage Tossed Green Salad Broccoli Chinese Vegetables Mixed Vegetables

Rye Bread Hamburger Roll Multi Grain Bread Sour Dough Bread 100% Whole Wheat Bread Pears Apple Slices Pudding w/ Topping Pineapple Peaches

Fortune Cookie25 26 27 28 29 LABOR DAY MENU

Baked Fish Veal Parmesan Pork Roast w/ Calico Beans Meat Loaf w/ Gravy Roasted Red Potatoes Ziti w/ Sauce Mushroom Gravy Wild Rice Blend Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Harvard Beets Broccoli Potatoes au Gratin Green Beans Glazed Carrots Rye Bread Italian Bread Winter Squash Dinner Roll Multi Grain Bread

Applesauce Fresh Fruit 100% Whole Wheat Bread Pineapple Pudding w/ Topping Mixed Fruit

Elder Services TV & Nutrition ProgramsElder Services TV & Nutrition Programs

Menu subject to change without notice* MOW substitution ** Modifi cations for restricted sugar available

Suggested donation $2 to help defray costs.

All contributions are returned to the community by helping to defray the cost of Elder Services' nutrition programs & services.

Adams ...................... 743-8333Becket ...................... 623-8934Cheshire ................... 743-9719Dalton ....................... 684-2000Gt. Barrington .......... 528-4118Hinsdale ................... 655-2310Jewish Federation ...... 442-2200

Meal Site InformationTo make reservations to eat at a Meal Site, call at least a day in advance, by 11:30 a.m.:

Lanesboro .................. 442-4761Lee ............................. 243-5545Lenox .......................... 637-5535North Adams .............. 662-3125Pittsfi eld ...................... 499-9346Stockbridge ................ 298-3118Williamstown .............. 458-8350

AugustAugust

MEMO: To Meals on Wheels ClientsIf you will not be home when your meal is delivered, PLEASE tell your driver or call 1-800-981-5201. If you have a food allergy and want to know a food item's content, call 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.

Don't MissMY SISTER’S AN ONLY CHILD

Featuring Steve Solomon“(Steve is)..Alan King, Billy Crystal, a smidgen of Don Rickles

and George Carlin all thrown in.” –Variety

Visit your local Farmers' Markets and enjoy delicious and nutritious summer fruit and vegetables. Locations and times for the markets are posted at congregate meal sites.

Colonial Theatre, Pittsfi eld Saturday, August 16 • 2 p.m.

Tickets $45

15% of all Ticket Sales through Elder Serviceswill benefi t Meals on Wheels

For tickets, call Elder Services at 499-0524 or stop by 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfi eld,

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Steve Solomon’s Broadway hit, My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy, sold out two shows at the Colonial in 2006. Steve's back with an hysterical prequel, My Sister’s An

Only Child. Steve introduces a myriad characters from his past; each brought to life with Steve’s gift for creating voices, dialects

and wacky sound effects.