in this issue >>>

THE COMMUNICATOR A Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging Publication

current topics >>>

May Is Older Americans’ Month

When Older Americans’ Month was established in 1963 , only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday.

Have Cabin Fever Yet?

Older Americans’ Month History

Wyandotte County Votes For Change

Pharmacy Choice Can Save You Money

Problem Gambling In Senior Population

May/June 2013 Volume 21, Issue 3

11am - 2pm

Farmer ’s Market Vouchers Residents of Wyandotte County who are 60 years of age or older with an income below $1679 per month may contact the Area Agency on Aging after May 28, 2013.

Ruth E. Jones, Executive Director

Concesiones Juegos Evaluciones Medicas Mesas de Information Sorteos Entretenimiento

Transporte desde AAA al evento

Concessions

Games

Health Screenings

Information Booths

Drawings

Entertainment

Transportation from AAA to event site

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Karaoke Dance Contest

¡Ningún costo a esos de 60 años

o mayores!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

No cost to

those 60

and over!

The ADRC is designed to empower older adults and persons with disabilities to make informed choices about their services and supports. This will streamline access to those services and ensure their individual needs will be met. The ADRC can refer individuals to an array of in-home, community-based and institu-tional services, as well as provide decision-making support through a service called Option Counseling.

PAGE 2

Cinemark Movie Theater in Merriam has $4.25 movies if you attend before 6pm and discounted shows during the summer months. Check your local listings or dial 913-789-7038.

The Kansas City Zoo is always an option if you feel like walking. At last check, senior pricing is $10.50 for admis-sion. You can check pricing before going at 816-513-5800.

The Kansas City Kansas Main Branch library offers a free Get Comfortable With Computers

class. Upcoming classes in May and June are May 2nd and June 4th. You must call in ad-vance for regis-

tration at 913-551-3280.

Whatever you decide to do this summer, keep active, safe and eating healthy.

Prices and availability is subject to change, please

contact each location before attending.

Are you beginning to have cabin fever? Are you ready for spring to start feeling like spring?

With summer fast approaching, below you will find some ideas that may get you out of the house. The SeniorFit Program is still in ef-

fect. No fees to participate in group exercise at three different locations.

Vernon Multi-Purpose Center; Stranger’s Rest Baptist Church and Argentine Com-munity Center. Check with the Area Agency

on Aging at 913-573-8531 for days and times.

Kansas City Kansas Community College Health & Wellness Center will be hosting a Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 29th, 2013 from 8am to 12pm. Sessions Include: Stretch & Strength Exercise Raised Bed Gardening & Prairie Star Annuals YOGA Nutrition - Eating On A Budget Canine Companion Opportunities Diabetes Education Do you want to start Bike Riding?

SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY AT

KCKCC WELLNESS & FITNESS CENTER

For more information about the KCKCC events listed above, please contact the KCKCC Wellness Center at 913-288-7610.

A 5K Fun Run/Walk & Kids Trot will be held at the Kansas City Kansas Com-munity College Campus Wellness Cen-ter on Saturday, May 4, 2013.

5K Fun/Run Start time: 8am Kits Trot Start Time: 9am

An entry form must be filled out by each participant. Registration forms are ac-cepted through online registration, by mail or in person at the KCKCC Well-ness Center.

GOT CABIN FEVER?

ADRC VIDEO CONFERENCE HELD

The Wyandotte/Leavenworth Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) participated in a statewide video conference on Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Kansas City Kansas South Branch Library. The event was hosted by Janis DeBoer, Administrator for the Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center. The event was held to receive feedback and input from consumers, providers, and caregivers regarding the ADRC program.

All eleven (11) Area Agency on Aging sites within Kansas were included in the video conference and participants were able to see and hear other com-ments and concerns as well.

The ADRC program is a one year con- tract with all Area Agency on Aging sites within Kansas that focuses on three deliverables which includes Information, Referral and Assistance (I&RA), Options Counseling (OC) and Functional Assessments. Deliverables from the contract were discussed and questions from participants were asked in an effort to bring more awareness of the ADRC program to the general public.

PAGE 3

When Older Americans’ Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing,

however, in April 1, 1963, President John F. Kennedy’s meeting with the National Coun-cil of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month.”

Thanks to President Jimmy Carter’s 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizen’s Month is now called “Older Americans’ Month, and has become a tradition.

Historically, Older Americans’ Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans’ Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.

Information provided by the Administration on Aging (AOA)

THE HISTORY OF “OLDER

AMERICANS’ MONTH”

Appreciation is extended to the following

who have contributed toward the cost of this newsletter.

Names are listed in alphabetical order.

REVA BEARD

K.L. BOND

FREDA COLE

WANDA COLLINS

JUANITA ELLIS

MARY EISENBISE

BARBARA HUNTER

RUTH KENDALL

MARY KENNEDY

MARY KING KERNS

PATRICIA KRAMBECK

MARGARET MCKAY

JOHNELLA NEWTON

THOMAS PALMER

ESTHER SILER

CLARA SULLIVAN

THOMAS PALMER

EDNA THOMAS

CHARLES WILLIAMS

If you would like to contribute to the cost of the newsletter, please make checks payable to:

Wyandotte/Leavenworth AAA, 1300 North 78th Street, Suite 100, KCK, 66112

The Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging will be distributing a

limited amount of Farmer’s Market Vouchers again this year.

The vouchers have been decreased to $20 and recipients must be 60 years of age and older, live in Wyandotte County and meet income

guidelines.

Priority will be given to participants of the Congregate Meal Sites in Wyandotte County. Interested parties may contact the AAA after

May 28, 2013 at 913-573-8533.

FARMER’S MARKET VOUCHERS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

SCHEDULED

The Public Hearings are a great opportunity to learn about programs and/or give feedback regarding senior services in Wyandotte and Leavenworth Counties. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the public hearing, please feel free to contact the Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging & Disability Resource Center at 913-573-8531.

SUNRISE TOWERS 15 North 10th Street

Kansas City, Kansas 66102

May 13, 2013 10am

BONNER SPRINGS SENIOR CENTER 200 East 3rd Street

Bonner Springs, Kansas 66012

May 15, 2013 10am

Problem Gambling In Senior Population

PAGE 4

Seniors have lower rates of problem gambling than adults in the general population - however, certain subgroups of older adults may be at increased risk to develop gambling problems and because of the life-stage, the financial consequences of problem gam-bling can be particularly devastating to a senior citizen. The vast majority of older adults gamble for recreation and have few if any problems from their gambling behaviors. Other seniors may be especially vulnerable to developing a gambling problem. Some situations that may put an older adult at risk is losing a spouse, loneliness, health problems that limit participation in other activities and cognitive declines that may impair judgment. Because of this and because problem gamblers rarely recognize the early warning signs of a gambling problem, family members should be on the lookout for warning signs of a gambling problem. If gambling is causing a problem in your life, you are encouraged to ask questions, gather information and conduct research on the type of help that is most appropriate for your situation. Below you find resources that may help you overcome your problem.

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services held a Listening Tour on March 13,

2013 at the Westgate Plaza Apartments.

The focus of the listening tour was the Older Americans Act (OAA) funding source. The tour gave participants a chance to discuss program availability and give feedback on any program or services they deem necessary to keep seniors in their own home and living independently. The

main concerns of the participants were transportation and home improvement needs.

To further discuss their concerns, participants were invited to have lunch with Craig Kaber-line, Commissioner on Aging, Wilda Davidson, Quality Improvement for OAA Programs and Lacey Vaughan, OAA/SCA Pro-

gram Manager.

LISTENING TOUR HELD IN KANSAS CITY KANSAS

Craig Kaberline Kansas Commissioner on Aging

LEFT: Lacy Vaughan, OAA/SCA Program Manager, takes questions and concerns from citizens of Westgate Towers located at 6100 Leavenworth

Road in Kansas City, Kansas.

Unaccounted blocks of time Unexplained money problems

The sudden disappearance or sale of valuables Avoiding friends or relatives

Discontinuing activities that were once enjoyed to

spend more time gambling

Signs of neglecting hygiene or personal appearance

Changes in personality Lying about time or money spent gambling

Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling

2209 SW 29th Street Topeka, Kansas 66611

785-224-3503

Gambling Anonymous www.gamblersanonymous.org

A fellowship of others who share their experi-ence, strength and hope with each other to

solve the common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.

National Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-522-4700

PAGE 5

PHARMACY CHOICE COULD SAVE

MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES MONEY

options and a 60 or 90 day retail pharmacy pro-gram.

D u r i n g t h i s year’s enrollment season, our counselors no-ticed some cost sav in gs f o r b e n e f i c i a r i e s

who made the decision to change to a Net-work pharmacy that typically is still in the same vicinity as their personal preference pharmacy. Adding a few additional minutes to the coun-seling session yielded cost savings of a few hundred dollars in some cases. Your medica-tions still serve as the driving force behind plan choice and prescription costs but it’s not too late to check and see if there is a better phar-macy selection for the plan that you are cur-rently in.

The SHICK counselors at the Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging are here to help you. If you would like for us to take a look at your plan and see if there’s an opportu-nity to save you some additional dollars, give us a call at 913-573-8531 and ask for a SHICK Counselor.

The opportunity to choose a “new” prescription drug plan (Part D) or make changes to your Medicare Advantage Plan (MA Plan or Part C) has since past. During the enroll-ment period many beneficiaries take the time to find out if their plan is the best plan for them. The 3 C’s can help make that choice:

Cost: What you pay for the Medicare Prescrip-tion Drug Plan coverage, including premiums, deductible, and payments for your drugs.

Coverage: What benefits are provided (like coverage in the “coverage gap” and other cov-erage enhancements), which drugs are cov-ered and the rules (like prior authorization) for getting those drugs. Convenience: Which pharmacies are part of that Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, and whether the plan has a mail-order option.

We are 5 months into the year and you may still be able to save money on your prescrip-tions. Did you realize that Pharmacy Choice could be a money saver? Your plans network may include preferred pharmacies, mail order

Spring has nearly sprung! Are you sprout-ing ideas of starting a garden this year? You can reduce your grocery expenses by growing your own vegetables. It’s also easy to spend a small fortune if your don’t plan correctly. If you are new to gardening, consider these tips before getting started. Have fun enjoying your garden’s great tastes and the physical activity and savings benefits you reap.

Grow well suited veggies. In Kansas, good choices when garden space is limited are bush cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, pep-pers, radishes, spinach, summer squash and tomatoes. Nearly all vegetables need full sun and well-drained soil.

Grow veggies that are expensive to buy. To save more money, grow more expen-sive vegetables, such as leafy greens, peppers and tomatoes, or grow large quan-tities of the vegetables that you purchase most regularly.

Start with a written plan. Decide what you want to grow and find out how it should be planted, how to maintain it and how to harvest and store it. Plan your garden on paper first.

Reduce gardening inputs. Saving money by growing vegetables means keeping your costs as low as possible while still growing pro-ductive plants. For the first year, con-sider container gardening. Ask for advice about what to do from people who have gardened before.

Start small. Like many activities worth doing, gardening takes practice. Crops require regular watering, weeding, harvest-ing and preservation/storage. Limit yourself to a few containers or to a small plot and just a few types of vegetables the first year. Expand as you become more experienced. For more information about healthy eating, contact the local extension office at 913-299-9300.

GROW

VEGATABLES

AND SAVINGS

Volunteer for SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas)

The Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) wants YOU! SHICK counsel-ors work with Medicare beneficiaries to understand their health options and answer their questions. This is a perfect opportunity to share with your peers and give back to your com-

munity.

SHICK training starts May 16, 2013. Call LaMonica Upton at 913-573-8545 for more informa-tion. All SHICK Counselors must fill out a volunteer application and go through an interview

process before being accepted into SHICK training.

Are you a Medicare beneficiary? Do you review your Medicare Summary Notices every quarter? Do you review your Part D Expla-nation of Benefits every quarter? If not, please do starting now. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a project that trains older adults

how to: Protect...yourself from Medicare errors, fraud and

abuse. Detect...learn to detect potential errors, fraud and

abuse. Report...if you suspect that you have been a target of

errors, fraud and abuse.

Protecting your personal information is the best line of de-fense in the fight against healthcare fraud and abuse. Every day, consumers get ripped off by scam artists. Medicare and Medi-caid lose billions of dollars each year. You can make a difference! Here are some ways to take an active role in protecting your healthcare benefits: 1. Treat your Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security numbers like a

credit card number. Never give these numbers to a stranger. 2. Remember, Medicare doesn’t call or visit to sell you anything. 3. Don’t carry your Medicare or Medicaid card unless you will need it.

Only take it to doctors appointments, visits to your hospital or clinic or trips to the pharmacy

4. Record doctor visits, tests and procedures in your personal health care journal or calendar.

5. Save Medicare Summary Notices and Part D Explanation of Bene-fits. Shred the documents when they are no longer useful.

Learn to detect potential errors, fraud and abuse and if you suspect that you have been a target of errors, fraud and abuse...report it immediately by calling 1-877-808-2468.

PAGE 6

On Tuesday, April 2, 2013, Wyandotte County voters elected Mark Holland as Mayor/CEO over his running mate, Ann Mur-guia. Murguia keeps her seat on the Unified Government Commission that Holland now heads. She said that she can work with the mayor-elect despite the sometimes heated cam-paign. Both Holland and Murguia served on the Wyandotte County/Kansas City Kansas Board of Commissioners since 2007.

Voters also made changes on the Board of Commissioners by electing Harold (Hal) Walker over Thomas (TJ) Reardon for the At-Large District 2 seat; Gayle E. Townsend over Winfred Manning for the Commissioner District 1; Mike Kane was re-elected over Jarvis Collier for Commissioner District 5; Jim Walters beat out incumbent, Thomas Cooley for Commis-sioner District 7 and Jane W. Philbrook beat incumbent, Butch Ellison who has held Board of Commissioners District 8 seat since 2001.

VIEW THE CURRENT ROSTER OF COMMISSIONERS BELOW:

If you have a concern in your area, you can contact your

commissioner at 913-573-5040.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

ELECTS NEW MAYOR

AND VOTES FOR CHANGE

WITHIN ITS BOARD OF

COMMISSIONERS

At Large District 1 Vacant

At Large District 2 Harold “Hal” Walker

District 1 Gayle E. Townsend

District 2 Brian McKiernan

District 3 Ann Murguia

District 4 Terrance Maddox

District 5 Mike Kane

District 6 Angela Markley

District 7 Jim Walters

District 8 Jane W. Philbrook

SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL

(SMP)

Protect . . .D etect . . .Repor t

THE WOE FACTOR:

W a t e r , O a tm e a l , E xe r c i s e

Does email work for you? Help us save postage costs by joining our

email club and get information before everyone else!

If interested, send an email to: 60Plus@wycokck.org with your request.

What is the W.O.E. effect? The W.O.E. effect is a simple way to maintain overall health and well being.

The “W” stands for drinking Water. Our bodies are 65 % water. It takes eight to ten cups of water a day to replenish what we lose through physical activity.

The “O” stands for Oatmeal. Eating oatmeal may lower your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels contribute to clogged arteries, heart condition and stroke.

The “E’ stands for Exercise. Increasing our physical activity provides a source of energy and weight control.

Currently, the AAA staff is participating in the Walk Kansas fitness program sponsored by the Wyandotte County K-State Research and Extension office, promoting fitness and better nutrition. We encourage you to take advantage of the W.O.E. effect and live healthier, longer lives.

PAGE 7

Interested or have questions? Contact Linda Ramirez at

913-573-8531 or email at 60Plus@wycokck.org

L A V I N R A C S P E A N U T S M Z B H

S E I N O E P W R B L C T U L I P S T Y

S I X P F R I X A H V I S T N A P N P A

W J A H M M M Q I D G N X N Z U O S O D

P C Q E M A O E N T Z C O U S M Y U H S

S P R I N G C L E A N I N G S M W M K R

O R N Y E C E L O C T P B N E Y A M C E

D G E F A D H D E A K D A M R M T E O H

F I L W A D A E U N A C O W N A E R S T

G A P R O N S D R F I R V O C Y R S Y A

G R A L R L A R F R I H I F V P M C D F

I P A O O R F O E A Y T S I U O E H Y P

B E T S G M L M L H A B G N I L L O R H

A R I B S D A D X C T O L N U E O O E R

R Z I C I R A B A A X O P O I S N L T C

B S X L E Y K V H Q T C M R S R C T E N

E M S D O Y A M E D O C N I C S P U M P

Q L L S G N I D D E W Y G W U Q O S E C

U O J U N E T E E N T H X J X N Z M C J

E P M I Q W B A S E B A L L R C T P S V

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Find and circle all the words hidden in the grid.

ANTS BARBEQUE

BASEBALL CAMP

CARNIVAL CEMETERY

CHERRY BLOSSOMS CINCO DE MAYO

DAFFOLDILS DIPLOMA

FATHER’S DAY FLAG

FLOWERS GRADUATION

GRASS JUNETEENTH

MAYPOLE MEMORIAL DAY

MOTHER’S DAY OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

PARADE PEANUTS

PEONIES PICNIC

RAIN SOCK HOP

SPRING SPRING CLEANING

SUMMER SCHOOL SUNSHINE

SWIMMING TORNADO

TULIPS VACATION

WATERMELON WEDDINGS

1300 North 78th Street, Suite 100

Kansas City, Kansas 66112

Phone: 913-573-8531

Fax: 913-573-8577

Email: 60Plus@wycokck.org

Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging

60Plus?...Call on Us!

PRESORTED STANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

KANSAS CITY, MO

PERMIT NO. 1332

The Communicator is published bi-monthly by the Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging. It is funded by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disabil-ity Services through the Older Americans’ Act. We assume no responsibility for the care and return of unsolicited material. Donations are suggested.

The Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging does not discriminated on the basis of race, color, religion, age national origin, sex, or handicap.

If you feel you have been discriminated against, you may file a complaint with the Kansas Department for Aging & Disability Services at 1-800-432-3535.

Linda Ramirez, Editor

Emma Fonseca, Contributing Editor

LaMonica Upton, Contributing Editor

coming soon >>>

Flag Day June 14, 2013

Father’s Day June 16, 2013

Juneteenth

June 19, 2013

Summer Begins June 21, 2013

calendar >>>

Cinco de Mayo May 5, 2013

Mother’s Day May 12, 2013

AAA Public Hearing Sunrise Towers

May 13, 2013 at 10am

AAA Public Hearing Bonner Springs Senior Center

May 15, 2013 at 10am

Older American’s Month Celebration George Meyn Center

May 23, 2013 11am—2pm

Memorial Day Observed May 27, 2013

AAA Office Closed

Senior Health & Fitness Day Kansas City, Kansas Community College

May 29, 2013