Connections Vol. 21

team members worked together to determine the study process, help choose the provider and community forum format, and to develop the countywide survey that was distributed to community members. The overall study was designed to explore interest in the prospect of a Community Center and findings from the study indicate that the overwhelming majority of survey part ic ipants and forum participants felt Cecil County would benefit from the development of a multi‐use community center. Next steps involve organizing a brief presentation of the findings to additional stakeholders and elected officials and determining the need to move forward with a second study that explores location, size, scope and cost.

ConnectionsConnectionsConnections IN THIS ISSUE:

From the Director ............................ 1

Elkton Center Staff Honored ........... 1/2

Housing and Community Develop-ment ................................................ 2

School Buddies ............................... 3

Cecil Transit Travel Training .......... 3

The Local Care Team ...................... 4

The Healthy Lifestyles Fitness Center (HLFC) .................... 4

HLFC Inclement Weather Policy .... 4

Right Mind ...................................... 5

Splashing Seniors Program ............. 5/6

2018 Cecil County 55+ Healthy Lifestyle Expo ............ 6

Managing Diabetes .......................... 7

Breast Cancer Awareness ................ 7

Don’t be Misled by False Medicare or Social Security Ads ......................... 8

Cecil County Public Library

Events .............................................. 8/9

Looking for a Unique Gift ............... 9

2018 Senior Prom ............................ 9

Elkton Center Events ....................... 12

Elkton Center Inclement Weather .. 12

Meow Masquerade ....................... 12

DepartmentofCommunityServices

200ChesapeakeBlvd.Suite2550

Elkton,MD21921

OpenMonday‐Friday8:00amto4:30pm

410‐996‐5295

http://www.ccgov.org/government/community‐

services

From DCS Director, David Trolio…

FALL 2018 VOL. 21

In 2017, the Community Services Foundation of Cecil County, Inc., (CSF), the nonprofit arm of the Cecil County Department of Community Services, contracted with Shattuck & Associates, an independent planning and evaluation firm, to conduct a countywide community center needs assessment to explore interest in the prospect of a community center(s) in Cecil County. To begin the process, a Community Center Planning Team was formed, which included members from a variety of private businesses and public organizations. The Planning team’s primary responsibility was to guide the decision‐making process with respect to the evaluation plan and to discuss the implications of findings as they surfaced. In doing so, planning

Elkton Center Staff, Honored by Elkton Center members

The Elkton Center Staff was given a surprise Appreciation Party by their wonderful members. The members secretly planned and surprised Nancy Harden, Linda Seaman, Judi Brubaker, Nicole McKim (absent) Kathie Berwick and Teresa Gordon on August 22, 2018. A delicious special lunch meal was provided and each of the staff members were presented with a corsage and a card signed by the members of the Elkton Center.

The Elkton Center staff was truly touched and grateful for the love and support from the attendees.

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DCSCONNECTIONS FALL 2018 PAGE 2

Teresa Gordon, Elkton Center Manager, shared the following with the Elkton Center attendees, “We thank all of our Elkton Center members for this acknowledgement and your appreciation. Each of you, our members, are like extended family that we share our lives with daily. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to the Senior Council and Elkton Center members.“

(Left to right: Nancy Harden, Linda Seaman, Judi Brubaker,

Kathie Berwick, Teresa Gordon)

Continued from page 1

Housing and Community Development

Joyce VanZile has been employed with Cecil County Government since January 2001. Joyce started as a part time employee for the Department of Aging as the first Medicaid Waiver program coordinator. Since that time she has seen many changes with the Department and has held several different positions including Term Care Specialist, Ombudsman, RSVP Program Assistant, Assisted Living Specialist and most recently Supports Planner for the Community Options and VA programs.

Joyce is happily married and has one adult son and a rescued boxer/lab mix dog. In her spare time Joyce enjoys all outdoor activities; gardening, beekeeping, hiking, but most of all traveling. Growing up in New England, she prefers a less humid climate. Joyce and her husband state they

will use any excuse to explore a new area and would like to go back to Ireland again.

Joyce is excited about her new role as the Housing Counselor as she wants to combine her many years of helping people with her experiences of also being a licensed realtor. As a Housing Counselor her two primary responsibilities will be:

assisting low and moderate income families to overcome the barriers to homeownership by offering First Time Homebuyer educat ion c lasses and individualized counseling and assisting homeowners to retain homeownership if they are delinquent in their mortgage payments by exploring options to correct the default to prevent and reduce foreclosures.

We are very happy Joyce is with us. Please stop by her office to welcome her. Resource: http://www.ccgov.org/g o v e r nm e n t / c ommu n i t y ‐services/housing

Joyce VanZile

The 2018‐2019 Cecil County Public School year has recently started! It is that time of year where the Department of Community Services begins to connect School Buddies with a local elementary school so that they may make a difference in the lives of children. School Buddies—a signature program of Cecil/Harford RSVP coordinated by the

Cecil County Department of Community Services, matches volunteers ages 55 and older with a local elementary school. School Buddies interact with students in small groups within the classroom or they may interact one on one with a student. The Department of Community Services Volunteer Program staff met with multiple elementary schools in anticipation of the school year and they are all eagerly waiting for their Buddies to begin volunteering – the program is in high demand! The following schools would welcome School Buddies: Bainbridge, North East, Bay View and Gilpin Manor. If you or someone you know is looking to enrich the lives of children please contact Stephanie Kennedy‐La Rosa at 410.996.8439 or [email protected].


School Buddies

Cecil Transit—Travel Training

Mobility (abililty to freely travel) is essential in all our lives. To work, shop, get medical care, practice faith, explore educational and recreational opportunities, or see friends and relatives, we need transportation. Many people transport themselves or rely on a friend or family member to provide transportation; however, for individuals who do not have access to a reliable vehicle or cannot depend on others for their transportation needs, other travel options are necessary. Cecil Transit provides free travel training, to those unfamiliar with Cecil Transit’s fixed route services. Travel training reduces anxiety associated with utilizing public transportation for the first time and has the potential to maintain or improve the mobility of older adults, people with disabilities, and others who are not able to drive or have someone else drive for them. Travel training can even help individuals already riding public transportation to use it more effectively. Travel training is a potent tool in the arsenal of strategies for improving or maintaining the mobility of our community. In order to schedule a one‐on‐one travel training session, call 410‐996‐5295 and choose option 2. The Transit Coordinator will work with you to plan

your trip, provide basic information on how to use public transportation, and will schedule a time to ride with you. He will walk you step‐by‐step through the boarding and riding process including making any necessary connections along the way. Want an opportunity to explore public transit with your family or friends? Cecil Transit will be planning group travel trainings departing from centralized locations and community centers along our routes. Also, expect to see Cecil Transit at your local community events! Cecil Transit will participate in local fairs and public gatherings to bring our travel training right to your community. Remember to look for our Cecil Transit buses this fall! If you’re new to public transit, looking for alternative travel methods, or just curious about where we can take you, head on over to try before you ride! Be sure to follow Cecil Transit on Facebook for the latest on upcoming travel training opportunities and events.


Healthy Lifestyles Fitness Center Inclement Weather Policy

If the weather is bad Tune in to WXCY‐FM 103.7 or visit www.ccgov.org for the latest update. If it’s announced that Cecil County employees can use Liberal Leave, the Fitness Center will be closed. You can also call the Healthy Lifestyle Fitness Center phone at 410.620.3101 and listen to the updated recording.

Please be safe!

The Healthy Lifestyles Fitness Center

The fitness solution for adults 55 and above in Cecil County!

The Healthy Lifestyles Fitness Center offers 3 certified personal trainers, individualized workout programs, Keiser exercise equipment and an environment that is non‐threatening and the focus is on exercising safely at your own pace. In addition to a general fitness program, we also offer the Life Beyond Cancer Fitness Program for Cecil County residents who are currently in the cancer recovery process.

Take the first step to better health by calling 410‐620‐3101 or visit us on the web at http://www.ccgov.org/government/community ‐services/community‐wellness‐division/healthy‐lifestyles‐fitness‐center.

By Ed Wentzell‐Certified Personal Trainer, HLFC


Right Mind

“Well, I stand up next to a mountain and I chop it down with the edge of my hand” Jimi Hendrix

In my last article we centered on a quote from Nietzsche. This time let us turn to the east for some inspiration. Takuan Soho, a Zen monk and swordsman who became so well regarded for his skills and wisdom that he even advised the Emperor and Shogun of Japan. Takuan wrote a letter titled “The Mysterious Record of Immovable Wisdom” to a fellow swordsman. He left us a treasure to consider, in the following quote.

“In not remaining in one place the Right Mind is like water. The confused mind is like ice, and ice is unable to wash hands or head. When ice is melted, it becomes water and flows everywhere, and it can wash the hands,

the feet or anything else.”

During one of our 25 mile hikes on board Camp Lejeune, a fellow marine looked over at me and said, “I don’t know how you do it, I’m 6’5 and can barely keep up.” At that time (I stand at 5’5) the only reply I could muster up was, “I don’t know, I just keep putting one foot in front the other.” Not realizing it at the time I was of Right Mind, for there was no place else I wanted to be nor anything else I wanted to be doing than hiking with the marines. So, regardless of what tasks lay before you be sure that you are of Right Mind and watch those mountains crumble with the edge of your hand. Stay Motivated!!

The holiday season is just around the corner and the Fitness Center can make your shopping experience a little easier. If you’re wondering what to buy this year, consider purchasing a Healthy Lifestyles Fitness Center Gift Certificate for your friend, spouse, parent or grandparent. What better way to show how much you care; giving the gift of better health! Gift certificates are available year round, just stop by the office or call 410‐620‐3101 for more information.

Splashing Seniors Aquatic Partnership Program

Rachael Lawrence has been with the YMCA of Cecil County since March 2008. The Cecil Splashing Seniors program has been fortunate to have Rachel Lawrence at the helm as the program instructor for many years. She is a well‐respected and well‐liked instructor as reported by program members. Simultaneously members note, “Rachel sure makes us work hard but motivates and cheers us on in each and every class!”

Rachel will be moving out of the area to begin a new chapter in her life. Rachael has a special way with people and she will be deeply missed by the staff, members, and class participants.

Class members are sad to see her go but, all wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.

Thank you, Rachel!!

Join us to meet and welcome Angela Kovall, who will pick up the instructor reigns, for the Splashing Seniors program and classes. Angela is the mother of 2 energetic boys, which keeps her moving and energized. Angela shared, “I love working with every department at the YMCA. Being able to give back to people helps me feel as if I can strengthen our community. I always enjoy meeting new people!”

Welcome Angela!

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classes. Each class meets twice a week (Monday/Wednesday‐or‐Tuesday/ Thursday).

All interested community members must register in person at Cecil County DCS‐Community Wellness Division Elkton Center or Healthy Lifestyle Fitness Center located at 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Elkton, MD 21921. For more information about this program please contact Heike Button at 410‐996‐8170 or [email protected].

2018 Cecil County 55+ Healthy Lifestyles Expo

The 16th Cecil County 55+ Healthy Lifestyle Expo was a success, in many ways! The 2018 Cecil Expo was held on August 9, 2018, at Elkton High School from 8:15 a.m. ‐ 2:00 p.m. The annual Expo event is organized and presented through a collaborative partnership between Cecil College and the Cecil County Department of Community Services.

When doors opened at 8:15 a.m. for registration, a long line of attendees were present and ready to go! The 2018 attendance of 330, is the highest to date. The Expo vendor/resource hall (Elkton High School gymnasium) was filled with more than 52 diverse community health screenings, programs and representatives who were available for the day. The resource and vendor representatives spent the day interacting with attendees about services, programs and resources available. They also offered helpful and coveted free give‐a‐ways!

All 17 of the invited guest workshop presenters shared informative, relevant, topic focused presentations which were well received and reviewed by attendees. Their topics, information shared and resources provided were of interest and offered assistance to our Cecil 55+ citizens. Presentation topics included: Legal Issues/Topics, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, Nutrition, History, Science, Brain Changes, Emotions, Aging, Fitness/Exercise, Recreational Activities and much more. A Medical Panel presentation was added this year to give attendee’s an opportunity to learn about diagnoses and issues important for citizens 55 and older. The Union Multi‐Specialty Practice panel featured Dr. Sirin Pandey, M.D. – Endocrinology, Dr. Roger Wu, M.D. – Gastroenterology and Dr. Getinet Kassa, MD‐ Neurology. Volunteer Cecil hosted a Volunteer Fair, within the Expo, offering volunteer opportunities for citizens 55 and older! Cecil College and the Cecil County Department of Community Services would like to thank all workshop presenters, resource & vendor representatives, health screeners, Elkton High School, Café Gelato and of course all of our participants!! Mark your calendars now for the August 2019 Expo!

(Left to right: Dr. Kassa, Dr. Pandey, Dr. Wu, Cecil County Executive Dr. McCarthy)

2018 Vendor and Resource Hall

The Cecil Splashing Seniors Program for individuals 60 and above is offered at the Cecil YMCA through competitive grant funds awarded to the Cecil County Department of Community Services (DCS) Community Wellness Division. Splashing Seniors is a water‐based fitness class designed for all skill levels, even non‐swimmers. Swimming has been identified as demonstrating advantages over land‐based exercise. Chief among them: low injury rates. Splashing Seniors water aerobics class has two

Breast Cancer Awareness

According to the American Cancer Society, a woman living in the United States has a 12.3 percent ‐‐ 1 in 8 — lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. While most breast cancer is diagnosed in women past the age of 50, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says about 11 percent of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.

Early detection is the best protection. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all women ages 19 and over have annual breast exams by a health care provider and an annual mammogram for women ages 40 and older. Mammography can often detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective and a cure is more likely. Breast cancer screenings can be quick and easy. All women should know their breast cancer risk and call their healthcare provider today to get screened for breast cancer.

Breast cancer screening is covered by most health insurance programs, but anyone who is worried about the cost can get assistance. The Cecil County Health Department Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program can help eligible women aged 40 to 64 get breast and cervical cancer screenings at no cost to them. Anyone interested in obtaining breast cancer screening can call the Health Department’s Division of Health Promotion at 410‐996‐5168.

Everyone is invited to help raise awareness by taking a minute to remind someone they know to get screened for breast cancer.


Managing diabetes can be difficult. However, having the proper education and support can lighten your load when managing this chronic disease. Union Medical Nutritional Services and Diabetes Center has many resources to help you achieve good diabetes control. We hope to see you at one of our events.

Monthly Diabetes Support Group Second Tuesday of the month, 5:00 p.m.‐6:00 p.m., Union Hospital This group hosts a variety of informative speakers with information and tips on various topics associated with diabetes. November – no group December 11 – Healthy Holiday Eating Additional topics throughout the year may include: exercise, yoga, stress management, eye care, and foot care. This is a free resource. No pre‐registration needed.

Free eye screening November 7th 9:00 a.m.‐12:00 p.m., we will host

Seidenburg Protzko Eye Associates for a free eye screening. If you have not had your annual dilated eye exam, call to schedule an appointment today. This is a free resource. To register call 410‐620‐1210.

Annual Diabetes Education Fair November 14th, 1:00 p.m.‐5:00 p.m., Union Hospital We are celebrating Diabetes Awareness month with our second annual Diabetes Education Fair. A variety of educational tables and speakers will provide you with information on how to eat healthy, yearly exams that should be done, how to fit in exercise, medication usage, testing your glucose and analyzing the numbers, and so much more. Plus our endocrinologists will be on site to answer questions. This is a free resource and you do not need to pre‐register.

Our Certified Diabetes Educators are also available by appointment, billed through your insurance. To schedule call 410‐620‐1210.

Managing Diabetes Jennifer Noll, RD, LDN, CSOWM, CDE


Don’t be Misled by False Medicare or Social Security Ads

By Nicole DeCampli

Social Security District Manager in Elkton, MD

Online and otherwise, there’s a lot of information out there, and sometimes it’s difficult to tell what sources are credible. With millions of people relying on Social Security, scammers target audiences who are looking for program and benefit information.

There is a law that prohibits misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising. People or non‐government businesses cannot use words or emblems that would represent or affiliate them with Social Security or the Centers or Medicare & Medicaid Services

People are often misled by advertisers who use the terms “Social Security” or “Medicare”. Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge. These services include getting:

A corrected Social Security card showing a person’s married name;

A Social Security card to replace a lost card;

A Social Security Statement; and

A Social Security number for a child.

If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete ad, including the envelope, to:

Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline Social Security Administration P.O. Box 17768 Baltimore, MD 21235

You can learn more about how we combat fraudulent advertisers by reading our publication What You Need to Know About Misleading Advertising at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN‐05‐10005.pdf.You can also report Social Security fraud to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report.

Author Visit: “Collision of Wills: Johnny Unitas, Don Shula, and the Rise of the NFL” Elkton Central Library, Tuesday, Nov 6 at 7:00 PM Jack Gilden will present on his new book "Collision of Wills: Johnny Unitas, Don Shula, and the Rise of the NFL." Q&A & book signing to follow. Books will be available to purchase.

National Novel Writer's Month Workshop North East Branch, Tuesday, Nov 6 at 6:30 PM Local Author Michelle Chynoweth leads an informative workshop on approaches to writing and literary promotion. She will take questions about writing, creativity, and the publishing business.

Tools of the Local Native Americans Perryville Branch, Wednesday, Nov 7 at 6:30 PM Dan Coates of the Archeological Society of the Northern Chesapeake will be discussing tools of the local Native American tribes.

Cecil County Public Library Events

Continued page 9


Cecil County and the History of American Medicine Rising Sun Branch, Thursday, Nov 8 at 6:00 p.m. Local teacher and historian, Rusty Eder, will discuss the important role West Nottingham Academy graduates played in the early years of American medicine.

Winter Floral Arranging Perryville Branch Saturday, Dec 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Using seasonal greens, Certified Floral Designer Elizabeth Mayer, will instruct you on how to create your own seasonal display! Please bring a small (5"‐6") decorative, water tight container and pruners.

Handbell Concert Elkton Central Library, Tuesday, Dec 11 at 7:00 p.m. The First State Ringers will perform. All ages are welcome.


Looking for a unique gift? At the Elkton Center you can find several restored, hand

caned chairs available for sale. Chairs are priced between $50.00 ‐ $60.00 per chair.

Proceeds of all sales go to: Cecil College Nursing Scholarship Program

For more information call 410‐996‐5295, choose option 3 or stop by:

The Elkton Center Cecil County Administration Building (rear entrance)

200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 1700, Elkton, MD

Dancing in the Moonlight!

2018 Senior Prom

The 2018 Senior Prom will be held on

Date: November 17, 2018 Time: 5:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.

Location: Five Rivers Church, 290 Whitehall Road, Elkton, MD 21921 Fee: $8.00

Join us for an evening of dancing, dinner, door prizes and much more. This event is open to all residents 55+. Please purchase your tickets at the Elkton Center or the Healthy Lifestyles Fitness Center, located at the Cecil

County Administration Building, 200 Chesapeake Blvd, Elkton, MD.

Registration deadline is November 2, 2018.

Tickets will not be available at the door the day of the event. For more information please call 410‐996‐5295.


October 31: Halloween Party $5.00 a person Costume Contest, Dancing and Fun Reservation Required for a spooky good time

November 15: Veteran’s Celebration

December 6: Christmas Show with Jack Foreaker $3.00 a person Reservation Required Give your holiday spirit a jump start watching Jack and his puppets

Elkton Center Events

Please join Chesapeake Feline Association and Cecil County Animal Services for our first annual

Meow Masquerade When: October 20th 6 p.m. ‐10 p.m.

Where: Dove Valley Vineyard

This fabulous event will feature a complimentary wine tasting, wine for purchase, appetizers, a silent auction, 50/50, and music by DJ Terry! All proceeds benefit the homeless and abused cats of Cecil County! Costumes are strongly encouraged and a prize for best costume will be awarded. This is a 21 and over event. We hope to see you there!

Please visit us at http://www.ccgov.org/government/animal‐services or call 410‐441‐2040.

The Elkton Center is Closed the following dates:

November 12 November 22 & 23

December 11, 18, 24, 25, 26 and 31

Elkton Center Inclement Weather Policy For information: WXCY Radio Station – 103.7 FM or www.ccgov.org

Cecil County Government website www.ccgov.org Cecil County Government Facebook page

If Cecil County Public Schools are Two Hours Late: ELKTON CENTER IS CLOSED

Home Delivered Meals available No Cecil Transit transportation to Elkton Center

(may also be cancelled or limited for medical transportation) H.O.P.S. classes cancelled

If Cecil County Public Schools are Closed: ELKTON CENTER IS CLOSED No Home Delivered Meals

No Cecil Transit transportation for seniors (if possible, medical emergency transportation only) H.O.P.S. classes cancelled

For reservation and deadline information

please call 410‐996‐5295

Documents

Connections Vol. 21