“Your Connection to Long Term Services and Supports, REGARDLESS of AGE”

GOLDEN GLOWPublished by Schuyler County Office For the Aging and NY Connects

Office for the Aging (OFA)

323 Owego St., Unit 7 Montour Falls, NY 14865

(607) 535-7108www.schuylercounty.us

Schuyler County Office for the Aging

Nutrition Reservations: (607) 535-7470 OFA Transportation Requests:

(607) 535-3555

Vol. 48 No. 2 March/April 2021

DIRECTOR’S CORNER By: Tamre S. Waite

F orty-five years ago (1976), our country was celebrating its 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence; Gerald Ford was President (Jimmy Carter would be elected later that year to succeed him); Super Bowl X ended with the

Pittsburgh Steelers defeating the Dallas Cowboys 21-17; Clifford Alexander, Jr. was confirmed as the first African-American Secretary of the US Army; Patty Hurst was found guilty of armed robbery in New Jersey and later sentenced to seven years in prison; the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that Karen Ann Quinlin could be removed from life support; and the Apple Computer Company was formed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Still to come that year, Nadia Comaneci would become the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the Montreal Olympics; the Viking I would have a successful landing on Mars; the Cincinnati Reds would beat out the New York Yankees to win the World Series; Microsoft would officially register in New Mexico; and the Cold War and energy crisis would continue. More locally, the fairly new RSVP office, under the direction of Margaret O’Grady, would continue to flourish and bring many volunteer opportunities to Schuyler County. In addition to the various “stations” or volunteer sites that were being developed, RSVP was busy recruiting and matching volunteers to assignments that best met their interest and utilized their skills, talents, knowledge and experience. One of the service areas was an RSVP newsletter called the Golden Glow which looked much different than the one you are reading today. The Golden Glow remained strictly an RSVP newsletter until late 1979 or early 1980 after the establishment of an Office for the Aging here in Schuyler County in the latter part of 1979. OFA and RSVP originally shared office space in the old Burdett schoolhouse until OFA opened their doors on Main Street in Montour Falls in December of 1979 and brought RSVP along with them. Fast forward to 2021 where we are still dealing with one of the most difficult health issues our country has faced and during which we have learned how to deal with social distancing, contactless deliveries and remote access to meetings and activities. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the wonderful volunteers who faithfully met every other month to collate the newsletter were then asked to try a new method to continue with the collation process. I am thrilled to say that they stepped up to the plate and without hesitation, continued to do so from their individual homes. Bundles of newsletters were dropped off at their door. The volunteers would then retrieve the delivery and start the process of folding, securing and labeling the newsletters. They would then place them outside their door for a scheduled pick-up. By the last quarter of 2020, the volunteers determined they could gather in a large enough space to socially distance, wear their masks and get to work as a group. Throughout the last forty-four (44) years, Burdett resident, Priscilla Kelly, has worked tirelessly on the Golden Glow. She has remained steadfast in her devotion to the newsletter. Now, after all those years, Priscilla has decided it is time to retire from her involvement in the mailing of the Golden Glow newsletter. Priscilla says, “It has been a difficult decision, but now is the right time for me to move on.” What Priscilla says she will miss most is working with the volunteers who have helped her collate the newsletter. Over the forty-four (44) years, many volunteers have touched her life. Priscilla began working on the newsletter in 1976. She was hired by RSVP Director, Margaret O’Grady, to work as an administrative assistant. The RSVP office, at that time, was in the former Burdett School building. One of the many responsibilities included typing all the articles and preparing the newsletter for mailing. Most of the

Office Closings

There will be no office hours, meal delivery or congregate sites.

What’s inside:

Silver Spoon Café Menu.…………..………. 2 Nutrition Spotlight…………….…………… 3 HIICAP……...………….…………………. 4-5 NY Connects……………………….………. 5 Caregiver’s Corner…………….…………… 6-7 Volunteerism……………………………….. 8 Health Promotions………………………….. 9 Veterans……………..…….………………... 10 Web Site Showcase………………...………. 11 Bulletin Board…………………………….... 11

articles were hand written, and she had to type them on blue stencils. She then drove from Burdett to Cornell Cooperative Extension in Montour Falls to use their workroom to print the newsletter on the mimeograph machine (how many of you remember those?). Priscilla notes that you had to be very careful or you would get ink all over yourself, and that did not come off your hands or out of your clothes very easily. In addition to typing and printing the newsletter, Priscilla also coordinated the collation of the many pages of the newsletter (much more challenging back then), but the job was not done yet! Priscilla and volunteers then sorted all the newsletters by zip code, and then she loaded them all into her vehicle and delivered them to the Post Office. RSVP mailed approximately 1700 monthly newsletters at that time.

Priscilla recalled that the early issues of the Golden Glow included information from the RSVP nutrition program plus others.

Even after retiring from RSVP on December 9, 1994, Priscilla came back as an RSVP volunteer to help collate the newsletter and take it to the post office. She has continued to serve as the coordinator for the Golden Glow collation and mailing preparation (sorting by zip code and loading into mailing trays) for the last twenty-six (26) years. The December collation of the January/February 2021 newsletter was her last time of taking charge of this process.

Over the years, Priscilla has seen many changes in the newsletter, but one thing has remained constant– the goal to provide important information to the older adults of Schuyler County. She has helped to accomplish that goal for forty-four (44) years! To say that Priscilla Kelly will be missed is an understatement. The Schuyler County Office for the Aging would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Priscilla for her many years of dedication, faithfulness, and hard work.

April 2nd - Good Friday

Page 2 Golden Glow March/April 2021

Silver Spoon Café Menu Meals served at 12:00pm/ Montour site 11:45 am

For reservations call 535-7470 by 9:00a.m. Menu Subject to Change

Dates Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

March 1-5

Swiss Steak w/Tomatoes & Onions Brown Rice Italian Green Beans Apple Juice Tropical Fruit

Parmesan Crusted Fish

Baked Potato w/ SC Carrots Plum Crisp Whole Grain Muffin

Ham Loaf Au gratin Potatoes Broccoli Fresh Orange

Chicken & Biscuit Mixed Vegetables Four Bean Salad Strawberries w/

topping

Macaroni & Cheese Zucchini & Tomatoes Chic Pea Salad Cinnamon Applesauce

March 8-12

Vegetable Lasagna Chopped Spinach Mandarin Oranges Cranberry Juice

Turkey Broccoli Casserole Peas & Carrots Carifruit Salad

Pulled Pork on Whole Wheat Roll Broccoli Coleslaw Peach and Apple Salad

Roast Beef w/ gravy Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Cranberry Fruit Salad

Chicken Cacciatore Pasta w/ Marinara Sauce Tossed Salad w/

Dressing Fruit Cocktail Whole Grain Spice

March 15-19

Stuffed Peppers Carrots Mixed Fruit Grape Juice Whole Grain Banana Muffin

Sweet & Sour Chicken Brown Rice Broccoli Sunshine Salad Whole Grain Apple Muffin

St. Patrick's Day Irish Pork Stew w/ Whole Grain Biscuit Carrot Raisin Salad Fruited Jello Lucky Cookie

Stuffed Shells Italian Mixed Vegetables Tangy Green Beans Pineapple Slices

Pizza Casserole

California Blend

Vegetables

Mennonite Salad

Fresh Orange

Whole Grain Muffin

March 22-26

Liver & Onions Mashed Potatoes Normandy Blend Vegetables Mandarin Oranges

Lemon Garlic Chicken Rice Pilaf Beets Peach Crisp

Cheese Broccoli Strata Stewed Tomatoes Mixed Berries w/

topping

Roast Beef w/ Gravy Mashed Potatoes Peas & Carrots Fruit Ambrosia Chocolate PB Cake WG Dinner Roll

Turkey Tetrazzini Green Beans Frijole Salad Pears

March 29-31

April 1-2

Hawaiian Chicken Confetti Rice Broccoli Applesauce Tropical Fruit

Baked Ziti Chopped Spinach Tossed Salad w/

Dressing Pears w/ Blueberries

Sloppy Joe on Whole Wheat Bun Baked Beans Mixed Vegetables Peach & Apple Salad

Baked Fish Moroney Rice Pilaf California Blend

Vegetables Carrifruit Salad

Chicken Pasta Primavera

Vegetable Blend Mandarin Oranges Cranberry Juice

April 5-9

Macaroni & Cheese Beets Mixed Fruit LS V-8 Juice

Italian Sausage w/ Peppers & Onions Baked Beans Broccoli Pineapple Slices

Roast Turkey w/Gravy

Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Fresh Orange

Cabbage Casserole Wax Beans Blueberry Crisp

Meatloaf Baked Potatoes w/ SC Carrots Apple Slices w/

Cinnamon

April 12-16

BBQ Chicken Roasted Potatoes Mixed Vegetables Pears w/ Blueberries

Swiss Steak w/ Tomatoes & Onions

Brown Rice Italian Green Beans Cranberry Fruit Salad

Scallop Potatoes w/ Ham Broccoli Peaches

Vegetable Lasagna Chopped Spinach Mandarin Oranges

Turkey Broccoli Casserole

Butternut Squash Apple Crisp

April 19-23

Cheese Broccoli Strata

Vegetable Blend Mixed Berries LS V8 Juice

Chicken Cacciatore

Pasta w/ Marinara

Sauce

Tossed Salad w/

Dressing

Fruit Ambrosia

Roast Beef w/ Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Fruit Cocktail

Turkey Tetrazzini

Carrots

4 Bean Salad

Rosy Apple Relish

Sweet & Sour Pork Brown Rice Broccoli Pineapple Tidbits

April 26-30

Stuffed Shells Italian Mixed Vegetables Peaches Orange Juice

Parmesan Crusted Fish

Confetti Rice Parsley Buttered Carrots Broccoli Salad Tropical Fruit

Shepherds Pie Brussel Sprouts Pea & Beet Salad Mixed Fruit

Pulled Pork on a Whole Wheat Roll Baked Beans Coleslaw Fresh Orange

Lemon Garlic Chicken Au gratin Potatoes California Mixed

Vegetables Blueberries

March/April 2021 Golden Glow Page 3

NUTRITION SPOTLIGHT

Is Diabetes in Your Future? What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Approximately 88 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 84% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

The good news is that if you have prediabetes, the CDC led National Diabetes Prevention Program can help you make lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems.

What Causes Prediabetes?

Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that acts like a key to let blood sugar into cells for use as energy. If you have prediabetes, the cells in your body don’t respond normally to insulin. Your pancreas makes more insulin to try to get cells to respond. Eventually your pancreas can’t keep up, and your blood sugar rises, setting the stage for prediabetes—and type 2 diabetes down the road.

Signs & Symptoms

You can have prediabetes for years but have no clear symptoms, so it often goes undetected until serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes show up. It’s important to talk to your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested if you have any of the risk factors for prediabetes, which include:

• Being overweight

• Being 45 years or older

• Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes

• Being physically active less than 3 times a week

Ever having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds Having polycystic ovary syndrome

Race and ethnicity are also a factor: African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at higher risk.

Simple Blood Sugar Test

You can get a simple blood sugar test to find out if you have prediabetes. Ask your doctor if you should be tested.

Diabetes is Reversible

If you have prediabetes, changing your diet and lifestyle habits to promote a small amount of weight loss (around 5% to 7% of your body weight), can reverse your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention to learn about dietary and lifestyle changes that will help you prevent diabetes.

__________________________________________________

See page 11 for easy

Chicken and Vegetable recipe

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Over a period of time, diabetes can cause serious health issues including:

Heart Disease

Stroke

End-Stage Kidney Disease

Eye Problems such as Blindness

Nerve Damage that can lead to Amputation

It has also been reported that people with Type II Diabetes may be at a greater risk for Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.

http://main.diabetes.org/dorg/PDFs/Advocacy/burden-of-diabetes/new-york.pdf

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/diabetes-older-people#:~:text=It's%20important%20to%20manage%20diabetes,for%20cancer%20and%20Alzheimer's%20disease

Page 4 Golden Glow March/April 2021

HIICAP– Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program

Ambulance Coverage

Medicare’s coverage for ambulance services often raises

questions that people with Medicare bring to their local

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

People want to know why Medicare didn’t pay for a trip to a

local emergency department or to a hospital on the other side

of town. It’s good to keep in mind that Medicare covers

ambulance trips only when they’re medically necessary and

reasonable. What does that mean?

First, it means that your medical condition must be

serious enough that you need an ambulance to transport

you safely to a hospital or other facility where you receive

care that Medicare covers.

If a car or taxi could transport you without endangering your

health, Medicare won’t pay. Medicare probably won’t pay, for

example, for an ambulance to take someone with a simple

fracture in her ankle to a hospital. But if she goes into shock,

or is prone to internal bleeding, ambulance transport may be

medically necessary to ensure the patient’s safety on the

way. The details make a difference.

Second, the ambulance must take you to the “nearest

appropriate facility,” meaning the closest hospital or SNF

generally equipped to provide the services your illness or

injury requires.

It also means that the facility must have a physician or

physician specialist available to treat your condition. Thus,

Medicare may pay for an ambulance to take you to a more

distant hospital if, for example, you are seriously burned and

the hospital has a special burn unit. Similarly, if you live in a

rural area where the nearest hospital equipped to treat you is

a three-hour drive away, Medicare will pay. But if you want an

ambulance to take you to a more distant hospital simply

because the doctor you prefer has staff privileges there,

expect to pay a greater share of the bill. Medicare will cover

the cost of ambulance transport to the nearest appropriate

facility and no more.

Here are the main things you need to know about

Medicare’s coverage for ambulance trips.

• Ambulances and their crews must meet staffing and

medical equipment rules to qualify for Medicare payment.

Medicare does not cover transport in wheelchair vans.

• Medicare covers medically necessary ambulance trips in emergencies and, in certain limited cases, non-emergencies where the person is bed-confined or has an acute medical condition that requires medical supervision or treatment during in transit. Emergencies include, for example, when you’re in shock, unconscious, or bleeding heavily.

• Medicare covers medically necessary ambulance trips only to certain destinations. They are hospitals, critical access hospitals in rural areas, skilled nursing facilities, dialysis

facilities, and your home. In rare cases, Medicare also pays for stops at a physician’s office on the way to an appropriate facility. As a general rule, Medicare only covers local ambulance transportation.

• Medicare Part B pays 80% of an approved amount for ambulance trips. You’re responsible for 20% of the approved amount (the coinsurance charge). Ambulance companies must submit their bills directly to Medicare and accept assignment. This means they take Medicare’s approved amount as full payment. If you have insurance to cover the Part B coinsurance charge, you should owe nothing out-of-pocket for Medicare-covered ambulance trips.

• Medicare covers medically necessary ambulance trips

in emergencies and, in certain limited cases, non-

emergencies where the person is bed-confined or has an

acute medical condition that requires medical supervision or

treatment during in transit. Emergencies include, for example,

when you’re in shock, unconscious, or bleeding heavily.

• Medicare covers medically necessary ambulance trips

only to certain destinations. They are hospitals, critical access

hospitals in rural areas, skilled nursing facilities, dialysis

facilities, and your home. In rare cases, Medicare also pays

for stops at a physician’s office on the way to an appropriate

facility. As a general rule, Medicare only covers local

ambulance transportation.

• Medicare Part B pays 80% of an approved amount for

ambulance trips. You’re responsible for 20% of the approved

amount (the coinsurance charge). Ambulance companies

must submit their bills directly to Medicare and accept

assignment. This means they take Medicare’s approved

amount as full payment. If you have insurance to cover the

Part B coinsurance charge, you should owe nothing out-of-

pocket for Medicare-covered ambulance trips.

"IF AN AMBULANCE COMPANY BILLS YOU

FOR SERVICES AFTER MEDICARE DENIES

PAYMENT, CONTACT THE SHIP IN YOUR

STATE FOR HELP WITH AN APPEAL TO

REVIEW THE CASE."

As noted, Medicare won’t cover ambulance services when it

decides the trip was not necessary or appropriate. Often, a

lack of information about a person’s condition or need for

services leads to denials. People with Medicare have appeal

rights. If an ambulance company bills you for services after

Medicare denies payment, contact the SHIP in your state for

help with an appeal to review the case. If you can show, for

example, that transport in your neighbor’s car would have

been unsafe or that the hospital a mile away couldn’t meet

your needs, Medicare should pay.

Mike Klug, Medicare Consultant

Article from www.shiptacenter.org

2021

March/April 2021 Golden Glow Page 5

HIICAP NY CONNECTS

Medicare covers a large list of preventive screenings and services (see below) to keep you healthy! Please take advantage of these services. Visit www.medicare.gov to see the whole list preventive screenings.

Preventive Services

What is SNAP? It’s important to eat right—even when money is tight! The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy. Over 4 million older Americans use SNAP to buy healthy food at their local store or market.

Am I Eligible?

You’ll get healthy food for yourself and your family. SNAP can be used to buy healthy food for your household, such as fruits and vegetables, bread, meat, and dairy products. You’ll save money on groceries and it’s easy to use.

If eligible, you’ll get money every month on a special debit card you can use to buy food. Over 250,000 grocery stores, farmers markets, and neighborhood stores across the country accept SNAP. You can get help from SNAP if you have limited income and resources. You may also qualify if you have high medical and living expenses.

The amount you receive may depend on two things: • Household income from all sources, such as money you get from a job, Social Security, SSI, or interest. • How many people live in your household.

Go to https://www.benefitscheckup.org/getsnap/ to find out if you’re eligible.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps)

Page 6 Golden Glow March/April 2021

CAREGIVER’S CORNER

Overcome 3 Excuses from Relatives Who

Avoid Caregiving

Re-printed with permission from https://dailycaring.com/overcome-3-excuses-from-relatives-who-avoid-

caregiving/

Caregivers need more help and support Many caregivers take on more responsibility for their older adult than others in their family. In AARP’s 2020 report, half of all family caregivers said that nobody else provided unpaid care. Caring for an older adult by yourself can be exhausting and damaging to health. But getting family to help is often a challenge. Getting a better understanding of why family members aren’t doing their part helps you find ways to get them to participate in caregiving. We share 3 top reasons why family members don’t help with caregiving and suggest how to overcome their excuses, so they’ll give you the help you need and deserve. Overcome 3 reasons why relatives avoid caregiving 1. They think you don’t need any help. This may sound crazy because you’re living the grueling caregiving reality, but from the outside, it may look like you’ve got everything under control and don’t need help. Often, people who aren’t involved in day-to-day care have no idea how much time, energy, and sacrifice is needed to care for an older adult. And telling your family member about everything you do isn’t as effective as having them experience it firsthand. A good way to start changing their misguided point of view is to slowly get them involved in day-to-day activities. For example, ask your relative to help with a specific task – like a health insurance claim issue or financial housekeeping. Or, arrange their visit for when

you’d normally help Mom get ready for bed and then ask them to do some of the things you would normally do. They may not change their minds the first couple of times, but if you keep involving them in various aspects of your older adult’s care, they’ll soon see firsthand how much time and energy caregiving really takes. 2. They don’t know how to help. Another type of family member might not know how they should help. These folks do better when asked to do specific tasks. It might be annoying to have to constantly spell out exactly what you need because it seems so obvious to you, but these people often respond better to requests. For example, you might say “Next Saturday, I need your help to declutter Mom’s house so she won’t be as likely to fall. Can you meet me at her house at 2pm and stay until 5pm?” 3. They’re scared of doing a bad job. When you started as a caregiver, you had to jump in and learn on the job. It might be upsetting to think that someone else has the luxury of sitting on the sidelines because they’re too afraid. But this person is more likely to help if you slowly ease them in and train them on caregiving tasks. Start out by having them shadow you and watch while you care for your older adult. That helps them get over their fear and get familiar with the routine. The more first hand exposure they have to caregiving, the more comfortable they’ll get. As an example, you could ask them to come over for lunch. While they’re there, calmly talk through the ways you’re helping Dad – “I’m just going to cut up the chicken to make it easier to chew.” or “Let’s gently encourage Mom to drink all her juice at lunch so she won’t get dehydrated.”

Caregiver Support Group: Schuyler County (Virtual)

1st Wednesday of every Month

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM EDT

Must register by calling 24/7 Helpline: (800) 272-3900

Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive

environment or community and a chance for participants to

develop informal mutual support and social relationships.

They also educate and inform participants about dementia

and help participants develop methods and skills to solve

problems. Additional Information

This group session will be held virtually. Log-in

information will be provided following pre-registration.

For more information about this support group, please

contact 1-800-272-3900.

Family Caregiver Alliance http://caregiver.org/ Established in 2001 as a program of Family Caregiver Alliance, the National Center on Caregiving (NCC) works to advance the development of high-quality, cost-effective policies and programs for caregivers in every state in the country. Uniting research, public policy and services, the NCC serves as a central source of information on caregiving and long-term care issues for policy makers, service providers, media, funders and family caregivers throughout the country. Caregiver Action Network http://www.caregiveraction.org/ Resources from the Caregiver Action Network, including a Peer Forum, a Story Sharing platform, the Family Caregiver Tool Box and more. CAN also provides support for rare disease caregivers at http://www.rarecaregivers.org U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Women’s Health, Tips for Caregivers FDA Office of Women’s Health understands caring for someone can be rewarding, but challenging. FDA’s Tips for Caregivers website provides tools to help caregivers manage the care of their loved ones. The website provides tips for caregivers of older adults, young children, teens and people with special needs. The website also highlights 7 tips for all caregivers to know. FDA Office of Women’s Health also provides information on women and clinical trials. To learn more, visit: fda.gov/womeninclinicaltrials Next Step in Care http://www.nextstepincare.org Next Step in Care provides easy-to-use guides to help family caregivers and health care providers work closely together to plan and implement safe and smooth transitions for chronically or seriously ill patients. Financial Steps for Caregivers WISER (Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement) Financial Steps for Caregivers: What You Need to Know About Money and Retirement is designed to help you identify financial decisions you may face as a caregiver. The decision to become a caregiver can affect both your short term and long-term financial security, including your own retirement. For more information on planning for a secure retirement, please visit http://www.wiserwomen.org.

March/April 2021 Golden Glow Page 7

CAREGIVER’S CORNER

Through the Eyes of an Elder:

Don’t parent me - what aging parents want their

adult children to know

By Kris Boler, Aug 11, 2020 Updated Sep 22, 2020

Re-printed with permission from

author, Kris Boler, 1/6/21 https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/

gorge-life/through-the-eyes-of-an-elder-don-t-parent-me-what-aging-parents-

want-their/article_0e21276e-dbfa-11ea-b2bc-9b819818f38c.html

Why is it that as our parents age we decide we need to parent them? How does that make our parents feel? The overwhelming answer is: They don’t like it at all. As an Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist, I teach classes to older adults in several communities in Oregon. Across the board, older adults ask me one question: “How do I get my kids off my back?” Our desire to help our parents is genuine and comes from the heart. But our fumbling attempts to offer this help can often come off as offensive and infantilizing. This can cause our parents to pull back, to not ask for help, and to hide potentially dangerous situations. I used to refer to this as “stubborn behavior,” and it irritated me to no end. They spent their lives helping me. I’d simply like to return the favor. However, getting parents to accept help from their adult children is far from simple. I decided to ask my parents their thoughts on this topic.

Their responses are eye opening and I hope that we can all learn something from them. Some of you my know my parents. Perhaps my dad drove you to school on the bus or coached you in soccer, or my mom taught you ballet. My parents are Margaret and Tony Dallman and they are 88 and 89 years old. I asked them if there was anything they needed help with but didn’t want to ask for. Then I asked them why they didn’t ask. My mother needs help washing the windows on the house but can’t ask her children because is it “a dangerous and awful job.” My dad listed several things but doesn’t ask because “he has lived his life; it is now time for my kids to live their lives.” They both agree that asking for help with these jobs feels like “an imposition.” As their kids, we know they need help with these things — yet they refuse every time we offer. If we push, they push back harder. Why do they do this? The answer is “independence.” They don’t want help to be forced on them because “they are the parents,” and our continued insistence on helping makes them feel “like children.” They hate feeling like children. They don’t like the role reversal even when “we know you are right.” My siblings and I spent several years strongly encouraging Margaret and Tony to sell their house and move somewhere smaller, more manageable. We very strongly encouraged. They very steadfastly refused. Finally, my dad had to spell it out for us: We were told to quit asking; their home keeps them moving, keeps them busy, keeps them alive. “This is our home and it has been for over 45 years,” they told me. To my parents, moving out of their house “would be a complete loss of independence.” Why is independence so important? They agree on the answer. “What is left if I give up my independence?”

Neither one of them wants to be in a position where they feel that they have to ask permission to do the things they normally do every day. They both feel that “if we stop doing things, we might not be able to do them again.” This is powerful information. Despite all our well-intentioned attempts to help, to give back to our parents, we actually end up taking away one of the things they value the most: Their independence. I asked my parents what they would say to other people my age who want to help their parents. Their advice: “Ask your parents if they want help. Don’t force your help or your opinions on your parents; it makes them feel like children.” I asked them what they would say to other parents whose pesky kids want to help. They say, “Recognize your kids are doing this out of love. It is still hard to accept but just remember it comes from love.” They recommend “being politely assertive. Simply say I’d prefer not to do that.” They stress, “Don’t argue with each other. Work to understand what is driving the desire to help and the rejection of that help. Talk to each other even if it is uncomfortable.” For my siblings and my parents, we have found comfort in the uncomfortable. As their kids we know we could help more. We also know we could take far more away from them if we insist.

Kris Boler, MBA, grew up in Hood River and now lives in The Dalles. Boler is an

Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist for Greater Oregon Behavioral Health

(oregonbhi.org) serving Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler and

Harney counties. Boler is also a member of the Aging in The Gorge Alliance.

Margaret and Tony Dallman

For The One Who is Exhausted, A Blessing

by John O'Donohue When the rhythm of the heart becomes hectic, Time takes on the strain until it breaks; Then all the unattended stress falls in On the mind, like an endless, increasing weight. The light in the mind becomes dim. Things you could take in your stride before Now become labor some events of will. Weariness invades your spirit. Gravity begins falling inside you. Dragging down every bone. The tide you never valued has gone out. And you are marooned on unsure ground. Something within you has closed down; And you cannot push yourself back to life. You have been forced to enter empty time. The desire that drove you has relinquished. There is nothing else to do now but rest. And patiently learn to receive the self You have forsaken in the race of days. At first your thinking will darken And sadness take over like listless weather. The flow of unwept tears will frighten you. You have traveled too fast over false ground; Now your soul has come to take you back. Take refuge in your senses, open up To all the small miracles you rushed through. Become inclined to watch the way of rain When it falls slow and free. Imitate the habit of twilight; Taking time to open the well of colour That fostered the brightness of day. Draw alongside the silence of stone Until its calmness can claim you. Be excessively gentle with yourself. Stay clear of those vexed in spirit. Learn to linger around some-one of ease Who feels they have all the time in the world. Gradually, you will return to yourself, Having learned a new respect for your heart And the joy that dwells far within slow time.

Page 8 Golden Glow March/April 2021

VOLUNTEERISM

March/April 2021 Golden Glow Page 9

HEALTH PROMOTIONS

Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines Updated Jan. 4, 2021

Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?

No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. There are several different types of vaccines in development. All of them teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity (protection against the virus that causes COVID-19) after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection. After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?

No. Neither the recently authorized and recommended vaccines nor the other COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. If your body develops an immune response—the goal of vaccination—there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results. If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, vaccine should be offered to you regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. CDC is providing recommendations to federal, state, and local governments about who should be vaccinated first. At this time, experts do not know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called natural immunity, varies from person to person. Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long. We won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines work. Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are trying to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available. Will a COVID-19 vaccination protect me from getting sick with COVID-19?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccination works by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19. Being protected from getting sick is important because even though many people with COVID-19 have only a mild illness, others may get a severe illness, have long-term health effects, or even die. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you, even if you don’t have an increased risk of developing severe complications. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

Page 10 Golden Glow March/April 2021

VETERANS

National Personnel Records – History

For all our veterans who have ever been told their records were destroyed in the St. Louis in 1973. Please note that “all” records were not destroyed! Yes, some were, but not all! If you need a copy of your DD214 (military discharge record) please contact our office as there may be a copy on file here. We can assist in requesting a copy if you need one for veteran status on your drivers license or possible veterans’ discounts. Also, we have the article regarding the fire at NPRC, “Burnt in Memory - Looking back, looking forward at the 1973 St. Louis fire.” If you would like to receive a copy, please contact our office and we will send you one.

Contact your Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency for assistance, and to see

what veteran’s benefits you might be eligible for. PLEASE call to schedule an appointment by calling 607-535-2091, emailing Joan Scott jscott@co.schuyler.ny.us

Monday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. *Thursday 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, uniting Americans to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Signed into law just four years ago, The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designated March 29 as our Nation’s annual, national observance to honor these previously unsung patriots. As such, it joined six other military-centric, national observances codified in law; among them, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. Now, many people ask, “Why March 29?” Principally, March 29, 1973 was the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, Mar 29, 1973 was the day U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished, and finally, Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war on and around that same day. Clearly, March 29 is a fitting choice for our National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Since its inception, this special day has become a “lightning rod” of sorts, attracting and inspiring thousands of organizations – partners with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration – to host events in their local communities on and around March 29 that publicly and individually honor all who served on active duty in the U.S. Military between November 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975.

The patriots who served during these two decades, regardless of location, earned and rightly deserve our profound gratitude. None could self-determine where they were stationed, yet each bravely raised their right hand and committed to support and defend our Constitution as a uniformed member of our Armed Forces during this tumultuous period in our country’s history.

While heartwarming to report that more than 3 million Vietnam veterans and their families have been publicly thanked by friends and neighbors during nearly 19 thousand ceremonies hosted by more than 12 thousand dedicated Commemorative Partners … there is still more to do! Notably, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 6 million veterans who served during the Vietnam War period are living in America and abroad today, which means 3 million remain who have yet to personally receive the Nation’s thanks for their service and sacrifice!

Adding to our challenge this past year was the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, thousands of events designed to honor those who served during the Vietnam War period were postponed. Despite this reality, resilience and creativity became watchwords for our Commemorative Partners! They fashioned new, safe approaches to thanking these previously unsung warriors: virtual ceremonies became the norm; parade routes incorporated streets where Vietnam veterans live and parade participants stopped in front of their residences to honor them; ceremonies held outside care facility windows integrated Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin presentations by nursing staffs and doctors to Vietnam veterans within; and socially distanced, masked and appropriately safe recognition ceremonies were hosted throughout the Nation.

We celebrate these successes, but also need your help to find and individually recognize all who served. So, as you connect with your circle of friends, please convey the thanks and gratitude of our Nation to those who served during the Vietnam War period. In doing so, you will become part of this noble mission! Moreover, we encourage you to alert the leaders within your community to find a way to publicly, safely thank and honor these same Vietnam veterans and their families. We want them to know that their service and sacrifices during the Vietnam War period mattered!

We invite everyone to visit www.vietnamwar50th.com for more information about this national Commemoration and our Commemorative Partner Program.

Above all … “Join the Nation … thank a Vietnam veteran!”

A. Phillip Waite, Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Retired) Chief, Strategic Engagement The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration

March/April 2021 Golden Glow Page 11

WEBSITE SHOWCASE

www.retireguide.com A site dedicated to information about financial decisions that affect retirement. Includes topics such as Medicare, annuities, life insurance, retirement planning and investing. Sign up to receive their newsletter. https://seniorplanet.org/ Participate in virtual classes such as Stronger Bones, Morning Stretch and Chair Yoga. Join the Senior Planet Book club. Read up on getting your finances in order. Get the latest information on COVID and access the Coronavirus Resource Guide. Read Senior Planet news, press coverage and other stories. Sign up for their newsletter. Call the National Senior Planet Hotline at 920-666-1959. https://techboomers.com/ Access 100+ FREE courses that include step-by-step tutorials. There are articles to teach you about websites and apps. Topics include Social Networks, Shopping Online, Online Entertainment, Useful Websites & Apps, and Technology basics. https://cyberseniors.org Needing tech help? Call toll-free at 844-217-3057. You can also book a 1:1 tech call. Sign up for daily webinars or watch previous webinars. Are you a tech savvy person? If so, you can sign up to serve as a Cyber-Seniors Volunteer. Download the free Cyber-Seniors Start-Up Manual. https://www.ftc.gov/ Federal Trade Commission website dedicated to protecting American consumers. Read the latest news; Report Fraud; Report Identity Theft; Register for Do Not Call; Get Consumer Alerts; Order Free Resources

BULLETIN BOARD

THANK YOU!

T he following people graciously made monetary donations to the Office for the Aging and its programs.

This is above and beyond the contributions received from consumers for services received.

~ Robert & Wendy Wirth $300

~ Rick & Kerry Marflak $500

~ Anonymous $ 20

~ Anonymous $ 38

~ Anonymous $ 40

In Memory of Melvin Nickerson

~ Martin Nickerson $100

~ Sharon Nickerson $100

In Memory of Allan P. Waite, Sr. $1,280

~ Sylvia D. Waite

~ Taryn & Ron Bath

~ A. Phillip & Shelley Waite

~ Nathan & Ann Waite

~ Kris & Emily Waite

~ Tamre Waite

~ Joshua Waite

~ Robin & Frank La Face and children

~ Tanya & Brent Chomyszak

~ David & Elizabeth Waite

In addition to the donations noted above, we offer our sincere thanks to all those who contributed

toward services received.

Easy Chicken and Vegetable Casserole

This recipe is incredibly simple—just layer

everything in a casserole dish and bake! It's also

flexible—you can substitute in almost any

protein, grains, vegetables, and cheese. Get

creative! You can use fresh, frozen, or leftover

cooked vegetables. For fresh or frozen

vegetables, thaw/steam them in the microwave

before adding to the casserole. *Be sure to use a ready-to-eat creamy

soup, not condensed. If all you have is condensed, thin it out with milk,

broth, or water before adding to the casserole.

Prep time: 5 min Cook Time: 30 min Servings: 8 servings Serving Size: 1 cup

Choices/Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Non-starchy vegetable, 3 Lean protein

Ingredients 2 ½ Cups Cooked grains such as Brown Rice, Quinoa, or Farro 3 Cups Cooked Chicken, chopped ¼ tsp. Salt 3 ½ Cups Non-starchy vegetables such as Broccoli, Asparagus,

Zucchini, etc. (fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked) 2 ½ Cups Prepared Cream of Mushroom or Broccoli Soup

¾ Cup Shredded Cheese such as Cheddar, Jack, or Gruyere

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare baking pan with non-stick spray.

In a 2-quart baking dish, evenly layer the rice and then chicken. Sprinkle

with the salt. Layer with the vegetables. Slowly and evenly pour the soup

on top. Sprinkle with the cheese.

Bake uncovered until steaming hot, about 30 minutes, and serve.

Source: Adapted from The Clean & Simple Diabetes Cookbook. Recipe Credit: Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN. www.diabetesfoodhub.org

Page 12 Golden Glow March/April 2021

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Schuyler County OFA 323 Owego Street, Unit 7 Montour Falls, NY 14865

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TAX FILING FOR 2020 TAXES Schuyler County residents, who meet income guidelines, can receive FREE assistance with filing taxes. For many years, our county had an in-person option within the county. Unfortunately, that is not available this year. However, there are still FREE services available to Schuyler county residents. We look forward to having an in-county option in 2022. When we have information for next year, we will share that here.

The AARP Foundation will be conducting tax preparation services again this year.

Starting: February 1,2021 Where: Bethany Lutheran Church 256 S. Walnut St. Elmira, NY 14904 Call: 607-735-2424 Mon—Fri 11:00am – 4:00pm ***Prior to your appointment, the Intake/Interview Form 13615-C needs to be filled out. This form is available through the Schuyler County Office for the Aging. Please note that you only fill out the first sheet excluding the shaded area. The rest will be done when you meet the tax preparation specialist.

FREE tax preparation for individuals earning less than $57,000. They do not assist with returns that include certain aspects such as rental income, foreign tax credits or household employment.

Make an appointment online at https://www.alternatives.org/community-programs/free-tax-preparation/make-an-appointment.html or call 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-8667 for information or to schedule an appointment.

They are offering a virtual option as well as limited intake only appointments for those who cannot use the virtual option. You can download the Intake Sheets and Consent Form and complete prior to your appointment. You will also be required to complete a COVID-19 Health Screening Questionnaire no more than 24 hours prior to your appointment.

For more information, contact VITA@alternatives.org .

TAX REFUND FRAUD

If you are tagged for potential tax filing fraud, the IRS will send you one of the following letters to initiate a verification process.

Letter 5747C: You can only resolve the case by making an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). You must bring the documents listed in the letter.

Letter 4883C: You must call to resolve this case. When you call, you should have the letter, a prior-year tax return, the return for the year that the letter is for, and all supporting documents for those returns.

Letter 5447C: You can call or write to resolve this case. If you call, you should have the letter, a prior-year tax return, your most recent return, and all supporting documents. If you mail your response, include copies of all requested information.

Letter 5071C: You can resolve online or over the phone. If you call, you should have the letter, last year’s tax return, this year’s return and all supporting documents.

Herron, J. (2019 Mar 18). Tax refund fraud: IRS crack-down ensnares legitimate taxpayers. USA TODAY Jan 28, 2021. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/03/16/tax-refund-fraud-irs-crackdown-may-ensnare-legit-taxpayers/3166441002/