helpinghands - daslos studios llc · if you do have diabetes, then work to keep your blood glucose...

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

1HANDS Across Medina County FoundationP.O. Box 868 • Brunswick, Ohio • 44212

www.HANDS-Foundation.org

HELPINGHANDSDedicated to improving the quality of life for Medina County Seniors!

Page■ DIABETES & GUM DISEASE by Dr. Matt ............................4■ HANDS Happenings ..................................................... 6 & 7■ PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ................................ 7,13,14 & 16■ SENIOR CENTER CALENDARS ............................. 8,9 & 10■ YOUR HEALTH ..................................................................12■ COMMISSIONER’S CORNER ...........................................21■ VETERANS & THEIR BENEFITS ......................................23■ INVESTMENT IDEAS ........................................................25■ FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ...................................28■ LEGAL ISSUES......................................................... 29 & 30■ TRUE ROMANCE ..............................................................32

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDWilliamsport, PA

Permit #4

A Trusted Resource For Medina County Seniors Since 1995

Volume 18, No. 5

October / November 2014

d

Summer Breezes at Plum CreekBrought Together Many Supporters of HANDS

Great Wine, Food & Company - By Angela Huston, Photos by Russ Huston

The threat of predicted rain was replaced with a lovely summer evening Au-gust 5, when a large crowd

gathered for the annual “Summer Breezes at Plum Creek,” a popular, casual fund raiser for the benefit of the HANDS Foundation.

Plum Creek Senior As-sisted Living Community Directors Kathy and Nate Elseser graciously hosted the event that offered ev-eryone the opportunity to

sip refreshing wines, nibble on delectable hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, and indulge in a delicious assortment of home made desserts as they enjoyed the fellowship of friends and family.

Outgoing HANDS Board President/Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell, along with several other HANDS Board members, welcomed those who came to support the HANDS Foundation, an organization that helps the county’s older adults. The reasonable ad-

mission fee was just $10.HANDS Executive Di-

rector Cindie Schneider warmly thanked everyone attending for the continuing support they have shown to-wards the organization that helps those who were once the people who helped us.

As always, residents of Plum Creek, among them 103-year-old Angela Fu-faro, were invited to join in the festivities. She and the others enjoyed the buffet, visited, and listened to the upbeat music provided by the very talented keyboard-

ist Dave Young, who again entertained throughout the evening with music that had people swinging and sway-ing (see above photo), and generally feeling all was well in the world.

Several lucky guests were the recipients of the many donated door prizes that in-cluded gift certificates, lav-ish floral arrangements and large baskets of fresh, sea-sonal produce.

This year’s youngest guests were Sophia and Isa-bella Hilberg, twin daugh-ters of Brian and Mary Hilberg, and Olivia Young, granddaughter of former HANDS Board member Lynn Tegowski.

Photo credits: Far left, Outgoing HANDS Board President/Medina Mayor Dennis and Christine Hanwell; lower middle, HANDS Board member Kathy DeLoss, her husband Lou, and Anna Guy-Leach, of HMC Hospice of Medina County, at one of the wine serving tables; top of 3rd column, Plum Creek Director Kathy Elseser and HANDS Executive Director Cindie Schneider expressing thanks to the guests for their ongoing support; above left, Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell, Neil Carlson, Medina County Commissioner Steve Hambley, and Gary Werner; and above right, Residents Jim Ross and Dolores Bacisin having fun “dancing” to the music.

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

2

Schedule a personal visit!

330.483.7501

A place she can be her old self.

Not her old self.

Senior Living | Memory Care 1046 North Jefferson St.

Medina, OH 44256 | elmcroft.com

Paid for by Retain Judge Dunn, Russell F. Gregory, Treasurer, 385 Brookpoint Circle, Wadsworth, OH 44281

Annual Donkey Drop at WillowoodBy Angela Huston / Photos by Russ Huston

If you have never attended the annual Donkey Drop at Willowood Care Center, you have missed a unique and very entertaining family-oriented fund raising event. Even though it was chilly and damp Sep-tember 13, the spirits of those who attended were not at all dampened.

Guests bundled up in ex-tra sweatshirts and jackets and involved themselves in the many activities that took place while waiting for Jack, the donkey, to “perform.”

There was a bounce-house that kept delighted youngsters busy; clowns Rich and Dan Dufek who created balloon figures as they entertained; DJ Dean Tada, whose upbeat music had people tapping their toes and singing along to the polkas; rides on Jack,

complete with photos; ring and toilet seat tosses; corn hole, pin the tail on the donkey, roll the giant dice games; Karoake and name-calling contests; and lots of great food.

Guests purchased raffle tick-ets for a chance to win one of the many gift baskets filled with goodies and certificates for restaurants and services. Many also purchased tickets

(Continued on next page)

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

3

• Services to meet your family’s needs & finances

• We operate the only crematory in Medina County – your loved one never leaves our care

• Services catering to all faiths & worldviews

• Highly qualified & compassionate staff members

• 2 modern locations with multiple chapels & community rooms to host meals

• Pre-need arrangements to help ease financial & emotional burdens

• 5 generations of earned trust & quality service

w w w.waitefu ner alhome.c om

Medina765 N. Court St.330-723-3229

Brunswick3300 Center Rd.330-225-1770

• Do you feel hopeless and frustrated about your broken, missing and decayed teeth?• Does the thought of your needed treatment cause you to hyperventilate?• Are you looking for a dental home that restores your trust?• Does your spouse’s snoring drive you crazy or are you unable to wear your c-pap?

HOPE IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY!

Our fear reduction program includes: Big time TLC, relaxing nitrous oxide gas, emphasis on painless, gentle shots and very numb teeth.New 3D X-Ray: Allows your implants to be placed pre-planned, precisely and painlessly. Many times without even placing any sutures!Our patient friendly TOOTHACHE relief: Keep your teeth instead of pulling them, pre-treating abscesses with different medicines to fight infections and inflammation. Comfortable, calm abscess treatment with an emphasis on numbing anesthesia, post-op painkillers, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories for comfort.Crowns, Veneers and Implants placed same day.Daily appointments available for people in pain.Beautiful smiles created using state-of-the-art dentistry backed by 60 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE.Home and in-office ZOOM whitening programs: Ask about our upgrade program for White for Life.We have extensive certification and our experience includes: Root Canal, Cosmetic Veneers, Implants, Partials & Dentures, ZOOM One-Hour Whitening, Cerec one visit Crowns, Veneers, Extractions, Sleep Apnea, Fast Braces©, and Anti-Snoring Appliances so you can have virtually all phases of your dentistry done under one roof.

“Gently eliminating years of failing, frustrating and unattractive dentistry, leaving our patients with smiles and confidence they never imagined possible, guaranteed!”

Dr. Matt Gabelein & Dr. Robert Doty4313 Regal Ave. • Brunswick 44212 | 330-225-0105

www.BrunswickSmileKeepers.com

ACT NOW!Call now and mention this ad

to reserve your appointment for an exam, panoramic x-ray, bite wing x-ray and smile evaluation

for only $167 (a $276 value!) Expires 11-31-14.

Check out Griswold Home Care’s online blog for senior tips at:

http//blog.griswoldhomecare.com/blog

denoting the lucky spot where Jack would “do his duty” on the grid-lined pasture. Jack’s own-ers, Marybell and Dale Holly, have been bringing the friendly donkey to this fun-filled event for many years.

Many of the residents spent some time outdoors participat-ing in the multitude of activi-ties going on, but the chilly air

had them returning to the warmth inside to continue their celebrating. Deb Lougheed, wearing her stylish balloon hat, circulated among them with a video camera as they got into the spirit of things singing to the “Happy Song.”

Event sponsors were Right at Home, Faith in Action, Willowood Care Center, Elm-croft, Crossroads, Zep, KGC

Computer, and the HANDS Foundation.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Faith in Action and the HANDS Foundation.

Photo credits: Under title, Deb Lougheed wearing a bal-loon hat as she gets residents to sing the “Happy Song” and Chris Tritt, Courtney Webster, Payton Lawler, Denise Holly, Megan Holly, and Jack the donkey.

(Donkey Drop – Continued)

d

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

4 Diabetes & Gum DiseaseDr. Matt Gaebelein, Professional Dentist Former HANDS Board Vice President

Understanding the Link to Protect Your Health

Do you know that there is a link between diabetes and gum disease? Diabetics have a higher

risk of developing gum disease than people who have healthy blood sugar levels. The rela-tionship appears to go both ways; research indicates that having a serious gum infec-tion can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. Taking care of your mouth, whether you have diabetes or not, is more important than you may be aware of. When a person has gum disease the surface area of the infection is about the size of the palm of your hand.What Causes the Increased Gum Disease Risk?

What do high blood glu-cose levels have to do with your oral health? For a per-son with diabetes, it is more difficult to defend the body from a bacterial infection; high glucose levels make it easier for bacteria to flourish in the mouth. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums caused by a bacterial infection. The germs in plaque infect

the teeth and gums, leading to gingivitis, the first stage of this disease. If left untreated, this oral health condition can result in tissue damage and eventual tooth loss. The more serious stages of gum disease are known as periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.How Does Periodontitis Affect Diabetes?

The relationship between diabetes and gum disease be-comes even more powerful when you look at the poten-tial effect of an infection on blood glucose levels. Having a serious infection may contrib-ute to rising blood sugar lev-els. This means that not only does having diabetes make an infection harder to fight, but also having serious gum disease may make diabetes harder to control. What can be done to prevent your health from spiraling out of control?

Even if you don’t have blood glucose problems or periodontitis, you should still make your oral health and overall priority. Brush twice a day and floss once a day be-fore bedtime. Use a toothpaste with fluoride which works to

fight plaque bacteria and im-prove the health of your gums. Keep up your bi-annual dental

check-ups. Talk to your den-tal professional about eating a nutritious diet including foods like fresh veggies and whole grains to nourish your teeth and gums and to help control blood sugar levels.

If you do have diabetes, then work to keep your blood glucose levels under control. Things like regular exercise, healthy eating, and healthy

lifestyle habits can help to manage this disease. Also, talk to your dentist about your health and any medications that you may be taking. While these two conditions may make each other more diffi-cult to control, there is still a lot that you can do to prevent and manage both diabetes and gum disease.

P R E V E N T I O N

Looking for a fun yet educational program for your next group / organization monthly meeting?

Contact Cindie Schneider at the HANDS Foundation at 330-225-4242 or email at [email protected]

An interactive game to create awareness about the use/misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, over-the-counter medications

and herbal supplements. We bring door prizes too!

d

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

5Library Programs

By: Mary Olson

Autumn is a season of bounty in the publishing world, and that means your Library is stocked full with a harvest of great books. Here are a few of our suggestions for wonderful Fall reads:

Season of the Dragonflies by Sarah Creech. A magical tale set in the Blue Ridge Mountains that will appeal to fans of Adriana Trigiani and Sarah Addison Allen. Four generations of the Lenore family have created a spe-cial perfume from a mystical gardenia brought to Virginia from Borneo. Whoever wears it has great success. Willow,

the matriarch, is starting to have memory lapses and her eldest daughter, Mya, stands to inherit the business. But when Mya’s sister Lucia re-turns after a 15-year absence, the family balance is disrupted and the gardenias start dying. And a celebrity client, whose success is fading, threatens to expose the perfume if Mya and Willow don’t change the formula to bring her career back. Family bonds, magic, and a beautifully depicted Blue Ridge add to the appeal of this debut novel.

Bittersweet by Colleen Mc-Cullough. McCullough re-turns to romantic family sagas in Bittersweet. Set in Australia in the 1920s, four sisters: Edda and Grace (twins), and Tufts and Kitty (also twins) leave home for nursing school,

where opportunities for each sister are abundant. Having different mothers, the two sets of twins have polar opposite personalities, but are fiercely devoted to each other. Mc-Cullough’s characterization is excellent, with each sister drawn expertly to stand out from the others. Against a background of medical inno-vation, the wounds of war, and the history of Australia, this is a dramatic, romantic novel worthy of high recommenda-tion.

The Undertaking by Audrey Magee. A powerful portrait of an arranged marriage turned to a deep, abiding love that keeps a German soldier alive during the horrific winter march on Stalingrad in 1943. Taking their vows miles apart, Peter and Katharina marry

before they even meet--he for honeymoon leave from the Eastern Front, she for a po-tential widow’s pension. Luck is with the couple, as they dis-cover a passion for each other very quickly. Peter returns to the Front while Katharina stays in Berlin with their new-born son and her parents, who have befriended high-ranking Nazi officials. Their love is the only thing Peter can hold on to as his fellow soldiers surrender, are killed, or commit suicide at Stalingrad. A singular work of historical fiction.

Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gang-ster Who Created Vegas Poker by Doug J. Swanson. The World Series of Poker started with a shady horse trader’s son in ru-ral Texas, who saw that gam-bling made a lot more money than switching a good horse for a bad one. Benny Binion, after swindling one too many card players in Dallas, packed up and moved to Vegas where the stakes were higher, but so were the payoffs. Written like

a fine crime novel, this sto-ry is based on indisputably condemning declassified government documents which prove to be highly entertaining.

In The Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Voyage of the USS Jean-nette by Hampton Sides. An exciting and harrowing tale of polar exploration and the tragic quest of George de Long. Taking a route to the North Pole through Siberian waters and the Arctic Sea, the Jeannette sank after being stuck in the ice for almost two years. Stranded 1000 miles north of Siberia, de Long’s entire crew jour-neyed hundreds of miles across the ice, moving their meager supplies in the hopes of being rescued. Madness, frostbite, and starvation eventually took the crew after their epic battle for survival. Fine storytelling, as usual, from Hampton Sides.

d

Thank You’s Received:Dear HANDS,

Thank you so very much for the gift card. I cannot wait to get my raggedy old drapes out of the house! It has been bothering me for a long time, but couldn’t do anything about it financially.

Thank you for all you do to make Senior Citizens lives brighter.

Sincerely,Senior Wish Recipient

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

6 H A N D SVisit the HANDS Foundation website: www.HANDS-Foundation.org

Counting Our Blessings...The HANDS Foundation welcomes donations, including memorial contributions. Thank you to these individuals, organizations and businesses for their kind support. These generous donations make it possible to provide quality programs and services to our seniors.

Anonymous

Brunswick Eagles #3505

Brunswick Eagles #3505 Ladies

AuxiliaryKurt Costantino

R. A. Tielke Tax & Accounting

“Team Huston” – Russ & Angie Huston

Summer Breezes at Plum Creek - Sponsors

Avenue at MedinaBrunswick Hills Police

Department Brunswick Smile Keepers Dr. Matt Gaebelein, DDS Carlson Funeral Homes &

Cremation Services Commissioner

Adam FriedrickCrossroads Hospice

Dave & Susan UnghamFaith In Action

Finkler & Company, CPAs, Inc.

Friends of Mayor Dennis Hanwell

GTB Medical Service, Inc.Hambley for House

Committee

Hanna-Poling Group of Stifel

Home Instead Senior CareJim & Karen Christopher

Joyce M. Giles

Judy CurrenLin Humpal

medinacountylife.comPearlview Care Center

Plum Creek Senior

Assisted Living

Community

Russ & Angie HustonThe Inn at CoalRidge

Wadsworth Older Adults Foundation

Western Reserve Masonic Community

Willowood Care Center

Summer Breezes at Plum Creek – Door

Prize Donors

A Taste of Summer at Skyview Lodge

Alanna Arnold, Esq.HANDS Foundation

ID Creative Group, Ltd. Joyce Giles Judy Curren

Marsha PappalardoTed & Mari Halkovich

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

7H A P P E N I N G S

President: Pat Drum

Vice President: Kathy Elseser

Secretary: Kathy DeLoss

Treasurer: Ted Halkovich

Trustees: Alanna Arnold Lori Betz Ed Elkins Joe Hanna Dennis Hanwell Dan Ihrig Judge James Kimbler, Pete Rademacher, Honorary Honorary Kelly Rose-Stallard Dolores Suing

Founder: In Memory of Don Simpson

Executive Director: Cindie Schneider

Executive Assistant: Connie Barrington, email: [email protected]

Mailing: P.O. Box 868, Brunswick, OH 44212Physical: 3511 Center Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212E-mail: [email protected]: www.HANDS-Foundation.org Office: 330.225.4242 • Cell: 216.780.4135 Fax: 330.225.4249

Advertising & Content: Susan Bloch, ID Creative Group, Ltd. Phone: 330.723.4324 • Fax: 330.725.0461Email: [email protected]

Ad/Content Deadline for next issue: 10/31/14

HANDS Board Members / Staff

HANDS FoundationP.O. Box 868 • Brunswick, OH 44212

Office: 330-225-4242 • Cell: 216-780-4135

Contributors To This Issue:Alanna Arnold, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, Kimberly Corrigan, Pat Drum, Marie Mirro Edmonds, Robert Formoso, Dr. Matthew Gaebelein, Patricia Geissman, Joseph Hanna, Bob Heiser, Donna Holmes, Angela Huston, Suzanne Kanner, Mike Kovack, Michael Laribee, Nancy Likens, Stephanie Manning, Cindy McQuown, Mary Olson, Kelly Rose-Stallard, Laura Toth, Christopher Waite, Bob Welch, and Edward Zackery.

P.O. Box #868 • Brunswick, OH 44212 • 330.225.4242 • Fax 330.225.4249

Circulation: 16,000+ direct mail / additional miscellaneous distribution throughout community)

HELPING HANDS is a non-profit newspaper published six times a year in October, December, February, April, June and August. The HANDS Foundation reserves the right to edit information published in the HELPING HANDS Newspaper. The articles published in the HELPING HANDS newspaper do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the HANDS Foundation.

HANDS Across Medina County ... President’s MessagePat Drum, HANDS Board President

(Continued on page 13)

You know that moment when you go into a store and something catches your eye and you stop and consider ‘it’, but then you re-consider buying ‘it’ and you put ‘it’ down. Yet, there might again be a mo-ment of rethinking when you return to examine and perhaps purchase ‘it’, before your shop-ping ‘expedition’ is concluded.

Then again, you might not buy that ‘thing’ and feel proud of yourself for not wast-ing hard-earned cash for a questionable ‘thing’. Or, you actually might regret the fact that it was a worthy item, a true sale, but too late, it’s gone!

We’ve all experienced that ebb and flow of considering, wishing, thinking, regretting and happy choices! Not only do I experience that in the ‘shopping arena of life’, but as the weeks slip past on the calendar my thoughts turn to what I might share with you. I truly hope I write an article to make you smile, think, remember, ponder and enjoy. I pick ‘ideas’ in my mind and then turn those ideas over to my heart for more consider-ation. I don’t want to waste my time on writing ‘nothing’ for YOU, my dear friends, because I don’t want to waste your time reading worthless, written babble!

Our upstairs hallway, out-side the bedrooms, is lined with framed mirrors; small and medium, round, rectangle and square of various sizes and even a few unusual shapes.

In part I did that so the re-flections would increase the amount of perceived light in an otherwise dark interior area in the house. It’s also a gentle reminder of a trip to Paris years ago, which included an excursion to see the Palace at Versailles where there is The Great Hall of Mirrors that vis-itors can walk through. This is a grand place that is frequently used for major international events with Presidents and Prime Ministers, Kings and Queens that you have seen in news items on TV. This is a regal, royal spot with mirrors reflecting the moment!

What would life be like without a mirror? We use them to apply makeup, shave, tweeze unwanted single hairs, fluff or flatten our hair and even brush our teeth. A bathroom without a mirror is devoid of a much needed item! Now, a mirror is just ordinary glass coated with a mercury alloy to ‘silver’ the glass, which produces our reflected image. This is amazing! The element of Mercury is deadly, so it is removed from thermometers but mercury is still necessary to our rituals of life with razors, combs and brushes! Mercury is a metal that is in a liquid state at normal household temperatures, but by some miracle that I don’t under-stand, we use this same alloy daily to view ourselves when it is applied to glass, giving it great importance.

It ’s likely that when we look in our mirror, we see ourselves in a distorted way, it’s sad but true. We are likely to judge ourselves as not pretty or handsome ‘enough’, that our nose is too big, eyes the wrong color, hair thinning, whitening or both. We are aware of the skin that is getting the tell-tale lines-of-life, spots of color change and sagging in mul-tiple spots. We might be too soft on ourselves too, thinking that we are ‘pretty darn great, better than ___________’ (fill in the blank). We are so human; judging ourselves too easy or too hard, but unlike Goldilocks (with her bears) we are having a tough time finding the parts that are ‘just right’!

Our image is clear in our bathroom mirror, but if read-ing the word, “Funhouse”, takes you immediately to your youthful experience, then

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

8

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23/30 24 25 26 27 28 29

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

All Senior Center events are listed on the calendar day in which they occur. Any questions about specific events or other details can be directed to the Senior Center. Contact information is listed to the left. See menu for dates and times of Friday programs.

Medina County offiCe for older adults & senior Center

246 Northland Drive • Medina, Ohio 44256(330) 723-9514 • (330) 336-6657 • (330) 225-7100E-mail: [email protected] • www.mcooa.com

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

MC

OO

A -

Cal

enda

r - O

ctob

er, 2

014


MC

OO

A -

Cal

enda

r - N

ovem

ber,

201

4

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers10 Game Day w/Home Instead10:00 Wii Bowling10:30 Exercises for Arthritis11:30 Lunch / 12:30 Parkinsons Support Grp / 1 Watercolor Cl

8 Billiards / 10 Painting10:00 Medina Meadows Bingo11:30 Lunch $2 by Ave @ Med12:00 Pinochle12:30 Alzheimer’s Support Grp3:00 Yoga Class

8:00 Billiards10:00 Painting10:00 Life Care Bingo11:30 Free Lunch sponsored by Life Care of Medina12:00 Pinochle3:00 Yoga Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Copley Health Ctr Bingo10:30 Wheel of Fortune10:30 Exercise11 Veterans Tribute Concert11:30 Lunch $3.5012:00 Pinochle2:00 Tai Chi

LAURA TOTH

8:00 Billiards9:30 Altenheim Bingo10:30 Wheel of Fortune10:30 Exercise11:30 Lunch $3.5011:45 Speaker12:00 Pinochle 2:00 Tai Chi Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers10:00 Wii Bowling10:30 Exercises for Arthritis11:30 Lunch1:00 Watercolor Class1:00 OOA Dance w/Leo’s Jolly Jammers

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers10:00 Wii Bowling10:30 Exercises for Arthritis11:30 Lunch12:30-3 Fairhill Diabetes Class1:00 OOA Dance w/Leo’s Jolly Jammers

8:00 Billiards10:00 Craft / Activity10:30 Exercise 11:30 Lunch 2:00 Line Dancing

8:00 Billiards9:30 Emeritus Bingo10:30 Wheel of Fortune10:30 Exercise 11:30 Lunch $3.5011:45 “Weatherize your home”12:00 Pinochle2:00 Tai Chi Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Pearlview Bingo10:30 Wheel of Fortune10:30 Exercise11:30 Free Medicare Seminar presented by Healthspan12:00 Pinochle / 2:00 Tai Chi

8:00 Billiards9:30 Willowood Bingo10:30 Wheel of Fortune10:30 Exercise11:30 Lunch $3.5011:45 Speaker12:00 Pinochle2:00 Tai Chi Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers9:30 Serendipity10:30 Wii Bowling League10:30-11:30 Blood Pressure10:30 Exercise for Arthritis11:30 Lunch12:00 Hand & Foot

Center Closedfor

Veterans Day

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers10:00 Wii Bowling10:30 Exercises for Arthritis11:30 Lunch12:30-3 Fairhill Diabetes Class1:00 Jam Session:Leo’s Jammers 1:00 Watercolor Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers9:30 Serendipity10:00 Wii Bowling League10:30-11:30 Blood Pressure11:30 Lunch12:00 Hand & Foot

8:00 Billiards10:00 Bingo w/Always Best Care10:30 Exercise11:30 Lunch2:00 Line Dancing

8:00 Billiards10:00 Ask an Attorney10:00 Painting10:00 Medina Village Bingo11:00 Lunch $2 by Med.Vill.12:00 Pinochle 3:00 Yoga Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers10:00 Wii Bowling10:30 Exercises for Arthritis11:30 Lunch / 1:00 OOA Dance w/Leo’s Jammers1:00 Watercolor Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Altenheim Bingo10:30 Wheel of Fortune10:30 Exercise11:30 Lunch $3.5011:45 Speaker12:00 Pinochle / 2:00 Tai Chi

8:00 Billiards10:00 Craft / Activity10:30 Exercise11:30 Lunch2:00 Line Dancing


Community Legal Aid will be here Oct. 10 9:30-11:30. Call for 30 min. FREE appt. Tri-C’s “Food for Thought” “Ohio’s Wildlife” Wed. 10/22 and 10/29 11-2. Call to register 216-987-3075. Fee $42.


Center Closed forFall Festival

at the Community Centerat the Fairgrounds

8:00 Billiards10:00 Craft / Activity10:30 Exercise11:30 Lunch2:00 Line Dancing

8:00 Billiards10:00 Painting 10:00 Bingo by HMC11:30 Lunch $2 by HANDS Foundation12:00 Pinochle3:00 Yoga Class

8:00 Billiards10:00 Bingo w/Always Best Care10:30 Exercise11:30 Lunch2:00 Line Dancing

Center Closedfor Columbus Day

8:00 Billiards10:00 Craft w/Life Care10:30 Exercise11:30 Lunch2:00 Line Dancing

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers9:30 Serendipity10:00 Wii Bowling League10:30-11:30 Blood Pressure10:30 Exercise for Arthritis11:30 Lunch / 12 Hand & Foot

8:00 Billiards10:00 Craft / Activity w/ Life Care of Medina10:30 Exercise11:30 Lunch2:00 Line Dancing

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers9:30 Serendipity10:00 Wii Bowling League10:30-11:30 Blood Pressure10:30 Exercise for Arthritis11:30 Lunch/12 Hand & Foot

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers9:30 Serendipity10:30 Wii Bowling League10:30-11:30 Blood Pressure10:30 Exercise for Arthritis11:30 Lunch / 12 Hand & Foot

8:00 Billiards10:00 Painting 10:00 Elmcroft Bingo11:30 Lunch $212:00 Pinochle12:15 Movie: “The Butler”3:30 Yoga Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers10:00 Scrabble Group10:00 Wii Bowling10:30 Exercises for Arthritis11:30 Lunch12:30-3 Fairhill Diabetes Class1:00 Watercolor Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers10:00 Scrabble Group10:00 Wii Bowling10:30 Exercises for Arthritis11:30 Lunch12:30-3 Fairhill Diabetes Class1:00 Watercolor Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Willowood Bingo10:30 Exercise & Wheel11:00 Costume Contest11:30 Lunch $3.5011:45 Treas. Burke “Indian Monster”12:00 Pinochle / 2:00 Tai Chi

8:00 Billiards10:00 Ask an Attorney10:00 Painting 10:00 Medina Village Bingo11:30 $2 Lunch by Med. Village12:00 Pinochle /3:00 Yoga Class8:00 Billiards10:00 Painting 10:00 Life Care Bingo11:00 Free Lunch by Life Care11:15 Spkr from Med. Hospital12:00 Pinochle3 Yoga Class

8:00 Billiards10:00 Painting 10:00 Medina Meadows Bingo11:30 Lunch $2 by Ave at Med12:00 Pinochle12:30 Alzheimers Support Grp.3:00 Yoga Class

8:00 Billiards9:30 Nifty Needleworkers10:00 Wii Bowling10:30 Exer. Arthritis / 11:30 Lunch12:30-3 Fairhill Diabetes Class1:00 Parkinson’s Support Group 1:00 Watercolor Class

8 Billiards10 Painting10:00 Elmcroft Bingo11:30 Lunch $212:00 Pinochle / 12:15 Movie3:00 Yoga Class

Center Closedfor

Thanksgiving

8:00 Billiards9:30 Willowood Bingo Bingo10:30 Wheel of Fortune10:30 Exercise11:30 Lunch $3.5011:45 Speaker12:00 Pinochle / 2:00 Tai Chi

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

9

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23/30 24 25 26 27 28 29

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

NANCY LIKENS617 School Drive (Door #28) • Wadsworth, OH 44281

(330) 335-1513 • (330) 335-2804 FaxEmail: [email protected]

All Senior Center events are listed on the calendar day in which they occur. Any questions about specific events or other details can be directed to the Senior Center. Contact information is listed to the right.

soPrema senior Center & Cafe


Sop

rem

a S

enio

r C

ente

r &

Caf

e -

Oct

., 20

14

Clip & Save

9:00 Photography Class10:00 Book Chat11:00 Crewe’s Control Exercise2:00 Diabetes Support Group

8:30 Walk Downtown Wadsworth8:30 Breakfast Out9-11:00 Walking Track10:00 Watercolor Class12:15 Parkinson’s Caregiver Support

10:00 Arthritis Exercise12-2:00 Walking Track12:30 Euchre

10:00 Mah Jongg10-12 Sewing Seniors10:30 Blood Pressure Check11:00 Bridge12-2:00 Walking Track12:30 Food Distribution2:00 Senior Self Defense

10:00 Mah Jongg11:00 Bridge12-2:00 Walking Track2:00 Cooking Class

5-7 FALL FESTIVAL

10:00 Mah Jongg11:00 Bridge12-2:00 Walking Track2:00 Cooking Class

10-11:30 Bingo

10-11:30 Bingo11:00 Blood Pressure Check1:00 Senior Theater Mtg.

10-11:30 Bingo1:00 - 2:00 Hearing Aid Clinic

Cafe Customer Appreciation Lunch Special

10-11:30 Bingo


Sop

rem

a S

enio

r C

ente

r &

Caf

e - N

ov.,

2014

10:00 Coffee & Conversation1:00 Card Making1:00 Movie Matinee at Library

10:00 Mah Jongg11:00 Bridge12-2:00 Walking Track1:00 County Assistance

10:00 Mah Jongg10-12 Sewing Seniors10:30 Blood Pressure Check11:00 Bridge12-2:00 Walking Track12:30 Food Distribution

10am-1pmSenior / Caregiver

Expo

10-11:30 Bingo11:00 Blood Pressure Check1:00 Senior Theater2:00 Veteran’s Pinning

10-11:30 Bingo1-2:00 Hearing Aid Clinic

Cafe Customer Appreciation Lunch Special

8:30 Walk Downtown Wadsworth9-11:00 Walking Track9:30 Cards & Games10:30 Blood Pressure Check1:00 Ask an Attorney

10:00 Arthritis Exercise12-2:00 Walking Track12:30 Pinochle1:00 Veterans Assistance

10:00 Mah Jongg11:00 Bridge12-2:00 Walking Track1:30 County Assistance

We are open for business 7:30am to 3:30pmCenter Hours: 8:30-4:30 Mon-FriCafe Hours: 7:30-3:30 Mon-Fri

Please call the Center to RSVP 330-335-1513

8:30 Walk Downtown Wadsworth8:30 Breakfast Out9-11:00 Walking Track10:00 Watercolor Class12:15 Parkinsons Caregiver Support

Veteran’s DayCenter &

Cafe Closed


10:00 Arthritis Exercise12-2:00 Walking Track12:30 Pinochle1:00 Veterans Assistance

10:00 Mah Jongg10-12 Sewing Seniors12-2:00 Walking Track11:00 Bridge1:00 Alzheimer’s Support

8:30 Walk Downtown Wadsworth9-11:00 Walking Track10:00 Watercolor Class12:15 General Caregiver & Parkinson’s Support1:30 Coupon Clippers

10:00 Arthritis Exercise12-2:00 Walking Track12:30 Euchre1:30 Coupon Clippers

9:00 Photography Class10:00 Book Chat11:00 Crewe’s Control Exercise2:00 Diabetes Support

8:30 Walk Downtown Wadsworth9-11:00 Walking Track9:30 Cards & Games1:30 Health Roundtable


Please call to RSVP for programs and

classes

8:30 Walk Downtown Wadsworth9-11:00 Walking Track10:00 Watercolor Class12:15 General Caregiver Support

9:00 Photography Class11:00 Crewe’s Control Exercise

10:00 Arthritis Exercise12-2:00 Walking Track12:30 Euchre1:00 Veterans Assistance

9:00 Photography Class11:00 Crewe’s Control Exercise1:00 Movie Matinee at Library

10:00 Coffee & Conversation

10:00 Knitting Group 10-11:30 Bingo

10:00 Knitting Group1:00 Make & Take Craft

10:00 Arthritis Exercise12-2:00 Walking Track12:30 Euchre1:00 Veteran’s Assistance

10:00 Mah Jongg10-12 Sewing Seniors11:00 Bridge12-2:00 Walking Track1:00 Alzheimer’s Support

8:30 Walk Downtown Wadsworth9-11:00 Walking Track9:30 Cards & Games1:30 Grief Support Roundtable


Thanksgiving HolidayCenter &

Cafe Closed

Thanksgiving HolidayCenter &

Cafe Closed

We are open for business 7:30am to 3:30pmCenter Hours: 8:30-4:30 Mon-FriCafe Hours: 7:30-3:30 Mon-Fri

Please call the Center to RSVP 330-335-1513

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

10 brunswiCk Community reCreation CenterPlease note that events occur daily at the senior center

and are too numerous to fit into a calendar page. For more details, please pick up a copy of The Tattler at the Brunswick Rec Center or call Pearlview at 330-225-9121 to have a copy mailed to you.

3637 Center Rd • Brunswick, OH 44212 (Rec Center)(330) 273-8000 • (330) 273-8389 – Fax (Rec Center)

Email: [email protected] • Kim 330-225-9121

KIMBERLY CORRIGAN

• Cash Mob for the month of October will be at Kelly’s Cafe - 10% off on Wednesdays.

• October 14, at Pearl-view, will be Oktoberfest. Call for details.

• Couples Dinner Out on October 15th at Long-horn Steakhouse in Medina. Meets at 4:30pm.

• Join us October 16th at the Rec Center from 12:00 to 1:30 pm for a Kielbasa & Sauerkraut Themed Potluck. We will also enjoy the move “Practical Magic.” Don’t miss the fun and great food.

• Cash Mob for the month of November will be at Fat Bob’s Pizza - 10% off on Wednesdays.

• November 11, at Pearlview, starting at 2pm, we are having a Taste of Pie. Bring your favorite pie and recipe to share.

• Couples Dinner Out on November 19th at China King in Brunswick. Meets at 4:30pm.

• Join us November 20th at the Rec Center from 12:00 to 1:30 pm for a Thanksgiving Themed (Turkey & Gravy) Potluck. We will also enjoy the move “Sweet November.” Don’t miss the fun and great food.

• October 27 - Lunch & Learn Special Event -

• November 24th - Lunch & Learn Special Event - Pearlview Rehab & Wellness Center - Dr. Hans Geho, Gerontologist and Donell

Bichara, MSSA, LSW Co-ordinator Work - Outreach MetroHealth November Family Health Center Bingo Blast. Raffle & Door prizes. Call for more details and be sure to register at least 48 hours ahead of time.

• Other Lunch & Learns: November 3 - Altenheim, November 10 - Willowood, and November 17 - Berea Lake Towers, Crystal Waters & Royalton Woods. Call to register and for more details.

• AARP - November 13, 1pm, State of the City.

• Brunswick Baker’s Club - November 10th - Ethnic Cooking.

October

November

Pearlview Rehab & Well-ness Center Bingo Blast. Raffle & Door prizes. Call for more details and be sure to register at least 48 hours ahead of time.

• Other Lunch & Learns: October 6 - Preferred Care at Home; October 15 - Wil-lowood; October 20 - Dr. Ayers. Call to register and for more details.

• AARP - Meets in mul-tipurpose on October 9 at 1pm for an auction.

• Brunswick Baker’s Club - October 13th - Soup

& Bread.

For more details, please see the Tattler or Pearlview on Facebook. You can find all the information at:www.facebook.com/PearlviewRehabWellnessCenter?ref=hl

Before World War II, Willard “Steve” Stephenson helped build the Yacht Club in Chippewa, of which he was commo-dore for two years. Ironically, when he enlisted in the army, he was assigned to the Army Corps of Engineers and given amphibious duty because of his experience on Chippewa Lake. He often said, next to college, World War II was the most fun ever.

“Steve” graduated from Miami University’s first School of Business, class of 1932. He took a job with a petroleum company in Zanesville that soon went under because of the Depression, but a fraternity brother’s father told him Oatman Brothers Hardware in Medina was hiring. He planned to give the hardware job a five-year trial, but in 1933, decided to buy the store instead.

In preparation for electricity coming into outlying areas, “Steve” was purchasing wire, nails and pipe by the freight load. The original Medina Hardware had 100 feet more at the back, was unheated, and was mainly used for dry storage. In 1951, that back section was torn down when “Steve” decided to ex-pand by digging out the lower level of the hardware instead.

He and a few good friends dug down, by hand, as far down as they could without disturbing anything, just a few inches more than six feet. “Steve” also planned to market appliances from that lower level, which proved to be physically awkward.

Willard “Steve” Stephenson And This Old HardwareBy: Angela Huston

(Article continued on page 12)

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

11Celebrating LifeFeatured Funeral Home

Common Questions About Death Care

In our society today, we find it uncommon for peo-ple to talk about death and the dying process. Even as a funeral director, who is faced with death every day, I understand this… death is very difficult to talk about. It hurts, it can be awkward and it often feels much bet-ter to just avoid the subject all together. Because of this unfamiliar time of life, we at Waite & Son Funeral Homes often receive many questions about death. It is our goal to serve as a re-source to help people navi-gate the unknown. The fol-lowing are a compilation of questions that we common-ly receive.

How do I begin to think about planning for a funeral?

Let’s start by telling a life story. When planning a funeral there will always be many details and logistics to think about. However, the important thing to think about is, how does our loved one want to be remembered? The best way that we can honor someone’s life and

help their family begin heal-ing is by telling their story and helping to define their life. Questions about burial, cremation, visitations will have to be considered along the way. But, if we don’t first consider how to best define and honor someone’s life, then we may lose the most important part of this time of life.

What should I say to someone who has recently lost a loved one?

When talking with someone who has recently lost a loved one it is impor-tant that you extend to them a simple sign of your shared grief in their loss. Some-times this means nothing more than a giving them a hug and telling them that you are sorry for their loss. For other people, they will need to process their grief by talking about their loved one and what their life has meant. Truly, we need to be able to analyze the situa-tion and sense what the per-son needs at that time. The most important thing is to be present for them.

Why should I pre-arrange my own services?

When end-of-life servic-es are pre-arranged, it serves as a tremendous gift to those whom you will leave behind by reducing the indecision and overwhelming amount of details to be seen to dur-ing a difficult time. One option to consider is fully prepaying for your services. If a funeral home guarantees their prices (Waite & Son does), then your services will never go up in price and your heirs will not have to carry the financial burden at the time of your passing. Furthermore, your wishes will be clearly expressed and will not be second guessed as to what types of services you want to have arranged for yourself.

What is the difference between a Funeral and a Memorial Service?

As societal norms change and the ways in which we process the death of those around us begin to shift, it can sometimes become con-fusing to define different

terms that we hear used in reference to death. Funerals are a post-life service dedi-cated to the life of someone who has passed away. Typi-cally these services are held within a week of someone’s death and they are held at either a church or a funeral home. Funerals almost al-ways include the presence of the person’s body in either an open or a closed casket.

A Memorial Service is a post-life service dedicated to someone who has recently passed away. These services may take place at different times; sometimes they will be held within a week of someone’s death and other times they will be held a couple of weeks or months later. These services can be held at a funeral home, a church, a community cen-ter, or any other desired lo-cation. When a memorial service occurs, it is usually preceded by a cremation and the person’s cremated re-

mains will be present in an urn.

Although the terms Funeral and Memorial Service can be used in-terchangeably from time to time, remember that neither service is intend-ed to be more religious or less religious than the other, nor is one in-tended to be more light-hearted than the other. Those planning the ser-vice should define the tone and elements of the service. The most impor-tant thing is to honor the person’s life and to help those in attendance feel a part of the grieving pro-cess.

I hope that you have found this discussion to be beneficial. If you have questions of your own, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call at 330-723-3229.

Be sure to ask us about the “Have the Talk of a Lifetime” program!

By: Christopher Waite, Waite & Son Funeral Homes

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

12 Flu FactsBy: Suzanne Kanner, RN, BSN Medina County Health DepartmentPublic Health Nurse

your HeaLtH

d

creating

PEOPLEFlu & Pneumonia Vaccinations

healthy

330-723-9688 (option 1 )• www.medinahealth.orgHealth Services

The flu can be seri-ous, sometimes lead-ing to hospitalization or even death. Every flu season is different and affects everyone dif-ferently. Even healthy people can get very sick

from the flu and spread it to others. During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of flu related deaths occur in people 65 years and older. “Flu Sea-son” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. During this time, flu viruses are being passed from one person to the next. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot

or the nasal-spray) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and lessen the chance that you will spread it to others. When more people get vac-cinated against the flu, less flu can spread through our com-munity.

How Do Flu Vaccines Work?

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against influenza vi-ruses that researchers and sci-entists feel will be most com-mon during the upcoming season. The vaccine causes antibodies to develop in your body about two weeks after

receiving it. These antibod-ies protect you against the viruses that are in the vac-cine.

Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine?

We recommend that ev-eryone six months of age or older get vaccinated. It’s es-pecially important for those with asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease to get vaccinated as they are al-ready at high risk for de-veloping serious complica-tions from the flu. Pregnant women, individuals 65 years and older, and anyone who lives with or cares for others who are at high risk are also strongly urged to protect themselves and others from the flu by receiving an an-nual vaccine.

Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated?

While most are en-couraged to get vaccinated, some should seek the advice of a medical professional first. Those include:

• Individuals who have an allergy to eggs.

• Those who have had severe reactions to the vac-cine in the past.

• Children younger than 6 months of age.

• Anyone who may have a moderate-to-severe illness. Wait until you are feeling better before you get the vaccine

Will Medicare Pay For The Flu Vaccine?

Yes. If you are 65+ years old, Medicare will cover the cost of both the flu and pneumonia vaccine.

Where Can I Get My Seasonal Flu Vaccine?

Actually, there are many places administering the vac-cine: doctors’ offices, phar-macies, grocery stores, and medical centers. Beginning October 1, 2014 (based on vaccine supply and avail-ability), the Medina County Health Department will also be making the vaccine avail-able through various walk-in and community clinics. For times, locations and further information, visit our full

event calendar on our web site at www.medinahealth.org or call (330) 723-9866 option 1.

The Medina County Health Department has pro-tected your health since 1918. Services are partially funded by your local property tax health levy. We are an equal opportunity provider.

Resource: Centers for Dis-ease Control and Prevention: Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Today’s uniquely popular housewares department evolved in its place.

Stephenson’s son Rick began working at the store the sum-mer of 1975; he was 18 and “Steve” was 64. Father and son, who share the same birth date, September 4, worked together 34 years. At no time did Stephenson talk about retiring, but his son’s presence and ability to take charge of the store allowed him the opportunity to explore many of his other interests that included piloting his own plane and going on three African safaris.

In 1968, “Steve” de-cided to start a buffalo farm because it would be “more exciting” than cows. He brought in 10 pregnant cows and a bull from North Dakota and developed what became a unique addition in the area, and ran that opera-tion until 1995. Today it is a produce farm.

In the early ‘60s, he also opened a second hardware, in Brunswick, but it was short-lived. “Steve” liked being the man in charge, on site, who always knew what was going on. He could not do that with two stores. He even resisted using computers until he was forced to do so in 1995.

“Steve” never wanted to be a problem to anyone. He in-stinctively knew when he should make life style adjustments. In 1980, he sold his plane because he felt his reflexes were no longer as sharp has they should be. When it was time, he an-nounced to the family he was moving into an assisted living place; he had made all the arrangements, and admitted him-self. He kept a current driver’s license, but never drove again after he moved.

Since the hardware had become his world, he was never removed from his office at the store, his lofty perch where he

(Hardware Article – Continued from page 10)


HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

13TMLet our family care for yours.

When you need assistance with a senior family member, adult or child, we are committed to providing compassionate home care through an experienced, caring staff.

Our affordable care solutions include:

• Personal Care • Meal Preparation• Transportation • Light Housekeeping• Child Care • Medication Reminders

• Errands • Emergency Response System• Flexible 2 to 24-Hour Care

Call for more services

Call today for a FREE, no-obligation evaluation.

Toll Free: 877-448-377024-Hour Careline: 440-610-7173

www.homewatchcaregivers.comServing Lorain, Western & Southern

Cuyahoga, & Medina Counties

you too just remembered the curved, wavy mirrors that intentionally distorted our faces and bodies! Suddenly taller, or fatter, extremely short or too skinny, the warped images made us laugh out loud! We moved nearer to the full-length mirror or we stepped back and with each little movement changed the image that just lied to us, but we embraced this silly lie with laughter! Oh, to be taller with such ease or thinner without a changing our diet!

Yep, it would be a miracle to be instantly taller and/or thinner. Guess that’s where my rambling thoughts turned: to consider the absolutely amazing moments that occur daily yet far too often we fail to acknowledge them! Cur-rently we are being emotion-ally and mentally assaulted by the unbelievable amount of daily, disturbing news of national and international crisis, so we really should stop and count the good things that

happen daily. We can give ourselves a ‘faith-lift ’ if we mentally stand back from the TV reports of carnage, disease, destruction and fear, and take time to appreciate the normal and mundane and profound goodness that does really ex-ist! Yes, I know that there is reason to use the word ‘worry’ for too many newscasts, but as individuals, we can make a dif-ference within our own heart if we seek to appreciate the little tender moments, miracles if you wish to consider that word.

“Our attitude toward the world around us depends upon what we are ourselves. If we are selfish, we will be suspicious of others. If we are of generous nature, we will be likely to be more trustful. If we are quite honest with ourselves, we won’t always be anticipating deceit in others. If we are inclined to be fair, we won’t feel that we are being cheated. In a sense, looking at the people around you is like looking in a mirror. You see a reflection of yourself.” Anonymous

Frankly, I nearly deleted

that quote, even though I believe it’s quite true. As Senior Citizens, we are sometimes suspicious of family members’ actions, but rank strangers we take at face value. I suggest that we have that backwards! Please, please be aware of who comes to your door or calls your home phone! Reports of seniors being led outside to their backyard to ‘look’ at something with a stranger, while unknown to them another stranger enters the unlocked home, ransacking it for valuables! Don’t exit your home with a stranger! Don’t let them in without being 1000% certain of their credentials! Also, don’t believe every phone call offer of ‘free’ groceries, or other such things…call your police department or the Sheriff ’s office and they will give you good advice! Healthy skepticism is wisdom work-ing for you!

“The mind is like a clock that is constantly running down and must be wound

up daily with good thoughts.” Bishop Fulton J. Sheen

Listening to the daily weather reports, it would seem that our neck of the woods has seen some strong weather. Brunswick had two small tornadoes and before that, significant flooding. That story was told all over Me-dina County and most areas of Ohio. Certainly for those whose homes were damaged, this was major damage! Not being able to use any water was the problem in counties close to Toledo. In other locations of our country, the evening news showed water rescues from streets, cars, even hous-es. We watched dust storms blot out portions of Arizona’s major cities. Western fires burned through homes, bar-ren and rugged terrain and threatened large areas of our treasured National parks. I choose to remember a delight-fully cooler summer; a small miracle that we didn’t need to use the air-conditioning every day!

The sun comes up daily, even if blotted out by clouds, but with a choice and a blink, I can adjust cloud to could; rain is a great thing for the farmer’s successful crops for our din-ners! It is a miracle when

the right temperatures and the right amount of rainfall work together for a harvest that bursts from the ground!

Remember! Oh, isn’t it just amazing when we remember ‘that’ name we were searching for in our memory! As we age, we’ve met more people, remembered more names, numbers and connections so sometimes the ‘one’ that we are trying to remember sort of slips into a place where memory doesn’t call ‘it’ up fast enough. Give it some time and yeppers, there’s that name we wanted! Amazing! If I do recall a person, a phone number or some other important item, I consider it a small miracle.

I’ve had the experience of noticing something that was tucked away in a place that would have meant it was ‘lost’ IF I was actually looking for it. A recent example was our marriage license. We were going to NEED it for a trip to the Social Security office. I would not have known where it was (it was not with other important or legal papers!) ex-cept that about three months

MedicalService, Inc.

Serving Medina & its surrounding areas 30+ years

366 Pearl Rd.Brunswick330-225-2551GTBMedical.netM-F 9-6 | Sat 9-4 Accreditation

2007

Stay in your home with a stair elevator& save $100 with ad

(President’s Message – continued from page 7)


HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

14 from your senatorMedina County Observation Status...

Can It Affect You?By: U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)

BATES & PERRY, CO., LPAElder Law & Estate Planning Attorneys

750 E. Washington St. • Suite D-3Medina, OH 44256

330-591-0076 • www.batesperry.com

At Bates & Perry Co., LPA, our priority is to be respectful and responsive to your needs with personalized service and professional advice. Our attorneys provide top quality, client-focused Medicaid and Veteran’s planning, will and trusts, probate and guardianships in a comfortable, caring environment.

R E S P E C T F U L • R E S P O N S I V E

P E R S O N A L I Z E D • P R O F E S S I O N A L

d

Earlier this year, I re-ceived a letter from Ed-wina Horvat, a northeast Ohioan whose 90-year-old mother was taken to the emergency room by an ambulance and hos-pitalized for four nights

last year. Because the hospi-tal admitted Edie’s mother under “observation status,” Medicare wouldn’t pick up the tab for the nursing home care she needed after she was discharged. The result is that Edie’s family is on the hook for significant medical bills solely because of how her mother’s care was character-ized.

There are far too many stories like this.

Social Security and Medi-care are two of our nation’s most successful social in-surance programs and have lifted millions out of pov-erty. Working Americans pay into these programs, and in turn the benefits are available when seniors need them. It is important that we continually find ways to preserve, protect, and strengthen these pro-grams, so future generations can continue to move into

their retirement years with a sense of security.

One area that needs to be addressed is the current pro-cess that often unfolds when seniors—like Edie’s moth-er—are transferred from a hospital to a skilled nursing facility or nursing home for further care.

Under current law, Medi-care will only cover skilled nursing care if the patient was in the hospital for three con-secutive days and admitted as an inpatient. However, hospi-tals are increasingly classify-ing Medicare patients under “observation status,” rather than as “inpatients.”

Hospitals do this because costs are lower to Medicare under “observation status” than if the patient is admit-ted as an “inpatient.” And, the Medicare system has been pressing providers to do their part to protect taxpayer dol-lars and rein in costs.

The problem occurs when the patients – who were ad-mitted under “observation status” rather than as “inpa-tients” – need further care or rehab at a skilled nursing fa-cility after their hospital stay.

These patients end up having to foot hefty nursing facility bills to receive the care they need. Often they have no awareness how their hospital stay was classified, and may only find out after the trans-fer to the nursing facility has occurred.

Seniors should be able to focus on their recovery, in-stead of billing technicalities and sky high medical bills, or worse yet – trying to recover without the further medi-cal or rehabilitative care they need because they can’t afford it.

That’s why I introduced the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act, which would allow Medicare beneficiaries to count hospi-tal observation stays toward Medicare’s three-day inpa-tient hospital requirement to

cover skilled nursing facility costs.

This is common-sense legislation that can go a long way to improving our health care system. It’s a simple fix and the least we can do to protect our seniors from out-rageous medical costs that they have no control over. It improves access to appropri-ate medical care and saves on hospital readmission costs.

That’s why this bill is en-dorsed by a number of lead-

ing health organizations in-cluding AARP, the American Medical Association, and the American Nurses Associa-tion.

A recovering senior should not have to choose between paying for the care they need to recover or paying a huge medical bill. We owe it to our seniors to fix this technicality, and I urge my colleagues in Congress to join me in mak-ing sure this bill passes soon.

prior I had been looking for a photo and I was going through some old albums. It was a trip down memory lane for me. I found a book with swatches of material used for the brides-maid’s gowns, notes on gifts given and our marriage li-cense! I left it there (it had been there for over 46 years!) but when Bob mentioned we needed it, I knew right where to find it! I think it was a small miracle.

In late spring while shop-ping at a store, I just thought, “I should buy gloves to use when I wash dishes.” So, into the cart went the box! At home that box went under the sink, unopened…unused. I did pull them out one day only

to realize they were a large size and I do mean LARGE! Oh, well! Just way too big for me to use while holding slippery glass items!

About a week later, we had a icky water issue in the base-ment (I do mean icky!) and Bob was going to be cleaning it….he needed, you guessed right….water proof gloves that were large enough. Got ‘em! Small miracle…arrived in size LARGE!

I’ve long chosen to believe that we are given what we need sometimes even before we know to ask for it. I believe in miracles. Some miracles just take a long time to show up, though!

“We have no right to ask when sadness comes, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ unless we ask the same question for every joy

that comes our way.” Philip F. Bernstein

In June of ’13, I just hap-pened to be turning the pages of the Plain Dealer. I never pause to read the obits in total, but might on a given day just glance to see if some name catches my attention. I saw a photo; it was a familiar face until I read the name. Nope, not anyone I knew. But, my eyes fell on the name in the column right next to that photo. I know that name. That last name. The first name….her children’s names! OH, MY!!

When I dropped my head in silent sadness, Bob asked what was wrong. I said, “Sharon’s mother died.” He’d never met Sharon, but he

(President’s Message – continued from previous page)


HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

15

d

LLC

Fall Prevention is the best defense against losing independence. By: Bob Welch, CAPS

WHEELCHAIR VAN DRIVERS NEEDEDWant to get out of the house a few hours a day & earn some extra cash?

We need compassionate and caring individuals willing to transport our senior citizens in a polite and cheerful manner. Part time hours vary by appointment needs usually between 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, occasional weekend work as well. Perfect for a Brunswick or Medina resident. Must have a valid driver’s license and excellent driving record. Visit our website at www.carlsonambulance.com for details, or call 330-225-2400 Mon-Fri between 9:30am-3:30pm.

CARLSON AMBULANCE TRANSPORT

This year, fall prevention awareness day was September 23rd, the first full day of Au-tumn. The National Council on Aging has many programs geared toward helping seniors prevent life changing injuries from falling.

Among people 65 years and older, falls are the lead-ing cause of injury related deaths and the most common cause of hospital admissions for trauma. Each year in the

U.S., nearly one-third of older adults experience a fall.

The majority, 55% of fall injuries among older people occur inside the home and an-other 23% happen outside, but near the home. Prevention of falls is the best defense against

injuries that can eliminate a senior’s ability to live indepen-dent. Here are some sugges-tions that can help reduce the chance of falling in and around the home.

Exercise regularly. Exer-cises that focus on increasing strength and balance are par-ticularly beneficial. Perhaps the most popular low impact exercises are Yoga and Tai-Chi. Leg strength will help seniors regain balance upon tripping or slipping.

Regulate medicines accu-rately. A pharmacist or doctor should review all prescription and over-the-counter drugs to identify medicines that may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Taking medications at the cor-rect time and dose can greatly reduce the chance of falling.

Have eyes checked. Annual eye exams can help detect and prevent illness. Many seniors neglect eye care and vision problems because they have low incomes or inadequate vision insurance. Most serious eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degen-eration are prevalent among the seniors.

Wear shoes. Many seniors trip and fall due to lack of proper footware. Going bare-

foot, wearing socks without shoes, or wearing slippers all have contributed to falls and serious injuries.

Make the home safer. Many steps can be taken in and around the home to reduce the risk of falling. Eliminate trip hazards like extension cords and throw rugs, add railings on both sides of stairways, and improve lighting. Changing the transition between rooms is a simple way to reduce the chance of tripping.

The Bathroom is the most hazardous area inside the home. Floors are often wet and slippery and if you do fall, you are more likely to land on a hard surface. Place a slip-resistant rug adjacent to the bathtub for safe exit and entry. Use a non-slip rubber mat or textured strips on the floor of the tub or shower and replace glass shower enclosure with non-shattering glass. Installing grab bars inside and outside the tub area and commode is the easiest and most beneficial addition to any bathroom.

Increasing lighting and having adequate night lights can greatly reduce falls inside and outside. Backup lighting is also very important in the home. Often power outages occur in the evening during storms awaking seniors. Half awake and navigating in the dark house is an accident in the making.

Who to call. Assessing the dangers in the house can eas-

ily be done by a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) contractor. CAPS certified contractors are specially trained to evaluate the home inside and out and make recommenda-tions to reduce hazards. Many CAPS contractors can perform modifica-tions to the home that will improve safety and allow seniors to remain inde-pendent in the home of their choice for many years. Some CAPS profession-als may act as a liaison for the family to recommend and provide sources for improvements.

Seniors that wish to remain independent in their own homes should contact a CAPS certified professional for an as-sessment immediately. Often, the first fall is enough to result in the need for a nursing home or assisted living arrangement. Waiting until a fall occurs is in most cases too late. For more information regarding the Certified Aging In Place program and to find a CAPS certified professional in your area, go to www.nahb.org or www.aarp.org.

Bob Welch is owner at A.I.P. Help, LLC in Wadsworth, OH. He is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist with the National Asso-ciation of Home Builders. AIP Help is a member of the Medina County Senior Services Network and the Summit Senior Services network. He can be reached at 330-665-0036 or www.AIPHelp.com.

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

16

certainly knew who she was! When I was about three years of age, my parents willingly took in a baby who was just six weeks old. Her mother was a relative to a friend of my mother’s. She had a one year old daughter and after giving birth to Sharon, was immediately admitted to a sanitarium for her TB. This of course was a very com-mon occurrence in the

early ‘50’s. That young couple didn’t have anyone in the fam-ily who was able to commit to the care of a newborn and a one year old, as their siblings were parents of several young children of their own. They tried, and it was just too much for them and for the grand-mother, too. So a plea went out for help; someone to care for a newborn’s many needs. My mother was the consum-mate mother! She tenderly cared for and nurtured Sharon, ‘my baby sister’ for the next twenty-three months.

My mother even loved Sharon’s memory until she died at the age of 90! She would put her arms together as if holding an infant and look-ing down would say, “oh, that Sharon! She was the sweetest baby! I loved her!” We did stay in contact with that fam-

ily for many years, but as their family grew in number, we saw less and less of them. Life and changes go hand-in-hand.

I went to the funeral home that same evening. Sharon and I embraced the warmest, happiest, hug...sisters indeed, even though time and distance had separated us for over 50 years! I’ve always held her name in my heart with hopes of seeing her again. I was not disappointed! I consider seeing that name in the pa-per, a miracle. I consider the love that we’ve held for each other through all these years, a miracle. Can you believe there are more miracles with this story?!

She didn’t know my mar-ried name, nor did I know her married name. She’d moved from Ohio several years ago, to Florida. That’s a really BIG state and we have two mar-ried sons who live in Florida; they live and work in Lee County. Sharon and her hus-band and two adult children and grandchildren live in Lee County! They live less than ten miles from Bob’s mother, too. Miracle? Oh, yes! I believe in miracles small and miracles slow, so slow that they take lots of time to reveal their delightful, happy existence!

The HANDS Foundation grants wishes to Seniors in Medina County, but honestly, my personal wish is that you will close your eyes and open

HANDS Foundation and Helping HANDS would like to honor Medina County couples celebrating 40 or more years of marriage. If you or someone you know would like to be honored for this special achievement, please fill out this form and mail it to HANDS Anniversaries, c/o IDCG, Ltd., P.O. Box 1105, Medina, OH 44258-1105. We encourage you to submit a photo (it will be returned) and perhaps share your words of wisdom on sustaining a loving and successful long-term marriage.

If you would like to be interviewed/featured in a future True Romance story, please include your phone number in order to be contacted by Angela Huston. Your Phone:

Names: ______________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________________Date Married: _________________________________________________Place Married: ________________________________________________Remarks: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

True RomanceH a p p y 4 0 t H + a n n i v e r s a r y

your heart to see the miracles in your life. Little items thought lost, then found = a miracle. Kindness extended = a miracle. Help at the right moment = a miracle. Direc-tion when feeling confused = a miracle. Friendships made = a miracle. Sun rising = a miracle. Go look in a mir-ror….YOU are a miracle!

As the warm breezes be-come cold blasts announcing the onset of winter, spend time counting your miracles! Whether small or large, mir-acles are the best treasures to count.

Blessings to you…….always……………peace.

(President’s Message – continued from page 14)

Watch for the new HANDS website COMING SOON!

d

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

17

Medina CountyVeterans’ Service Office

(330) 722-9368210 Northland Dr., Medina, OH

“Service for Those That Served and Their Families”

www.medinacountyveterans.org

The Mission of the Medina County Veterans’ Service Office is to provide temporary aid and assistance to veterans, dependents, and widows in time of need. We provide two basic services:

1. Temporary emergency financial aid and assistance to eligible veterans and family members who have demonstrated a need set forth by the commission.

2. Assist veterans, family members and survivors when applying to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for benefits.

We can help you apply for the benefits you have earned. Our services are FREE.

We are accredited by the Ohio Department of Veteran Services (ODVS) to assist veterans and their dependents when applying for benefits to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Watch us on

4931 Nettleton Rd, Medina, OH 44256 | www.wrmcohio.org

For more information, call us at (330) 721-3000

�e Trusted Resource to Help People Age Respectfully

Experience whatWestern Reserve Masonic Community

has to offer!

• Active retirement lifestyle within a 229-acre campus setting• Villa homes and apartment options• Assisted living with personalized services• Post-acute and skilled nursing care• Pathways memory care center• State-of-the-art rehabilitation and licensed therapies• Exceptional dining, amenities and hospitality• Events and educational opportunities open to the public• No entrance, endowment or community fees

spent many comfortable, secure years. “Steve” was a very savvy investor whose no-frills lifestyle and strong work ethic brought him much happiness. He was a great father and grandfather who taught by example.

“Steve” remained a vital part of the store’s operation, and the Medina Community, until his death in Novem-ber, 2008, at the age of 99.

The Square in Medina was very different then than it is now. Much of the rough-around-the-edges charm has been replaced by up-to-date shops, but Medina Hardware, 225 South Court

(Hardware Article –Continued page 12)

Street, where hard-to-find plumbing parts are still among the most requested items, has not abandoned its place of honor as “hardware purveyors spanning three centuries,” from the time the Oatman Brothers opened it in the 1800s, to the many years “Steve” Stephenson spent serving the community during the 1900s, and now as son Rick is taking it into the 2000s.

Rick, who admired his father greatly, has no specific goals except to turn the key every morning and stay the course. About one in every 10 customers repeatedly says, “Don’t ever go out of business.” For now, that customer loyalty is what in-spires Rick to carry on his father’s legacy.

Thank you Advertisers for supporting HANDS!

d

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

18

A Pride One Property

• Licensed nurse on duty 24/7 • Medication management

& administration • Full-service beauty salon

& barber shop • Full housekeeping & laundry

• Chapel services & library • Chapel services & library • Variety of social activities

• Family owned & operated

Call today to scheduleyour personal tour

330-220-4900891 Marks Road • Brunswick, OH 44212

P lum Creek offers anaffordable, comfortable and

carefree lifestyle for seniors in aprivate, single-story, secure setting.

By: Kelly Rose StallardCrossroads Hospice of Northeast Ohio

Service members, veterans, loved ones and community members are encouraged to apply.

Crossroads Hospice seeks compassionate volunteers, ROTC cadets, members of our armed forces, and their loved ones to participate in a special project honoring veterans in Medina and Wayne, counties throughout the year.

Throughout history, thousands of men and women have proudly served our country, leaving family and friends behind to defend our great nation and its ideals. Recognizing their bravery, Crossroads Hospice has developed the “Honor Our Veterans” Recognition Campaign to acknowledge our veteran patients and veterans in the community. There are many ways to sup-port our local heroes as a volunteer, including visiting with patients in their homes, nursing homes or assisted liv-ing facilities, assisting with group ceremonies of recogni-tion, and collecting personal memories from veterans and their loved ones.

“For members of the armed forces and their loved ones, there are special op-portunities to connect with veterans, whether you’re an ROTC cadet who’s begin-ning their journey, an active member of the military, a vet-eran who’s served in the Viet-nam War alongside many of our patients, or the wife of a soldier looking for ways to show your support,” says Christine Vincent, Execu-tive Director of Crossroads


HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

19

“In the many times we've worked together, Gary Werner has always been a consummate profes-sional: down to earth, hard working, and respectful of everyone. I’ve seen myself his ability to bal-ance fairness and, when needed, toughness. Gary will well serve our County as a judge. That is why I support him and encourage Medina County residents to do the same.” Mayor Robin Laubaugh, City of Wadsworth

Common Pleas Court, General Division

"I have worked side by side with Gary over many years, and have seen his hard work, dedication, and work ethic up close. Gary has a sharp mind and a fine attention to detail. I am confident that he will bring his tireless commitment and passion for the law to the Common Pleas bench, for the ben-efit of the people of Medina County.” Mayor Ron Falconi, City of Brunswick

“As the Medina Police Chief and Mayor of Medina I have personally worked with Gary. He has served on numerous committees and organizations serving the residents of Medina County and has always been honest, professional, fair, and ethical. Please join me in voting for Gary this November 4th for Medina County Common Pleas Judge.” Mayor Dennis Hanwell, City of Medina

Hospice serving Northeast Ohio. “We recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made and believe we owe a debt of gratitude for the se-curity they have provided by defending our nation. By tak-ing the time to say ‘thank you’ through simple gestures, our volunteers can make a world of difference for our patients and local veterans in the community.”

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Terri Frey at 330-899-9100 or [email protected]. Ap-plications and training in-formation are also available online at http://crossroadshospice.com/volunteering/default.aspx.

Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care

industry, to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and ad-ministered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and com-passionate hospice servic-es to persons experienc-ing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers. For more information on Crossroads Hospice vet-erans volunteer opportu-nities, visit www.cross-roadshospice.com or call 330-899-9100.

d

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

20 Real True Romance

Congratulations to:Heinz & Jane Burchard (above)

Medina, OHMarried: May 15, 1971

First Baptist Church in Medina

Congratulations also to:Charles A. & Pearl Z. Johnson

Sharon Center, OHMarried: May 9, 1944

Married in Elkton, MDLong story - love to tell (watch for their story in an upcoming True Romance)! Editors Note: I accidentally dropped this Anniversary notice in the wrong file about a year ago and just recently came across it. My apologies and congratulations to the Johnsons!

I asked God to pick out my future husband summer of 1967. We met on a “blind date” on October 2nd. Two months later, Heinz left for Vietnam. We got to know each other’s hearts through letters and tapes while he served as a Marine in Vietnam and Japan. I still put love notes in his socks and find mine under my coffee cup (unless he’s bringing me my coffee in bed). PS - I’m more spoiled than he is (Jane). PSS - Heinz thinks he is more spoiled - NOT! We have 1 son, 2 daughters, 2 granddaughters and 3 grandsons.

Good luck to all the candidates who are running in this fall’s election. We appreciate your support of

Helping HANDS and wish you the best!

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

21Commissioners CornerTune Into “Your Medina County”Submitted by Patricia GeissmanMedina County Commissioner

I plan to do October’s “Your Medina County” T.V. Show on the feral (wild) cat issue that has become an ever-increasing problem.

I hope to bring to you the impact directly and indirectly feral cats have on communities, health, environmental/wildlife and what can be done to bring this spiraling problem into control.

My decision to focus on the feral cat problem is not just for the sake of the cats themselves, but for the benefit of the communities where these cats dwell. It appears to be an issue that effects every citizen, whether they are aware of this or not and unfortunately, I believe many residents are not aware of this issue. That’s why it is so important to present the facts regarding feral cats and what we can do to bring about the best solution.

So tune in to the show,

which airs at various times during October check out your educational T.V. Channel for details.

New Information on MCDAC Website

At a recent commissioners meeting, Brian Nowak, Executive Director of the Medina County Drug Abuse Commission (MCDAC), informed the board of an incident that prompted him to add a service to the MCDAC website, www.mcdac.com.

A woman approached Brian at the MCDAC office and informed him that her 20 year-old son had become addicted to heroin and she needed help to understand and deal with the situation.

Nowak mentioned several books on heroin addition that she might read to provide her with information on addicts. The woman had already read several of the books

mentioned to her.The woman’s initiative

inspired him to start a new page on the MCDAC website regarding books that are available for those suffering from addiction, as well as their families and friends who want to read some of the publications available about addiction.

Heroin presently is the drug of choice for young people as it is readily available, cheap, easy to find and purchase.

Trekking Through Autumn Trekking Through

Autumn is a self guided hiking program sponsored by our Medina County Park system. Put your hiking shoes on, choose a nearby park, and come and discover the beauty of Autumn in Medina County. Participants who hike at least 8 of the 20 designated trails will receive an award (backpacks or hiking pins).

Hikes must be completed between September l and November 30th. All Parks are open from dawn to dark. Details are posted at www.medinacountyparks.com. Happy Hiking!!

Flavorful Treats and Toppings First Tempted

Our Taste Buds at World’s Fairs!

JUICY FRUIT – Though Wrigley touts spearmint as it’s signature flavor, the company launched it’s first chewing gum, Juicy Fruit, at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. More than a century later, the sugary-sweet gum remains a top seller in the U.S. (It was my favorite when I was a kid.)

MIRACLE WHIP – When mayonnaise sales plummeted during the Great Depression, Kraft whipped up a lighter, cheaper alternative. The company unveiled Miracle Whip at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. It’s been a kitchen staple ever since. (I think it tastes better than mayonnaise.)

CHERRY COKE – Thanks to a successful taste test at the 1982 Knoxville World’s Fair,

Coca-Cola began selling its first flavored spinoff by 1985. Cherry beat three other variations – vanilla, lemon and lime – to the production line. (Back in the 50’s when I was still in high school, it was enjoyable to join friends after school and head to the local drug store soda fountain and order a coke mixed with Cherry syrup-delicious!)

BELGIAN WAFFLES -New Yorkers may claim that the Belgian waffle made its American debut at the 1964 World’s Fair, but the enticing confection, sprinkled with powdered sugar, first delighted fairgoers at Seattle’s exposition in 1962. At Flushing Meadows, though, the crisp golden waffles skyrocketed to food fame. (Every year at the Medina County Fair, I have to get these. I love them even though they are messy. I usually have the powdered sugar down the front of me after eating them.)

A thought to remember – Hope is not a dream, but a way of making dreams become reality.

Until next time, God Bless! d

Thank You’s Received:Dear HANDS Foundation,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for grant-ing my Wish for a new toilet. I am so happy and thankful for the kindness and generosity that you have shown me. Thank you very much. May God Bless you.

– Senior Wish Recipient

As her caregiver, I want you to know this brings her much comfort in knowing there are people who care so much. This organization is a true blessing.

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

22 “aging weLL” seriesThe Attitude of GratitudeBy: Cindy McQuown, LPCC-S, LICDC

Cornerstone Wellness, Inc.www.cstonecwc.org • 330-722-9326

By Deb Poland, Faith in Action A Family Helping Families…

www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com

Medina • 3477 Medina Road • 330-722-5888 BRunswick • 1642 Pearl Road • 330-225-2400

Carlson2x3Ad9.14.indd 1 9/16/11 1:25 PM

Gratitude is a word that gets a lot of attention this time of year. With Fall upon us and Thanksgiving around the corner, it is customary to “count one’s blessings” and consider all that one has to be thankful

for, beyond the turkey and pumpkin pie. I would like to suggest that gratitude become a year round custom, for everything, all the time. I think if it was practiced along with the morning cup of coffee or tea and before closing one’s eyes at night, that we would all feel a lot better and the world would be a better place to be. Gratitude is a process for people to focus on what they have instead of searching for something new and hoping it will bring them happiness or thinking that they cannot be happy until a certain something happens (I’ll be happy as soon as…..) Gratitude turns the NOW into something worth having.

And I am not just making this up. Others have looked into the power of gratitude and found that making gratitude a part of one’s daily routine can improve your

life. In positive psychology research, gratitude is found to be strongly and consistently related to greater happiness. Consider the research of Dr. Robert Emmons of the University of California and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, who studied the effect of gratitude by asking study participants to spend a little time each time writing what they were grateful for, writing about what irritated them, or just writing about events that had affected them without any emphasis on positive or negative. They found that after 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. Those who focused on gratitude also exercised more and had fewer visits to the doctor than those who had written about sources of irritation.

Another leading expert on gratitude, Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, found that when people were asked to write and personally deliver a letter of gratitude to someone who had never been properly thanked for his or her kindness, they

immediately showed huge increases in happiness and that the benefits lasted for a month.

Gratitude can also help in the worst of times. The regular practice of gratitude helps people more easily respond to and overcome adversity. It is easy to feel grateful when things are going well, when the sun is shining and you wake up refreshed and your bills are all paid. But what about when things AREN’T good? What about when you wake up in physical pain every day, or you worry about not having enough money, or you struggle to have the interest and motivation to get out of bed in the morning? It is ESPECIALLY in these times that cultivating gratitude can be the most beneficial. I am not suggesting that listing what you feel grateful for will make difficult situations disappear. W hat I am suggesting is that cultivating gratitude, thoughtfully turning over the soil of your mind and sowing the seeds of being truly grateful for what IS, will ultimately make everything that you face turn into a situation that you are able to accept and find meaning from and move through.

One o f my f a vo r i t e books, and one that greatly influenced my own work as a counselor, is Victor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. Frankl was a physician in Vienna when he was sent to a German concentration camp during World War II. His experiences there and his observations of the survival of human spirit are key to his continued work with helping others and illustrate what I mean when I suggest that

choosing one’s attitude in even the worst of circumstances may be the one thing you can control. In Frankl’s words “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” – Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

So I would encourage you if you aren’t already experiencing the benefits of practicing daily gratitude, to start. I am sharing some of my favorite tools.

Gratitude tool kit:Begin your day with

identifying at least three things – people, places, situations, experiences – that you feel grateful for. If you want a really powerful experience, write them down in a journal or log. It has been my experience, that when you write down the usual items of gratitude (Thank you for my healthy children and loving husband) that you will experience a shift. The more your attention focuses on what you feel grateful for, the more you will find to BE grateful for.Ta k e e x t r a t i m e

for the tough and unhappy moments in life to see if you can find some VALUE to the negative feeling/situation. For example, after a really horrible night’s sleep, I have said to myself, “I am truly grateful for this experience and for the awareness of how much I really appreciate sleeping well!”

Practice gratitude by thanking the people you come across in your day - for their smile, for their presence in your life, for pouring your coffee, or serving your meal. Go out of your way to show it - open doors for others when you can, share a funny or interesting story if you can, or offer to listen.Take time to pray and

be quiet each day. Being still can bring one’s attention to the present and help build appreciation for the comfort of the chair, the sound of the birds outdoors, the simple breath flowing in and out. Avo id the na s t y

negative thinking.* You know, the “why does this ALWAYS happen to me” and “Why can’t anything go right”. Negative thoughts a lmost a lways increase negative feelings like anxiety and distress. In hard situations, if cultivating gratitude is difficult, at least remind yourself that the negative thinking just makes it worse and opt for staying neutral. I frequently say out loud in the face of a challenge: It is what it is. Nothing more or less. And often times, what initially seemed “awful” turns out to be manageable and sometimes is actually a blessing I could have never imagined!

I end with Frankl’s words again and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the HANDS Newsletter!

“ W h e n w e a r e n o longer able to change a situation, we are challenged t o c h a n g e o u r s e l v e s . ” – Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

*If you find that you can’t seem to stop the negative thinking, that can be a sign of a depression or anxiety problem and I will be sharing more about that in our next edition!

d

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

23Veterans & tHeir benefits

Edward ZackeryVeterans Service [email protected]

“There’s Really NO BULL” with VA Pensions and

Aid & AttendanceWe would like to offer you

some facts about the VA Pen-sion Aid & Attendance, and cut through all the BULL!

The truth is: there really is no BULL if you under-stand the complexities with the VA pensions including Aid & Attendance. The VA pension is a needs-based ben-efit for veterans and eligible dependents. To gain entitle-ment, you must be a veteran discharged under other-than-dishonorable conditions, have wartime service (defined as a period of war as set forth by the U.S. government and the Department of Veterans Af-

fairs), be 6S or permanently disabled, and meet VA in-come requirements. Survi-vors of veterans who meet eligibility requirements may also be eligible for a survi-vor’s pension (formally death pension). Our office provides assistance and counseling re-garding your eligibility and the proper filing from an ac-credited County Veteran’s Service Officer.

The BULL! Don’t believe the lie that a VA pension is a “hidden government ben-efit” for which you need an attorney or financial planner to unlock the mystery. Do

not fall victim to a fraudulent scam designed to take your money and deprive you of the professional assistance you and your depen-dents have earned through service to our country. In recent years due to the downturn of the economy, more veterans and survivors are seeking as-sistance through the VA pension programs. Many organizations and businesses have surfaced that try to convince those that may be entitled to pensions that they would re-ceive more professional and competent help by retain-ing the services of a “pension specialist” or attorney. Simply put, if anyone proposes that he or his organization should be paid for providing vet-erans with services, or have you purchase something, they should not be trusted or uti-lized.

The Truth! Veterans have earned free assistance, and

the Medina County Veterans Service Office is here to pro-vide knowledgeable, profes-sional service free of charge to all eligible persons. Our office is accredited with the De-partment of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) and several Veterans Organi-zations, and we can advise you on your pension benefits. We can also walk you through the process of filing, following up, reviewing and appealing on a legal basis if need be.

www.feedingmedinacounty.org

Help us Feed Medina County FamiliesFor info on volunteering or

donations, email us at volunteer@

feedingmedinacounty.orgvisit our website, or call us

at: 330-421-4816FREE Food Distributions: 3:30pm to 5:00pm

First Christian Church, Wadsworth – October 1 & November 5Holy Trinity Church, Brunswick – October 8 & November 12

Lodi Community Hospital – October 22 & November 19Must be income eligible & show proof of residency or current

utility bill. Call Feeding Medina County for more info.

If at any time you need assistance with or when dealing with the VA, feel free to contact the Medi-na County Veterans Ser-vice Office (MCVSO), which is a state-mandat-ed agency dedicated to aiding county veterans during times of need. We are recognized by the Department of Vet-erans Affairs (VA) and accredited by the Ohio Department of Veter-ans Services (ODVS) to assist you when filing for these benefits. The County Veterans Service Office has the mission to provide temporary aid and assistance to veterans, de-

pendants and widows. It’s the Law!

OUR SERVICES ARE FREE. YOU EARNED THEM!

If you have, any ques-tions about veteran’s ben-efits, contact the Medina County Veterans’ Service Office at 330-722-9368 or email us at [email protected] or catch us on the web at http://www.medinacountyveteransserviceoffice.org/

GOOD NEWS! Subaru of Brunswick has once again selected Feeding Medina County to be the recipient of the “Share the Love” Campaign for 2014-15. Thank You!!!

d

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

24

754 N. Court St.Medina, OH 44256

330-725-32591-800-916-1972

NOW is the Time for You to HearWhat You’ve Been Missing!

Limited Time – Call Now!

Serving MedinaCounty for Over

25 Years!

Your choice for state-of-the-arttechnology and personalized care

Visit our website: www.HearingHealthCenters.com

Fall Special!up to 50% OFF MSRP

Present this coupon when you take your FREE Hearing Exam

& Receive 50% OFF Any Claret HearingTM Aids.

Does not apply to prior purchases. Offer expires 11/31/14.

DigitalHearing

AidsStarting at

$750 Offer expires 11/31/14.

FREEHearing Test

&Aid Tune-Up

Any Brand Offer expires 11/31/14.

Our computerized digital hearing instruments are so small they hideout of sight, while performing millions of precise calculations per

second to give you the highest range of comfortable hearing.

Q. I hear people, but sometimes I just don’t seem to understand all of what’s been said. I never had this problem before. What’s wrong?

A. I often hear from my patients, “I can hear them, I just don’t understand them.” They say “I can

I Can’t Hear What’s Been SaidBy Bob Heiser, Hearing Health Centers

hear some people better than others,” or they have to turn up the television so loud their spouse complains.

These people most likely have a high frequency loss. They are missing some of the high tones which are re-sponsible for the consonant sounds. One example could be the “Th” sound and the “Sh” sound which are almost alike. The word “Three” comes out like “Tree, “Shoe” like “Two”.

Most people with this type of hearing loss will have more difficulty understand-ing women and children who

Grant a W sh

You can make a difference in the life of a Medina County Senior.

Complete this form and mail it to:HANDS Foundation, P.O. Box 868, Brunswick, OH 44212

Your information: (please print)

Name _____________________________________

Address ____________________________________

City, State, Zip ______________________________

Phone: Day____________ Evening _____________

E-Mail _____________________________________

Amount Pledged: $10 $25 $50 Other _______

Method of Payment: (Check one) Check - Please make check payable to “HANDS Foundation” Invoice – an invoice will be sent to you at the above address provided.

Receipt: (Check one) No receipt is necessary. Please send receipt.

All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for helping HANDS help our Seniors.

normally have a higher tone in their voices. They usually have problems understanding speech in noisy rooms and

generally have more problems when background noise is present.

Good news for those who experience this type of hearing loss. Today’s newer digital hearing aids make the words clearer, not just louder. Some of the products I recommend even cut down the background noises while making voices louder and clearer. People can now hear and understand in noisy situations much better than ever before.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any hearing diffi-culties, a hearing test is impor-tant. The sooner a person gets the help they need, the better the results he or she will have.

Hear what you’ve been missing. “HANDS” readers

who bring in this story will receive a FREE complete hearing exam, including ear cleaning, ear testing and rec-ommendations on test results. FREE hearing aid cleaning and tune-up are also available.

Bob Heiser is a nationally Board Certified Hearing In-strument Specialist with over 25 years’ experience. Hearing Health Centers is located at 754 N. Court Street, Me-dina in Comstock Junction. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 9a.m. to 5p.m., Saturday and in-home appointments are avail-able. Call 330-725-3259 or 1-800-916-1972. For more information, visit our website at www.hearinghealthcenter.com d

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

25

d

inVestment ideas Getting Married? Be Sure to Talk About Your Finances Before Tying the Knot.Joseph Hanna, Vice President/Investments Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, with dozens of important decisions to be made before the big day. Dur-ing such a hectic time, most couples spend more time on things like picking out a China pattern than they do talking about their finances. However, if you’re about to tie the knot, it’s a good idea to have a frank and honest discussion about money with your future spouse so you can start your marriage off on the right foot.

According to a recent sur-vey from the American Insti-tute of CPAs, financial matters are the most common source

of conflict among American couples. Unexpected expens-es, mounting debt, problems stemming from inadequate savings, and inability to pri-oritize needs versus wants are just a few of the financial issues that can put stress on a relationship. Do you know how your philosophy on saving and spending differs from that of your partner? Do you know if he or she has good or bad financial habits? Answering these questions now can help prevent stressful moments down the road.

As you begin your life together, an important first

step is to establish a budget. Taking a complete inventory of your combined monthly income and expenses will give you a clear idea of your total financial picture. Be sure to be up front about the amount of debt you’ll each be bring-ing to the marriage, including student loans, credit cards, car loans, etc., since they will soon be your joint respon-sibility. You may even want to consider ordering credit reports for yourselves in order to avoid any surprises.

Once you have a handle on your cash flow, determine who will pay the bills, and establish ground rules for purchasing big-ticket items. You’ll also need to decide whether to combine your checking accounts or keep them separate. You may even find it best to develop a hy-brid solution, maintaining a joint account to pay for rent, utilities, groceries, and other

monthly expenses, and indi-vidual accounts for personal, discretionary spending. Every couple is different, so choose

the option that works best for you.

With your budget in place, it’s time to talk about your financial future together. Where do you see yourselves in 10, 20, or 30 years? Are children in your future? Do

you have an emergency fund in place? Is it time to start saving for a down payment on a house? Have you already set up retire-ment accounts?

Make plans to revisit your finances on a monthly – or even weekly – basis. Regularly setting aside time to talk about your financial situation can help strengthen your relationship and keep you focused on your goals.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. A profes-sional financial advisor can provide clear, objective advice and help you work toward your goals.

Joseph A. Hanna is a Branch Manager, Vice Presi-dent of Investments with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, member SIPC and New York Stock Ex-change, and can be contacted in the Medina office at 330-721-2101.

Schedule for Fall 2014 Unclaimed Funds Table

By John Burke, Medina County Treasurer

Please be advised of the Fall schedule for Unclaimed Funds tables, brought to you by Medina County Treasurer’s Office, Treasurer John Burke. Unclaimed Funds are assets that have existed in accounts or deposits that have been inactive for five or more years. These funds are held by the state until claimed by the rightful owner. Unclaimed fund accounts come from a variety of sources, such as:

• Uncashed checks (payroll, tax refunds) • Inactive checking and savings accounts • Forgotten rent or utility deposits • Insurance benefits • Stock shares and dividend checks • Safe Deposit Box contentsThe Medina County Treasurer’s office provides a free and

confidential search for your monies. Don’t miss us at these area grocery stores, libraries, and recreation centers!

Thursday, October 9th: 11am-3pm, Seville Library, 45 Center St., Seville

Friday, October 10th: 12-5pm, Buehler’s Forest Meadows, 275 Forest Meadows, Medina

Saturday, October 11th: 12-4pm, Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Rd, Medina

Sunday, October 12th: 1-4pm, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick

Friday, October 17th: 10:30am-3pm, Lodi Library, 635 Wooster St., Lodi

Thursday, October 23rd: 10am-3pm, Medina Library, 210 South Broadway Street, Medina

Friday, October 24th: 9:30am-1pm, Medina Rec Center, Senior Fair, 855 Weymouth Rd.

Saturday, October 25th: 10am-3pm, Buehler’s Brunswick, 3688 Center Road, Brunswick

Friday, November 7th: 10am-1pm, Soprema Senior Center Fair, 617 School Drive, Wadsworth

Saturday, November 8th: 10am-3pm, Highland Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina

Saturday, November 15th: 10am-3pm, Buehler’s Wadsworth, 175 Great Oaks Trail, Wadsworth

Friday, November 21st: 11:30am-1pm, Soprema Senior Center, 617 School Drive, Wadsworth

Saturday, January 10th: 10am-3pm, Buehler’s River Styx, 3626 Medina Rd., Medina

Sunday, January 11th: 10am-3pm, Buehler’s River Styx, 3626 Medina Rd., Medinad

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

26 What You Should Knowand Do this Flu Season

Brought to you by Stephanie Manning, Development Coordinatorfor the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging

Influenza, commonly known as “the flu,” is a contagious illness that can be life-threatening, especially for adults 65+. The immune system weakens with age, leav-ing people 65 and older more vulnerable to the flu and its complications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-tion (CDC), adults 65 and older typically account for more than half of flu-related hospitalizations and almost all of flu-related deaths.

The flu can make existing health problems worse and is especially dangerous for people with chronic condi-tions, such as diabetes, heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, head-ache, chills and fatigue, pos-sible vomiting and diarrhea, and respiratory symptoms.

Actions You Can Take This Flu Season:

• Get Your Flu Shot. The best way to prevent the flu is with a flu vaccine. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available in your community. A flu vaccine protects against flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. The vaccine has been updated for this season and immunity wanes over a year, so you should get vaccinated this year even if you were vac-cinated last season.

People 65 years and older have two flu shots available to choose from - a regular dose flu vaccine and a newer flu vaccine designed for people 65 and older with a higher dose. The high dose vaccine is associated with a stronger immune response to vaccina-tion. However, whether the stronger immune response results in greater protection against influenza illness in older adults is not yet known. The CDC and its Advisory

Committee on Immunization Practices have not expressed a preference for either vaccine.

• Practice good health habits including covering a cough, washing hands often, and avoiding people who are sick.

• Seek medical advice quickly if you develop flu symptoms to see whether you might need medical evaluation or treatment with antiviral drugs. It’s very im-portant that antiviral drugs be used early to treat flu in people who are very sick (for example, people who are in the hospital), and people who have a greater chance of get-ting serious flu complications, like people 65 and older or those with chronic disease.

For more information on flu symptoms, facts, preven-tion, and vaccination op-tions, visit: Centers for Dis-ease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/flu and National Council on Aging (NCOA) http://www.ncoa.org/flu.

NEWSYOUCANUSE

Information on Home Repair & HEAP Winter Crisis ProgramsBy: Donna Holmes, Director of Housing & Economic Assistance Community Action Wayne / Medina

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – helps low income Ohioans with a one-time credit to their heating bill.

Winter Crisis Program (WCP) – provides financial assis-tance to low income households that are threatened with the disconnection of their heating source; have already had service disconnected; need to establish new service or pay to transfer service; or have 25% of less of the fuel capacity of their heating source. The program runs November 1 - March 31.

Summer Crisis Program (SCP) – provides assistance with the electric energy source for applicants determined eligible based on their year program qualifications. The program typi-cally runs July 1- August 31, and often offers air conditioners and fans to those that are qualified.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Plus – es-tablishes a budget, based on income, for low income house-holds that use a regulated utility company.

For any of the above programs during crisis months, we offer appointments Monday, Thursday, and Friday. We take walk-ins on Tuesday and Wednesday. Walk-ins are taken in the order in which they arrive. We suggest arriving by 8 a.m. or 12 p.m. in order to get a number to be screened.

During non-crisis months, appointments are made daily and walk-ins are taken as they come in.

Home Maintenance and Repair (HMR) - aids eligible low income homeowners with home repairs that impact health and safety issues, including handicap accessibility access, roof issues, electrical issue, no heat and no hot water. HMR is NOT a rehab or a continuing maintenance program. It is also NOT

Home Energy Assistance Program


d

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

27Auditor’s Office to Return $5 Million to Local Schoolswww.medinacountyauditor.orgMike KovackMedina County Auditor

from your auditor

Experience ExceptionalRehab at MedinaVillage

SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION

555 Springbrook Dr.Medina, Ohio330-725-3393www.medinavillagesnr.com

... with our outstanding therapists, unsurpassed nursingservices, great meals, activities all day. 2 out of 3 of our Rehab residents return home in 30 days. Your goal is to get home and our goal is to get you there!

Please call for a tour

d

Auditor’s Office to return $5 million to local schools

& municipalities

We are very proud to an-nounce that through cost savings and technological efficiencies, we were able to return $5 million of unused funds to local schools, agen-cies and municipalities fol-lowing the completion of the six year real estate reappraisal last year. Funds to pay for the State mandated reap-praisals come from a portion of property taxes collected by each taxing district. The fees are mandated by state law for all counties, but if the work is completed for less than the collection, auditors are allowed to refund the savings. The savings is redistributed to lo-cal governments and schools in proportion to the amount they contributed to the fund.

Medina County is the smallest county in the state to do their reappraisal “in-house” rather than contracting it out to a private firm. This is the third time Medina County has

completed the sexennial reap-praisal “in-house.” This allows Medina County to accumulate tremendous savings.

Medina City Schools is the largest recipient of the distributed savings, receiv-ing a check for slightly over a million dollars. Brunswick Schools received slightly over $750,000, with Wadsworth re-ceiving slightly over $500,000. The Medina County District Library received $130,000.

“We are very proud of the efficient operations we run at the auditor’s office, allowing this magnitude of savings,” Kovack said. “Local govern-ments can now best serve their constituents with these additional monies.”

The new record amount is 25 percent greater than the previous high. That pre-vious record total came in 2009 when Auditor Kovack returned $4 million to lo-cal municipalities. Medina County had the lowest per parcel appraisal cost in the state that year.

The $5 million amount

was determined after account-ing for the expenditures of the 2013 Sexennial Reappraisal and estimating the level of money needed for the up-coming 2016 Triennial Reap-praisal. The return of the $5 million still allows Kovack’s office ample resources for the immediate future, including sufficient resources to cover technology improvements.

A New Take on Fall Activities for Grandparents and

Grandchildren Hiking through the woods

in the fall is a fun activity to share with the grandkids. Most of the time, it is nearly impossible to get the kids today away from all things technology and social media, but fall is the perfect time to try. It’s the best time of the

year for a hike! Try connect-ing with the grandkids using a mix of old school activity and new age applications- an app assisted scavenger hunt!

Chances are the grandkids have some sort of tablet, smart phone, etc. Have them down-load different autumn apps so you and your little leaf chasers can enjoy the season together. Peepr is a great app to try. On Peepr, users can file reports for the foliage in their area and view county-level data on a national map. This makes the trip a sure hit, knowing that there is in fact fall foliage to view as well as letting you know where that particular site is.

North East Tree Identifica-tion is another great app that helps outdoors enthusiasts identify trees. It walks you through visual taxonomy to help even the most amateur tree-hugger find precise spe-cies names in seconds.

By having the grandkids use those 2 apps you have set up the perfect scavenger hunt! Come up with a checklist of different types of leaves in varying colors along with birds

and nuts, and you have a fun filled afternoon with nature.

TOP DOG CONTEST

Have any fourth grade grandchildren in your family this year? This is their opportunity to enter Auditor Kovack’s Annual Top Dog contest!

Each year, 4th graders throughout the county take the opportunity to tell the world why their dog (or your dog) is the Top Dog in Medina County! Fourth graders can write their essay about any dog, but it has to be a living dog in Medina County. The contest helps kick off dog licensing season December 1st. Entries need to be submitted by Novem-ber 17th. There are many great prizes for the winners, including the prestigious dog tag numbers 1,2,3,4 and 5! So encourage your grand-child to tell us why their dog is number one in Medina County! Information avail-able at www.medinacounty-auditor.org.

an emergency service pro-gram. It is a wait list program and is first come first serve. When the funds run out, the program is over for the year.

We also offer Home weatherization Services, Ohio Benefit Bank assistance – including free tax service, Certified Application Coun-selors, prescription assistance, car repair assistance, subsi-dized bus passes, a spring plant program, and the new Employing Medina County Initiative. All of these pro-grams have different income guidelines and qualifications. Several of the programs have wait lists. All of the programs are first come first serve until funding is depleted.

Complete documentation must be brought at the time of the intake in order to be determined eligible for assistance. Documentation needed is:

• Social Security cards for everyone in the household• Photo ID for the applicant• Proof of income for the last 90 days for EVERYONE

in the household• Current gas bill • Current electric bill• Fuel oil or propane provider information• Copy of your lease/rental agreement• Landlord contact information• Proof of home ownership (only for home weatherization

services and HMR programs)• Pharmacy estimates (only for prescription assistance)• 3 car repair estimates, proof of ownership, valid driver

license, current auto insurance (only for car repair assistance)

Applications are available at Community Action Wayne/ Medina, 820B Lafayette Rd, Medina. Call 330-723-2229 for more information.

(Information on Home Repair & HEAP Winter Crisis Programs continued)

d

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

28 Food Assistance Programs in Medina

CountyThe Churches and

organizations listed be-low are members of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank Networking offering food assistance to residents in Medina County. Call for hours and more information.

Brunswick Food Pantry 1255 N. Carpenter Rd. Brunswick, 44212 (330) 225-4966 or (440) 520-2495

Program: PantryServe clients in Brunswick, Brunswick Hills, Hinckley & Valley City Tuesdays 6-7pm, 1-3pm 2nd Tuesday each month.

CrossPointe Community Church 7230 Lake Rd. Chippewa Lake (330) 723-9009Last Friday of each month 5-6:30pm FREE meal

First Christian Church 3611 Center Rd. Brunswick (330) 483-4520 (cont’d)Community Dinner the first Saturday of every month at 5:00 pm.

Living Hope Church of Medina 6288 S. Wooster Pike Medina (330) 725-7730 Program: Pantry

Medina United Methodist Food Pantry 4747 Foote Rd., Medina (330) 725-4943 Program: Pantry

Our Lady of Grace 1088 Ridge Rd. Hinckley (330) 278-4121 Program: Pantry

St. Mark Lutheran Church & School 1330 N. Carpenter Rd. Brunswick (330) 225-3110 Program: PantryCall for hours.

Salvation Army of Medina 425 W. Liberty St. Medina (330) 722-6488 Program: Pantry & Hot Meal

Second Baptist Church 451 Bronson St., Medina (330) 722-0073 Program: Pantry

Seventh Day Adventist Community Service Ctr. 655 N. Broadway, Medina, (330) 725-4690 Program: Pantry

St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 6462 Ridge Rd. Sharon Center (330) 239-1340 Program: Pantry

St. Paul’s Free Farmers Market 317 E. Liberty St. Medina, (330) 725-4131 Program: Pantry

St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry 260 Broad St., Wadsworth (330) 336-2183 Program: PantryThose in need in Wadsworth

City & Wadsworth Twp - Mon & Thurs pm 6:30 to 8pm

Wadsworth Salvation Army Food Pantry 527 College St. Wadsworth (330) 335-2327 Program: PantryEmergency pantry free, open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm by appt, must live in Wadsworth, Wadsworth Twp, or Sharon Center/Twp. Feeding program free of charge open to anyone.

York United Methodist Church 6566 Norwalk Road York Township 11am to 12:30pm Program: Pantry4th Sat. each month. Anyone in need can stop by.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS8:00 am – 11:00 pm or until supplies run out

Community Center at the Medina County

FairgroundsFood Distributions will be held at the above location

on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Dates are:

October 16, 2014November 20, 2014December 18, 2014

Any household or individual under the 200% of Federal

Poverty Guideline is eligible!Anyone receiving benefits

from Job and Family Services is under 200% of poverty.

Food will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Please bring your own bags.NOTE: Does not affect your

Food Stamp Benefit

FREE Dinner every 3rd Sunday

Saint Ambrose Church929 Pearl Road, Brunswick, OH 44212

Cost is FREE – All Are Welcome1:00 to 2:30 pm – RSVP to 330-225-3116

M.U.N.C.H.(Medina United Neighbors Challenging Hunger)

Join us for a great mealfor the whole family!

Dinner is served Wednesdays & last full week of the month

from 4-6pm at

The Salvation Army425 W. Liberty St., Medina

2014Schedule

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 26 - Nov 1

November 5, 12, 19 & 26*

*Thanksgiving Dinner

December 3 & 10

Everyone is Welcome!FREE Transportation

Availableto and from

MUNCHthrough the

Medina CountyTransit

Call Transit office for schedule

330-723-9670If you have any questions, call The Salvation Army

330-722-6488

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

29LegaL IssuesPractical Tips for Special Needs PlanningMarie Mirro [email protected]

d

EEMarie Mirro Edmonds Co. LPACounselor at law

807 E. Washington St. | Suite 200 | Medina, Ohio 42456Phone 330 725 5297 | Fax 330 722 5932

E-Mails: [email protected]@marieedmonds.com

Elder Law & Estate Planning

Pictured Marie Mirro Edmonds* (left) and

Ann E. Salek.

*OSBA Board Certified in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law.

Individuals with special needs often face “quality of life” challenges compared to those without special needs. Often these individuals re-quire added expenses to meet those needs. The added finan-cial burden often leads special needs individuals to depend on public benefits to help them meet those costs, and public benefits often fail to meet all of these needs. Families with children, grandchildren or other loved ones with special needs must understand the pitfalls in planning for these special needs loved ones.

Tip #1. Special needs beneficiaries require special planning. The many miscon-ceptions regarding planning for special needs individuals may become more costly in the future if public funding

for these individuals is cut. Thus, it is critically important that loved ones proactively and properly plan for these individuals.

Tip #2. Don’t disinherit the special needs beneficiary. Historically, this was a means used to guarantee that a special needs beneficiary would con-tinue to receive government benefits, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Med-icaid or other government benefits which provide basic food, shelter and/or medical care. However, these benefits rarely provide more than the basic needs. The best solu-tion is to create a special needs trust to hold the inheritance of the special needs benefi-ciary, which can protect public benefits and will provide the proper care for the beneficiary

throughout their lifetime.Tip #3. Don’t rely on the

special needs beneficiary’s siblings to use their money to take care of this individual. Many family members do rely on their other children. However, this is not a solution which will protect a special needs child after the death of a parent or when siblings have their own expenses or financial concerns. What if the child we are counting on divorces? His or her spouse will not likely help to provide the care needs for the special needs individual. What if the sibling dies or becomes incapacitated while the special needs child is still living? Certainly, often siblings of a child with special needs feel a great responsibil-ity to their sibling and have felt so all of their lives. It is

up to the parents to provide clear instructions and a helpful structure (like a trust) to lessen the burden on those children and allow them to continue to have a loving and involved relationship with their sibling.

Tip #5. Don’t ignore a special needs beneficiar y when planning. Planning that is not specifically de-signed with the special needs beneficiary in mind will prob-ably render that individual ineligible for essential benefits. A properly designed trust can promote the comfort and happiness of the special needs loved one without caus-ing them to be ineligible for the basic critical government benefits. Special needs can include medical and dental expenses, annual independent check-ups, necessary or desir-able equipment (for example, a specially equipped van), train-ing and education, insurance, transportation and essential dietary needs. A trust which is sufficiently funded may also provide for quality of life enhancing expenses, like those perhaps currently provided by the family.

Tip #6. A special needs trust need not be inflexible. It can be customized to meet

the particular needs of the special needs loved one. The special needs trust may not need to include a pay-back provision but rather the remainder may be able to go to others upon the death of the special needs beneficiary.

Tip #7. Be very care-ful in selecting a trustee. Family members can man-age the special needs trust if they are willing to serve and have proper training and guidance. Families who create special needs trusts may choose a team of advisors and/or a professional trustee to serve.

Tip #8. Invite others to contribute to the trust. An important benefit of creating a special needs trust is that now the beneficiary’s family and friends can make gifts to the trust or name the trust as the beneficiary of the special needs individual’s share in his or her estate.

Tip #9. The law is always changing in this area, so be sure and keep in touch with your estate planning attorney to review the trust, and your entire estate plan, every few years.

Ohio Department of Aging50 W. Broad St., 9th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215-3363General Information: 614/466-5500

FAX: 614/466-5741 TTY: 614/466-6191

Statewide Services Hotline: 1-866-243-5678Golden Buckeye Card: 1-800-422-1976

Elder Rights/Long-Term Care: 1-800-282-1206

Ohio Senior Health Insurance InformationProgram/Ohio Department of Insurance:

1-800-686-1578Web: www.ohio.gov/age

ODA is an equal opportunity employer

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

30 What are Dower Rights?Michael L. Laribee, Esq.Laribee & Hertrick, LLP – Attorneys At Law 330-725-0531 • 330-225-0531

LegaL Issues

325 North BroadwayMedina, Ohio 44256330.725.0531330.225.0531www.laribee-hertrick.com

General Practice of Law, including:• Wills and Estate Planning• Divorce / Dissolution• Personal Injury • Real Estate• Probate Administration• DUI / Traffic• Business and Corporate Law

Laribee & Hertrick, LLpAttorneys at Law

Serving Medina since 1938d

Joseph and Jane were married for many years. They owned their resi-dence and most other as-sets jointly. However, Jane owned a separate house that she used as a rental property. She purchased the property during the marriage with her separate funds. The title was in her name alone.

After several years as a landlord, Jane decided to get out of the rental business.

She listed the rental property for sale and quickly found a buyer. Since Joseph was not a title owner of the property, he was not involved in the listing process. Likewise, he did not

sign the purchase agreement as a seller. However, at the closing of the transaction, the title company required Joseph to sign the deed along with Jane to transfer the property. Joseph did not understand why he would have to sign anything since he was not an owner of the property. The reason: Joseph had a dower interest in the property by virtue of marriage to Jane and he was required to release it.

A dower right refers to an interest in real estate that is intended to protect a spouse who does not hold title. Dower dates back to the middle ages and was intended to protect widows who survived their hus-bands. Simply, it prevented husbands from transferring their real property without the spouse’s permission.

The idea of dower has been disregarded by most

states as an antiquated con-cept. However, dower rights are still recognized in Ohio by statute and protect both husbands and wives. The Ohio Revised Code provides

that a spouse has a life es-tate interest in one third of the real property owned by a spouse any time during the marriage.

Any document that in-tends to convey property will not terminate the dower in-terest unless that spouse has also signed the document. If the spouse fails to sign a deed, the buyer takes owner-ship of the property subject to the dower interest of the spouse. The buyer’s title in the property is technically defective as the seller did not grant complete ownership. This may cause significant title issues later on when the buyer tries to sell the prop-erty. Title companies search the deed records to make sure that all interest have been released before issuing title insurance.

Dower issues also arise when a married person mortgages property. Banks require a spouse to sign a mortgage deed so that the bank’s interest in the proper-ty is superior to the spouse’s dower rights. If the spouse does not sign the mortgage, then she may receive funds before the bank in a fore-closure sale. It is important to note, however, that the spouse will not be liable for payment of the mortgage unless she also signs the promissory note. Further, signing the mortgage does not eliminate the dower in-terest, it merely recognizes the mortgage lender’s inter-est is superior.

Traditionally, dower is terminated in one of three

ways:

1. By signing a deed re-leasing dower;

2. By divorce or dissolu-tion of marriage; or

3. By death of a spouse.

There is a curious statute in Ohio that states dower in-terest can be barred if the hus-band or wife “leaves the other and dwells in adultery” unless the arrangement is condoned by the other spouse. This statute remains on the books despite some action to repeal it in 1976. It serves as an in-teresting wrinkle in a very old

concept that Ohio has yet to give up.

Before relinquishing any rights in property, it is impor-tant to review all of the facts and circumstances with a trusted real property attorney.

Michael Laribee is a partner in the Medina law firm Laribee & Hertrick, LLP. This article is intended to provide general information about the law. It is not intended to give legal advice. Readers are urged to seek advice from an attorney re-garding their specific issues and rights.

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

31

7 8 3 2

6 3

4 7 6

5 9 1

1 2 4

4 6 9

8 4 9

7 5

3 8 7 1

Puzzle Level: HARD - Answers on next page

Wee Wit & Wisdom

Contributed by HANDSBoard Member Alanna Arnold

(Article continued on page 35)

Sweet Friday Happy Hour – Every Friday, 3:30pm, Sweet Shop at Emeritus at Camelot Place, 49-A Leisure Lane in Medina. Brunswick Art Works – Free monthly meeting 1st Wednes-day each month, 7:30pm, Brunswick City Hall, 4095 Center Rd., Brunswick. Call Rosemary Mihacevich, 330-225-8559, for details. FREE Brown Bag Concerts – 3rd Tuesday each month at 12 Noon, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty St., Medina. Bag lunches available $5.00 - Call church office at 330-725-4131 to reserve, or bring your own. Coffee and tea provided. Healing Hearts – A Widow and Widower Social Club has changed location. As of November 9th, we will be meeting at the Brunswick Library in the Sycamore Room. Time remains the same - Noon to 2pm on the second Saturday of each month. New members welcome! Call Marcia at 330.273.2552. Hinckley Seniors – Meets 1st Monday each month from 1-3pm at Hinckley Town Hall. New members always welcome! Contact Sue Rennecker at 330.225.2326..Brunswick AARP – Meets 2nd Thursday of each month at the Brunswick Rec Center. Meeting begins at 1pm. For more info, call Terry Elzer at 330-225-8406.Medina County AARP Chapter #2095 – Meets 2nd Friday each month, 11:30am, at Moxie’s Grille in Lodi. Lunch is $12. Contact Mary Ann 330-722-5092 if interested in attending. Circle of Friends – A social dinner group for people, age 60+, who have experienced the death of someone close. For additional info, contact The Robertson Bereavement Center, a community outreach of Hospice of Medina County, at 330.725.1900 or 1.800.700.4771.FREE Pancake Breakfast – Held the 3rd Tuesday of ev-ery month, from 9-11am, open to the public, seniors only please. Located at Autumnwood Nursing & Rehab, 275 E. Sunset Drive, Rittman, 330.927.2060. Seville Coffee Club – Open to all 55+, taking place at Se-ville United Methodist Church 10:30am to 1pm the 1st Monday of each month except on holidays. Offers speakers, concerts, board games, card games, blood pressure checks, health information and lunch for only $1. For more info, call the Seville United Methodist Church at 330.769.2836.Have an event?!? Send details with contact info via email

to: [email protected] or by mail to: HANDS Foundation, P.O. Box #868

Brunswick, Ohio 44212-0868

Space provided compliments of the HANDS Foundation.

WHAT’SGOINGON?!?

ElvisD I N E R

NEW Menu & Hours

Looking for a great new place to eat? Try the Elvis Diner at Avenue at Medina, 699

E. Smith Rd. The Diner is open Wed through Sun from 10:30 am until 6:00 pm (closed 2-3 daily).

While packing for a sum-mer visit to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house, Alastair (6) asked mother if Grandma and Grandpa have bandaids and a thermometer for emergen-cies or should he pack them? He decided to bring enough for his cousins as well as his own potential injuries. He also packed pinkeye medicine in case someone gets pink-eye during his five-day visit. Grandpa’s advice? “He should bring any medical supplies he feels are necessary.”

Eating out at our favorite local Mexican restaurant, Ash-

ton (4) was enjoying throw-ing pennies into the outdoor water fountain. He came running back to me and asked if I wanted to know what he wished for. He claimed it was a very special wish. His sister told him that his wish wouldn’t come true if he told what it was, so he clamped his mouth shut and refused to divulge his wish. But, he couldn’t stay away from the water in the fountain. He practically had his nose in the water! Then, he did the inevitable and reached for a

coin. His mother caught him in the act and told him that his wish wouldn’t come true if he took his money back. He ran to us and excitedly exclaimed: “That’s what I wished for!!” His mother asked, “To get your money back out of the fountain?” “ Yes!!” he shouted.

Coach Grandpa was in the infield just beside Ashton at T-ball one Sat-urday. The game was al-most half way through the first “inning” when a loud voice (i.e. from Ashton) was heard by everyone in the bleachers asking: “Grandpa, has the game started?!”

Maddy (9) recently con-fided to me that she no lon-ger wears dresses and “girly” things because she has now discovered SPORTS. One Saturday, Mom, Maddy, and Grandma were browsing in a local jewelry/accessories/clothing boutique. Maddy wanted Grandma to buy her

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

32 True Romance

Angela Huston was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland, graduated from Brush High School and Bowling Green State University. Her teaching career began in 1957 in Harlingen, Texas where her husband Russell (of 50+ years) was stationed. They have two children, Andrew (North Carolina) and Ann (Columbus, Ohio).

She retired from teaching (the last 20+ years in Brunswick) in 1990 and began freelancing in 1992. Along with regular columns and features for several papers, she published her first book in May of 2000 - “Looking Through Rose-Tinted Bifocals,” now in its second printing.

True Romance by Angela Huston

Jim & DollyCorso

7 5 1 6 8 3 4 2 9

6 2 3 1 4 9 8 5 7

8 4 9 2 5 7 6 1 3

2 6 5 7 9 4 1 3 8

1 9 7 3 2 8 5 6 4

3 8 4 5 6 1 9 7 2

5 7 8 4 1 2 3 9 6

4 1 2 9 3 6 7 8 5

9 3 6 8 7 5 2 4 1

Answers for Sudoku puzzle on page 31

d

Jim Corso, 68, graduated from Parma High School in 1963. Dolly Corso, 67, graduated from Maple Heights High School in 1964. They met in Shaker Heights, in a coffee shop between the offices where they were working the summer of 1965, and in 1969, married after Dolly’s gradu-ation from Kent State University. After 45 years, the relationship is as strong as ever.

They moved to Brunswick in 1973, where daughters Heather (an attorney) and Heidi (a child therapist) grew up. In 1995, they built the home in which they currently live. Along the way, they also acquired one son-in-law and two grandchildren, Michael and Sarah.

Jim worked in construction until 1977, and then went to work at Ford for the next 30 thirty years; he retired in 2007. Dolly, a Brunswick teacher, also retired in 2007.

Even with their full schedules, they always found time to participate in community activi-ties. Jim coached BYS teams for 20 years, and CYO girls’ softball for their home parish of St. Ambrose 10 years. Dolly still volunteers at the State of Professional Services as the “greeter” who admits DUI offenders to this alternative to serving jail time.

Staying busy is nothing new for Jim and Dolly – in school both played intramural sports and Dolly was a cheerleader - but as a couple they learned early on the importance of making time to share pleasurable personal endeavors between the obligations.

Both are avid golfers and readers. At least once a week they enjoy a private game of golf together, but a couple of other times weekly play the game with friends. Jim reads anything to do with sports, mystery, history, politics and biography; Dolly reads anything. They are part of a group that gets together monthly for dinner. For years, they had season tickets to baseball games, but no longer do so. The Corsos are, however, still loyal, lifelong Cleveland Indians fans.

Although they enjoy many activities together, such as being members of the Brunswick Eagles, each has developed personal interests as well. Jim is very involved in Fantasy Baseball, spending some part of almost every day during the season building the ideal team. Dolly goes to a fitness center three days a week, babysits her grandchildren one day a week, and occasion-ally lends a hand in her daughter’s law office. They feel they have a good half-and-half balance between things they do together and things they do on their own.

Vying with golf as their favorite pastime is traveling. The Corsos love cruises; in the past 20 years, they have taken al-most 40. The winter ones end in Florida, where, for the past seven or eight years they have then stayed until the warmer weather (hopefully) returns to Ohio. The Caribbean trips are their favorites, although the Mediterranean, where they visited Italy, the Greek Isles, and Croatia, is a close second.

The highlights of their marriage are definitely their two daughters and their grandchildren. They put the celebrations of their 25th and 40th wedding anniversaries among their memorable events.

Communication, commitment and trust are the most im-portant factors that have contributed to the success of their marriage. They credit their parents with instilling strong values in them, including the importance of a good education, and ensuring they understood “every marriage has good and bad days but you have to stick with each other through the rough times, you do not run away.”

If they were to give advice to young people contemplating marriage they would stress those very values plus what Jim said was a bit overused but still important: “Don’t go to bed mad at each other.” Dolly added, “You never know what tomorrow will bring.” They would like to see young people be more com-mitted, work more earnestly at marriage, and take their vows more seriously.

Although Jim recently had knee replacement, both are in good health, and they hope to keep moving physically. Dolly said, “Age is not important, the quality of time with someone is what counts.” They agreed they want to continue golfing and traveling, and already have three vacations planned for the coming year: a trip to Las Vegas, a family beach vacation, and another cruise.

Jim and Dolly Corso’s goal is to continue living as they are now. They have no intention of ever leaving the area perma-nently. Brunswick is the home to which they will always re-turn. It is the place where they obviously share a good and loving life.

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

33

Your Dedicated Public Servant Who Gets Results

Paid for by Hambley for House Committee, 2820 Grafton Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212. Hallie Wolff, Treasurer

Check the facts… www.SteveHambley.com

STEVE HAMBLEY DEDICATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICE... Medina County Commissioner (1997 to present) Adjunct Professor, Lorain County Community College, (1995 to 2014) Main Street Medina, Board of Trustees (2011 to present) OPWC #9 Natural Resources Assistance Council, Chairman (2005 to present) Medina County American Red Cross, Board of Trustees (2007-2013) ADVANCED EDUCATION... PhD, History, University of Akron, 1993. Martin Scholar Graduate coursework in Urban Economics, Public Policy, Statistics.

At Bollinger, we offer the assistance of a Funeral Director without the expense of a funeral home. We also offer: • Honest Answers • Dignified Services • Affordable Prices • Cremation Services starting at $995 • Complete Burial Packages starting at $3,950*

*includes services, casket, and outer burial container

Sixth Annual “Fall” into Fashion a Huge SuccessBy Angela Huston / Photos by Russ Huston

The weather was perfect, the food fantastic, the fashions lovely, and the camaraderie among the guests unparalleled. All these positive factors came together to make the sixth annual “Fall” Into Fashion, presented September 8 by Brunswick Eagles #3505 Ladies Auxiliary, a festive and entertaining occasion.

Escorted by Tom Welling, models Alanna Arnold, Patty Hovan, Diana Maitland, Lynn Rieg, Dawn Riffe, Linda Ross and Jean Thompson each took to the “runway” three times in outfits provided by Dressbarn. The store’s associates, Renee Stolte and Jessica Speedy, gave running narratives describing this year’s newest trends and colors in casual, work, and evening attire. The models’ hairstyles and makeup were done by Linda Phillips and Edie Halbauer, of “Dino Maria’s Hair Salon.”

The evening of fashion, food, and fun included countless door prizes as well as opportunities to win more prizes in the Chinese raffle, all donated by more than 40 individuals and local businesses. Several more lucky winners took home the

(Photo top of next column, article continued on page 35)

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

34 Tips for Buying Hearing AidsBy: Robert J. Formoso, B.A., BC-HIS Owner, ClarityHear Hearing Centers

There is an overwhelming amount of hearing aid choices out there today. It can be difficult and stressful purchasing a hearing aid if you don’t know what’s avail-able, what you need or even what you want. Let’s examine a few things you need to know about buying a hearing aid.

• PRICE. Many (if not most) hearing aid centers car-ry the same hearing aids but price them much differently. In fact, some well known hearing aids are nothing more

than private labeled versions of other hearing aids. A sim-ple Google search will reveal which hearing aids are made by which manufacturer. IT IS POSSIBLE TO PAY SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS LESS for the same hearing aid based solely on the brand name printed on it. Find out how much the hearing aid center charges for their product. If you’re told you need to be tested first or that they range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, hang up and call another hearing center. There are many to choose from. Your hearing loss should have nothing to do with the price of the hearing aid. Furthermore, there are way too many “coupons” being sent to seniors promising up to $500, $1,000 or even $2,000 off a pair of hearing aids. Be realistic, if you don’t know the cost of the hearing aids before the “discount,” you cannot be sure you’re actually getting a reduced price.

• TECHNOLOGY. Most hearing aids will fit mild, moderate and severe hearing losses and come in varying lev-els of technology. How many channels does the hearing aid have and how many do you need? It’s important to know that the more channels a hearing aid has, the more it tends to cost. Manufacturers often pack more technology into the higher channeled hearing aids which enable you to hear better in noise. How advanced your hearing aid should be depends on the amount of noise you’re in during a given day or week or month.

• WARRANTY. How long is the warranty and what ex-actly is covered? The EarQ network provides four-year war-rantees on all their hearing aids. Ask about the deductible if you lose your hearing aid or if it is broken beyond repair.

• WHAT’S INCLUDED? Ask what you get with the hearing aids. Some are rechargeable, like the Siemens Micon series. Does the charger come with it or is it extra? If the hearing aid is not rechargeable, do you get free batteries? Ask about getting an extended warranty. Find out if you get a re-mote or other Bluetooth-enabled products with your purchase.

Knowing what to expect before you step inside of a hearing aid center will eliminate a great amount of stress. At this point, there is no reason to settle for a hearing aid center that refuses to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision before committing to a hearing evaluation. Most of these old hearing aid dealers fear a well-educated consumer.

For more information, contact ClarityHear Hearing Centers at 330-722-3900 or visit them online at www.MyClarityHear.com. d

Thank you to our Advertisers who make Helping HANDS possible!

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, October / N

ovember 2014

35

Helping Seniors stay at home safely!

We also help adults recovering from surgeries recuperate in their homes.

From 2 hours to 24/7. Short term respite care also available.

We cover all of Medina County, Strongsville,North Royalton, Brecksville and Richfield. North Royalton, Brecksville and Richfield.

Call Visiting Angels when you need us!

Call us 24 hours a day!330-723-0300

Toll Free 877-723-0301

(Wee Wit & Wisdom – Continued from page 31)

d

d

a silky neck scarf. Mom said, “ You don’t wear girly things like that anymore.” To which Maddy promptly replied, “I do when I’m a girl!

Aunt Cassie and cous-in Alastair (6) were visiting in Ohio and Grandma and Grandpa were waiting in the car for Maddy who ran into the house to put a traveling

announced, “I want to be a girl again.” So, dresses and cute blouses are in again! Yeah!! (That was the shortest tomboy period ever!)

Grandpa was chal-lenged to participate in the ALS cold water bucket campaign. Maddy was supposed to videotape it as proof that he did it. So, Grandpa put ice in the bucket and dumped it over his head. Maddy taped it but the cellphone’s video supposedly shut off just as the water hit Grandpa’s head! Maddy thought this was hysterical and made a cold Grandpa do it again so she could get it right the second time. She claimed it was the phone’s fault.

While attending an Akron Rubberducks’ baseball game with Grandma and Grandpa, Ashton stood, turned around, and gazed at the nearly-full stadium. Then, he observed, “Wow! There sure are a lot of people here! There are at LEAST 27 or maybe even 35!”

cup in the sink. She seemed to be gone for a long time, so Grandpa went inside to see what the problem was. Maddy got into the car, explaining as she entered, “well the [house] alarm SAID: ‘Stay. Armed.’ I was afraid that if I didn’t stay it would either call the police or shoot me.” She had been bang-ing on the kitchen window

screen to get our attention and no one noticed. (I wonder how long she would have remained stranded if Grandpa hadn’t rescued her?)

While drawing colored ink tattoos on Alastair’s mother’s arm, his mother remarked, “Wouldn’t it be funny if you grew up to be a real tattoo artist?” To which Alastair responded, “I’d

give you tattoos for free mom, if I remember.”

During a break at cheer-leading camp, Maddy’s moth-er, who had walked over from Ashton’s flag football practice for a few minutes, tried to give Maddy a hug and kiss. Maddy stopped her, saying, “I know people here! Don’t touch me!”

Ashton’s fifth birthday was on August 3rd but due to various obstacles, a birthday party with his friends couldn’t be arranged until August 16th. On the day before his party, he asked his mother, “Am I going to be six tomorrow?”

At the end of the hour break between two flag foot-ball games, the coach called Ashton’s team over for some extra catching practice. When Ashton’s mother called his at-tention to the practice going on behind him, Ashton re-plied, “I don’t need any practice, I’m already good.” (At 5?????)

Now that Maddy is a cheerleader, she has noticed that three of the boys in her class look good in football uniforms. So after her third cheerleading practice, she

large, colorful, potted mum centerpieces designed and donated by Linda Kijek of “Baskets, Boxes, Etc. Florals.” Emcee Lori Betz again called all the winning names and numbers.

Volunteers Rusty Bane, Paul Buckwald, Phil Frate, Kurt Lemons, Kenny Ross and Norm Shaffer circulated through the crowd in the Eagles’ pavilion the entire evening, serving a variety of delicious wines.

Auxiliary President Carol Fritz thanked everyone for the show of support for this ongoing event; a portion of the pro-ceeds will go to the HANDS Foundation, which is “dedicated to improving the quality of life for Medina County seniors.”

Fritz acknowledged and gave heartfelt thanks to event spon-sors: Brunswick Smile Keepers - Dr. Matt Gaebelein, DDS; Capital Graphics; Carlson Ambulance Transport Service, Inc.; Kasidonis Heating and Cooling, Inc.; and Willowood Care Center for generously preparing all the food). A special thank you went to Len Zevchek.

HANDS Executive Director Cindie Schneider wrapped up the evening by praising the Ladies Auxiliary for their hard work, dedication, and generous contributions to the Foundation, and then repeated her own sincere thanks to everyone for attending.

Photo credits: Start of article, Diane Bokman, HANDS Execu-tive Director Cindie Schnieder, Escort Tom Welling, and Ida Mary Waters; above Hambley ad, Sitting: Sandra Herbst, Jeanne Toens-ing, Toni Zirbini, and Debbie Bailey; standing: Ladies Auxiliary President Carol Fritz, Karen Zevchek, Julie Zevchek, Val Borowy, and Karen Kuruc. More photos on back page.

(Fashion Show article continued from page 33)

HE

LPIN

G H

AN

DS

, Oct

ober

/ N

ovem

ber 2

014

36

Trouble with Windows 8? Let us Help!

Medina SeniorNet Computer Classes Computer classes for adults 50+ at Medina SeniorNet Learning Center located at Western

Reserve Masonic Community, 4931 Nettleton Road, Medina, OH. We have new computers featuring Windows 8.1 and MS Office 2013. Let us help you update your skills and solve the confusion.

November / December Session starts November 3, 2014

We offer morning, afternoon and evening classes for all skill levels. Register early as classes are limited to six students. Visit our website at www.medinaseniornet.org for class schedule and registration form or call Sue Misiak at 330-239-1177 or email her at [email protected] for further information or to be added to our mailing list.

More Fall Into Fashion Pics

Above, Model Jean Thompson in the first of her three outfits.

Above, Servers Kurt Lemons, Kenny Ross, and Eagles President Phil Frate pouring wine for the guests.

HANDS Board member Kelly Rose Stallard/Crossroads Hospice, Anne Murphy/Medina County Treasurer’s office, and Maddie Murphy/Buckeye High School student

helpinghands - daslos studios llc · if you do have diabetes, then work to keep your blood glucose...

Documents