prime october 2012

Trailblazers

To read more see page 4.

flu facTs: Who should be vaccinated.

“Most people believe that the one good thing about the cold weather around here is that the bugs go away.”

-Jennifer Savastino, Gannon Pest Control

THIS MONTH:Professional Services & CNY Business

prime advice: Protect yourself from unwanted guests this winter

A supplement to Eagle NewspapersOctober 2012

“Don and Lois began

their military service for

similar reasons, but at different locations.”


True paTrioTs: Springside at Seneca Hill celebrates its veterans


Stars of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League gather in Syracuse 2

2 OCTOBERPrime2012 EaglEnewspapers

JenniferWingMomsense

Prime cover

Ladies, take the field!Stars of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League gather in the ‘Cuse

Prime opinion

Submitted photoS

ABOVE: Members of the 1947 Peoria Redwingslook on from the bench. RIGHT: Shelley McCann, left, is pictured with Maybelle Blair, who pitched for the Peo-ria Redwings in 1948. McCann organized a reunion of the All-American Girls Baseball League which was held Sept. 22 at Alli-ance Bank Stadium.

By Farah F. Jadran“There’s no crying in baseball!”Yes, we all know Tom Hanks’ fa-

mous line from “A League Of Their Own,” but do you truly know what it means to a select group of American women? Between 1943 and 1954, dreams came true for more than 600 young women.

With men 18 and older away fight-ing in World War II, the pinstripes and cleats were left in the locker rooms, but this didn’t mean America would be without its favorite pastime. The Windy City’s chewing-gum magnate, Philip K. Wrigley, inherited the Chi-cago Cubs’ Major League Baseball franchise from his father, and his com-mittee recommended a girls’ softball league be established. In fear of losing revenue at ballparks, plans were put into place to start the All-American Girls Softball League, which began in the spring of 1943. The initial tryouts were held at Wrigley Field.

The league changed names a few times due to pitching regulations and the desire to give a more descriptive name to the program. By 1950, the official league name was changed and most popularly identified as the All-American Girls Baseball League.

Thanks to village of Manlius resi-

dent Shelley McCann, the AAGPBL took the field again, and at Alliance Bank Stadium! Shelley, a longtime softball player and fan of the history that comes with the league, has helped organize an AAGPBL reunion once before, and while it entails much plan-ning and preparation, she was ready to do it again. Why did she recommend young girls attend? “So they can see that their dreams can come true,” she said. “Whatever it is you want to do, just keep working toward it. Just do it.”

More than 50 of the remaining members of the AAGPBL were in Syr-acuse on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Alliance Bank Stadium signing autographs, and yes, some of them played ball! Shelley organized a “friendly game” of softball between her team, The Sentinels, and another Syracuse team she personally scouted, Wings Over Syracuse.

Fans got autographs from players like Maybelle Blair, a pitcher for the Peoria Redwings in 1948, and Shirley “Hustle” Burkovich, an infielder/out-fielder who played for the Muskegon Lassies (1949), Rockford Peaches (1951), Springfield Sallies (1950). Burkovich also became a movie star when playing Alice “Skeeter” Jaspers at a later age in “A League Of Their

Own.” Then the women took to the field for the “V for Victory” formation, the classic song, “Batter Up,”was sung, and then the first pitch was thrown out by Syracuse area Little League star Nadia Diaz.

Farah F. Jadran is the managing editor of Syracuse Woman Magazine. She can be reached at [email protected].

Calling all shoppers: They want youNow that fall is turning into winter, you

have become that most desired person: The holiday shopper. All retailers — local, na-tional and online — want your hard-earned dollars.

And I’m not just talking about shopping for all those folks on your Christmas list.

Grocery stores, liquor stores and the like are gearing up for the annual fight for your patronage. The time has come for the comparison shopper to make out like a bandit.

But shop wisely. Do your research. Clip coupons. Know what brands are the best. Familiarize yourself with the store’s return policy. Many stores honor com-petitor’s sale prices. I could go on and on with the advice...

The bottom line is, stores want your business. They want you to shop in their aisles, not the aisles of their competitors. And in this day and age, when it seems our wallets are lighter and the cost of living appears to not be in step with the economy, bargain hunting makes sense.

The cost-per-pound of the Thanksgiving turkey or “roast beast” to be carved on Christmas Day will most likely draw many shoppers to one grocery store or another; similarly, the tablet du jour that meets the desired specs at the lowest cost will cause many a bargain shopper’s heart to flutter as they plan their strategy while waiting in line on a snowy morning prior to the opening of their chosen big box store.

The other day, I found myself reflecting upon the fact that my children have now reached the age where they are choosier with their holiday lists. They no longer “want it all;” either because they realize that is not feasible or they don’t want to appear greedy, and risk not getting the items they want the most.

But the things they do want are more expensive, so although the list is shorter, the items on the list collectively add up to more than the longer list of less-expensive items.

I therefore will have to use my shopping muscle and know-how in order to try to purchase the wished-for gifts that have found a home on their lists. This does not mean that my 10-year-old daughter will be getting an iPhone 5 (sorry, Cassidy). I do still have my limits, although it seems they have been breached time and again.

When Black Friday has come and gone this year, I will have a car filled with less bags, at a higher cost, but hopefully bargains will continue to populate the area beneath the tree this year.

But the most important aspects of the season, family, faith, fellowship and love, remain constant and, thankfully, free.

1905

5

3OCTOBERPrime2012EaglEnewspapers

Prime opinion

Lynn CudaGrey Matters

7740 Meigs Road, Baldwinsville, New York 13027, www.mcharrielife.org

1849

8

In a blink of an eye, Michelle Rurka’s life changed forever. On her way to visit her family in New Jersey, she hit a patch of black ice on the highway and lost control of her car. It flipped several times before resting on its roof. The impact of the crash broke her back.

Once stabilized in the hospital weeks later, she chose Syracuse Home @ McHarrie Place for short-term re-habilitation to help her recover from her injuries. “I am so grateful for the care I received at Syracuse Home. The therapists are well-trained, sup-portive and committed to helping us return home to our families,” says Rurka.

Syracuse Home @ McHarrie Place is one of Central New York’s most rec-ommended short-term rehabilitation programs. “Our program focuses on recovery by helping individuals build the strength, independence and con-fidence they need to return home,”

says Kelly O’Neill-Rossi, Director of Development & Marketing.

The professional rehabilitation therapies staff works with individuals who are recovering from elective sur-geries like hip or knee replacements, injuries such as multiple fractures re-sulting from accidents, complications from stroke or other diagnosis.

Physical and occupational ther-apies develop skills that enable residents to lead independent lives. “After my accident, I never thought I would walk again. Within three weeks of rehabilitation, I returned home. Words cannot describe how wonderful it felt to actually walk into my home. I can’t say enough about my experience. The nurses went above and beyond their normal du-ties to address my individual needs. I highly recommend Syracuse Home @ McHarrie Place for short-term rehabilitation,” says Rurka.

Occupational therapies address

muscle strength, range of motion, plus cognitive and visual skills that enhance every day activities. When appropriate, speech therapies address treatment and management of com-munication impairments as well as swallowing disorders.

Located on a beautiful 140-acre campus in historic Baldwinsville, Syracuse Home @ McHarrie Place is part of the McHarrie Life Senior Community continuum of care which includes; independent retire-ment living, assisted living, memory care, respite care, skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation. As a not-for-profit organization, Syracuse Home boasts a 161-year mission of providing quality healthcare to all of those in need throughout the Central New York region.

To learn more about our short-term rehabilitation program, please call our admissions coordinator at 638-2521.

Short-term rehabilitation gets you home again

Michelle Rurka, of Baldwinsville, learns how to use everyday appliances in a real kitchen setting as part of her rehabilitation treatment plan.

Local store provides senior-friendly shopping, services Once a person retires,

life can change dramatical-ly. For one thing, there is usually less money coming in and senior citizens of-ten have to make do with less, and look for ways to down-size and live more economically. Since retired or semi-retired folks, for the most part, have more free time on their hands, we (and I count myself as a member of this group) look for ways to be more frugal, yet still shop wisely without impacting our quality of life in a negative way.

This senior tip focuses on a local grocery chain that recognizes senior citizens as a sizeable and important share of their clientele and has rewarded them in some very creative and positive ways.

On any given Tuesday morning at the Tops Market, located in Airport Plaza, Brewerton Road, North Syracuse, you will find a friendly upbeat

group of people, predominantly seniors, gathered in the dining area in the back of the store, between the deli and the bakery. They are laughing and chatting over coffee, set out for free on Tuesdays, along with samples from the bakery, like scones, cinnamon buns or slices of jelly roll or pound cake. Folks are visiting over coffee in the large, light, and airy eat-in section that can easily accommodate 30 to 40 people. It is kept spotlessly clean and always decorated by season. The Tuesday I’m there, writing this, the room is adorned with colorful hanging Fall leaves and tablecloths and flowers that match. As I look around I notice two or three employees (on break, I presume), drinking either coffee or soda, and catch-ing up on the news, just relaxing a bit before going back to work. Then there are two women (seniors) immersed in private conversation at a table for two. Both are drinking coffee and sampling the baked goods that have been left out on the counter. They look like they are good friends and sharing impor-tant news. Then there is one elderly gentleman at a

table alone, slowly sipping his decaf and doing what I call “people-watching.” I guess that perhaps he is seated here while his wife is shopping somewhere in the store, or maybe he came in alone to do his own shopping.

At a much larger table, next to him, there is a lively group of seven seniors, men and women, who, from what I overhear, meet here every Tuesday and share their news. One of the men talks over the others and is telling them all about a great show he has just attended at one of the nearby casinos. Then another man in the group tells three jokes that make everybody laugh.

This gets me thinking that Tops is providing us with quite a service here, while helping their own profit margin, no doubt.

They are extending a welcome mat for seniors, and to anyone else for that matter, by saying, “If you choose to shop here on Tuesdays, you will find a clean, inviting atmosphere and be treated to free

SEE SERviCES, pagE 7


JunE 2012

1919

8

Springside at Seneca Hill to honor its many veteransSubmitted By Teresa Ferlito

Springside at Seneca Hill will be recognizing its many veterans in the upcoming month of November and pay special tribute to Lois and Don White, who spent their military careers in the U.S. Air Force.

Don and Lois began their military service for similar reasons, but at different locations. Don grew up in the small town of Bristol, TN, and yearned for some ad-venture. It was the early 1950s and the Korean Conflict had just begun. His initial assignment was Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where he was assigned as an operating room technician. He soon moved on to Fort Sam Houston, also in Texas, where he learned how to care for the many soldiers returning from Korea with various stages of frostbite.

Meanwhile, Lois, who grew up in Hannibal, N.Y., joined the Air Force, along with her twin sister, Lucy. The sisters took part in flight nurse training and were

assigned to Bolling Air Force Base, located near the nation’s capital. “I always wanted to get into the mili-tary, I liked it and I stayed,” Lois said of her 20 years of service.

It was at Bolling that Don and Lois met and were married. With the exception of several short stints, they spent their entire military careers together. In the early 1960s, they were stationed for four years at a base in Spain, an assignment they especially enjoyed. One of the perks was traveling to the nearby European coun-tries of Germany, England, Italy, France and Portugal. “There is a lot of history there to see,” Don said.

As their careers advanced there were other assign-ments where they served together including Malm-strom Air Force Base in Montana, Castle Air Force Base in California and Goose Bay in Labrador, Canada.

“They were very good about keeping spouses to-gether,” Lois said.

Lois, a registered nurse, retired with her 20 years of service as a lieutenant colonel who supervised the operating room at the base hospital at Goose Bay. Don would retire a year later from the former Kincheloe Base in Michigan, with 24 years of service as a senior master sergeant. He was a medical administrator who oversaw the enlisted personnel.

They both felt that a career in the military suited them well. “Each morning I got up and looked for-ward to going to work,” Don said. “At first you go in for the adventure, and next thing you know you have 10 years in and want to continue to reach the 20-year milestone.”

The Whites are now enjoying their retirement years at Springside at Seneca Hill. Lois has her twin sister, Lucy Fuss, living close by in Hannibal. Like many of their fellow Americans, veterans and non-veterans alike, the couple will remember the many veterans of the United States armed forces during the upcoming Veterans Day holiday.

Veterans Don and Lois White traveled extensively during their military careers. Don retired after 24 years as a Senior Master Sgt. and Lois retired after 20 years as a Lt. Colonel.

Prime living

1905

4

Prime expert

Protect yourself from unwanted guests this winterBy Jennifer Savastino

Most people believe that the one good thing about the cold weather around here is that the bugs go away.

This is a fact for the outside, but where do the bugs go for the winter?

Many insects, like ants, beetles, flies and even bees will look to your home to spend their winter. Some insects may not reproduce in your home, but they may find a nice warm wall void or at-tic to “over winter.” Many times you do not even know these pesky little home invaders are there until the sun comes out and we get a few days of warm weather.

You can protect yourself from having uninvited guests for the winter. The best protection is to get an exterior barrier treatment in the late summer/early fall. These insects look to warm structures for protection when the nights start getting cold. With an exterior treatment, you can create a barrier around doors, windows and other inlets that will prevent the insects from choosing your home for their winter getaway! Keeping these insects out before they get in will also prevent you from having to have an interior treatment for these insects.

Even though all of the products used by professional pest control companies are regulated for interior use in New York State, it is always recommended to prevent

Jennifer Savastino is part-owner of Gannon Pest Control in Syracuse, NY. Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Central New York. She has owned Gannon Pest Control with her partners for 15 years. Gannon Pest Control is located on West Genesee Street in Syracuse.

SEE pESTS, pagE 6


1850

0

by Patrick VanBeveren, PT, DPT, MA, OCS, GCS, CSCSPhysicalTherapy Supervisor forThe Centers at St. Camillus

Stay Stronger Longer

In addition to keeping hearts healthyand bones strong, there's another reasonwhy women may want to exerciseregularly -- a recently published studyfound a link between physical activityand reduced breast cancer risk. Thestudy of more than 3,000 women fromLong Island, N.Y., found that womenwho engaged in 10 to 19 hours of (atleast) mild exercise per week, fromtheir reproductive years on, had abouta 30 percent lower risk of developingbreast cancer. The effects of physicalactivity were strongest among post-menopausal women, based on the dataanalysis.

And, a separate study published in Mayby researchers at the Fred HutchinsonCancer Research Center found thatpostmenopausal women who lose amoderate amount of weight throughexercise and a healthier diet can lowertheir breast cancer risk because losingfat tissue can reduce the amount of twohormones associated with breast can-cer. Furthermore, if you are a cancersurvivor, physical activity and exercisehave been shown toprevent recurrence andincrease survival rates.

All in all, a growing body of research,including studies by the NationalCancer Institute, confirms that exerciseoffers tremendous benefits to preventingcancer and to survivors of cancer.Physical activity reduces the risk ofcancer, cancer recurrence and in-creases survivorship.

Exercise can helpreduce fatigue,improve musclestrength, improveenergy levels,improve balance,increase flexibilityand endurance,enhanceconfidenceand self-esteem,and improvemood andoverallwell-being.

813 Fay Road • Syracuse, NY 13219 • www.st-camillus.org • 315-488-2951

Exercise and Cancer

Follow these cyber security tipsThe Internet offers a wealth of knowl-

edge, entertainment and social interac-tion. However, it also creates risk to your personal wealth, privacy and identity.

You may have recently heard news re-ports how hackers have disrupted activity on websites, or broken into companies and drained the bank accounts. Perhaps you or someone you know has had personal,

confidential information compromised or fallen victim to identity theft. October has been designated as National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

If you use your computer for banking, shopping or other ways you enter confiden-tial personal information, you put yourself at an increasingly dangerous risk of having that information compromised.

As your local community bank, Sen-eca Federal would like to provide you with information about simple, free ways in which you can protect your assets and privacy, as you use your computer to ac-cess the internet. There are many avenues to accomplish safety on the web. One of the best and most effective ways to fully protect yourself, is to use a separate com-puter dedicated to only your banking and critical functions on the internet. This means absolutely no other web browsing or other functions on this dedicated com-puter. If you don’t have this luxury, you could utilize something like a Linux Dis-tribution CD or USB drive to boot from and totally isolate your computer while transacting your critical business. Both of these options offer low to no cost, and are very effective security solutions.

Here are some additional suggestions for those of you who want to protect an existing computer and be as safe as pos-sible while utilizing the internet.

✓ Make sure your firewall is activated at all times.

✓ Keep an effective antivirus solution activated and up to date. An effective free solution is “Microsoft’s Security Es-sentials”.

✓ Turn On Windows Updates and set it to automatically update your PC weekly.

✓ Implement strong passwords and don’t use the same one on different web-sites. Use a FREE password generator such as “Passwordcard”, to create effec-tive strong passwords.

✓ Be very careful when opening

email, don’t click on links in the email unless you are sure of the sender’s cred-ibility, this also includes any attachments with the email.

✓ Use a free software scanning tool such as “Secunia PSI” to keep all your software up to date.

✓ Make sure your Java is always cur-rent and delete older versions.

✓ Use a free tool called Web Of Trust on all your browsers, which will alert you when using search engines, to prevent you from visiting potentially malicious web sites.

✓ Periodically clean your computer’s temporary files and history. Use a free tool called “CCleaner” to easily accom-plish this task.

✓ Install a free tool such as “Malware-bytes” to periodically scan your computer for potential problem files such as tro-jans, adware and malware.

✓ When using public WIFI spots; don’t transact confidential information.

✓ Finally, think before you click on links and be very careful about what programs you download.

These are just some of examples of things you can do to protect yourself. We appreciate the complexity of what it takes to commit to being safe on the internet. We are offering free webinars that are archived for your viewing convenience. These webinars will show you how to install these applications mentioned above. To view these, type the following into your browser: anymeeting.com/senecafederal/EC50D889854B or sen-ecafederal.com.

1882

5


Karl lutz Monuments offers quality craftsmanship By Brian Smith

“They don’t make things like they used to” is an all-too-common phrase uttered today, whether discussing products manu-factured on American soil or abroad.

If your thoughts fall in line with the above sentiment, consider Karl Lutz Monument Company, Inc. a business that has bucked that trend, instead exhibiting exceptional quality and craftsmanship, as it has since 1932 in the Eastwood section of Syracuse.

“My grandfather, the first Karl Lutz, came here from Germany in 1927 and opened the business in 1932, where we still are today. The store today was actually my grandfather’s home,” said Karl Lutz III, who co-owns the business with his father. The youngest Lutz takes care of the day-to-day operations. “The European craftsman-ship has been passed down through each generation, and we do all of the carving of monuments and markers in our shop out back.”

Lutz said his company’s work is in cem-

eteries throughout Central New York. He encourages families to come to his shop during the selection process, which allows them to have peace of mind while creating a lasting memory for a loved one.

“There won’t be any surprises. You pick the color of stone you want and let us know what you want on it,” Lutz said. “We do it ourselves, which helps defray costs of shipping. Once we’ve ordered the stone, there’s also usually a much quicker turn-around than if something has to be sent out.”

Lutz’s stone monuments are granite, which he receives from all over the world. In the past, choices were gray or pink, but green, red and blue granite has been discovered relatively recently, allowing for a larger selection. In addi-tion to granite, Lutz said his company

works with bronze. Lutz Memorials serves people of all faiths, has over 200 stones on display and their work is un-conditionally guaranteed.

Lutz said his company also does its own

settings in the cemetery, and is available to wash and repair older stones.

“Our focus is meeting all of the needs of a customer during a very tough time,” said Lutz. “We want it to be as smooth as possible on our end.”

Keeping in line with the ethos of qual-ity craftsmanship that the company has put into its work for 80 years, Lutz usu-ally eschews using a computer program to carve monuments with a laser. Sure, there are times when he will use the tech-nology, but he prefers his hands, a mallet and a chisel.

“The details on an angel’s face, or a petal of a rose, are going to come through much better by hand carving,” he said. “It is how we like to do things.”

Karl Lutz Monument Company, Inc. is located at 2718 James St. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The shop is closed Sundays. For more information, call (315) 463-0621, or visit lutzmonu-ments.com.

From left are Karl Lutz, Jr., Karl Lutz, Sr., and Phil Lutz.

We offer:• Monuments and markers of all types• Best available granites from around the world• Quality bronze memorials• Quality mausoleums and war memorials• Cemetery lettering of all types• Carving and lettering done on our premises• All work unconditionally guaranteed• Over 80 years experience• Serving families of all faiths• Over 200 stones on display

Business Hours: Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pmSaturday: 9:00am - 3:00pm • Sunday: Closed

Our family will be pleased to assist you with all of your questions concerning the purchase of a family memorial and help you understand your options when choosing a stone. “As in 1932, each stone is personalized and hand

crafted with the utmost attention to detail and is unconditionally guaranteed to last through the ages.”

Karl Lutz Monument Co., Inc.2718 James Street, Syracuse, New York 13206

Phone 315-463-0621 • Fax 315-463-7703

1905

3

problems before we have to come in and treat the inside of your home. Interior treatments are safe if you follow the label direc-tions and the directions of your pest control professional, but we do not want to treat the inside of

your home if it can be avoided.As always, please make sure

you receive answers to the fol-lowing questions when calling a Professional Pest Control com-pany. Whether the treatment is interior or exterior, you want to

be comfortable with the service that you are paying for.

Is the work guaranteed? Are return visits included in the initial price?

Is the company registered with; and their technicians

certified by; the NYS Depart-ment of Environmental Con-servation?

Does the company have a good track record?

What is the price? You should not be required to pay

for return visits during the Guarantee Period.

If you or a family member has any health issues, especially respiratory problems, make sure you inform the Pest Con-trol Company.

Pests From page 4

get a flu vaccine every yearPrime health

Submitted by Emily a. Young Onondaga County Health Department

public health educatorGetting a flu vaccine every year is the

best way to prevent yourself and others from getting the flu. In a typical year, over 200,000 people nationally visit the hospital because of flu complications. Although sometimes the flu may be mistaken for a severe cold, it can have much more serious effects for the young, the elderly, and others with health condi-tions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that ev-eryone 6 months old and older get a flu shot each year. The Onondaga County Health Department, in partnership with University of Rochester, is offering three

(3) flu and pneumonia vaccine clinics this fall. In addition to the flu shot, Flu-Mist®, a vaccine that is sprayed into the nose, will be available for healthy people ages 2 – 49 years old. Starting September 24, 2012 appointments can be made by using either the on-line flu scheduling system found at onflu.net or by calling 435-5752, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The CDC continues to reinforce that an annual flu vaccine is particularly important for persons at high risk for or for those who have contact with people at high risk. Those include the following:

● Pregnant women● Children younger than five, but

especially children younger than two years old

● People 50 years of age and older● People of any age with certain

chronic medical conditions● People who live in nursing homes

and other long-term care facilities● People who live with or care for

those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

● Health care workers● Household contacts of persons at

high risk for complications from the flu● Household contacts and out of

home caregivers of children less than six months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Getting a flu vaccine helps to protect your health as well as that of your family, friends, and others. Get your flu vaccine to protect yourself and others.


The mission of Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY is to provide the highest level of quality care in a healing environ-ment for the mind, body and spirit or patients dealing with cancer and blood disorders.

HOAs’ physicians receive National Cancer Institute awards

“I had cancer. Cancer never had me.”

CANCERBEWARE

Yesterday, I got out my fishing rod. I couldn’t help thinking of everyone at HOA. It was last spring when I found out. I was overwhelmed, dis-traught – and scared. I thought my fishing days were over. �en I went to HOA. My medical team all said, “We have the technology to fight this thing!” and showed me the CyberKnife. It sounded scary, but when I learned how it worked and how safe it was, I had hope for the first time. Your attitude really inspired me, your staff always encouraged me and your plan of action worked. I may have had cancer, but cancer never had me. Today, my kids and I are heading up to the lake.

™

Centers for Cancer Care and Blood DisordersOnondaga Hill

SyracuseE Chestnut St

RomeW. Genesee St

CamillusBrittonfield Parkway

East SyracuseW. Taft RdLiverpool

“I had cancer. Cancer never had me.”

CANCERBEWARE

Yesterday, I got out my fishing rod. I couldn’t help thinking of everyone at HOA. It was last spring when I found out. I was overwhelmed, dis-traught – and scared. I thought my fishing days were over. �en I went to HOA. My medical team all said, “We have the technology to fight this thing!” and showed me the CyberKnife. It sounded scary, but when I learned how it worked and how safe it was, I had hope for the first time. Your attitude really inspired me, your staff always encouraged me and your plan of action worked. I may have had cancer, but cancer never had me. Today, my kids and I are heading up to the lake.

™

Centers for Cancer Care and Blood DisordersOnondaga Hill

SyracuseE Chestnut St

RomeW. Genesee St

CamillusBrittonfield Parkway

East SyracuseW. Taft RdLiverpool

WWW.HOACNY.COM 1849

9

Having Trouble With Your Hearing?C O N F U S E D

With All The Hearing Aid Options?Let Us Answer All Your Questions• Complete Evaluation• Information You Can Understand• An Opportunity To Set Your Mind At Ease• Caring & Compassionate Staff• Personalized Sales & Service• Innovative Technology• Affordable Prices To Fit Any Budget

HEARING AID SERVICE

1001 Vine Street • Liverpool, NY315-451-7221Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm, Evenings & Saturdays By Appointmentwww.maicohearing.com

2032

0

LISA THOMASAu. D., CCC-A

Licensed Audiologist

476-0311 • kidneycars.org

Know YourNumbers!

Make Your Car A Kidney Car

Saves Lives • Free Pick-Up • Tax Deductionfor those who itemize taxes

Donate any Motorized Vehicle and Help Keep Central New York Healthy

1865

0

Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA) maintains the highest accruals for adult clini-cal cancer research in Central New York. Our cancer community has been greatly enriched by HOA’s 25 year partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). HOA has been partners with the NCI through a mechanism known as a Community Clinical Oncology Pro-gram or CCOP. There are only two of these pro-grams in New York State. HOA is the only CCOP in Central New York, as the other program is located on Long Island.

The National Cancer Institute awarded He-matology Oncology As-sociates of Central New York with four awards for physician accrual to clini-cal trials sponsored by the NCI’s Community Clinical Oncology Program. Silver awards were presented to Dr. Jeffrey Kirshner, Dr. Anthony Scalzo, Dr. Tracy Alpert, Dr. Stefania Morbidini-Gaffney and the research staff. HOA currently participates in over 100 clinical trials. Dr. Jeffrey Kirshner, the Prin-

cipal Investigator for the HOA’s CCOP, is actively involved in several of the cooperative group com-mittees and is currently serving as a member of the National Cancer Institute’s Symptom Management and Quality of Life Clini-cal Trials Steering Com-mittee. Dr. Kirshner is also the co-chair of the Com-munity Oncology Com-mittee for the Alliance, a national cancer research consortium.

HOA’s research pro-gram provides oppor-tunities for clinical can-cer research because the CCOP is a large network that enables patients and physicians to participate in clinical trials across the

United States. The pro-gram allows HOA patients to access investigational cancer drugs and treat-ments for patients in our community. As the saying goes, “Today’s clinical tri-als are tomorrow’s treat-ments.” The program not only allows patients to accrue to treatment trials but there is a substantial prevention and symptom management component to the research. HOA has been the first to initiate many trials and have had patients come from places as far as Israel to partici-pate in HOA’s CCOP clini-cal trials that were not yet available in other areas. For more information, visit hoacny.com.

coffee and baked goods. We appreciate your patron-age and want you to have a good day!” And this is exactly what we are all doing, enjoying the start of our day.

Suddenly the man telling the jokes gets a cell phone call and he jumps up to leave. “Gotta go. It’s the boss; she needs me!” and he leaves to find his wife, down a nearby aisle. Everybody laughs, and I notice the gent at the table alone is laughing too.

I appreciate the fact that Tops is providing this space and doesn’t seem to mind that sometimes se-niors tend to “linger.” But the story doesn’t end here.

After speaking briefly with a manager who didn’t wish to be quoted, I learn that the brand new Tops gas station, under construction right in front of the store, will open in early October, and shoppers will get a break on their fill-ups with Tops gas points, if they shop using their store bonus card. Frequent shoppers earn discounts; 100 points earns a 10 cent per gallon reduction. Details are available in the store or online at TopsMarkets.com.

Tops Market “Young at Heart Day” is another innovative idea that can really help cut the grocery budget. The first Tuesday of every month, if you shop at Tops with your bonus plus card or bonus card, seniors (over the age of 60) receive a 6 percent discount off their total grocery purchase and your out-of-pocket prescription purchase. This is a good day, then, to stock up on staples to get you through the month, and don’t forget to use your coupons. Tops routinely doubles your coupons, too, up to one dollar. You have to check the store flyer or website for details on this, though.

Like most other grocery chains, there are always other special activities and events going on in the store, from flu shots in the pharmacy department to giveaway games like Monopoly. The store is open 24 hours a day. Locally, stores are located at Moyers Corners and next to Valu Home Center on Route 11. There are also stores in Baldwinsville, Camillus, Ca-zenovia, DeWitt, Fayetteville, Manlius, Skaneateles and throughout the city of Syracuse. Times may be tough, but there are a few ways to save money.

Lynn Cuda writes about issues affecting seniors living in Central New York. A former editor of a small weekly newspaper, she lives in Liverpool with her husband, Tony.

Services From page 3


From the desk of the executive director

Theresa Davis, OFA executive director

Madison County Officefor the aging inc. News

Did you know the Madison County Office for the Aging, Inc. has a Advocate on staff who can meet with seniors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and assist with:

✓ Medicaid applications and information✓ Food Stamp applications✓ EPIC applications✓ SSI applications✓ Medicare application and information✓ IT-2l4 applications and information✓HEAP applications…and much more?Just call the OFA at 697-5700 and make an appoint-

ment with the advocate.

Caregiver support group offeredWe understand that with today’s fast paced lifestyles it’s hard to get away at a set day

and time but, a caregiver support group is a place to share your feelings and learn how to cope.

If it’s been a while since you talked to someone about how stressful caring for an elderly loved one has become, make time for yourself from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on the last Monday of each month.

Next meeting is Oct. 29. Meetings are held at the Office for the Aging, Canastota Busi-ness Park, 138 Dominic Bruno Blvd, Canastota. Call 697-5700 for more information.

Did you know that last year the Office for the Aging provided over 183,000 home delivered and congregate meals to rural, isolated senior citizens and frail elderly throughout Madison County? Did you know the Office for the Aging helps hundreds of senior citizens with transportation to their doctor ap-pointments? In fact, more than 1,500 trips covering 55,000 miles last year alone.

The nutrition program for the elderly (SNACK) and the volunteer transportation Program are just a few of the services offered by the Office for the Aging. Programs that are designed to help senior citizens and isolated, frail elderly remain a productive part of their community for as long as possible.

Now, if this were a perfect world, money would not be an issue. Not to us, and not to the frail elderly that we help on a daily basis. If this were a perfect world, we would not continually stress to you the

importance of your support. However, this is not a perfect world, and we need your help.

The gift you give today is tax-deductible and will be used, as always to further our mission to assist and provide services that promote the independence and dignity of older individuals and their families.

Please send your tax-deductible contribution of any amount to Office for the Aging, Inc., 138 Domi-nic Bruno Blvd., Canastota, NY 13032.

PS: Working together, we can make a difference in the lives of those retired by choice or chance as well as the frail, isolated elderly so they may remain independent in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

Home Energy Assistance Program availableLast year, Senior HEAP helped more than 20,000 seniors. Again, there will be an

early HEAP application mail out for Senior Citizens who received HEAP. If you do not receive an application for the 2012-2013 HEAP season in the mail by the end of October, please call 366-2361 for an application.

The HEAP letter will have a return address of the Madison County Department of Social Services. Please complete and mail the application back as soon as possible for quickest service. The early mail-out does not include senior citizens in receipt of Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance, as those individuals will generally receive the regular HEAP benefit automatically without the need for a mail-in application. Eligibility letters for are usually issued in November or December, and benefits are generally credited to heating bills in December or January.

Eligibility for this federal program is based on household income, not the amount of your utility bill. Income guidelines for this year are: for a one-person household in-come must be below $2,138 per month and for a two-person household income must be below $2,796 per month. The Department of Social Services is requiring a copy of an applicant’s social security card if they do not have one on file.

If you need assistance completing the HEAP application, call the OFA at 697-5700 and make an appointment to see an Outreach Worker.

Medicare Open Enrollment runs through Dec. 7Your health needs change from year to year. And, your health plan may change the

benefits and costs each year too. Check to see if the coverage you have is changing for 2013, make sure any prescriptions you take are on the formulary of your Part D plan.

Open Enrollment is the one time of the year when ALL people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare has to offer and make changes to their coverage.

Review the Medicare & You 2013 handbook, visit medicare.gov or call Medicare at (800)633-4227 to compare your current coverage with all of the options that are available in your area, and enroll in a new plan if you decide to make a change.

Madison County Office for the Aging’s Health Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program can help, too; call 697-5700 for more information.

Medicare redesigns claims and benefits statementEmpowers seniors with clear information on health care services used

National Grid consumer advocate visits OFAA consumer advocate from National Grid will be at the Madison County Office for

the Aging, 138 Dominic Bruno Blvd, Canastota on the first Tuesday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through December.

She will be available to answer questions regarding energy use and management, bill payment options (payment plans), and to give eligibility information and application assistance for the EMPOWER program.

You are welcome to make an appointment but it is not necessary. For more informa-tion call OFA 697-5700.

Office for the Aging Senior Nutrition (SNACK) Sites

Weather emergencies & SNACK DeliveriesIf severe weather conditions occur, the Madison County Office for Aging could

be forced to cancel both SNACK Congregate Meal site dining and home delivered meals. Listen to the radio and television stations below for information regarding cancellations; or call the Office for the Aging at 697-5700.

WMCR Radio 1600 FM/106/3WSTM (NBC) Channel 3WTVH (CBS) Channel 5

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner recently announced the redesign of the statement that in-forms Medicare beneficiaries about their claims for Medicare services and benefits.

The redesign Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) includes several features not currently available to Medicare ben-eficiaries with the current MSN:

✓ A clear notice on how to check the

form for important facts and potential fraud;

✓ Clearer language, including con-sumer-friendly descriptions for medical procedures;

✓ Definitions of all terms used in the form;

✓ Larger fonts throughout to make it easier to read;

To see a side-by-side comparison of the former and redesigned MSNs, go to cms.gov/apps/files/msn changes.pdf.

The redesigned MSN is available to beneficiaries on mymedicare.gov, Medi-care’s secure online service for person-alized information regarding Medicare benefits and services. In early 2013, paper copies of the redesigned MSN will start to replace the current version being mailed.

This MSN redesign is part of a new initiative, “Your Medicare Information: Clearer, Simpler, At Your Fingertips,” which aims to make Medicare informa-

tion clearer, more accessible and easier for beneficiaries and their caregivers to understand. CMS will take additional actions this year to make information about benefits, providers, and claims more accessible and easier to understand for seniors and people with disabilities who have Medicare. This MSN redesign reflects more than 18 months of research and feedback from beneficiaries to pro-vide enhanced customer service and respond to suggestions and input.

Advocate on staff at OFA

Brookfield – Open Tuesday and Thurs-dayFirst and Seventh Day Baptist Church, Elm and Beaver Creek RoadCanastota – Open Monday through FridayStoneleigh Apts, 400 Lamb Ave.Cazenovia – Open Tuesday and FridayCazenovia Village Apts, 24 Nelson St.Chittenango – Open Monday, Tuesday and FridayAmerican Legion, 70 Legion Drive Earlville – Open Wednesday and FridayAmerican Legion -113 N. Main St.Hamilton – Open Tuesday thru Friday

Madison Lane Apartments, Building 5 Morrisville – Open Monday and Wednes-day St. Joan of Arc Church, Brookside Drive. Oneida – Open Monday through FridayTowers II Community Room, 226 Farrier Ave.Perryville – Open the third Wednesday of the month

Monthly health education topics are provided by a Registered Dietitian. For more information and to sign up to enjoy a hot noontime meal at a SNACK site, call Madison County Office for the Aging at 697-5700 or visit ofamadco.org.

Help us in our mission

prime october 2012

Documents