September is typically time to go back to school and for our volunteers, it does meanannual "homework." Look in your inbox or mailbox for training refreshers and arelease related to Covid-19. We don't grade you, but we do need these to keep you anactive PAL!

As we continue to offer in-person services to our counties in the green, you maywonder when you should opt out of helping for safety purposes. This month weinclude our questions answered about quarantine.

We continue to call Bingo, have Reading Hour, Belly Laughs, and Happy DaysRemembered as dial in programs. In September, we offer two new lectures for ourForever Learning Series. And there is something new! We have an old time RadioShow to enjoy. We also invite you to dial in as a new type of volunteer which is easierthan you may think!

Of course, we are still conducting Pen PALS, and Phone PALS to make sure our seniormembers don't feel lonely especially as we head into the cooler and darker months.You are the ones who bring the sunshine into their lives all year round and as always,we thank you for being a PAL!

Randy .

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 0 | V O L . 5

YOUR PALSMonthly Newsletter of Highmark PALS

WHAT'S INSIDETHIS ISSUE:

New this Month  (cover)-2Training Refresher - 3Volunteer Opportunity- 4When to Quarantine- 5Birthday Shout Out - 6

HERE'S THE SCOOPA word from our Program Director.

Ohio RiverA H I S T O R Y O F T H E

OLD TIME RADIO PROGRAM: Father Knows Best ishilarious and heartwarming. Listen along, and asalways, stay for the discussion too!

HISTORY of the OHIO RIVER: Learn from one of oursenior experts about this fascinating bit of localhistory!

FALL PREVENTION 101: Learn techniques toprevent injuries. This can be great for your lovedone, your PAL or for you to share with others!

As always, we invite our volunteers to participate withtheir PAL or individually! These are open to all seniors,so you can pass this along to a loved one who can dial infrom anywhere!

SEPT 21 @ 1 PM

SEPT 28 @ 1 PM

Call or email PALS for dial-in information! 

NEW OLD TIME RADIO PROGRAMListen and Laugh Along to this New Dial In Program in September!

Father Knows BestSEPT 10 @ 1 PM

History of the Ohio River

Fall Prevention 101

Dial in and enjoy the antics, sound effects and charm of Old Time Radio Programs.This month it's Father Knows Best which is sure to get you laughing. Also, our lecturescontinue with history and practical advice from our wonderful community lecturevolunteers who have knowledge and passion to share!

Volunteers cannot share personal health information ofHighmark members. Volunteers should treat members equally and notdiscriminate due to their race, orientation or religiousaffiliation. As a PALS volunteer you are in a unique situation to be ableto detect, report and in some cases prevent fraud, waste andabuse of their insurance claims and help us keep our seniorssafe!

Our annual training refreshers are your connection to Highmark'scommitment to serve our seniors with integrity. They arerequired for employees as well as volunteers.

Please return at your earliest convenience to remain avolunteer even if you are on hold at present.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

We will provide you contact information in your packet, but if youhave any concerns at any point, you can ALWAYS CALL PALS!

We are proud to be affiliated with Highmark, "The PeoplePeople," who work diligently to protect its members. Thank youfor your commitment to uphold these values. We hope you feel asproud as we do to be a part of the team!! 

Annual trainingrefreshers

ensure that you areup to date with

Highmark'scommitment to

quality in servingour seniors.

DOING YOUR HOMEWORKMandatory training refreshers coming to an inbox or mailbox to you soon!

Ability to use a laptop.Availability to commit to one hour per month orbimonthly. Ability to speak in a clear tone from a quiet area in yourhome.

Senior programs across our region are, by and large, unableto offer social services critical for emotional support due tothe pandemic. We anticipate the need for socialopportunities only growing as the months grow colder andthe daylight dwindles. YOU can play a crucial role in makingseniors feel more connected and it is so much easier thanyou realize! And p.s., we do the prep so you can have the fun!

Skills required:

That's it! If you can do the following, you could be a majorasset in growing and sustaining our dial in programs, such asBingo, Reading Hour, Belly Laughs, Happy Days Rememberedand more! To learn more, call us and we will provide details.

I am so grateful to Highmark for

having theseprograms. It givesme something tolook forward to.

~JoanSenior High Rise Resident in Erie

VOLUNTEERS BRING CHEER IN A NEW WAY

From the comfort of your home, share a ton of fun!

You been diagnosed with COVID-19.You have been instructed by a healthcare provider toself-isolate because you are currently experiencingCOVID-19 symptoms.You have experienced COVID-19 like symptoms.You currently have a cough or fever or a loss of sense ofsmell or a loss of sense of taste.You have been in close contact with someone who hasCOVID-19 (even if you not experiencing symptoms).You have traveled out of the state or the country. Pleasecontact us, if you have any questions or concerns aboutyour travel.

As always, your safety and the safety of our seniors isparamount! So as we continue to provide services, we wantto remind you of some important guidelines about whenyou should self-quarantine from our services.

Please put a 14 day pause on your in-person PALS services,if any of the following apply:

Have other  questions or concerns? ALWAYS CALL PALS. Weare here for you and want you to feel that you and your PALare safe.

Look for a formin the mailregarding Covid-19.

In addition toyour training

refresher, thisensures youractive status

as a PAL!

QUARANTINE THYSELF?Knowing when you have to say, "No," to helping a senior in person.

"All of yourdreams can

come true, if you have the

courage to pursue

them." - Walt Disney

H O W T O R E A C H U S

1-800-988-0706 PALSPROGRAM@HIGHMARK.COM 

Share a suggestion, a story or sign up for a new activity!Call us or send an email-attention to Casie 

Moment of Inspiration

from: Marsha  PALS Intake Administrator

Peggy S.Richard S.Loretta S.Ruth S.Linda W.Sherry W.Lorraine W.Gene W.Veda Y.

Bill B. Marie B. Phillip B.Coilynn B.Becky C.Pat M.Dineen R. Christopher S.

TO OUR SEPTEMBER "BABIES!"

We're so glad that you were born!