September 15, Message from the Secretary

Transcription

1 September 15, 2017 Message from the Secretary This week s Wrap-Up proved challenging, as there were multiple things that happened throughout the week that impact the work we do to serve, protect, enable, and empower seniors that I wanted to share. But, with gratitude for your reading this Wrap-Up Message, and with sensitivity to the length of some of my more recent messages, I will hit on a few topics as succinctly as possible. National Preparedness Month: Last week s message focused on September s recognition of National Emergency Preparedness Month and the fact that we are in the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which brought much devastation to Texas and Florida. I referenced the visual image that went viral on social media last week of several Texas assisted living residents, sitting in waist deep water, waiting to be rescued; and I commented that such emergencies serve as reminders that each of us must take action to prepare for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and visit. And today, after listening to multiple media reports describing how eight Florida nursing home residents died after Hurricane Irma knocked out the air conditioning, I felt compelled to again reference the importance of emergency preparedness. As the family and friends of those who died, who ranged in ages from 71 to 99, struggle to understand what happened, fears were raised about safety of Florida s 4 million senior citizens amid power outages that could last for days amid the steamy late-summer heat, which prompted Florida s governor to call on rescue crews to check on health care, assisted living, and senior center facilities statewide. Because emergencies and disasters strike quickly, you might be forced to evacuate your neighborhood or be prepared to be confined to your home. What would you do if your basic services: water, gas, electricity, or communications, were cut off? Recognizing that state and regulating agencies have specific responsibilities to protect those entrusted to their facility s care, it is incumbent upon each of us to learn how to take precautions to protect ourselves and cope with disaster by planning in advance and by working with those in our support network: family, neighbors, friends, and caregivers, as well as local responders, as a team. Please take the time to be informed, prepared, involved and ready by: visiting to take the Ready PA Preparedness Pledge ; visit the Department of Aging website to access the Get Ready Now pocket guide on emergency preparedness; call your local Area Agency on Aging which is poised to participate on every level of emergency preparedness planning and help meet the needs of the communities they serve in times of crisis. Find your local AAA at National Suicide Prevention Week: This week is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Week, and September 10 th was World Suicide Prevention Day. Earlier this week, one of our employees at the Department of Aging answered the phone, and on the other end of the call was an older Pennsylvanian who sounded quite distraught and described feeling desperate. Our employee managed to engage the caller in conversation and enlisted the assistance of two colleagues, who contacted first responders where the caller lived, which is several hours away from our Harrisburg-based office. While still on the line with the older adult, first responders arrived on the scene to render proper assistance and the older adult expressed their gratitude to our staff for listening and getting them help. While many advocates describe National Suicide Prevention 1

2 week as an opportunity to start as many conversations about suicide prevention as possible, our staff s response to this real-time situation exemplified the hope we all share, whereby in the midst of crisis, may we have the ability to listen, to intervene, and to get help from appropriate professionals immediately. More than 7000 people age 65+ died by suicide last year a figure that places the suicide rate among older adults higher than the general population. Moreover, suicide rates are particularly high among older men. Higher than among any other group in the United States. And these figures do not include those who have made suicide attempts or who suffer from the emotional pain of suicidal thoughts which is exactly the situation that our staff found themselves responding to when this caller decided to dial the Department of Aging s number. Needless to say, the efforts of our staff - Debee Ethridge, Erin Walters, and Donna Wolgemuth - were extraordinary and exemplary, and I am incredibly proud of their capacity to work together to serve and protect an older Pennsylvanian. National Hunger Action Awareness Month: September is Hunger Action month a time dedicated to when people throughout the country commit to stand together with Feeding America and the nationwide network of food banks to fight hunger. It s a month to share the word and take action on the hunger crisis that affects so many, including older Pennsylvanians. Heeding this need to take action, I was honored today to be invited to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, which distributes more than 48 million pounds of food and grocery products (equivalent to more than 40 million meals) every year to more than 900 soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries in 27 central Pennsylvania counties. In turn, these agencies directly feed thousands of hungry families throughout central Pennsylvania. Of the array of programs they coordinate to help Pennsylvanians access nutritious foods, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank s commitment to seniors ensures that over 6,000 eligible seniors receive a box of nutritious food monthly from local distribution sites through their ElderShare Program. It was humbling for me to join other volunteers helping to pack these senior food boxes. There is no doubt that the food bank and its volunteers recognize that many seniors live on fixed incomes, and often find themselves choosing between food or medicine; and while the food they provide to thousands of seniors each month helps to enhance their quality of life, after spending time today at the Central Pennsylvania food bank, I know first-hand that there is a lot of love packed into each box as well. To locate a food bank near you, click here. Teresa Osborne Secretary Personnel Update Erica Urbina s Temporary Clerical Pool assignment with the Communications Office ends on 9/15/17. Lindsey Bennett is starting on 9/18/17 as an Aging Services Specialist in the Protective Services Office. Lindsey can be contacted at lindsbenne@pa.gov, Dowel Lomax is the new Licensing Division Chief, Bureau of Quality Assurance, as of 9/18/17. Dowel had been performing this role in an acting capacity. His contact information remains the same, dlomax@pa.gov,

3 Education and Outreach Office Health and Wellness Program The Health and Wellness Program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention activities for older Pennsylvanians with a special focus on health risk screening, nutrition, chronic conditions, fall risk, exercise, and strengthening to prevent fall-related injury, monitoring behavioral health, and managing medications. Please see upcoming wellness workshops below: Adams Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) McSherrystown Senior Center 201 S. Third Street McSherrystown, PA Dates: September 21, 2017 and September 28, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Please contact: Phil Menges, Manager, McSherrystown Senior Center, at Upper Adams Senior Center 2950 Table Rock Road Biglerville, PA Dates: October 11, 2017 and October 18, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Please contact: Sharon Rice, Senior Center Manager Upper Adams, at Berks Diabetes Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life with Diabetes) Friedens UCC Church 337 Main Street Oley, PA Schedule: Wednesdays, October 4, 2017 November 8, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Martha Sitler, Vice President of Education, at Berks Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Berkshire Commons 5485 Perkiomen Avenue Reading, PA Dates: Mondays, October 16, November 20, 2017 Time: 5:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Please contact: Martha Sitler, Vice President of Education, at Bucks Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Central Bucks Senior Center 700 N. Shady Retreat Road Doylestown, PA Dates: Wednesdays, October 11, November 15, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please contact: Central Bucks Senior Center, at

4 Butler Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) Fowler Building 165 Elm Street Slippery Rock, PA Date: September 18, 2017 Time: 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Contact: Institute for Learning in Retirement, Inc., at Yes for non-members - Contact institute for information Chester Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) Surrey Services for Seniors 60 Surrey Way Devon, PA Date: September 20, 2017 and September 27, 2017 Time: 12:30 p.m 2:30 p.m. Contact: Nicole Robinson, Program Manager, at Website: Chester Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Phoenixville Area Senior Center 153 Church Street Phoenixville, PA Dates: Tuesdays, September 26, October 31, 2017 Time: 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Please contact: Nicole Robinson, Program Manager, at Website: Clearfield Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Graysone Court Villas 650 Leonard Street Clearfield, PA Dates: Thursdays, September 7, October 12, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Heather Ressler at Park Avenue Towers 420 Park Ave Curwensville, PA Dates: Wednesdays, January 3, February 7, 2018 Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please contact: Shelia Williams at for these classes Clearfield Healthy Steps in Motion (exercise classes for strength & balance) Mahaffey Center for Active Living 958 Market Street Mahaffey, PA Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. All activities are posted at 4

5 Coalport Center for Active Living 851 Rear Main Street Glendale Medical Center Complex Coalport, PA Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. All activities are posted at Clearfield Center for Active Living 116 South 2nd Street Clearfield, PA Schedule: Thursdays 10:00 a.m. All activities are posted at Clinton Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Mill Hall Center for Healthy Aging 9 Peale Avenue Mill Hall, PA Dates: Mondays, October 2, 2017 November 6, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Marcella Englert, Health, Nutrition & Fitness Center Coordinator, at Columbia Diabetes Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life with Diabetes) Berwick Christian Church 701 East Fifth Street Berwick, PA Schedule: Wednesdays, October 4, 2017 November 8, 2017 Time: 6:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Please contact: Geisinger Health and Wellness at Website: Delaware Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Plush Mills Senior Living 501 Plush Mills Road Wallingford, PA Dates: Tuesdays, September 12, 2017 October 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Please contact: Ellen Williams, Program Manager, Health and Wellness, at Website: Delaware Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) Chester Senior Center 721 Hayes Street Chester, PA Dates: October 17, 2017 and October 19, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 5

6 Please contact: Jamee Nowell, Director Chester Senior Center, at Lackawanna Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) Dunmoe Activity Hub 1414 Monroe Avenue Dunmore, PA Dates: October 24, 2017 and October 31, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. Please contact: Nancy Post, Health and Wellness Coordinator, at Lackawanna Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Oppenheim Center for the Arts 1004 Jackson Street Scranton, PA Dates: Tuesdays, September 12, October 24, 2017 Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Please contact: Nancy Post, Health and Wellness Coordinator, at Lancaster Diabetes Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life with Diabetes) Lititz Senior Center (Lititz United Methodist Church) 201 East Market Street Lititz, PA Schedule: Wednesdays, October 4, 2017 November 8, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. 11:30 p.m. Please contact: Derek Bendetti, Health and Wellness Coordinator, at Lehigh Healthy Steps in Motion (exercise classes for strength & balance) Lehigh Valley Active Life 1633 Elm Street Allentown, PA Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, September 18, 2017 November 13, 2017 Time: 10:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Please contact: Lehigh Valley Active Life, at Phoebe Apartments 1901 W. Linden St. 4th Floor Community Room Allentown, PA Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, September 18, 2017 November 13, 2017 (No class 10/9) Time: 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Please contact: Monica Yastrzab-Kempf, RN Consultant, at Lehigh Valley Active Life 1633 Elm Street Allentown, PA

7 Dates: Thursdays, October 12, 2017 November 2, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Please contact: Lehigh Valley Active Life, Lehigh 10-Keys TM to Healthy Aging (education on taking control of your health and Medicare Preventative Services) Whitehall Lifestyle Center West Catasaqua Community Center 2301 Pine Street Whitehall, PA Date: Wednesdays, September 13, 2017 November 15, 2017 Time: 12:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Please contact: Lehigh Valley Active Life, Lehigh Valley Active Life 1633 Elm Street Allentown, PA Date: Mondays and Thursdays, October 12, 2017 November 13, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Please contact: Lehigh Valley Active Life, Luzerne Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life with chronic pain) Edwardsville Active Adult Center 57 Russell Street Edwardsville, PA Schedule: Tuesdays, September 26, 2017 October 31, 2017 Time: 10:30 a.m. - Noon Please contact: Rachael Kiwak, Senior Center Director at Luzerne 10-Keys TM to Healthy Aging (education on taking control of your health and Medicare Preventative Services) Rose Tucker Active Adult Center 145 East Green Street Nanticoke, PA Date: Wednesdays, September 6, 2017 October 4, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Please contact: Gail Voyton, Center Director, at Luzerne Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Lay Leader Training and Diabetes Self- Management Program Lay Leader Cross-Training BOSCOV'S 15 South Main Street Wilkes-Barre, PA Dates: October 12, 13, 16, 18 and 19, 2017 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 7

8 Please contact: Patti Goodenow, Senior Center Services Director, at Charge: This training is offered at no charge to those under the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Self-Management Resource Center license. Participants must be affiliated with an Area Agency on Aging as an employee, subcontractor, or AAA volunteer to be considered under PDA s SMRC license. All others under a different SMRC license must submit a copy of a current license and will be charged $30 to cover costs of supplies for the training. Participants are responsible for their own lodging, transportation, and meals. Lycoming Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) James V. Brown Library 19 East Fourth Street Willamsport, PA Dates: October 11, 2017 and October 25, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Please contact: James V. Brown Library at Website: calendar@jvbrown.edu Montgomery Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) The Becoming Center at Artman 250 North Bethlehem Pike Ambler, PA Dates: Mondays, October 23, 2017 November 27, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Paula Klauger, Health & Wellness Coordinator at or this class Golden Age Manor 400 Walnut Street Royersford, PA Dates: Wednesdays, October 4, 2017 November 8, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Tricia McCloy at Ext. 622 or this class Highland Manor Apartments 2 Highland Manor Drive Schwenksville, PA Dates: Thursdays, October 12, 2017 November 16, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Jackie Geiger at or this class Montgomery Diabetes Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life with Diabetes) Tri County Active Adult Center 288 Moser Road Pottstown, PA Schedule: Fridays, September 15, 2017 October 20, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Please contact: Sue Mcintyre, Center Manager at

9 Montgomery Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) Tri County Active Adult Center 288 Moser Road Pottstown, PA Schedule: October 23, 2017 and October 25, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. Please contact: Sue Mcintyre, Assistant Executive Director Northumberland Diabetes Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life with Diabetes) Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital 4200 Hospital Rd Coal Township, PA Schedule: Thursdays, September 5, 2017 October 10, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Please contact: GHP Wellness at Website: Perry Healthy Steps in Motion (exercise classes for strength & balance) Marysville Senior Center 198 Leonard Street Marysville, PA Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays September 12, 2017 November 2, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Please contact: Allyson Valentine, Health and Wellness Coordinator at Philadelphia Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Center in the Park 5818 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA Dates: Tuesdays, September 19, 2017 October 24, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Please contact: Fatima Jackson, Program Coordinator, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Alumni Hall 10th and Locust Streets Philadelphia, PA Dates: Thursdays, October 5, 12, 26 and November 2, 9, 30, 2017 (No Class October 19 or November 16 & 23) Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Neva White, Senior Health Educator, at Germantown Apartments 127 Gorgas Lane 9

10 Philadelphia, PA Dates: Wednesdays, October 4, 2017 November 8, 2017 Time: 2:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Please contact: Amanda Bracy, Service Coordinator, at Philadelphia Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life with chronic pain) Christ Haven Worship Center 6800 Lindbergh Avenue Philadelphia, PA Schedule: Tuesdays, September 12, 2017 October 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Please contact: Rosie Washington, Coordinator at Center in the Park 5818 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA Schedule: Fridays, October 13, 2017 November 17, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. 11:30 p.m. Please contact: Fatima Jackson, Program Coordinator at Vine Memorial Baptist Church 5600 Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA Schedule: Thursdays, October 19, November 9, 2017, Saturday, November 11, 2017 and Thursday, November 30, 2017 (No Class November 16, 23) Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Evelyn Parker, Coordinator at Philadelphia Diabetes Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life with Diabetes) Mt. Zoin United Methodist Church 1530 North 11th Street Philadelphia, PA Schedule: Saturdays, October 14, 2017 November 18, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Betty McCutheon, Coordinator at Calvary St. Augustine Episcopal Church 814 North 41st Street Philadelphia, PA Schedule: Wednesdays, September 11, 2017 September 25, 2017 and Thursdays, October 2, 2017 October 16, 2017 Time: 4:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Please contact: Sharon Congleton, Coordinator at

11 Potter Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) Oswayo Valley Senior Center 106 South Oswayo Street Shinglehouse, PA Dates: September 26, 2017 Time: 8:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Please contact: Mary Jones, Senior Center Operator 1, at Ulysses Senior Center 522 Main Street Ulysses, PA Dates: October 25, 2017 Time: 8:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Please contact: Tanya Barshinger, Senior Center Operator I, at Schuylkill Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) St. John's United Church of Christ 232 E. Market Street Orwigsburg, PA Dates: September 15, 2017 and September 18, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Please contact: Jenny Wagner, Community Wellness Coordinator, at Schuylkill Healthy Steps in Motion (exercise classes for strength & balance) St. John's United Church of Christ 232 E. Market Street Orwigsburg, PA Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays September 19, 2017 October 12, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Please contact: Jenny Wagner, Community Wellness Coordinator, at Schuylkill Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Schuylkill Haven Senior Community Center 340 Haven Street Schuylkill Haven, PA Dates: Wednesdays, September 6, 2017 October 11, 2017 Time: 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Please contact: Jenny Wagner, Community Wellness Coordinator, at Sullivan Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Sullivan Terrace - Community Room 135 N. German Street Dushore, PA Dates: Thursdays, November 2, 2017 December 14, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 11

12 Please contact: Hollie Irvine, Health & Wellness Coordinator, at Union Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Community Health & Wellness, Evangelical Professional Office Building Suite 120 Conference Room, 3 Hospital Drive Lewisburg, PA Dates: Thursdays, October 5, 2017 November 9, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Please contact: Evangelical Community Health & Wellness, at Website: Washington Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Mon Valley YMCA 101 Taylor Run Road Monongahela, PA Dates: Tuesdays, September 19, 2017 October 24, 2017 Time: 12:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Please contact: Patricia Mounts, Health & Wellness Coordinator at Washington Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) McGuffey Senior Center 105 Green Street Claysville, PA Dates: September 27, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Please contact: Patricia Mounts, Health & Wellness Coordinator at Beth Center Senior Center 316 Station Street Vestaburg, PA Dates: October 18, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Please contact: Patricia Mounts, Health & Wellness Coordinator at Wayne Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Hawley Senior Center 337 Park Place Hawley, PA Dates: Fridays, September 15, 2017 October 20, 2017 Time: 1:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Marie Alexander, Health & Wellness Coordinator at Wayne Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) Honesdale Senior Center 12

13 323 10th Street Honesdale, PA Dates: September 19, 2017 Time: 9:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Please contact: Marie Alexander, Health & Wellness Coordinator at Wayne Healthy Steps in Motion (exercise classes for strength & balance) Honesdale Senior Center th Street Honesdale, PA Dates: Wednesdays and Fridays, September 20, 2017 November 8, 2017 Time: 10:30 p.m. 11:30 p.m. Please contact: Marie Alexander, Health & Wellness Coordinator at Wyoming 10-Keys TM to Healthy Aging (education on taking control of your health and Medicare Preventative Services) Laceyville Public Library West Main Street Laceyville, PA Date: Thursdays Time: 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Please contact: Mary Tyler, Librarian, at York Diabetes Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life with Diabetes) HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 1850 Normandie Drive York, PA Schedule: Thursdays, September 21, 2017 October 26, 2017 Time: 6:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Please contact: Megan Craley, Health & Wellness Coordinator, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 315 N. Constitution Avenue New Freedom, PA Schedule: Tuesdays, October 3, 2017 November 7, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Please contact: Megan Craley, Health & Wellness Coordinator, at York Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) York Jewish Community Center 2000 Hollywood Drive York, PA Dates: September 13, 2017 and September 20, 2017 Time: 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Please contact: Megan Craley, Health & Wellness Coordinator, at

14 York Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Windy Hill On the Campus 1472 Roths Church Road Spring Grove, PA Dates: Wednesdays, November 1, 2017 December 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please contact: Windy Hill On the Campus at PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources Lehigh/Northampton Counties Event: Being Mortal Description: A video presentation and discussion related to the human side of physicians. Specifically as it relates to making end of life decisions that are best for the patient, not the physician. Location: Northampton County Human Services Building, 2801 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem, PA Date: September 20, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Contact: kimberlymelusky@lehighcounty.org Phone Registration Deadline: Registration is required, kimberlymelusky@lehighcounty.org. Lehigh/Northampton Counties Event: Lehigh Valley Forum Description: PHFA Regional Forums provide training hours toward the yearly requirements set forth by HUD. All are welcome to attend the training. Location: Overlook Apartments, 445 Hanover Street, Allentown, PA Date: September 22, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Contact: Mmedernach@phfa.org Registration Deadline: Registration is required by ing Mmedernach@phfa.org. There is no cost for the forum, but $10.00 required to cover lunch. Lehigh/Northampton Counties Event: Understanding and Enforcing Landlord Tenant and Fair Housing Law Description: North Penn Legal Services is holding a workshop to understand and enforce landlord, tenant and fair housing law. Location: Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. Third Street, Bethlehem, PA Date: October 18, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Contact: kimberlymelusky@lehighcounty.org Phone Registration: Registration is required, kimberlymelusky@lehighcounty.org. Lancaster County Event: Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources Lancaster County partners network cross-training meeting. Description: There ll be two partner presentations at the monthly cross-training meeting: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Gelene Nason, manager of housing services 14

15 and Cynthia Gartman, Seniors Blue Book of Southeast PA The CARE Act Does anyone care what happens to Medicare Dollars? Location: Lancashire Terrace Retirement Village, 6 Terrace Dr, Lancaster, PA Date: September 21 1:00 pm to 2:20 pm. Contact: To RSVP, let us know you require accommodation or ask for more information, call or text or blllink@mail.com. Registration Deadline: September 19 Centre County Event: Elder Justice Day Description: The Centre County Elder Abuse Task Force in conjunction with PA Link is hosting its 1st Annual Elder Justice Day. You are invited to join us for a day of education to learn how to combat elder abuse in our community. This event is FREE and open to seniors, loved ones and professionals who want to learn more. Topics include Financial Abuse, Using POAs, How I Got Scammed a True Story from a Local Senior and exhibit tables. Location: The Oaks, 200 Rachel Drive, Pleasant Gap, PA Date: September 29, 2017 Time: 9:45 AM 1:30 PM Contact: Melissa Bottorf, PA Lead Link Coordinator mbottorf2016@gmail.com Phone Registration Deadline: September 25, 2017 Lycoming County Event: Wheelchair Accessible Haunted House and Fall Festival Description: Have a spooktacular time at this area s ONLY wheelchair accessible Haunted House! Join Roads to Freedom in partnership with PA Link for some fall time fun! Live music, pumpkin painting, corn maze, and more. Organizations who would like to be involved with an exhibit table and decorating the wheelchair accessible haunted house should contact Shaylin or Melissa by September 18, Date: October 6, 2017 Time: 5:00 PM 8:00 PM Contact: Melissa Bottorf, PA Lead Link Coordinator mbottorf2016@gmail.com Phone Shaylin Sluzalis, Roads to Freedom Phone Registration Deadline: None Announcements Meals on Wheels Association of Pennsylvania 2017 Conference: Navigating the Changes Join us at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel for an innovative and informative conference focused on our changing world in senior services. A pre-conference networking session will be held on the evening of October 4 th providing you the opportunity to mix, mingle and meet other conference attendees and presenters. This year s conference will feature presentations that will help us to understand the hospital perspective on services and how to hold a meaningful dialogue with hospital administrators by Brian Duke; a legislative overview and update by our MOWAPA Lobbyist, Roy Afflerbach, and an overview of understanding the needs of Pennsylvania s aging population in challenging times by Secretary Teresa Osborne. For a conference brochure, 15

16 registration information and more on the conference, please contact Karen Wood at Conference fee $65 for members, $85 nonmembers. Hotel rates through September 4 $119/single or double with code provided Pennsylvania Association of Senior Centers (PASC) Awards Attention PASC Members! It's to nominate your center, center professional, or volunteer for the 2017 PASC Awards. There are centers, professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly all year to provide programs and services for their members and their communities. Please take a moment to nominate someone from your senior center so they may be recognized at this year's PASC Conference scheduled for October 4 & 5. Award winners will be recognized with a plaque and $100, and will be presented at the conference at the opening luncheon on October 4th. Arrangements will also be made for accommodations, if needed, on October 3rd. Please note that only PASC member centers are eligible to receive the award. Please send nomination forms to the address below. Nominations are due by August 15, For nomination forms, please click here or contact Tammy Miller at or millert@windyhillonthecampus.org Pennsylvania Association of Senior Centers (PASC) Conference The Annual PASC conference, Prism of Possibilities will be held October 4, 5, and 6 at the Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA. On the agenda for this year: A Pre-Conference on October 4 which will be an evidence based training on the PDA Health and Wellness PDA training list. Topics at the main conference will include: music therapy, working with the LGBTQ community, signs of abuse and neglect in the elderly, working with local arts councils, explanation of service animals, therapy animals and support animals, hypno-breathing to reduce stress, maintaining passion for your job and understanding your communication style. The conference brochures will be ed to the membership by mid-august. It will also be available on the website at the same time. We look forward to another exciting conference at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College. The room block code for reservations is PAAJ17B. The hotel cost is $130 per night plus tax. Save the Date! Pennsylvania Adult Day Service Association (PADSA) Annual Conference The conference is scheduled for April 26 27, 2018 at The Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA. More details will come soon, but if there are any questions about presentations, sponsorships, advertisements or if you are in need of any other general information, contact Tina Hess, Conference/Education Chair at or thess@goodnewconsulting.com. PADSA is seeking presentation proposals for the annual conference (best practices, new research, HR issues, CHC, or anything relevant to adult day providers). Anyone interested in submitting a proposal, please send to Tina Hess by Oct. 5. Save the Date! V.O.I.C.E. 13 th Annual ACCORD Please join V.O.I.C.E. - Voice of Inspired Change for Elders (formerly known as PA Culture Change Coalition) at our signature event- the 13 th annual ACCORD being held at The Desmond Hotel in Malvern (Valley Forge/King of Prussia area) on November (13 th is a pre-intensive for administrators and executive staff) The keynote speaker is Geriatrician and Author Dr. Al Powers. VOICE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering older adults and their care partners throughout Pennsylvania to make informed choices wherever they call home whether that be in the home they ve lived in for years, a retirement/life plan community, an affordable housing community, an assisted living or personal care community, or a nursing home. Visit for more information. 16