March

Newsletter

The Director’s Message

By Ken Donarski

 Do you test your smoke alarms monthly, or change the batteries in them on a regular basis?  Most people think because their alarms are hard wired (if they come with a battery back up) that they do not need to change the battery or install one to begin with.  Most fires trip the power breaker to the house and it is the battery in the smoke alarm that will trigger the alarm. 

The other important alarm to have in your house is a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm.  CO is an odorless and colorless gas, and the most common cause of poisoning deaths in the US.  Older adults with health conditions are even more susceptible.  The CO alarm should be installed by your sleeping area.  The cost of an alarm is around $35.  Buy one with an LED read out because it will tell you if you have a trace of CO and you can resolve the problem before it becomes a safety issue. Also if you can not change your smoke alarm battery or need a Smoke or CO alarm call Sandy Fire Dept for assistance 801-568-2947.

Is your home cold in the winter and hot in the summer?  The Weatherization Assistance Program provides energy saving repairs to renters and homeowners who meet their income limits to help lower your heating and cooling costs.  Call Community Action Program at 801-359-2444.  I have a copy of their application hanging on my bulletin board if you would like a copy.

The first week of March 1-5, we are hosting International week.  It is a good opportunity to hear presenters talk about their native country.  Each day of the week will be a different country.  The five countries are Spain, Swiss, Cuba, Ireland and Greece.  The lunch menu will reflect a meal from that country. I am very excited about this and I want to encourage you to put this into your calendar to attend.

“You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.”

Engage the Mind

Mon-Fri., Mar. 1-5. 10:00 a.m. Café

      International Week. You will have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of five different countries and enjoy food from each country during International Week. “Salt Lake County Aging Services and Valley Food Service will step outside of the box and introduce a menu high in calories and sodium to all senior centers during this week,” says Ken Donarski, Sandy Senior Center Director. “This same menu will be served to Meals on Wheels recipients. I am very excited about this and I want to encourage you to put this into your calendar to attend.”

      At the Sandy Center on Monday, you will have the opportunity to learn about the culture of Uruguay from Elizabeth Robertson, director of Fraternidad Hispana, and enjoy foods from Spain, Argentina and Colombia. On Tuesday, Dan Oswald, Honorary Swiss Consulate, will speak on Switzerland, Wednesday, Sergio Curbelo, a political refugee from Cuba, will address Cuba, Father Patrick F. Calley, a native from Ireland, will explain the Irish culture on Thursday and on Friday Spencer Greer will give a power point presentation on Greece.

      To enjoy this unique lunch experience, make your reservation with Steve Bown (801-561-3265) a day in advance with a suggested donation of $2.50.

Mon., Mar. 8. 11:00 a.m. Room 101B:

30 Minutes of Your Time. Glennis Waltman (801-566-0593) will discuss Retirement Income – What Are Your Options Today? She will reveal the best-kept secret around and the pros and cons of available options to create your own stimulus package. Come learn and share. There will be a free gift to attendees.

Mon., Mar. 15. 3:00 p.m. Cafe:

Tea @ 3. Even the smallest patio or porch can boast a crop of vegetables or a garden of flowers in containers. Planter boxes, wooden barrels, hanging baskets and large flowerpots are just some of the containers that can be used. The container gardener is limited only by his imagination. To learn more about container gardening, you will want to attend this exciting presentation by Kathy Thomas, Engh’s Floral, Home & Garden events stylist.

NEW   Mon., Mar. 29.  1:00 p.m. Room 101:

Neurobics – Enhance the Mind. Every Monday and Friday, Barbara Hallstrom will present a workshop on Forget-Me-Not Memory Enhancement Neurobics. Here is your opportunity to learn different ways to enhance your working memory through wuzzles, puzzles, scrambles, olden goldies, switch-a-roos, and computer games to avoid or postpone dementia.

      Mental gymnastics, diet, exercise, sleep, management of stressors, their effects on the working memory, short and long-term memories will be the major focus.

Mondays. 9:30 a.m. Room 207:

Wednesdays. 1:30 p.m. Room 207:

Open Computer Lab. The computer lab is open for students who wish to practice their computer skills or access the web. For those who need one-on-one assistance with certain tasks, a computer instructor can be in the lab to answer questions or assist you in your endeavors, if you make an appointment?

Unlock Creativity In the Fine Arts

Mon., Mar. 8-Apr. 4. 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Fine Leather Art Workshop. This five-week workshop will teach you the sculpturing and extreme embossing of leather, which has become a lost art. You learn how to do an extreme embossed (3-D) 8 ½ x 11 Black Bear. You will want your own small set of tools to work with at home and in class. If you don’t have the basic tools, the instructor can furnish some. Your own creativity is the only limit. Richard Passey is the instructor and there is a suggested donation of $5.00 to cover the cost of the leather.

Wednesdays. 9:30-11:00 a.m. Room 206:

Glee Club. Enjoy singing and learning different melodies. Open to those who read music.

The group is looking for new members. Rosemarie Heasley, choir director says, “It’s a lot of fun and no tryouts are necessary. All voices are needed.” Call Rosemarie, (801-566-3246) for additional information.

Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Room 201

Water Color Art Show. The 8^th annual Sandy Water Color Guild juried art contest is open to all Utah water colorists 18 and older. The guild will receive paintings on Thurs., Mar. 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A public reception will be held on Thurs., March 18 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. For more information see www.watercolor.sandyarts.com or call Frigga (801-571-1449).

Fitness + Smart Living = A Healthier U

Tues., Mar 9. 1:00 p.m. Room 101:

Physicians’ Research Options. What is gout? Dr. David Jack, M.D. will address that question as he explains the kind of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds in the joints. Acute gout is a painful condition that typically affects one joint. Chronic gout is repeated episodes of pain and inflammation, which may involve more than one joint. To learn more about causes and treatment, join this outstanding class.

Wed., Feb. 9.10:00 a.m. Room 101:

Frontotemporal Dementia Support Group is celebrating their second anniversary on April 14. Caregivers will meet and reminisce about the past two years of support and recognize individual successes of caring for a loved-one with FTD.

 Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. At the meetings, caregivers have the opportunity to connect with other caregivers, become knowledgeable and skillful caregivers and to continue to learn about Front temporal Dementia and current FTD research.

Frontotemporal Dementia is a group of progressive diseases that attack the frontal and anterior lobes of the brain. Symptoms of FTD include behavior abnormalities, diminished cognitive skills, a language dysfunction known as aphasia and difficulty with motor skills. A full time caregiver is required.  FTD attacks men and women equally.

The support group is led by Bonnie Shephard and Kris Maulorico. They are committed caregivers themselves who want to help other caregivers. New caregivers of FTD are always welcome. Call Bonnie at 801 231 3442 or Kris at 801 253 4845 for new-member information.

Wed., Mar. 10. 10:30 a.m. Room 107B:

Neuro-Linguistic Programming. This class encourages participants to find soothing ways to enter a pleasing restful and restorative sleep. Advice includes consistent preparation for bed time, information about normal “sleep cycles,” and several ways to think or talk your way to a sound sleep. How about hours of imagined sleep! as Carol Esterreicher presents sleep solutions in her NLP class.

Fri., Mar. 12. 9:00 a.m. Room 206:

Cooking 4 Fun. Learn to turn dinnertime into an adventure with easy-to-make, delicious, home cooked meals in this fun class. This month you will have an opportunity to discover some easy breakfast dishes. The class will be meeting on the Garden Level, due the fact that food is involved in this program.

Wed., Mar. 24. 9:00-11:30 a.m. Room 201:

Health Clinic & Wellness Faire. The purpose of this event is to inform you about the different options available and help you make informed medical decisions. You will enjoy information tables from many health agencies where you can pick up literature and ask any questions you may have. You will also be able to attend PVD – Peripheral Vascular Disease – screening, also commonly known as “leg pain” disease.

Brown bag your prescriptions and then bring them to the pharmacist from Alta View Hospital, who will go over them with you on an individual basis. Don’t throw the out-dated pills and other medication down the toilet; instead bring them to the Sandy City Police table. They will properly destroy them. You will also want to visit the Sandy City Fire Department to learn how to maintain a safe home.

The clinic and wellness faire is part of a weeklong program on Being Healthy 4 Life. On Mon., Mar. 22 Kristen Lindorf, dietician from Alta View Hospital, will speak about ten ways to maintain a healthier you; Tues., Mar. 23, David and Luanne Cobb will give weight and stress management tips in losing weight; Thurs., Mar. 25, Nelson Lesher, Alta View Hospital Director of Physical Therapy, will address controlling back and joint pain; and Fri., Mar. 26, David Larson will focus on the cognitive and how to stimulate the mind. All of these daily presentations are scheduled at 10:00 a.m. at the Center.

With your family take advantage of the opportunity to attend the Health Fair at AltaViewHospitalSat., Mar. 27 to learn additional ways to remain healthy for life.

New   Tues., Mar. 30. 1:00 p.m.

Hiking in the Wasatch and Surrounding Areas. Mountain Land Physical Therapy will present a workshop on preparing for the hiking season. Strengthening, stretching and proper equipment, education on trails along the Wasatch Front and Southern Utah for all levels of ability. Pictures, maps and where to get more information from the parks department will be included. For additional information, call 801 561-3265

New Wed., Mar. 31. 8:00 a.m. Room 101:

AALFAA. The Center is excited to announce a new addition to its already broad based array of classes and curriculum for aging adults. The new course entitled ALFAA, Active Lifestyles For Aging Adults, will provide a fun and motivating combination of assessment, instruction and activities for individuals seeking a more active and energetic lifestyle

Major areas of focus will include topics of Exercise, Nutrition, Weight Loss, Pain Management and Mind/Body Connection. The eight week course is from 8:00-9:30 a.m. and will continue weekly each Wednesday morning at the same time. Instruction and training will be provided by a variety of experts from around the valley. This promises to be a timely and essential course for anyone seeking a more active, productive and energetic lifestyle.

Second and Fourth Wednesday. 10:00 a.m.

      Physical Independence Testing is part of the Fall Risk Assessment Program, that can help you get physically active by getting an exercise prescription. Tests include Chair Stand, Arm Curl, 2-Minute Step, Chair Sit-and-Reach, Back Stretch and 8 Foot Up and Go. Wear a good pair of shoes and work-out clothes. Testing is done on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Sign up for an appointment at the Information/Program Corner.

Opportunities Knock 4 U

Wed., Mar. 31. 2:30 p.m. Cafe:

85+ Luncheon. During March invitations will be extended those who will be 85 or older in 2010. The Wellington Senior Residence and the Sandy Exchange Club are teaming to provide a delightful afternoon experience to our 85+ seniors. If by chance you did not receive your invitation by March 15, please notify Diana Butcher. This year’s theme is “You Are Our Torch For You Brighten Our Lives.” 

Wed., Mar. 17. 11:40 a.m. Café:

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Make your reservations early for the traditional corn beef and cabbage lunch with Steve Bown as we celebrate a bit of the Irish. Be certain to wear green, so you won’t get pinched. Tap your foot as Jim Reilly livens up the party with his accordion music at 12 noon.

Fri., Mar. 19. 12:00 noon. Café:

“Who’s on First?” is a vaudeville comedy routine made famous by Abbott and Costello. In their version, Abbott is identifying the players on a baseball team to Costello. It’s still funny and you have the opportunity to enjoy Abbott and Costello classic. Performed by this impressionists from Olympus Ranch following lunch.

A New Twist in Medicare Law. Changes in the Medicare law allows hundreds of thousands of Americans who are struggling to pay their prescription drug costs to get extra help during these tough economic times. Now it’s important everyone learn about this new twist in the law. Check it out at www.socialsecurity.gov

There are income and resource limits a person needs to meet to qualify for the extra help. The new Medicare law eases these requirements in two ways: (1) the cash value of life insurance no longer counts as a resource; and (2) assistance people receive from others to pay for household expenses, such as food, rent, mortgage, or utilities, no longer counts as income.

A bonus “twist” is that the application you file for extra help can now start the application process for Medicare Savings Programs as well as – State programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. These programs help pay Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also pay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and B deductibles and co-payments.

To learn more about the extra help program visit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp

Looking 2 the Horizon

Thurs., June 17. 2:00 – 8:00 p.m.:

Art in the Garden. Join us for a garden party at the Sandy Senio rCenter featuring local artists. It will be a day to demonstrate your art skills, exhibit your fine art, offer your work for sale or just enjoy the party. Light refreshments will be served.

      Sandy Water Color Guild is also sponsoring an art auction to benefit Alta View Hospital. If you would like to participate as an artist and donate a small painting for the art auction, call Frigga (801-571-1449) for details. You must provide your own table, canopy or display system.

A Little Time Can Do A Lot

RSVP Volunteer. A nationwide volunteer program RSVP invites adults 55 and over to use their life experience and skills to answer the call of volunteering to broaden the experiences of seniors attending the Center.

Presently, the Center is looking for volunteers who can wash dishes on Tuesdays and Fridays.

We are looking for a few good men and women. The Center is anxious to provide lifelong learning experiences by the way of seminars, workshops and classes. If you would be interested in volunteering to teach a class or lead a seminar/workshop on any of the topics below, or if you have a suggestion for a new class, seminar and or workshop please contact us at 801-561-3265.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. One hundred and sixty-five Sandy Senior volunteers were recognized at our February 2009 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

Those contributing 500+ volunteer hours include Maria Brijs, Lois Hirschi, Alex Hoshovsky, Marie Hoshovsky,Pauline Ludy, Don Marr, Helen Parks, Don Ramey, Lucienne Smith and Jerry Stewart.

Other awards presented as follows:

Community Service Award

The Coventry Independent and Assisted Living in Cottonwood Heights is a wonderful community for seniors desiring a comfortable lifestyle. This is a community created to enhance the life an individual already has and give the retirement experience an individual deserves. Besides being there for their patrons, they are also here for the Sandy Senior Center. Ask Aaron Watson to step up to the plate and he does. The Coventry has been responsible for door prizes at various Center functions, Christmas gifts from Santa at our Christmas dinner, and assisted with lunch at our Senior Conference.

Wentworth of Willow Creek. There’s nothing more personal than the home you created. This same philosophy was used to create The Wentworth at Willow Creek, an assisted living community personalized to each individual. Intentionally smaller in size, the Wentworth is intimate enough to understand not only their residents’ needs, but their individual preferences as well. From the levels of personal assistance to the activity calendar, The Wentworth has just the services that an individual needs, because they reflect on an individual’s personal touch. That personal touch is also reflected as they reach out in the community and support the Sandy Senior Center.

The Wentworth at Draper. The Wentworth at Draper’s Assisted Living and secure Stratford Memory Care Community, provides personalized service to each individual. Intentionally smaller in size, it to is intimate enough to understand your loved ones needs, as well as their individual preferences. From the levels of personal care assistance to a comprehensive array of programs, activities and events are found at The Wentworth at Draper Assisted Living and Memory Care Community.

Mountain America Credit Union. When Mountain America was formed in 1934, it was in the midst of the Great Depression. Workers were losing jobs, banks were failing, and families were struggling for money and food. It was a time when communities had to rely on each other just to survive. Today, that spirit of cooperation still burns strong. Over the years, the Sandy Senior Center has benefited from this spirit of cooperation. It started when Mark Seegmiller was asked to deliver Meals on Wheels and has continued with our Senior Conference.

Salt Lake County Shining Star Award

Luiza Sung: Although not a senior, her sister suggested that she might consider volunteering at the Sandy Senior Center. She became a valuable kitchen volunteer assisting with serving food, helping wash dishes and general kitchen cleaning on Fridays while her children are in school. 

Leialoha Futo: Lei, too, is a Salt Lake County volunteer. She has been teaching seniors a dance accompanied by chant or song. Developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there, the hula dramatizes or tells the story of the song. With her group of Sandy Senior Center dancers, she has performed at the Center and the Amphitheater.

Kennecott Extra Mile Volunteer Award

Insun “Lee” Kamaya: Insun, better known as “Lee”, continuously binds beautiful quilts that are for sale at the Center. This tedious and generally unrewarding volunteer service has continued for nearly a decade without much respite. She has been responsible for dozens of quilts that have been donated to Project Linus and PJ’s Forgotten Children, both non-profit organizations in Salt Lake County that provides love and a sense of security for seriously ill children. A good number of quilts are sold by the Center to provide funds for many of the Center’s programs.

Boyd Black: If you want the job done, call Boyd. Here is a man who is a dependable substitute for the Meals on Wheels program. In addition to delivering meals to home bound individuals in the Sandy area, Boyd and Neva, his wife, have served as kitchen volunteers, picked up breads from nearby grocery stores and delivered them to the Center and the homeless shelter.

Muriel Fain: She came to Utah from California to live with her daughter nine years ago. As a wise daughter, she insisted that her mother attend the Senior Center and become an RSVP volunteer. Serving people all her life, Muriel started her volunteer career at the Sandy reception desk, later moving to Center Café assisting with dining room clean up. As her health began to decline, she took on being the Center’s Sunshine Gal, making certain that Get Well and Sympathy cards are sent to Center patrons.

Phyllis Ford. When the Whipples moved to Oregon a few years ago, Phyllis was asked to assume the responsibility of making certain that the Center’s Bingo program remain intact. With the help of many individuals, this program has brought in community sponsors and expanded to three days – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Phyllis makes certain the prizes are displayed, that there is a caller, and that prizes are purchased.

Dorothy Smiley: The success of the Trinket and Treasure Thrift Shoppe hinged on two individuals – Lois Hirschi and Dorothy Smiley. This past year, Dorothy has assisted Lois in organizing a very successful Thrift Shoppe on the Garden Level. She recruits volunteers, helping with sorting and displaying merchandise, sells … you name it, she does it. Dorothy, who is a camera buff, also assists with the programs of the Shutterbug/Camera Club. For her service to the Sandy Center, we wish to recognize Dorothy Smiley as a Kennecott Extra Mile volunteer.

Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Year

Don Ramey: For the past five years, at a personal cost of 2700 volunteer hours, Don Ramey spearheaded, organized and conducted programs at the Sandy Senior Center that helped seniors to engage in brain stimulating activities by learning new and novel tasks not previously done. In the hours of his volunteer work, he taught seniors to capture, store, and improve personal photographs. In addition Don initiated a photo restoration program whereby the treasured but severely deteriorated family pictures could be restored to their original quality. Aside of his technical and educational contributions, he participates in the “First Friends” program to welcome old and new seniors to the center, introducing them to opportunities of socializing with their age peers. He has served as President of the Center’s Advisory Council, promotes book reading, participation in art activities, computer data processing, computer maintenance, digitizing music, acquisition of wood carving and sculpturing skills that contribute greatly to enhance the lives of seniors set to live a physically active and mentally satisfying life.

      Deadline for submitting events for the print media is Fri., March 5.

      If you have an event that you would like to see in the Sandy Inside Edition, Sandy Journal, Prime Time, Salt Lake Tribune Close-up or the Sandy Senior Center web, please submit it to the staff before the deadline.