PolishED - East Baton Rouge Council on Aging

PolishED
Supporting Independence • Serving Seniors
INSIDE
March
forMeals
2012
• Social Security Goes “Paperless”
• Trip to Memphis
• EBRCOA Senior Centers/Sites
• Senior Voting
• Senior Spotlight
2nd quarter 2012
The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging has 13 meal sites
throughout East Baton Rouge Parish. Hot meals are served
Monday-Friday. Reservations are required the day before.
For more info, call 225.923.8000
Baker Senior Center
3334 Jefferson Ave., Baker, LA 70714
225.774.7846
Baranco-Clark YMCA Senior Center
1735 Thomas Delpit, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225.344.6775
Chaneyville Senior Center
13211 Jackson Road, Zachary, LA 70791
225.654.3309
Dumas House Senior Center
1313 North Sherwood Forest, Baton Rouge, LA 70815
225.389.4990
EBRCOA Senior Activity Center at Cortana Mall
(Entrance #5)
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
225.317.0865
Florida Blvd. Senior Center
5790 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225.923.8000
Foster Road Baptist Church
11333 Foster Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70811
225.775.0884
Greater King David Senior Center
131 Elmer Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70807
225.775.4996
Homewood Senior Center
3653 Granada Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
225.335.3882
Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church Senior Center
9700 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70807
225.775.2740
Pearl George Senior Center
at Martin Luther King Community Center
4000 Gus Young Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225.389.5611
New Light Baptist Church
650 Blount Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70807
225.775.3696
Zachary Senior Center
3541 Highway 19, Zachary, LA 70791
225.335.4948
www.ebrcoa.org
POLISHED • 2nd Quarter • 2012 • Page 2
from
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Spring in South
Louisiana is upon us and
you know exactly what
that means: longer days
and warmer temperatures!
With the increasing
heat comes the elevated
need for cooler, indoor
conditions as a reprieve
from the often-sweltering
humidity of our region.
To this, I offer a
solution: the indoor, airconditioned solace of the
East Baton Rouge Council
on Aging’s numerous
senior centers.
In addition to a break from the oncoming heat, our
centers offer a hot meal, five times a day (MondayFriday), a plethora of activities (ranging from Nintendo
Wii and X-box Kinect to bingo, exercise, Bible study and
my personal favorite: spades) as well as an opportunity
to meet new people and make new friends.
As my first year as Executive Director of this amazing
agency comes to a completion, a commencement of
expanded services has excitedly come into fruition.
Beginning in May, the EBRCOA will begin opening
a number of new sites throughout the parish. Notably,
we will finally have a presence (or two!) in Central (an
area we have strived to serve for a number of years).
Through the generosity of like-minded community
partners, the EBRCOA will reach out to even more of the
70,575+ seniors in the parish.
With more senior centers and meal sites, an
increasing number of our parish’s senior citizens will
have access to a variety of resources and innovative
programs aimed at maintaining an active lifestyle and
ultimate independence.
We at Councils on Aging throughout the entire
state have been very busy ensuring that the policies
and procedures protecting and serving seniors remain
in place. As the current legislative session comes to
a close, you’re sure to see an increasing number of
advocacy efforts made all for one purpose: to continue
serving the seniors with the respect and dignity they’ve
come to deserve.
2012 Mayor/March for Meals a Success
As you can tell from the convivial smile of our city’s Mayor, Melvin “Kip” Holden,
alongside an analogous and similarly warm smile across the visage of the East Baton
Rouge Council on Aging’s Executive Director, Tasha Clark-Amar, gracing the cover
of this latest edition, it’s easy to see that 2012’s Mayors/March for Meals campaign
was a great success. Mayor Holden and Clark-Amar took a moment from the busy
day to pose for a picture with Meals on Wheels recipient, Mrs. Elizabeth Harris.
In recognition of this philanthropic program, elected officials across the country
annually deliver prepared meals to home-bound, Meals on Wheels clients who
are unable to secure a healthy meal on their own. In East Baton Rouge Parish, the
diligence of the region’s elected officials certainly shined through. Ironically, aforesaid
attribute may have been the only thing shining that day as the capital area was racked
with rainfall, thunderstorms and tornadoes.
The EBRCOA would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s
campaign, including the following elected officials: Mayor Harold Rideau (Baker),
Mayor Shelton “Mac” Watts (Central), Mayor David Amrhein (Zachary), Senator
Sharon Weston Broome (President Pro Tempore), Senator Yvonne Dorsey-Colomb,
Senator Mack “Bodi” White, Representative Regina Ashford Barrow, Representative
Edward “Ted” James, Representative Clifton R. Richardson, Representative Patricia
Haynes Smith (Chair of the Louisiana Black Caucus), Representative Alfred Williams,
Councilwoman Donna Collins-Lewis, Councilman Chandler Loupe, Councilwoman
Denise Marcelle, Councilman Trae Welch and Councilman A.J. Walls.
Metro Councilwoman Alison Gary
delivers a box of prepared meals to
Meals on Wheels recipient Gwendolyn
Ware in recognition of 2012’s Mayor/
March for Meals 2012 campaign.
PolishED
Volume 1; No. 2; April, May, June 2012
Published by
The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging
5790 Florida Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 225.923.8000
Fax: 225.923.8030
Website: www.ebrcoa.org
Executive Director/CEO
Tasha Clark-Amar
Director of Operations/Development
Shontell LeBeouf
State Representative Regina Ashford Barrow delivers meals
to Meals on Wheels recipient Leona Hamilton.
Director of Finance
Eva B. Pratt
Director of Seniors Centers
Julie Jacob
Development Coordinator
Jeremy Theriot
Polished is published quarterly by the East Baton Rouge Council on
Aging (EBRCOA). Polished features news and information of interest
to senior citizens as well as caregivers of the aging. The EBRCOA
reserves the right to determine the suitability of materials submitted for
publication and to edit all submitted material for clarity and space. The
EBRCOA does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising
or content nor does the EBRCOA or Polished staff take responsibility
should such advertising or editorial material appear in any issue.
For inquiries regarding submissions and advertising, please contact
Jeremy Theriot (jeremyt@ebrcoa.org).
The EBRCOA is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer
and a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization.
State Representative Edward “Ted” James takes a moment
to sit down with Meals on Wheels recipient Henry Zito.
POLISHED • 2nd Quarter • 2012 • Page 3
Social Security Checks
Going Paperless
by Stephen Ohlemacher
Starting next year, the check will no longer be in the mail
for millions of people who receive Social Security and other
government benefits.
The federal government, which issues 73 million payments
a month, is phasing out paper checks for all benefit programs,
requiring people to get payments electronically, either through
direct deposit or a debit card for those without a bank account.
The changes will affect people who get Social Security, veterans’
benefits, railroad pensions and federal disability payments. Tax
refunds are exempt, but the Internal Revenue Service encourages
taxpayers to get refunds electronically by processing those refunds
faster than paper checks.
About 90 percent of people who receive federal benefits
already get their payments electronically, the Treasury Department
says. New beneficiaries were required to get payments electronically
starting last year, and with a few exceptions, the rest will have to
make the switch by March 2013.
“It’s just that natural progression of moving to how people are
used to receiving their funds,” said Walt Henderson, director of the
Treasury Department’s electronic funds transfer division.
Henderson said electronic payments are safer and more
efficient than paper checks; in 2010, more than 540,000 federal
benefit checks were reported lost or stolen. The switch will save the
government about $120 million a year. Social Security will save $1
billion over the next decade, according to the Treasury Department.
“You think of that paper check floating out there in the
delivery system, with personal information on it, it’s much more
susceptible to fraud versus an electronic payment,” Henderson said.
Advocates for seniors say they understand the government’s
desire to cut costs and take advantage of technologies that most
workers already use. The food stamp program switched from paper
coupons to debit cards in 2004.
But they have raised concerns about requiring the switch for
older retirees who may not be used to electronic payments.
“This will affect some very frail elderly people who are living
by themselves, many of them, and doing well, but usually within the
context of that old paper check that they deposit in the bank,” said
Web Phillips, a senior policy advisor for the National Committee to
Protect Social Security and Medicare.
“The change has to be handled carefully and with a lot of
sensitivity so that there aren’t people who lose track of a payment or
don’t understand that they have a card that came in the mail that’s
the source of their payment,” Phillips said. “That’s our concern.”
The switch is mandated by a Treasury rule issued in December
2010. Since then, the department has worked to educate the public.
The government has created a website, and a toll-free phone number,
1-800-333-1795, people can call for assistance. www.GoDirect.org
“Treasury acknowledges they have a lot of education to do for
people about how these things work,” said David Certner, legislative
policy director for AARP. “We’re a bit concerned about how easy it’s
going to be to provide education, particularly for some in this older
population who are not familiar with debit cards and don’t have
bank accounts.”
Certner said AARP wants the government to make it easier
to get an exemption. Under the Treasury rule, current beneficiaries
who are 90 and older won’t be required to make the switch. People
can get a waiver if using a debit card would impose a hardship,
but the Treasury Department says those would be “extreme, rare
circumstances.”
These waivers are not well publicized on the government’s
website.
“There are several million people who receive paper checks
today,” Certner said. “Some of them do it because they have worked
out arrangements for them that work.”
AARP also has concerns about fees associated with the debit
cards. The Direct Express cards are issued by Comerica Bank,
Treasury’s financial agent. Each month, benefit payments are added
to the cards, which can be used to make purchases or withdraw cash
from ATMs.
There are no fees for using the debit card to make purchases.
They can be used at any retailer that accepts MasterCard debit
cards. If a card is lost or stolen, the beneficiary is protected from
unauthorized use as long as the missing card is reported promptly.
Cardholders can make one free ATM withdrawal each time
a payment is registered in the card. Subsequent withdrawals will
cost 90 cents each, and all withdrawals may be subject to fees by the
owner of the ATM.
The government’s switch to electronic payments also comes
with a side effect: less business for the U.S. Postal Service, an agency
that is already facing big budget problems with the rise of email and
electronic bill paying.
The private sector has been migrating to electronic payments
for years, costing the Postal Service millions of customers, said Alan
Robinson, editor of the Postal Journal, a trade publication.
“Normally, these things happen one customer at a time,”
Robinson said. “In terms of payments, this is probably one of the
largest.”
Interested in advertising in the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging’s
NEW quarterly publication
PolishED ?
FACT:
QUESTION:
there are more than 70,000 seniors in
East Baton Rouge Parish
more info:
what are they
jeremyt@ebrcoa.org
reading?
POLISHED • 2nd Quarter • 2012 • Page 4
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fro by Barbara J.
Away
Easterling
I don’t know Ruthelle Frank. But I do know that
what is happening to her is enough to make my blood
boil. Along with many other seniors, Ruthelle may lose
the right to vote because she lacks a government-issued
photo ID card.
Over the past year, GOP-controlled state houses
have been passing what are known as Voter ID laws.
Proponents say it is to cut down on voter fraud. Opponents say fraud of this nature is quite rare and that the
true intent is to keep certain voters at home. According
to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University,
nationally about 18 percent of seniors and 25 percent of
African-Americans do not have photo identification.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
Do you know an
Illustrious Alumnus?
Ruthelle, of remote Brokaw WI (pop. 107), does not have
a driver’s license, and lacks a birth certificate needed to
get a state identification card. She has a Social Security
card, a Medicare card, and a baptism certificate. Even if
she were to pay $20 to get a birth certificate, her maiden
name was misspelled by the attending physician at her
home birth. To rectify this, she would need to petition
the court and pay a $200 fee. Ruthelle, an elected member of her Village Board since 1996, recently became a
plaintiff in a law suit to block the new law, which was
authored by Governor Scott Walker.
Voting laws vary by state, so please check with your
state or local elections office for more details. Election
cont. on page 6
The Peoples Health Illustrious Alumnus program
was created to recognize LSU graduates who
demonstrate the value of an LSU education
through a history of achievement.
Your Illustrious Alumnus nominee must
be someone who:
n
Graduated from LSU
n
Is at least 55 years of age
n
Actively demonstrates the value of their LSU
education
n
Currently resides in one of the following parishes:
Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Livingston,
Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St.
James, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington
and West Baton Rouge.
Let us recognize your Illustrious
Alumnus at an LSU football game
before 90,000 fans in Tiger Stadium.
To nominate your candidate, visit: www.peopleshealth.com/illustriousalumnus
Supporting Independence • Serving Seniors
SENIOR
SPOTLIGHT
The Sauniers:
Donald & Rose
When he first saw her playing on the high school basketball team in Convent, Louisiana, Donald Saunier asked his
friend, “You see that girl with the long hair?”
“That’s my girlfriend,” continued Donald. “She just doesn’t know it yet.”
That girl with the long hair was Rose Marie Robertson.
Waiting for his long-haired ball-player outside of her home one day after school, Saunier’s plan to make good on his
friendly prediction was nearly foiled as Robertson’s mother said, “You’re not going out with that old man by yourself.” With
seven years between them, Robertson’s mother was initially apprehensive.
Today, she goes by Rose Saunier (71) and she and Mr. Saunier (78) have been married for fifty-three years.
Moving from Convent to Gonzales, Saunier soon found himself in Baton Rouge; working for the Baton Rouge Fire
Department and managing a National Food Store.
“[The Baton Rouge Fire Department] was looking for baseball players,” says Mr. Saunier through a big smile.
Presently, the Sauniers are regulars at the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging’s Florida Blvd. Senior Center (5790 Florida
Blvd.). Initially mall walkers at Cortana, the Sauniers were drafted by Cortana senior activity center coordinator DeShunna
Weary; coerced to enter the EBRCOA’s Cortana Mall location with a chilled bottle of water.
After attending numerous Seniors Club events (held on the first Wednesday of each month at Cortana Mall; beginning
at 8:30am), and at the gentle insistence of Weary, the Sauniers were hooked and soon began frequenting the Florida Blvd.
Senior Center.
“I enjoy the exercise and doing crossword puzzles,” says Mrs. Saunier when asked about a favored senior center activities,
Mrs. Saunier.
“We like meeting people and making new friends,” states Mr. Saunier, referring to eighty-plus people often frequenting the
EBRCOA’s flagship senior center.
“And I like playing spades and bingo,” adds Mr. Saunier. At the Florida Blvd. Senior Center: who doesn’t?
REMINDER:
The EBRCOA will be closed on Monday,
May 28th in observation of Memorial Day.
Visit our website:
www.ebrcoa.org
for up-to-date info
on ALL things
EBRCOA!!!
POLISHED • 2nd Quarter • 2012 • Page 6
cont. from page 5
laws and procedures can be very complicated, but as retiree
activists I believe we have a moral responsibility to defend
and educate our fellow seniors on such an important issue.
Our generation, like those who came before us, fought
and died for the right to vote. We must never let politicians
take this away.
Barbara J. Easterling is president of the Alliance for
Retired Americans. She was previously the secretary-treasurer of the Communications Workers of America. For
more information, visit www.retiredamericans.org or call
1-800-333-7212.
Follow Barbara J. Easterling on Twitter: www.twitter.
com/activeretirees
EAST BATON ROUGE COA PRESENTS
TUNICA-Casino Capital of the South & MEMPHIS-Home o f the Blues
INCREDIBLE PRICE INCLUDES:




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
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


$409 *
5 DAYS
4 NIGHTS
PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
(Mon - Fri)
September


10 - 14, 2012
Departure: COA, 5790 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA @ 8 am
Day 1: Depart your group’s location in a spacious, restroom and video equipped
motorcoach and arrive later that day at a Casino Resort in exciting Tunica! You’ll
check in and enjoy a delicious Dinner Buffet.
Day 2: After a Hot Breakfast Buffet, your group will have a memorable day,
starting with a visit to the NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM – dedicated to
Martin Luther King’s struggle for equality. Next, enjoy a GUIDED TOUR OF
MEMPHIS, the “Home of the Blues.” From the music landmarks to legendary
sights, you will experience the irresistible soul of this fascinating city. Enjoy
Dinner before heading back to your Casino Resort.
Day 3: After a Hot Breakfast, your group will have a memorable day, starting with
a PLATINUM TOUR of amazing and opulent GRACELAND, home of Elvis. Later,
you’ll depart for free time on BEALE STREET in Memphis. Then, return to Tunica
to visit another Casino Resort for more gaming and Dinner.
Day 4: After enjoying a Hot Breakfast, depart for a visit to the TUNICA MUSEUM
where you’ll take a journey back in time to see what life was like in Tunica before
the casinos. This evening, you will enjoy Dinner and return to your Casino
Resort.
Day 5: Today after enjoying a Hot Breakfast, you depart for home… a time to
chat with your friends about all the fun things you’ve done and where your next
group trip will take you!
ADD PEACE OF MIND TO YOUR TRIP…
With the Travel Confident® Protection Plan if you
have to unexpectedly cancel or cut your plans short.
See back for details...





$75 Due Upon Signing. *Price per person, based on
double occupancy. Add $125 for single occupancy.
Final Payment Due: 7/3/2012
FOR INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS CONTACT:
Julie Jacob @ (225) 923-8000 ext. 305
Form ID: 900-5A0906
WM
Tour#: 790724
Letty’s
BRG Story...
When my father needed
care, we chose the
General. I think they
understand Seniors like
no other hospital.
Letty Vincent,
Baton Rouge
My Dad’s memory isn’t what it used to be. When we brought him to the General, our
nurse quickly recognized his forgetfulness. Dad kept telling her the same joke over and
over. And while she laughed with him each time like it was the first, she also made sure
he was comfortable and that he received a thorough assessment.
Their team even connected me with a specially trained social worker who provided great
information on senior wellness. At the General, they knew exactly what my Dad needed.
They also knew how to help me. As an adult child caring for my
91-year old father, that was invaluable. – Letty Vincent
Seniors ER
First in the region, only at
Baton Rouge General, Mid City.
A Satellite Campus of
Tulane University School of Medicine
3600 Florida Blvd. • www.BRGeneral.org/Seniors