Monthly Newsletter - Homer Senior Citizens, Inc.

Homer Senior Citizens, Inc.
Newsletter
February 2015
Volume 13, Issue 8
Published Monthly
New Sign! New Furniture!
If you didn’t make it to the open house, here are a few photos!
Inside this issue:
Executive Director’s 2
Report
HSC Calendar
4
Adult Day Services
6
Meal Menu
7
“Live Life to its
Fullest!”
Upcoming Meeting/Events:

HSC will be closed February 16th in honor of
President’s Day

Board of Directors Meeting February 18th @ 1:30pm in Dining
Room Annex
Homer Senior Citizens, Inc. Newsletter
Page 2
Executive Director’s Desk
Non profit agencies such as the Homer Senior Citizens rely heavily on donations to make their
programs a success. Please consider Homer Seniors when you sign up for the PFD. We also
have two other ways to contribute. Sign up with Amazon Smile and select Homer Senior
Citizens as your favorite non-profit. Or…you could link your Fred Myers shopping card to HSC
(number 80473) and they will donate to our cause. Another way to share with Homer Seniors
is by visiting www.homerseniors.com and click on I want to Donate.
Your support keeps Homer Senior Citizens a thriving and vital senior center! Remember our
grants score higher when we have financial donations from our membership and the
community at large.
Beginning this edition we will be highlighting the Board’s Strategic Planning Initiatives. We will be showing
you how much the projects are anticipated to cost and the revenue/donations received to make the project a
reality. Below is our first chart illustrating these goals…we will be updating this chart monthly. Keep track of
your favorite project. Talk to your friends and families. Talk to your neighbors. We can make a difference in
Homer Seniors lives! Thank you for all your help in making this a reality.
Homer Senior Ci zens Strategic Plan Ini a ves
Project Total:
Funding:
Natural Gas
$504,898
State of Alaska
City of Homer
Dona ons
$100,000
$10,000
$7,501
$387,397
Balance
Assisted Living
Furniture
Project Total:
Funding:
$25,000
Rasmuson Grant
Dona ons
HSC Contribu on
$20,000
$500
$5,000
Project Complete
Funding:
Music in Memory
Grant‐iPods
Dona ons‐music
$5,166
$300
Ongoing
Alzheimer's Wing
Es mated
Project Total:
$3,000,000
$3,000,000
Balance
Flooring
Es mated
Project Total:
Funding:
$100,000
Dona ons
$50
Balance
$999,950
A HUGE THANK YOU to the Homer City Council for donating $10,000 towards the Natural Gas conversion. We
really appreciate their support and look forward to keeping them updated on senior issues throughout the year.
Volume 13, Issue 8
Page 3
Thank you for Donations
We appreciate the time, money and materials that are generously given to Homer Senior
Citizens to help make this a great place to be!
Bernie Barnes
Tirzah Parsons
Bernade e Gradney
Steven Theisen
Anonymous
Fran Colombo
Don’t forget you can donate on our
website now.
www.homerseniors.com
and look for the
“I want to donate” button
Homer Senior Citizens, Inc. is partially funded from Member Donations, United Way, State of Alaska
Department of Health & Social Services, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Kenai Peninsula
Borough, City of Homer and Exxon Mobil.
Homer Senior Citizens, Inc. Newsletter
Page 4
HSC February Calendar
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
2
3
4
5
10:30 Fun & Fitness
11 ZUMBA Gold
1:30 Strong Women 10:30 Fun & Fitness
Friday
6
10:30 Fun & Fitness
1:30 Strong Women 1-4 Duplicate Bridge 6 Lions Club
3 NW Geriatric
Series
1-4 Party Bridge
1:30 Strong Women
9
10
11
12
13
10:30 Fun & Fitness
11 ZUMBA Gold
12-1:30 Patti Boily
10:30 Fun & Fitness
10:30 Fun & Fitness
1:30 ZUMBA Gold
3-4 Tai Chi
1:30 Strong Women 1-4 Duplicate Bridge
from ILC
1-4 Party Bridge
1:30 Strong Women
3 NW Geriatric
1:30 Strong Women 1:30 ZUMBA Gold
Series
2-3:30 Caregiver SG
3-4 Tai Chi
16
17
18
19
11 ZUMBA Gold
1:30 Strong Women 10:30 Fun & Fitness
Closed for
1-4 Duplicate Bridge 1:30 Board Meeting 1-4 Party Bridge
Presidents Day 3 NW Geriatric
6 Lions Club
1:30 ZUMBA Gold
Series
6-7:30 Grandparents 3-4 Tai Chi
Raising Grandkids
23
24
25
10:30 Fun & Fitness
11 ZUMBA Gold
1:30 Strong Women 10:30 Fun & Fitness
1:30 Strong Women 1-4 Duplicate Bridge
3 NW Geriatric
Series
26
1-4 Party Bridge
1:30 ZUMBA Gold
2-3:30 Caregiver SG
3-4 Tai Chi
20
10:30 Fun & Fitness
1:30 Strong Women
27
10:30 Fun & Fitness
1:30 Strong Women
Volume 13, Issue 8
Page 5
Volunteers - Thank You
It is almost impossible to show exactly how much we appreciate the numerous volunteers we have at
HSC. We hope that you know that we appreciate everything you do!
Thank you to all of our volunteers for being a vital piece of our puzzle!
You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the
moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.
~Henry Drummond
It’s Tax Time Again!
Appointments start Wednesday February 4th
and will be Monday and Wednesdays
Appointments at 10, 11, 12 , 1 and 2
Call the office 235-7655 to set up an appointment
Things to bring to your appointment:
social security card, tax documents, last years taxes if you have
them and official picture ID
Want to receive your newsletter via email?
Email nyla@homerseniors.com, call 235-7655 or stop by the office and let us know!
Care Giver Support Group
For People Who Have Loved Ones With Care Needs
Caregiver Support Group is intended for family members involved in giving care
for loved ones.
Contact
Pam Hooker
299-7198
Daniel Weisser
235-4555
February 12:
&
February 26:
2-3:30pm Homer
Senior Citizens
Conference
Room
Page 6
Homer Senior Citizens, Inc. Newsletter
February Friendship Center Adult Day Services
“Adult Day Services provide daytime, community-based services
for adults who are in need of supervised support, stimulation,
and care and who return home in the evening” (Council on
Accreditation-Copyright 2014). After reading this definition
over and over as vague as it is I realized that Adult Day Services
is WAY more than that simple definition. Yes that is a fairly clear
definition but there is so much in between the lines that is yet
to be written and I am so excited to attempt to successfully fill
in the blanks. There is a lot of work that
has to be done and I am more than excited
to get my feet soaked with ideas to enhance
the lives of our participants.
I have so many ideas for Adult Day Services to enhance the lives of our
seniors physical health, social lives, and psychological stability. I will be creating a
schedule that reaches each of these three goals in hopes of a higher quality of
life. Adult Day Services has always had a special place in my heart ever since I
worked in the department as an activities aide. I loved doing
whatever it took as an activities aide to put a smiles on our
participants faces, whether it was standing on my hands or blowing
ginormous bubbles and listening to “I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles“
from the Lawrence Welks Show. I have such fond memories of
working in Adult Day Services and I am thrilled to be apart of it
again. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to work with such a
rewarding program that is the outlet for many seniors.
24
Salad Bar
Salad Bar
Salad Bar
Yogurt Rice
& Onions
Garlic Bread
Fried Rice
Roasted Carrots
Broccoli
Stir Fry Vegetables
Curried Chicken
Lasagna
23
25
Salad Bar
Potatoes
Cauliflower
Roast Pork Loin
Salad Bar
26
Sautéed Peas &
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Rockfish Milanese
Salad Bar
Creamed Spinach
Garlic Pasta
Shrimp Scampi
Salad Bar
Vegetables
Rice Pilaf
Trout Almondine
Salad Bar
Salad Bar
19
12
Salad Bar
Vegetables
Sautéed California Blend
Wild Rice
Pan Seared Ahi Tuna
Salad Bar
& Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Veal Roast
Salad Bar
Yams & Stuffing
Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Roast Turkey
Mashed Potatoes
Peas & Carrots
Roast Pork
5
FRIDAY
Mushrooms
Rice
Roasted Carrots
18
11
4
THURSDAY
& Onions
Snap Peas
Scalloped Potatoes
17
Salad Bar
Baked Chicken Teriyaki
Closed for
Presidents Day
Salad Bar
Salad Bar
Stewed Green Beans
Roasted Potatoes
Baked Pork Chops
Cuban Pork
Broccoli
Scalloped Potatoes
10
Salad Bar
Baked Ham
Lemon Pepper
Stir Fry Veggies
16
Chicken Pot Pie
Turkey Meatloaf
9
Salad Bar
Vegetables
Boiled Potatoes
Salad Bar
Spanish Rice
Shallots
Sautéed Cabbage
Refried Beans
Snap Peas w/
Beef Tacos
Pasta Marinara
3
WEDNESDAY
Pork Marsala
2
TUESDAY
Baked Chicken
MONDAY
CONGREGATE MEALS February 2015
27
20
13
6
Volume 13, Issue 8
Page 7
Page 8
Homer Senior Citizens, Inc. Newsletter
Open Board Seats
If you are interested in serving on the Homer Senior Citizens, Inc. Board of
Directors you must have your application in by March 5th, 2015.
Volume 13, Issue 8
Page 9
Why is Sleep Important?
Dec 29, 2014
By: Michael Twery, Ph.D., Director, National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, the National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute
Why is sleep important to you? An estimated 35 percent of U.S. adults report less than seven hours of
sleep during a typical 24 hour period. Sleepiness resulting from insufficient sleep, irregular sleep schedules, or poor quality sleep is a cause of motor vehicle crashes, occupational errors with hazardous outcomes, and difficulty performing daily tasks. Sleep and wakefulness disorders affect an estimated 15-20
percent of US adults who are more likely to suffer from chronic disorders including depression, substance abuse, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and all-cause mortality. Resilience to stress, emotional regulation, and inter-personal relationships are impaired by sleep deficiency. Recent findings suggest that investing in sleep health contributes to maintaining brain health, and ultimately protecting cognitive functions necessary for aging-in-place. Recognizing and addressing sleep health issues presents opportunities for enhancing public health, and improving the well-being of all people.
Societal and health consequences of insufficient sleep are explored in “Sleepless in America” produced by
National Geographic Channel in collaboration with The National Institutes of Health. The documentary
explains how research is changing our perception of sleep, sleepiness, and its importance to health. The
idea of “sleep” as a period when the brain simply shuts down has been replaced by an increasingly sophisticated understanding of how the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness is necessary for the biological function
in every organ. Not only does this daily “circadian” rhythm play an important role in learning and the
filtering of memories in brain, but it also serves to regulate the energy level of most all cells. Shortages
of cellular energy eventually wear down natural defenses through oxidative stress and abnormalities in
protein processing increasing the risk of disease. Another NIH-funded study helped show that during
sleep, a byproduct known as amyloid beta is cleared from the brain at a faster rate than when a person is
awake. Amyloid beta has been connected to Alzheimer’s disease.
What all of this adds up to is the idea that sleep should be considered just as important as eating right
and getting enough exercise. Adults should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep, while teens need up to 9 hours a
night. But getting good sleep goes beyond being in bed for a set number of hours. The quality and timing
of sleep are two other important factors for getting proper rest each night. People who work the night
shift may experience problems getting quality sleep.
Here are five tips everyone can use to help improve the quality of their sleep:
 Keep your bedroom cool and dark
 Put away/turn off all electronic devices while preparing for bedtime
 Stick to a regular bedtime and wake time every day, even on weekends
 Stop drinking caffeine by the early afternoon and avoid large late-night meals
Skip the late-afternoon nap, as it can make it harder to sleep at bedtime
The NIH has created a web page that brings sleep information from the many institutes that fund sleeprelated research into one place. Learn more at http://www.nih.gov/health/NIHandSleeplessinAmerica/.
“Sleepless in America” airs on the National Geographic channel, and can also be viewed for free on
YouTube.
Page 10
Homer Senior Citizens, Inc. Newsletter
A Letter From A Member
As 2014 nears its end I think of things I intended to do but did not accomplish. One of these
things was to write a letter of gratitude.
To South Peninsula Hospital, Homer Senior Center, professional, dedicated instructors, I
salute you and thank you for the exercise classes at our Senior Center. Because I go to
these classes I can unscrew jar lids that I once saved for my husband to open. I have stamina
and strength to lift and enjoy the one-year-old grandchildren. I have balance and am not yet a
weeble wobble. I can stand for longer periods of time preparing meals without back pain. My
pants are two sizes smaller. I have social interaction with lovely friendly supportive classmates. The instructors are smart, committed, professional and very positive and encouraging
and yes, fun. Thank you Rowen, Brenda, Tonda and Maria, and sometimes Carol.
A week has 168 hours. Three hours a week I go to Strong Women; two hours a week I go to
Zumba Gold; and one hour a week I go to Tai Chi. That’s only six hours out of 168. I pay
$21.00 a week but if I miss a class I do not have to pay.
To be honest I would love more hours of Zumba Gold and Tai Chi, and a yoga class or two.
But I know I am very lucky to have the classes that are available. They are also available to
you.
Please gift yourself and come...by the end of 2015 you will be stronger, healthier and perhaps
happier.
Fran Moore
December 30, 2014
Volume 13, Issue 8
Page 11
Board of Directors:
Ernest Suoja - President
Gert Seekins - Vice President
Merlin Cordes - Treasurer
Phyllis Cooper - Secretary
Ralph Crane - Director
Bryan Zak - Director
Mary Ann Griffith - Director
Tonia Parlow - Director
Wim Steenbakkers - Director
2015 NWGEC Geriatric Winter Series
Registration is open
Starting in January on Tuesdays 3:00 - 4:30pm
Target Audience - physicians, physicians assistants, nurse
practitioners, physical & occupational therapists, nurses,
psychologist, social workers, pharmacists & other professionals
working with elder populations.
Registration Fee - $60 for series or $10 per training / optional
CEUs—additional $40
HSC Member Birthdays for February
Anita
Critchett
David
Hanrahan
Lani
Carol
Crooker
Janet
Higley
Roland Rich
Robert Ditton
Ron
Hollerson
Judy
Jeanne Doty
Eleanor Klingel
Juliann Soltis
Toras
MargaretLaVigueur
Linda
Thompson
Tomlinson
Fisk
Raymond
Sanford
Jeff
Amarello
Jeanette Folmar
Don
Mack
Will
Ole
Andersson
Charles Franz
Milli
Martin
Sharon Wilson
Dave
Becker
Pamela Fredrick
Helen
Meeker
Noko
Yoshida
Kelly
Behen
Arlene Gordon
Joan
Mello
Betty
Snow
Frances Brymer
Galen
Jan
Needham
M. PhyllisCooper
Mary Ann Griffith
Gordon
Noreen Purcell
Administration and
Management Staff:
Administration:
Keren Kelley - Executive
Director
Paula Frisinger - Administrative
Assistant/Human Resources
The Terrace Assisted Living:
Deborah Hansen, RN Manager
Friendship Center Adult Day
Services:
Daniel Weisser - Manager
Maintenance:
Doug Rudolph - Manager
Food Services:
David Pruett - Manager
Activities/Volunteers:
Daniel Weisser
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit 11
2015
Homer Senior Citizens, Inc.
Homer, Alaska 99603
Homer Senior Citizens, Inc.
3935 Svedlund St
Homer, AK 99603
Phone: 907-235-7655
Fax: 907-235-3739
www.homerseniors.com
“Serving Homer Senior Citizens for 40
years, live life to its fullest”
Hours of Operation
M-F 9:00—4:00 p.m.
Meals are served 11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
$5 for seniors 60+ - suggested donation
$10 for guests under 60
Our Mission
To offer seniors “essential services” housing (assisted and independent),
adult day services, nutrition, education, transportation, and social activities
that promote independence and a healthy continuum of care.
February Amusements
Q: What did the stamp
say to the envelope?
A: Stick with me and we
will go places!
“Know yourself, you are
unique, priceless and a
gift to this world”
~Apoorve Dubey
This newsletter is partially funded by a donation in memory of L.E. Milligin