Waltham organization supports struggling Ukrainians as war with Russia drags on

Action-PSJ | from page 6 asked to send reflective gear. Most of Ukraine is in the dark without electricity for long periods of time. There are no streetlights or lights from buildings, and the people tend to dress in dark clothes,” Kardon noted. “The reflective gear could help them to be seen at night if they were to go out to the store or to visit an elderly person.”

Kardon praised the colleagues who work to support Ukraine in the area; one a project coordinator, as well as others throughout the country in various locations, some who have been displaced. “These are some of the most resilient and optimistic people I’ve ever met,” she said emphatically. “Someone told me I have a front-row seat to history unfolding. If I have a front-row seat, my colleagues are on stage. They are the foot soldiers helping people to survive as best they can. Work has become more intense but more meaningful.”

As Kardon described Action-PSJ and the work it does, she stated, “It’s very much a people-to-people organization. We know where our aid goes and who it goes to. We also have lots of partner organizations in Ukraine,” she explained. “The ripple effect is great. Ours is special because as many organizations meet the needs and provide large structural services such as food, we can provide help quickly and right away. That’s not to say that one organization is better than the other. We all weave the help together.”

How to help

When asked what people can do to help, Kardon’s answer was simple. “Send money. We use that to provide stipends to pay for food and meds. We also buy what’s needed in the moment. Now it is being used to buy lamps and heaters in Ukraine,” she noted. “We’ve also been collecting and sending hand and feet warmers, glow-in-the-dark crafts for kids so they have something to do in the dark, flashlights and camp lights, incontinence supplies like Depends, protein bars, and over-the-counter medications like Motrin and vitamins.” She also mentioned that the lists of what’s needed are updated on their website monthly. Kardon has one plea. “Please don’t forget. From the crisis at the beginning, through the long unending war, people don’t always keep focused on this,” she observed. “We all have to balance things in our lives, but we also need to keep a little space in our lives for others because the humanitarian crisis that might come out of that area is huge, and we have to keep shining a light there.”

For more information or to make a donation, go to https://www.actionpsj.org.

Ice castles are an enchanting winter destination

Ice castles | from page 3 down the ice slide. Grab a mat and release your inner child as you enjoy the ultimate slip and slide through the ice tunnel. At the finish, the gridded rubber flooring will put the brakes on quickly, and you may hear a few chuckles from onlookers in-the-know as you tumble off your mat.

You can also enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a New Hampshire winter wonderland of white. Snuggle up close to someone special and enjoy the clip-clopping of hooves tromping across the sleigh path as the bells jingle a merry tune.

Getting the most out of your visit

This family-fun adventure is perfect for date night, a multi-generational outing, or exploring with your friends. Watching children light up as they explore the unique ice castles is a heart-warming experience. Their natural wonderment is a joy to behold. A small sled is the best transportation option for little ones. It drags through the ice and snow easier than a stroller and you know those little legs will get super tired running around in all the required winter outerwear.

When you’re ready for some hot chocolate, snag a spot at the fire pit or one of the ice tables where you can warm up while enjoying the lights and a glowing winter wonderland.

In this picture-perfect setting, you will want to snap lots of frozen photos. A drop in temperature is good for the ice, but not for operating your camera. A pair of gloves with touch screen tips makes for a warmer photography experience.

Shake off a little bit of cabin fever and enjoy the drive north to explore this awe inspiring, only-in-winter treat. You can pre-purchase your tickets at https://icecastles.com/new-hampshire/.

By nanCe eBert ContriButing Writer

REGION - Maximizing home fire safety is crucial for anyone but can be extremely challenging for older adults. Those living independently at home or in an assisted residential setting should be mindful of fire safety tips and how they can be implemented.

Being prepared ahead of time with an exit strategy can make a world of difference and in some extreme instances, the difference between life and death. “More people are injured or die in fires at home than anywhere else,” said Jake Wark, public information officer for the Mass. Department of Fire Services. “Older adults face a disproportionate risk, especially when they’re living in a family home with smoke alarms that haven’t been maintained in many years.”

Ensure detectors work and are up-to-date

First, it is important to have functioning smoke detectors installed on every level of your home and in bedrooms. “Modern alarms have a manufacturing date printed on the back,”

Wark explained. “Smoke alarms should be replaced after ten years and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced after five to seven years, depending on the model. If the alarm is still in its useful lifespan and takes alkaline batteries, change the batteries twice a year when you change your clocks.”

“If it’s time for a new alarm, choose one with a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature,” Wark added. “You won’t have to change the batteries for ten years and you can silence the alarm if you burn toast. Whatever type of alarms you have, test them every month to be sure you’re protected.”

The task of replacing these important, life-saving measures can be daunting for an older person. Many fire departments, including the town of Hudson, can help through their Senior SAFE programs.

It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher as well as an escape ladder readily accessible if a second story of the home exists. Practicing an escape route ahead of time when things are calm and you can think clearly will help give a sense of confidence to safely escape in the event that a real fire is present.

Kitchen safety

Since many house fires start in the kitchen, being mindful not to leave food cooking on the stove when you are going to another part of the home is important. The kitchen is the perfect place to keep a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure to read the instructions after purchasing it and not in the heat of the moment, (literally) once a real fire is present.

Any older appliances with fraying cords or damaged plugs should be replaced. This will help to avoid shocks or any sparks that can occur. Many people love the convenience of using a slow cooker or crockpot, however, it’s recommended that you be present in the home while this appliance is plugged in. In the event of a mishap, it can be addressed quickly.

During the winter months, the risk of fire tends to escalate. This might be due to the fact that people are using decorative candles, smoking indoors, adding extra space heaters for additional warmth, and using fireplaces. Flameless candles are a great option for those looking to bring a warm glow to a room without the risk of fire.

Considerations for older people

The Department of Fire Services offers materials to seniors about fire safety tips at home and how to plan for emergencies through its website.

“The fire and injury risks we face change as we age and it is important to adapt our homes so we can stay independent and safe,” Wark noted. “A fall, a burn or a fire can be devastating. As our skin ages, it thins, and burns can be more damaging more quickly.”

“People facing mobility issues may need to revise their home escape plan to accommodate that, by perhaps moving a bedroom to the first floor,” he added. “People with hearing issues may want to get a bed shaker connect- ed to their smoke alarm.”

If there is someone in the dwelling who needs immediate assistance, it is a good idea to place a large, visible sticker in that window. This helps to alert firefighters in case of an emergency. This can include rooms that children or older adults occupy or someone who might be physically challenged.

The National Fire Protection Association has a wealth of information and online resources on fire, electrical and related hazards on its website. It also has short video clips that are very informative.

“We go on many calls for fire alarms in a senior-specific building and the residents don’t know what it is and they stay inside the building rather than evacuate,” said Brian Sleeper, Hudson’s Deputy Fire Chief and Assistant Emergency Management Director. “If they can at least get to a safer location, that can make a huge difference with the outcome. It’s when people become complacent that we end up having a tragedy.”

For more information: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-fire-services https://www.nfpa.org

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