February 2016 Volume 43 No. 2
INSIDE AARP Tax Aide Info PG 3 Leisure and Learning Catalog PG 6 Calendar PG 12
Legalese PG 13
MONTHLY EVENTS at the Lawrence Senior Center
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS by Midland Care Connection - Monday, February 8, 11 a.m. to Noon No appointment needed. Just drop in!
VISIT US AT WWW.DGCOSENIORSERVICES.ORG
MISSION: Douglas County Senior Services, Inc. is committed to supporting, advocating, serving and connecting with seniors in Lawrence and Douglas County; it encourages retirees to locate and to remain in Douglas County to become active participants in their community.
ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP Thursday, March 10
There’s no time like the present to plan for the future. You don’t have a crystal ball, no one knows what lies ahead. Being proactive in planning for the eventualities that we all face will ease not only your mind, but your family members’, too. Join Robert Ramsdell for Fundamentals of Estate Planning on Thursday, March 10 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Building (9th and Vermont). The class covers topics like what happens under intestate succession if you die without a plan; the uses of a Will or Revocable Living Trust; an overview of probate administration; the impact of estate and gift taxes; non-testamentary transfer options, such as holding property in a joint tenancy; powers of attorney for financial and healthcare decisionmaking; Living Wills and Do Not Resuscitate Directives; and a very general overview of how limitations on Medicaid eligibility might affect your assets. This class is cosponsored by DCSS and LPRD. The presentation lasts about an hour, followed by an open question-and-answer period. There is no need to register. DCSS Receptionist Charlene Haines (right) offers popcorn to Diana Dyal, a New Horizons Band member, on a recent “Popcorn Friday” at the Lawrence Senior Center. Freshly popped popcorn is offered Fridays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Join us!
WELCOME TO MEDICARE MEETING
- Wednesday, February 10, Noon to 1 p.m. New to Medicare? Learn what to expect at this informational meeting. Call 785-842-0543 for more information.
KANSAS COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
- Wednesday, February 17, 1 to 2 p.m. Discussion on programs for low-income veterans and surviving spouses age 65 and over. For information, call 785-843-5233.
LAPA RESOURCE FAIR MARCH 8 Don’t miss the 11th Annual Lawrence Area Partners in Aging Senior Resource Fair on Tuesday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Dr. The Senior Resource Fair is designed to introduce seniors and their families and caregivers to the members of LAPA and acquaint them with the services that these businesses provide to the seniors in the community. There will be door prizes and giveaways!
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Learning From and About Our History By Gayle Sigurdson,
Given all the demands of living in the present and keeping up with news and events, why should anyone bother learning about things that happened far away and long ago? Who cares about Lucy Hobbs Taylor, Grandma’s immigration from Denmark or women’s suffrage? History is important because as a society and individuals, we are the sum of our past. Without history, we lose our identity. History is the succession of events that created us. American history and your family stories are each family trees of a different scale. Looking at them together shows how your family has interacted with larger historical change. Start with today and trace back events, gathering information from a variety of sources. From the original material, ask new questions and search new sources giving meaning to the basic facts. The collected facts are only a framework that takes on meaning as we interpret them from the perspective of new knowledge and experience. Those facts become a colorful story. It is good to revisit topics. As time passes, experiences take on new meanings. A significant event may fade with time while something seemingly trivial looms larger, heroes fall from their pedestals while others rise up- all because
of what happens later on. Recognizing that experience is not fixed provides perspective to the issues we face today. History is fun. It’s full of mysteries, romance and exploration. The stories fill the shelves at our local library and bookstores. Taking the time for a class, exhibit, book, or to share a personal artifact expands our knowledge, making us wiser as a society and more richly human in our private lives. Three local agencies; Lawrence Parks and Recreation, Lawrence Public Library and Watkins Museum of History are partnering to sponsor a number of programs on regional and personal history in the upcoming months. They provide an opportunity to inspire, to pay respect to the movers and shakers before us, and to consider our personal experience in the broader scope of history. Final Fridays-Historic Preservation Friday, February 26, 5-8 p.m., Watkins Museum of History Visit the opening of a new exhibit on the famous Wilder & Palm Grist Mill, a celebrated local attraction that burned down in 1905. Members of the Lawrence Preservation Alliance will hold a series of presentations on the challenges of historic preservation and alternative energy. Program is free.
LPRD Recreation Programmer
Trivia Night- Local History Tuesday, February 16, 8-10 p.m., 23rd Street Brewery Trivia Nights are a well-known local tradition combining fun, learning, and great food and drink. February 16’s trivia will be all about local history: the personalities and events that have put Lawrence and Douglas County on the map. Ten percent of all proceeds go to the Watkins. The Harvey Girls in Kansas Tuesdays, March 22-April 12, varied times and locations The influence of Fred Harvey on American culture and women in the workforce continues today in surprising and fascinating ways. The content of this varied program includes documentary films, local railroad history and artifacts, reading and discussion of the book Appetite for America by Stephen Fried, a Harvey House lunch with tour of the Great Overland Station, and a Kansas Humanities presentation on The Harvey Girls Multicultural Workforce with historian Michaeline ChanceReay. Details of the schedule and regarding registration are available from Lawrence Parks and Recreation.
Genealogy and Local History Drop-in First and Third Wednesday of each month, 4-5 p.m., Lawrence Public Library Drop by the library’s local history room and check out the wonderful resources they have for exploring our community’s history or researching your family tree. The SOUND+VISION studio will also be open to provide information on recording oral histories. No registration required. Writing Our Family Stories Wednesday, March 23-April 13, 6-8 p.m., Carnegie Building This class uses journaling methods and prompts as guidance toward collecting and writing your family stories. Registration and details are available from Lawrence Parks and Recreation. Family Archives Tuesdays, April 19-May 17, 7-8 p.m., Carnegie Building An introduction to the different types of family archives, genealogy techniques and area resources that will guide you toward a defined plan for preserving your family history. Registration and details are available from Lawrence Parks and Recreation.
Douglas County Senior Services is a nonprofit organization that provides much needed services to area seniors. We depend upon donations from people like you to keep our mission alive. Won’t you please consider a gift to DCSS? Name ______________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________________________________________ Donation Amount___________________Email (optional) ______________________________________ Mail your tax deductible contribution to: Douglas County Senior Services, 745 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044. Or donate online at dgcoseniorservices.org
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AICR HEALTHTALK
Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN - American Institute for Cancer Research I got a new fitness tracker that I hope will help me be more active. Looks great but will it really count steps accurately and tell me how many calories I burn? Fitness trackers - both wrist worn and pedometers - can be helpful tools for tracking physical activity and as a reminder to get moving. Physical activity is so important for your health, including cancer prevention. Studies show that both tools accurately count steps taken in moderate to fast walking and jogging, usually within three to five percent of actual steps taken. They are not designed to track certain types of exercise, such as strength-training and calisthenics. Both wrist-worn trackers and pedometers tend to be much less accurate in estimating calories burned. They rely on built-in formulas that convert step counts to distance moved and then to calories burned. That leaves a lot of room for error due to individual differences in body size, metabolism and exercise details. These trackers can over- or under-estimate calories burned by at least 10 to 20 percent compared to metabolic measurements of actual calories burned. Still, research does support using pedometers and other trackers to help boost physical activity, especially if you were to set a step goal. For example, in studies of pedometer use, people using pedometers increased daily step totals by over 2,000 per day, about a mile for an average adult. Wrist-worn fitness trackers may include additional features that track sleep, sitting time or vigorous activity. Some are compatible with smartphones and computers so you get a progress record for personal use, or to share with friends for support, or with a health professional or coach. Since whatever you choose is only helpful if you wear it and check it, find one that is comfortable, easy to use, and includes the features that you will use.
2016 AARP TAX-AIDE SCHEDULE
AARP Tax-Aide to offer free tax assistance again this year WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW...
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING...
• Tax assistance at the Lawrence tax site, Douglas County Senior Services will begin on Monday, February 1, 2016
• Photo ID required for all taxpayers • Social Security cards for all taxpayers and dependents • Copy of last year’s tax return • Year-end Social Security statement, Form SSA1099 (with some pink printing) • All income documents, i.e. W-2’s and 1099’s • Unemployment compensation statements • Summary list of deductible items (if itemizing); i.e. medical bills, charitable donation, mortgage interest, etc. • If you purchased health insurance from the Health Insurance Marketplace, Form 1095-A will be required. • All other forms/info that pertains to your taxes
• Tax assistance hours will be Monday Thursday, noon to 4 pm; Saturday, 9 am to noon • The Tax Appointment phone line number is 785-856-0365 • The Tax Appointment phone line will be open Monday - Thursday, from 9 am to 3 pm starting Tuesday, January 19, 2016
TAXES ARE ALSO PREPARED AT: • Baldwin City Library Call 785-594-3411 for an appointment • Oskaloosa Public Library Call 785-863-2637 for an appointment • Ottawa City Hall Call 785-242-5560 for an appointment
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THE URBAN BESTIARY: ENCOUNTERING THE EVERYDAY WILD science. Haupt also includes useful sidebars on tracking animals, their signs, and scat animals and birds leave many clues about their daily lives and one that I found especially provocative on whether and how we should feed birds.
BOOK
in general. They connect us to the “ever-present wild.” “Birds are not just the most numerous wild things among us, but also A possum on a New York the most lively and most easily subway, a coyote in the Seattle observable. . . [I]t is birds that Federal Building elevator, we see every day, that call us squirrels stealing seed from our into enlivened participation with social media can be helpful - on birdfeeders, and raccoons in our everyday nature.” How do urban bird visitations. attics; this is our new world. The In her chapter on squirrels birds handle the strains of city central message of Lyanda Lynn and rats, she asserts that “No life - “stress from noise, humans, In her wrap-up sections - on Haupt’s The Urban Bestiary creature demonstrates the human habitat degeneration, cars, light trees and humans - she stresses (Little Brown, 2013) is that we schizophrenia regarding urban pollution” . . . and the usual the importance of trees to our need to coexist with the wildlife wildlife better than the squirrel predators? Haupt suggests that health and well-being. Trees in our midst. It is time for us . . . [they] rank as both the most we can be of help by knowing “cleanse the air we breathe” to learn more about our new desirable and attractive animal more about them: “I believe it is and make us calmer and even neighbors and to become better and the most hated nuisance an act of neighborliness . . . to happier. She quotes an inner-city stewards of an environment animal.” We are dismayed learn more about the birds around Chicago study that asserts that that is both ours and theirs. We when they devour the expensive us, beginning with their names.” the presence of trees “lowers urban dwellers have become black oil sunflower seeds in our In a sidebar on identifying birds, human blood pressure, decreases “unmoored”: we have lost the birdfeeders, but when we step she sets goals. Instead of just anxiety, and may help prevent knowledge of “local creatures, back from our wrath at some of noting a bird’s color, assess its disease.” For urban birds, trees plants, and soil” that our their habits, we can see squirrels “size (compare it to a robin), the may mean the difference between ancestors knew, of necessity, until as “wild, graceful, and lovely.” structure of the bill, the shape of “flourishing and dying.” just a couple generations ago. They are also very smart: they the body and their proportions. . .” Try to discover what kind We humans are “learning to Haupt, who lives in Seattle with know which tree limbs will support their weight and where of bird it is generally “finch, inhabit this new nature, and her family, is a naturalist, ecothe best place is to jump from one warbler, woodpecker, duck” finding our way as we go.” philosopher, and writer whose tree to another. And, of course, and then check your field guide. We need not only to provide goal is to help people connect they know that “no matter how After learning to identify five opportunities for observation with the creatures who live many times they eat all the seed birds, then try to do twenty more. and interaction but also to allow around us. She is the author of in the birdfeeder, we will fill it up She has seen nearly ninety bird wild animals to maintain their the award-winning Crow Planet again.” species, twenty regularly, in her wildness and to help enable (2010) and Rare Encounters yard. She lists the birds she has them to flourish in their new with Ordinary Birds (2001). In The first chapter in the seen in her daily calendar. She urban world. Reading this book this book she assembles - in a “Feathered” section focuses on suggests that we exchange news is a good start in achieving these somewhat haphazard fashion enhancing our awareness of birds with neighbors and friends important goals. major sections on the “furred” (including coyotes, raccoons, possums, and squirrels) and the “feathered” (for example, pigeons, crows, owls, and Get organized this winter. chickens). The critters she Let me help you clear out observes are in her own the clutter & simplify backyard. Many of them are in our yards too. In this modern your home and your life! successor to the medieval Organize U. (785) 843-8345 bestiary, she combines myths, margcarlson@sunflower.com Marguerite memoir, humor, and solid Marguerite Carlson Carlson
By Lyanda Lynn Haupt Reviewed by Barbara Watkins
review
HOME TOO CLUTTERED?
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RIDES.
SERVING LAWRENCE, LECOMPTON, EUDORA, & BALDWIN CITY RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION call 785-865-6925 Senior Wheels strives to meet the transportation needs of customers who are 60 years or older in Douglas County. Accompanying spouses & caregivers are also eligible to ride at no additional charge. Our drivers provide Door to Door assistance.
SCHEDULE EARLY: Due to a heavy demand for transportation, rides may be scheduled as far in advance as 7 days or as little as 48 hours. You should be ready to board 15 minutes prior to your scheduled ride. COST: $ 3.00 for each one way trip within the city limits of each community. $15.00 for trips outside of the city limits. (Example: a one way trip from Eudora to Lawrence) For detailed policy information, please call 785-865-6925 and ask for a Policy Manual. Baldwin City has a Volunteer Transportation Program. For Reservations or information about rides in Baldwin City call 785-594-3376.
PANCAKE BENEFIT for DCSS Senior Meals
Meadowlark Estates Gracious Retirement Living is hosting a breakfast buffet fundraiser for DCSS Senior Meals Saturday, February 6 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Please join us for this delicious chef-prepared breakfast meal featuring pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, and much more! $5 donations are appreciated, and all proceeds will go to DCSS Senior Meals. Come out to support DCSS and visit Meadowlark Estates Gracious Retirement Living at 4430 Bauer Farm Drive in Lawrence. For more info please call 785842-2400. See you there!
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NEW HORIZONS BAND SCHEDULE
Rehearsal are held at the Lawrence Senior Center, 745 Vermont Street. Rehearsals and concerts are held at 4 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Band Directors John Towner, Robert Wolfersberger and Dave Ruhlen encourage anyone interested in playing to join. Dues are $5 for the year. Contact John Towner at 785-865-3519 or 785-865-8851 (cell), or by email at towner@ sunflower.com.
FEBRUARY 5 - Brandon Woods, Atrium, 1501 Inverness, 3:30 p.m. 12 - Rehearsal 19 - Pioneer Ridge Health Center (East) 4851 Harvard, 3:30 p.m. 23 - Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, 7 p.m. 26 - Rehearsal
DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES MARCH 4 Get your funky groove on for Trinity In-Home Care’s annual fundraiser, Dancing Through the Decades on Friday, March 4, 2016 from 7-11:30 p.m. at Maceli’s. 100% of proceeds support services for Douglas County residents who need non-medical in-home care in order to stay in their own home. Call 842-3159 for tickets or for more information.
A Helping Hand Home Care • 1-24 Hour In-Home Care Including overnights, weekends and Holidays • Personal Care—Bathing, Toileting • Medication Reminders • Meal Preparation • FAMILY owned and operated • Guarantee of In-Home Services • RN Administrator • Companionship • Transportation • FREE Assessment, No Obligation
for a
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1425 Oread West Street, Suite 103 www.ahelpinghandhc.com • 785-856-0192
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Leisure and Learning Catalog - Course Description Douglas County Senior Services offers a variety of programs for active Douglas County residents age 55 and over. In our catalog you will also see some Lawrence Parks and Recreation classes, and trips offered by Group Getaways. PLEASE NOTE THE ENROLLMENT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION BELOW* FOR THE PROGRAM(S) FOR WHICH YOU WISH TO REGISTER. To register for a DCSS activity, fill out the class registration
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form in this newsletter and mail it with your check (payable to DCSS) to: Douglas County Senior Services, Leisure and Learning Department, 745 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044. Walk-ins are welcome. For information call 785-842-0543. • To register for a Lawrence Parks and Recreation activity, go to the Community Building, 115 W. 11th St., 832-7920 or register online at www.lprd.org. • To register for a Group Getaways trip, contact Darla Bass at 785-215-8875 or email: mygroupgetaways@gmail. com. More trip information available at http://www.
mygroupgetaways.net. DCSS refund/credit policy (applies to DCSS classes and events only): A full refund or credit will be given for all DCSS classes, events or trips 30 days prior to the class or event, except event tickets that are bought in advance and are non-refundable. Less than 30 days prior, refunds will be given for medical hardships, approved emergencies, and events canceled or rescheduled by the department. A 10 percent administrative charge will be deducted from refunds for cancellations less than one week in advance. Partial class scholarships may be available for seniors who qualify. Scholarships will be considered upon completion of application in the Leisure and Learning office. Reasonable accommodations can be made for special needs. Registrant must specify needs and provide information at time of enrollment. HEALTH & FITNESS Yoga for Every Body (Douglas County Senior Services) Tuesdays, March 1 - April 19, 3-4 p.m. Fee: $28. Location: Lawrence Senior Center/ Lawrence Public Library. Instructor: Susan Rieger. This gentle yoga class encourages freedom in all the joints, increases core and leg strength, improves balance, and leaves the participant
feeling mentally and physically relaxed and restored. Previous participants report feeling stronger, having more energy, and sleeping better. Please bring a yoga mat and wear clothes which allow you to move easily. Groovin’ Through Time (Lawrence Arts Center & Douglas County Senior Services) Wednesdays, February 24-April 6, 2-3:30 p.m., 6-weeks Fee: $66* Location: Lawrence Senior Center. Instructor: Ellie Goudie-Averill. Dance history, beginning in the Renaissance with the dawn of the minuet and moving all the way through the Charleston to the Electric Slide to today. Learn the most popular steps and movements of the chosen decade and discuss important dance performances that made waves at that time.*Adults ages 55yrs and over are eligible for the Live Lawrence Life Senior Scholarship! This scholarship covers 90% of the cost of tuition. Learn more and how to apply by contacting the Lawrence Arts Center. A.M. Walking Club (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Walking indoors is a chance to exercise in any weather, get your heart pumping and build friendships with other walkers. The public is welcome to walk in the gymnasiums at East Lawrence Recreation Center (7-9 a.m.) and Holcom Park
Recreation Center (7-11 a.m.), Monday through Friday. Walkers should plan to accommodate scheduled programming. For more information, contact the Recreation Center. Wednesday Walks (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Wednesday, March 23- May 11, 9-10 a.m. Varied locations, schedule provided following enrollment. Fee: $10. Instructor: Gayle Sigurdson. Walking with others increases your chance of success. This group will explore the many trails in the Lawrence Parks system. Most are paved with minimal grade changes. Meet at the trailhead at 9 a.m. and walk at your own pace for an hour. We
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will explore different walking techniques and support each other’s efforts.
Pickleball - Open Play (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Monday-Friday at Sports Pavilion Lawrence. For competitive, recreational and beginning players. Call Gayle at the Community Building, 832-7920, for specific days and times. There is no charge for open play. Personal Training (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Need help reaching your fitness goals? Lawrence Parks and Recreation has certified personal trainers to help you make your workouts safe, productive and successful.
Training and registration are available at all recreation centers. For more information, contact Gayle Sigurdson at 832-7920. Chair Exercise (Douglas County Senior Services) Wednesdays and Fridays (ongoing) 11-11:30 a.m. Fee: None. Location: Lawrence Senior Center.
EDUCATION, HOBBY & FINANCE Fundamentals of Estate Planning (Douglas County Senior Services & Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Thursday, March 10, 2-3:30 p.m.
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Fee: None. Location: Carnegie Building. Instructor: Robert Ramsdell. Death is a certainty, incapacity a possibility. You need to plan for both. Fundamentals of Estate Planning will help you create those plans. The class covers what happens under intestate succession if you die without a plan; the uses of a Will or Revocable Living Trust; an overview of probate administration; the impact of estate and gift taxes; nontestamentary transfer options, such as holding property in a joint tenancy; powers of attorney for financial and
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healthcare decision-making; Living Wills and Do Not Resuscitate Directives; and a very general overview of how limitations on Medicaid eligibility might affect your assets. The presentation lasts about an hour, followed by an open question-and-answer period. No need to register. AARP Smart Driver Course (Douglas County Senior Services) Thursday and Friday, March 17 & 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fee: $15 for AARP Members, $20 for non-members. Location: Lawrence Senior Center. Refresh your driving skills with the AARP Smart Driver Course. You will learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, and new traffic laws and rules of the road. Plus, there are no tests to pass; simply sign up and learn. Upon completion you could receive a multiyear discount on your car insurance. Lunch from noon to 1 p.m. on your own. Limited spots available, please call 842-0543 to register. Beginning Spanish (Douglas County Senior Services) Wednesdays, 1-2 p.m. (ongoing) Fee: None. Location: Lawrence Senior Center Board Room. Instructor: Jim Bennett. This course will stress some of the basics of the Spanish language
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and useful words and phrase. Bring your English to Spanish Dictionary.
Intermediate Spanish (Douglas County Senior Services) Mondays, 1-2 p.m. (ongoing) Fee: None. Location: Lawrence Senior Center Board Room. Instructor: Jim Bennett. Focus is on reading and conversation. Bring your English to Spanish Dictionary. Math Club (Douglas County Senior Services) Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:303:30 p.m. (ongoing) Fee: None. Location: Lawrence Senior Center Board Room. Instructor: Saul Stahl. Come stretch your mind and enjoy lively discussion! American Mah Jongg (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Thursdays, February 4 - March 10, 7-9 p.m. Fee: $35. Location: Carnegie Building. This fascinating rummy-like game was originally played solely by the Chinese ruling classes. Now with patience and a few lessons, anyone can master the intricacies of this classic game. Instructor: Pearl Neaves. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. Jewelry Design and Repair (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Sunday, March 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fee: $30. Location: Community Building . Instructor: Julie Kingsbury.
In this class you will learn basic beginning bead stringing techniques. We will explore design, spacing and placement. You will be able to create your own design with semi-precious stone beads and sterling silver and gold filled beads and clasps. Learn about various stringing materials, clasps and ear wire choices and you will leave with a finished bracelet and a pair of earrings that you can wear! Also, if you have beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are broken, you will leave with the knowledge to repair them yourself! If you own needle nose pliers, please bring them to class. All supplies included. Register at www.lprd. org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. Laughter Reigns - Join the Theatre Lawrence Vintage Players! The Vintage Players meet at 1:30 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Drive. Welcome to all seniors who like to laugh and have fun. The Vintage Players share skits and one-liners with each other at performances in the community. For more information on the Vintage Players, please call Mary Ann at Theatre Lawrence, 843-7469, ext. 201. TECHNOLOGY Computer 101 (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Tuesdays, February 23 - March 8, 2-3:30 p.m. Fee: $32. Location: Riverfront Computer Learning Center.
Designed for beginners or those with limited or no experience, this class will cover computer components, basic computer terminology, moving and copying folders and files, desktop shortcuts, and an introduction to the Internet with hands-on work at every lesson. Take home curriculum included. Instructor: Sharon Gan. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. Intro to iPads (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Tuesdays, February 9 March 8, 10-11:30 a.m. Fee: $56. Location: Community Building. Thinking about getting an iPad or already own one and not sure if you are getting the most out of it? This class will be a demonstration and learning session, so please bring your iPad with you. iPads will also be available during class. We will cover the basic operation of the device and apps for recreation, health, education, finance and socializing. Instructor: Karen Johnson. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. iPad Workshop-Photo Editing (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Wednesday, February 10, 2-4 p.m. Fee: $17. Location: Carnegie Building Are you interested in a specific skill or use of your ipad or
Apple computer? These classes are designed for a focused look at a specific use or application. This session will look at photo editing with Snapfish, Shutterfly, Flickr or Your Tablet App; how to edit, organize and share your photos, some printing options and a couple special projects. Instructor: Karen Johnson. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. iPad Workshop- Using your Tablet as a Reader (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Wednesday, March 9, 2-4 p.m. Fee: $17. Location: Carnegie Building. Instructor: Karen Johnson.
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discussion of pre-dealt hands which follow a step-by-step progression to facilitate the process of learning. Lessons are fun, friendly and interactive. Bring a friend and join the fun! Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center.
Writing Our Family Stories (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Wednesdays, March 23-April 13, 6-8 p.m. Fee: $38. Location: Carnegie Building. Instructor: Iris Wilkinson.
This course will provide guidance in collecting and writing your family stories. These stories help us stay Are you interested in a specific in touch with who we are. skill or use of your ipad or Preserving these stories will Apple computer? These classes help future generations know are designed for a focused look themselves better. We will use at a specific use or application. journaling methods and prompts This session will look at apps to inspire your words. Everyone for downloading books or can do this! Previous students magazines; iBooks, Kindle, are welcome to return- there audible.com or Zinio. Register are always more stories to tell. at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Register at www.lprd.org or any Recreation Center. Lawrence Recreation Center. Bridge 2 (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Wednesdays, March 9-April 6, 9-11 a.m. Fee: $40. Location: Indoor Aquatics Center. Instructor: Don Brennaman. This course is designed for the first time player or those interested in a review of basics. Classes follow Audrey Grant’s “Diamond Series� which concentrates on the Play of the Hand, Opening Leads and Scoring. Lessons focus on
Buy, Sell and Trade Safely on the Internet (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Mondays, March 21-April 11, 6-7 p.m. Fee: $32. Location: Carnegie Building. Instructor: Ashlee Roll-Gregory
Are you trying to downsize, but find that your stuff is too few or too valuable for a garage sale? This class will teach you how to successfully and safely use the internet to sell your items to a wider market. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. Computer 102 (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Tuesdays, March 22-April 5, 2-3:30 p.m. Fee: $32. Location: Riverfront Computer Learning Center. Instructor: Sharon Gan. This course is designed for the Internet newbie. We’ll be working exclusively with Firefox as our web browser. We’ll research pop-up and ad blockers, how to download files, and manage bookmarks, refine your searches and demystify internet
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security. Take home curriculum included. Basic computer skills required. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. Facebook Fluency (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Thursdays, March 10-31. 7-8 p.m. Fee: $32. Location: Riverfront Computer Lab. Instructor: Social Media Club of Lawrence. This class will start with creating a Facebook account and walk through how to safely use the many features that are available. Specific skills taught will include security features; posting pictures, links and videos; messaging and comments. It will end with a “brick wall� session to address individual questions and uses. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. ART Downtown Tuesday Painters (Douglas County Senior Services) Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fee:
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None. Location: Lawrence Senior Center Conference Room. Bring your painting project and supplies and join the Downtown Tuesday Painters. Acrylic Painting (Douglas County Senior Services) Saturdays (2nd and 4th), February 13 & 27. 9:30 a.m. - noon. Fee: $20 per session. Location: Lawrence Senior Center. Instructor: Lori Dalrymple. Techniques, styles and tips taught with acrylic paints on canvas or other surfaces. Designed for beginners and experienced painters alike. Class is designed as a drop-in session, so start anytime. Bring your own supplies, suggested supply list available from instructor. No registration required, fee of $20
applies to each drop-in session attended. MUSIC
New Horizons Band (Douglas County Senior Services) Fridays, 4 - 5 p.m. Location: Lawrence Senior Center. Band Directors John Towner and Robert Wolfersberger encourage anyone interested in playing to join. Dues are $5 for the year. Contact John Towner at 785-8653519 or 785-865-8851 (cell), or by email at towner@sunflower. com. Intergenerational Choir (Douglas County Senior Services) Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Location: Lawrence Senior Center. RESUMES FEB. 4. Seniors with an interest in
DANCING THROUGH THE
DECADES!
Friday, March 4, 20016 from 7-11:30 PM Maceli’s 1031 New Hampshire Lawrence, KS SUPPORTING:
A fundraiser as Trinity In-Home Care turns 40
SILENT AUCTION. FOOD. COMPLIMENTARY SIGNATURE COCKTAILS. CASH BAR. AND DANCING! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW:
www.tihc.org 785-842-3159
EVENT SPONSORS:
Early Bird (now thru Feb. 1): $18 each Feb. 2 thru at-the-door: $20 each Credit Card purchase fees apply. Kids under 12 are free!
singing are invited to join students from the University of Kansas to participate in an Intergenerational Choir. Sing popular music from yesterday and today. Led by music therapy students from KU. The Intergenerational Choir will rehearse, and perform once or twice a semester. Contact Becca Kurtz, beccakurtz@ku.edu. (Don’t have email? Call Janet at 842-0543.) Beginning Ukulele (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Wednesdays, February 10-March 9, 6-7 p.m. Fee: $29. Location: Carnegie Building. NSD Instructor: Linda Tilton. This beginning uke course will cover tuning, basic chords and beginning strum patterns. Share the fun while learning to play commonly known songs. Students brand new to ukulele are welcome! Ukuleles and tuners are not provided. If you are considering buying one, please contact the instructor before class and she will guide you in buying a good starter one. Come share the joy of Aloha! Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. Intermediate Ukulele (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Wednesdays, March 23-April 20, 6-7 p.m. Fee: $29. Location: East Lawrence Center. Instructor: Linda Tilton. Prerequisite: Minimum of two sessions Beginning Ukulele courses or prior consent from teacher. This course is for
ukulele players who already know basic chords and chord progressions. Focus is on fingerpicking, reading tablature and advanced chord shapes such as bar and diminished chord shapes. Ukuleles and tuners are not provided. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. ENTERTAINMENT Theatre Lawrence Dress Rehearsal (Douglas County Senior Services) “Deathtrap” - March 3, 7:30 p.m. A thriller comedy by Ira Levin. Gasp-inducing thrills and spontaneous laughter! A writer, whose recent offerings have been flops, struggles to overcome a “dry” spell by offering to collaborate with a student. Suspense mounts steadily as the plot begins to twist and turn and psychics offer advice. Note: Due to limited number of available dress rehearsal tickets, only 2 tickets will be allowed per request. Tickets will be distributed after a random drawing a week before the dress rehearsal date. DAY/SHORT TRIPS New Theatre - Moon over Buffalo (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Wednesday, April 13, 10:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Fee: $60. Location: Trip leaves from Community Building. In this hilarious comedy two fading stars of the 1950’s are
playing a comedy and a drama in rotation in Buffalo, New York. On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might have just one last shot at regaining their stardom. One perfect performance is all they need. Unfortunately, everything that can go wrong does go wrong and no on stage knows if they’re in the drama or comedy. This trip will be in the LPRD department bus. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. Registration deadline: March 11, 2016. Pella Iowa Tulip Festival (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Wednesday, May 4 - Friday, May 6. Fee: $384/double; $482/single. Price guaranteed until March 21 Join us for a wonderful spring tour to the annual Pella Tulip Time Festival in Pella, Iowa! Our 3 day journey includes some of Des Moines greatest venues including the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens, a guided tour of the beautiful Iowa State Capitol and, for HGTV fans we’ll visit West End Architectural Salvage for a fun filled scavenger hunt. We’ve devoted an entire day in Pella at the annual Tulip Time Festival and its many attractions. Set your own pace for Scholte House & Gardens, the Vermeer Windmill which anchors the 23 building Historical Village and reserved seating at the Grandstand Show & Parade. Registration and details available at any Lawrence Recreation Center or by contacting Gayle Sigurdson @gsigurdson@ lawrenceks.org
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Leisure and Learning CataLog
DaVinci: The Exhibition and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Thursday, March 24. Fee: $82/ early bird registration is $72 if payment received before February 12
This day features some real jewels of Kansas City. We will begin at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Our guided tour of the Center will include a historic overview of its development and highlight this architectural icon. Lunch is on your own at one of the many Crown Center dining choices. Our afternoon stop is historic Union Station for a hands-on exploration of one of history’s
greatest thinkers. Leonardo DaVinci was the original Renaissance man; artist, scientist, engineer, poet, inventor. The size of this exhibit provides an opportunity to explore DaVinci the inventor with 65 full size recreations of his most important inventions. They include a tank, submarine and helicopter conceived over 500 years ago. His life as an artist is examined in more than 20 fine art studies and dozens of stunning displays. Registration and details available at any Lawrence Recreation Center or by contacting Gayle Sigurdson @gsigurdson@ lawrenceks.org
ALSO HAPPENING AT THE SENIOR CENTER Popcorn Fridays (Ongoing) Every Friday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fee: None, but donations appreciated. Location: Lawrence Senior Center. Join us each Friday afternoon to enjoy a bag of freshly popped popcorn, just like you’d get at the movie theater. What a perfect snack to start off the weekend. Limit 1 free bag per person, while supplies last. Pool & Coffee (Ongoing) Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. Bingo (Ongoing) Thursdays, 11-11:45 a.m.
Home Health | Hospice | Rehabilitation | Help at Home (785) 843-3738
●
www.kansasvna.org
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FEBRUARY 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
retirement community at alvamar “building our community one resident at a time.” Make Arbor Court Retirement Community your next stop!
1 DCSS Caregiver Support Group, 2:15-3:45 p.m., Lawrence Senior Center. For information call Janet, 842-0543.
8 Free Blood Pressure Check, 11 a.m. to Noon, Lawrence Senior Center. Provided by Midland Care Connection. No appointment needed. 8 Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m., Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold. For information, call 842-5250 or 840-2768.
15 CLOSED for President’s Day
Call now for appointment 785-841-6845
ENJOY THE LUXURIES OF RETIREMENT! • 24 Hour Staffing • Scheduled transportation to physician’s appointments, entertainment and shopping • On-site laundry facilities • Covered Deck & Patio
• Social Activity Room • Complete apartment kitchens • Maintenance-free living including snow removal and landscaping • Complimentary housekeeping services • and so much more!
YOUR LIFE. YOUR STYLE. YOUR HOME. 1510 St Andrews Drive Lawrence, KS 66047 www.arborcourt-lawrence.com
18 Low Vision/Blind Outreach Ministry Dinner, 5:30-7 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center, 2104 Bob Billings Parkway (15th and Iowa St. adjacent to KU Campus). This group meets for dinners, social and speaker events, as well as day trips. RSVP encouraged for purpose of dinner reservations. Anyone in the community that is blind or has low vision is welcome. For information call 843-0620.
2016
10 Welcome to Medicare Meeting, 12 to 1 p.m., Lawrence Senior Center. Informational meeting for those new to Medicare. For information call 842-0543.
1st Month FREE RENT
17 Kansas Veteran’s Commission discussion of benefits for low-income veterans and surviving spouses, 1:30 p.m., Lawrence Senior Center. For information call Rick Massey at 843-5233.
16 Parkinson’s Support Group, 2 p.m., First Presbyterian Church. For more information call Elaine, 760-1026. 16 Stroke Support Group, 4 p.m., Lawrence Memorial Hospital. For more information call 785-505-2886. 17 Douglas County Coalition on Aging (DCCOA), 8 a.m., Lawrence Senior Center.
22 Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m., Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold. For information, call 842-5250 or 840-2768. The Lawrence Bridge Club meets Saturdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Contact Steven Bogler, 690-7071 or Lisa Smith, 856-5049 for more information. If you would like your meeting listed in the calendar of events, please contact DCSS at 842-0543.
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LEGALESE by Molly Wood
Q: My mother is in a nursing home recovering from a fall. She is in the rehabilitation part of the facility, and the social worker told her that she must go to another nursing home, rather than the long-term care portion of the facility she’s in, because she’s being “discharged” from Medicare. But she’s not well enough to go home. Can they make her move? A: Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often tell Medicare beneficiaries and their families that they intend to “discharge” a Medicare beneficiary because Medicare will not pay for the beneficiary’s stay under either Part A (traditional Medicare) or Part C (Medicare Advantage). Such a statement unfortunately misleads many beneficiaries into incorrectly believing, not only that Medicare has decided that it will not pay for the stay, but also that a SNF can evict a resident from the facility if it concludes that Medicare is unlikely to pay for the resident’s stay. The truth is that when a SNF tells a beneficiary that he or she is “discharged,” (1) at that point, Medicare has not yet made any determination about coverage, and (2) a resident cannot be evicted solely because Medicare will not pay for the stay.
Whether Medicare will pay for a resident’s stay is one question, determined by Medicare coverage rules and governed by various notices and appeal rights. Whether the resident can continue to live in a SNF is a totally separate question, determined by the Nursing Home Reform Law, which has its own distinct notice and appeal rights. Medicare Coverage Rules A SNF’s statement that Medicare will not pay for a beneficiary’s stay is the SNF’s determination; it is not Medicare’s determination. A Medicare beneficiary has the right to have Medicare make the coverage decision. Two processes are available: The “expedited” appeals process is intended to keep Medicare-covered services continuing, without interruption. The “standard” appeals process enables a beneficiary to seek Medicare payment for a SNF stay, but the nursing facility also must inform the resident of possible noncoverage and, if Medicare agrees that coverage is not appropriate, to shift the costs of care from the SNF to the beneficiary. These appeal rights have different notices and beneficiaries are entitled to receive both. The details of both processes are complex and time-consuming . . . and too much to write about in a newspaper article, but if you think your mother’s skilled care should be extended so that she has the best
chance of getting better and going home, she has the right to appeal the nursing home’s decision. Transfer and Discharge The federal Nursing Home Reform Law provides that a SNF (or nursing facility) must permit each resident to remain in the facility and must not transfer or discharge the resident from the facility unless: (i) The resident’s welfare cannot be met in the facility; (ii) The resident’s health has improved so that she no longer needs the services provided by the facility; (iii) The safety of individuals in the facility is endangered; (iv) The health of individuals in the facility would otherwise be endangered; (v) The resident has failed, after reasonable and appropriate notice, to pay - for a stay at the facility; or (vi) The facility ceases to operate. Generally the nursing facility must give the resident advance written notice of its intention to transfer or
discharge the resident so that the resident can exercise her appeal rights. The nursing facility must also conduct “sufficient preparation and orientation to residents to ensure safe and orderly transfer or discharge from the facility.” If Medicare does not pay for a resident’s stay, that is, “discharged from Medicare coverage,” the resident must have another source of payment. But as long as your mother can pay privately or has applied for Medicaid assistance, she can’t be discharged from the facility involuntarily. (Editor’s Note: Molly M. Wood is a partner at Stevens & Brand, LLP in Lawrence, Kansas where she confines her practice to Elder Law, especially seniors with long-term care issues. If you have a legal question or concern, call the Kansas Elder Law Hotline, a toll-free legal advice and referral service for Kansas Seniors, 1-(888)-353-5337. An Elder Law Project attorney is available in Lawrence by appointment at Douglas County Senior Services, 842-0543.)
VIEVE LIFE | SHARE LIFE Right where you live. Referral and resources for senior care and living.
Auctioneers 800-887-6929
785-813-1851 www.vievehealth.org
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ESTATE PLANNING:
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60 & Better Page 15
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO DELIVER MEALS The DCSS Senior Meals Program needs volunteer delivery drivers to take lunch to homebound seniors. Meals delivery is a much needed service that helps seniors remain in their homes. It is a very rewarding volunteer experience, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. To volunteer, or for more information, contact the DCSS Senior Meals program at 785-842-0543.
O.U.R.S. Dances
(Oldsters United for Responsible Service) February 2016 PLEASE NOTE: All Dances are held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Eagles, 1803 W 6th St. Carry-in meal at 7:15 p.m. Cover charge is $6 per person. Everyone welcome.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Country Melody Barbed Wire SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Dr. Cook’s Medicine (Business Meeting 5 p.m.) Show Borderline Country
DCSS Board of Directors Judy Wright, Chair
Judy Bellome, Vice Chair
Doni Mooberry, Treasurer
Steve Tesdahl, Secretary
Kelly Calvert Dennis Domer
Hank Booth Dr. Phil Godwin
Ernesto Hodison Ellen Paulsen
ATTENTION ALL SENIORS! In case of bad weather please listen to KLWN 1320 AM radio for closing of senior center, meals and activities. Information will also be available on TV station KMBC Channel 9 and cable Channel 6.
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Oticon Dynamo: Super Power hearing aid, More speech details! If you are very hard of hearing, you know all too well there’s a long way from hearing sounds to making sense of them. Even with a “powerful” hearing aid, critical high frequency sounds are often lost, making it hard to catch the meaning. Developed for people with severe to profound hearing loss, Oticon Dynamo hearing aids fill in the missing speech details so that you understand more and can stay in the conversation. Thanks to Oticon’s innovative Speech Rescue™ technology, Dynamo takes the high frequencies that often go lost – such as ‘s’ and ‘th’ sounds – and moves them to a lower frequency range that you can hear. As a result, your brain gets access to the full spectrum of sounds, rescuing speech cues that would otherwise be lost and giving you a more complete sound experience.
Call Gerald Whiteside, Au.D., CCC-A, to schedule a free consultation.
785-843-8479 1112 W. 6th St. Ste. 100 Lawrence, KS www.marstonhc.com
Editor: Janet Ikenberry Executive Director: Gary Nelson
Printer: Lawrence Journal-World 609 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS 66044 Douglas County Senior Services, Inc., is funded by Douglas County Mill Levy • Older Americans Act through the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging • Kansas Department on Aging • Kansas Department of Transportation • special grants • project income • fund-raising activities • and your donations. Douglas County Senior Services, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or size. If you feel that you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint with Douglas County Senior Services. 842-0543. (TDD: 1-800-766-3777). Toll free: 1-877-295-DCSS (1-877-295-3277) On the web: dgcoseniorservices.org