November 2015 Volume 42 No. 11
MISSION: To create opportunities that allow older residents of Douglas County to remain independent and active in their homes and communities. VISIT US AT WWW.DGCOSENIORSERVICES.ORG
NEW DIRECTOR TAKES THE HELM AT DCSS
INSIDE Leisure and Learning Catalog ������ PG 6 Band Schedule �����������������������������PG 11 Calendar�������������������������������������� PG 12
Legalese ��������������������������������������� PG 13
LawrenceArts Center “A KANSAS NUTCRACKER”
Preview Stop by the Lawrence Senior Center on Sunday, November 22 at 1:30 p.m. to see the “battle scene” from the Lawrence Arts Center production of “A Kansas Nutcracker.” The troupe has been holding rehearsals at the Senior Center on Saturdays in preparation for their performances at the Lawrence Arts Center this holiday season. The preview will be from 1:40 to 2 p.m.
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.
Douglas County Senior Services has a new Executive Director. Gary Nelson officially started the job in September and spent the first weeks learning how the agency operates, and getting to know its staff, partners, and participants. New to Lawrence, Nelson is a native Kansan, born and raised in Lindsborg, a rural farming community in central Kansas with a strong Swedish heritage. There he received a good education with a strong emphasis on the fine arts, especially music. Aside from a stint in the U.S. Army and a few years in Colorado, Kansas has been New DCSS Executive Director Gary Nelson. home for Gary and his wife Karen, to whom he has been married 35 years. They have two daughters, two sons-inlaw, and a granddaughter. “We are happy to be living in Lawrence and had planned to do so for the past few years,” Nelson reports. Nelson recently retired from a career in education. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education and went on to teach various science classes, including Biology, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Chemistry, and Physics. “I wanted to help my students understand how amazing the concept of life is, the complexity, similarities and differences among all life forms,” he said. Going on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education Administration, Nelson worked through various positions, finishing his career at the district level as superintendent of schools. He truly enjoyed working in the educational environment and has many fond memories of students, staff and parents. Nelson’s extensive experience working with people from all walks of life, and his strong desire to continue serving his community led him to apply for the job at DCSS. He said, “I am glad that I have been given the opportunity to be Executive Director of Douglas County Senior Services. I look forward to working with our Board and all of our staff to continue to move forward in our service to Douglas County senior citizens.”
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Leisure and Learning CataLog
Continued from page 9
Acrylic Painting (Douglas County Senior Services) Saturdays (every other), November 14 & 28. 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 dropin 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 785865-3519 or 785-865-8851 (cell), or by email at towner@ sunflower.com. Intergenerational Choir (Douglas County Senior Services) Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Location: Lawrence Senior Center. Seniors with an interest in 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
Trinity In-Home Care Services: Light Housekeeping Meal Preparation Grocery Shopping Personal Care Daily Living Support Mobility Assistance
Companionship Medication Reminders Local Transportation Community Integration Caregiver Relief Respite Care
w w w. t i h c . o r g • P h o n e : ( 7 8 5 ) 8 4 2 - 3 1 5 9
rehearse, and perform once or twice a semester. Contact Becca Kurtz, beccakurtz@ku.edu. (Don’t have email? Call Janet at 842-0543.) ENTERTAINMENT Theatre Lawrence Dress Rehearsal (Douglas County Senior Services) Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” December 3 Regional Premiere! Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slather; book by Doug Wright, based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney films. In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eighttime Academy Award winner Alan Menken, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” 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 Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) (Lawrence Parks and Recreation)
Wednesday, December 2, 12:452:30pm Fee: $12 Location: Trip leaves from Holcom Recreation Center Are you aware that technology breakthroughs and new discoveries related to climate change, sea level, and polar ice sheets come from here in Lawrence at the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets? Join us as we learn about internationally respected field research in the Arctic and Antarctic, education and outreach activities based here at the University of Kansas. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. 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.
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. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RIDES.
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.
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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 and Robert Wolfersberger 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.
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.
NOVEMBER 6 - Rehearsal 13 - Meadowlark Estates, 4430 Bauer Farm Drive 20 - Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold Drive @ 4:15 p.m. 27 - CLOSED (Thanksgiving Break)
For Reservations or information about rides in Baldwin City call 785-594-3376.
DECEMBER 4 - Pioneer Ridge Assisted
Living (West), 4851 Harvard 11 - Rehearsal 18 - Arbor Court, 1510 St. Andrews Drive 25 - CLOSED (Christmas Holiday) JANUARY 1 - 2016 - CLOSED (New Yearís Break) 8 - Rehearsal
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO DELIVER MEALS Do you have an hour or so to spare around lunch time? How about helping the Senior Meals program deliver meals to homebound seniors? Volunteers are needed now! Summer is a particularly challenging time for the program, as we lose student volunteers, and others have summer travel plans. This is a very rewarding volunteer experience, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. To become a volunteer meal delivery driver, or for more information, contact the DCSS Senior Meals program at 785-842-0543.
Home Health | Hospice | Rehabilitation | Help at Home (785) 843-3738
●
www.kansasvna.org
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NOVEMBER 2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2 DCSS Caregiver Support Group, 2:15-3:45 p.m., Lawrence Senior Center. For information call Janet, 842-0543. 3 Grief Support Group, 10:30 a.m., Grace Hospice, 1420 Wakarusa, Ste. 202. For information call Dave Jenkins, 85-228-0400.
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6 Lawrence Chronic Illness Support Group, Location varies. Please call Rachel at 979-5393 or Jean at 865-0016 for information.
For more information call 785-505-2886.
17 Grief Support Group, 10:30 a.m., Grace Hospice, 1420 Wakarusa, Ste. 202. For information call Dave Jenkins at 785-228-0400. 18 Douglas County Coalition on Aging (DCCOA), 8 a.m., Lawrence Senior Center. 19 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.
2015
9 Free Blood Pressure Check, 11 a.m. to Noon, Lawrence Senior Center. Provided by Midland Care Connection. No appointment needed. 9 Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m., Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold. For information, call 842-5250 or 840-2768.
11 Welcome to Medicare Meeting, 12 to 1 p.m., Lawrence Senior Center. Informational meeting for those new to Medicare. For information call 842-0543.
16 DCSS Caregiver Support Group, 2:15-3:45 p.m., Lawrence Senior Center. For information call Janet, 842-0543. 17 Parkinson’s Support Group, 2 p.m., First Presbyterian Church. For more information call Elaine, 760-1026. 17 Stroke Support Group, 4 p.m., Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
23 Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m., Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold. For information, call 842-5250 or 840-2768. 26 & 27 CLOSED for Thanksgiving Holiday 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
dumping all her Medicare patients, she can’t use the extra payments to pay for anything that Medicare covers. MDVIP touts its wellness program as including: Q: My doctor is going to “concierge medicine.” I have to pay $1,650 per year if I want to continue with her, but she’ll still bill Medicare and my supplemental health insurance for services. How does she get around the limits on what can be charged to Medicare? A: There must be a lot of money in this. The August 24, 2015 article in the LJWorld reported that the concierge practice model would limit the number of the physician’s patients to 600; at $1,650 per patient, that’s almost $1 million paid to the practice before any services are provided. Presumably, some of your $1,650 goes to MDVIP, the “franchiser” for this medical practice model. MDVIP started in 2000 in Florida, has over 300 practices in multiple states, and was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2009. According to MDVIP’s brochure, concierge medicine is “compatible with Medicare.” But the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ policy is that only a physician who has opted out of Medicare for all patients can charge extra for Medicare-covered services. So unless your doctor is
• Screenings for diabetes, bone density, hearing, vision, heart disease, respiratory disease, nutrition and fitness, weight management, and sexual and emotional health; • Comprehensive lab and diagnostic tests; and • An annual wellness plan including preventive services. But according to Medicare’s Benefit Policy Manual, since 2011 Medicare covers an Annual Wellness Visit providing a personalized preventive services plan which includes: • An annual health risk assessment; • Establishment of a 5 - 10 year schedule of screenings and preventive services; • Personalized health education related to nutrition, weight management, exercise, smoking cessation, and chronic disease management; and • Flu shot, cervical or prostate cancer screening, lab tests, and referrals for additional screening or preventive services, as indicated. So if your doctor is billing Medicare and your supplemental insurance for the services it
covers, it doesn’t seem as though the wellness and preventive services you’d be getting from the concierge practice can be paid with your annual $1,650 fee without violating Medicare’s rules. Comparing the MDVIP brochure information with Medicare’s covered services, the only things I could isolate that were outside traditional Medicare were: • coordination with specialist care, • same or next-day appointments that start on time, and • 24-hour physician availability by phone or pager. Almost all Medicare beneficiaries pay at least $1,200 annually for Part B coverage that’s the $104.90 (2015) deducted from your Social Security every month - which covers doctor’s visits after you’ve paid the $147 (2015) annual deductible. As you suggest in your question, almost all Medicare beneficiaries pay $200 - 300 per month for “Medi-gap” insurance that covers co-pays and deductibles; somewhere between
$2,400 and $3,600 annually. So you’re already out-of-pocket $3,000 to $4,000 each year before you set foot in your doctor’s office. Add $1,650 to that, and you’re pushing $5,000 per year. Only individual Medicare beneficiaries can decide whether it’s affordable. (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 longterm 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.)
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O.U.R.S.
(Oldsters United for Responsible Service) Dances • November 2015 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 $7 per person. Everyone welcome.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Country Melody
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Dr. Cook’s Medicine Show
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 (Business Meeting 5 p.m.)
Borderline Country
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Rural Route
Barbed Wire
AICR HEALTHTALK Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN American Institute for Cancer Research
How long do jars of spices and dried herbs last? Spices and dried herbs do not spoil, but eventually they do lose some of their flavor. Stored as recommended, you can usually count on seeds and whole spices (such as cumin and dill seeds, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks and peppercorns) staying fresh for three or four years. Ground spices (including cinnamon and ground pepper) stay flavorful for one to three years. Hold onto dried green herbs (such as basil and oregano) for six months to three years, watching for fading color and flavor to guide you. Although these seasonings may look attractive displayed over the stove, exposure to heat and moisture can make them lose flavor faster. Instead, store them in airtight containers away from the heat, moisture and light that speed up their deterioration. If you have room in a cabinet or drawer, that is the ideal way to store them. Although research is growing on the potential of herbs and spices as sources of healthprotective phytochemicals, it’s not clear how content changes during storage. For now, it looks like these shelf life recommendations are advisable to maintain potential health benefits as well as flavor.
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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
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INCOME TAX VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AARP Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service, is looking for more volunteers to help low- and moderate-income families prepare and file their individual tax returns next season. Volunteers do not need to be an AARP member or retiree to participate. We do need volunteers to have basic computer skills and the personal drive necessary to learn and become proficient with new tax preparation software provided by the IRS. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are provided access to all computer equipment and training materials required and receive comprehensive tax training in January. They learn new skills while making a real difference in their communities.
WINTER BIRD FEEDING CLASS November 21
Are you interested in knowing a bit more about birds? Take this class and learn which birds will likely visit your feeders and which kinds of seed are preferred by many of the common species found in your back yard. By choosing the best selection of feeder and seeds, you’ll be able to bring birds close enough for easy identification. Lawrence Parks and Recreation is offering this class at the Lawrence Senior Center (745 Vermont St.) on Saturday, November 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Instructors are Ron and Joyce Wolf. The cost is $5, and you can register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. Call 785-8327920 for more information.
Tax preparation will begin February 1, 2016 and run through April 15, 2016. Contact Sarah Merriman at 785-813-1136 or by email at smerriman@swbell.net.
HELP WITH MEDICARE DRUG PLANS The Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period continues through December 7. The Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) program at DCSS can help you navigate the new Medicare Part D Plans. It is important to reevaluate your Part D (prescription) coverage each year, as plans and prescriptions may change. Assistance is available by appointment at The Lawrence Senior Center. Please call 842-0543 for scheduling. We will be in Baldwin City and Eudora this month. Help is available at the following sites on a first come, first served basis:
- BALDWIN CITY, ROBERTS DRUG STORE November 3, 9 a.m. to noon - BALDWIN CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY November 17, 9 a.m. to noon - EUDORA PUBLIC LIBRARY November 10, 9 a.m. to noon
ANNUAL HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STARTS THIS MONTH The holidays are just around the corner, and this year, as in years past, DCSS is asking for your help to make the holidays brighter for those in need through our “Adopt a Senior” program. We take applications from low income seniors and match them with volunteers from the community who provide them with items from their “wish list.” In the interest of both parties, adoptions are anonymous. If you are interested in adopting a senior this year, please call the Community Services Department at DCSS, 842-0543. There are numerous ways to participate. A typical adoption may cost up to $100. If you wish to adopt, but have a tight budget, we can arrange a partial adoption. If you would like to help, but hate to shop - we’ll gladly do your shopping for you. Cash donations are happily accepted. DCSS will take applications for assistance through November 13, and begin assigning adopters shortly thereafter. Adopters are asked to bring their gifts to the Lawrence Senior Center on Thursday, December 17. Call Janet at 842-0543 for more information.
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EMV CARD, CHIP AND SIGNATURE CARD, SMART CARD - Just a Few of the Names for Our New Credit Cards A Letter From District Attorney Charles Branson October 1 was a rather important day in the world of credit cards. I bet you heard about the new credit cards and maybe wondered what all the fuss was about. In this month’s article, I would like to give you some background information on the new credit cards, provide information on where we are as a nation on the credit card transition process and information on where the industry appears to be heading. For years, the United States has lagged behind many other countries in credit card technology. One reporter described it as if the rest of the world was using an iPod and the U.S. is still using eight-track technology. So after dragging their feet for many years, the massive computer network security breaches of several large companies by hackers during 2014 forced the industry to forge ahead with security enhancements. Credit card companies are in the process of replacing millions of credit cards in the wallets of U.S. consumers from the out-dated magnetic strip cards to the new cards that are known as EMV (EuroPay, MasterCard and Visa) cards, smart cards, chip and pin or chip and signature
cards. While the cards have many monikers, the unifying element is that the cards contain a tiny computer chip within the card that helps protect against fraud. Stores are being forced to either update their credit card machines to machines that can utilize the new card or possibly face financial consequences, but more on that topic below. Do not worry if you have not received a new card yet. Credit card companies are still in the process of replacing the magnetic strip cards, but if you are concerned, you can always contact your specific credit card company and ask them when you should expect your new card and even ask if they will send you a new one now. The October 1 deadline was more important to merchants as that was the date when if they did not have credit card readers that utilized the chip and if a fraudulent credit card transaction takes place, the liability may now be on the merchant instead of the credit card company for the transaction. The new EMV cards will be more secure for several different reasons. First of all the technology that goes into the creation of a computer chip
is simply a much higher tech function to try to duplicate than a magnetic strip. Fraudsters are capable of fairly easily duplicating the magnetic strip as the information contained on it is static and does not change from transaction to transaction. The EMV card chip creates a unique code for every transaction and the code cannot be re-issued. The EMV cards can be issued with a PIN number although it appears that in the United States that for the foreseeable future this feature may be fairly limited in availability and that most cards will instead be used only with a signature. As great as the new EMV cards are in the fight against fraud, they unfortunately do nothing to protect people against online or telephone fraud, where a credit card processing machine cannot be used. Another threat to the EMV card is that the data on the magnetic strip which is still contained on an EMV card can be stolen if the credit card processing machine is infected with data capturing malware. The Federal Bureau of Investigation recommends that consumers should closely safeguard the security of their EMV cards. This includes
being vigilant in handling, signing and activating a card as soon as it arrives in the mail, reviewing credit card statements for irregularities and promptly reporting lost or stolen cards to the issuing bank. I wish the new cards would completely wipe out credit card fraud, but the reality is that EMV cards are another tool in our arsenal to fight fraud. If you believe you have been a victim of credit card fraud, contact your local law enforcement office and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.IC3. gov. My office’s professional consumer protection staff is always ready to serve you. If you need their assistance, please call 785-330-2849. We are proud to serve the citizens of Douglas County. (Some of the information in this article came from the Internet Crime Complaint Center. The information in this article is not intended to provide legal advice. Legal advice can only be provided in an attorney-client relationship. This information must not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a licensed attorney.)
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SAFE WINTER WALKWAYS Signup this Month
Douglas County Senior Services is partnering with the City of Lawrence again this winter on the Safe Winter Walkways program. The goal of this program is to keep public walkways clear and safe for pedestrians. To request volunteer assistance in removing snow from your public walkway, call 832-3338 before November 20. No application will be processed after November 20. Every effort will be made to match those needing assistance with a volunteer. However, volunteers are still needed. To volunteer, please call 832-3338, or go online at www.lawrenceks.org. This is a wonderful opportunity for able bodied folks to help their neighbors.
Learn What to Expect at “Welcome to Medicare” November 11
Are you new to Medicare? Do you have questions? Join Community Services Program Assistant and Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) Coordinator Barbara Sutterfield for this overview of the Medicare program from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday November 11. Participants are free to bring their lunch. For more information please contact Barbara at Douglas County Senior Services, 785-842-0543 or toll free 1-877-295-3277.
Arbor Court at Alvamar
M istletoee Retirement Community
2015
November 14th
arkett
9am-4pm
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK Need your blood pressure checked? Midland Care Connection will be providing free blood pressure checks for seniors at the Lawrence Senior Center on Monday, November 9 from 11 a.m. to noon. It’s wise to monitor your blood pressure as part of your ongoing health regimen. What could be easier than stopping by the Lawrence Senior Center on the second Monday of the month for a quick check? No appointment necessary. Just drop in
DCSS Board of Directors Dennis Domer, Chair
Judy Wright, Vice Chair
Kathy Clausing-Willis, Secretary
Doni Mooberry, Treasurer
Judy Bellome Kelly Calvert
Dr. Phil Godwin Hank Booth Ellen Paulsen
Steve Tesdahl Ernesto Hodison
building our community one resident at a time Call now for appointment 785-841-6845 1510 ST. Andrews Dr. | Lawrence, KS
1st month Rent
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November is National Family Caregivers Month National Family Caregivers Month is observed every November and seeks to draw attention to the many challenges facing family caregivers. At Douglas County Senior Services, we are committed to serving caregivers in the community. Our Caregiver Support Group meets on the first and third Monday of each month from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m. at the Lawrence Senior Center. This group is open to caregivers of all ages and provides an opportunity to share feelings and discuss issues with other caregivers. DCSS has a caregiver resource library with helpful books, publications, DVDs and other educational materials. Made possible by donations from Altrusa International, Inc. of Lawrence, our “Altrusans Care Library” is available to anyone wanting to learn more about caregiving and related topics.
Sign up for CHAMPSS meals program! Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meals Plan Solutions for Seniors (CHAMPSS) offers seniors age 60 and over choices of what they eat, where they eat and when they eat. Come join the growing number of seniors who enjoy the flexibility of dining options that accommodate their active lifestyles. A registered CHAMPSS member can obtain a CHAMPSS meal at any participating location simply by swiping their CHAMPSS card. Participating locations in Lawrence include both
Hy-Vee Stores, as well as several Dillon’s stores. Menus are approved by a registered dietitian. Orientation programs are held monthly at the Lawrence Public Library. The next one will be held November 2, from 2 to 3 p.m. Qualifying individuals will be given the opportunity to sign up for CHAMPSS.To learn more about the program and/or register, contact Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging: 785-235-
1367; 800-798-1366; TDD/TTY 800-776-3777; jhawkaaa.org.
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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 form
Leisure and Learning CataLog
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, November 3 December 15, 3-4 p.m. Fee: $25. Location: Lawrence Senior Center. Instructor: Susan Rieger. This gentle yoga class encourages freedom in all the joints, increases core and leg strength, improves balance,
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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. 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 (7-10 a.m.) and Holcom Park Recreation Center (7-11 a.m.), Monday through Friday. Walkers
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should plan to accommodate scheduled programming. For more information, contact the Recreation Center, 832-7950.
Pickleball - Open Play (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Monday-Friday at Lyons Park and 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. Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (Lawrence Parks and Recreation and DCSS) Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 10-December 17, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fee: $30 Location: Lawrence Sports Pavilion This community based exercise program is designed specifically for people with arthritis and
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related diseases, but open to anyone. The programs multiple components help reduce pain and stiffness and help maintain or improve mobility, muscle strength and functional ability. The variety of exercises are designed for people of all levels of ability. Instructor is certified by the Arthritis Foundation. Class offered in partnership with Douglas County Senior Services. Instructor: Rebecca Clancy. Register at www.lprd. org or any Lawrence Recreation Center. Senior Strength Training Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 10-December 10,
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9-10 a.m. Fee: $30 Location: East Lawrence Center Strength training for seniors is effective in improving balance (preventing falls), strengthening major muscle groups, and increasing muscle mass and bone density. The class is designed to include functional movement patterns that enhance daily living activities. A variety of strength training equipment will be used, including free weights,
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and resistance bands. Class includes a warm-up period and a post-workout stretch. NOTE: A physician’s release is required prior to beginning of class. Instructor: Deb Geraghty. Register at www. lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center.
Get ready to mix it up! This class is perfect for the stepper looking for something new. Fun step combinations will torch calories and get your heart pumping. Instructor: Susan Pomeroy. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center.
Chair Exercise (Douglas County Senior Services) Wednesdays and Fridays (ongoing) 11-11:30 a.m. Fee: None. Location: Lawrence Senior Center.
Silver Steppers (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Wednesdays, November 11-December 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $19 Location: East Lawrence Center
Silver N’ Fit (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Tuesday/Thursday, November 10-December 17, 8:30-9:20 a.m. Fee: $30 Location: Sports Pavilion Lawrence
AARP Smart Driver Course (Douglas County Senior Services) Thursday and Friday, November 12 and 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fee: $15 for AARP Members, $20 for non-members. Location: Lawrence Senior Center.
In this class you will work with hand weights, stability ball, resistance bands and your own body weight. We’ll get you moving and grooving to the music you’re going to remember and love! Instructor: Kristen Spencer. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center.
Offering you Quality and Services Above the Rest Nine Deficiency Free Surveys Restaurant Style Dining Still One All Inclusive Price for Care and Services
Stop by today and talk with Director Sue Brown. 321 Crimson Avenue, Baldwin City, KS • 785-594-4255
Pedal Pushers- Cycling Class (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Fridays, November 13-December 18, 11:15noon. Fee: $23 Location: Community Building Indoor cycling increases endurance and strength in your lower body, core and upper body. This is a beginning class for older adults. Bikers can modify their cycling resistance and pace according to their own fitness level. Instructor: Melanie Johnson. Register at www.lprd.org or any Lawrence Recreation Center.
EDUCATION, HOBBY & FINANCE
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. Fundamentals of Estate Planning (Douglas County Senior Services & Lawrence Parks and Recreation) Tuesday, November 10, 6-7:30 p.m. Fee: None. Location: Lawrence Senior Center. 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 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. 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 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)
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Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. (ongoing) Fee: None. Location: Lawrence Senior Center Board Room. Instructor: Saul Stahl. Come stretch your mind and enjoy lively discussion!
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 Café (Lawrence Parks and Recreation) This time is an opportunity to meet with other computer users
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and an instructor to problem solve or learn about new apps, websites and other ways technology can ease our lives. Drop-in and enroll ($5 fee) onsite at the Carnegie Building on the second Tuesday of each month from noon-1:30.
Martin-Harmon, associate director of community engagement, leads a talk on objects collected for the Museum’s Classroom Collection, including objects from Africa donated by African Studies Professor Beverly Mack.
ART
December 10 - Provenance: How Objects Have Entered the Collection - Kate Meyer, Spencer assistant curator for works on paper, leads a lively discussion of how certain objects came into the Museum’s collection.
Spencer Museum of Art Senior Sessions Cosponsored by the Spencer Museum of Art and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kansas, Senior Sessions are offered on select Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. All sessions for the fall semester will be held at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, located west of Kasold, off Bob Billings Parkway and 15th St. on St. Andrews Drive (1515 St. Andrews Drive). Accessible parking is available. Osher. ku.edu; spencerart.ku.edu. November 12 - The Spencer Museum of Art Classroom Collection: Part II - Amanda
Downtown Tuesday Painters (Douglas County Senior Services) Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fee: None. Location: Lawrence Senior Center Conference Room. Bring your painting project and supplies and join the Downtown Tuesday Painters.
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