A program of Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York
Volume 17, Number 6
June 2021
FEATURED VIRTUAL PROGRAMS The idea that oral bacteria may contribute to disease in other parts of the body is not new information; several studies show that oral health and overall health are indeed connected. This presentation will help connect the independent systems of our body, and discuss how they are integral in keeping us healthy and happy. Topics will include plaque bacteria biofilm, Diabetes, periodontal disease, tooth decay and diet. This program will be presented by Professor Jeffrey McMinn, RDH, MA from Hudson Valley Community College. He is an educator with over 25 years of clinical experience in the dental field as well as 17 years as a professor.
Aaron F. Carbone, Esq., partner at Vella, Carbone & Associates, LLP, and Jessica Backer Brand, Esq., firm associate, will present on the importance of having a properly drafted Power of Attorney (POA). They will discuss everything from physical and financial incapacitation and planning (including Medicaid benefits) to choosing the best agent for you. Changes occurring to the POA format beginning in June 2021 will also be covered. You will have the opportunity to ask general questions regarding the POA and other general estate planning questions.
Oscar-Claude Monet was a French painter, a founder of French Impressionist painting, and the most consistent and prolific practitioner of the movement's philosophy of expressing one's perceptions before nature, especially as applied to plein-air landscape painting. In this program, Martie Teumim, a Master Gardener at Cornell Cooperative Extension, will present about Monet from his early years, to his painting, to his love of gardening. This talk is accompanied by pictures of his paintings and his house and gardens at Giverny.
NNORC Director Jennifer Plouffe, MSW
Senior Health Ed. Coord. Judi England, RN, LMT
Director of Programs Marla Gornstein, LMSW
Community Nurse
Chair Yoga is an gentle and effective way to increase flexibility and fitness AND kick the pandemic stiffness to the curb! We’ll stretch, breathe, and ease our way to increased wellness. Stick around after class on June 8 & 22 for a shared 15-minute practice of meditation and mindfulness. If you miss a class, you can view it on the JFS YouTube channel; just search JFSNENY.
Susan Hoffman, RN
Director of Community Care Erin Plonka, LMSW
Director of Marketing Monica Tan
Residents’ Council Kristin Barron Phyllis Cohen Eric Copland Jim Dennehey Leslie Dykeman Julie Elson Maria Hazapis Jeffery Marks Victor Reiner Olga Tenney Maryellen Casey Usis
As the weather gets even nicer, we’re not slowing down with our safe and fun community walks! This month, we’ll meet up at the Albany County HelderbergHudson Rail Trail. Bring your mask and join some of your NNORC friends to catch up and have fun. Please plan to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. We’ll meet up at the Slingerlands entrance where the path is paved and flat. The parking lot is located at 839 Kenwood Avenue in Slingerlands. Please contact us if you have questions about this location.
Program Partners Lead Agency: Jewish Family Services B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation Catholic Charities Community Caregivers Congregation Beth Emeth First Congregational Church Helderberg Neighborhood Association Jewish Federation of NENY Maria College Mater Christi Parish Center Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany St. Peter’s Hospital St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Life Path Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center Temple Israel
NNORC is a Program of
This project is supported by funding from the New York State Office for the Aging. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the grantee and do not necessarily represent the official view of the New York State Office for the Aging.
@Your Albany NNORC
What is your favorite summer dish? Do you want to try out a new recipe? Summer means more fresh fruits and vegetables and grilling. What ideas do you want to share with the group? While we can’t share food, we’re excited to be back in person. Cook the Book, summer edition, will be meeting outside at Congregation Beth Emeth (100 Academy Road, Albany), if the weather cooperates. Please bring a lawn chair and your mask! If the forecast doesn’t look good, we will meet over Zoom. Cook the Book will not meet in July, but we’ll meet again in August.
This month we are reading, The Answer Is...Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek. This memoir of the beloved late Jeopardy host is an illuminating look at his storied career and life, filled with fun anecdotes, life lessons, and answers to some of your most burning Jeopardy questions. Please save the date for the next Book Club on Monday, July 26. Book title to be announced in the July NNORC News.
The NNORC Resident Council is an opportunity to voice your opinions on NNORC programs, make suggestions, and stay up-to-date on all things happening in your Albany NNORC. This is an open meeting for everyone!
In celebration of National Ice Cream Month, we’re having our ice cream social -- one of our favorite summer programs! Join us for a socially-distant, outdoors program featuring trivia, fun, friends, and of course, ice cream! We are looking forward to seeing you in person. Location to be announced in the July newsletter. Our hope is for a beautiful, sunny day, but in the event of rain, this program will be held over Zoom.
Let’s Talk Albany will meet over Zoom for this program. The topic will be announced in the July newsletter.
We’re taking a break from the Zoom programs and heading outside for another walk. The location will be announced in the July newsletter.
Unless otherwise noted, NNORC will continue to offer programs via Zoom (online video and audio conferencing). Your neighbors have been “attending” our programs using their computers, tablets and smartphones. Some have even called in to participate. If you would like to register for any of the programs above, please call 518514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org. We will give you an access link or phone number for you to participate. New to Zoom? Contact us for a oneon-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you!
We are delighted to announce our new Director, Jennifer Plouffe. She has over 15 years of geriatric social work experience, working with older adults in a variety of settings including hospice and multiple aging –friendly communities. Most recently, Jennifer was the Director of Aging Service for Bennington County at the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA). While there, she was part of a variety of working groups including the APS (Adult Protective Services) advisory committee to the commissioner of the Department of Disabilities Aging and Independent Living (DAIL). Prior to that, she was the Community Social Worker for Better Housing Coalition in Richmond, VA, helping older adults age in place in the least restrictive environment and in the setting of their choice. The concept of a NNORC is not new to Jennifer. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University, earning her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees. While pursuing her graduate degree, she interned at JFS of Richmond where one of her capstone projects was researching the many different NNORC models across the country. She also worked for JFS’s program “Independence for Seniors”, helping lower income residents age in place while assessing for any emerging or unmet needs and assisting residents with accessing needed services and supports. In her free time, Jennifer exercises her passion for animal rescue, organic gardening, taking care of her menagerie of four-legged fur kids (all rescues), and spending time with her mother, brothers, niece, and nephews. “I am excited and proud to join the JFS NNORC team and look forward to many years of collaboration working as the NNORC program director,” said Jennifer. Guess what? We are too!
Nothing beats the passing of winter in the Northeast. We all yearn for some milder temperatures and a chance to enjoy the warmth of the summer sun. The sunshine not only does wonders for our mood, but it’s also a potent source of Vitamin D. Most of us are aware that Vitamin D is essential for warding off osteoporosis and building strong bones by promoting the absorption of Calcium. But did you also know that ongoing research has shown that this potent little vitamin can: • Help to lower your blood pressure • Reduce the risk of heart attacks, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis • Help to regulate your immune system • Help inhibit cancer cell growth Low Vitamin D has been implicated in mental issues such depression and anxiety, as well as delayed wound healing, muscle and joint pain. Just how much Vitamin D is recommended? Experts are weighing in on that question. It seems likely that the previously recommended daily intake of 400-600 IU (International Units) each day might be a little on the low side. Better to aim for 1000 IUs each day. What’s the best source of Vitamin D? Well , sunshine of course! Just 5-10 minutes of the summer sun on unprotected skin can provide most of what’s needed. Don’t worry about putting on a bikini – just exposing hands, legs and arms will do the trick. After that time, don’t forget to put on your sunscreen! Good dietary sources of Vitamin D are: • Fatty fish such as salmon or sardines • Fortified daily products such as milk and cheese • Eggs (especially egg yolks) In the Northeast, low levels of Vitamin D occur frequently during the winter and even during the summer months due to the low levels of sunlight available. For this reason, many health care providers recommend taking a Vitamin D supplement along with a healthy diet. One word of caution: Because Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is stored in our bodies it is possible to take too much! The upper limit is 2,000 IU per day. More than that could create an overdose effect with symptoms such as kidney stones, muscle weakness or excessive bleeding. Interestingly, one CANNOT OVERDOSE on the Vitamin D generated in response to sunlight.
Due to the surge of unemployment rates over the course of the past year, many states are reporting rises in reports of identity fraud scams. If you’re receiving mail (such as government letters, tax forms, or unexpected payments) about unemployment claims you did not make, it is possible that you have been a victim of unemployment identity theft. If this happens, don’t panic! Here are the steps you should take if you believe you’ve been the victim of fraud: • Check your credit report regularly to monitor for suspicious activity • Report the incident to the state in which the fraud occurred. For New York, you can visit www.webapps.labor.ny.gov/dews/ui/fraud/report-fraud.shtm to file a report • Also report the incident at the federal level by submitting a report to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud by visiting www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. • You can also call the NYS Department of Labor at 518-457-9000
To our NNORC families who participated in the Maria College Community Health learning experience during the Spring Semester. Over the course of the semester, eight NNORC families generously shared their time with a Community Health student. Together, they explored ways to improve their health and well-being. Topics were varied and tailored to the needs of each family and included such things as: • • • • • • •
Provided education on diet and exercise, where some families completed food diaries Assisted one family in getting a second glucometer for safety reasons Completed medication reconciliation Held health literacy discussions Conducted home safety evaluations Discussed Dementia/Alzheimer's stages and resources Talked about the importance of respite care and self-care for many who are caregivers now or expect to be in near future
The NNORC partnership with Maria College is a strong one and it continues to grow stronger every day. Thanks to our families for their participation and help in preparing a new group of health care professionals working to keep our communities safe and healthy. This program will likely continue in the fall semester. Look for information in the NNORC News, our e-news and on Facebook. We encourage you to consider participating in this experience.
Starting this summer, the Mohawk-Hudson Land Conservancy is teaming up with CDTA to provide a free and exciting service to Albany neighborhoods with easily accessible rides to some of the Capital Region’s greatest natural treasures. Free and fun for the whole family. Here is what we know and we will post more information as it becomes available:
Pickup Locations:
Destinations
• • • • • •
• •
Livingston & Lark N. Pearl & State S. Pearl & State Second & S. Pearl Whitehall & Delaware Whitehall & New Scotland
• • • • •
Lincoln Park, Albany Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm, Albany Pine Hollow Arboretum, Slingerlands Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, Slingerlands Five Rivers, Delmar Hilton Barn Park, Voorheesville Thacher State Park, Voorheesville
Your Albany NNORC, Helderberg Neighborhood Association and Ragonese Italian Imports are partnering to DELIVER dinner to you! Delivery will be limited to the NNNORC area. More information will be in the July NNORC News.
City of Albany Rapp Road Landfill (525 Rapp Road) on June 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. Residents must pre-register to participate. To pre-register, please call the Department of General Services at (518) 434-2489 or visit albanyrecycles.com to register online.
I am wondering if there are any programs that offer financial aid for medical co-payments. I know that I do not qualify for Medicaid, but the co-payments are adding up for me. - Piled up with Bills. Dear Piled Up,
St. Peter’s helps those who experience temporary financial hardship or need financial aid to manage their medical bills. They offer charity and discounted care along with the opportunity to set up payment plans. To qualify for charity care as an individual you must make less than $31,200 annually and have less than $9,600 your bank account. You can call 518-525-1565 or visit https://tinyurl.com/stpetersaid for more information about which providers are covered under charity care and how to apply. Albany Medical Center also supplies charity care for individuals who qualify. Eligibility is determined by measuring the household income against current poverty income guidelines set up by the Federal Government. Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany Medical Center/South Clinical Campus, Albany Medical College physician and professional services provided in conjunction with an inpatient or outpatient hospital service are included under this program. You can call a Charity Care Specialist at 518.262.1981 or check https://tinyurl.com/albanymedcharitycare for more information.
If you need help in applying for either charity care program, please contact NNORC at 518-514-2023. Ask Erin will address any questions you have about aging services and provide advice on challenges you or a loved one are facing. Please send in all questions to eplonka@jfsneny.org with the subject Ask Erin, or mail your questions to Jewish Family Services, Albany NNORC (Ask Erin), 184 Washington Ave. Extension, Albany, NY 12203.
The Albany County Department of Social Services will begin accepting applications for the HEAP Cooling Assistance program on May 3, 2021. This lesserknown HEAP component provides for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or fan to eligible households once every five years. Eligibility is largely determined by income level and medical necessity. A physician’s note documenting that an individual living in the household has a medical condition that is exacerbated by heat must be submitted with the application. Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation, will be provided per applicant household. The air conditioner needs to be purchased from approved vendor. Please note that this benefit is paid directly to the vendor and will not provide- resident with payment reimbursement. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available. You may be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if: Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size: gross monthly maximum income cannot exceed $2,610 and the gross monthly maximum income for a household of two is $3,413. If you feel you need this benefit, we encourage you to apply early, as funds tend to be limited. For more information, call NNORC at 518-514-2023 or the Albany County Department of Social Services at 518-447-7323.
Throughout the pandemic, technology has helped us stay connected to friends, family, doctors, and the NNORC! But many of our residents lack the skills and confidence to make full use of their devices, which can impede their ability to stay in touch and connected to love ones. If you, or someone you know, is comfortable with computers, tablets or smart phones, and would like to provide technical assistance via telephone, please call NNORC at 518514-2023. Your skills will be appreciated.
Please call 518-514-2023 or email us at NNORC@jfsneny.org to sign up so that we can give you the correct access link or phone number for you to participate. You can also contact us for a oneon-one Zoom tutorial with a staff member. We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!
EVENT
DATE, TIME & PLACE
Zoom in for Chair Yoga
Tuesdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 11 a.m.
Post-Yoga Meditation
Tuesdays, June 8 & 22 at 12 p.m.
Let’s Take a Walk
Wednesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. (rain date: Thursday, June 3 at 10 a.m.)
Oral Health & Your Overall Health
Wednesday, June 9 at 10 a.m.
The Importance of a Power of Attorney
Wednesday, June 16 at 10 a.m.
Cook the Book
Thursday, June 17 at 1 p.m. (no meeting in July)
Monet: Artist and Gardener
Wednesday, June 23 at 10 a.m.
Novel NNORC Book Club
Monday, June 28 at 1 p.m. Monday, July 26 at 1 p.m.
NNORC Residents’ Council Meeting
Wednesday, June 30 at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 28 at 10 a.m.
Annual Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, July 14 at 1 p.m.
Let’s Talk Albany
Thursday, July 15 at 1 p.m.
Summertime Walk
Wednesday, July 21 at 10 a.m. (rain date: Thursday, July 22 at 10 a.m.)
We are sad to report that NNORC will not be hosting any summer bus trips this year. Even though we won’t be together for our annual SPAC trip, we wanted to let you know that the New York City Ballet will be at SPAC this summer for a shortened run from July 14-17. The programs will be performed by a small group of dancers and musicians, instead of the entire company. For more information, please go to www.spac.org. Let’s hope for many day trips in 2022!
The Albany JCC Senior Center is offering senior programming via Zoom. For a listing of their programs, please visit albancyjcc.org/adults.
Albany NNORC Office Hours NNORC Program & Jewish Family Services: Monday—Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We have temporarily extended our hours to include Fridays. (Messages are checked twice on Fridays and calls concerning URGENT matters will be returned the same day.)
184 Washington Ave Extension Albany, NY 12203 518-514-2023 nnorc@jfsneny.org
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Albany, NY Permit # 587
jfsneny.org
We have launched a new page called: Your Albany NNORC. We encourage you to visit it often. The newsfeed will contain an electronic version of NNORC News, program flyers, YouTube videos (Chair Yoga), photos from (future) in-person events, and most importantly news flashes on important information that we think matters to you. Stop by, like a post or two, and you will begin seeing our posts in your own Facebook newsfeed. See you on the web!
Contact us for more information, if you have a question or if you want to attend a program: nnorc@jfsneny.org or 518-514-2023.