A program of Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York
Volume 17, Number 7
July & August 2021
For the remainder of 2021, NNORC News will combine monthly issues as follows: July/August, September/October, November/December. Functionally, the newsletter will remain the same. We will continue to use the newsletter to announce NNORC programs and events and to impart timely and relevant news and information. Like before, newsletters will arrive at the beginning of the month – in July, September and November and they will contain two months’ worth of NNORC programs. Also, the calendar of programs on page 7 is the same, so please be sure to clip that page and hang it on your fridge or bulletin board as a reminder of programs, dates, and times offered in July and August. As COVID restrictions are lifted, we will also resume distribution of newsletters and calendars with some of our community partners within the NNORC. These will be available for you to pick up at your convenience. Erin has accepted a position at another organization. We are grateful for the dedicated work she has done on behalf of our NNORC residents, the NNORC team members as well as the collaborative efforts she have made to support other departments at JFS. We are sorry to see her go, but know she will accomplish amazing things in the next chapter of her professional career. The NNORC team is proud of the work she has done, the relationships she built with NNORC residents and the positive impact she made in our community. As of 6/15/2021, Governor Cuomo announced that New York has reached 70% vaccination rate. As New York continues vaccination efforts across, the state we are hopeful we will soon be able to offer more in person events and programs as well as in-home visits by our NNORC nurses, NNORC Case Manager, and Director of Programs. For now, most of our in-person scheduled programs will be conducted outside to ensure the safety of those participating as well as providing the ability to socially distance but still enjoy the nice weather and company of those attending.
FEATURED In celebration of National Ice Cream Month, we’re having PROGRAM one of our favorite summer programs: our ice cream social! Join us for an outdoors program featuring trivia, fun, friends, and, of course, ice cream! We are looking forward to seeing you in person. We will be meeting on the front lawn of Congregation Beth Emeth (100 Academy Road). Please bring a lawn chair (or let us know if you don’t have one and we can bring an extra). We are hoping for a beautiful, sunny day, but in the event of rain, we will have a drive-through ice cream pick up! Our NNORC staff will be at Congregation Beth Emeth at 1 p.m. to hand out ice cream and say hello! Just drive up to the main entrance and you will see us...but join us as we silently sing, “Rain rain go away. Come again some other day!”
NNORC Director Jennifer Plouffe, MSW
Senior Health Ed. Coord. Judi England, RN, LMT
Director of Programs Marla Gornstein, LMSW
Community Nurse
Let’s jump start our summer fitness and flexibility with chair yoga. We’ll stretch, breathe, and ease our way to increased wellness. Stick around after class on July 6, 20, August 3, & 17 at 12:00 p.m. 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 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
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
Have you heard about the Albany Postcard Project? This project, an initiative of the Albany Archives and the Albany Public Library Local History Room, is trying to collect as many postcards as possible to capture an image of how the city appeared at the turn of the 20th century. Using scenes from postcards throughout the years, we’ll explore how the city has evolved and reflect on how far we’ve come. We will not be meeting in August, but we will be back together on September 30.
(Rain date: Thursday, July 22 at 10 a.m.) We’re taking a break from the Zoom programs and heading outside for another walk. Please plan to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. We’ll be meeting at The Crossings of Colonie to take a walk around the pond. We look forward to seeing you in person! Park by the playground (second parking lot on the right as you drive in) and we’ll meet by the pond. The Crossings is located at 580 Albany-Shaker Road, Loudonville. Join us virtually for our July book club. This month’s title is Nobody’s Fool by Richard Russo, set close to home in upstate New York and centering on a perpetually unlucky protagonist who hopes to prevent his son from making the same mistakes in life as he did. The 1993 novel, which was adapted into a star-studded feature film the next year, is witty, humorous, and filled with heart. Book club will not be meeting in August, but we will meet again on September 27.
Join the NNORC Resident’s Council and have your voice heard on the issues that matter most to you and your community. This program will be held on Zoom. 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
Join Jennifer Plouffe, our new NNORC Director, for a morning stroll around the Buckingham Pond. Please wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing. We’ll meet by the playground – hope to see you there!
Save the date for the next in person get-together! It’s been a while since we could enjoy communal meals with our friends. To celebrate the summertime, we will meet on the lawn of First Congregational Church (405 Quail Street, Albany) for an outdoor brunch. Come for the food and stay for the friends! Please bring a lawn chair and your breakfast; NNORC will provide the coffee and juice.
We’re looking forward to meeting in person again! The program will be held on the front lawn of a NNORC resident (location will be provided after sign-up). Our theme for this summer program is no-bake desserts. Who wants to turn on the oven in August? Let’s share our ideas for no-bake cookies, ice box cakes and anything else that you may want to try! Please save the date for the next meeting on Thursday, September 23 at 1 p.m. September location TBA.
(Rain date: Thursday, September 2 at 10 a.m.) This month, we’ll meet up again at the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail. 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, Slingerlands. Please contact us if you have questions about this location. With summer here, we have scheduled a many programs outdoors, and when possible with alternative rain dates. For virtual programs, we’ll continue to use Zoom. You can “attend” using your computer, a tablet or smartphones. If you would like to register for any of the programs above, please call 518-514-2023 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 one-on-one Zoom tutorial. We look forward to seeing you!
In the search for workable options for “Aging in Place”, many seniors are considering the possibility of shared living arrangements with another – non-related – person, or persons. • • • • • •
How would this work? What are the financial benefits? How can this help with the need for companionship? What kind of living arrangement works well for multiple non-related persons? How do you choose room/house mates? What legal steps should be taken to ensure that each person is protected in this situation?
At the NNORC we are dedicated to providing useful information to our senior community. And since “Home is where the Heart Is” holds true regardless of our age, finding the right living situation is essential to for our health and well-being. If you – or someone you know – is involved in this type of living arrangement, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s begin a conversation about this option. We can share experiences as well as identify the benefits and pitfalls, and help others who might be considering this alternative. Please reach out to us at the NNORC 518-514-2023 or nnorc@jfsneny.org
The Helderberg Neighborhood Association, Ragonese Italian Imports and Your Albany NNORC are partnering on a special pilot program to deliver dinner to you! The meals will be delivered between 4 and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28. There are three options: 1. Chicken parmigiana 2. Eggplant parmigiana 3. Meat lasagna Meals are $12 each and include a side salad and a dinner roll. NNORC will also provide dessert. Please place your order with the NNORC at 518-514-2023. Payment must be made when the order is placed. The volunteers who are delivering the meals cannot accept money. You must be home during the delivery period to accept your food! Delivery is limited to the NNORC area. The deadline for ordering is Monday, July 26 at noon.
We are pleased to announce that NNORC will be distributing Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) coupons again this summer. The program helps older adults access fresh local produce, which means that local farmers are supported as well. Eligibility for the program is determined by age and income. Each adult 60+ years in a household may receive a booklet IF they meet the criteria. (Please—no double dipping! If you receive checks from us, you are not eligible to receive them from another agency and vice versa.) Each SFMNP check booklet value is $20 (five $4.00 checks) that can be used at Farmers’ Markets, the Veggie Mobile and the Veggie Mobile Sprout on locally grown produce only. Participants will receive a list of authorized markets. NNORC will be given booklets to distribute on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call our office at 518-5142023 to reserve your booklet today. Arrangements can be made to pick the booklets up at our office or to have them delivered. Each booklet must be signed for and given to each person directly. Booklets will be available around mid-July. Here are some locations where you can redeem your vouchers:
Capital Roots- Veggie Mobile (Visit capitalroots.org for more information) Local stops: Wednesdays, 12:15—12:35 at St. Sophia / Holy Wisdom Apartments, 426 Whitehall Road, Albany Wednesdays, 12:40—1:00 at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany New Covenant Presbyterian Church Farmer's Market Tuesdays, 3—6 pm, 916 Western Avenue, Albany Delmar Farmers’ Market Bethlehem Central Middle School, Saturdays from 9 a.m.—1 p.m., 332 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar The SFMNP program is made possible through a collaboration of the following agencies: The NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets, the NYS Dept. of Health and the NYS Office for the Aging.
Do you need to enhance the safety of your home? Maybe you would like grab bars installed in your bathroom or have a railing installed in your hallway. Perhaps there is a step that is causing a tripping hazard or a threshold that needs repairing. The City of Albany Department of Housing and Community Development has grants available for seniors to rehab or make emergency repairs to your home to make it safe and hazard free. Grants are also available to make your home accessible and accommodating for someone with a physical disability. If you have questions or would like to apply please call us at (518) 434-5265 or email communitydevelopment@albanyny.gov.
The Mohawk-Hudson Land Conservancy teamed 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. The bus will run every Saturday through September 25, 2021, bringing Albany residents to some of the region’s most scenic outdoor destinations. Passengers can explore trees of the world at Pine Hollow Arboretum, walk trails in the woods at Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy preserves, or visit Five Rivers for outdoor education opportunities. Residents can also take the bus to Thacher Park for a spectacular view from the top of the Helderberg Escarpment. All destination are free and open to the public. They have easy-to-navigate maps and well-marked trails. The closest Nature Bus pick up is at Delaware and Second Avenue near Emack & Bolio’s. Visit cdta.org for the full Nature Bus schedule.
Dehydration is dangerous no matter what your age, but older adults are at a greater risk for dehydration than other age groups. Drinking water is more than just a healthy habit when you are older. It is critical in preventing dehydration. One reason that older adults may not be taking in adequate fluids is because the thirst response diminishes with age. Therefore, it is important that older adults are also taking in fluids from fruits, vegetables, soups in addition to drinking water. Watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, celery, and lettuce are all great water dense foods that can help stave off dehydration. Dehydration can happen quicker than you think and can cause damage before you have a chance to rehydrate. Learn the signs of dehydration and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
I have been thinking about getting a medical alert device but not sure how to go about getting it set up. – Need To Be Alerted Dear Alerted, Medical alert systems are a great way for individuals call for emergency help. Locally, you can reach out to St. Peter’s Health Partners at 518-833-1040. They will complete the intake process with you over the phone then mail you the system for free with self-connection directions. They offer 30-day free trial, subject to change at any time so be sure to ask about it when you call. They have options to connect with landline, cellular home-based or mobile (works outside the home). Currently, the monthly rates are landline and cellular home-based are $31.00 per month, and mobile is $38.00 per month. Medicare part A and B do not cover the cost, but you if you have other health insurance check with the company about coverage for medical alert system. Here are other available Medical Alert Options: • Medical Guardian- 1-800-485-2218 • Bay Alarm Medical- 1-833-413-1633 • Mobile Help- 1-800-808-5956 • Medical Alert- 800-320-0586 • Get Safe- 1-855-408-3071 • Life Station- 1-855-995-0712 • Life Fone- 1-800-331-9198
Medicare part A and B do not cover the cost of the medical alert system. If you have other health insurance check with the company about coverage for medical alert system. If you need help or have more questions about medical alert systems, please reach out to the NNORC. Ask NNORC (formerly 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 nnorc@jfsneny.org with the subject Ask NNORC, 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. Unless stated otherwise, all programs are on Zoom. You can contact us for a one-on-one Zoom tutorial with a staff member. We look forward to hearing from you!
EVENT
DATE, TIME & PLACE
Zoom in for Chair Yoga
July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 at 11 a.m.
Post-Yoga Meditation
Tuesdays, July 6, 20, August 3, & 17 12 p.m.
Annual Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, July 14 at 1 p.m. Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd, Albany
Let’s Talk Albany
Thursday, July 15 at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 30 at 1 p.m.
A Summertime Walk
Wednesday, July 21 at 10 a.m. (Rain date – Thursday, July 22 at 10 a.m.) The Crossings, 580 Albany-Shaker Rd, Loudonville
Novel NNORC Book Club
Monday, July 26 at 1 p.m. Monday, September, 27 at 1 p.m.
NNORC Residents’ Council Meeting
Wednesday, July 28 at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 25 at 10 a.m.
Dinner Delivery from Ragonese
Wednesday, July 28 from 4—6 p.m.
A Walk at Buckingham Pond
Thursday, August 5 at 10 a.m. Buckingham Pond playground, Berkshire & Colonial Aves, Albany
Bring Your Own Brunch
Wednesday, August 19 at 10 a.m.
Cook the Book
Thursday, August 19 at 1 p.m.— NNORC Neighborhood
A Walk on the Rail Trail
Wednesday, September 1 at 10 a.m. (Rain date—Thurs, Sept 2 at 10 a.m.) Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, 839 Kenwood Ave, Slingerlands
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. Please note we will be closed on Monday, July 5 for Independence 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.