Berkshire Senior October - November 2023

Mission Statement

The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. is to provide Berkshire elders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.

Statement of Inclusivity

Elder Services practices non-discrimination in employment practices and service delivery. Embracing diversity, our in-home and community-based services are available to all without regard to race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle.

Many Accomplishments in 2023 But Direct Care Staffing Challenges Continue

By Christopher McLaughlin, Executive Director of Elder Services

Elder Services 2023 Annual Meeting on October 20 will provide us with the opportunity to celebrate with members of our larger community (board members, volunteers, donors, clients, provider partners, etc.) and to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of fiscal year 2023, which ended on June 30, 2023. We also look forward to be able to publicly recognize and thank our staff members who celebrated 5, 10, 15, 20 and even 30-year work anniversaries during the past year.

During fiscal year 2023, Elder Services provided services to thousands of seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in Berkshire County.

Berkshire Senior

Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich, Christine Thomson, Laura Feakes, Christopher McLaughlin, Kathleen Phillips, Susan Guerrero, Yvonne Borsody and Kara Graziola.

Advertising: To place an advertisement in Berkshire Senior, please contact Kate Teutsch at (413) 496-6324 or e-mail advertising@berkshireeagle.com.

Berkshire Senior is published bi-monthly by Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc., 877 South Street, Suite 4E, Pittsfield, MA 01201, 499-0524 or 1-800-5445242, e-mail: esbc@esbci.org or on the internet at www.esbci.org.

NOTICE

Berkshire Senior advertising helps to the defray the costs of producing the newspaper. Inclusion of advertisers in no way implies that Elder Services endorses any product or service.

Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of Elder Services. For medical, financial or other advice, seek a qualified professional in the appropriate field.

Elder Services and its programs are funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

State and federal funds provided to Elder Services are limited. Elder Services welcomes charitable donations to help meet the growing needs of Berkshire seniors, and gratefully acknowledges all donations.

We provided nearly 227,000 meals to 2,641 seniors last year via our Meals on Wheels Program and senior community meal sites, assisted 1,752 seniors remain in the community with our at home supportive services and case management programs, provided nearly 500 hours of ombudsman advocacy to local nursing home residents, assisted 3,311 clients with Medicare and health insurance issues and our registered nurses completed 2,569 clinical assessments. In addition, 218 active volunteers provided 12,155 hours of compassionate support to our clients; the Agency provided unbiased information regarding housing options to several clients, as well as support and training to caregivers while giving them the tools they need to care for themselves. Near the end of the fiscal year, we introduced our newest program, the Community Transitions Liaison Program (CTLP). CTLP provides resources and assistance to enable nursing home residents to successfully transition back into the community.

This is but a snapshot of the many programs Elder Services offers in Berkshire County and the many different ways we help people live as they choose to with the best quality of life. However, the reality is that despite all of this good work and the many accomplishments of the past year, the challenges of finding enough direct care workers to provide homemaking, personal care and other services in our clients’ homes continues. One of the ten local agencies Elder Services contracts with employs these direct care workers that provide these services in our clients’ homes. With an inordinately large number of seniors and a relatively small population, direct care workforce challenges have been a reality in Berkshire County for many years. Fast forward to the pandemic when, early on, clients were reluctant to have workers in their homes and many workers were afraid to go into

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Pumpkin Season!

By Susan Guerrero

Autumn is here and so is pumpkin season. An old bittersweet familiar song croons about the autumn leaves drifting by the window. Most older people remember singing about those leaves of red and gold in the song “Autumn Leaves.”

It’s amazing no one has written a song about pumpkins being an intrinsic part of the autumn season. How could there be autumn without pumpkins?

Wherever one looks these days, in supermarkets, roadside stands, and coffee shops, pumpkin flavor reigns supreme. It’s a combination of ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. One whiff and a person is usually hooked on the spicy scent.

Popular coffee shops offer java doused with pumpkin flavor as well as donuts and pricey, spicy pumpkin sweet bread by the slice.

One popular coffee giant has pumpkin lattes that will set a person back quite a few bucks. One can buy pumpkin flavored creamer to put into coffee at home, for pumpkin flavored brew that costs a lot less.

For breakfast, consumers can have pumpkin flavored cereals, including granolas, or spicy pumpkin pancakes. When soaked in real maple syrup, they become a special sweet treat. Don’t forget that at this time of year one can also find pumpkin-flavored yogurt to go with the granola.

People who love toasted English muffins for breakfast can get them for a limited time in, guess what flavor? Yup, pumpkin flavor is the correct answer.

To double up on pumpkin yumminess, English muffins, can be spread with pumpkin flavored cream cheese. A very sugary, pumpkin taste can easily be found by buying pumpkin-flavored cinnamon rolls, too.

Now some people wait for Thanksgiving to indulge in pumpkin pie but it’s available

now, too, in supermarkets and bakeries. Just for the record, it’s best with whipped cream. “Real” whipped cream beaten into fluffy mounds with added sugar tastes even better than the stuff that comes from a can. Of course, one can always sprinkle the billowy creamy mounds with a light dusting of pumpkin pie spices. Also in the dessert category are pumpkin cheesecake and regular pumpkin muffins and pumpkin sweet bread, fresh from the oven. Any of these pumpkin confections will fill the house with spicy, luscious fragrance.

One can ponder which pumpkin dessert is most desirable. Ice cream lovers would be sure to mention seasonal pumpkin ice cream. Perhaps because it’s for sale for such a short time, it seems extremely tasty and cold but is in heartfelt demand. Those who really love pumpkin ice cream have to buy several pints, or half-gallons, to pop into the freezer since the time to buy it in the supermarket really is short-term. Once it’s gone, it’s gone and one has to wait until the following fall to find it again.

Pumpkin butter shows up in

autumn, too. It’s a thick, dark spread that’s perfect on warm toast. The Amish people are often known for making very thick and spicy butters.

If anyone wants a different kind of snack while watching television these autumn days, there is always pumpkin-flavored popcorn or pumpkin-infused almonds! They can be washed down with pumpkin oat milk!

Barbara Kochapski, a retired Pittsfield Catholic and public

Many

Accomplishments

school teacher for 25 years, said she loves pumpkin scent.

“It makes me think of home and fall holidays, like Thanksgiving,” she said, from a room in her daughter and sonin-law’s home on the Dalton/ Hinsdale line.

“I love pumpkin pie with cream,” she said. “I also have a pumpkin scented candle. I light it every day and it makes such a nice smell in my room. It enhances the ambiance.”

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their clients homes or had to stay at home to care for children who were not in school or day care and the workforce challenges became even more acute. Fortunately, the workforce challenges have abated somewhat from when they were at their worst during the height of the pandemic. Nonetheless, the agencies that provide the workers that go into our clients’ homes still do not have enough workers to provide care to every client who qualifies for it. It is unfortunate that this results in some clients having to wait to receive support or receive fewer services than they are eligible to receive.

Overall, Elder Services was very successful this past year in providing programs and services for seniors in our community. Once again, the Berkshire Eagle named us as the Best of the Berkshires senior services organization in late 2022. The dedication and commitment of our staff and volunteers and the support of our donors and the community made all of this possible. Thank you!

Until next time be good, be kind and be careful.

Of course, this is also the time of year when kids get excited about carving pumpkins, also referred to as jack-o-lanterns, rather than eating them. The pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes. There have even been contests with humongous specimens grown especially for their girth. The pumpkins can be carved with scary or even funny faces and lighted up inside with candles.

Mary Belcher, of Pittsfield, retired from Xerox, remembers going to a local pumpkin patch when her kids were young. They loved picking out the pumpkins they’d buy and take home with them.

“We love pumpkins,” she said. “All the pumpkins we can eat.”

“My favorite pumpkin donut was at the Apple Barn in Bennington, Vermont,” Mary said. “It is a yearly trip for us.”

Genevieve Miller, 95, visited Pittsfield dozens of times throughout the years. Two of her sisters, who have since passed, lived in the city.

Genevieve’s family lived in Woronoco and she now resides in Longmeadow.

“I know when I was growing up, my father grew pumpkins in the garden,” she said. She and all of her siblings were the children of Polish immigrants. “We would empty out the insides of the pumpkins and then we would carve two eyes, nose, and mouth. We called them jack-o-lanterns.” Inside stores in many Berkshire communities, there are brightly colored decorations that add nonedible pumpkins to one’s decor.

“Everything pumpkins” adds to the enjoyment of autumn before the snows of winter arrive once again.

If you have MassHealth, you will need to renew your coverage this year. If you are 65 years or older, we are here to help! Support staff will be at Pittsfield Council on Aging: November 15th and February 21st, 2024 to help you complete the renewal. Make a reservation now to get help! Call 413-499-9346 for reservation

330 North Street Pittsfield, MA 01201

November 15th, February 21st 1pm-3:30pm

Come

coverage!

The Cell Phone TECHNOLOGY

By Perry Burdick

Technology. It’s everywhere you look. It has the power to change the way you do things, but it can be a double-edged sword. It can make your life easier, or be downright daunting and frustrating. We are at a point in history where not everybody was born with a cell phone in their hand. The best way to begin with technology is to choose one gadget that interests you and use it for one purpose.

Let’s start with the ubiquitous cell phone. I’ll state the obvious: the cell phone is great for making phone calls. This alone makes it very useful. It holds a battery charge all day, it fits in your purse or pocket, and you can make calls from nearly anywhere. The cell phone provides the peace of mind that you can contact your loved ones in an emergency, and they can contact you. Start there. That is enough. You’ll learn to swipe, press, and navigate your phone. The problem is that everyone who looks at your shiny, new cell phone will want to add new apps. An app, short for application, adds a specific function to a cell phone, like social media or games. Using these apps requires a higher level of expertise, and unless they’re willing to provide lessons and remote support, ask them not to install them. Be strong; otherwise, you will become overwhelmed with the

new bells and whistles that accompany these new apps. The next step in learning how to use your cell phone is text messaging. A text message is exactly how it sounds, a short message of text that you can send or receive. This is called texting, and you will probably start texting almost immediately. I know, it breaks the rules of learning one thing at a time, but some people prefer to send texts rather than make phone calls, so it’s unavoidable. Learning to send texts will take a little more practice, but it is quick, convenient, and easy to learn. Text messages can also send

pictures, and all those pictures of your grandkids make learning to text worthwhile. Of course, they will want to see pictures of you. This brings us to another important feature of your new cool phone – the camera. Getting to your camera is easy and using it is just as easy – just the press of a button. The cameras on cell phones are usually of surprisingly good quality. With a little help from your friends, you’ll be sharing your photos.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, then maybe it’s time to look at the apps that are available. There are apps for games, learning languages,

music, reading, and keeping in touch with your friends. Some apps are better or easier to use than others. Asking what others are using is helpful.

There are a plethora of cell phones and plans to choose from. You will not require an expensive phone for basic functionality, and being on a family plan is probably your least expensive option. Even phones designed for seniors have large screens, big buttons, and simple navigation. Cell phones are the center of the gadget universe and there is a lot of neat technology that ties into your cell phone. I hope to cover more of those in future articles.

That Scary Time of the Year

By Susan Guerrero

Halloween, the scary holiday, the one that sends shivers up and down the spine, is right around the corner. Childhood memories of Halloween remain very clear, despite the passage of many decades. They conjure up dark nights and bands of kids prowling the sidewalks along Onota Street in search of sweet treats. There were cowboys and ghosties, robots. hobos, and cartoon figures, monsters, princesses, and witches among the prowlers. Mothers were sure to make sure sweaters were worn underneath those costumes to prevent the chilly October air from doing too much harm. October nights in New England can easily chill the bones.

Trick or treating was (and is) an exciting part of Halloween. There was just something thrilling about dressing up, wearing masks, and stepping outside in the night to let the adventure begin. Not that much has changed over the years when it comes to kids being psyched about trick or treating. The skies often were void of stars. Blackness prevailed. Kids grabbed for the arms of their siblings as they began the trek along neighborhood sidewalks. Those in front often carried flashlights. Everyone had bags or pillowcases to collect the candied “loot.”

Cold air hit the cheeks as soon as the front door of home closed. The frosty air filled the lungs

quickly but trick or treating became worth any discomfort. One just simply had to envision the mounds of candy bars and bubble gum squares to bring home that very night. In most Pittsfield neighborhoods, houses that gave out treats left their front porch lights on. The darkened houses drew the scorn of many pint-sized trick or treaters. Some of those darkened houses even got toilet papered for not giving out treats. Some kids deemed toilet papering a darkened yard an appropriate response as they threw rolls of paper into trees and bushes. Maybe the following year the spoilers would give out

treats to avoid the punishment of toilet paper all over their yards. We’d start planning our Halloween costumes weeks in advance while contemplating the fun we knew we’d have on Halloween night. When the time actually came, we’d start getting dressed in our costumes almost as soon as we came home from school. The patience of our mother must have been tested to the max after we asked her dozens of times how much longer we had to wait to go trick or treating. It was great fun to have siblings paint faces in advance, if that was part of our costumes. Skeleton figures used up a lot of white and black paint. Fairy princesses looked beautiful with blue or green eyeshadow and pink cheeks and red lipstick on their smiles. Red paint, however, meant a bloody mess on the faces of monsters or creatures who said they were from the dead. There really was a cemetery near our house but all the candy in the world would never convince any of us to walk through it on Halloween, or any other night. Some years the moon would be out and would shine down on the real graves in the hallowed ground. That made us walk faster than speeding bullets. In our neighborhood, there was a neighbor who gave out pretty good treats but we had to go into the house first. There was a family member there in a wheelchair who loved to carefully view each kid’s costume and then give heartfelt compliments before they gave the candy. We were always itching to get the heck out of there and go on our way but we were polite and went through the annual check-out in order to get the candies. One year, another neighbor at a different house answered the door. He held a tray of homemade caramel apples. Oh, my heavens, we couldn’t put those into our pillowcases. They required immediate eating. We chomped into the gooey caramel and got a smidge of the juicy apple beneath. The taste of it was

like something one would expect to eat in heaven. Our hands were sticky by the time we finished our apples but that did not deter us from forging ahead. Come to think of it, the empty caramel apple sticks probably ended up on the ground as we tramped up the stairs to the next porch to ring the doorbell. Waiting for the door to open was thrilling.

Once home, we convened on different spots on the living room rug, like a witches’ coven. First things first, every puffed out pillowcase got dumped into a pile in front of each kid. Every possible kind of small candy bar was part of the edible treasure trove. My mother never failed to make it known we were to save our Snickers’ bars for her. That was her favorite candy. We enthusiastically looked in our mini-mountains for Snickers but then reluctantly turned them over. No doubt, some got reburied under the stack of candies still left. There was definitely a limit to our Halloween candy sharing. (Sorry, Mom, that you didn’t get every Snickers bar in the stash.)

We sang a song in school on Halloween but since that time, the title and other verses of the tune have never resurfaced. There have been umpteen attempts to find the lyrics online but with no luck. Like Halloween ghosts, when the holiday is over, the lyrics to that song just never showed up. It makes me wonder if the teacher that year wrote the tune and lyrics herself. Even after all these years, I still remember the rather scary tune to this ditty and one verse of the words. These are the words remembered:

“Witches and goblins and jacko-lanterns bright, fly through the air on a cold October night.”

If there are plans to go out on Halloween night, be mindful of all the ghosts and goblins that might be encountered. If screaming or moaning are heard, coming from the bushes, it might be advisable to head for the hills until Halloween, 2023, is over.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is Looking for Volunteers

We are looking for compassionate and friendly people to join our volunteer team. We’ll provide the training and support to help you learn new skills, and you’ll get a great feeling from helping those in need. The program is looking for individuals to volunteer virtually or in person in a number of roles to provide help to taxpayers. Our volunteers come from a variety of industries and span from retirees to college students.

Volunteers fill a variety of roles: Counselors work with taxpayers directly by filling out tax returns. If you have no previous experience, you’ll get the training you need and will also receive IRS certification.

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Client Facilitators welcome taxpayers, help organize their paperwork, and manage the overall flow of service.

Technology Coordinators manage computer equipment, ensure taxpayer data is secure, and provide technical assistance to volunteers.

Leadership and Administrative volunteers make sure program operations run smoothly, manage volunteers, and maintain quality control.

Communications Coordinators promote the program to prospective volunteers and taxpayers. Speak a second language? We have a big demand for bilingual speakers in all roles, especially dedicated interpreters who can assist other volunteers.

For more information or to volunteer go to: HTTPS://MATAXAIDE.ORG Or call 413-446-7483 for Berkshire County information

Elder Services of Berkshire County 2023 Annual Meeting

Date: Friday, October 20, 2023

Time: Registration - 11:15

Place: Berkshire Hills Country Club

500 Benedict Road, Pittsfield

Guest Speaker: Timothy J. Shugrue

Berkshire District Attorney

Reservations required. For details and to RSVP contact

Allison Johnson at (413) 499-0524 ext. 725.

BERKSHIRE COUNTY LEGISLATORS

UNITED STATES CONGRESS

Congressman Richard Neal

372 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515

(202) 225-5601

300 State Street, Suite 200

Springfield, MA 01105-1711

(413) 785-0325

Rep. Smitty Pignatelli

24 Beacon Street, Room 473F

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 722-2692

District Office: (413) 637-0631

Rep.smitty@mahouse.gov

Rep. John Barrett, III

24 Beacon Street, Room 237

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 722-2305

District Office: (413) 743-8300

John.barrett@mahouse.gov

Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier

24 Beacon Street, Room 127

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 722-2680

District Office: (413) 442-4300

Tricia.farley-bouvier@mahouse.gov

Sen. Paul Mark

24 Beacon Street, Room 279

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 722-2017

District Office: (413) 464-5635

Paul.mark@masentate.gov

Protecting Our Pets and Seniors

By Yvonne Borsody

Somewhere in Williamstown, a cherished 8 year old indoor-only cat is trying to survive outdoors. His senior-citizen owner fell and was hospitalized, and is now in a nursing home rehab center. She may never be able to return home, and she has no way to insure her cat is okay. In fact, she doesn’t even know the cat is in danger, because she is the victim of a scam: a family scam.

We’ve all been warned about the numerous and devious scammers out there: people who phone senior citizens pretending to be grandchildren in trouble, needing cash to be bailed out of jail; fraudulent Medicare scams where callers try to procure social security numbers; insurance scams where bank or credit card numbers are “needed” to prevent cancellation of insurance. The list goes on, as the dishonesty of these nefarious players continues to become more and more common. But what if

the scam is coming from a family member?

What does this have to do with the housecat that is now outdoors? Because before the cat’s owner fell, she had let her nephew move in with her when he told her he couldn’t make ends meet. And what kindly aunt wouldn’t want to help her relative, especially when she has no other kin? In fact, she had reasoned that it would be nice to have him in her house, keeping her from loneliness and helping her maintain the home. But things didn’t turn out that way: her nephew didn’t offer much help with upkeep or expenses, and soon his girlfriend had moved in as well. It became clear that the fantasy didn’t match the reality, but with her advanced years and easily bullied by her nephew and his girlfriend, getting them to move out wouldn’t be easy. And, he made it abundantly clear that he didn’t like his aunt’s cat.

The cat had been the woman’s companion since she adopted

him as a kitten; he had been neutered and lovingly cared for his whole life; was friendly, calm and devoted to her. And, he was an indoor cat.

All that changed after the aunt fell and was taken to the hospital. Without a second thought for his aunt’s generosity, her love of her pet, or the cat’s well-being, her nephew unceremoniously pushed him out the door and slammed it behind him. The cat, terrified of the frightening outdoor world he had never lived in, ran to hide under the first structure he found (the deck). And there he stayed, until thirst and hunger and the cover of darkness drew him out.

Neighbors heard a cat crying. Other neighbors saw an unfamiliar cat slinking around from bush to bush in their backyards. Some kind person placed a bowl of water and dish of food for the cat to eat, but couldn’t get close enough to touch him, for he was too scared.

As of this writing, the cat has not been rescued. Hopefully,

having been a friendly cat with his owner, he eventually sought the kindness of strangers and became more approachable as his hunger grew stronger. And hopefully, one of the neighbors saw him and intervened—caring enough, as so many of us do, to continue feeding and providing water and a warm place for it to sleep, until it trusted enough again to be rescued.

If it’s one thing I have learned during my decades of animal rescue work, it is that good Samaritans can literally make the difference between life and death for animals. (Be an advocate for seniors too!) If you see, or know, about a senior or animal that is in danger or needs help, please, take action! You may be the only person who does, and you can truly become a lifesaver.

The following happy-ending rescue illustrates the importance of “if you see something, say something!” A few years back, on a cold February evening after a recent 6-inch snowstorm,

a friend of mine who lived in rural Monterey called to say that her neighbor down the road had seen a cat in his cluttered, unfinished basement when he went downstairs—the cat had pushed its way through an unlatched basement window that swung inwards—and he really wanted it gone, but the cat wouldn’t come out of hiding. After meeting my friend at her neighbor’s house, I asked him to let me go into the basement alone, so as not to frighten the feline. Everything about the situation seemed out of place to me: a cat suddenly appearing in the middle of nowhere, after a snowstorm, and desperate enough to push its way into a strange home. As I descended down the rickety steps, I spoke softly and listened for any sounds to help me locate it, while clicking the lid of a can of cat food. It didn’t take long for the cat to utter a plaintive meow from deep within a pile of wood. When I finally saw the cat, its body language told me all I needed to know: it was scared, but relieved to be rescued. As I crouched down and kept talking to it, it tentatively approached me and hungrily ate the food. This cat clearly was (or had been)

someone’s pet! Within minutes I had her safely secured in my cat carrier, and that night both the cat and I slept well—she, because she was warm and fed in my spare room, and me, knowing the rescue had been successful. My veterinarian later confirmed that this stray had indeed been a pet, because she was a spayed female, in good condition, and at least 12 years old. So why had this older cat been wandering on a desolate road after a snowstorm? I ran “Found Cat” ads, but they were never answered, and though I’ll never know for sure, my vet and I could only guess that she had been intentionally dumped after something happened to her owner.

In the end, it didn’t take long before a wonderful senior woman named Ginny adopted this delightful senior cat, and I was invited to visit them time and again to witness how happy “we two old timers are together!” as Ginny would say. The joy these two brought each other was so uplifting!

Yvonne Borsody is a Berkshire resident specializing in animal rescue and adoption. She has a special interest in senior and animal advocacy, and quality of life issues for both.

Be your (and your pet’s) best advocate

• Meet with an elder attorney to have a will drawn up; specify in clear terms who gets what if something happens to you, and be sure to include your wishes for your pets.

• Have a trusted health care proxy and power of attorney that you know will look out for your medical and financial interests (not their own!) if you no longer can.

• Don’t forget your pets in your plans! If you have a friend or family member who has a special bond with your pet, ask them if they would adopt your pet if something should happen to you.

• Don’t be fooled by phone or door-to-door scams; if they

persist, report them to police.

• Be there for your senior friends! If you suspect they are being manipulated, harmed, or financially exploited, get involved! Remember: “if you see something, say something”

• Know the numbers: Berkshire Elder Protective Services: 1-855-874-3242

Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800922-2275

• MSPCA (to report animal neglect, abuse, abandonment): 1-800-628-5808

Or contact local police/animal control department or local animal shelters for assistance. Remember: Pet abandonment is illegal!

Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. NUTRITION PROGRAM SENIOR COMMUNITY DINING CENTERS

The status and offerings of the Senior Community Dining Centers are likely to evolve. Please call for the latest update.

Eligible seniors 60 years or older are welcome to attend any Senior Community Dining Center. Reservations are requested 24 hours in advance. The suggested donation is $3.00 per meal. All contributions are returned to the community toward the cost of the Nutrition Program and Services. Those 59 or under are welcome at a required fee of $8.00 per meal.

Facts about medically tailored meals

• Did you know that Elder Services provides medically tailored meals (MTMs)?

• MTMs help meet the needs of seniors with health conditions that require specific diets such as diabetes and heart and kidney disease.

• MTMs can be delivered to individuals at their home five days a week. Menus are developed by a registered dietician and trained staff.

• Call Elder Services (413) 499-0524 to request a special meal such as pureed, cardiac, diabetic, renal and vegetarian.

Transportation Options to Help Age in Place

By Laura Feakes

Most people want to remain in their own homes and their own communities as long as they are able. Once someone is no longer able to drive it becomes very difficult to do that if transportation options aren’t available. Transportation is important in maintaining quality of life for people of all ages including older adults, who may have restricted driver’s licenses or may simply not be comfortable behind the wheel any longer. It means easy access to services and activities, as well as helping to maintain rich connections with others. Below are some alternative to getting behind the wheel, especially during the challenging winter months:

Council On Aging (COA) Transportation

Most COA’s & Senior Centers offer some form of transportation. Some have vans and some use community volunteers. Transportation may be provided to medical appointments, pharmacy, grocery shopping, banks, nutrition programs, nursing homes, etc. Most COAs either accept donations or charge a fee. Contact your town’s COA for more information.

Elder Services of Berkshire County Volunteer Transportation

www.esbci.org

Provides transportation to anyone age 60 or older who is ambulatory. Currently limited to medical appointments and grocery shopping. At least 48 hours advance notice required. The volunteer driver calls the participant before pick up, drives them to the appointment, and then drives them home. No fee.

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)

www.cityofpittsfield.org

Wheels for Wellness provides

free rides to Berkshire County residents to medically related appointments. RSVP volunteers drive people using their own vehicles. Rides available between 8:30 am – 5 pm Monday - Friday, excluding major holidays. Riders must be fully ambulatory and able to get themselves in and out of the vehicle without assistance. To schedule appointment call RSVP at 413-395-0109 or 413-499-9345.

Pittsfield only: RSVP and the City of Pittsfield provide free van transportation to the public that is provided by volunteers in a city sponsored van. Rides available for access to medical appointments, social services, volunteer assignments, and more. The van can only operate within the City of Pittsfield. RSVP also provides free rides to radiation and chemotherapy treatments through the Road to Recovery for Cancer Patients Program. Advanced notice is required (413499-9345) and participants must be ambulatory. Operates Monday – Friday.

American Cancer Society, Berkshire Unit

www.cancer.org

Their Road to Recovery Program provides transportation by volunteer drivers for cancer patients to medical appointments related to their diagnosis. Patients must be ambulatory. 48 hours advance notice recommended; ride availability not guaranteed. Contact 800-2272345.

TriTown Connector (Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Egremont, Monterey)

www.tritown.org

Provides a ride to almost everywhere in the 5 towns listed. Call 413-591-3826 to arrange van pick up. A ride can be scheduled for anytime during the hours of operation, but you must call to schedule your ride Monday –Friday only, between the hours of 8am – 4pm. Egremont, Great

Barrington and Stockbridge hours of operation are 6am- 9pm weekdays; 8am – 8pm weekends. West Stockbridge & Monterey have shorter hours, see website for details. Fares based on non-resident/ resident/ senior resident. Seniors may purchase a discounted book of tickets for 10 one-way rides at the Claire Teague Senior Center in Great Barrington. There is limited service (seniors only) to New Marlborough and Pittsfield.

Veteran’s Transportation

www.veteranfamilyrides.com

Veterans & Families

Transportation Call Center: coordinates transportation services for military veterans and their families, including to Pittsfield’s VA clinic, and VA facilities in Leeds and Albany, N.Y. It will also connect local vets to the VA shuttle in Leeds that provides transportation to outlying veterans’ facilities. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Submit transportation requests by calling 413-418-4300 or toll free 855-483-8743 or visiting www. veteranfamilyrides.com.

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA)

www.berkshirerta.com

The BRTA offers a fixed route bus service to 12 communities as well as subsidies for chair car (a van with a wheelchair lift) services. Knowing how to get around using BRTA bus services can be challenging, regardless of age or ability, so the BRTA offers a free travel training program! Public transportation has a lot to offer. It can help people get to key destinations like work, the doctor, or church – but only when people know how to use it. If you don’t know how to catch the bus, find a stop, or pay the fare, travel instruction can provide the missing link. Contact the BRTA for more information or to schedule an appointment by emailing traveltraining@

berkshirerta.com or calling 413499-2782, ext. 2900.

Fixed Route: Every BRTA bus is accessible to persons with disabilities. Each bus has a wheelchair lift or ramp with space to carry two wheelchair customers and each bus has a “kneeling service” to lower the front height of the bus closer to the ground to assist those who have difficulty boarding. Persons who are mobility impaired may be entitled to pay “half fare” as are persons 60 years or older. Cash and CharlieCard (plastic Smart card with built in chip) are accepted. Charlie Card fares cost less than the cash fares and may be purchased from any bus driver or at the Ticket Vending Machine located at 1 Columbus Ave, Pittsfield. For bus schedule information call 499-BRTA (2782) or 800-292-BRTA.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Under the ADA Act, the BRTA must provide paratransit services for the disabled that are comparable to the fixed route services. The BRTA does so through ambulatory van or chaircar. The vehicles provide point of origin to final destination services (curb to curb) only during the times the fixed route bus operates. The BRTA may provide greater than curb service based on passenger need and /or trip by trip scenario. There are subsidized ADA fares and Non-ADA fares for trips for origin to destination outside the BRTA fixed route service or doorto-door service for convenience rather than necessity. Fare information as well as the paratransit application is available on the BRTA website. Anyone with questions about their eligibility can call 413-4992782 and select option 4. For more information about the above programs or other programs to assist seniors, call Elder Services’ Information & Referral Department at 413-4990524 or 1-800-544-5242.

November is National Caregivers Month

By Kara Graziola

Caregivers Month allows for raising awareness of caregiver issues, celebrating caregivers and increasing support for caregivers.

Caregivers are spouses, partners, adult children, inlaws, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends or neighbors. If you provide help to a person in need or on a regular basis you are a caregiver. It may be as simple as calling someone on the phone, assisting them with transportation to medical appointments or helping them with daily care needs such as meal preparation, companionship and medication assistance. Caregivers are caring for parents, children, other relatives, friends or grandchildren.

Admitting you need help can be difficult for both the caregiver and the care receiver. It’s okay to say you need a break or I cannot do this alone. Communication is important. If you notice changes such as memory loss, weight loss, unpaid bills and behavioral changes speak with your loved one and discuss your concerns. Ask what they would like help with or if they have any concerns. These conversations are difficult to have, but keep trying.

Tips for Caregivers:

1. Taking care of your own health is important. Pay close attention to physical and emotional symptoms that can affect your overall health and well-being. If you become sick or unable to provide caregiving to your loved one, who will take your place?

2. Ask for HELP. If another family member or friend offers to make a meal or help with errands, let them. If you need help with something, don’t be afraid to ask.

3. Take respite on a regular basis.

4. Research the illness your loved one has. Better understanding of the illness can bring understanding and compassion to the caregiving role.

5. Call Elder Services Information and Referral Department and ask about services offered including the Family Caregiver Support Program. Our Family Caregiver Support Coordinators can speak with you individually or you may wish to attend a support group. For more information please call Elder Services of Berkshire County 413-499-0524.

If you are a caregiver, you are not alone. Thank you for all you do.

Find and circle all of the autumn words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a secret message - an Albert Camus quotation

Lee Council On Aging and Senior Center Honored

By Pat DiGrigoli

The Lee Senior Center Girl Scout Program received the Programs of Excellence Honorable Mention Award in the international category from the National Council on Aging’s Institute of Senior Centers. Two years ago three seniors from the Lee Council on Aging thought it would be nice to have a Girls Scout troop and they became registered Girls Scout leaders. The Lee Council on Aging Senior Center may seem like an unlikely pairing for a senior center and a Girl Scout troop, but these unlikely groups moved past the age barriers and slowly became comfortable with each other, discovered how much fun they could have together and how they could learn from each other. The troop met every other Tuesday. In that time the girls learned how to make spaghetti and meatballs, set a table and put on a dinner for their families. They held a

successful Bazaar and made the crafts all together. They learned First Aid and held a fashion show with dresses made out of paper.

“It is a rewarding experience

for the senior leaders and the girls who came every week. They were fun, respectful and we learned a lot from each other. They kept us young and in the loop of today’s world, and learning some of ours,” noted Pat Digrigoli, Director of the Senior Center.

NCOA’s Program of Excellence is a peer-reviewed competition that gives senior centers an opportunity to share their innovative programs and the impact that they have on people they serve and their communities. NCOA recognizes outstanding programs for their impact on health, nutrition and access to social services; for attracting new participants, creating virtual and in-person programming and multigenerational engagement.

“This year’s awardees are proof that senior centers continue to be hubs of innovation for creative programs that reach a diverse population of older

adults and improving lives and communities,” noted Sianne Stone, NCOA’s Associate

Director of Network Development and Engagement.

Girl Scout Troop 65244: L-R Allyson Louzon, LoLa GordonBloom, McKayla O’Brien, Veronica Osak, Linda Lis (Leader), Maddie and Avery Hopkins and Oliva McGuire.

Staying Healthy

During a Season of Greater Risk for Influenza (Flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19

By Christine Thomson

Federal and state health experts are predicting a rise in respiratory illnesses this fall with an increase in RSV, influenza and COVID-19 cases.

Each of these serious conditions is a viral respiratory disease, a virus, and can be spread to others easily. Tiny droplets and particles that are breathed out by someone who has the infection might enter your body when you breathe in, or they could land on your mouth, nose, or eyes which are direct routes into your body. If you touch surfaces or objects that have virus on them and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you have a much higher chance of becoming infected.

There are many things you can do to be well and to help prevent contracting these respiratory viruses and to stay well during viral outbreaks.

• Wash your hands.

Maintaining good hand hygiene is still one of the best preventative measures you can take to help avoid getting sick. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with warm water

and soap. Be sure to use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Eat nutritionally and as healthy as you can. Try home delivered meals to help you meet your nutritional needs.

• Get a good night’s sleep. A well-rested body is better suited to maintaining a healthy immunity.

• Limit contact with those

who are ill whenever possible. If you are sick, stay home to recuperate. If you must go out, wearing a facemask can help limit the further spread of viral infections to others.

• Clean surfaces that may be infected with germs, like shared surfaces, door knobs, countertops, etc.

• Keep your appointments with your health care provider

ESBCI Staff Appreciation Day at Onota Lake

and discuss recommended vaccines to determine if you would benefit from any or all.

• Vaccinate if you can. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. At this time it is still recommended to get the COVID-19 vaccines as they still offer the best protection against serious illness and hospitalization.

Thank You To Our Donors:

The following donations were received between July 1, 2023 and August 31, 2023. Donations received on or after September 1, 2023 will appear in the next issue of Berkshire Senior.

Memorial Donations

In Memory of: Edith Almstead

Ellen F. Krupka

In Memory of: Pasquale Baldasaro

Joseph & Sharron Baldasaro

David & Janet Messer

David & Barbara Adams

Donna Baldasaro

Nanci Taylor

Walter & Elaine Lapierre

Philip & Lynn Stall

Christine Degreorio

Jean York

In Memory of: Jean Boland

Susan Newman

Keith & Reanne Palmer

Robert & Joyce Andrews

In Memory of: William Broderick

Katherine Broderick

In Memory of: Mary Connor

Marian Raser

In Memory of: Andree Donovan

Elizabeth Sullivan

In Memory of: Eliozar Iones

Gregory Jones

In Memory of: Dave and Nancy Leone

Pamela Tournier

Thomas & Kim Graham

Cathy Leone

Gordon & Barbara Isenhart

Josephine Buzzanco

Alissa Ferris

In Memory of: Elinor Long

William & Marianne Judge

In Memory of: Berneice Roberts

Franklin Risatti

In Memory of: Joseph Russo

Michael Towne

Brian & Maureen Porter

In Memory of: Ken Sheerer

Judith Sheerer

Barbara Bolton

Paul & Judith Robarge

Elder Independence

Donations

Andrea & Lorenza Pozzoni

Ronald H. Bourgoin

Bill & Pam Lundergan

Flora Karbelnik

Thomas Furlano

Jay & Joan Gold

Michael Ouellette

David Ariazi

Daniel & Emma Connors

Joseph Havrilla

Francis Investment Consulting

Group

Joyce E Orell

Edward & Pamela Bourdon

Peter S. Karpenski

Donald & Sharon Briggs

Bernard & Kathleen Gregory

Richard Nichols

Ralph & Frances Robinson

Richard & Rosanne Beauchamp

Donald L. Alderman, Jr.

Susan Rothchild

Lois Forsley

Peter & Linda Strassell

Donald R. Hanson

Philip & Patricia Rossi

Jean P Veazie

Richard Kurek

Allan & Susan Pike

Diana Fontana

Faith Newmark

John & Kathleen Lanoue

Thomas & Victoria Sedgwick

Patricia & Kenneth Miner

Daniel & Jeanne Boino, Sr.

Neville D Toye, Jr.

Donna L. Chenail

Robert & Janice Moresi

Kurt & Patricia Steele

Neal & Patricia Langlois

Richard M. Macht

Ronald & Celia Burdick

Thomas A. Dillon

Richard & Sandra Cobb

Thomas & Nioma Coen

Kathryn & Paul Nash

Lisa Avery

Mary R. Miner

Uldis & Maija Surmanis

Dorene A. Sadlow

David & Edith Tully

Eugene & Patricia Gebarowski

Frederick P. Olszewski

Virginia McHugh

Donna Cwalinski

Nancy A. Rodovick

E. Bonnie Silvers

Alan & Roselle Chartock

Carol Morrison

Julia Wolfrum

Harry A Morey

Carolyn Renzi

Helaine Rose

Joseph & Pat Salvadore

Linda J. Greenhouse

Joanne M Seymour

Therese Taft

Norman & Rosanne Schutz

John Keenum

Richard A. Greene

Raymond & Barbara Ferrarin

Barbara A Benham

James J. Armstrong

John E. Kellogg

Clifford & Lynne Nilan

Cande Grieve

Anthony R Parise

Michael V. Ancora

Barbara Rubin

Luis & Grace Guerrero

Debra Sullivan

Jane B Wheeler

Olivia S Zegarowski

Marion Markham

Cornelius & Mary Obanhein

Sully & Mary Garofano

Katt Lissard

Donna Pignatelli

Terrence & Mary Jane Hanlon

Thomas Michael Maynard

Marjorie Wylde

John & Kimberly Slade

Janice DiTomasso

Norma C. Tomkowicz

Russell M. Kenyon

Maryann Bassett

Verna Tenney

Jennifer Streisand

Maggie & Sam Bittman

June A. Thomas

John & Ada Masiero

Linda Biros

Kathleen M. Burke

David B. Grady

Richard & Wendy Clothier

Arnold M Perras

Wayne & Lisa Tenney

Edward & Emily Zoladz

Paula A Wells

Lynn Barbieri

George & Patricia Kellar

Irick Living Trust

Carlson Propane

Carol A Christopher

Walter & Elaine Lapierre

Bernard Pinsonnault

Joel & Patrice Less

Franklin McLaren, Jr.

Christine Castellon

Teresa Guyette

Benjamin H. Schawinsky

John W. Philpott

Judith St Jacques

Anthony & Amy Anderton

John & Judith Ladd

George & Judith Szecsei

Helena D Matthews

Dery Funeral Home

Judith A. Williams

Edward Olszewski

Brian Carpenter

Barbara Ziemba

Cindy Shogry-Raimer

John & Geraldine Crane

Patricia D. Malnati

Robert Carlino

Debra L. Megas

Gerald Stephens

MyCom Federal Credit Union

General Donations

Philip Rich

Celanese Foundation

Delmore & Georgette Kinney

Arthur Gordon

Tom & Rosanna Koelle

Jennifer Brennan

Linda Kaufmann

Thomas D Leclaire

Debra Kelly

Stop & Shop Bloomin’ 4 Good Program

Jodi M St Peter

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Richard Kurek

Kari L. Kristensen

Meals on Wheels Donations

Alice Rose

Susan Brazeau

Arlene F Cormier

James Goalder

Tom Fontaine

Susan Brazeau

Walter and Marion Schleicher

SHINE Donations

Cynthia Armstrong

Berkshire Senior Television

Elder Services Awards Sub Grants to Community Providers

By Kathleen Phillips

Currently airing on PCTV, Channel 1301 Access Pittsfield

Currently airing on PCTV Channel 1301 Access Pittsfield

Broadcast schedule:

Broadcast schedule:

PCTV channel 1301

Mondays at 5:00 p.m. ▪ Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. ▪ Saturdays at Noon

Mondays at 5 p.m., Tuesdays at 3 p.m., Thursdays at 11 a.m. & Saturday 11:30 a.m.

Or watch online, ON DEMAND on pittsfieldtv.org.

Thank you to our friends at PCTV for all their help in making Berkshire Senior TV accessible to our community.

Elder Services is the designated Area Agency on Aging of Berkshire County and is therefore responsible for the allocation of Older Americans Act Title III funds to support communitybased services for older adults, caregivers and individuals with disabilities through the award of sub grants. ESBCI’s Advisory Council oversees the application, selection and monitoring process of these sub grants which run from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. Upon successful completion of the contract requirements, contracts will be extended through September 2025. The sub grant recipients announced in August of 2023 are:

ADAMS COUNCIL ON AGING – will provide transportation for seniors who are residents of Adams, Cheshire and Savoy.

BERKSIRE AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (AHEC) – will provide educational support for family and professional caregivers.

BERKSHIRE CENTER FOR JUSTICE – will provide free legal services for seniors through their Justice for Elders Program.

BERKSHIRE RAINBOW SENIORS – will provide community support, advocacy, outreach and education for Berkshire County’s senior LGBTQIA+ community.

COMMUNITY LEGAL AID – will provided free legal assistants for seniors through their Elder Law Project.

FOOTCARE BY NURSES – will expand the availability of foot care for seniors in Berkshire County

SHEFFIELD COUNCIL ON AGING – will provide transportation for seniors who reside in Sheffield and Ashley Falls.

Title III funds are intended to benefit persons age 60 years and over. Preference is given to “seniors designated by the Older American Action to receive priority in the use of Title III funding including rural elders, senior with the greatest economic and social needs, racially or ethnically isolated individuals, limited English speaking seniors, frail or disabled individuals and the caregivers of such individuals, and seniors facing cultural or social isolation including LGBTQ+ individuals.”

Breonna Cunningham, Mary Beth McDonough and Isaac Share discuss the COA Liaison and Community Health programs.

Medicare Open Enrollment

by Lisa Jamros

Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15th-December 7th. This is the ONE TIME OF YEAR when all people with Medicare can review, compare, enroll or dis-enroll in Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Prescription Drug Plans). Open Enrollment is important because:

• Health needs may change from year to year

• Health or drug plans change the costs, benefits, and drug coverage they offer every year

• Providers change contracts

• Preferred pharmacies change

To prepare for Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries should:

• Review the Annual Notice of Change letter from their current plans in September and note any changes.

• Reflect on their health and medical needs over the past year and try to anticipate needs for the coming year.

• Research TOTAL costs involved when comparing plans. This should include the premiums, copays, and deductibles. For example, a plan with a low cost premium may also have large deductibles for certain services.

• Contact their providers and confirm that they are in network (when applicable) before making changes to their coverage.

By reviewing plans costs and benefits, and comparing them

with other options available for the upcoming year, it’s possible to save money and ensure appropriate coverage.

The SHINE Program (413-4990524) is available year round to assist Medicare beneficiaries with enrolling in Medicare, evaluating coverage for existing beneficiaries, making changes, and screening for insurance related public benefits. There is no cost or eligibility criteria to speak with a SHINE Counselor.