Capital District Senior Spotlight - March 2019

C a p i ta l D i s t r i c t

Spotlight

Senior A Spotlight News publication in cooperation with Senior Services of Albany

THE RESOURCE FOR SENIORS

MARCH 2019

COMPLIMENTARY

NO. 3

Regular Guy Goin’ Mobile Schedules and Events

cdseniorspotlight.com

MARCH 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 1

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Editor’s desk

In like a lion, or something

S

Leveling up on my birthday month

o, this month I celebrate a birthday.

Please, hold your applause, it’s not all that important. Somewhere between a celebratory free bucket of Killian’s Red in 1994 and the theatrical production that involved me crawling out of bed this morning, I’ve lost notice of my birthdays. Frankly, I always thought the pomp and circumstance were lost on the person who deserved it the most, my mother. She did all the work that day. I just showed up.

My kids remind me of how magical this threshold once held for me. My toddler desperately wants to be a “big kid.” My big kids are now teenagers, or fast approaching. By attitude alone, they’re already there. And, before I can grab a hold of my camera to capture the moment, those teenagers will be out the door to embrace their destinies.

Like so many of my peers, I grew up an avid video game player. It’s something I no longer have the time to participate in, though my son has bested any skills I may have once possessed. The definition of progress in those games was always based on levels. You were no good at Pac Man until you beat Level 10. Until then, you were just pedestrian. Though, I don’t recall using “pedestrian” at the time. You get the point. These were meaningful thresholds during my childhood.

My son may call it “leveling up,” now.

So, as I approach another year in this world, I suppose I’m leveling up.

Whether or not I’m good at any one thing, I can’t say for certain. It’s a matter of perspective, and from my vantage point, I focus on pushing myself each week.

This job of mine affords me the opportunity to learn new things and it pushes me out of my comfort zone each day. While on assignment, I’ve learned how to use my camera. That’s the same camera I left in a box for seven months because it was too sophisticated. It would be another four years before I ventured away from the AUTO setting. Within the past year I’ve honed my skills at producing a podcast. Pairing topics and interviews with music, and editing all of that into a neat, tight 30-minute package reminds me of the mix tapes I used to create from my bedroom as a teenager. And, from this desk, I’ve broadened by view of the world and placed myself in the shoes of other people. I feel all of this enables me to grow intellectually and emotionally, and from that, I like to think I’m a better person for it. I have three, beautiful kids who mean the world to me. I have the love and support of a wife, who I do not deserve, but who punishes herself with my presence every day. Together, we have a roof over our heads and food in the refrigerator. I like to say that I don’t measure success in any other way. In that regards, I have to say life is good.

I really can’t say that I would wish for anything more. So, I pass my wish on to you and to the people who I love. So, go make it count.

Sincerely, Michael Hallisey, Managing Editor Spotlight Newspapers

March 2019 Features Regular Guy

10-11

Columnists Social Security Corner

5

Veterans Next Door

7

Retiring Retirement

8

Senior Services Niskayuna Senior Center

4

Bethlehem Public Library

6

Albany JCC

9

Senior Services of Albany

13

Voorheesville Public Library

14

publisher - John

McIntyre editor - Michael Hallisey advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen Capital District Senior Spotlight is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 5th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available on request.

Capital District Senior Spotlight reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. We do not guarantee any of the information, services or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by the contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. Copyright © 2011 by Capital District Senior Spotlight.

No portion of Capital District Senior Spotlight may be reproduced without written permission from Community Media Group LLC.

MARCH 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 3

Senior calendars Niskayuna Senior Center 2682 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna (518) 372-4969

Ongoing activities Mondays

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4 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — MARCH 2019

10 to 10:45 a.m. — Zumba Gold 11 a.m. to noon — Motion & Fitness 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. — Tai Chi 9 a.m. to noon — Tom’s computer class (first and third Tuesdays each month) 10 a.m. to noon — cards, bridge, Mah Jongg, and Wii Bowling 10:30 a.m. — Line Dancing Noon — Lunch 12:30 to 2 p.m. — Afternoon program, lectures, trivia, games or Bingo

Thursdays

9:15 to 9:45 a.m. — Tai Chi 10 a.m. — Cards, Wii Bowling, and Mah Jongg 10:30 a.m. — Bocce and Pickle Ball Noon — Lunch 12:45 to 2 p.m. — Afternoon program, lectures, trivia, games or Bingo

Fridays

10 a.m. to noon — Beginner Mahjong 10 a.m. to noon — Open Art Studio 11 a.m. to noon — CDPHP Chair Pilates 10:30 a.m. — Alzheimer’s Support Group (first Friday of each month).

Upcoming Events Mardi Gras Party — Tuesday, March 5, at 12:30 p.m.

Ash Wednesday history and talk — Thursday, March 7, at 12:30 p.m.

Care Fair at Town Hall — Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Johnny Appleseed Day trivia — Tuesday, March 12, at 12:30 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Association Speaker — Tuesday, March 12, at 11 a.m.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration — Thursday, March 14, at noon Cake Mix Day (dessert & trivia)— Tuesday, March 19, at 12:30 p.m.

Silk Workshop — Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m.

Sebastian Bach Day (music & trivia) — Thursday, March 21, at 12:30 p.m.

Show and lunch at Perecca’s — Sunday, March 24, from 12 to 4 p.m.

Raisinet Day (treats & trivia) — Tuesday, March 26, at 10 a.m.

Ecos’ Lecture — Thursday, March 28, at 1 p.m.

Social Security Corner

The taxman cometh Get A Replacement SSA-1099 Tax Form

Tax forms mentioned: SSA-1099: The Social Security 1099 or Benefit Statement is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January.

SSA-1042S: is for a noncitizen who lives outside the United States and received or repaid Social Security benefits last year.

— Elizabeth Pivonka, Social Security Administration

N

ow that it’s tax season, you might be gathering all of your forms and documentation from the previous year. Sometimes getting all that material together — receipts for donations, business expenses, and travel — can be overwhelming. And losing one vital piece can take up time that you might not be able to spare.

The Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) or Benefit Statement is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from Social Security in the previous year, so you know how much Social Security income

Elizabeth Pivonka

to report to the IRS on your tax return. Luckily, Social Security has you covered. If you live in the United States and you need a copy of your SSA-1099 or 1042S tax form, simply go online and get an instant, printable copy of your form with a my Social Security account.

A Social Security1042S (SSA-1042S) is for a noncitizen who lives outside the United States and received or repaid Social Security benefits last year.

If you have a question, want help finding the information you need, or just can’t figure out how to do something online, another way to get in touch with us is by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-772-

1213. We provide an automated service option to handle some business, but you can also speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.

Tax season can be a stressful time for some, but we’ve tried to make it easier for you.

Remember to share this information with friends and family. If you need a copy of your SSA-1099 or 1042S, go online and get a replacement form with a my Social Security account atwww.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount.

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Senior calendars Bethlehem Public Library

sian classical arts songs, 2-3 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Bethlehem Public Library. All ages welcome!

451 Delaware Ave., Delmar (518) 439-9314 www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org

Open Sewing

Monday, March 4 & 18

Sewing machines will be available for independent projects, 6-8 p.m. Bring your own supplies. Volunteers may be on hand to assist you. Register for up to two sessions.

See also, Knit One Purl One on Sunday, March 10.

Better Angels Info Session

Monday, March 4, at 6 p.m.

Friday, March 15, at 2:30 p.m.

Learn about this bipartisan citizen’s movement to bring red and blue Americans together into a working alliance to participate in public life, 6 p.m. Anyone interested in improving communication with people on the other side of the political aisle is welcome to attend. Presented by Better Angels Capital Region Alliance.

The Battle of Bennington Tuesday, March 5

Historian David Pitlyk will talk about this decisive victory over British forces in the sum-

may be available.

Qi Gong

Friday, March 15, at 11 a.m.

Thursday, March 28, at 4 p.m.

Daybooks

Monday, March 11 mer of 1777 and how it has been commemorated over time, Thursday, March 14 7-8 p.m.

Discuss “The Baker’s Secret” See also, In Her Rightful

by Stephen P. Kiernan, 1:30 Place: Women in Shaker Soci- p.m. Copies are available at the ety on Wednesday, March 6. information desk. Large-print audio and downloadable copies may be available.

Friday Cinema Friday, March 8 & 29

Film series with titles suitable for adult audiences.

See www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for a list of titles.

Shown with Subtitling for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing when possible, 2:30 p.m.

“Seed: The Untold Story”

Fun and Games for Grownups

Monday, March 11 An adults-only gathering where you can play games and socialize, 6-8:30 p.m. Snacks served!

Library board meets

Saturday, March 9

An introduction to the new Seed Library with a screening of this documentary film about the importance of heirloom seeds (PG, 94 min., Seneca Falls Picture Company), 3-4:40 p.m.

A Little Sunday Music: Irina Tikhonenko Sunday, March 10

Enjoy a vocal recital featuring British and Rus-

Hands-Only CPR and First Aid Trivia Tuesday, March 19 A Delmar-Bethlehem EMS representative will demonstrate hands-only CPR followed by some hands-on practice and informal trivia fun with healthrelated prizes, 7 p.m.

Listening Parties: Renee Fleming

Monday, March 11

Meetings are open to the public, 6 p.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

After Dinner Books Wednesday, March 13

Practice this gentle movement exercise rooted in meditation at any or all sessions, 11 a.m. All ages and abilities welcome. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes.

Discuss “The Long Haul: A Trucker’s Tales of Life on the Road” by Finn Murphy , 7 p.m. Copies are available at the information desk. Large-print audio and downloadable copies

Thursday, March 21 Listen to and discuss this esteemed soprano who continues to be widely honored for her work in opera, pop, jazz and Broadway, 7 p.m.

iPad Basics Monday, March 25 Do you have a new iPad? We’ll show you how to use it, 10 a.m.-noon. Bring your iPad and Apple ID and password.

Sign up for one session.

Live With

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Enjoy the things you love, and let go of what you don’t.

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Veteran Next Door

L

Stories from World War II, Korea and Vietnam

Baseball, Veterans and the 50s

ast month, I had a perfect collision of serendipitous moments converge to inspire this column. First, I received a copy of Reminisce magazine. That was followed by reading over the February edition of Senior Spotlight and the article on Ted Williams and Dick Wood. And, lastly, the thought of having a special Patriot Flight event of an ‘Auction and Display of Sports and Military Memorabilia’ all collided into my recollections of baseball.

Being only 70 miles away from the Baseball Hall of Fame in the beautiful village of Cooperstown, I am not the only person who does not frequent the Hall as often as we should. Again a nice Patriot Flight event may be a round of golf and a day or two at the Otesaga Hotel. I stayed at the hotel once and a lifelong wish “if only the walls could speak.”

Reminisce is a nice monthly magazine that does not go out of date. It has personal stories from the 40s and 50s about the time gone by and the memories come back. So I go back to 1955 when my lifelong team the Dodgers beat the Yankees.

The Dodgers were now freed of the longstanding nickname “Bums.”

Many veterans in our area are Yankee fans and so few are Dodger fans. Most of our Senior Citizen Veterans these days are Vietnam Veterans born in the 40s. So looking at the 50s is a time to reminisce.

Some of our Veterans remember the 1954 Little League World Champions from Schenectady and memorialized in a book call ‘Destiny Darlings.’ My Dodgers made the 1955 sports headlines and that year make up so much of my own memorabilia.

My glorious Dodgers had great players. Names as Snider, Robinson, Reese, Hodges, Campanella, are familiar to most baseball fans. Many are in the Baseball Hall of Fame or should be and many served this country well in WW II.

Frank DeSorbo

Hodges missed the Hall by one vote by the Veteran’s Committee.

Gil Hodges the great first baseman known for his power, runs batted in and is in the unique club of four home runs in a game. Hodges entered the Marine Corps in 1943. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor and then Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands where he played baseball with the 16th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion.

From there he went to Tinian.

In April 1945, Sergeant Hodges landed with the assault echelon at Okinawa and was assigned to his battalion’s operations and intelligence section. His Bronze Star citation states that he “was entrusted with the safeguarding and stenographic preparation of highly classified documents” through “extensive periods of enemy aerial alerts and extensive bombing

attacks.” Hodges remained on Okinawa until October 1945 and says that he started smoking “to have something to do sitting in those foxholes.” Later he became a great manager and he had so much class that he would be number one in an ‘All Class Team.’

Duke Snider served as a fireman, third class on the submarine tender USS Sperry at Guam. Snider used to win bets against other sailors and servicemen by throwing a baseball the length of submarines that arrived at Guam, that’s about 300 feet. “I’d throw the ball the length of their sub, my crewmates would win $300 or so, and I’d pick up my guarantee - $50,” he recalls.

“We played lots of baseball and basketball on Guam. Pee Wee Reese was stationed there, too, but I never bumped into him.” Snider moonlighted for the 2nd Marine Division team while on Guam as well as playing for the USS Sperry team.

Us Dodger fans in our area should never forget the winning pitcher of Game 7 of the 1955 World Series - Johnny Podres. He settled in Queensbury New York after his career.

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Retiring Retirement

Goin’ Mobile!

A story of one man’s determination This is the first in a two-part series featuring Allen Ballard.

His story will be continued in next month’s edition of Senior Spotlight.

A

fter plunging into the pool by 6 a.m., octogenarian Allen Ballard would get himself a good breakfast, review his notes for the history class he taught at the University of Albany and be ready to hit The Civil War by 10 a.m.

It was a classic study in intergenerational bonding.

“If you demand excellence,” Ballard says, “that is what the students will give you.”

His routine was going

Robert LaCosta

strong until stenosis began to impair his right leg. When it became impossible for him to walk across the campus, the self-described “gadgeteer” looked into options. His solution came in the form of a rollator and an electric mobility scooter.

Both made the dimensions of the campus smaller. However, the scooter didn’t give him the exercise he desired, so he switched to the rollator and got his forty-five minutes of movement in while traveling about the college. He pushed the boundaries of his disability right up until the time he was to retire at 85.

“I was in a drive-up line at

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Dunkin Donuts and my foot didn’t work,” he recalls. “I hit the accelerator and almost hit the guy in front of me.”

The incident drove retirement home, but it didn’t stop Al from doing one of the things he loved to do best: go mobile.

Before giving up on driving, he went to Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital where a specialist gave him a hand-

control test with a special car. But that put stress on his shoulders and knees.

“The instructor told me, ‘That ends your driving career,’” he remembers.

However, nothing stopped his drive to remain mobile in his hometown of Clifton Park. As he adapted to an adult tricycle, the wheels in his mind began to spin his next adventure: a book on mobility entitled Keep On Moving.

Robert J. LaCosta has been writing about seniors for thirty years. His daily inspirational vignettes and books are available on robertlacosta.com.

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8 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — MARCH 2019

Senior calendars

No Gimmicks, No Hidden Fees, Just the Lowest Price for Cremation with Professional & Dignified Service.

Albany JCC, Adult Department

Mondays & Wednesdays 4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Full-course kosher dinners for those 60 and older.

Reservations taken until 9:30am the day of the meal.

Suggested contribution: $3 per person. Guest under 60 pays $10.

Mixed Media Art Club

Mondays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

March 4, 11, 18, 25

Bring your own supplies and lend support, advice and inspiration to fellow artists.

Drop – In Fee: $5/day

American History Through Poetry

Tuesdays March 26, April 2, 9, 16 & 30, at 1 p.m.

Instructor Paul Lamar shares American history through the poetry. Fee is $64 ($55 for JCC Members).

Prepaid registration required before class fills.

session $60/session JCC Member. Prepaid registration required before class fills.

The second session picks up on Mondays, June 3, 17, 24, July 1, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Introduction to Photography

Wednesdays, March 20, 27, April 3, 10 & 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Instructor Todd Bailey teaches the basics of photography: how to make better images with a smartphone, tablet or DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera. $66 prepaid registration required before class fills.

from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Acrylic Painting

Mondays, April 15, 22 & 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Instructor Dorothea Osborn guides us through sessions designed for beginners and for those who have some painting experience. Request class flyer, which includes supply list. $69/

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Book Mavens

Wednesday, March 13

Judy Arian-Eson, a retired educator, reviews the fascinating Mary Morris book, “Gateway to the Moon.” It depicts the story of those who survived the Spanish Inquisition through disguise and adaptation, this historical novel is a real page turner. $2.25 suggested donation

Model Passover Seder American Folk Music Monday, April 1, & American History

Led by Rabbi Roy Feldman, spiritual leader, Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob.

Kosher roast chicken dinner included. $14 prepaid reservation due by Thursday, March 14.

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Instructor Robert Wells shares stories of American History through folk music. Fee is $64 ($55 for JCC Members).

Prepaid registration required before class fills.

Bus Trip

A three-day getaway trip to Long Island at Oyster Bay, New York. Wednesday, May 8 – Friday, May 10 Request flyer with trip package details.

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MARCH 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 9

A regular guy

By DIEGO CAGARA cagarad@spotlightnews.com

W

hen local author Louis Vendetti was around 7 years old, he said he remembered looking up to the sky and yelling at God, “Why did you make me like this? Why did you put me on this Earth to suffer?” He felt like he could not live his life normally like everyone else around him and he described his life then as “challenge after challenge after challenge.”

He required aides to help him go from elementary school through college and he’s had to deal with buildings that are not handicap-friendly.

10 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — MARCH 2019

Local author won’t allow himself to be defined by his cerebral palsy

In his book, author Louis Vendetti shares the positive message of overcoming challenges and to appreciate life.

Provided photo

“That was among the low points in my life and I felt like I was stuck in a rut so to speak,” said Vendetti, who has cerebral palsy, and has alternated between using crutches and a wheelchair throughout his life so far.

According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for disorders that impact an individual’s ability to move, and maintain balance and posture. They could also experience seizures, spinal and joint problems, and issues with intellect, vision, hearing and speaking. The most common motor disability in childhood, it is the result of abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain.

Now 22, Vendetti has a new outlook on life and wants to share that in his new selfpublished book, “My Disability Doesn’t Define Me,” available in bookstores and online. While the book was first launched on Amazon on Jan. 1, it had a scheduled book launch party at the Delmar Bistro on 180 Delaware Ave. on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. He explained that it covers his life through his school years up to college and “I talk about my different experiences and it shows that I’m a regular person and it won’t just focus on my disability.”

Vendetti lives in Delmar and he said he always wanted to become a writer “so I can create worlds and bring readers on an adventure. I made a goal to become an author by age 20 when I was young and I finally did it with this book.” He also has an interest in business, for which he studied at Hudson Valley Community College and graduated with honors on Dec. 15, 2017. He then said that he first began work on this book the very next day on Dec. 16.

“I’d started reworking the book’s outline and manuscript because I want to write on every school semester, and I figured my last semester was still fresh in my mind so I started outlining for that one,” he said. “It took me three months to write the whole book because I knew what I wanted to write and say; it’s just trying to get the words down on paper which is challenging.”

He added that the book contains numerous short pieces written by some key people in his life, including his elementary school aide Karen

Anthony, and his middle and high school aide Paul Moylan — he credited such people as helping him navigate through his educational years. “It’s great to show the people’s perspective of working with a student with a disability and how working with them is just like working with able-bodied students,” he said. “They didn’t see me as disabled, but as a student trying to go through school and college and getting a degree. They didn’t let me use my disability as an excuse because that’s just not how I live my life.”

Following that theme, Vendetti said he does not let his disability completely limit him from doing things he personally enjoys.

First, he has been an enthusiastic skier since he was six, having won gold and silver medals from competing in the Adaptive Empire State Games up in Lake Placid back in 2006 and 2007. Second, he was able to travel to other states like Arizona and Illinois as well as abroad to Austria and Italy. Concerning the latter country, he recalled being in Venice for two weeks in summer 2017 and riding the gondola there but he was not able to hike through the Italian Alps. “It was my first time ever abroad and alone without my family, and despite my disability, I was still able to go to Italy and experience almost everything as normal people did,” he reminisced.

Vendetti noted that “My Disability Doesn’t Define Me” is his first book and looking ahead, he mentioned already working on a new fiction novel which is “my first attempt to make my world. My next biggest goal is to become a fulltime author too although I don’t know exactly how to get there.”

When asked if he has one message to the public about his book and personal journey overall, he said, “We all may have challenges in life so if you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out and don’t feel like you’re all alone.”

He then concluded, “I’m a regular person with challenges and I have interests like everyone else — I like business, reading and writing a lot.

So really, what I want to try and get through with this book is that people with disabilities are not just their disabilities. They’re people too who have interests in life.”

MARCH 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 11

Crossword & Crypto Answers on Page 14 Clues Down Clues Across

CRYPTO F UN

1. Joint 6. A group of countries in special alliance 10. Stone 14. Move with a splashing sound 15. Can be fixed 17. Giving human characteristics to the nonhuman 19. Other side of yang (Chinese) 20. Consume 21. Gave it a go 22. One point north of due east 23. Fat used to make puddings 24. Turfs 26. Not awake 29. Not nice 31. Frighten 32. Political action committee 34. Skin problem 35. Type of music 37. Intestinal pouches 38. Eight 39. Emerald Isle 40. Interpret characters 41. Abandon 43. Felines 45. Energy and enthusiasm 46. Resembles a pouch 47. Relating to sense of smell 49. Swiss river 50. Bradley Int’l Airport 53. __ __ __ __ yonder 57. Tarred and ___ 58. Boyish 59. This (Spanish) 60. Male parent 61. Lounge chair

1. Sports award 2. Monetary unit of Angola 3. Some animals live here 4. Former CIA 5. Global health group 6. Male given name 7. Opposite of right 8. Open Payment Initiative 9. Desert plants 10. A bird that cannot fly 11. Off-Broadway theater award 12. Lump of clay 13. Barbie’s pal 16. Seldom 18. Noses 22. Denotes past 23. Selling at specially reduced prices 24. __ Claus 25. Comes before two 27. Fencing swords 28. Nocturnal rodent 29. Chinese revolutionary 30. Electronic counter-countermeasures 31. Enjoyable 33. Villain 35. Discussed 36. Waterfall (Scottish) 37. Old television part (abbr.)

39. Roughly chipped flint 42. Helps change channels 43. __ Sagan, astronomer 44. Cooling unit 46. Uttered words 47. Small integers 48. Type of data 49. Inspired 50. France’s first Jewish PM 51. Famed sci-fi novel 52. Body parts 53. Nigerian City 54. Amount of time 55. Coloring material 56. Type of constrictor snake

Solve the code to discover words related to THE GREAT OUTDOORS. Each number corresponds to a letter. (Hint: 10 = i)

12 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — MARCH 2019

Weather

WORD SEARCH

Senior calendars Senior Services of Albany

songs. Call 518-235-2420 for reservations by Wednesday, March 13.

painting. All supplies are provided. Program cost is $3.00 Register no later than Tuesday, March 12. For more information, call 518-273-4422.

www.seniorservicesofalbany.com • Meals on Wheels: 20 Warren St., (518) 465-6465 • Newgate Social Adult Day Services: 760 New Scotland Ave., (518) 449-8035 • Westview Senior Center: 680 Central Ave., (518) 482-2120 • Caregiver Connection/Caregiver Support: (518) 694-3511 Thursday, March 7 “Know the 10 Signs, ”the • Transportation: (518) 434-4219 first installment of a three-part • Community Care Services Division: series presented by the AlCase Assistance (518) 435-1794, HIICAP (518) 935-2307 zheimer’s Association will take place on Thursday, March 7.

Other sessions will follow. To delicious meal with live music register, or for more informaafter. To RSVP please call tion, call the Cohoes Senior Nora at (518)482-2120.

Center at 518-235-2420.

Alzheimer’s Association

Thursday, March 7, at 12:15 p.m.

Albany Public Library pays a visit. Call Nora for more information at (518) 482-2120.

Dinner

Wednesday, March 13, at 5 p.m.

Come for dinner and have a

Cohoes St. Patrick’s Day dinner Thursday, March 14

Cohoes will host a traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage.

The day will also feature entertainment by Patty O’Pickers playing Irish and American

Leading the Way in Memory Care We offer joy and meaningful stimulation to those afflicted by dementia along with safe and secure services for our residents 24 hours a day.

Our services include:

Colonie

518-456-4500

ColonieMemories.com 5 South Family Drive Colonie, NY 12205

Senior Bingo

Thursday, March 14, at 12:30 p.m.

Monday, March 4

Come and paint a woodscape over three sessions starting Thursday, March 14, at 12:30 p.m. Classes will conclude on March 28 and you will have completed 16x20

Senior Bingo come join the fun and win great prizes. Bingo will start right after lunch at 1 p.m. For more information please call (518) 273-4422.

• Enhanced assisted living Call • One bedroom and studio apartments 518-831-2400 • Tiered levels of services • Respite care for a tour!

B:7.25”

39 Swaggertown Road, Glenville NY • JudsonMeadowsAssistedLiving.com T:7”

S:6.5”

Dear Sam, The pressure you’re putting me under is too much.

I QUIT! Sincerely, Your Heart

Don’t let your heart quit on you. If you are living with high blood pressure, just knowing and doing the minimum isn’t enough. Uncontrolled high blood pressure could lead to stroke, heart attack or death.

Get yours to a healthy range before it’s too late. Find out how at heart.org/BloodPressure

Check. Change. Control.™

MARCH 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 13

T:4.875”

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Painting with Nicky

S:4.375”

518-371-2200

CliftonParkMemories.com 1 Emma Lane Clifton Park, NY 12065

Defensive Driving Course $20 dollars for AARP members and $25 dollars for nonmembers. For more information please call (518) 273-4422.

B:5.125”

Clifton Park

- Spacious private rooms, ground-level floor plan with common areas - Three nutritious meals a day, plus snacks - Expansive grounds and secure, enclosed courtyards - Dedicated chapel for all denominations - On-site beauty parlor/barber shop - Housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services included - Daily activities to promote physical health, social interaction and intellectual stimulation

Monday & Tuesday, March 4 & 5

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Westview Albany Public Library

Watervliet Defensive Driving Course

Senior calendars Second Sunday Film

Voorheesville Public Library 51 School Road, Voorheesville (518) 765-2791 www.voorheesvillelibrary.org

Thursday Afternoon Movie Thursdays, March 7, 14, 21, & 28

Join us Thursday at 1:30 p.m. to watch a classic movie on our giant screen. Check our website calendar or call for movie titles and descriptions.

Light refreshments served.

Nimblefingers Craft Group Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19, & 26

Bring your projects, socialize, and connect with other

Sunday, March 10

crafters every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Share your own special talents or learn a new knitting, crocheting, embroidery or quilting skill. All crafters are welcome to join the group.

Time for Tomatoes!

Monday, March 4

The Voorheesville Seed Library has many heirloom vegetable varieties and March is the perfect time to start your tomatoes. Join us at 7:00pm and take home some tomato seedlings. While you’re here, check out the rest of the seed collection and get ready for your spring crops.

Join us at 2 p.m. for a contemporary film and refreshments. “Phineas Taylor Barnum will always be remembered as the man with the gift to effortlessly blur the line between reality and fiction.” (IMDB) Rated PG, 1h 45m. Light refreshments will be served. Check the library calendar or call for film title.

Beading Workshop Tuesday, March 13

Join us from 6 to 8 p.m. to learn easy beading techniques for making simple necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The Library provides tools and beads, or you are welcome to bring your own. Adults and teens ages 14 and up. Please register.

Duo Tim O’Shea w/ Padraig Timoney Irish Folk Music Wednesday, March 20 Duo Tim O’Shea with Pádraig Timoney Irish Folk Music will present a variety of Irish songs and tunes on guitar, vocal, fiddle and Irish Drum (Bodhrán) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tim O’Shea is from Killarney, Ireland. He has worked as a professional musician and producer for over 25 years.

Tim’s repertoire draws from the dance music of his native Sliabh Luachra and West Kerry folk traditions and the singing of Irish and Scottish performers.

This concert is brought to you by the Friends of the Voorheesville Library.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Isolation and Loneliness KILLS. Volunteers Needed to SAVE LIVES.

D

o you have a skill or talent you are willing to share with your elderly neighbors? If you can give a few hours a month or even few hours a week you can make a huge difference in the lives of local seniors.

Opportunities available throughout Albany County. Here are some examples of classes volunteers can run: Yoga teachers, Tai Chi, aerobics, music, dance, writing, art, painting, book club, photography, ceramics, knitting, etc.

Classes & programs must be conducted during the day between

CRYPTO ANSWERS: A. forest B. game C. hiking D. pond

Add Your Event to our Monthly Calendar for Older Adults!

Does your organization have an event of interest to older adults?

If so, we want to know about it!

14 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — MARCH 2019

Events must be submitted via email to: halliseym@spotlightnews.com Deadline is the first of the month prior to publication.

All listings must include date, time, location, contact information and any fees. Please do not exceed 90 words per item listing.

For more information, please call Michael Hallisey at 518-439-4949

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If interested, please contact Kelly Casler at 518-935-2307 or kcasler@seniorservicesofalbany.com

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10:30am and 2:00pm.

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MARCH 2019 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 15

Fitness Class Schedule | Spring 2019 Join at anytime during the session. Classes are open to the public!

Due to the popularity of these classes, registration is recommended—call the phone numbers provided below. There are no fees for these programs, compliments of MVP Health Care®!

Mondays, through May 13 MVP Zumba Gold® 10:00–10:45 am Saratoga Senior Center, Saratoga Springs (No Class April 22)

518-584-1621 Program Code: 5201

MVP Chair Moves 10:45-11:30 am New Time!

Village Of Colonie Senior Center, Albany

518-869-7172 Program Code: 5229

MVP Tai Chi Moves Guilderland Senior Center, Altamont

518-280-7607 Program Code: 5231

1:15–2:00 pm

Tuesdays, through May 14 (or as noted below) MVP Drums Alive Sportime, Schenectady

10:30–11:15 am

1-800-665-7924 Program Code: 5232

11:00–11:45 am MVP Zumba Gold® National Museum of Dance, Saratoga Springs Classes held February 26-April 2

1-800-665-7924 Program Code: 5202

MVP Chair Moves 1:00–1:45 pm Niskayuna Senior Center, Schenectady (No class May 7)

1-800-665-7924 Program Code: 5233

11:00–11:45 am MVP Bokwa® Dance Moves National Museum of Dance, Saratoga Springs Classes held April 16-May 14

1-800-665-7924 Program Code: 5208

Wednesdays, through May 14 (or as noted below) MVP Bokwa® Dance Moves 10:15–11:00 am New Time!

Alpin Haus Fitness Center, Amsterdam (No Class March 6 or April 10)

1-800-665-7924 Program Code: 5205

MVP Tai Chi Moves Glenville Senior Center, Schenectady

1:00–1:45 pm

1-800-665-7924 Program Code(s): 5234

MVP Striders Walking Club Colonie Center, Lower Level, Albany Classes held March 13-May 15

9:00–10:00 am

1-800-665-7924 Program Code(s): 5204

Questions? Call MVP Medicare Community Health Promotion at 518-386-7936 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220) 108107_4

16 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — MARCH 2019 MVPad1902007_201901 MVP Medicare Fall Fitness Calendar Ad Publication: Senior Spotlight Trim Size: 7.375” x 9.875” no bleeds Production Date: 02.05.2019