Milly Acharya

12 Pages·2016·7.56 MB·English

Senior Circle
Vol. 21 No. 2• Summer 2016
www.tclifelong.org
www.tompkinscounty.org/cofa
A circle is a group of people in which everyone has a front seat.
Senior Focus:
Milly Acharya; Botanical Artist

By Trina Schickel, Aging Specialist, Tompkins County Office for the Aging
“God is in the details.”
The year 1999 proved to be one of the great
Mies Van der Rohe, challenges of her life. Milly experienced a
German-American architect physical pain unlike anything she could have
previously described. She awoke with one
Light, economy of space and warmth are side of her face in excruciating pain. Think-
words that capture my impression of the ing she might have a dental problem, she
charming home of Milly Acharya on South called her dentist who could find nothing
Hill in Ithaca. Milly and I recently spent part wrong with her teeth, but recommended
of a morning together to discuss not only her that she see her primary care doctor. The
amazing paintings, but to also explore some primary care doctor sent her to a neurolo-
of the elements of her life which have creat- gist who had her admitted to the hospital
Each of Milly Acharya’s painting requires six to
ed urgency for her as a painter and scientist. after viewing an MRI of her head. What
seven hundred hours to create.
Sitting across from me in her sunlit living Milly had experienced was a cerebral hemor-

room, with her legs crossed on an oriental rhage. A trip to the Syracuse area hospitals “The notion that she could lose her ability to see
carpet, Milly quietly and eloquently described for further evaluation and ten days in the created an urgency to paint and see as much as
her journey as an artist and, to her way of hospital provided her with a greater under- possible.”
thinking, as a scientist. standing of what had actually happened to
life and I am reminded of the brevity of life
her. The Syracuse doctors put slender coils
A native of New Delhi, India, Milly came to
with each painting.” At the same time, Milly
of titanium in her vein to divert blood to the
Ithaca as a graduate student to Cornell Uni-
sees her work as truly scientific and analytical,
artery. Twelve years later, Milly suffered yet
versity to study education and sociology. She
an exploration of the details of each plant.
spent some time working in the NYC public another hemorrhage. The recovery from

this second event required surgery and re- I had the privilege of seeing her studio, which
schools doing qualitative studies related to
sulted in extremely compromised vision for is quite small with luscious light from two ad-
teen pregnancy. However, as Milly described
almost a year. “There were times when I felt jacent corner windows. Two magnifying
to me, “I always carried my portable studio
like my life had fallen into a million pieces, lenses grace the table –one focused on the
with me.” Painting what she found in nature
with no glue to hold it together. I felt de- plant and the other on the paper. Milly gra-
became her passion and ultimately the force
pendent – an experience that I did not like ciously allowed me to look through the lens
that prompted her decision to abandon her
at all.” Understanding now that brain aneu- to see what she saw and then to see that re-
studies and focus on her painting. Milly con-
rysms are an ongoing threat to her, Milly flected on her paper. Frankly, it was an emo-
tinued to work at Cornell in the library and
devoted herself to her painting full tional moment for me. The love and care
also in Nutritional Sciences. She painted eve-
time. The notion that she could lose her with which she executed her work was some-
nings and weekends as well as doing some
ability to see created an urgency to paint and thing to behold – a thing of beauty that I will
free-lance work for various publications and
see as much as possible. always treasure. Thank you, Milly seems
organizations. She also wrote a children’s
somewhat inadequate.
book entitled “The Ramayana for Young It is difficult to describe to the reader what
Readers” (Harper Collins, 1998). one sees when looking at one of her paint-
INSIDE THIS EDITION
ings. I read a review of her work that was in

a local art exhibit and thought the writer,  Senior Services Listings
Warren Greenwood, captured her work far  NYS Ombudsman Program
better than I could. ”I reached into my
 Caregiving Corner—Protecting Elders from
threadbare bag of metaphors and similes to
Financial Abuse
verbally describe some of Acharya’s paint-

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NrO retI longitudinal leaf patterns, sunburst explo-  Volunteer Awards given at COFA Annual Meeting
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sions of orange-and-green blossoms, electric
 Are you Concerned about Error or Potential Fraud
crackles of green latticework framing Star
with your Medicare?
Trek alien flower pods of green-and-red, ex-
 Medicare Basics program presented at Lifelong
ploding flowers like purple starbursts with
green anemone pistil-and-stamens waving  Love Living at Home
from their centers, Tiger lily blossoms like  Finger Lakes Independence Center: Try-It-Room
orange alien arachnids, the black dots on
 Lifelong News:
their surface flowing like iron particles in
Summer Program—Catalog Available
0 magnetic fields, Iris stems shooting up like
fla 584 D the architecture of cathedral windows, pur- 2016 Exercise Program
H dn1 YN ETS ple blossoms undulating like undersea flora, LNioferltohn Sgi’dse W/ aSolku Pthro Sgirdaem – Summer Picnic
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Page 2 Senior Circle • Summer 2016
What is the Long Term Care
Senior Services Ombudsman Program?

Information and Referral The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is an advocate and
resource for persons who reside in long term care facilities such as
The Office for the Aging/ NY Connects provides information
nursing homes, assisted living and adult care facilities. In New York, the
and referral services for individuals and agencies concerning an
program is operated under the direction of the State Ombudsman and
array of issues affecting seniors. If you have questions, our staff is
administratively housed within the State Office for the Aging
ready, willing and able to serve your needs. Please call the
(NYSOFA). It provides advocacy services through a network of 15
Tompkins County Office for the Aging/ NY Connects at
regional programs and 1000 volunteers statewide. Each regional
274-5482, or visit us on the web at www.tompkins-co.org/cofa
ombudsman program has a designated ombudsman coordinator who

recruits, trains and supervises volunteers that provide a regular
Help With Yard Work
presence in nursing homes and adult care facilities.
The Office for the Aging/ NY Connects maintains a listing of

people who are willing to do yard work for seniors on either a Ombudsman can respond to a variety of concerns including:
paid or volunteer basis. If you are in need of some help with your
 Quality of care
yard work, please give us a call at 274-5482.
 Abuse and neglect

 Rights violations
Longview's Adult Day Program
 Lost and stolen belongings
Longview's Adult Day Program has become the home away from
 Dietary concerns
home for many Tompkins County seniors, offering companionship,
recreation, safety and security. The daily fee of $45 includes  Discharge, eviction or termination of services
personal supervision, recreational programs, morning and  Public benefits programs
afternoon snacks as well as a hot, nutritious lunch. Longview's  Cost of care
Adult Day Program is open from 9am to 3pm on Tuesdays,
The Tompkins County Office for the Aging now administers the
Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information call 375-6320.
program in Chemung, Schuyler and Tompkins Counties. If you would

like to learn more about the LTCO program or if you are interested in
Need a Break? Project CARE Might Help!
becoming a volunteer please contact Caryn Bullis, Ombudsman
The Office for the Aging's Project CARE program is designed to
Program and Outreach Specialist at 607-274-5450 or email at
provide caregivers with a much-needed break. Project CARE
[email protected].
matches seniors and their caregivers with volunteers who provide
friendly visiting, respite, or might even be able to assist with some
light housekeeping, yard work or errands. If you or someone you Tax Counseling for the Elderly
know would benefit from some help with the difficult work of
(TCE):
caregiving, please contact Trina Schickel at the Office for the Aging,
Another Productive Season
274-5491. Additionally, if you are interested in volunteering, please
call the Office for the Aging, 274-5491, for more information about
From Mary Pat Dolon
Project CARE.
FREE, accurate and accessible Tax Preparation for
Options for In-Home Help
those 60+, households with limited income as well as those with
The Registry is a free service that links individuals in need of in-
limited proficiency in English has been sponsored by Lifelong and
home help with independent job seekers. If you or your loved one
delivered by a cadre of exceptional volunteers for 37 years! And TCE
are in need of an experienced housekeeper, personal aide, certified
has just concluded another very successful season.
nurse’s aide, LPN or RN, the Registry can provide you with
referrals. The Registry prescreens and checks reference for all
For the 2015 Tax Season, TCE had 24 Certified Tax Preparers and
caregivers. You interview and negotiate the specific terms of
employment with the caregiver. For more information, please 8 Greeters. A total of 824 households sought assistance from
contact the Registry Coordinator, Cheryl Baker, at the Finger TCE Volunteers. As of May 2, 2016, 779 Federal returns were E-
Lakes Independence Center, 272-2433. filed and accepted. 634 or 81% of these returns were on behalf of

households where one or more persons was 60 or older. 20 Tax
Maintain Your Independence
Payers preferred and received paper returns which they were
Wondering what you can do to make your home safer? The Office
required to mail themselves and an additional 24 returns remain in-
for the Aging is offering free home safety assessments. Call 274-
process. Some of these returns will be classified “Assistance Only” as,
5482 to have an Outreach Worker visit your home. Working with
you, they will go through your house, room by room, to identify for example, the taxpayer was not required to file or had a return that
falls hazards. Afterwards, they will discuss options for addressing was Out of Scope for the TCE program. These same returns also
any falls hazards found. This service is being offered by the Office
generate real income to community members: $602,490 in refunds
for the Aging as part of the local Step Up to Stop Falls
and $65,892 in additional income through the Earned Income

collaborative. Call 274-5482 for more information.
Tax Credit.

Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook.
We will be posting up to date information about programs,
services and events here at the Office for the Aging
– so stay informed and “like” us!
The Senior Circle is published four times a year by Lifelong,
119 West Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850, and contains information
on activities and services which add to the quality of life for older
adults and assists them to maintain an independent lifestyle.
Senior Circle • Summer 2016 Page 3
being exploited financially by relatives or
“friends.”
Caregiver’s Corner
Your relative may not ask for help. They
may be in denial or ashamed of what has
happened to them. They may fear

retaliation or that they will lose needed help

for their basic care. They may have a sense

of misplaced loyalty to someone who has

treated them well in other ways. They may

be unable to report exploitation because of

physical or mental incapacity.
David Stoyell

Any of the following changes can be signs of
financial exploitation and should be treated
Protecting Elders from
seriously:
Financial Abuse
Changes in a person’s demeanor

In the spring, many of us received  New worry about their finances,
unsolicited phone calls from scammers especially missing funds
claiming to be from the IRS and threatening  Inability to remembers making certain
us with jail time if we ignored them. This financial transactions
summer, we may have contractors coming  Implausible explanations about what they
Attention golf lovers! up to our door saying that they are are doing with their money
working at a neighbor’s house and can  Fears they will be institutionalized unless
The Cancer Resource Center of offer us a deal. In the fall, we may start money is given to a particular person
the Finger Lakes is hosting its 3rd getting unsolicited calls about health  Afraid to answer questions in the
annual golf outing on Friday, June 17th at the insurance. presence of another

Country Club of Ithaca. You can register as an All of these are illegal solicitations unless Questionable Transactions
individual or gather your friends or co- we have a previous business relationship
 More frequent ATM transactions
workers to form a team. Then come out to
with the firm. But they happen anyway and
 Large withdrawals from bank account
play 18 holes of golf on Ithaca’s most beautiful
some of your elderly relatives may be
 Signatures on withdrawal forms that are
course. You'll be supporting an award-winning
vulnerable to such schemes. Other
suspicious
local organization which has helped thousands
schemes include sweepstakes and prize
 Amounts and signatures that seem to be
of people affected by cancer access support,
offers, con artists steering seniors into high
written with different pens
information, and resources in our community.
risk investments or pyramid schemes, and
 New bank loans or debts
The Cancer Resource Center’s mission is to
questionable fundraising tactics of some

ensure that no one faces cancer alone and charities. Suspicious Relationships with Caregivers
YOU can help!
Red Flags  New friends or relatives who are

To find more information, check out our suddenly spending a lot of time with the
Relatives, friends and other caregivers
person and appear too interested in
website gvgb.co/CRCFLgolftournament2016
should be on the lookout for warning signs
their finances.
or contact Ed Moscato at 607-216-1450. of fraud:
 The person is becoming increasingly
1. Piles of unsolicited mail from marketing
isolated and overly dependent on a
and lottery operations.
single relative, friend or professional
2. High volume of packages containing
caregiver.
inexpensive jewelry, watches, or other
 A caregiver who speaks for the person
products.
in a silencing way.
3. Large number of magazine
 The person seems nervous around, or
subscriptions.
afraid of, a particular relative, friend or
4. High volume of unsolicited phone calls
caregiver.
from marketers and others offering
 Someone inexplicably gains control over
"valuable opportunities.”
the person’s finances.
5. Large bank withdrawals for

unexplainable expenses related to If You Suspect Abuse
marketing companies and other
Get information to clarify the events and
businesses.
circumstances that prompted the suspicions.
6. Does your relative (friend) seem to be
Review existing documents and collect
unduly influenced by the advice of a
missing information, especially in the areas
particular person with whom you are
of housing expenses, food purchase/
not familiar?
preparation, management of financial assets,
7. Have your relatives’ spending habits
Clear It Out wages and other compensation paid to
changed dramatically, or have they
caregivers and method of payment. Clarify
complained about being short of money
whether other people who live in the
lately? Are utility and other bills not
household contribute to household
being paid?
expenses. Address any emergency
8. Has your relative or friend switched
situations without delay (e.g., to avoid
health insurance in response to a
eviction or disconnection of basic utilities
marketer without getting information
for non-payment) or find an agency or
needed to make an informed decision
person who can help. If you suspect criminal
about all their options?
activity, alert local law enforcement, Take
Homes, Apartments, Basements,
Victimized by Relatives/Friends definitive steps to prevent subsequent
Garages, Barns, etc.
financial exploitation.
Reliable and Affordable Unfortunately, many vulnerable elders are
Capable of Handling Estates

Call Richard Vogt The Senior Circle is partially funded Lifelong
at 607-387-4190 is a
by the Tompkins County Office for the
United Way
Aging. Agency
Page 4 Senior Circle • Summer 2016
Do You Need Help in Order to Remain at
Two Adult Volunteers to Receive Awards at
Home and Independent?
Office for the Aging’s Annual Luncheon

Families or individuals who are struggling with either providing care
The Office for the Aging held its Advisory
for their loved ones or receiving assistance for themselves may be
Committee’s Annual Luncheon on Monday, May 2,
eligible for the Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program
2016 from 12-2 PM at the Country Club of Ithaca,.
(EISEP). If you or your loved one are having difficulty with one ac-
Two adult volunteers were honored for their
tivity of daily living (such as dressing or bathing) or 2 or more in-
service to the community.
strumental activities of daily living (such as housework or preparing

meals), you may be eligible for this service. Nancy Istock has volunteered with the Cancer
EISEP, a program of the Office for the Aging, provides non-medical, Resource Center for the past five years. During her
in-home services and case management for people 60 and over who time as a volunteer at the Cancer Resource Center,
Nancy Istock is honored for
can be cared for safely at home. Home care services include help Nancy noticed that some members of the
her service at the Cancer
with bathing, dressing, cooking, shopping, laundry, and housekeep- community were having trouble donating their new
Resource Center.
ing. A case manager will arrange for and monitor these services to or gently used medical supplies. Some people had
make sure they are meeting your needs. Clients are required to share cases of unopened nutritional supplement that no organization would
the cost of services based on income. These costs are determined by accept. Nancy began accepting theses donations and then took it upon
a sliding fee scale and range from no-cost to full-cost. If a single individ- herself to find a “home” for them. Today, the Ithaca community can
ual has a monthly income of $1471, services would be provided at no benefit from Nancy’s efforts. Many people have received much needed
cost; for a couple, that amount would be $1,991. Any income in ex- supplies that they otherwise could not afford.
cess of those figures would require that the individual or couple pay on
a sliding fee scale. There is no charge for case management. Nancy also assists with the editing of the Cancer Resource Center
For more information about EISEP, or to find out if you qualify, please newsletter, activities calendar and other written work.
contact Long Term Care Services at 274-5278.
Nancy is also an active volunteer with the Tompkins County
Democratic Committee, working at polls, gathering signatures, serving
as Treasurer on a legislative candidate’s campaign and various other
tasks.

Additionally, Nancy also volunteers at AFCU Tax Preparation Program,
assisting seniors and working families and individuals gain access to tax
credits. As one community member said of Nancy “She is the type of
person who does everything, and then always does more.”

Lucy Brown who worked for Cornell University’s administration for 30
years and is a lifelong resident of downtown Ithaca was honored for
her work at Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Service. Lucy was a
founding board member of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services.
“Lucy is the heartbeat of INHS.” says her Paul Mazzarella, INHS
Executive Director. “She has worked tirelessly to help INHS create
affordable housing opportunities in this community. She has asked
hard questions when needed, stood up for INHS when questioned, and
gone door to door when INHS needed introductions and access. Her
vision and commitment have made INHS successful in its attempts to
navigate the challenges
we have faced.”

Lucy has also
volunteered at
Southside Community
Center, the Board of
Public Works and the
City of Ithaca School
Board.

Lucy Brown receives her Volunteer Award for service to
Lucy has a simple
the community from Ellie May, Chair of the Board for
philosophy: Take care
the Tompkins County Office for the Aging.
of yourself and be
healthy, so that you can give your spare time to others.
Senior Circle • Summer 2016 Page 5

“Medicare Basics”

On Thursday evening, July 21 from 5:30 to 7:30pm Sarah Jane

Blake will be speaking at Lifelong on “Medicare Basics.” This
talk is designed for those approaching age 65 and/or new to Medicare.

But if you have been on Medicare for a while and still find it confusing,
Are You Concerned About an Error or
this presentation may help you understand your health insurance cov-
Potential Fraud with your Medicare?
erage.

If you answered yes to that question, you have a place to get assistance
Topics included will be: Medicare Parts A, B, & D and the New York
with that concern -- LiveOn NY is now the New York Senior Medicare
State EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage). Other topics
Patrol (SMP). It is part of a nationwide grassroots education and
will include Medigap plans, Medicare Savings Plans, Extra Help, and dis-
assistance program working to empower seniors and caregivers to
count drug cards. Also addressed will be how Medicare works with
protect personal information and Medicare benefits by learning to
other health insurance.
detect mistakes or potential fraud in Medicare payments. You can

report suspected problems to LiveOn NY. Their staff and trained
Sarah Jane Blake is the Tompkins County Outreach Coordinator for
volunteers work to correct errors and report abuse of the Medicare
New York Statewide Senior Action Council. She has been a counselor
system to government authorities.
and advocate for seniors, senior programs, and policies affecting sen-
iors for over 10 years. Previously she was Lifelong’s HIICAP Coordina-
New York Senior Medicare Patrol advises you to:
tor for Tompkins County and the Retirement Services Coordinator.
She is well-versed in all things Medicare! Sarah Jane welcomes ques- Protect, Detect, and Report…
tions, so if you have questions, by all means bring them.
Protect your personal information to shield yourself from identity
Walk-ins are welcome but advanced registration is appreciated. Just
theft and financial scams. Guard your Medicare card and Social
call Lifelong at 273-1511. Security card just like your checkbook and credit cards. Do not
carry them with you unless you expect to need them that day.
Identity theft can lead to Medicare fraud.

Eileen Savino, of County Office for the Aging, Detect mistakes or potential fraud in Medicare payments by tracking
Receives INHS Community Leadership Award your medical services in a Personal Health Care Journal (ask
Lifelong for one of these) and look for:

Eileen Savino, Outreach Worker at the Office for the Aging, has been
* Something billed twice
honored by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services/Better Housing for
Tompkins County as this year’s recipient of the Lucy Brown Award for * A service you did not receive
Leadership in the Community.
* A medical provider you did not see or was not involved in

Savino was honored at an INHS/Better Housing awards event April your care
25th. The award is named for Lucy J. Brown, a 40-year member of the
Most Medicare audits are done after payment is made to the
INHS Board of Directors, who has made significant and lasting contri-
medical provider. By reading your Medicare Summary Notice,
butions to both INHS and the greater Ithaca community. According to
you are in the best position to identify and report errors early.
INHS Director of Community Relations Suzanne Cerquone, the award
The Medicare Summary Notice is mailed to Medicare
is presented each year “to a member of our community who, like Lucy,
beneficiaries on a quarterly basis. If you wish to view your
exemplifies a similar commitment to community and neighborhood, as
Medicare Summary Notices in a more timely manner, you can
a voice and advocate for those who have been typically under-
do this on-line by signing up for mymedicare.gov. Your claims
represented, and whose efforts have made a difference in the lives of
would generally be available for viewing within 24 hours after
many and consequently to the benefit of us all.”
processing.

Office for the Aging Director Lisa Holmes notes, “Eileen frequently
Report
by asking your doctor, clinic or hospital to explain the
works with INHS/Better Housing, helping low income older adults
make needed repairs to their homes. She is often working with people Medicare payment shown on your Medicare Summary Notice.
in emergency situations— frozen pipes, no water, hoarding situations, Don’t be shy to ask; you pay for your Medicare coverage and
etc. It is wonderful that this organization with whom we partner is rec- you want the payments to be right! If you are not satisfied with
ognizing Eileen for her hard work and her advocacy on behalf of some the assistance you receive, contact the Senior Medicare Patrol
of the county's most vulnerable residents.” hotline at 1-877-678-4697.

Contact: You can also check in with Lifelong’s Health Insurance
Lisa Holmes, Director, Tompkins County Office for the Aging, 607-274-5482 Information, Counseling and Assistance Program at 273-1511 or
the Tompkins County Office for the Aging at 274-5482. We
are here to answer your questions.
“OVER 48 YEARS OF
DEDICATED SERVICE”
Page 6 Senior Circle • Summer 2016
a vibrant life filled with friends necessary to stay at home though gathered a group of community
and meaningful activities. Members the life span. Recognizing this leaders, conducted a survey and
can choose to meet for social challenge, an engaged group of developed partnerships with
events such as coffees and happy local community members community organizations,
hours, walking tours and cultural formed LLH. including the Tompkins County
events. They can form groups to Office for the Aging. The
pursue common LLH is part of a national organization obtained tax-exempt
Love Living at Home (LLH) is a interests. Building relationships is movement of older Americans status and applied for and
new 501(c)(3) nonprofit one of the most effective paths to who are taking charge of their received start-up financial
organization in Tompkins County achieve a positive aging future as they age. The support from local businesses,
whose mission is to help older experience. movement began in 2001 in foundations and individuals.
adults remain at home, connected Beacon Hill, a section of Boston,
to their community for as long as “Love Living at Home is not a Massachusetts, and is spreading Elena Flash has been named the
possible. LLH seeks to improve place on a map – it is a gateway across the country as an “aging in organization’s executive
access to services, increase to relationships and resources for place initiative.” These virtual director. Elena brings to LLH 30
socialization and civic older adults who desire to live in villages address the current and years of experience as an
engagement, and strengthens a the homes and neighborhoods unfolding challenges of an older attorney for nonprofit, health
sense of community among its they love. We are a welcoming America. LLH is a full member care and long-term care
participants. It is a mixture of network of people helping of the Village-to-Village Network organizations. She stated, “The
taking what the community people. Our programs enrich life which provides significant Village Movement is sweeping
already offers and creating a “one and forge connections for new support. The Village concept is across the country. This
call does it all” consolidated friendships. When you need that a community of people can elegantly simple model
services provider. LLH does not peace of mind, support is one pool resources by paying empowers seniors to stay active
duplicate existing resources, but phone call away.” Kathleen M. membership dues and and engaged in their homes and
helps seniors move through the Garner, LLH board chair, said, volunteering their skills and time neighborhoods. I am thrilled to
maze of options. Trained to support the Village have the opportunity to help
volunteers will deliver services LLH does not duplicate Tompkins infrastructure and to assist one create a Village for Tompkins
such as transportation to County resources that already another—neighbors helping County and look forward to
appointments, home maintenance exist, but helps seniors move neighbors. LLH members can serving our LLH members.”
coordination, personal well-being through the maze of service also be volunteers, but this is not
assistance, grocery shopping, options by making one call. In a requirement of membership. LLH will begin recruiting
chores and errands, friendly visits Tompkins County, as around the Volunteers do not have to be members and volunteers in May
and phone calls. Seniors living at country, the population over age members. 2016 and expects to begin
home have peace of mind 60 is the fastest growing segment operations in the fall of
knowing that one phone call can of the community. Similarly locally Love Living at Home started 2016. Information sessions are
connect them to the support that and nationally, 90% of older when the local founders saw a scheduled for June 18, July 12,
they need. adults prefer to stay in their television news story about the and August 6 at various locations
homes as they age. However, it is Village Movement and realized it around the county. For more
Programs will be organized for difficult to access the array of was just what they needed to information visit the website at
older adults to help them create area services and providers stay in their homes. They lovelivingathome.org or call the
LLH office at [phone].

Ness-Sibley Funeral Home

Alison M . W eaver

Pre-arrangement eases the burden
of those you leave behind.
We invite you to learn more and
to begin your planning at

www.ness-sibley.com

There is no cost for this valuable service.

23 South Street, Trumansburg
(607) 387– 8151

Bring your unwanted medications to one of Tompkins County’s year-round drop boxes!

For schedules and details visit:
www.healthyyouth.org or call 2-1-1.
Tompkins County Sheriff Cornell Univ. Police Dept. T.C.3 Police Dept.
Ithaca Ithaca Dryden
Tompkins County Proba-
Cayuga Heights Police Dept. Groton Police Dept.
tion
Cayuga Heights Groton
Ithaca
Ithaca Police Dept. Dryden Police Dept. Trumansburg Police Dept.
Ithaca Dryden Trumansburg
Senior Circle • Summer 2016 Page 7
BOOK NOOK
The Try-It Room
From the
Tompkins County Public Library Finger Lakes Independent Center
the same problems in America as
Baldwin did fifty years ago,
though instead of urging his son
to “...force our brothers to see
themselves as they are, to cease
fleeing from reality and begin to
change it.” he writes “…struggle.
Struggle for the memory of your
ancestors. Struggle for
wisdom…. But do not struggle
for the Dreamers [white people
who have forgotten where their
Between the World privilege comes from].” (pg. 151)
Given that Ta-Nehisi Coates has
and Me
already initiated many discussions
By Ta-Nehisi Coates
on race via his essays in the

Atlantic Monthly it is no surprise
According to Publisher’s
that “Between the World and
Weekly “Between the World and
Me” is attracting so much
Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates is one
attention. If you’d like to prepare
of the top 25 best-selling non-
for the upcoming national
fiction titles in America right
dialogue about race read
now, and has been for 35 straight

“Between the World and Me.”
weeks. Understanding its The Try-It Room at the Finger Lakes Independence Center

popularity is not hard. America provides an opportunity for people to try adaptive devices and
Are you looking for a book group in
has a race problem. The last few equipment that make everyday tasks easier. By borrowing items,
which you can discuss important
years we have seen dozens of you can assess whether you want to purchase it for long term use.
non-fiction titles? Join us in the
police shootings captured on film. Items in the Try-It Room can be borrowed for a month with no
"Truth Be Told Book Club.” See
Sadly what is so shocking to deposit or cost associated.
http://tcpl.org/events-exhibits/book-
white America has been Magnifiers are an example of the kinds of assistive devices
clubs-nonfiction.php for details.
unambiguously understood in the available at the Try-It Room. Magnifiers can help individuals with
Copies of books to be discussed are
black community for decades. far sightedness or low vision perform a range of diverse tasks. The
available at the Library and may
Coates’ book was published just Finger Lakes Independence Center has a large selection of
also be reserved by contacting Tom
at the moment when the national magnifiers that can meet your needs. There are video magnifiers,
Burns [email protected] or Stephen
focus turned to race relations. illuminated magnifiers, screen magnifiers, hand held magnifiers,
Salino [email protected]
“Between the World and sheet magnifiers, stand magnifiers, pocket magnifiers, and in a

Me” is written as a modern variety of magnifications. Borrow one or come try several until you
Stephen Salino, Librarian
version of James Baldwin’s letter find the magnifier that works best for you! The Finger Lakes
Information & Learning Services
to his nephew in “The Fire Next Independence Center is located at 215 Fifth St., Ithaca. Call 272-
Tompkins County Public Library
Time.” Coates observes many of 2433 for more information.
Page 8 Senior Circle • Summer 2016

Lifelong News
Summer Fun at Lifelong

All events listed are held at Lifelong unless noted. Lifelong Learning will begin its summer program on
June 1st and we have a lot of fun and interesting things
For more information and full listings of programs please check our
planned!
website at www.tclifelong.org

Please call Lifelong at 273-1511 or email Tammy Dunn, Program Our Lifelong Learning program will begin the summer semester with a
Director at [email protected] to register for any of these events! visit from the Cayuga Nature Center with a discussion on animal
adaptations!

Other classes you will see this summer are an Introduction to Trap &
Skeet Shooting, Poetry, Culinary History of the Finger Lakes,
From the Executive Director’s Desk of Lucia Sacco
Exploration of the Finger Lakes Parks including the Geology of the
area, Tea for Two – a nice intergenerational opportunity, and more!
Don’t miss out on our monthly cook-out and movies! Not to mention
Happy May!
the annual Northside-Southside annual dish-to-pass picnic at Titus
Towers!
By the time you read this, our 64th Annual Meeting and Luncheon

will be in the record books. Sixty-four years! Pretty impressive. The summer program will be available online at www.tclifelong.org or
Today’s Lifelong owes such a debt of gratitude to those who saw a get your copy by stopping into Lifelong at 119 West Court Street
during business hours of 9:00am-4:00pm.
need in this community to address the special needs of Senior

Citizens and worked to fill it. From humble beginnings, at various
Summer Highlights from Lifelong
locations and under the guidance of many different directors and •Animal Adaptations with Cayuga Nature Center - June 1, (1:30-2:30)
Boards, Lifelong is still going strong and growing with the times. •Dish-to-pass picnics: June 8, July 13, August 10, (12:00-1:30)
•Finger Lakes Parks: June 22-July 6, (10:00-11:00)
Tax Counseling for the Elderly had yet another successful year, •Poetry Reading: June 23, (3:00-4:00)
assisting 829 households with FREE tax assistance. Did you check •Tea for Two – Thursdays, July 7-21, (1:40-3:40)
•Trap & Skeet Shooting: June, dates to be determined
out the numbers for this year’s program on page 2? Did you know
•Fascism: July 12, (2:00-4:00)
these tax returns are all done by IRS trained volunteers? Thanks to
•More to be added!
them for their many, many hours of training and time spent at the
Tax clinics. 2016 Exercise options
Do you know how many exercise options
Our Spring semester of Lifelong Learning is wrapping up and has
Lifelong offers?
been very well attended. Special thanks go out to all our wonderful

Too many to count!
instructors. The feed-back we get is so positive and we appreciate the

time it takes to prepare and present your classes and presentations. You can choose from Yoga or Chair Yoga, Enhance Your Fitness,
Strength Training, Tai Chi, Zumba Gold…even Square Dancing! All
Our Program Director, Tammy Dunn, has been working on an
levels are welcome at all our classes. Work-outs can be modified for
expanded Summer catalog for your enjoyment this year. Included in the beginner. Remember, the hardest part is just walking through that
the offerings are Theatre options, a wonderful series on the Finger door the first time. Exercise classes are offered not only at our West
Lakes State Parks, movies, special events; even a visit from our Court Street site but also in Trumansburg, Dryden, Lansing,
Brooktondale and various areas throughout Ithaca. Finding a class and
friends at the Cayuga Nature Center, complete with some animal
location that works for you is as easy as calling 273-1511,or picking up
ambassadors! Be sure to pick up a summer catalog or go to
a flyer at 119 West Court Street or checking out our
www.tclifelong.org and see all that’s happening at Lifelong this
website at www.tclifelong.org
summer.

I’d like to remind you that Lifelong will again close on Mondays Lifelong will be closed:
during the summer beginning July 4th. We will be closed the week of
Memorial Day, Monday, May 30
August 15-19 for our annual maintenance and training and will go

4th of July, Monday, July 4
back to our regular hours beginning Monday, August 22nd.
And every Monday until August 22nd
-Lucia
Week of, August 15-19

Lifelong’s Walk Program Mark your calendar today!

Lifelong’s Walk Program is a great way to explore the

surrounding areas while increasing your strength, A Unique Residence for Seniors
improving your balance, and enjoying the company of
Enhanced Assisted Living
your fellow walkers.

The group meets at 1:15pm in the lounge at Lifelong
and the walks start promptly at 1:30pm.

Lifelong membership is not required nor is registration, but
a participant waiver will need to be on file before the first
walk. These can be obtained by stopping in at the front

desk at Lifelong.

If interested in participating contact Elke Schofield at

272-9476 or email [email protected].

 June 8 – New Farmers’ Market Trail

 June 22 –Taughannock Park with guide
 July 6 –Game Farm
 July 20 – Purity Ice Cream
 Aug. 3 – Arboretum
 Aug. 17– South Hill Recreation Trail
607.257.5777
 Aug 31 – Cornell Plantation/Nevin Center BridgesCornellHeights.com
Senior Circle • Summer 2016 Page 9
Northside-Southside News
LET’S
Lifelong’s Northside-Southside program is a multicultural program of
CELEBRATE
Lifelong open to all seniors providing them the opportunity to
participate in daily activities with peers such as meals, games
and special events that promote cultural education and awareness. All
SUMMER!
programs are free unless otherwise noted. This program is funded in
part by the New York State Office for the Aging and through
Tompkins County Office for the Aging.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL
To register for any of these events please call Lifelong at 273-
1511 or email Tammy Dunn, Program Director at
[email protected] Northside-Southside

PICNIC

th
Wednesday, July 20
From 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Titus Towers Picnic Pavilion

Please bring a dish to
pass and a friend!

Hot dogs, hamburgers,
table service,
and beverages will be
provided.
Page 10 Senior Circle • Summer 2016
The Tompkins County Public Library invites pa-
trons to make history while building the library of
the future. With support from the Tompkins
County Public Library Foundation—and more
than 100,000 LEGO bricks—families, individuals,
businesses, clubs and service organizations will
Linking seniors with volunteer opportunities
help construct a 7 ½-foot by 7 ½-foot replica of
in partnership with United Way’s “Get Connected”
the library, including the upcoming additions of a

state-of-the-art teen center and digital learning lab.
Volunteers are very important to Lifelong and although we disengaged

from the federal Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), we have
To reserve a module for placement during a later Build date, check the
been working to create a program that recognizes and supports the
TCPL LEGO Build icon at http://www.tcplfoundation.org/ or contact
volunteerism of seniors in Tompkins County.
Josiah Jacobus-Parker, Development Coordinator, at jjacobuspar-
Volunteers Connected!
[email protected], [phone] extension 261. Modules are available for So we are introducing…
a donation of $50, with proceeds benefitting Library programs and ser-
vices. Our mission is to promote volunteerism among persons 50 years of
age and older, and provide opportunities for them to pursue their
Each module purchased will earn an entry into a giveaway for a family
interests and use their skills and abilities to help meet the critical
Stay and Splash package at Hope Lake Lodge and Indoor Water-
needs of Tompkins County.
park. The drawing will take place at the June 18th unveiling of the

LEGO Library. Volunteers will either be fully engaged in one or more of Lifelong’s
programs, or "affiliated" with one or more of nearly 200 non-profit
For more information, contact Tompkins County
organizations listed on the United Way’s website.
Public Library Foundation Executive Director Suzanne Smith Jablonski

at [phone] extension 231 or [email protected]. Opportunities are as diverse as teaching English as a second language,
answering callers' questions at Lifelong’s front desk, meal preparation
Modules are limited, so interested Might this be fun for a
at Loves and Fishes or driving for FISH.
grandparent and grandchild
individuals and groups are encouraged
to do together or a
to reserve their kit today. Information
intergeneration Through recording volunteer hours and conducting client surveys,
about volunteering and sponsorship
neighborhood project??? Volunteers Connected! will demonstrate to the community the impact
opportunities is also available http://
senior volunteers can create.
www.tcplfoundation.org/.

Here are several ways to start:
The Tompkins County Public Library LEGO Build
is presented by C.S.P. Management, Inc..  Give Joyce Billing a call at [phone]

 Browse opportunities at

www.TCLifelong.org
www.getconnected.uwtc.org
Volunteer Opportunity:  Complete a V olunteer Form available at Lifelong (and soon on

our website)
Like to cook? Want to donate to the community? We are looking for
volunteers to prepare simple meals for our Women's Support Group on  Volunteers Connected! will schedule an orientation meeting to
Fridays. Do this just once or as often as you like---it's up to you! Contact help match your interests with volunteer opportunities by
Monica Vakiner at [email protected] or 607-277-0960.
using the United Way website.

Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes
612 West State St., Ithaca
phone: [phone] Volunteer Opportunity:

Finger Lakes ReUse
will be hosting week-
Volunteer Opportunity:
ly volunteer orientations during June 2016. Meet new people, build a

Cayuga Medical Center skill, and help make a difference in our community! Anyone interested
in volunteering at either the Ithaca ReUse Center or Triphammer Re-

1. Emergency Room Greeter, this person will monitor the waiting room, advocate Use Center (2255 Triphammer Rd.) and in any of our programs (such
for the patients, clearly communicate information to the staff. as our eCenter or the Deconstruction Services program) should at-

tend this meeting, which will cover details of operations
2. Main Entrance Greeter – Greet guests and offer information as needed … offer
and volunteer tasks.
wheel chairs to those that need them,.

The dates and times are as follows:
Contact Tina Rappleye, Volunteer Coordinator at Cayuga Medical Center, at
 Saturday, June 18 from 10:30 - 11:30 am
274-4331 or [email protected]
 Friday, June 24 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm
 Thursday, June 30 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm

All orientation sessions will be held at the Ithaca ReUse Center at 214
Elmira Road.

Please RSVP to Bren Hill, [email protected], call (607) 257-
9699 x9925 or fill out our Volunteer Application.

About Finger Lakes ReUse

Finger Lake Reuse (FLR) reduces waste, relieves poverty, and teaches
marketable job skills through reuse activities. FLR operates two ReUse
Centers (furniture, housewares, building materials, refurbished com-
puters & electronics) at Triphammer Marketplace and at 214 Elmira
Road. FLR offers affordable computer repair, virus removal, data trans-
fer, and back up services, deconstruction & salvage services, the ReSET
job-training program, and hosts the Ithaca Fixers Collective and the
Sustainability Center. We transform material waste into community
wealth, create living wage jobs, and provide skilled job training oppor-
tunities for underserved and underemployed people throughout
Tompkins County.