December Senior News 1

DECEMBER 2012Volume 40 Number 12

Broome County Office for Aging

Senior NewsVisit Our Website at www.gobroomecounty.com/senior

Kathleen Bunnell, Director Debra A. Preston, Broome County Executive

Celebrate with others!

Celebrate Together

With the number of special activities and events planned this December at local Senior Centers, staying social and connected with family and friends will be made simple and fun!

Enjoy beautiful live music as a background to a great meal with friends? How about attending one of many holiday-themed musical events planned at the Senior Centers, including Harpist, Ted Davenport at Vestal and Broome West Senior Centers, First Ward Chorus Concert, and performance by Calvin Coolidge Singers at East Side Senior Center. Prefer to create music yourself? Don’t miss Deposit Senior Center’s Holiday Luncheon & Sing-A-Long.

Something for everyone to enjoy together? Food, of course! Holiday-themed breakfasts and lunches will be offered throughout December at all Senior Centers. Bring your grandchildren as Santa & Mrs. Claus will be stopping by at the Broome West’s Holiday Party and Luncheon. Oak Street Senior Center will have a very yummy Ice Cream Sundae Day that you don’t want to miss, but before you start worrying about how to burn off all these holiday-related calories, a special Holiday Dinner Dance at First Ward, and Zumba Holiday Party at Broome West are sure to get you moving!

Last, but not least, go on an exciting excursion with Johnson City Senior Center, on a Trip to Christmas Beauty to Longwood Gardens. Attend these events and others to get out, stay social and make the most of this holiday season!

You can f ind more detai led information on these and other great programs on the back pages of this publication. Enjoy your holidays, by celebrating together!

Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period

The Medicare Advantage Annual Disenrollment Period will run from January 1st to February 14th, 2013.

During this Period, a Medicare beneficiary can:• Dis-enroll from a Medicare

Advantage plan and enroll in Original Medicare and a stand-alone Part D (prescription drug plan).

• Take advantage of a Part D Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a prescription drug plan.

During this period, a Medicare beneficiary cannot:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to a different Medicare Advantage Plan.

• Switch from Original Medicare into a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Simply, Medicare beneficiaries can only use the Medicare Advantage Annual Disenrollment Period to dis-enroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan and go back to Original Medicare and a stand-alone Part D drug plan.

Please note: The Medicare Open Enrollment Period which began October 15, 2012 ends December 7, 2012. It is during this Period that Medicare beneficiaries can switch, enroll in, or change their Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D drug plan. Coverage selected during this period becomes effective January 1, 2013.

For more information, Broome County residents may call Action for Older Persons (AOP) at 722-1251.

Day TripperDickens Christmas in Skaneateles

Step back in time and enjoy the holidays the old-fashioned way with Dickens Christmas, as Skaneateles Area Businesses and Mirbeau give a gift to the public for their continued support throughout the year. Plan now and join the Village of Skaneateles, located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, this holiday season.

An annual tradition, the celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs every Saturday and Sunday through December 24th from noon to 4 p.m. Charles Dickens and his cast of over 50 characters will interact with residents and visitors in the streets, stores and restaurants. Don’t miss lively acts at the Library (and Mother Goose too!), live music, unique shopping, wonderful food and carriage rides around the Village.

Just an hour and twenty minutes from Binghamton, Skaneateles is set on a jewel-clear lake in central New York State. It is also home to a thriving residential and business community, and host to thousands of visitors and vacationers each year.

In the historic downtown district, shops and galleries are housed in restored buildings dating back to 1796. Browse for unique foods, distinctive fashions, original art, home accessories or a special antique. Relax at a restaurant or tavern; the atmosphere may be casual and lively or quietly gracious, but the menu is always tempting.

Take Route 81 North to exit 12 for US 11 toward Homer. Turn left onto US 11 N/S Main Street then trun left onto NY 41 N/Clinton St. and continue to follow for 25.7 miles. Turn left onto E. Genesee Street then right onto Jordan Street.

Volunteer Recognition DinnerOFA staff was honored to come together and celebrate with our outstanding volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on October 23, 2012. Pictured are six of the individuals who received recognition for 10 years of volunteer service.

Front Row (left to right): Ellen Johnson, Bea Henaghan, Vivian SpisakBack Row (left to right): Ray Henaghan, Jacqueline Cox, Elizabeth Cox

December Senior News 2

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Winter Solstice

December 21st marks the first day of winter and is known as the winter solstice. On the solstice, the sun will be at its lowest and weakest point of the year. The sun will rise late and set all too early. Often we bemoan this day because it is the shortest day of the year. Something inside of us dreads the lack of sunlight.

However, the solstice also marks a turning point, the start of our days growing longer. From the 22nd of December until the 21st of June the sun will grow stronger and brighter. Our days will lengthen until we once again breathe in warm summer air. Recognizing this turning point, many cultures throughout history have celebrated the solstice as an occasion of joy.

This solstice, gather with friends, turn up the lights and have your own celebration. Mix food and company and celebrate the return of the light. Let the darkest day be a day to look forward to.

Celebrate Together: Holiday Events Near You

Looking for interesting activities happening in your community? Explore the beauty of Roberson Museum decorated for the holiday season, or attend an African Dance and Drumming performance for something new.

Fill up your calendar with these fun-filled holiday events and make sure to bring family and friends along for the ride!

Home for the Holidays at Roberson MuseumFrom November 23- December 30 2012, 11-5pm Roberson Museum and Science Center 607.772.0660 Visit the Roberson museum to explore the decorated mansion and gain an international perspective of the holiday by learning about distinct traditions from around the globe. Admission is $6.00 for individuals and $5.00 for a group of 10 or more, another reason to bring all your friends along!

Holiday Vendor Fair and Craft BazaarDecember 2, 2012 1-4pm American Legion Post 80 Binghamton NY 13905This is a holiday shopping event where vendors such as Pampered Chef, Thirty-One, Tupperware, Scents will be present. Bring your family and take pictures with Santa!

Holiday Mid-Day Concert Thursday, December 6, 2012 - 1:15pmCasadesus Recital Hall Binghamton University Fine Arts Building Binghamton, NY 13902 This is a free concert featuring holiday classics by Binghamton University student and faculty performers. For questions, call 777-2592 or visit music.binghamton.edu for more information.

Nukporfe African Drumming and Dance Ensemble Friday, December 14, 2012 - 7:00pmWatter’s Theater Binghamton University Fine Arts Building Binghamton, NY 13902 This African dance and drumming performance is an excellent opportunity to do something new this holiday. Learn about African culture through the storytelling, pantomime, and oral history of this performance brought you by Nukporfe African Dance-Drumming Ensemble and directed by Professor James Burns.

A Guide To Healthful Dining Out

Restaurant portions have ballooned in size over the past 20 years. “Supersizing” has become the norm, and customers now expect—and eat—the larger amounts of food that are placed in front of them.

People tend to eat more unknowingly when they are served bigger portions, research studies show. If you grew up being encouraged to clean your plate, you may feel you must eat everything served to you, whether you are hungry for all of it or not, in order not to waste food.

Even if your meal is served in a bag, the fast-food restaurant providing it may try to sell you a bargain-priced “meal deal” that features a supersized serving of French fries and a giant sugary soda to go with your double cheeseburger. That can add up to a day’s worth or more of calories and fat, with too much sodium and too little dietary fiber.

Tips for trimming portion sizes:

Buying a meal when your schedule is busy and fast-food chains are everywhere can be irresistible. The good news is that you can still get the

most out of your meal, while keeping portion sizes reasonable, by taking these simple steps:

• Share your meal with a friend. Studies show that people are likely to eat more when they are dining with companions. Splitting a large dish with another person helps.

• Divide before you dig in. Before the server brings your meal, ask for a doggie bag or box. When your entrée arrives, put half away in the container and seal it, if possible, before you eat.

• Choose smaller items. An appetizer or a salad, plus soup, can supply plenty of food for a meal.

• Stop eating for a few minutes halfway through the meal. It takes at least 20 minutes after eating for your brain to perceive that you are no longer hungry. If you eat slowly instead of eating as quickly as possible, you’ll savor your food more and probably realize that you don’t need to eat everything in sight.

The USDA Food Guide Pyramid recommends eating approximately eight servings of grains per day. If you eat two cups of cooked pasta at dinner, you’ve eaten four servings of grains in one meal. Many restaurants serve pasta dishes that contain four to six cups of pasta; that’s eight to 10 servings in a meal!

Source: American Institute for Cancer Research

Down Memory Lane

The George F. Pavilion in Johnson City was built in 1926 and gave residents a chance to to hear and dance to the “big bands.” Two thousand people could fit into the pavilion. People paid 25 cents to hear local bands, while large orchestras played on Fridays and cost 50 cents. Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, the Dorseys and others appeared, but Guy Lombardo held the attendance record with more than 4,000 people at his concert.

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! Hamilton Wright Mabie

December Senior News 3

TRIPSTRIPS Holiday Legends

Children often delight in the legends, myths, traditions and tall tales grandparents share with them about holidays in the “olden days.” Here are a few you might not have known yourself.

Take that holly that encircles the base of a punch bowl, or the ivy garland on the staircase banister. Enlighten those grandkids by telling them this: Legend has it that ages and ages ago, people hung holly above doorways to entice woodland spirits into their homes to brighten the winter, that darkest time of year. Holly and ivy are spoken of together in British Christmas carols. Note that they share a red and green color scheme (traditional holiday colors), because the kind of ivy grown in England turns red in the fall.

It was believed that whoever brought holly into the house first, either husband or wife, would rule the home during the coming year. You might point out that this entitlement does not work for children!

Then there is the Mistletoe! Those grandchildren who think they’re too old to be kissed had better check to see whether someone has hung a mistletoe kissing ball overhead. First popular during Victorian times, mistletoe was arranged with ribbon, lace, juniper, and holly and hung in entryways. Back in Roman times, mistletoe symbolized peace. When warriors met beneath the trees that mistletoe grew upon as a parasite, they laid down their weapons, kissed, and declared a truce until the next day. By the Middle Ages, owners of great manors and modest cottages alike hung mistletoe and kissed when they met beneath it.

Some answers to those “why” questions, like why we have Christmas trees, are always good to have on hand too. Many ancient peoples revered the fir tree as a symbol of eternal life as it kept its bright green even during the cold of winter. In the 17th century, trees were brought inside to be decorated with candles to show the importance of light in dispelling darkness. Boughs and branches of evergreens were shaped into garlands and wreaths. Ornaments to make the tree more festive were added as the years went by.

Not everyone could read or write until free public schools came into being. Therefore, only a few handwritten Christmas cards were distributed, usually by paid messenger. Eventually mailing letters came within almost everyone’s reach and holiday greetings were exchanged that way. Louis Prang) is credited with establishing the Christmas card in the United States. Some cards incorporated as many as 20 colors.

For information about holiday traditions check out www.santas.net/aroundtheworld.htm.

Johnson City Senior Center December 6 Christmas Beauty, Longwood Gardens

First WardMarch 12-16, 2013Las Vegas

VestalSeptember 14-21, 2013 Canada/New England Cruise

Coming in 2013!Living Life 360: Happy Healthy Active

This 4-week nutrition series is a challenge the Broome County Office for Aging hopes you will take on! Topics include, Brain Health, Superfood trends, and understanding MyPlate, to name a few, we are challenging everyone to make positive, healthy changes in order to adopt a “Happy, Healthy, and Active” lifestyle. This series will be scheduled at each of the senior centers through the year, but for your planning purposes and your convenience we have listed below, where this program will be running in January and February 2013.

January Dates & LocationsThursdaysVestal Senior Center at 10:30am Dates: 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25Old Vestal Jr. High School Café 201 Main StreetVestal, NY 13850 WednesdaysJohnson City Senior Center at 10:30amDates: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30 30 Brocton AvenueJohnson City, NY 13790 February Dates & LocationsWednesdaysFirst Ward at 10:30amDates: 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26 226 Clinton Street Binghamton, NY 13905

ThursdaysNorth Shore Towers at 11:00amDates: 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28 24 Isbell Street Binghamton, NY 13901

What does it mean to “Live Life 360”? Attend one or all of our sessions coming soon in 2013 to find out! If you have any questions about this program please call Aaisha at the Office for Aging at 778-2134.

AARP Binghamton MeetingThe AARP Binghamton Chapter #3071 will meet at Blvd. Methodist C h u r c h , 11 3 G r a n d B l v d . Binghamton, NY on Wednesday December 12, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. for a Holiday Dinner/Buffet. Tickets are $12.00 per person, reservations required. Grab bag exchange - minimum of $5.00. Call 797-6767 for reservations before Dec. 5, 2012.

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Little known Facts

During the Christmas/Hanukkah buying season, Visa cards alone are used an average of 5,340 times every minute in the United States.

Long before it was used as a “kiss encourager” during the Christmas season, mistletoe had long been considered to have magic powers by Celtic and Teutonic peoples. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes in order to bring themselves good luck and ward off evil spirits.

The world’s first singing commercial aired on the radio on Christmas Eve, 1926 for Wheaties cereal. The four male singers, eventually known as the Wheaties Quartet, sang the jingle. The Wheaties Quartet comprised of an undertaker, a bailiff, a printer, and a businessman, performed the song for the next six years, at $6 per singer per week. The commercials were a resounding success.

In an effort to solicit cash to pay for a charity Christmas dinner in 1891, a large crab pot was set down on a San Francisco street, becoming the first Salvation Army collection kettle.

Source: coolquiz.com/trivia/

December Senior News 4

HEALTH & WELLNESS EVENTS at the CENTERS

ZumbaBased on dance moves choreographed to Latin and international music. Low impact dance aerobics class. There is a $3 charge for this class.

Monday, 8:30 am Vestal Senior CenterMonday, 10:00 am First Ward Senior Center (Binghamton)Monday, 1:00 pm Eastern Broome Senior Center (Harpursville)Tuesday, 12:30 pm Johnson City Senior CenterTuesday, 9:30 am Broome West Senior Center (Endwell)Thursday, 1:00&2:00 pm Broome West Senior Center (Endwell)Friday, 9:30 am First Ward Senior Center (Binghamton)Friday, 11:00 am Oak Street Senior Center (Binghamton)

Toning & ZumbaToning exercises using light weights followed by Zumba dance aerobics. There is a $5 charge for this class.

Wednesday, 5:30 pm Johnson City Senior CenterBonesaver ClassA low-intensity class, using light weights to help prevent osteoporosis and improve balance.

Monday, 10:00 am First Ward Senior Center (Binghamton)Monday, 10:00 am Broome West Senior Center (Endwell)Tuesday, 10:00 am Oak Street Senior Center (Binghamton)Tuesday, 2:30 pm Johnson City Senior Center Wednesday, 10:00 am Broome West Senior Center (Endwell)Thursday, 9:30 am First Ward Senior Center (Binghamton)Thursday, 10:15 am Northern Broome Senior Center (Whitney Pt)Friday, 10:00 am Oak Street Senior Center (Binghamton)Friday, 10:00 am First Ward Senior Center (Binghamton)

Beginner Gentle Yoga This gentle exercise program will help improve flexibility and strength. Its modified movements will allow you to work at your pace and in-crease as your body begins to adapt. There is a $3 charge for this class.

Monday, 9:30 am Johnson City Senior CenterFriday, 10:00 am Johnson City Senior Center

Tai ChiRelieve stress, improve balance, increase flexibility and promote well-ness. There is a $3 charge for this class.

Thursday, 1:00 pm Johnson City Senior Center

Line DancingChoreographed dance with a sequence of steps done in lines or rowsThere is a $3 charge for this class. There is no charge at First Ward.

Monday, 10 am Johnson City Senior CenterTuesday, 12:45 pm First Ward Senior Center (Binghamton) Friday, 9:30 am Broome West Senior Center (Endwell)

Chair YogaProvides many of the benefits offered by vigorous yoga; however, pos-tures and movements are very gentle, easy to maintain and adapted to each students’ ability. There is a $5 charge for this class.

Tuesday, 10:00 am First Ward Senior Center (Binghamton) Friday, 1:00 pm Vestal Senior Center

Chair ExercisesIncrease flexibility, range of motion and circulation.

Tuesday, 8:45 – 9:30 am Eastern Broome Senior Center (Harpursville)Tues & Thurs, 11:00 am Broome West Senior Center (Endwell)

Staying Fit & HealthyStretching and light aerobics with weights.

Thursday, 2:30 pm Johnson City Senior Center

Exercise EquipmentAvailable Daily Broome West Senior Center (Endwell) Northern Broome Senior Center (Whitney Pt) First Ward Senior Center (Binghamton) Johnson City Senior Center*Complete addresses & phone numbers for all Senior Centers are located on page 10 & 11.

Young @ HeartTuesday, December 4, 12:45 PM

Broome West Senior Center, 785-3427

See an exhilarating documentary about loveable seniors learning & performing hard rock songs

from the 60’s & 70’s. The choir is tireless and the friendships are

strong; the power of music is inspiring. Reserve your free spot

with Joan at 778-6206.

SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) Made Easy

and Medicare Savings Plan Wednesday, December 5, 11am

Northern Broome Center692-3405

Two important programs one after the other: First learn about the SNAP Program (formerly

Food Stamps) and whether you may be eligible. Then find out

more about the Medicare Savings Program immediately following.

Bake Sale and Craft FairTuesday, December 11

9:30-11:30am Vestal Senior Center, 754-9596

Homemade baked goods and gift items will be for sale and proceeds benefit the Center.

Holiday Bingo Wednesday, December 12,

11:30am East Side Senior Center

723-4292Happy Birthday Bingo!

Play “Jingo” with us and receive festive prizes. Stay for our

holiday luncheon. Extend an invitation to a friend or neighbor.

Mrs. Claus will have treats!

Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

Thursday, December 13, 12pm Deposit Senior Center, 467-

3953Karen Bayer from UHS

Nurse Direct will present her informative program at 12:45pm

including tips to keep your numbers low. Why not come

early and get your blood pressure checked at 12pm.

“Rejoice” by theFirst Ward Chorus

Wednesday, December 19, 1pmFirst Ward Senior Center

729-2307“Rejoice” will include a medley of vocal selections with musical accompaniments. Join us for an uplifting afternoon to ring in the

holiday season.

Happy Holidays BreakfastTuesday, December 4, 8-10am

Eastern Broome Senior Center 693-2069

Come enjoy and wonderful start to your day and the holiday

season. We will be offering a variety of breakfast choices

including waffles, French toast with strawberries, blueberry

pancakes, omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and more. Walk-ins welcome. Lida Bassler

will be entertaining on piano with your holiday favorites.

If you wish, please bring your favorite goodie to share.

It’s Back! Potato Bar!December 5, 6 & 7 - Starting around 11:15 am

In December you probably find yourself running around more than usual. You may be shopping, going to the post office, attending parties, volunteering or doing a variety of other holiday related activities.

Don’t stop at a fast food joint for a greasy, squished burger. Instead, stop at a participating senior center and enjoy a fresh, delicious baked potato with all the fixings. No reservations are needed at our Baked Potato Bar. Use your imagination and top your potato with freshly grated cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, steamed broccoli, chili, chives and/or sour cream. The combinations are endless.

Your potato creation will also come with a bowl of homemade soup, crispy tortilla chips, dessert and a beverage.

All that for just $3.00 if you are age 60+ and only $4.00 for those who are not yet age 60. Participating centers are Broome West, Johnson City, Eastern Broome (Dec. 5 & 7) and Northern Broome.

December Senior News 5

Hints for Coping with the Holidays as a Caregiver

The Holidays can be a joyful time but they can be stressful as well. For caregivers in particular, this can be especially true since caregivers have the additional responsibility of considering the needs of the person they are caring for. With this in mind, listed here are tips that will hopefully help in being able to maximize the joyful times and minimizing the stress. While these tips are intended for individuals who are caring for someone who is memory impaired, they are actually very appropriate for all caregiving situations. • Keep your regular routine and try to maintain a positive attitude. • Keep in mind that the holidays are also a time for memories and

reflection as well as joy. • Simplify and set reasonable goals for yourself. • Decorating, card sending, shopping and entertaining expectations

should reflect the other demands on your time. • Break down large tasks into small ones. This may allow the person

you are caring for the opportunity to assist with hanging decorations, placing cards in to envelopes, stamping envelopes and wrapping gifts.

• Give yourself permission to say no to obligations. • Give yourself permission to ask for and say yes to offers of assistance

from family, friends and neighbors. • Encourage friends and family to visit but keep the number of visitors at

a time to a minimum.• Prepare a potential activity or task to divert your loved one’s attention if

they become over stimulated, agitated or confused. • Accept invitations and enjoy the chance to be with friends and family,

even if your loved one cannot attend.

For additional support and information to help you cope, contact Judy Bobinski, Caregiver Specialist at 778-2411. (Article courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter.)

Caregiver Chat Groups

These informal chats are open to caregivers of any age.

Place: Northern Broome Senior Center 12 Strongs Place, Whitney Point, NYDate: Monday, December 10Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Place: Johnson City Senior Center 30 Brocton Avenue, Johnson City, NYDate: Monday, December 3Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Place: Yesteryears Adult Day Program 2801 Wayne Street, Endwell, NYDate: Wednesday, December 19Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Take the time to enjoy lunch while attending a chat group. Lunch is served at all locations around noon. Price: $3.00 for those 60 years and older and $4.00 for those under 60.

Caregiver Corner ... ideas and information for people caring for others.

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Celebrate With Others You Never Know What Might Happen!

Rita Grow and Sal D’Amato met at the Northern Broome Senior Center three years ago. Above is a picture of Rita and Sal at their

outdoor wedding ceremony on September 22, 2012, with friends and family in attendance. They sent this picture into the Office for Aging

saying that they are both so grateful to have met at theNorthern Broome Senior Center.

Opportunities for Hiring Household Help

Could you use a little extra help around the house? Are you finding it difficult to keep up with housekeeping, errands or home repairs? If so, the Senior Helpers Program (formerly GROW), may be the answer. Individuals in the community have been hiring workers through Senior Helpers for forty years to handle jobs large and small.

The Senior Helpers Program matches workers who are age 55 or older with individuals in the community who need to hire help around the house. Jobs can be short or long term, range from simple tasks to elaborate projects, and vary in type from home repair to personal care.

You can hire a worker to fix a leaking faucet, install a new light fixture, clean out the basement, work in the yard or remove snow. Workers have recently repaired broken steps, installed new doors and windows and built wheelchair ramps.

You can also hire a worker to provide companion services such as grocery shopping, housekeeping, transportation to appointments, and personal care. The workers help seniors surmount the difficulties of living on their own.

If you would like to find out more about the Senior Helpers Program, or to hire a worker, call 778-6105 between the hours of 8:30 and noon, Monday through Friday. A worker will contact you to discuss the details and work out a price for the job. The worker will gladly provide references so you can check on previous jobs. You hire the “senior helper,” we provide the connection.

Meaningful Gifts to Give1. Mend a quarrel. 2. Forgive an enemy.3. Seek out a forgotten friend. 5. Express appreciation. 6. Find the time to keep a promise. 7. Make or bake something for someone else, anonymously. 8. Speak kindly to a stranger. 9. Smile; laugh a little, laugh a

little more. 10. Take a walk with a friend. 12. Lessen your demands on others. 13. Apologize if you were wrong. 14. Turn off the television and talk. 15. Give a soft answer even though you feel strongly.

December Senior News 6

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Don’t Invite The Flu For The HolidaysHand washing is just one of the ways to be sure you don’t receive the gift that no one wants: seasonal influenza.

During December, most of us spend time in crowds of people—at parties, while shopping, and as we make our way through crowded airports. This is also the time of year that seasonal influenza really takes off. Having the flu can ruin your holiday celebration! Entire families can end up sneezing and feverish…and then the dispersing guests take the bug back to their families and co-workers back home. Senior relatives are especially vulnerable to the sometimes dangerous complications from the flu.

Experts from Toronto’s Ryerson University offer ten tips for staying festively flu-free:

Wash your hands. Always wash your hands before you start digging into the appetizers at a party. You should also wash your hands after you’ve finished to keep your hands as germ-free as possible.• Don’t sneeze into your hand. If you feel a cough or sneeze coming on,

be sure to cough into a tissue or into the inside of your sweater or jacket to avoid spreading any microbes to people standing near you at a party. A cough or sneeze can contaminate the air and surfaces with virus up to six feet away.

• Do the air kiss. Greet your family and friends by giving them a hug and kissing the air near their cheek. If there’s mistletoe dangling between you and a friend, replace the smack on the lips with a fake peck on the cheek instead.

• Don’t use your fingers. As a party guest, use serving spoons or forks to put food on your plate instead of just reaching for it. As a party host, be sure to put out plenty of serving utensils and provide people with alternatives to reaching into bowls, such as creating individual servings of your offerings.

• Get creative with your cups. When hosting a party, come up with fun ways of personalizing cups so there aren’t any mix-ups. Avoid serving beverages in their original containers for the same reason. Multiple identical cans or bottles can easily be mixed up.

• Carry hand sanitizer with you. Remember: the person who sneezes into their hands transfers viruses onto public doorknobs, handrails, products you purchase, or even the change the cashier gave you. Viruses can also survive hours to days on surfaces or your skin. If there isn’t a place to wash your hands nearby, use alcohol gel to sanitize your hands before you eat any food or even touch your face, particularly your nose or mouth. Keep a small bottle in your purse or pocket for those holiday shopping excursions.

• Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep weakens your immune system and makes you more susceptible to illness. Aim for a consistent six to eight hours of sleep every night, even during the busy season of shopping, planning and entertaining.

• Sick? Stay away. If you feel like you are coming down with a cold or flu, stay at home until you feel better. There is always next year’s round of holiday shindigs to host or attend. Stick to holiday specials on TV to give you a boost of merriment.

• Cold or flu? A cold can strike any time, but October to March is flu season. If your symptoms include a headache and high temperature, contact your healthcare provider. And get your flu shot!

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Plan Ahead For Snow RemovalWinter will soon be upon us with the snow and ice that can trap senior citizens in their homes. Now is the time to make a plan, before that first big snowfall. If you are unable to remove snow yourself, and you haven’t found someone who can do it for you, the Office for Aging offers some ideas on where to get help. In most cases cases, there will be a fee for this service, but it may be quite affordable. • Senior Helpers (Former ly

GROW): 778-6105, 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon weekdays. Operated by the Office for Aging, Senior Helpers program has older workers who may be available to do snow removal for a fee.

• Binghamton Boys and Girls Club Hire-A-Teen Program: Call Simone Cornelius at 723-7404 ext 308 after 3 p.m. on school days. Teens are available to do snow removal for a fee.

• Office for Aging Senior Resource Line: 778-2411 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Senior Resource Line staff will work with seniors to help them to develop a plan for snow removal, including looking at who may be available in their community to assist them. Seniors will be provided with phone numbers for individuals who have registered with the Office for Aging and are able to remove snow for a fee.

• In addition to asking your relatives, neighbors and friends, try contacting your religious congregation. They may have a listing of people available to help.

Can you help others? If you are able to do your own snow removal, remember to check on older neighbors who may need your help. Remember: PLAN AHEAD for snow and ice removal.

Moving for Better Balance

Moving for Better Balance is a form of an ancient martial art that focuses on improving balance which in turn can reduce fall-related risks and falls frequency.

Moving for Better Balance has come to Broome County. Classes are open to people age 65 and over. Classes will be 12 consecutive weeks and will meet 2 times per week with an additional 45 minutes of home practice. Classes will fill up quickly so call 770-9622 ext 130 to register; ask for Sue. There are no fees.

Class times and locations:- Starting November 27th and will

run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am – Noon at the West Family YMCA in Johnson City.

- Starting January 7th and will run Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 am – Noon at the Binghamton YMCA.

This program is brought to you buy the Broome County Health Department, the Broome County Office for Aging, the CDC and the YMCA of Broome County.This program is a graceful form of martial arts that uses slow precise movements that can help you stay fit and fight off common ailments. Research done in several countries has shown that it can help deal with many ailments including arthritis, high blood pressure, poor balance and stress to name a few.

So what is it like? Moving for Better Balance is a combination of non-impact, controlled motions that focus on balance, breathing and body awareness with the emphasis on focus. The moves have relaxing names like wave hands like clouds or part the wild horse’s mane. So essentially, you move through different positions and hold a variety of poses. The nicest part about this martial art form is that it is gentle on the body and that virtually anyone can do it with proper instruction.

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! Author Unknown

December Senior News 7

Senior Citizen Winter Indoor Walking The Broome County Office for Aging and the local school districts have teamed up to offer senior citizens indoor walking during the winter months.Sites are open November 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013. Seniors can walk at the designated sites only during the scheduled times, Monday – Friday. When the schools are closed for holidays and snow days, etc., the walking program will also be closed.

A registration form is required to walk. Get your walking registration forms and incentive sheets from the school office, online at www.gobroomecounty.com/senior/healthed or by calling the Office for Aging at 778-2411.

Walking Sites Times● Brookside Elementary School 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.● Caryl Adams Elementary (WP) 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. ● Chenango Forks High School 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.● Chenango Valley High School Tues., Wed., Thurs. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.CR Weeks Elementary (Windsor) 7:30 - 8:40 a.m. & 3:45 - 7:45 p.m. ● Deposit Elementary 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.● East Middle School (Binghamton) 6:00 - 8:00 a.m.● Floyd Bell Elementary (Windsor) 7:30 - 8:40 a.m. & 3:45 - 7:45 p.m. ● Highland Park Gymnasium (Endwell) 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. ● Jennie F. Snapp Junior High (Endicott) 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.● Oak Street Senior Center (Binghamton) Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.● Palmer Middle School Corridor (Windsor) 7:00 - 7:40 a.m. & 3:45 - 6:30 p.m. ● Roosevelt Elementary (Binghamton) 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.● Susquehanna Valley High School 7:00 - 7:45 a.m.● TJ Watson Elementary School (Endicott) 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. ● Vestal Old Junior High School Mon., Wed., Fri. 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.● Vestal High School 6:00 - 7:00 a.m.● West Middle School (Binghamton) 7:00 - 7:30 a.m. & 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Sudoku Answers

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Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. Norman Vincent Peale

Hanukkah House

Hanukkah House Museum is a linkage between the Jewish community and the community at large. It is a teaching museum that through creative displays of Jewish history and tradition provides a cultural and educational experience that will increase the visitor’s awareness and knowledge of Jewish life.

Hanukkah is an eight day festival which celebrates freedom, courage and hope. It is a critical chapter in the long story of the miracle of Jewish survival. During this season of lights and thanks, let all of us be grateful for the many freedoms we enjoy in this country today, remember those who made them possible and resolved to continue to work together for a better tomorrow for all people.

The Museum is located at Temple Concord on Riverside Drive in Binghamton. For more information call 722-2738.

Tips To Improve Your MemoryHaving t rouble remember ing appointments, items at the grocery store, or where you put your keys? Everyone has moments when something slips their mind. If this has been happening to you, try doing a few easy brain exercises each day to help improve memory.

Luckily, mental workouts can be just as effective for your brain as physical workouts are for your body. Start with the first tip and then add one more idea each day to help improve your memory:

There are a number of other ways you can strengthen your memory. Try these strategies and exercises to keep your brain and memory sharp: 1. Be organized. Keep lists and notes,

and maintain an appointment book.2. Challenge your mind and body.

Try new physical and mental activities like yoga, ballroom dancing, tai chi, or chess.

3. Play mind games. Do crossword puzzles, read as much as possible, and play games like Scrabble or Sudoku.

4. Keep yourself guessing. Stimulate your brain by taking an unusual route to work or by using your opposite hand to do simple activities like placing your key in the door, putting on makeup, stirring your food, or brushing your teeth.

Forgetting things can make you feel flustered and disorganized. But regular workouts for your mind can improve memory and boost your overall brain power. Once you figure out which memory tips work best for you, it’s possible that you’ll never forget a name, birthday, or that last item on your grocery list ever again.

Be positive. Don’t doubt yourself — our brains can often do more than we realize. Regularly practice these tips to help improve memory, and you’ll be amazed by how much more you can remember.

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December Senior News 8

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Standing Up Easily Forever: The Secret You Must Know By: John Paul Ouvrier

One of the most common complaints of older adults that echo off the walls in doctor and PT offices everywhere is this, “I have trouble standing up… My legs must be weak… Can you give me some exercises to strengthen my legs…”

Generally, while those exercises do strengthen the legs, they don’t solve the problem of standing up easily and older adults wrongly assume when they have this problem they are getting old and weak. This then creates a cycle of trying to find chairs with arms, or that are not too low, or sitting on the edge of the couch, etc. While these are all smart ideas to consider for both safety and practicality when standing is a concern, what is missing is a basic understanding of how standing up works, and in this little article we will learn the secret of standing up easily. It is both simple and common sense. I am proud to have shared this with thousands of people every year for the past decade. Here it is: NOSE OVER TOES.

That’s the secret and here’s how it works. When you stand up, if your nose is behind your toes, or the front edge of your shoe, your body is ‘back’ heavy and you naturally fall back into your chair. Worse if your nose can’t even see over your knees, you will get stuck as well. Older adults wrongly interpret this as weakness. Nothing could be further from the truth. Listen:

If you’re in the wrong position (nose behind toes), you can’t get up. You will get stuck and fall back into your chair. This is not weakness, this is just being in the wrong position. Here’s how to stand up properly and apply the Nose Over the Toes rule:

1. Tap your feet on the ground, to ‘Wake up Before You Stand Up’ 2. Move to the front edge of your chair so you can tuck your feet back

under you to make ‘Nose Over the Toes’ happen. If you’re too far back in the chair, your toes will be too far out in front of you!

3. Lean forward so your ‘Nose is Over the Toes’. 4. Use your arms if you need to help push your upper body toward

the toes. Go up like an airplane going up, forward, and not straight up like a helicopter. Listen, using your arms is not cheating. I hear that a lot. All your arms do is push your ‘Nose Over Your Toes’ faster. (Unless you’re a gymnast who can do arm push ups, most of us are not that strong, so you’re not really cheating, just getting to a better position! And besides, it can make you feel more secure.)

5. Here’s a wonderful trick to complete the standing up part: Once your nose is over your toes, and you start to stand up, don’t lift up your head, lift your Fanny First, then your head. If you lift up your head, before your rear end, you pull all your weight back, and down you go, back into the chair- and that doesn’t matter how strong you are. This happens a lot to people, and once again, they think they are weak.

Of course, once you’re up, immediately bend your knees (Up and Down Keeps Me off the Ground) as this establishes balance. It only takes a few days in bed to get a person into some poor habits, and standing properly is a habit you don’t want to lose! So stay young, Best of Health, Blessings, and keep putting Old on Hold.

John Paul Ouvrier, is a fitness trainer who specializes in working with older adults. He is the author of ‘The Wizard of Youth’ series for adults and children, the creator of ‘The Wizard of Youth 4 Kids Board Game’ and the Executive Director of Fitness For Charity. His websites are: http://wizardofyouth.com. & http://fitness4charity.org. He can be reached at john@wizardofyouth.com

Having the Conversation About the Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

If you are a family member who has been told of your loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, you need to decide whether and how to share this news with the patient. If you decide to tell the person about the Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, take some time to plan your approach and to anticipate the person’s reactions:

• Choose your setting carefully. A conference, consisting of you, other caregivers, the doctor, and the patient may be helpful for some people; others may respond better to a one-on-one conversation. If you fear the patient might direct anger at you, ask his or her doctor to deliver the Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.

• Confusion, anger, and denial are common reactions. If they occur, don’t try to argue with or convince the person -- further detailed discussion likely will not be helpful.

• Don’t be surprised if the person already suspects that he or she has Alzheimer’s disease.

• Provide as much information as the patient is able to understand, especially about symptoms, medications, and upcoming lifestyle changes.

• Watch for signs of sadness, anger, frustration, or anxiety, and let the patient know that these are understandable feelings and you are open to discussing his or her needs and emotions.

• Finally, reassure the person that you, the doctor, and other caregivers will continue to provide help and support.

Excerpted from Johns Hopkins Health Alert

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally! author unknown

“We do not need magic to transform our world … We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better.”

J.K. Rowling

December Senior News 9

A Positive Image All of us know people who seem to have it all going for them. They may not be the most beautiful people we know, nor the smartest or richest, but they have that something special that makes other people want to be like them. They like themselves.

Being free of your own self-disappointment can open a whole new way of living. How do you become a person who spends his or her energy living instead of wishing life were different? Start by developing an enthusiasm for life. Refuse to worry about things you can’t change and get on with changing those you can. Practice self-reliance and develop the ability to accept your own limitations and those of people for whom you care. Learn to concentrate on what “is” instead of what “isn’t” or “should be.” If you use your time constructively, it will be an asset in personal growth. A positive self-image is created, not born. It takes time and effort. We hear so much about the negative aspects of aging that some of the positives can be overlooked. Becoming older can be a time of great personal growth for people. It can be a time of life when people can become internally directed and not feel the need for approval from others.

We all have the potential to rid ourselves of self-doubt and the frustration that comes from constantly evaluating ourselves. Pick out those things that are important and let the others go; often they will take care of themselves. Aging can be a time of developing a positive self-image by finding new meaning and purpose in our lives.

Aging With Attitude Stay connected…and never act your age!

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Avoid Holiday Payment Shock

Twas the month before Christmas and all through the Mall, the smell of burning plastic filtered through the hall. The shoppers were charging their gifts with delight and no concern of pending financial plight.

Millions of holiday shoppers will dust off their credit cards and hit the malls this month, happily charging everything from toys to tinsel. Unfortunately, many a shopper’s holiday glee will become holiday gloom once their January credit card statements arrive.

You can avoid post holiday payment shock by limiting your spending. Determine how much you can afford to spend before beginning your shopping excursion and stick to your budget. Make a list and check it twice. As you shop, record each gift and its cost. Then add up expenses so your credit card bill won’t take you by surprise.

Use cash whenever possible. If it is necessary for you to charge a number of gifts, put them all on one credit card so you won’t be juggling several bills in January.

The Legend of St. Nicholas

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. One of the best known of the St. Nicholas stories is that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married. Over the course of many years, Nicholas’s popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December 6. This was traditionally considered a lucky day to make large purchases or to get married. By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe. Even after the Protestant Reformation, when the veneration of saints began to be discouraged, St. Nicholas maintained a positive reputation, especially in Holland.

St. Nicholas made his first inroads into American popular culture towards the end of the 18th century. In December 1773, and again in 1774, a New York newspaper reported that groups of Dutch families had gathered to honor the anniversary of his death.

The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick’s Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas). In 1804, John Pintard, a member of the New York Historical Society, distributed woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the society’s annual meeting. The background of the engraving contains now-familiar Santa images including stockings filled with toys and fruit hung over a fireplace.

In 1809, Washington Irving helped to popularize the Sinter Klaas stories when he referred to St. Nicholas as the patron saint of New York in his book, The History of New York. As his prominence grew, Sinter Klaas was described as everything from a “rascal” with a blue three-cornered hat, red waistcoat, and yellow stockings to a man wearing a broad-brimmed hat and a “huge pair of Flemish trunk hose.”

Source: History of the holidays.com

December Senior News 10

Look What’s Happening at the Centers!

254 Robinson Street, Binghamton, NY 13904Center Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs, 10:00 am - 2:00 pmLunch served at Noon

Special Activities

EAST SIDE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 723-4292

BROOME WEST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 785-34272801 Wayne St., Endwell, NY 13760Center Hours: Mon - Fri, 9:00am - 3:00pmLunch served at Noon call 785-1777Breakfast for Lunch: Mon 10:30am - 12:30pmSandwich and Soup Bar: W/Th/F, 11:15 am – 12:30pm

Weekly Activities: Exercise classes listed on page 4Daily: Wii, Cards, Billiards, Shuffleboard, BingoM: Quilting 9-3 pm; Chorus Practice 12:45 pmT: Ping Pong 1-3 pmW: Scrabble 12:30 pm; Floor Shuffleboard 12:45 pmTh: Social Connections 1-2:30 pm; USA Ballroom Dance Lessons 7-10 pmF: Ping Pong 1-3 pm

Special Activities

14 Monument Street, Deposit, NY 13754 (Located in Christ Episcopal Church)Center Hours: Tues & Thurs, 9:00am - 2:00pmLunch served at Noon

Weekly Activities (call for info): Tues & Thurs: Cards or Scrabble 9 am-12 pm; Piano Music 10:30 am; Wii Thurs: Writers Group 10:30am; Chorus 11-12 pm, Wii

Special Activities

DEPOSIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467-3953

27 Golden Lane, Harpursville, NY 13787Center Hours: Mon - Fri, 9:00am - 2:30pmLunch served at NoonBreakfast: Tues, 8 - 9:30 amBrunch: Thurs, 10:30 am – 12:00 pmSandwich and Soup Bar: Wed, 11:30 am – 12:30 pmBurger Bar: Fri, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Weekly Activities: Exercise classes listed on page 4 Daily: Computers, Coffee Hour, Cards, Shuffleboard, BilliardsW: Stitching/Crafts 9-11 amTh: Acrylic Painting 9-11 amF: Wii Games

Special Activities

EASTERN BROOME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 693-2069

226 Clinton St., Binghamton, NY 13905 Center Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 4:00pmLunch served at 11:45 am call 729-6214

Weekly Activities: Exercise classes listed on page 4Daily: Billiards M: Just For Fun Pool League 9:00 am; Pottery 9:30 am; Bingo 12:30 pm; Texas Holdem 12:45 pmT: Shuffleboard 9:00 am; Knitting 9 am; Pinochle 12:30 pm; Texas Holdem 12:45; Art 1 pm W: Ceramics 9:00 am; Chorus 9:30 am; Pottery 1:00 pmTh: Sewing 9:00 am; Shuffleboard 1:00 pmF: Ceramics 9:30 am; Texas Holdem 12:45 pm

Special Activities:

FIRST WARD/GREENMAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 797-2307

12/4 Broome County Senior Council Meeting, 9:30 am Information & Assistance Rep. Lucia Esposito (OFA), 11 am Trim the Tree Party, 10 am-12 pm Movie: “Young At Heart,” (& PosAgingAcad Reunion), 12:45pm12/5 Ted Davenport, Harpist (Holiday Program), 11 am12/5,6,7 Potato Bar, 11:15 am-12:30 pm12/6 AOP Health Insurance Counseling (by appt. only), 1 pm OR 2 pm12/10 Special Breakfast: Cranberry Muffin Dessert, 10:30 am-12:30 pm12/11 Evening Meal w/Hugh Becker, 5-7 pm12/12 Holiday Party and Luncheon w/Santa & Mrs. Claus, 12 pm12/13 Zumba Holiday Party, 1 pm12/18 Information & Assistance Rep. Lucia Esposito (OFA), 11 am12/19 Caregivers Support Group, 9:30 am12/20 Philly Cheese Steak Day, 11 am-12:30 pm12/24 Special Breakfast: Cherry Pancakes, 10:30 am-12:30 pm12/31 New Year’s Eve Celebration: Party at 11 am, Toast at 12 pm

12/5 Meadow Park Luncheon, 12:30 pm Nickel Bingo, 11:15 am 12/6 Breakfast for Lunch, 10:30 am-12:30 pm 12/11 Blood Pressure Check, 12 pm

“Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol” w/Karen Bayer, 12:45 pm12/13 Holiday Luncheon & Sing-A-Long, 12 pm

Mondays “Holiday Bag Auction,” 12:30 pm Thursdays Bingo, 11:45 am-1 pm 12/4 Annual Holiday Breakfast w/Lida Bassler. pianist, 8-10 am12/5&7 Baked Potato Bar ,11:30 am-12:30 12/5 Collection starts for Holiday Cheer Baskets

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Nutrition Series, 12:30 pm

12/6 Holiday Dinner Dance, 5-8:30 pm 12/7 Cooperative Extension Nutrition Workshop, 1-2:30 pm12/8 Holiday Sale, 9 am-2 pm 12/11 Blood Pressure Screenings, 9:30 am 12/12 Holiday Luncheon, 11:45 am 12/13 STAR Exemption Information, 12:15 pm 12/19 First Ward Chorus Concert, 1 pm 12/24,25,31 & 1/1 Center Closed for Holidays12/26 Information & Assistance Rep. Lucia Esposito (OFA), 11:30

12/3 Holiday Word Search Games, 11 am 12/5 Meet, Greet & Eat w/Pastor Jan, 11:30 am 12/6 “St. Nicholas Day,” 11:00 am 12/12 “Jingo” & Holiday Luncheon, 11:30 am 12/19 Holiday Performance by Calvin Coolidge Singers, 11:30 am 12/31 New Year’s Eve Celebration, 12 pm

12/7,28 Wii Game practice, 9:45-10:45 am Team Trivia, 11-11:30 am 12/8 Christmas Shopping at Eastern Broome, 9am- 2pm 12/10 Information & Assistance Rep. Lucia Esposito (OFA), 11:30 am12/12 Holiday Luncheon w/Rocky Mountain Connection, 10 am 12/14 “Honorary Rotarians for the Day,” 11 am – 12:30 pm12/19 Santa, Songs, and the Little Children, 10:30-11:45 am & 12:45-2:00 pm 12/21 Harpursville Choraliers and Band Ensemble, 10:45-11:30 am Holiday Cheer Baskets distributed12/24 Cookie Exchange, 11:00 am12/26 Site Council meeting. 10:30am12/31 New Year’s Luncheon, singing w/Heather & Barney Wilkins, 11:15 am

Holiday Luncheon at the Senior CentersPlease join us in celebrating the December holidays on Wednesday, December 12 around noon (Dec. 13 at the Deposit senior center).

Holiday festivities vary at each center but each will serve a special holiday lunch of chicken cordon bleu, brown rice pilaf, vegetables, tossed salad, dinner roll and cheesecake w/strawberries for dessert.

Lunch reservations are needed and can be made by calling the senior center of your choice by noon the day before. The meal is a $3.50 contribution for people 60 and older and their spouse; anyone under age 60 will be charged $4.50. We hope to celebrate the holiday season with you!

December Senior News 11

58 Oak Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 (located in St. Patrick’s All Purpose Room)Center Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed., Fri, 10:00am - 1:45pmLunch served at Noon

Weekly Activities: Exercise classes listed on page 4M/W/F: Scat and Pinochle, WalkingW/F: Bingo 11 am, Walking

Special Activities:

OAK STREET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 724-1220

Old Vestal Junior High School Cafeteria201 Main St., Box #4, Vestal, NY 13850 Center Hours: Mon - Fri, 9:00am - 2:00pmLunch served at 11:45am

Weekly Activities: Exercise classes listed on page 4Daily: Coffee Klatch, Cards, GamesM: Walking Group 8 am; Wii Bowling 9:30 amT: Pinochle 9:30 amW: Walking Group 8 am; Pinochle 9:30 am; Crochet 9:30 am; Computer Instruc-tion 10 am; Oil Painting 1-3 pm Th: Wii Bowling 9:30 am; Bingo (1st & 3rd) 10:30 am F: Ice Cream Cones 12:30 pm; Walking Group 8 am Special Activities:

VESTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 754-9596

NORTH SHORE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 772-621424 Isbell St., Binghamton, NY 13901Center Hours: Mon - Fri 10:00am - 1:45pmLunch served at Noon

Weekly Activities:W: Crafts 10:30-11:30 amT: Game Day 9:45-11 amTh: Bingo 10-11 amFr: Bagel Breakfast 8-11 am, Wii Bowling 9:45-11:30 am

Special Activities:

JOHNSON CITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 797-314530 Brocton St., Johnson City, NY 13790Center Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00am - 4:00pmLunch served at 11:45 call 797-1149Hot Lunch (Reservations): W/Th/FWalk-Ins Welcome: Pizza/Pasta: Mon Breakfast for Lunch: Tues Sandwich and Soup Bar: W/Th/F

Weekly Activities: Exercise classes listed on page 4Daily: BilliardsM: Guitar 9 am; Water Color Painting 9 am; Bingo 12:30 pmT: TOPS 9:30 am W: Quilting 9 am; Bingo 12:30 pm; Pinochle 12:30 pm; Writers Workshop 1 pmTh: Oil Painting 9 am; Shuffleboard 12:30 pm F: Watercolor Painting 9 am; Ladies Singing Group 10 am

Special Activities:

12 Strongs Place, Whitney Point, NY 13862Center Hours: Mon - Fri, 9:00am - 3:00pmLunch served at NoonSandwich and Soup Bar: Mon-Fri 11-12:30 pmBreakfast for Lunch: Tues 10-12:30 pm

Weekly Activities: Exercise classes listed on page 4M: Computer Class; Bingo 10:30 amW: Quilting Group 10 am; Shuffleboard 12:30Th: Wii Bowling F: Bingo 10:30 am

Special Activities:

NORTHERN BROOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 692-3405

12/3 Caregiver Chat Group, 1 pm12/5 Massage w/Pat Collins, 11 am

Medicare Savings Program (AOP), 9 am 12/7 Alzheimer’s – Basic, 10 am12/12 Information & Assistance w/Lucia Esposito (OFA), 11:30 am12/12 Coffee w/Rose Claudia: Legal Advice, 10 am 12/14 Movie: Big Miracle, 12:30 pm12/18 Red Hat Society, 6:30 pm12/18 Hearing Screening w/Audibel, 9:30 am12/19 Blood Pressure/Glucose Screening, 10 am12/19 Medicare Savings Program (AOP), 10 am12/20 Legal Aid, by appointment, 12:30 pm12/28 Movie: New Year’s Eve, 12:30 pm

Wednesdays, 12/5,12,19 Sewing Class, 10 am till close12/3 Pizza/Pasta Bar For Lunch12/4 Hearing Screening & Cleaning w/Audibel, 10:30 am12/5 Daytime Penny Social, 10 am

“SNAP (Food Stamps), Program & Eligibility,” 11 am “Medicare Savings Program,” following “SNAP” presentation

12/6 Social Connection for Senior Women, 12:30 pm12/10 Caregivers Chat Group, 10 am 12/11 Evening Meal w/Rich Wilson, 5 pm 12/12 Holiday Luncheon w/Lou Fleury,

Grief Counseling, 12:30 pm12/17 Broome County Trivia at 11:45 am

Christmas Brown Bag Guessing Game, after lunch12/19 Legal Aide, appointments required, 9 am

Special Christmas Gift Bingo, 10:30 am12/20 Philly Cheese Steak Day, 11am-12:30 pm 12/24 Christmas Cup Bingo, 10:30 am12/26 “Walking and Your Health,” right after Bingo

Grief Counseling, 12:30 pm12/28 “Yankee Trade” (bring in a $3 gift), after lunch

Tuesday Evenings, 5-7 pm: 12/4&18 Food Bingo, 12/11 Penny Bingo12/5 Breakfast for Lunch, 10-11 am 12/8,22 Penny Bingo, 4-7 pm 12/12 Holiday Luncheon w/David Hores, 10am-12pm12/13 Blood Pressure & Glucose w/Medicine Shoppe, 11 am-12 pm

12/3 Book Review w/Cheryl Ebert, Spoon River Anthology, 11 am12/7 Costume Jewelry Sale and Small Gifts Sale, 9 am-1:30 pm 12/7 Soup & Sandwich Day, 11:20 am 12/12 Holiday Luncheon, 12 pm 12/18 Ice Cream Sundae Day, After Lunch 12/21 Christmas Party, 11:00 am12/24thru1/1 Center Closed for Holidays

12/4 Movie Day – call for title, 9:30 am 12/5 Blood Pressure Screening w/Kay Devine, 10:30 am12/6 Quarter Bingo w/Brad, 10:15 am

Vestal Senior Center Club’s Holiday Dinner, 4-7 pm12/11 Bake Sale/Craft Sale, 9:30-11:30 am

Vestal Senior Citizens Club Meeting, 12:45 pm 12/12 Holiday Luncheon w/Ted Davenport Harpist, 11:45am12/20 Quarter Bingo w/Brad, 10:15 am12/21 Information & Assistance Rep. Lucia Esposito (OFA), 11:30 am12/31 New Year’s Eve Luncheon, 11:45 am

Ring in the New Year with Friends!Celebrate the New Year at a Senior Center on Monday, December 31. Say farewell to 2012 and toast 2013 with friends, festivities and food at a senior center nearest you! A special luncheon of chicken w/cranberry, brown rice pilaf, winter squash and an éclair for dessert and will be served around noon.

Reservations are needed and can be made by calling the senior center of your choice before noon on Friday, December 28. The meal is $3.00 for people 60 and older and their spouse; anyone under age 60 will pay $4.00.

Center Holiday ClosingsBroome County Senior Centers will be closed on

Tuesday, December 25 in observance of Christmasand on Tuesday, January 1 to celebrate New Year’s Day.

December Senior News 12

MEET, GREET & EATDecember Menu - Bon Appétit!

Senior NewsEditorial Policy

Broome County Office for Aging (BCOFA) reserves the right to review and approve

all articles and paid advertising submitted for publication. There are no implied or actual endorsements by BCOFA of the products or services advertised in this

publication. Activities sponsored by senior clubs and other senior organizations are printed on a space-available basis. The Senior News does not include editorial

comments from readers. Broome County Office for Aging can be reached by mail at

P.O. Box 1766, Bing., NY 13902.

The Senior Newsis a monthly publication

of theOffice for Aging

funded by Broome County and the NYS Office for Aging underTitle III of the Federal Older

Americans Act.Direct mail subscriptions are

available for $9.00 per year by calling 778-2411.

This contribution helps defray the cost of printing and postage.

Each Sudoku Puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, and every 3x3 square.

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