Congratulations to Everyone!!!

          Mayor James L Richetelli Jr. installed the Milford Senior Center’s newly elected Club Officers at an Invitation Only ceremony on Wednesday, April 15.  The new officers and guests were welcomed by Executive Director Janice M. Jackson who commended the outgoing officers for their loyalty and dedication to their posts.  The new officers were congratulated and wished a healthy and successful new term.

Devon Club                                                          DeMaio Club     

President     Genevieve Langdon                  President     Edmund Donahue

Vice President    Joyce Haig                         Vice President   Beverly Harrigan

Secretary     Anne Christopher                      Secretary       Kathy Donahue

Treasurer      Christabel Overland                 Treasurer   Glennis Lubick

United Senior Council                               Retired Professional Women          

President     Raymond Ewell                        President     Eleanor Palochko

Vice President  Julia Sopchak                    Vice President  Frances Apfel

Secretary     Eleanor Palochko                    Secretary     Marie Waller

Treasurer     Marie Waller                             Treasurer     Julia Sopchak

Billiards Club                                                     Men’s Club  

President     George Seresin                        President  Raymond Ewell

Vice President  Janice Fitzgerald                Vice President   Harold Feeley

2^nd Vice President  Peter Reynolds            Secretary  Raymond Boehm

Secretary     Stella Wiland                             Treasurer  John Livi

Treasurer     Paul LaReau

Club A                                                                  Club C

President  Irene Lent                                    President  Raymond Ewell

Vice President Catherine Springsteen      Vice President  Harold Feeley

Secretary  Florence Bennett                        Secretary  Josephine Myroniuk

Treasurer  Pamela Holden                           Treasurer  Pamela Holden

Westshore Club                                                McKeen Club

President  June Pare’                                   President  Helen Gray

Vice President  Ann Jennings                     Vice President  June Pare’

Secretary  Helen Gray                                  Secretary Ann Jennings

Treasurer  Victoria Serafin                          Treasurer  Antoinette Dunne

Members at our center recently enjoyed a corn beef and cabbage dinner prepared and served by the Foran High School students of Interact. Pictured, front row, Miriam Joobeaur, Gina Massari, Molly Plunkett co-president, Dylan Leonard co-president, Meghan Garland, Rachel Doran and Michaela Curry. Second row, left to right, Stephanie Plunkett, advisor/teacher, Kirsten Schempp, Becky Morgan, vice president, Amanda Kaczynski, Hally Gonski, Jessica Tyburski, Michelle Mikailonis, Katherine DeRobertis and Anna Phelan.

TAX REBATE PROGRAM               

Lisa Diamond Graham, Executive Director of the Milford Department of Human Services, has announced that the Rent Rebate Program would begin May 15, 2009.  As in previous years, the agency staff will take applications at Senior Citizens Housing sites as follows:

          Viscount Drive     Tuesday, June 2, 2009            9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

          Foran Towers     Thursday June 4, 2009             9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

          Jepson Drive       Tuesday, June 9, 2009             9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

          Jagoe Court        Thursday, June 11, 2009          9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

          DeMaio Drive      Tuesday, June 16, 2009            9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

          River Park Apts. Thursday, June 18, 2009          9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

          Saranor Apts.      Tuesday, June 23, 2009           9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

The Rental Rebate Program is for elderly renters, or renters under the age of 65 who receive Social Security Disability benefits.  The maximum income for single applicants is $30,500 and for married couples it is $37,300.00.  Applicants should bring all 2008 rent and utility receipts and all 2008 income verification including Form SSA-1099 and 2008 Federal Tax Return if filed.  No appointments will be made for the above dates.  For information, or for an office appointment on another date, call 783-3253 between 9:00 and 4:00 Monday through Friday.  Applications by appointment will be taken at the Milford Human Services office through September 15, 2009. 

HOW ABOUT THAT?

          The Kiwanis hosted a Fund Raising Pancake Breakfast recently that proved to be a great success! We take this opportunity to thank Kiwanis members who prepared, served and cleared tables and kitchen and for all their hard work in planning and promoting this event.

          The Center’s band is still nameless, although 80 suggestions have arrived. Linda Whittaker, Music Director indicated the band will wait until May to make a decision from the many choices. The band is always happy to welcome new musicians to their group. Please call Linda Whittaker at 877-5131.  Come in and make it happen!

          We have a winner!  Laura Daneault, our Insurance Specialist representative has bragging rights these days.  Her son, Ray, partnered with Gina Delucca, won first prize in a Ballroom Dancing Contest recently. Sponsored by Milford Rotary, the event took place at Grassy Hill Country club. Congratulations Ray!

          Dick Turkington, violinist with the Center’s band, was congratulated recently by Police Chief Keith Mello for his 25 years of volunteer service in the Crime Prevention Unit at the Milford Police Department during a graduation ceremony for members of the Citizen’s Police Academy. Dick also received a certificate during the program, along with 24 other graduates. who undertook a 12 week course learning the basics of classroom and hands-on training and policing.

          Earth Day was celebrated last month  by the Milford Senior Holistic Drumming Circle, sponsored by a program grant from the Milford Bank.  Jan Baldwin, director of the program said, “We drummed the changing of the tide on the sandbars. The winds, the sea and the earth were celebrated on this special day.”

“HOW MAY I HELP YOU?”

The center’s dining program just wouldn’t be complete without Helen’s friendly assistance to seniors visiting our lunch/dinner program.  She has ultimate patience along with cheerful chatter; quite a gal our Helen Peterson.  She has many duties including mailing out birthday cards, providing the U.S. government with lists of 80 year old seniors and updating and designing our activity poster each month.  Helen was named co-Senior of the Year in 1997.  A Milford resident since 1964 there’s two children and grandchildren including a set of twins in Helen’s life!  Following her retirement from the Board of Education’s cafeteria system, Helen joined our family of volunteers here at the Center and we’re certainly glad she did!

FOOD BANK VOLUNTER PEGGY DANIELS

Peggy Daniels, a dedicated volunteer has been donating her time at the center’s food bank. Her efforts are certainly appreciated along with the many devoted volunteers assisting us at the center.  

ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE

Saturday May 9^th, the United States National Mother’s Day Annual Food Drive will take place across the country. Our Food Bank Manager, Al Salamanca has announced that the food bank at the Center will be open that day from noon till 5:00 p.m. to accept donations.  The food bank is also open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Snip, sew and sell! Our spring craft show was a tremendous success thanks to the talented group of folks who offered their products to everyone recently.

Sharon Szturma, our Human Resource Manager, came to us with the highest of credentials.  In the six months Sharon has been working with us, she’s developed a link to our employees with not only her helpful personality but her quick, winning smile.  Sharon is the mom of three children and nine grandchildren.  In addition she enjoys skiing, boating, biking, crafts and reading. Welcome aboard Sharon!

The Retired Professional Women’s Club is extending an invitation to Milford residents 55 and over as well as to the members of the various clubs at our Senior Center. Come and share experiences and common interests as well as participating in various travel plans. Be their guests at the next meeting Tuesday  May 12th at 2 p.m. at the Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive. The organization meets regularly the third Tuesday of every month, but for the month of May only, their board will meet at 1 pm and hold their general meeting at 2 p.m. Guests are welcome at all general  meetings. Additional questions may be answered by calling 878-0071

NEW MEMBERS

 Our list of new members is growing every day and we are really delighted! Marian Stankosky, Vivian Penn, Richard Fannazzi, Carolyn Penrosa and John Penrosa joined our center.  Also, Raymond Klunk, Linda Tortorelli, Peggy Rajotte, Vinubhhi Patel, Carl Malota, Anne Haine and Edward Haine were added to our new member roll. Also, James Winkelman, Kathleen Merrill, Carroll Hogan, Charles Czajkowski, Antonia Nichele, Judith Evans, Elizabeth Mainiero, Albert Bernard, Sheila Benard, Mickey Gigliotti, Richard Hoyt, Janice Hoyt, Charlotte Essex, Paul Walsh and Betty Geller.

JO JOCKEL

          Search, shop and save at our thrift shop! We’re so fortunate to have Manager, Jo Jockel at the helm.  She’s had 30 years of gift shop experience and attractively displays gently used clothing, jewelry, giftware, video and audio tapes and so much more. With the economy in the condition it is in these days, it’s to our advantage to save wherever and whenever we can and save is what you’ll do when you visit the thrift shop at our center. Stop in, say hello to Jo; she’s always happy and knowledgeable and can assist you with your selections. With Mother’s Day approaching, you may find the perfect gift at our center’s thrift store.  The shop opens at 9:30, with a brief lunch break at 12:30 to 1:00 pm and remains available for shopping until 2:30. 

AARP-Tax Aide

AARP-Tax Aide a free program, has had representatives at our center providing income tax preparation assistance for low and middle income tax payers with special attention to those 60 and older. In spite of the construction work outside our building and limited parking space, all went well.

A LOYAL HUSKY FAN!

“I gave up my Bingo night to watch the women’s Connecticut Huskies take the national title and take it they did,” said Belle Clark, a five year volunteer at our center.  Belle alternates between volunteering at the Ahrens Program and the welcome desk. And she  ...” just loves the Huskies!”

FINAL CONSTRUCTION

Finishing touches are being placed on the construction surrounding our building.  As you read this, all is well and completed at 9 Jepson Drive!

Photo credits    Barbara Carriero and Eleanore Turkington

ATTENTION ALL VETERANS!

David Schmidtke, a Desert Storm Marine Veteran and a life long Milford resident, is seeking memories and experiences to compile and share with “the younger generation of today.” David feels aging World War II veteran’s memories, in particular, are becoming more difficult to collect as each day passes.  Whether you’re a man or woman veteran and you’d like to help David with this project, please call him at 627-7457

Dear Members:

          The following information issued by the Milford Assessor’s Office concerns applying for the Homeowners Tax Credit Program and the city of Milford Local Benefit.

          Applications for the Elderly Real Estate Tax Credit for residents owning property in Milford as of October 1, 2008, will be taken in the Assessor’s Office located at the Parsons Government Complex, 70 West River Street.

          To qualify your age must be 65 by December 31, 2008.  Those persons under 65 who are considered 100% Social Security disabled may also qualify.

          IMPORTANT: If you are qualifying as 100% disabled, please bring a current printout from Social Security which MUST INCLUDE A STATEMENT OF YOUR DISABILITY AND WHEN IT BEGAN.

          To receive a printout, please call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213

          THE MAXIMUM INCOME GUIDELINES FOR THIS YEAR ARE:

$30,500- SINGLE PERSON- $37,300- MARRIED COUPLE FOR THE STATE      HOMEOWNER’S TAX CREDIT.

$40,500 SINGLE PERSON- $47,300 MARRIED COUPLE- CITY OF MILFORD LOCAL BENEFIT.

          The application filing period is February 1, 2009 through May 15, 2009.  The hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Assessor’s Office.

          If you fail to renew by the deadline on your year to report, your benefit will be removed.

          The Adjusted Gross Income (before deductions) plus Social Security and other non-taxable income for both husband and wife are counted as qualifying income.

1.                 IF YOU FILED A FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURN FOR 2008, PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING:

If you filed a Federal Income Tax Return for 2008, please bring a copy of the return with you.  In addition to the Federal Income Tax Return, if you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement earnings, please bring the 2008 SSA-1099 (if married, for husband and wife.)  If you are receiving Veteran pensions and Veteran Disability Pensions please provide a letter from the VA (1-800-827-1000) stating total earnings for 2008.

2.                 IF YOU DID NOT FILE A FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURN FOR 2008,           PLEASE BRING WITH YOU THE FOLLOWING:

If you did not file a Federal Income Tax Return for 2008, please bring all proofs of income for 2008.  For example, bring in statements of wages, bonuses, commissions, fees, gratuities, payment for Jury Duty, lottery winnings, taxable portion of annuities and pension, interest, dividends, net rent or proceeds from sales of property, Veteran pensions and Veteran disability Pensions, or any other proofs of income (taxable and non-taxable).  If you are receiving Social security or Railroad Retirement earnings, please bring the 2008 SSA-1099 (if married, for husband and wife.)

Any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at (203) 783-3215.

BEWARE!

          It’s come to our attention that there is a mailing out there declaring individuals as winners in a sweepstake. A check is mailed out but with a warning not to cash the check until you call the company. We must be very aware there are people out there who are anxious to take advantage of us. You may be asked to send money as part of an  opportunity to win a huge sum of cash. REMEMBER, NEVER, NEVER SEND MONEY TO GET MONEY. If you receive requests through the mail, internet or telephone with this kind of offer  or other questionable solicitations, notify our police department’s Crime Prevention Department at 874-2366.

SPECIAL EVENTS

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After hearing his remark, Sharon looked at her small habit in a different light and decided not to order any more donut holes for a while. She was very surprised when her cholesterol level went down and she lost half a pound each month. To see if this change actually could be related to the absence of one daily donut hole, she went on the Internet and found that one donut hole is 67 calories and has 3 grams of fat. Just one little donut hole a day could cost a weight gain of 7 pounds a year.

Many of us have engaged in similar “mindless” situations such as tasting food while cooking, finishing up leftovers, eating just one cookie, etc. Doesn’t it feel like the food you eat standing up has less calories than the same food while sitting at a table? It is interesting to see how much dietary trouble we can get into when we act on feelings rather than fact. Several years ago an overweight patient told a nurse he had eaten a healthy lunch of one sandwich followed by grapes. What he felt was a healthy lunch was in fact NOT so, considering he had eaten three pounds of grapes.

The average adult is supposed to eat approximately 2,000 calories a day. It doesn’t take much food to add up to 2,000. A piece of apple pie may be a serving of fruit but it is also 20% of the calories one should have for the day, unlike an apple that is only 5%. By thinking before we eat and acting on facts, we can make good choices. Joyce Lindsay, Administrator Home Care Plus -

Health Daily Activities Travel Travel Travel Travel Travel Travel Misc Travel Employment Misc Menu Misc

Osteoarthritis And Your Knees
So you have arthritis in one or both of your knees? Now what?

The knee joint is the largest joint in the body referred to us as the hinge. It has
the ability to bend and extend and turn and glide. Each bone end of the knee is covered
with a layer of smooth, shiny cartilage that cushions and protects it while allowing
frictionless movement.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic “wear and tear” disease that is likely to get worse over time.
The wear and tear causes the cartilage between the joints to wear out causing friction
and pain from exposed bone rubbing together making everyday activities painful and not even possible. Simple things like walking, driving, lifting and standing may cause some
level of pain. The disease also takes an emotional toll on a person.

Most treatments include a combination of exercise, weight control, physical therapy and
medication. If you’re overweight and have knee pain, losing weight is an extremely
powerful medicine. Your knee works like a scale, the lighter the load, the less pressure.
When it seems like you’ve tried everything from warm packs, showers, or baths, moist
heat, creams, rubs and sprays, and still don’t have relief, then it may be time to consider
knee replacement surgery – either partial knee or total knee replacement.

In knee replacement surgery, the ends of the bones that make up the knee are repaired. The new joint works the way cartilage works in a healthy knee by pre-
venting the bones from rubbing together.
.
The newest developments in joint replacements will be discussed by Dr. Amit
Lahav from Orthopedic Health at Milford Hospital, Sept. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to
8:30 p.m. For more information and/or to register call (203) 876-4004.

Diane Frankel-Gramelis, Education Dept.Milford Hospital

I first read this quote by Shakespeare in a fascinating book by Bob Smith, Author of Hamlet’s Dresser. Mr. Smith lives locally in Stratford and as a teenager spent long periods of time in the Stratford Library to escape from his dysfunctional and unhappy family. One day he saw this saying on the library wall and was astonished that someone had captured his feelings as well.

Immediately He started studying works by Shakespeare to learn more about the playwright who knew of sadness. This included his working at the Shakespeare Theatre helping the actor playing Hamlet get dressed, hence the title of his book. Today Mr. Smith is an expert on Shakespeare, sought after for his opinions and speaking engagements,

We all have experienced periods of sadness and most often it passes. Some are fortunate, like Mr. Smith, who was able to work through his sadness, but for others it can be overwhelming. How can we know the difference between “normal” sadness and depression? The first thing to know is depression is NOT a normal part of aging. Feeling very bad or down almost ALL the time for extended periods or when there are no obvious reasons is NOT normal.

Sometimes people feel depression will go away by itself, or they’re too old to get Help, or getting help is a sign of weakness. Such views are wrong. Depression is a treatable psychological problem and even the most seriously depressed person who feels helpless can be treated successfully.  If you would like to meet Mr. Smith, consider attending one of the workshops he gives at the Stratford Library. I highly recommend it and in fact I just finished a nine-week course on Hamlet.

Joyce Lindsey
Administrator
Home Care Plus

. The only equipment needed is a good pair of walking shoes. The key to a good pair of walking shoes is how comfortable they are for your feet. Everyone’s different; a shoe your friend may love may be uncomfortable for you.

Walking requires no special skills. Just walk naturally. Good posture is the most important part of walking. Keep your focus forward; look ahead and not down at the ground. Good posture will help improve circulation and oxygen intake.

Walking is beneficial no matter what your speed. The brisker your walk, the more your muscles and heart are working. Swinging your arms while you walk will give you more power and distance and increase your endurance as well.

Start out slow. If you are too sore to repeat the walk, you have done too much. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. It is a crucial nutrient. Drink before and after your walk. On hot days carry a water bottle with you.

So lace up those shoes and put a spring in your step towards good health. If you are looking for an alternative walking place or need a spot for rainy days try walking the Westfield, Connecticut Post. For details, stop by the Information Desk at the Connecticut Post Mall.

DianeFrankel-Gramelis Education Department, Milford Hospital

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I have a friend who takes excellent care of her health. She flosses her teeth twice a day, gets an annual flu shot and mammogram, always eats a healthy diet, and never forgets to take the many pills prescribed to control her Lupus. She does this without fail and without complaint. So I was quite surprised yesterday when she told me she had a temperature of 102. and flu-like symptoms and followed this up with, "I need to call my doctor, but to tell you the truth I hate going to the doctor’s."

Now, if I had said this, no one I know would have been surprised. Despite working in the health field for many years and seeing the benefits of good health care, I, too, hate going to the doctor’s. Although I like and respect my primary care doctor, I hate spending the time and money and, most of all, fear the potentiality of hearing bad news. I know my thinking is wrong but I also know I am not alone in thinking this way. This aversion also can extend to screenings, a zealousness to cure myself and avoidance of medications.

They were grateful for their mobility, "fixed hearts" and advances like antibiotics that weren’t available until they were in their late 20s. My father never had a stroke since his high blood pressure was controlled by medication. He and my mother knew how lucky they were and they never said, "I hate going to the doctor’s."

By now, most of us know that February is American Heart Month. It’s easy to remember

Since Valentine’s Day also occurs in February and both use the heart as a symbol. However, the American Heart Association has another symbol, the Red Dress Pin, which was introduced in 2002 to remind women of the need to protect their hearts and

Inspire them to take action. This year the National Wear Red Day is being celebrated on Friday, Feb. 2 and goes along with a national awareness campaign called Heart Truth .

What is the heart truth?

• Heart disease is the #1 killer of American women. In fact, one in three dies of heart disease.
• The single most feared disease of women is breast cancer. Yet lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in U.S. women and heart disease is responsible for more deaths than all forms of cancer combined.

Women don’t take their risk of heart disease seriously or personally. Most people think heart disease is a men’s problem and women often ignore symptoms

Heart disease is ageless. Whatever your age, you can take steps to improve your heart health. To minimize your risk, you can take steps to improve your heart health. To minimize your risk: DON’T smoke; LIMIT saturated fats, EXERCISE regularly, and CONTROL high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

On Feb. 2, the Home Care Plus visiting nurse agency staff will once again be wearing red on National Wear Red Day to show our support for women’s heart disease awareness. Men are invited to join in and support this effort by wearing a red tie or shirt. We also ordered Red Dress Pins for our staff to wear. If you would like a free pin or more information about Heart Truth, please call the Heart Association at 1-888-MY HEART.

Joyce Lindsey, Administrator

Home Care Plus

Throughout each year the Center and its membership have been at the receiving end of many caring efforts and generosity extended by the populace of our community and indeed we are always appreciative of the many kindnesses. A very special "thank you" to our Insurance Specialists Jackie Sconza and Laura Daneault as well as our staff members and volunteers for their outstanding efforts in organizing our two Flu Clinics in October. Special thanks also goes out to Joan Cagginello, Nursing Supervisor at the Milford Health Department for all her time and efforts to obtain additional flu vaccine for our clinics. "Thank You" to Scott Rohrig, owner of Lasse’s Restaurant, for generously preparing turkey dinners for our home-bound clients. Appreciation also goes out to the Senior Center’s Meals-On-Wheels employees who delivered the meals on Thanksgiving Day. "Thank You" to Gus Grigordiadis, owner of Pop’s Restaurant, for preparing and serving free turkey dinners to the public on Thanksgiving Day. Thank you also to our wonderful volunteers who transported diners to the restaurant. 

Family members of the late V. Audrey Thomas-Kimble were very appreciative of the Nov. 3 Memorial Service staged in honor of her 30 years of support and service to the Milford Senior Center. The Rev. Carleton Giles delivered the eulogy. Mayor James Richetelli Jr., Board members, City officials, staff members, friends and volunteers attended the service where warm and heart-felt stories of Audrey’s devotion to the Center were exchanged. Many, many thanks and deep appreciation go out to all the organizations, clubs, civic groups, schools, churches, City agencies, homecare agencies and individuals who have supported the Senior Center over the past year.  Now that December is upon us winter weather will take its course. Please remember to listen to your local radio stations for Senior Center closings due to inclement weather conditions.

The Senior Center will be closed on Christmas Day, Mon. Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Jan.1. My very sincere wishes to everyone for a joyous Holiday Season and happiness in the New Year.

Do you find yourself eating to fill a need, when you are lonely, feeling anxious, or depressed? Do you over eat ice cream, cookies, potato chips, or other foods to fill a void? You may be suffering from an emotional eating disorder, but you’re not alone!

Emotional eating can be defined as consuming “comfort” and/or junk foods in response to emotions rather than hunger. According to recent studies about 75 percent of over eating is the result of emotional eating.

Stress, loneliness, and anger are just three of the many triggers that cause emotional eating. If you are an emotional eater, you should get to know your triggers and trigger foods - then take control by:

Keeping a food diary to track your triggers

Not keeping trigger foods available that tempt excessive eating

Controlling your portion size( separate portions in sandwich bags or Tupperware)

Finding other activities to keep you occupied: read a book or listen tomusic.

Exercise! It is proven to increase endorphins to make your mood happier.

Emotional eaters eat to feel better, but unfortunately what we eat can actually make us feel worse. Overeating causes the body’s hormones to fluctuate, which creates mood swings along with guilt or depression. Although eating may provide a brief relief from emotions, it is better to work through emotions, than to bury them with food.

By Lottie Lamothe

Milford Hospital

Dept. of Education

______________________________________________________

Milford Hospital is sponsoring an eating well session on emotional eating

entitled “What’s Eating You?” presented by Trish Kramer, RN, BSN, CHHC.

The free program is slated Mon. Nov. 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. To

register please call (203) 876-4004.

This is clearly a man who approached old age with humor. Today the average life expectancy is 77.85 and each year it rises. Many of us are or will be older than Ben Franklin and some of us will become centenarians.