The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. is to provide Berkshire elders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Statement of Inclusivity
Elder Services practices non-discrimination in employment practices and service delivery. Embracing diversity, our in-home and community-based services are available to all without regard to race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle.
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Gratitude
Hoping you are well as we begin to transition into winter and the holiday season. I thought 2020 would be unique. Yet here we are again. We celebrated another Thanksgiving in the shadow of a pandemic and COVID continues to affect our community as we prepare to welcome the holidays. However, things do look better this year than they did a year ago! Vaccinations and booster shots now make it possible for us to spend much more time celebrating the holidays with family and friends. We look forward to the New Year and hope that in 2022 the pandemic continues to play an even lesser role in our lives.
Elder Services holds a public annual meeting in October, which gives us the opportunity to highlight the Agency’s accomplishments and acknowledge employees celebrating service anniversaries (see Page 10). Unfortunately, we had to cancel this year’s meeting. In planning for the annual meeting, we decided that the theme for the meeting would be “gratitude”. We even hired a graphic designer to design some graphics around the theme of gratitude. We cancelled the annual meeting but decided to make gratitude the theme of this issue. This is our way of thanking all of you who supported us during another challenging year and it fits nicely with the spirit of the holidays. The graphic on the cover of this issue is one of the graphic designer’s designs.
Berkshire Senior
Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich, Christine Thomson, Laura Feakes, Christopher McLaughlin, Kathleen Cleary, Kathleen Phillips and Susan Guerrero
Advertising: To place an advertisement in Berkshire Senior, please contact Kate Teutsch at (413) 496-6324 or e-mail advertising@berkshireeagle.com.
Berkshire Senior is published bi-monthly by Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc., 877 South Street, Suite 4E, Pittsfield, MA 01201, 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242, e-mail: esbc@esbci.org or on the internet at www.esbci.org.
NOTICE
Berkshire Senior advertising helps to the defray the costs of producing the newspaper. Inclusion of advertisers in no way implies that Elder Services endorses any product or service.
Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of Elder Services. For medical, financial or other advice, seek a qualified professional in the appropriate field.
Elder Services and its programs are funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
State and federal funds provided to Elder Services are limited. Elder Services welcomes charitable donations to help meet the growing needs of Berkshire seniors, and gratefully acknowledges all donations.
We wish to express our sincerest gratitude to all of you, without whom we would not have been able to continue our mission in the second year of a pandemic made more difficult by workforce challenges:
Grantors and donors, whose loyalty and generosity ensures we have the funding we need during challenging times
Contracted home care agencies and other vendors, whose staff continue to ensure our clients are safe and well cared for in their homes
Clients and their families, who have been flexible in working with us to find new ways for us to communicate with and support them
The Agency’s employees, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that Berkshire County seniors, disabled adults and caregivers are safe and able to maintain their independence
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Berkshire Legislative Delegation, who have worked tirelessly to provide funding and craft legislation in response to COVID-19 and significant workforce challenges
Our Board of Directors, Advisory Council and volunteers who continue to support, encourage and inspire us
Drivers and kitchen staff, who continue to ensure that Berkshire seniors receive hot meals and wellness checks each weekday
Local human service providers and councils on aging who continue to adapt, improvise and overcome to support their clients
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Though we hope this holiday season will be better than last year, the holidays can be a particularly challenging time for seniors and others in our community. Please take the time to reach out to seniors you know to let them know how special they are. We may not need to socially distance as much as before but it is more important than ever that we remain socially connected.
Best wishes to you and yours for a happy, healthy Holiday Season.
LinkedIn: Elder Services of Berkshire County
Winter Emergency Preparedness
The winter season can be a beautiful time of year with snow and lights. But winter storms can range from wet snow, sleet or freezing rain that builds up on trees and powerlines to a Nor’easter, bringing blizzard conditions that can last several days. People can become stranded in their automobiles or trapped at home, without utilities or other services. Older adults run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to weather, including hypothermia, frostbite, and falls in ice and snow. It is better to be prepared ahead of time – here are some basic precautions everyone should take, especially older adults.
- to decrease the likelihood of a fall happening while walking to a car or to check the mail, make sure that walkways are sanded, salted and/or shoveled. Ask your healthcare provider whether shoveling or other work in the snow is safe for you. Use an old ski pole or walking stick with a pointed tip and wear traction cleats on your shoes or boots for extra stability on ice and snow.
- have a well-stocked Winter Home Emergency Supply Kit that includes flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food. Those with disabilities may want to consider adding to the kit: extra medical supplies, copies of medical information (insurance cards, physician contact information, list of allergies and medical history, prescriptions list), written descriptions of your support needs, in case you are unable to describe the situation in an emergency, and supplies for a service animal.
- make sure your car is properly winterized, keep the gas tank at least half-full and carry a Winter Survival Kit in the trunk including blankets, extra clothing, boot cleats, flashlight with spare batteries, a can & waterproof matches (to melt snow for drinking water), nonperishable foods, windshield scraper, shovel, sand, tow rope
and jumper cables.
Here are tips for dealing with a possible power outage:
Before an Outage
• Check battery operated devices to ensure they are working, have extra batteries and fully charge your phone, laptop, and any other devices as a storm approaches. Buy a solarpowered or hand crank charger to keep small electronics working and a car phone charger so you can charge your phone if you lose power at home.
• If you have a water supply (such as a well-water pump system) that could be affected, fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet.
• If possible have an alternative emergency heating source and fuel ( gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated and has a carbon monoxide detector.
• Know how to shut off water valves. If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well. Do not use torches or other flame sources to thaw pipes as this cause fires.
• If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
• If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor about how you can prepare for its use during a power outage. If you have life-support devices that depend on electricity, contact your local electric company about your power needs for life-support devices (home dialysis, suction,
breathing machines, etc.) in advance of an emergency. Some utility companies will put you on a “priority reconnection service” list. Talk to your equipment suppliers about your power options and also let the fire department know that you are dependent on life-support devices.
• Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. Garage doors can be heavy, so know that you may need help to lift it.
• Find out what assistance may be available in your community if you need it. Register in advance with the local emergency management agency, fire department, senior center, or non-profit groups. Tell them of your individual needs or those of a family member and find out what assistance, help or services can be provided.
During an Outage
• Use 9-1-1 only for emergencies. Call your utility company to report the outage and get restoration information.
• Check in on friends, family, and neighbors, particularly those most susceptible to extreme temperatures and power outages such as seniors and those with access and functional needs.
• If the power is out, use batterypowered lights if possible, instead of candles. If you must use them, place candles in safe holders away from anything that could catch fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Ensure that your smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are working correctly
and have fresh batteries. Check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device.
• Dress in several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear hats, mittens, scarves and other clothing to keep your entire body warm. See if your community has “warming centers” or shelters open.
• Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in the extremities such as fingers, toes, or the tip of the nose. Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If symptoms are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove any wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages, if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
• To protect against voltage irregularities when power is restored, unplug all sensitive electronic equipment. Leave on one light so that you’ll know when your power returns.
After an Outage
• Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines. Keep children and pets away. Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem such as downed wires.
• Clear exhaust vents from Direct Vent Gas Furnace Systems to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure backup
continued on page 6
Winter Emergency Preparedness
continued from page 5
generators are well ventilated. Never run an automobile until the exhaust pipe has been cleared of snow.
• Take your time shoveling. Avoid overexertion.
For more emergency information go to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) website www.mass.gov/orgs/ massachusetts-emergencymanagement-agency.
Laura Feakes is one of Elder Service’s Information & Referral Specialists
The Registry of Motor Vehicles offers “Senior Hours” on Wednesdays to conduct Registry transactions
Massachusetts law requires drivers who are 75 years of age or older to renew a license in person. The RMV has dedicated hours from 9am to 10am on Wednesdays at certain RMV Service Centers to anyone 65 years of age or older to process any RMV transaction with an appointment.
Below are the options for anyone 65 years of age or older to schedule in-person appointments during designated service hours at the Pittsfield or North Adams locations (or other RMV locations):
• If you are a AAA member, you may make a reservation now to renew your driver’s license/ID or conduct certain other transactions at a AAA location. Visit aaa.com/appointments to schedule your visit.
• If you are not a AAA member, visit Mass.Gov/RMV to make a reservation to renew or conduct most other transactions at an RMV Service Center. Visit the Make/Cancel a Reservation transaction tab in the myRMV Service Center and select “Senior Transaction” for all available RMV transactions. Reservations can be booked two weeks in advance.
• Email the RMV for assistance to renew at MassDOTRMVSeniors@dot.state.ma.us
• Call the RMV’s Senior Hours Hotline at 857-368-8005
The Seniors License Renewal reservation warns customers that they will not be served if they select the Seniors option and they are not at least 65 years of age.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
Beginning January 1st and running through March 31st, Part C participants enrolled as of January 1st, will have the opportunity to switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or resume coverage under traditional Medicare (A+B) with an opportunity to purchase drug coverage under Part D. This allowance can only be used once per year and does not apply to beneficiaries receiving their benefits through traditional Medicare (A+B). Beneficiaries who need to make changes but do not qualify for this election period should contact SHINE for assistance. As a reminder, beneficiaries who participate in traditional Medicare have the opportunity to purchase a Medicare supplement (Medigap policy) at any time.
Additional information regarding this topic is available by either contacting the SHINE Program at 499-0524, the insurance companies themselves, or by calling 1-800-Medicare.
Barb Tanski is a 2001 graduate of SHINE training.
To learn more about becoming a SHINE volunteer and joining the class of 2022 contact SHINE at 499-0524.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Unemployed? Looking For Work? Consider the SCSEP Program
Elder Services of Berkshire County is proud to serve as the regional Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) – a federally funded workbased job training program for those 55 years and up. SCSEP’s mission is to provide job training and placement to individuals age 55 or older with limited financial resources and to provide employers with trained, motivated workers. The Program provides persons who have met the required eligibility guidelines, and have a sincere desire to work, the opportunity to overcome two of the biggest barriers to employment-lack of experience and training.
Potential SCSEP participants are assessed for eligibility, current job skills, interests and individual experience. If qualified, applicants will likely be offered the opportunity to interview with a participating community non-profit organization, also known as a Host Agency. If the interview goes well and a match occurs, the participant will be assigned to the agency and receive onthe-job training for twenty (20) hours per week at the current minimum wage, for up to a year. In addition, to on-the-job training, formal trainings are provided to participants enrolled
in the SCSEP Program. These trainings include, but are not limited to, computer training, resume writing and interviewing techniques. It is never too late to seek a new challenge, learn new skills or to gain meaningful employment. For more information on becoming a SCSEP participant contact Elder Services of Berkshire County at (413) 499-0524 or (800) 544-5242 and ask to speak with the SCSEP Program Manager.
If you are a non-profit 501(c) (3) or government agency and are interested in becoming a Host Agency for the SCSEP Program contact Cassie Carmon, SCSEP Program Manager, at the same number. We match the skills, experience and needs of participants with your staffing needs. The Host Agency is required to help the participant learn new skills that can be used when the participant transitions out of the program into an unsubsidized position. The placement of a SCSEP participant at the Host Agency gives the agency a dedicated worker and provides the participant with on-the-job experience and an opportunity to re-enter the work force. The participant’s salary is paid by the SCSEP Program.
24 Beacon Street, Room 160 Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-2304
District Office: (413) 464-5635
Paul.mark@mahouse.gov
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
The mission of Elder Services of
Berkshire County, Inc.
is to provide Berkshire elders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and selfdetermination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
2021 Board of Directors
John Philpott, President
Mary Shogry-Hayer, Vice-President
Jacob Dabrowski, Treasurer
Kimberly Mathews, Clerk
Randy Burdick
Teresa Caldwell
Sandy Driscoll
Frank Engels
Diana “Toni” Fontana
Roberta Gale
John Graziano
Georgette Kinney
Mary K. O’Brien
David J. O’Neill
Walter Orenstein
Stephen Radin
Paula Walczyk
2021AAA Advisory Council Members
Lisa Fletcher-Udel, Chair
June Green, Vice-Chair
Robert Allard
Quentin Chin
James Clark
Dear Friends of Elder Services:
Maria Craft
Frank Engels
Sandra Lussier
Vincent Marinaro
Meri-Ellen Morgans
esbc@esbci.org
Nobody could have predicted that the COVID-19 pandemic would last as long as it has or the degree to
opportunity to live with dignity, independence and self-determination and to achieve the highest possible Our kitchen and Meals on Wheels Drivers have continued providing hot meals and wellness checks to
home residents and Money Management, Options, Caregiver and Elder Mental Health Counselors continue
Another Elder Services program that continues providing valuable services is the state health insurance program that provides free health insurance information,
When she met with a volunteer SHINE counselor to review her options, it became apparent that she had
people with disabilities and caregivers to live with dignity, independence and self-determination and Your support helps ensure that Berkshire seniors continue to receive the programs and services they need to
Here are ways to donate:
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Shine Volunteer Tony Zoito
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
Promoting Dignity & Independence
Enriching the lives of our community’s seniors, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers with compassion and dedication.
to Elder Services of Berkshire County staff members who celebrated service milestones this past year. The individuals listed below collectively represent 135 years of dedication, commitment and caring for Elder Services’ clients and our Berkshire community!
2021 Staff Service Award
Norman
George Shogry, Jr.
William Delmolino
Amanda
Sara Dastoli
Judith Desjardins
Deb Aldrich
Bill Marsh
Recipients “We are incredibly proud of and grateful to our staff, particularly those celebrating service milestones this year. Over many years they have demonstrated a consistent passion for improving the lives of their Berkshire neighbors”
- Christopher McLaughlin, Executive Director
Elder Services is very fortunate to be the recipient of the support and generosity of our Berkshire County community. One form of support is the grants we receive to support Elder Services’ programs and services that benefit thousands of seniors in Berkshire County. We sincerely appreciate this support and the additional support we have received during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adams Hometown Market
Berkshire Co-op Market
Berkshire Life Charitable Foundation
Berkshire Taconic Foundation:
• Kristin & James Allen Fund
• William J. & Margery S. Barrett Fund
• Ruth P. Boraski Memorial Fund for Meals on Wheels
• Central Berkshire Fund
• Cooper Family Fund
• Katharine L.W. & Winthrop Crane 3D Charitable Foundation
• Joseph & Lily Dewton Family Fund
• Richard C. Donati Memorial Fund
• Fund for Williamstown Families
• John and Judith Kittredge Fund
• Mount Everett Fund
• Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund
• Willoughby Fund
• Women’s Club of the Berkshires Fund
Charles H. Hall Foundation
City of Pittsfield
Fallon Health
Feigenbaum Foundation
FEMA
Greylock Federal Credit Union
Helping Hands
Meals on Wheels America
Neenah Technical Materials, Inc.
Northern Berkshire United Way
Katharine C. Pierce Trust
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Williamstown
Town of Great Barrington
United Way Emergency Food and Shelter Program
Williamstown Community Chest
for 2021 TOTAL $18,110,724 TOTAL $16,728,185 Expenses for 2021 State Executive Office of Elder Affairs $13,342,439 Elder Programs $15,620,970 Federal Administration on Aging/EOEA $1,432,339
* $747,946 of this represents non-recurring funding
Joan Lennon and Linda Forbes looking for the winning raffle ticket at recent event hosted by Elder Services at the Providence Court Supportive Housing site.
OAA TITLE III SUB GRANTS AWARDED
In 1965, United States Congress passed the Older Americans Act, (OAA), to address the need for community social services for older persons. OAA is considered a major vehicle for delivering social and nutritional services to our seniors and their caregivers. The purpose of Title III of the OAA is to encourage and assist state and local agencies to develop and implement comprehensive, coordinated, in-home and community based services for individuals in our community 60 years of age and older.
Elder Services is the designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Berkshire County and is therefore responsible for allocating Older Americans Act funds to support community-based and inhouse services for older adults, caregivers and individuals with disabilities through the award of
sub grants. ESBCI’s Advisory Council oversees the application, selection and monitoring process of these sub grants. Sub grant contracts run from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. Upon the successful completion of contract requirements, contracts will be extended until September 2023. The 2021 Sub grant recipients are:
ADAMS COUNCIL ON AGINGProvides transportation for residents 60 years and older for the towns of Adams, Cheshire and Savoy with priority given to those seniors with the greatest social and economic needs.
3 Hoosac Street, Adams, MA (413) 743-8333.
BERKSHIRE AREA HEALTH
EDUCATION CENTER, (AHEC)Provides educational support and workshops for family and professional caregivers of individuals who are 60 years of age or older with emphasis on
meeting the needs of low income and minority elders through outreach and community collaborations.
395 Main Street, Dalton, MA (413) 842-5281
BERKSHIRE CENTER FOR JUSTICE- Provides legal services for elders with a special focus on elders who reside in their home with the assistance of government benefits, elders with protective services, elders with no other means of access to the legal system and elders whose legal issues threaten their independence and dignity.
284 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA (413) 8541955
BERKSHIRE RAINBOW SENIORS-
Provides Berkshire County’s senior LGBTQ community support through advocacy, outreach, education, and resources. (413) 644-6545
Beginning October 1, 2021
COMMUNITY LEGAL AIDServes low income and socially needy elders through the Elder Law Project. Services focus on elders who reside in their home with the assistance of government benefits, elders with protective services, elders with no other means of access to the legal system and elders whose legal issues threaten their independence and dignity.
152 North Street, #15, Pittsfield, MA (413) 499-1950
SHEFFIELD COUNCIL ON AGINGProvides Wellness Program Transportation for individuals 60 year of age or older who reside in Sheffield and Ashley Falls. The Program gives priority to those elders with the greatest social and economic need.
Due to the end of the State of Emergency, the status and offerings of the Senior Community Dining Centers are likely to evolve. Please call for the latest update.
BERKSHIRE COUNTY
Reliving The Good Old Days
by Susan Guerrero
At the start of a new year, many people look ahead and decide what they’d like to accomplish or change.
Everyone knows about shortlived resolutions.
Some people also look back to their childhoods and see how far they have come.
With that in mind, Berkshire Senior asked a half dozen people the following question:
If you could re-live your childhood years, what would you change?
John Ciepiela, a realtor with All Seasons Realty Group in Pittsfield, said, “I think I would have pushed myself harder to get an education.”
His mother was a nurse who
worked third shift. He was the oldest of three children. His parents divorced when he was just five years old, he noted.
“I wish I would have been more motivated,” he said. “I wanted to be an attorney. Later in life, I wanted to be a computer programmer.”
Rosie Keefe, a Pittsfield resident, said, “I’d pay more attention to my parents and appreciate them more.”
Her mother was very artistic and really driven.
“She was a great, happy person,” Rosie recalled. “I had a really great childhood.”
Danny Kochapski, a Pittsfield native and now an out-of-state funeral director, said he is a firm believer of the old saying, “If I knew then what I know now…”
Al Adams, a local lead cook, said if he could re-live his childhood, he’d help his late mother out more with anything she needed.
Regarding his career, he said, “I would not have chosen food service. You work like two people, getting paid for one. Too many hours and time spent away from my family. I would have been a tradesman. Not having much or going anywhere (when he was younger), “ I started washing dishes,” he said. “I should have gone to college instead.”
Answering the question what she’d change about her childhood
“If I could re-live my childhood, I would most definitely spend more time with my loved ones who have passed away,” he said. “I would treasure those times and hug them a little tighter.”
Thank You To Our Donors:
Memorial Donations
In Memory of Richard Arpante, Sr.:
Kathy Ireland and Kit Hansen
In Memory of William Broderick: Katherine Broderick
In Memory of Josephine Burdon:
H.J. Richardson
In Memory of Clifton and Easterbelle Clark: Pamela Barquinero
In Memory of Remo DiTomasso:
Karen Bates
In Memory of Simone ‘Sim’ Gaunt:
Dawn Windover
In Memory of Marylou Goodrich:
Michael and Brenda Miskinis
Carol and Francis Ouellette
Steven and Katrina Ouellette
Leslie Zack
In Memory of Roderick Gratton:
Cheryl and Richard Sojkowski
Warren and Mary Buhl
Anna Murphy
Thomas and Lorita Bosworth
Donna and Steven Tringali
In Memory of Mary Keith: Debra Trautmann
In Memory of Virginia Malloy:
Martin Cristofolini and Shelley
Conlon-Cristofolini
James and Kimberly Smith
Virginia Piekos
In Memory of Noreen Mole:
Jane Samel
Donna and James Kasala
Steve Mole
In Memory of Mary Richards:
Barbara Tatro
In Memory of David Rogers, to benefit the SHINE Program:
Mary Rogers
In Memory of Clarence Rudd: Patricia Trumble
In Memory of Raymond Scace: Sharon Polito
Lynda and William Stanard
David and Maureen Piacenti
Bonnie LaPierce
Matthew and Annmarie Gravel
James and Michelle Bazinet
Edward and Jeanne Stanard
John and Jean Robertson
Jean and F. Myron Gray
Kathryn and Paul Nash
Lawrence Kimple, Jr. and Joan Kimple
John Demick and Nancy Kay
Robert Osterhout
In Memory of Eugene Talbot, to benefit the Meals on Wheels
Program:
Susan Clapp
Eric Goosenberg and Family
Khoi Luong
Gwen Pearl
In Memory of Phyllis Watroba, to benefit the Meals on Wheels Program:
Robert and Lee Watroba
Elder Independence Donations
Carol Agnew
Lawrence and Lorraine Allessio
Anthony and Amy Anderton
Ann Archey
Esther Balardini
Marjorie Baldwin
Lynn Barbieri
Nancy Begbie
Nancy Benedict
Barbara Benham
Barbara Bennett
Jane Betti
Maggie Bittman
Edward and Pamela Bourdon
Jeffry and Marcella Bradway
Jeanne Bresnehan
Nancy Brooks
Royce Buehler
Sara Burke
Ann Cain
Teresa Caldwell
Terry and Patricia Cardin
Paul and Carol Charow
Dr. Alan and Dr. Roselle Chartock
Carol Christopher
Nancy Cook
Richard and Armine Cooper
Mary Corbett
John and Geraldine Crane
Joan Culliton
Michelle Cutler
Ursula Ehret-Dichter
Elizabeth Dillman
Thomas Dillon
John and Debra DiLorenzo
if she could re-live it, Eileen Riello of Pittsfield said, “Oh, that’s a good one. I really don’t know if I’d change anything. I had a real good childhood so I can’t complain. Perhaps one thing is, I wouldn’t want my mother to have diabetes. She was a severe diabetic for as long as I can remember. She had to take three needles of insulin a day. There were no pills in those days. That’s what I would change.”
Sharon Carlo, retired from General Dynamics, said she was happy growing up. “We lived out in the country between two dairy farms. My father worked on one of them. I wish I had been rich. I always envied the rich kids and wished I had more opportunities like the kids who were more financially well off.”
The following donations were received between September 1, 2021 and October 31, 2021. Donations received on or after November 1, 2021 will appear in the next issue of the Berkshire Senior.
Judith Drozd
Virginia Duval
Paula Farrell
Dr. Peter and Janice Filicetti
Rose Fragala
Spencer Fraker
Francis Investment Consulting Group
Flora Fressola
Toni Front
Joan Funk
Dr. John and Ann Galt
James Gaunt
Donald and Judith Goudey
Linda Greenhouse
Terrence and Mary Jane Hanlon
Mary Hayes
Joan Hayford
Robert Hildebrand
Harry and Marjorie Horn
Mary Horton
Charles and Verna Houff
Pamela Hugabone
Dr. Frederic Hyman
Sylvia Jamros
Carl Jenkins
Alice Joseph
Karen Ketcham
Carol Kirby
Richard Kurek
Frank and Jeanette Lagowski
Neal Langlois
Ernest and Carole LeBarron
Joel Less
Frank Lipinski
Richard and Kathleen Luczynski
Virginia Malloy
Kathleen McMullen
Leda Melideo
Harry Morey
Lois Nangle
Larry and Faith Newmark
Cliff and Lynne Nilan
Michael and Justina Norton
Cornelius and Mary Obanheim
Mary K. O’Brien
Carol O’Brien
Ted Okun
Edward and Audrey Olszewski
Thomas and Marcia Partenope
Bernard Pinsonnault and Dianne Cutillo
Andrea Pozzoni
Daniel Pupo
Susan Ricci
Nancy Rodovick
John Rollman
Rose Rondeau
Helaine Rose
Dorene Sadlow
Cynthia Sault
Mary Shogry-Hayer
Newell and Paula Skinner
Walter Slosek
George Smith
Pauline Sniezek
St. Ann’s Church
Maureen Strype
Suburban Internal Medicine
George and Betty Sweet
Gary and Sandra Tatro
Wayne and Lisa Tenney
Joe and Nancy Tirrell
Norma Tomkowicz
Frank Virgilio, Jr.
Marie Weatherhead
Jane Wheeler
Jim and Bunny Whitman
Victoria Williams
Judy Williams
Rae-Ann Winters
Mary Ann Wojtaszek
Marjorie Wylde
Olivia Zegarowski
Meals On Wheels
Donations
Richard Bauer, Sr.
Peter Calderella
Caron Hobin
Tamar Schrager
Thursday Morning Club
John and Roberta Treece
General Donations
Berkshire Communicators, Inc.
Jennifer Brennan
Margaret and Robert Cimini
Cheryl Ann Chalmers
General Dynamics AIS
Guardian Life Insurance
Cynthia Golin
Northern Berkshire United Way
Tony Pagliarulo
Sharon Robak
Carrie Schulman
SHINE Donations
Cynthia Armstrong
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Looking for Volunteers who want to Make a Difference
H A Long Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for residents in nursing homes.
H If you want to help residents live their lives with dignity and respect then you could be an Ombudsman Volunteer.
H Ombudsmen work with residents and facility staff to resolve concerns about residents’ rights and their quality of care and life.
Volunteers receive extensive training and support. To learn more please contact Elder Services of Berkshire County: 413-499-0524
You may still be eligible to change your plan or qualify for assistance programs
Organize Your Documents
by Kathleen Phillips
If something happened to you would your loved ones know where to locate your important documents? Locating a loved one’s personal and estate information can be a daunting task if their personal documents are not organized or in a centralized location. A systematic plan for keeping our important papers can save hours of anxious searching if something happens to us. It allows our loved ones to readily locate essential documents like a power of attorney, insurance policies and financial accounts. Organizing documents is an act of love for our families and friends. Having documents readily available should something happen shields our family from needless heartache, hassle and expense. So where do you start? We want our loved ones to be able to readily locate essential documents.
This is a starting place for you to make this organization process manageable and not overwhelming. Consider the following as a list of documents that you should have organized in files. The list is somewhat comprehensive but gives you a good starting point and may list items that you have not thought of:
• Personal Information – Full legal name, Social Security Number, legal residence, date of birth, birth certificate, names of children (with contact information), birth certificates and any death certificates, marriage and divorce certificates
• Insurance Policies – Life, health, car and home with policy numbers
• Bank Accounts – Checking, savings, money market, certificate of deposit and debit cards with the bank names and account numbers (an easy way is to file your latest statements)
• Credit Card Accounts – With card numbers, expiration dates and the most recent statements
• Mortgage and Loan Documents
• Tax Papers – The Most Recent Tax Returns (State and Federal)
• Social Security Income Documents
• Pension Plans - 401(K), IRA’s and employer pensions
• Investment and brokerage Information
• Military Records and Armed Forces
Discharge Papers
• Medications taken regularly with physicians contact information
• Car Title and Registration
• A List of Contact Information (Attorney, Accountant, Investment Manager, Insurance Agent)
• Passwords and computer/cell phone access codes
There are a number of different legal documents that help you plan how your affairs will be handled in the future:
• Wills and trusts let you name the person(s) you want your property and assets to go to upon your death. It allows you to designate an executor to ensure your wishes are carried out.
• A Living Will gives you a say in your health care if you become too sick to make your wishes known. In a living will you can state what kind of care you do or do not want.
• A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (Health Proxy) lets you name the person you want to make medical decisions for you if you can’t make them yourself.
• A Durable Power of Attorney lets you name someone to act on your behalf for any legal task.
It is important that your papers and legal documents are kept in one safe and secure location (fire proof lockbox or file cabinet). This is extremely important as your files contain important personal and financial information that should be safeguarded. A trusted family member or friend should know where you keep these important papers and files in case of an emergency. There are many on-line sources of information that are helpful in getting your affairs in order including:
AARP www.aarp.org
National Institute on Aging Information Center www.nia.nih.gov
CaringInfo www.caringinfo.org
AARP Valuable Documents at your Fingertips contains helpful worksheets that can simplify the process of getting organized.
Power-Off Your Computer Regularly
by Christian Tenczar
It’s very tempting when we are done working on a laptop to simply close the lid, that’s what the lid is for, right? While this convenient feature is one of the benefits of a laptop computer it is also true that computers need to be restarted regularly in order to operate at their best. Closing the lid on your laptop does not turn it off — it puts it to sleep. That way you can open it back up, enter the password, and be ready to dive back into your work quickly.
While it’s A-OK to close the lid if you plan on jumping back to work soon, if you are done for the day then it’s best to turn it off completely before closing the lid. There’s two main reasons for doing this.
• Powering-off your computer clears out the memory, fixing temporary errors and allowing it to run as fast as it can. This is one of the reasons that restarting is often part of basic troubleshooting, sometimes errors can only be fixed with a restart.
• Powering-off also allows the computer to install important updates. These updates keep your computer as secure as possible and in many cases updates fix bugs or glitches in Windows and other software.
Here’s how to restart your Windows 10 computer.
1. Click on the Windows Button/ Icon in the lower left corner of the screen.
Beginning February 1 and continuing through April 15, AARP Foundation is providing tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program — and it’s completely free.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest volunteerbased free tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.
Tax-Aide has several options for providing taxpayer assistance. These options vary by location and are subject to change. Visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide for details.
• In-Person: In Tax-Aide’s traditional in-person service, taxes are prepared and filed by IRS-certified tax counselors — but now with strict physical distancing measures in place.
• Low-Contact: Taxpayers interact with IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteers in one or two short, in-person meetings to exchange documents.
• Contact-Free: Taxpayers interact with Tax-Aide’s IRS-certified tax counselors online or by phone and exchange documents electronically.
• Self-preparation: Tax-Aide provides taxpayers with free access to software so they
can prepare their own taxes. Taxpayers can also request help from an IRS-certified counselor to coach them through the process by phone or through computer screensharing.
Tax-Aide provides tax preparation assistance services nationwide. In 2020, 1.5 million taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received more than $1 billion in income tax refunds. (These numbers were affected by the reduced availability of in-person assistance due to the pandemic.) For more information about AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, including what type of service is available where, and which documents you need to file your taxes, visit aarpfoundation.org/ taxaide or call RON TERRY at (413) 446-7483
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