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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Berkshire Senior
Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich, Bonny DiTomasso, Laura Feakes, Christopher McLaughlin, Kathleen Cleary, Kathleen Phillips, John Arthur Miller 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.
Berkshire Proud
By Christopher McLaughlin, Executive Director of Elder Services
Hoping all is well with you.
It is interesting to take a moment to reflect on early 2020, when wearing masks, social distancing, stay at home orders and endless handwashing were a novelty, something that took getting used to. I think many of us thought the pandemic related “inconveniences” were temporary in nature and that in a month or two we’d be back to “normal”. As we transitioned into April and then May of 2020, increasing COVID-19 infections and deaths in Berkshire County and around the world made it clear the pandemic would not end quickly.
Like you, I have been looking forward to the day when we wouldn’t have to mask or social distance and could fully reopen our economy. I am writing this in mid-May and we recently learned that mask and social distancing mandates will end on May 29 and that the Massachusetts State of Emergency will officially end on June 15.
I have to admit that our community will reopen sooner than I thought it would. Being optimistic and believing the worst of COVID-19 may be over in the next few months before we publish again, I want to take the opportunity now to acknowledge our staff, volunteers and community partners for their commitment and compassion during the pandemic.
Obviously, this isn’t an all-inclusive list. There simply isn’t enough space to acknowledge everyone here. However, I do wish to extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation to the following:
Our donors, grantors and community partners, whose incredibly generous support allowed us to keep providing services without interruption
Our Board of Directors, Advisory Council and volunteers, who continued to provide encouragement, support and assistance to our Agency and our clients
Our Leadership Team and our Staff, who continued to support and coordinate care for our clients and scheduled vaccination appointments for many Berkshire residents
Our Kitchen Staff, Transporters and Drivers, who didn’t miss a day providing hot meals and wellness checks to seniors throughout Berkshire County
Our contracted home care agencies and other vendors, whose direct care workers provided continuing care and assistance to our clients in their homes
Our local Councils on Aging and human service providers, who met the needs of Berkshire County elders, disabled adults and caregivers and played a major role in securing vaccination appointments for Berkshire County residents
The Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative whose efficiency and effectiveness in vaccinating as many Berkshire residents as possible was a model for the rest of the Commonwealth
First responders and healthcare professionals on the front lines who continued on page 4
LinkedIn: Elder Services of Berkshire County
Berkshire County Farmers’ Markets 2021
Find the Bounty of Massachusetts Agriculture at your local Farmers’ Market! You can expect to find a wide array of fresh vegetables and fruits. You may also find baked goods, maple products, honey, eggs, farmstead cheeses, apple cider, jams and jellies, flowers, and even turkey and meats. To make the Farmers’ Markets more affordable to all, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons and, in addition, many Farmers’ Markets are able to accept EBT-SNAP benefits. To use your SNAP benefits at the Market, find the Manager’s or Information Booth when you arrive. Tell the person at the booth you would like to use your EBT card at the market and they will explain how it works. If you are a SNAP household you will be automatically enrolled in HIP, the Healthy Incentives Program and may be eligible to receive $1 for each dollar you spend on eligible fruits and vegetables, up to a monthly limit. SNAP benefits can also now be used for online ordering at some markets.
Berkshire Proud continued from page 3
came face to face with COVID-19 on a daily basis responding to the needs of our family members and friends.
All of us in Berkshire County should be incredibly proud of the sense of community we created during the past fifteen months, from doing whatever was necessary to ensure that essential services continued when people needed them most to performing the smallest acts of kindness for neighbors and strangers. Sincerest thanks and appreciation to each of you for caring for your neighbor and for your role in helping to put the worst of the pandemic behind us.
Best wishes for a relaxing summer. I look forward to writing about something other than the pandemic in August!
Until next time be good, be kind and be careful.
Senior Farmers’ Market
Coupons are usually not available until after July 1 – check with your local Council on Aging or Senior Center after that date. To be eligible for the coupons you must be 60 years of age or older, or disabled and living in senior housing where congregate nutrition services are provided, and your gross household income (i.e. before taxes are withheld) must be no more than 185 % of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. The guidelines for 2021: 1 person household, $23,828/ yr ($1,986/m); 2 persons $32,227/ yr ($2,686/m). Farmers’ Market
Senior coupons are worth $2.50 and are used like cash with participating farmers at certified
Farmers’ Markets. Look for the Farmers’ Market Coupons Accepted sign at individual farmers’ stalls at the market. If you do not see the sign, just ask the grower if he/she participates in the program. No change is given for the coupons, so be sure to use the full amount of every coupon with each purchase. The coupons expire October 31st. Please note: Markets may have mask wearing and social distancing protocols. See individual market websites for detailed market safety guidelines.
Berkshire Area/Lanesboro Farmers’ Market
Berkshire Mall South Parking Lot; Route 8 Until November - Saturdays, 8 am - 2 pm See them on Facebook WIC / Senior Coupons Accepted, SNAPEBT/HIP accepted by select vendors only
Great Barrington Farmers’ Market 18 Church Street
Until November - Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm preorder / pick-up available WIC & Senior Coupons, & EBT-SNAP/HIP Accepted
www.greatbarringtonfarmersmarket.org, also on Facebook
Lee Farmers’ Market Town Green next to Town Hall & First
Farmer’s Market Coupons
Congregational Church
Until October – Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm
WIC & Senior Coupons, EBT-SNAP/HIP Accepted
www.leefarmersmarket.com
See them on Facebook
Lenox Farmers Market
21 Housatonic St in front of Ceri Boutique
Until October - Fridays, 1 - 5 pm WIC, Senior Coupons, EBT-SNAP Accepted by select vendors only lenox.org/lenox-farmers-market
New Marlborough
New Marlborough Village Green (Route 57) Sundays 10 am - 1 pm through October WIC, Senior Coupons Accepted
North Adams Farmers’ Market
Marshall St. & Center St-St. Anthony Municipal Parking Lot
June to October - Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm WIC, Senior Coupons & EBT-SNAP/HIP Accepted
WIC & Senior Coupons Accepted, SNAPEBT/HIP accepted with select vendors only Pittsfield/Downtown Farmers’ Market
On the Common across from the First
Will be Available Again This Year
As an extension of Elder Services of Berkshire County’s Nutrition Program, we will again be delivering Senior Farmer’s Markets Coupons to participating local Councils on Aging for distribution to eligible members of their communities.
Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons are not available until after July 1. Participating Councils on Aging will be identified when the coupons become available. To be eligible for the coupons, you must be 60 years of age or older, or disabled and living in senior housing where congregate nutrition services are provided. Your gross household income
(i.e. before taxes are withheld) must be no more than 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income
Guidelines. More information will follow as the summer months approach.
Calling on all Hobbists!
Hobbies often add to the enhancement, richness, and joy of life. Pursuing a hobby can take one’s mind off of every day problems as well as energize and enrich. There are literally hundreds of hobbies one can pursue such as baking, beekeeping, blogging, cooking, fishing, furniture refinishing, dollhouses, flea market shopping, miniatures, music, and many, many more.
Any senior in Berkshire County who would be interested in having his or her hobby highlighted, Berkshire Senior staff members want to know. From time to time, articles on fascinating hobbies will be featured. Please contact an Editorial Board member at esbc@esbci.org to tell us about your hobby. Your name will be added to our roster.
Street Parking Lot
Until October - Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm WIC, Senior Coupons, & EBT-SNAP/HIP
Accepted farmersmarketpittsfield.org, also on Facebook
Sheffield Farmers’ Market
125 S Main St-Old Parish Church Parking Lot
Until October - Fridays, 3 – 6 pm WIC & Senior Coupons, EBT-SNAP/HIP
Accepted,
www.sheffieldfarmersmarket.org
See them on Facebook
West Stockbridge Farmers’ Market
Foundry Green on Harris Street-Village Center
Until October - Thursdays, 3 - 6 pm WIC, Senior Coupons, & EBT-SNAP/HIP
Accepted
www.weststockbridgefarmersmarket.org
See them on Facebook
Williamstown Farmers’ Market
Spring Street parking lot
Until October - Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm WIC, Senior Coupons, HIP, SNAP Accepted www.williamstownfarmersmarket.org
Hello Spring
A lot has changed in a couple of months. Here at The Froio Center, we have been busy helping seniors get appointments and over the last few weeks it has quieted down a bit. We have been doing a lot of updating of our space along with welcoming back our seniors at a slow steady pace. Below are our most current activities, along with some great new additions such as Chair Yoga, Meditation, and Crafters Corner that are starting up in June. Also, in June our congregate meal site, Bingo, Shake Your Soul and Art Studio will be resuming, and our Box Office Café will be opening for breakfast only. Be aware that we are still following CDC, State, and local Board of Health guidance. This is very important to insure a safe and healthy reopening. Masks, sanitization, and social distancing are still a priority. Members must have a “reservation” to attend an activity....walk-ins are not
allowed. To make a reservation, contact your activity’s group leader or call the main office. As with all activities, you are only allowed in the building for your small group activity. We are still looking for volunteers for our front welcoming desk, garden box and walking group.
All attendees must sign in upon arrival to aid in contact tracing, should the need arise. Vaccinations are not required, but highly encouraged. Stay Safe. Activities per day (Limited by Board of Health capacity limits)
Monday
9:00 AM Advanced Osteo 1:00 PM Mah Jongg 1:00 PM Card Group
Tuesday
9:00 AM Woodworking 10:00 AM Meditation 1:00 PM Bridge & Canasta
Wednesday 9:00 AM Woodworking & Beginner Osteo 1:00 PM Scrapbooking & Card Group
Thursday 9:00 AM Ceramics & Beginner Osteo 11:00 AM Chair Yoga
Friday 9:00 AM Knitting 10:00 AM Pitch 12:30 PM Quilting 1:00 PM Bingo
We look forward to seeing everyone back at your Pittsfield Senior Center . Call for information 499-9346.
Protect Yourself from Online Scams
By: Christian Tenczar
As technology makes doing certain tasks in our lives easier, it does not come without a certain amount of risk. Online scams and phone scams are becoming increasingly common and many of these deceptions are designed to target seniors in particular. With a little bit of knowledge and knowhow you can protect yourself from being swindled. Here are some of the most common scams targeting seniors and suggestions on how to avoid them.
The Grandparent Scam
This scam can come in a few varieties and preys on your willingness to help out a grandchild in need. The most common method is by phone call but can also come in the form of an email or social media message pretending to be from a grandchild. In the phone version, the caller will often say something similar to “Hello grandma, do you know who this is?” When the target of the call guesses and says the name of a beloved grandchild, the hook has been taken. Next, the phony grandchild will say they are in some sort of financial trouble and ask to be wired money or sent gift cards to get them out of their bind. After receiving this “gift” they will then ask that their grandparent not tell anyone.
• The easy way to avoid this scam is to pause a moment, let them know you need a little time to consider. Was this really your family member? Do you have a way to reach out to your grandchild and make sure it is actually them? If it is in fact your grandchild, they will understand.
Government or Medical Insurance/Medicare Scam
Everyone pays taxes and has insurance so this is a common con many people fall for. In this scam, the caller or person e-mailing will pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your health
insurance provider reporting that something is very wrong. They will ask you to verify your personal information by asking you to verify your medical insurance numbers, social security number, or even your banking information. Not only that, they need this information right now or there will be some huge penalty. The scam here is they want your personal information which will likely be used to steal your identity and/or commit fraud.
• To prevent becoming a victim, pause a moment to consider. The IRS will not call you. The
Social Security Administration knows who you are, they don’t need your information! If it were an emergency that needed to be acted on so quickly why are you just now hearing about it? Reach out through the official phone number or website and let them know. If there is a real problem they will help you and if not then they will assist in reporting the incident that just occurred.
Other Scams and Prevention
These aren’t the only schemes out there. Also common are computer tech support scams, romance scams, charity scams,
Hinsdale/Peru Council on Aging Happenings
Carol Ann Pullo
Hinsdale/Peru
Council on Aging
The Hinsdale/Peru COA will resume in-person Board meetings May 2021 and hope to line up some group activities for seniors. We have all missed meeting with each other and interacting with our senior citizens.
Forty new names of seniors turning 65 this year will be added to our mailing list for the COA Quarterly Newsletter. Five hundred newsletters will be mailed (or emailed) to all seniors in Hinsdale and Peru 65 or older, although anyone 60+ is welcome at all events.
When COVID vaccine appointments first opened for seniors 75+, Cathy Spinney, our SHINE Director, worked to assist seniors obtain appointments, for which many seniors were extremely grateful. She continues to help those local seniors without internet access.
We are pleased to announce that Yoga Classes have resumed in the historic Old Town Hall/ Community Center, Maple
Street, Hinsdale. The classes are held every Monday, at 9:00 am. The fee is $3.00 per class. We are asking all who wish to participate to adhere to the following guidelines:
All participants should be masked entering/leaving the building, in the room upstairs, and during the class.
All participants should maintain a distance of 6 feet from each other.
It is highly recommended that participants have received the COVID vaccination, or at least the first dose of the two-dose vaccine.
There will be handi-wipes and hand sanitizer available for your use. Please bring your own mats and pillow/blanket/straps to meet your needs. There will be blocks available which are sanitized before and after use. If you are new to Hinsdale Yoga, you must complete a Waiver/ Release form before class.
The Knitting Group, sponsored by the Hinsdale COA and led by Marion Tinney, continues to meet. It began meeting in-person April 7th at
and sweepstakes/lottery scams. The one thing all these schemes have in common is the culprit will convey a sense of urgency – don’t play into it! Take a moment to pause, consider, and try to verify the information you are being told. If something sounds too good to be true it probably is and if you believe there is information you need to act on, reach out through an official contact rather than trusting the person on the other end of the phone or email even if it sounds like someone you trust. The worst that can happen is that they now know you aren’t one to be fooled easily!
the Hinsdale Old Town Hall on Maple Street. No more Zoom knitting!! The group meets from 1-3pm every Wednesday. Anyone is welcome to join. For more information, contact Marion at mariontinney@gmail.com, The Hilltown Community Development has recently extended the Hilltown Driver Pool to the Towns of Hinsdale and Peru. The Hilltown Door-toDoor Transportation Program is designed to help fill the need for occasional transportation to medical and other professional appointments for seniors 60+ and veterans. Non-seniors may also be referred to the program under certain circumstances. The program is grant-funded and provides a limited number of rides per person per month. This program provides an advantage to those without transportation to medical appointments. For further information, please call the Hilltown Driver Pool Coordinator, Ed Pelletier. He may be reached in the mornings until 10:30 A.M. or by e-mail at ride@hilltowncdc.org.
Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. NUTRITION PROGRAM
SENIOR COMMUNITY DINING CENTERS
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.
NO. ADAMS 662-3125 SPITZER CENTER 116 Ashland St. M-T-W-TH-F11:30 am
WILLIAMSTOWN 458-8250 HARPER CENTER 118 Church St. VARIES –Call ahead11:30 am ADAMS 743-8333 COMMUNITY CENTER 3 Hoosac St. M-T-W-TH-F11:00 am
CHESHIRE 743-9719 SENIOR CENTER 119 School St. M-T-W-TH-F11:30 am
LANESBORO 448-2682 TOWN HALL 83 North Main St. T & TH11:30 am
DALTON 684-2000 SENIOR CENTER 40 Field St. Ext. M & TH11:30 am BECKET 623-8934 TOWN HALL Route 8 P.O. Box 60 T & TH11:00 am PITTSFIELD 499-9346 SENIOR CENTER 330 North St. M-T-W-TH-F11:30 am
LENOX 637-5535 COMMUNITY CENTER 65 Walker St. M-T-W-TH-F12:00 pm
LEE 243-5545 SENIOR CENTER 21 Crossway Village M-T-W-TH-F11:30 am
GT. BARRINGTON 528-4118 SENIOR CENTER 917 South Main St. M-T-W-TH-F10:30 am PITTSFIELD 442-2200 KOSHER JEWISH COMM. CTR 16 Colt Road M-T-TH11:45 am
STOCKBRIDGE 298-3222 HEATON COURT 5 Pine St. T-TH11:30 am
PROVIDENCE CT. 443-1841 PROVIDENCE COURT 379 East St.
TEMP CLOSED TEMP CLOSED TEMP CLOSED TEMP CLOSED
M-T-W-TH-F11:30 am
STOCKBRIDGE 298-4170 SENIOR CENTER 50 Main St. WED12:00 pm
SHEFFIELD 229-7037 SENIOR CENTER 25 Cook Road W-TH-F12:00 pm sponsored in part by
Eligible seniors 60 years or older are welcome to attend any Senior Community Dining Center. Reservations are requested 24 hours in advance. A suggested donation is $2.00 per meal. All contributions are returned to the community toward the cost of the Nutrition Program and Services. Those 59 or under are welcome at a required fee of $7.00 per meal.
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BERKSHIRE COUNTY
Healthy Recipes for Spring
Kathleen Cleary
As Spring arrives and we get vaccinated against COVID-19, many of us are looking forward to once again being with friends, family and grandchildren.
Here are some easy and healthy recipes to enjoy together.
CHICKEN AND PENNE CASSEROLE WITH TOMATOES AND GOAT CHEESE
2 cups penne pasta
2 teaspoons olive oil
3 cups sliced fresh white mushrooms
1 onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup cooked skinless chicken breast
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup fat-free egg substitute
¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
2 ounces reduced-fat goat cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons plain dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
MAKES 6 SERVINGS:
Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray a 7 x 11-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer to bowl.
Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and onion; cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add mushroom mixture to pasta in the bowl. Stir
in the tomatoes, chicken, beans, egg substitute, and broth. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish. Top with goat cheese.
Combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and parsley with remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the casserole. Bake, uncovered, until the topping is browned and filling is hot and bubbly, about 40 minutes.
PER SERVING (1 cup): 250
Calories
Recipe sent to Weight Watcher’s Winner’s Circle by Pat Daigle of Groves, TX
FAT-FREE CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI CAKE
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup fat-free milk
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup fat-free egg substitute
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini (one large)
MAKES 24 SERVINGS:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
Combine the flour, sugar cocoa, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Combine the milk, applesauce, egg substitute and vanilla in another bowl. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture. Add the zucchini and stir until just blended.
Pour the batter into the pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool the cake in the pan on a rack 10 minutes; remove pan and cool completely on rack. Cut into 24 pieces.
PER SERVING: (I piece) 85 Calories Recipe sent to Weight Watcher’s Winner’s Circle by Kay Biese of Chilton, WI
Smart Food Choices
Step into spring with smart food choices. Eating right can help you to keep your body strong and mind sharp. Some simple steps to a nutritious lifestyle include making half your plate fruits and vegetables and the other half of your plate, whole grains. Also, varying your protein and moving toward low fat or fat free dairy are other examples. These healthy recipes for spring do just that.
The Chicken and penne casserole include vegetables, lean meats and lower sodium.
• Add vegetables including mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes
• Choose lean cuts of meats like skinless chicken
• Season with herbs like fresh parsley instead of salt.
• Try using whole wheat pasta to increase whole grains.
• Add vegetables to dessert such as zucchini
• Substitute margarine or butter with applesauce and it adds fruit too!
• Select low fat dairy products like fat-free milk.
Mindfully choosing nutrient dense foods may help to lower risk of heart disease and type two diabetes. Selecting a variety of whole foods may reduce the risk for cancer and lower the risk for obesity and hip fractures. Healthy eating patterns are important at every stage of life and may help to extend the quality of your life.
Friendshelpingfriendssince1915
40MAPLEWOODAVENUE•PITTSFIELD,MA01201
CALLUS:413.445.5988
ProudaffiliateofCarriageServices| JohnW.Bresnahan
The Chocolate Zucchini Cake also includes some helpful tips by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meal plan and reducing fat.
And if you are cooking for one, looking to get started, or seeking to get back on track, meet us at a local COA and pick up a healthy meal. Enjoy our well balanced meals that are flavorful and diverse and made by our dedicated and talented team. For more information please call the Nutrition Program at 1-800-9815201.
UNITED
Congressman Richard Neal
50 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5610
Senior aide: William.tranghese@mail. house.gov
300 State Street
Springfield, MA 01105-1711 (413) 785-0325
Aide: Matthew.russett@mail.house.gov
Senator Adam Hinds
24 Beacon Street, Room 109E
Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-1625
District Office: (413) 344-4561
Adam.hinds@masenate.gov
Rep. Smitty Pignatelli
24 Beacon Street, Room 473F Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-2210
District Office: (413) 637-0631 Rep.smitty@mahouse.gov
Rep. John Barrett, III
24 Beacon Street, Room 237 Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-2305
24 Beacon Street, Room 160 Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-2304
District Office: (413) 464-5635
Paul.mark@mahouse.gov
June – Elder Abuse Awareness Month
Dean Lagrotteria Berkshire Elder Protective Services Program Director LifePath
We recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June and World Elder Abuse Awareness day on June 15. World Elder Abuse Awareness is an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness of elder abuse. It is not only a time to reflect upon the abuse and exploitation of older adults, but also a time to think about what we mean by elder rights.
Elder Protective Services has a mandate to provide protection but we are also obligated to respect an individual’s rights and wishes.
Adults have the right to make their own decisions and choices, whether they are 23 or 83. Sometimes those choices carry risks--whether that be a fall when mountain climbing or walking without a cane. Self-determination refers to
respecting the right to make choices and manage our lives. Often this concept is seen through our own lens of “right and wrong.” However, in order to respect the right to selfdetermination we must look at this concept through the values, history and wishes of the individual. Berkshire Elder Protective Services at Lifepath, which manages the Elder Protective Services program for the Berkshires is grounded in the concept of self-determination Protective Services become involved when there is concern about health and safety. When this happens, the older adult may worry that they will be forced to do something they do not want or that they will be placed in a facility. Sometimes the older adult is afraid to share because they are worried they will get a family member in trouble. The goal of Protective Services is to provide support and protection with the cooperation and
consent of the older adult. The older adult is in charge of what services and support they receive.
To show our commitment to this concept, LifePath developed a Senior Rights flier, I will include the contents of it here:
The Rights of Older Adults
Adults over 60 retain all their civil and constitutional rights unless some of these rights have been restricted by court action.
• Adults have the right to be safe. They have a right to live free from abuse, exploitation and neglect.
• Adults of any age who can understand the consequences of their actions have the right to make decisions.
Adults are presumed to have competent decisionmaking capacity unless, after a complete psychiatric evaluation, a court adjudicates otherwise.
Adults have the right to an
attorney to represent them at any hearing which could result in the appointment of a guardian or conservator. Guardianship is a legal process for adults who have a clinically diagnosed medical condition and are unable to make or communicate effective decisions about their everyday self-care, health, and safety. The Massachusetts court can appoint a guardian to make some or all personal decisions on the adult’s behalf. A guardianship protects the adult’s rights and independence and can be limited to areas where the adult’s ability is impaired.
If a judge determines that a guardian or limited guardian must be assigned, they are required to act on the adult’s behalf and in the adult’s best interests.
Only a judge can implement
an order to remove an adult’s right to make their own choices.
• Competent adults can choose the environment that they want to live in (cluttered, with an abuser, with someone who is exploiting, risky for falls, etc.).
• Competent adults have the right to make decisions that do not conform to societal norms. They cannot be forced to change because someone disagrees with their lifestyle, as long as they don’t threaten to harm themselves or others.
• Adults have the right to request, accept, or refuse services. There are services that adults can request without judgment. Asking for help does not imply any commitment to accepting services.
• Just because an adult has a power of attorney or health care proxy doesn’t mean they lose their right to make financial and health care decisions.
Adults have a right to appoint a health care proxy or power of attorney whom they trust.
Adults have a right to revoke a health care proxy or power of attorney at any time.
• Adults have a right to Accept or Refuse Protective Services.
Mandated reporters have to report if they suspect any sort of abuse or neglect. A report doesn’t necessarily mean there will be any action taken.
Protective Services is mandated to do an assessment of an adult’s situation. However, an adult can refuse to participate in that assessment at any point in the process.
An adult can also accept or refuse any proposed action or intervention to help with their situation.
• Adults have a right to disagree with their doctors.
Adults have the right to leave a skilled nursing facility or hospital against medical advice. There may
be consequences to such an action; however, adults may leave at any time.
If a doctor requests the revocation an adult’s license, the adult has the right to request a driving evaluation with the Department of Motor Vehicles which can determine if they get their license back.
A doctor can refuse to prescribe pain medications or refuse to see an adult if they skip appointments.
Just because a doctor has an opinion or recommendation about an adult’s condition, the adult does not have to follow it.
Adults have a right to make a choice that could adversely affect their health.
If you are concerned about an older adult who is being neglected, abused, exploited or unable to care for themselves, I encourage you to make a confidential call to Elder Protective Services at 800922-2275.
Currently airing on PCTV, Channel 1301 Access Pittsfield
Broadcast schedule:
Mondays at 5:00pm ▪ Wednesday at 8:30am Thursdays at 11:30am ▪ Saturdays at Noon
Or watch online, ON DEMAND on pittsfieldtv.org.
Thank you to our friends at PCTV for all their help in making Berkshire Senior TV accessible to our community.
Thank You To Our Donors:
The following donations were received between March 1, 2021 and April 30, 2021. Donations received on or after May 1, 2021 will appear in the next issue of the Berkshire Senior.
Memorial Donations
In Memory of Myrtice Gagne, to benefit the Meals on Wheels Program:
Barbara D. Bennett
Linda and Stephen Bondini Jr
Irene and Michael Ferrari
Michael and Carol Kirchner
William and Jane Provost
Denise Sadlowski
In Memory of Marion Hunt, to benefit the Money Management Program:
Joseph and Nancy Tirrell
In Memory of Julia Janowski: Evelyn Degen
In Memory of Diann Reed:
Susan J. Supranowicz
In Memory of Elizabeth E. Saulnier:
Scott Miller and Beth Saulnier
In Memory of Raymond Scace: Bruce and Barbara Piel
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ESBCI’s Bonny DiTomasso interviews Registered Dietician Bruce Homsted of the Nutrition Program
Parents have life-long impacts on their children and ultimately, the ability to change and improve hundreds of lives. Nicholas “Nick” Boraski, a retired General Electric Company manager and vicepresident, is living proof of this.
As a child, Nick knew the effects of the Depression very well. He remembers the evening when there was a knock on the door and a man in bib overalls with a six-year-old child asked his mother for food. Nick recalled, “Mom took them into the kitchen, and while they ate, bundled up clothes for the boy. I never forgot that action by my mother”.
“She gave food because we didn’t have any money,” Nick said of his mother, a Ukrainian immigrant. His parents had a big vegetable garden and could share the food they grew. That one incident with his mother giving the man and his little son food and clothing affected Nick for the rest of his life.
Nick’s father was also a Ukrainian immigrant. He worked at Crane & Company while he and his wife raised seven kids. All of the children graduated from high school and four went on to college, including Nick. Five served in the military.
After high school, Nick attended Duke University for one semester before joining the U.S. Navy at age 17. He served for a year and a half. Thanks to the G.I. bill, which “helped tremendously,” Nick was able to return to college. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Massachusetts. He liked working with things all his life so engineering was a good choice for him.
General Electric hired Nick in Schenectady in the Engineering Training Program. He ended up in management, never actually
doing much engineering, he said. He became head of the Pittsfield Transformer and Ordnance Divisions and had thousands of people working under him throughout the years.
Sitting in the front lobby of his home on South Street, Nick thought back to his days as a manager. He said he had the ability to listen to people, a skill many managers lack. He prided himself in prioritizing safety, quality, and profit at GE, where his career spanned 39 years. He retired in 1988 as Vice President of the Defense Systems Division at GE. “My secret to success was that I listened to people,” Nick said. “I would tell people, “If I ask you to do something and it isn’t working, stop it and start over.” He is very proud of a prized possession, a metal “management degree” that 30 managers who worked for him made for him when he was transferred.
Nick met his late wife, Ruth, on a beach. The couple married and raised a son and two daughters. His son is now a dentist in Pennsylvania. The girls, both teachers, live in California and Massachusetts. He and Ruth were married for 55
years. Nick has six grandchildren and four great-grands who live in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Canada.
Nick and Ruth worked closely together to establish their philanthropic endeavors.
“She was just as generous as anyone I know,” he said of his late wife. The organizations Ruth and I thought needed help or the ones the United Way directed us to were the ones we helped,” he said. Funds administered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation support two of Ruth’s favorite programs, Girls, Inc. and the Meals on Wheels Program. The latter provides meals and wellness checks to hundreds of Berkshire County seniors.
Looking back, Nick said he and his late wife had always been involved in helping churches and schools. “We were (initially) normal givers,” he said. They were involved in working with three colleges, UMass, MCLA, and Berkshire Community College. At the latter, he helped develop an engineering certificate program. Students in this “feeder” program would get a two-year degree and then finish a four-year engineering degree at UMASS. The Governor appointed Nick to the Board of Regents. He has been awarded two honorary doctoral degrees.
Nick established the Charles and Sadie Boraski Scholarship Fund for Wahconah High School, plus other schools and the Girls Club and Boys Club.
Between work and philanthropy, Nick also managed to coach junior football. He loved golfing, skiing and fly-fishing and earned a pilot’s license. He flew for 20 years. On his very last flight, a friend, Lynn Lyons, took over as pilot while Nick snapped photos of First Congregational Church. “We needed photos of the First Congregational Church for a project,” he explained. “I had Lynn fly over the church while
I took the photos. Our project to improve the exterior of the church was approved by the Mass Historical Commission and we received $130,000.”
Ruth became very ill with cancer for about a year and died 10 years ago. Asked how he handled the grief of losing his life-long partner, Nick’s voice lowered. “I was crushed,” he said. He had to “just keep living” without his beloved Ruthie.
Nick has plenty of opinions on what is happening in society. As the son of refugees, he said he has “no problem” with refugees coming into the United States to live and work. “We’d be a hell of a lot better off to let refugees like my parents in and throw some others out,” he said.
He’s also concerned with some of society’s problems such as the homeless and poverty. As for tax reform, he’s for that, too. “We have to shift the economy,” he noted. “I’m concerned we have so many poor people.”
President Joe Biden’s plan to have businesses give more is a “good thing,” Nick noted. “We should tax everyone equally based on income calculated by fixed, understood rules.”
Although he has slowed down during his ninth decade of life, Nick still gets many phone calls from people wanting him to be involved in a project or requesting financial assistance. He is quick to mention that he thoroughly enjoyed his career as well as all the philanthropic endeavors he and Ruth have been involved in. He said if given the opportunity of living his life over again, he would do nothing differently. He would like to be remembered as “a successful son of two immigrants who was taught to help the community.”
“I’m very proud of what we have done,” he said, and so are thousands of people whose lives Nick and his wife so unselfishly touched throughout the decades.
