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November VETERAN’S DAY NOV. 11
MEDICARE
Open Enrollment SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY We Are Still Here To Help You Through The Process.
APPOINTMENTS WILL BE OVER THE PHONE THIS YEAR.
To Make The Process Easier Call or Email Us Now At: sbileto@keenage.org, nnellis@keenage.org or mrivera@keenage.org Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere
815-544-9893 www.keenage.org
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
A Day To Honor All Veterans The month of November is a special time for the nation’s veterans. While Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers & service people, Veteran’s Day, which takes place each November, is an opportunity to commemorate the efforts of all who have been in the armed forces, with a special emphasis on living veterans. While people are encouraged to thank veterans throughout the year, Veteran’s Day is a particularly poignant time to show your appreciation for the men & women of the military.
SHADLEY APARTMENTS 1151 NETTIE STREET, BELVIDERE • MANAGED BY LUDWIG AND COMPANY •
SECTION 8 AFFORDABLE HOUSING These conveniently located and newly rehabbed, one bedroom apartments in Belvidere are specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Shadley Apartments is customized to facilitate independent living in a fully equipped apartment among friends and neighbors who share similar interests. Please contact Kelly Sumwalt (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.
Veteran’s Day takes place on November 11 & marks an important moment in history. On November 11, 1918, World War I, known at the time as “The Great War,” unofficially ended when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, took place between Germany & the Allied nations on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. World War I ended on paper when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Armistice Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. However, after subsequent wars, including World War II & the Korean War, veterans’ service organizations lobbied for Armistice Day to be revised so it would be more inclusive of all veterans. On June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to strike the word “Armistice” from the holiday’s name in favor of “Veterans.” Since then, November 11 has been known as “Veterans Day” & has honored veterans of all wars. Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October for roughly seven years under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which sought to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating certain national holidays on Mondays. But since November 11 bore such significance, many states disapproved & continued to observe the holiday on November 11. In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed legislation to return the observation of Veterans Day to November 11 beginning in 1978. Should the day fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively. The United States isn’t the only country to celebrate its veterans. Canada, Great Britain, Australia, & France also commemorate the veterans of World War I & II on or near November 11 as Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday.
The Veterans Day Parade Has Been Canceled This Year Due To COVID-19 Restrictions
ksumwalt@ludwigco.com fax: (815) 544-9568
AS IF HIS LIFE DEPENDS ON IT ...because it did.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
815-965-8751 rrvbc.org
BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION “Established 1847”
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN NEXT YEAR! In honor of all the men & women who served & continue to serve this country, “Happy Veterans Day!” Thank you for your service & your sacrifice. God bless you and God bless America! - VFW Post 1461 & American Legion Post 77
Veterans Assistance Commission Of Boone County Are you an honorable discharged Veteran, surviving spouse or dependent of a Veteran of Boone County? Please contact the VAC if you have any questions about Veterans Benefits, or for advice & assistance. Call for an appointment, 815-544-6464. We are located at 130 S. State St., Suite 212, Belvidere. Visit or website at www.VACBC.org or email us at VACBoone@VACBC.org.
• Pre-Burial Arrangements • Cremation Burials • Columbarium Niches
• Memorial Markers • Affordable Prices • Park-like Setting
Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Memorial Chapel On Cemetery Grounds 1121 N. Main, Belvidere • 815-547-7642 belviderecemetery@comcast.net
Specializing In Short & Long Term Care Quality Healthcare Provided By A Professional Staff In addition to the highest quality care, we also strive to maintain the highest quality of life.
MapleCrest
4452 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.547.6377 • fax: 815.547.3857 symphonymc.com
For A Private Tour Call Our Admissions Department Today
Rehabilitation Services Our rehab services extend far beyond the physical - it is about serving every aspect of an individual with care, kindness & respect. Our goal is to provide the necessary approach to facilitate a complete return to health & successful return to home.
Serving Boone County Over 40 Years!
Nor thwoods
2250 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.544.0358 • fax: 815.544.5006 symphonynorthwoods.com
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Mike
BOONE COUNTY
Home caregiver for son, Brian
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Thank You From The Boone County Council On Aging A big thank you to all of you that joined us at our Autumn is in the Air fundraising dinner at the Moose. Heartfelt appreciation goes to our friends at Heritage Woods of Belvidere, Symphony Northwoods and Maple Crest, along with Visiting Angels for their sponsorship of the event. Thank you also to those that volunteered to help serve up the tasty dinner! We are hoping to continue to bring these types of events to you, as we desire to both raise funds & connect with you in safe ways. We extend our gratitude to the Belvidere Township for their in-kind donation of sealcoating for our parking lot. Additionally, Blackhawk Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, applied for grants for seven organizations as part of the Targeted Impact Fund Grant Program to address the needs of populations hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis. BCCA/Keen Age Center was fortunate to receive a $5,000 grant. Thank you to our board members, Kathy Grover and Jeanine Woyner, for their roles in securing these two donations! The Keen Age Center hopes to continue to add programming both in the Center & virtually through Zoom meetings. Although there are many of our previous activities that we cannot hold right now, we are interested to hear some of your new ideas for activities that we can hold at KAC until we can completely re-open. Please give me your feedback! View our current newsletter at https://www.ourseniorcenter.com/ and search for Boone County Council on Aging. You will also find a calendar of the activities we can safely provide. As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, the pandemic is likely to make changes in how we traditionally celebrate. In looking for ways to increase my gratitude, I recently discovered Mayo Clinic Health System has a four-week, self-guided virtual program to help you improve your mental well-being through daily journaling. According to their website, practicing mindful thankfulness is one way to boost your spirits, feel happier & enhance your overall health. In addition to journaling, you are asked to complete at least one act of kindness & take deliberate time to be mindful each day. Check it out for yourself at https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/ gratitude or give me a call at (779) 552-7249 and I can make sure that you get a copy of the journaling pages. I would love to hear how focusing on gratitude is making a difference if your life as we all continue to find ways to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoping that gratitude unlocks the fullness of your life! - Kelly Hillan
5 Ways To Protect Your Hearing Every Day The saying “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” is never more true than in regard to hearing. It’s easy to take hearing for granted. People rely on headphones or ear buds to listen to music, stream movies or participate in work-related meetings more than ever before. Having the volume too loud can contribute to hearing loss over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says five in 10 young people listen to their music or other audio too loudly. Overall, 48 million people in the U.S. have trouble hearing in one or both of their ears. Johns Hopkins Medical Center reports approximately 15% of adults 18 years of age or older report some trouble hearing, & the risk of hearing problems increases with age. Once it’s gone, hearing cannot be restored in many cases. To protect hearing and guard against future hearing loss, consider these recommendations. 1. Ask for a baseline hearing test. It’s easier to measure hearing loss if there is a baseline by which it can be measured. During your annual physical, ask for a hearing test or a referal to an audiologist. This can set the course for monitoring progression of any future hearing loss. 2. Wear hearing protection. There are various types of hearing protection that can filter out certain levels of sound. Many earplugs, like the ones musicians wear or those worn when attending rock concerts, can reduce the sound by approximately 25 dB. Custom fit ear plugs provide more noise reduction, in upwards of 35 to 40 dB. They are optimal for high-noise environments, such as when mowing lawns or operating machinery, according to the hearing loss resource Hearts for Hearing. 3. Turn down the volume. Experts recommend adhering to the 60/60 rule when enjoying audio through headphones. This suggestion is to listen with the headphones at no more than 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes a day. Earbuds fit directly next to the eardrum and can be harmful to your hearing. If possible, choose over-the-ear headphones instead. 4. Have custom molds made. Rather than turning up the volume, have custom ear molds made for use with earphones, suggests Johns Hopkins. Custom ear molds block outside noise, allowing for higher quality listening. 5. Keep your ears dry. Moisture in the ear can cause bacteria to grow & potentially lead to infections. Towel-dry ears gently after showering or swimming. Avoid the temptation to use cotton swabs to dry the ears. For the most part, ears are self-cleaning, & using a cotton swab can push wax & cause it to be compacted in the ear canal.
We don’t rent rooms, we enrich lives! “So thankful I found Crimson Pointe. The staff is very caring and kind. The maintenance director put dad’s scooter together and Physical Therapy is helping dad. Thank you for caring for my dad, I have peace of mind.”
supporting
First in
you at home
Caring for a loved one at home can be one of the hardest roles you’ll face in life — especially now. Northern Illinois Hospice is here for you with the expert support you and your loved one need, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Visit northernillinoishospice.org or call us at 815.398.0500 © Northern Illinois Hospice 2020
Belvidere Family
YMCA
• For Youth Development • For Healthy Living • For Social Responsibility
815-547-5307
• Programs Recommended By Arthritis Foundation • Fitness Center With Trained Staff • Fitness Classes Free With Membership • 85 Degree Swimming Pool • Adult Lap & Open Times Throughout The Day • Discounted And Subsidized Memberships • Silver Sneakers And Silver & Fit Accepted
220 West Locust, Belvidere, IL 61008 www.belviderefamilyymca.org
Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Powers of Attorney • Nursing Home Planning • Real Estate
John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere
Power Recliner By We Also Carry Lift Chairs By Ultra Comfort & Best Craft
815.398.7792 lifeatcrimsonpointe.com FURNITURE
7130 Crimson Ridge Dr. Rockford, IL 61107
315 S. State St. • Belvidere • 815-547-6672 HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-4; Closed Sun.
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Inside O’Brien’s Pharmacy
The UPS Store® Print • Pack • Ship • Shred • Mailboxes
DISPILL Medication Packaging System To Prevent Your Loved One From Missing Medications Or Taking Too Much. Filled Directly By Our Pharmacist, So There Are No Mistakes. Your Co-Pay Is The Same Anywhere You Go. So Why Not Support Your Local Pharmacy?
• Competitive Pricing • Personalized Patient • We Accept All Major Insurance Consultations • Diabetic Shoes & Medicaid/Medicare HOME HEALTH CARE DEPT. Support Stockings Braces/Splints Lift Chairs Bath Benches Wheelchairs Walkers Crutches & Canes Commodes Hospital Beds
WHO NEEDS A DRIVE-THRU WHEN WE DELIVER! Delivery Available 6 Days A Week Mon.-Sat.
O’Brien’s Pharmacy 216 S. State St., Belvidere • 815-544-3433 Pharmacy Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am - 7 pm; Saturday 9 am - 4 pm; Sunday 9 am - 1 pm
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
How To Approach Thanksgiving During Pandemic Much like the holidays that preceded it in 2020, Thanksgiving figures to be different this year. An ongoing pandemic has changed the way much of the world lives their lives, including how holidays are celebrated. As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 spread across the globe beginning in the winter of 2019-20, the World Health Organization recommended a host of behaviors designed to prevent the spread of the virus & protect those who are most vulnerable to it. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention also noted the importance of keeping distance from others, especially for those who are most likely to get seriously ill if they’re exposed to COVID-19, such as the elderly & people with underlying medical conditions. The WHO & the CDC continue to recommend social distancing, which means Thanksgiving in 2020 will be unlike any other. Families must make their own decisions about getting together this holiday season, but hosts who intend to welcome guests into their homes can take certain steps to keep everyone as safe as possible. • Scale back the guest list. Families accustomed to large Thanksgiving gatherings can scale the festivities back this year in an effort to keep everyone safe. Consider hosting a meal for immediate family members only, as the EPA notes that COVID-19 may spread more easily in indoor environments via airborne particles. Extended family members can visit each other over the long holiday weekend to ensure everyone still sees each other, but keep such visits outdoors when possible. • Consider eating Thanksgiving dinner outside, if the weather permits. Doing so may limit everyone’s exposure to the respiratory droplets that researchers say can spread the virus when inhaled. If necessary, serve the meal earlier than you normally would so everyone can eat midday when it’s warmer. Hosts can consider serving something more convenient than turkey, which takes a long time to cook, & limiting sides to one or two. • Assign seats. If the meal will be served indoors, then hosts can assign seats to protect those most vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19. Instead of cramming everyone in at one table, set up temporary tables & have guests sit in every other seat rather than next to one another. Isolate the vulnerable as much as possible while still ensuring they can engage in conversation. • Discourage guests from attending if they feel sick. A list of COVID-19 symptoms can be found at www.cdc.gov. In the days prior to Thanksgiving, hosts can share that list with guests via email or social media & discourage guests who are feeling ill on or around the holiday from attending the festivities. If necessary, make a to-go plate for ill relatives & drop it off at their homes so they can still enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. • Stock up on hand soap & hand sanitizer. Hosts should make sure hand soap & sanitizer is readily available throughout their homes. When guests arrive, make sure everyone washes their hands immediately, & encourage guests to continue doing so throughout the day. Thanksgiving will be different in 2020. Hosts need to adjust their normal Thanksgiving routines to ensure the safety of their guests.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe Provided By The Homemade Zesty Tortilla Chips Recipe U of I Extension Office
Ingredients Six 6” corn tortillas Nonstick cooking spray 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut each tortilla into 6 sections with a large knife or pizza-cutting utensil 2. Spray nonstick cooking spray onto a baking pan or cookie sheet. Spread out tortilla pieces. Spray tops with more nonstick cooking spray. 3. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder & 1/8 teaspoon chili powder onto tortilla pieces. 4. Bake for 6-7 minutes. Flip chips over. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle remaining toppings onto chips. 5. Bake for an additional 6-7 minutes, until chips are light brown in color. Let chips cool before enjoying.
PLEASE STAY SAFE & HEALTHY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!
Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe: 9 Chips Amount Per Serving: Calories 110 Total Fat 1.5 g Sodium 400 mg Carbohydrates 22 g Dietary Fiber 0 g Protein 2 g
Flu Clinic At BCCA/Keen Age Center The Keen Age Center will host a flu clinic at 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere on Thursday, November 19th from 11 AM - 1 PM. By appointment only, no walk-ins. Masks must be worn. The cost for the flu vaccines are $35 for adult flu shots ages 19-64 years old, & $45 for high dose recommended for individuals 65 years & older. The above pricing is for people paying by check or charge out of pocket. No cash payments this year. Additionally, they can accept Medicare, Medicaid & private insurance. You MUST bring your insurance card with you upon arrival, to use it that day for the clinic. If you have Medicare, please bring your supplement card if you have additional coverage on top of your Medicare Part B. Advanced sign up is required! 815-544-9893.
• All-On-4 Implants • Dental Implants • Implant Support Dentures • Bone Grafting • Cosmetic Dentistry • General Dentistry • Sleep Dentistry
2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations 140 N. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008
815-544-5144 CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM
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BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Raising Awareness Of The Benefits Of Hospice & Palliative Care Affordable Assisted Living Community For Seniors 65 & Older Of All Incomes. Call For A Tour Today!
ONSITE: • Beauty Parlor • Country Store • Physician Visits • Mail Service • Nursing Staff • Private Senior Apartments • Restaurant Style Dining • Housekeeping & Laundry • 24 Hr. Personal Care Assist. • In-House Emergency Response System • Medication Reminders & Assistance • Daily Activities & Transportation 4730 Squaw Prairie Rd. Belvidere
815-544-9495 www.hw-belvidere-slf.com Managed by Gardant Management Solutions
Heartland Hospice Celebrates November as National Hospice & Palliative Care Month Throughout the month of November, Heartland Hospice will be joining organizations across the nation celebrating & recognizing National Hospice & Palliative Care Month. For more than 40 years, hospice has helped provide comfort & dignity to millions of people, allowing them to spend their final months wherever they call home, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice ensures that pain management, therapies, & treatments all support a plan of care that is centered on the person’s goals. In addition to caring for patients, hospice offers services for families & loved ones that provide emotional support & advice to help family members become confident caregivers & adjust to the future with grief support for up to a year. In 2018, 1.55 million Medicare beneficiaries received care from hospices in this country, reports NHPCO. Hospice is unique in that it offers an interdisciplinary team approach to treatment. Caring for the whole person allows the team to address each patient’s unique needs & challenges. Hospices are some of the best providers of community-based palliative care. Palliative care delivers expertise to improve quality of life & relief from pain. It can be provided at any time during an illness - during & after treatment, from diagnosis on. The best time to learn about hospice or palliative care - and to make plans for the kind of care you or a loved one would want - is before you are faced with a medical crisis. One of the most frequent comments we hear from families is, “Why did we wait so long before calling hospice?” At Heartland Hospice we are committed to serving & delivering high-quality person-centered care to anyone who is facing a serious or life-limiting illness. We provide physical, emotional, & spiritual support all while supporting your wishes & plan of care. Meghan Wilinski, Senior Community Liaison for Heartland Hospice, notes “We believe wholeheartedly in the power of the individual, the importance of relationships & the value of respect & dignity to everyone at every stage of life. Hospice’s goal is to create a positive difference every day, to make a personal connection & to create memorable moments that will enrich a patient’s life.” More information about hospice, palliative care, & advance care planning is available from Heartland Hospice www.heartlandhospice.com, 815-397-3691 or from NHPCO’s Caringinfo.org. Information provided in this article can be referenced at National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
The Basics Of Feeding Cats
Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks
We Carry
See Our “Pros” For
• Brakes & Suspension • Wheel Alignment • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning
• New Tires • Roadside Tire Service • Small Engine Sales & Service
R. J. Daniels Fuel & Tire Fairgrounds Rd., Belvidere, IL 815-544-2118 8094Open Daily 7-5; Sat. 7-Noon
Cats create a whole new dynamic when they’re brought into a home. First-time cat owners may have a host of questions about their new furry friends, but foremost on that list likely concerns what to feed their felines. The ASPCA recommends speaking with a veterinarian prior to designing a diet for your cat. The vet will recommend a diet based on a host of variables, including the cat’s age, its activity level & its overall health. That last component is especially important when adopting a full-grown cat, as some cats may not be coming from good homes. That means some cats may be malnourished or have developed diseases in their previous homes. Such cats still make wonderful additions to a home, but special consideration will likely need to given to their diets to return them to full health and/or promote their long-term health. In addition to speaking with a veterinarian, the ASPCA recommends new cat owners keep the following tips in mind when designing diets for their furry friends. • Look for age-specific balanced foods. The ASPCA notes that cats require the essential amino acid taurine, which promotes eye & heart health. Cat foods are designed based on the life stage of the feline, & choosing the right balanced food for your cat’s age will ensure it gets enough taurine in its diet to thrive. • Provide fresh, clean water at all times. PetMD notes that cats need less water than dogs to stay healthy, but it’s still vital that cats have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Bowls should be cleaned at least once per day & water should be refilled daily. • Limit treats. The ASPCA says treats should be no more than between 5 & 10% of the cat’s diet. • Be careful with baby food. Some cat owners find that feeding finicky kittens baby foods gets them to eat when they’re refusing their own food. But the ASPCA warns cat owners to read baby food labels carefully before feeding any to a pet. Onion or garlic powder, which can be found in some baby foods, can be poisonous to cats. • Don’t wait to go to the vet if the cat is exhibiting signs of illness. The ASPCA advises owners to take their cats to the vet if the animals exhibit signs of anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy for more than two days. New cat owners should speak with their veterinarians about how to feed their cats & should never hesitate to express any concerns about the feline’s eating habits to their vets.
Our Family Is Here For Yours.
Our mission is to celebrate one’s life and help families navigate the journey of loss with a sense of hope. One of the most painful events we experience in life is the loss of a loved one. We believe that finding an appropriate and meaningful way to celebrate your loved one’s life while giving thanks to God for their life is the necessary foundation to healing. - Stephen Anderson
218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere 815-544-2616 www.AndersonFCS.com
Whether you call it a funeral service, memorial service, or commemoration service. Whether you choose burial or cremation, whether your budget is large or small. Whether you invite friends and community, or journey simply with your closest family members. We will help you design a unique and special ceremony.