Member News

Leonard Sikora Receives Disgingushed Alumnus Award from Buffalo State College

Weinberg Campus Offers Alternative to Senior Living

May 2008

(May 2008) Lutheran Services in America, a national organization consisting of more than 300 Lutheran social ministries, recently recognized the Niagara Lutheran Health System with its "Risky Business" award for its plans to develop Buffalo's first continuing care campus in the city.

At a time when other senior residential and health care facilities have been leaving the city or closing as a result of increased operational risks, Niagara Lutheran is planning the addition of independent apartments to their city campus which consists of the Niagara Lutheran Home & Rehabilitation Center (skilled nursing and respite care and rehabilitation services) and the Lutheran Church Home (assisted living).

President/CEO of the Health System, Jurgen Arndt, and Director of Development and Communications, David McMullen, were presented the award in St. Louis, MO, on April 24.

The Niagara Lutheran Health System is a not-for-profit organization that provides high quality services and care to people of all faiths and walks of life in a Christian atmosphere at The GreenFields Continuing Care Community in Lancaster, NY, and the Niagara Lutheran Home & Rehabilitation Center and Lutheran Church Home in the heart of Buffalo, NY.

Services provided include Residential Living, Assisted Living, Long and Short Term Skilled Nursing, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care, Respite Care, and Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation Services.

January 2008

Mike Helbringer Honored in Business First

The New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging recently honored Mike Helbringer, NYAHSA member and president of the Western New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, with a place in the Buffalo Business First 2007 Class of 40 Under Forty winners. "It is a class whose members have excelled in the community and their professions to make Western New York a better place." said Jack Connors, Business First president and publisher.

Mike recently celebrated 10 years as executive director at The Bristol Home of Buffalo. In 2003, with the support of the board of directors, he commissioned the construction of Bristol Village Assisted Living and Memory Care Residence in Clarence Center, NY, and now serves as the president for both organizations.

"Driven by a non-profit mission and desire to benchmark quality services for the aging in WNY, Mike continually demonstrates a commitment to our area seniors," said Jennifer Blackchief, Vice President of The Bristol Home and Bristol Village." "This award isn't just about what Mike does at the office, it is about who he is every day. It's a challenge for people to balance work and family life, but Mike makes it look easy. After work, he is a dad, a coach and a friend. We are very proud of him," said Mike's wife.

Schofield Opens New Adult Day Health Care Program Site

Schofield Adult Day Health Care Program started a new era on October 29. That was the day the doors opened at their newly renovated space at Sheehan Health Network. This expansion creates the largest Adult Day Health Care Program in Upstate New York with the capacity to serve over 200 clients.

Located on the Third Floor at Sheehan, 425 Michigan Avenue in Buffalo, the program provides physical, occupational and speech therapies, nursing care, personal care and other services in a supportive group environment. According to Candice Duffy, Director, Adult Day Health Care is invaluable to individuals seeking rehabilitative therapy or alternatives to nursing home placement.

At the December 2007 meeting, Western Zone of the New York State Retired Teachers' Association (NYSRTA), donated over $9,000 to the Meals on Wheels program in Buffalo and in Western New York, and donated money to the Seneca Nation Office of the Aging. Western Zone is a charter member of the Network in Aging.

They also presented "Hearts for the Homeless" of 890 Tonawanda Street in Buffalo with a check for $678 to support the needs of members of this community. The Board of Directors donated money to this charity in lieu of exchange of gifts at their Christmas meeting, and held a Chinese auction to benefit the or ganization. Members also donated clothing, food, and household items to be given to the needy or to be sold at the Hearts' thrift store on Tonawanda Street.

NYSRTA is an organization of retired educators, who strive to promote the professional, economic, and social status of its members, and to support the needs of the area through various community service programs. As on-going projects, they are collecting toiletries for sexual assault victims, as well as Campbell soup labels and Box Top$ for Education for two Buffalo public schools. For more information on NYSRTA, callthe president of Western Zone, Anne Flansburg, at 626-9083.

Fox Run at Orchard Park Celebrates Grand Opening

Fox Run at Orchard Park, a Continuing Care Retirement Community sponsored by the United Church Home Society, recently celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, November 2nd. Since that time more than 60 residents have moved onto the campus and are now officially calling Fox Run "home."

"It has been exciting to welcome our residents to such a beautiful and active community," Executive Director Mike Maloney stated. "As the first Lifecare community in the southtowns, our residents and even our staff have been very impressed with the numerous services and amenities and the quality in which they are offered."
The Fox Run Campus is set on 53 scenic acres outside of the Village of Orchard Park. Included on site is a 150-unit apartment complex, 30 patio homes, a 101-bed health center and a resort style Commons Building complete with indoor pool and hot tub, two restaurants, and pub, work out center, woodworking shop, library, green house, creative arts center, beauty salon/barber shop and full service bank.

Apartments at Fox Run range in style from studios to 2-bed-rooms with den, complimented by either a patio or a balcony. Patio homes are also available with layouts that include two bedrooms, den, living room, dining room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, laundry room and attached garage. A second floor loft option is also available on the patio homes.

Tom Reinagel, Chief Execu tive Officer of the United Church Home Society notes the organization's mission. "Fox Run furthers the UCHS' mission of serving and caring for seniors in a manner that they may age with dignity and grace, which we have been doing since 1877.

By offering a full continuum of healthcare services from independent living to assisted living (specialized memory care and 24-hour nursing care), residents can make the most of their retirement with the well-earned peace of mind knowing that their healthcare needs will be provided for at no additional cost." More information on Fox Run at Orchard Park is available by calling (716) 662-5001 or at www.foxrunorchardpark.com

Upstate New York Regional Review Released

The latest issue of Upstate New York Regional Review: "The Demand for Local Services and Infrastructure Created by an Aging Population" was released on Tuesday, September 4th. Authors Richard Deitz, Branch Chief Economist, and Ramon Garcia, former Branch Regional Economist, find that demand for age-related services and infrastructure will increase with a growing senior population in upstate New York.
You can review a copy of the publication at http://www.newyorkfed. org/research/regional_economy/upstate/upstatenews2.

Most of us have had contact with someone in need of long- term care. Caring for an individual who is seriously ill, disabled or requiring assistance can be very stressful. That stress is further exacerbated by the difficulty a caregiver has in navigating the complex long term care system.

Historically, long-term care services have been administered by numerous agencies and funding sources, resulting in a fragmented system. Piloting through this maze to obtain information on services can be tremendously difficult and confusing.

To make it easier for the public to access information about long term care, Erie County government has taken the lead in developing Erie County NY Connects: Choices for Long-Term Care. This local initiative is part of the statewide NY Connects network of points of entry (POE) in each county.

When a consumer or caregiver calls Erie County NY Connects, knowledgeable staff assess the caller's situation. They then provide information and direct linkages to agencies that deliver services appropriate to the caller's needs and eligibility. Providers of services for disabled children and adults, as well as for senior citizens, will work collaboratively to offer effective care to address the specific needs of consumers.

By contacting Erie County NY Connects - 858-8582 for local calls(1-800-396-2705 for long distance calls) and email inquiries at nyconnects@erie.gov) - an individual, care giver or service provider can obtain information on the multitude of services available to address long term care needs. Information can also be obtained through our website (www.erie.gov/nyconnects). Erie County NY Connects is a trusted resource providing free, unbiased information and assistance on long-term care for persons of all ages.

Two Network in Aging member agencies are reaching across Niagara County to help the frail elderly remain in their own homes. The Niagara Falls-based Health Association of Niagara County Inc. and the Lockport-based Dale Association will launch Complete Senior Care in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Complete Senior Care will be one of fewer than 40 "PACE" programs, or Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, in the nation. PACE programs serve adults age 55 and older who are eligible for nursing homes. The program offers a full range of medical, social and therapeutic services to help participants remain living safely in their homes or in apartments.

Complete Senior Care will provide adult day services, home care, social work, hospitalization, prescriptions, primary care, specialty care, and even short-term and long-term nursing home care if needed. Spiritual care will be provided to those who want it.

The program will serve Niagara County residents who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Those who do not qualify for Medicaid may still join the program for a monthly, out-of-pocket fee.

HANCI and the Dale Association have already raised more than one million dollars toward the project. The first Complete Senior Care center will open in 2008 at HANCI's headquarters in Niagara Falls, following an extensive $1.5 million renovation. A second center will open in Lockport in 2010.
HANCI and the Dale Association are eager to collaborate with other agencies on the project. Those who want to learn more may call HANCI Communication Director Jeff Paterson, APR, at 285-8224, or Dale Association Marketing and Development Director Maureen Wendt at 438-2414.

By Kerry A. Switalski, Director

In the mid 1970's the Town of Cheektowaga recognized the need to develop more activities and services for our senior residents. Under the auspices of the Cheektowaga Recreation Department, a temporary Senior Center was set up at the old Bellevue School and groups of senior citizens were organized and met throughout the community.

On March 6, 1980 the Cheektowaga Town Board created the Cheektowaga Department of Senior Services. Patricia L. Wojcik was appointed the Director, a post she held until her retirement in November, 2006. In 1981, a group of concerned senior citizens began lobbying for a Senior Center to call their own. A bond was authorized and a referendum was passed. Construction began in early 1982 and on October 3, 1982 the Senior Center opened its doors.

Twenty-five years later, our Center has been expanded and we are growing and changing with the times. Who would have believed back in 1982 that yoga, pilates and Tai Chi classes, drumming circles, chair massage and pirate parties at Mickey Rats Beach Club would be among the list of activities offered in that very center in 2007? We're moving from bingo to bunco and from Benny Goodman to The Beach Boys and we can't wait to see what will be next!

It's inspiring to see the energy of our active seniors enjoying their senior center to the fullest. We know our seniors are living longer, more active lives. Fitness-related programs as well as educational seminars are most popular at the moment. Our Outreach Services Coordinator's caseload is currently over 650 individuals and our number of Meals on Wheels recipients continues to grow. We collaborate with the Erie County Senior Services' Nutrition Program to keep our dining sites growing and we are working to further expand this program. We are a Center of both recreational and outreach services. We provide fun and enjoyment as well as meeting basic needs and assisting with crisis situations. We are a tapestry of talents and resources, interwoven with lots of love and laughter. We are a happy place to be…a second home to many of our members.

We are proud to be celebrating this silver anniversary and we look back fondly on all the memories we have made. A gala dinner dance will be held October 2 & 3, 2007 to officially commemorate this milestone anniversary. We certainly have reason to celebrate! The staff and our senior members look forward to another twenty-five years of growing and learning together!

Michael Olear, MSW, Broker Associate - MJ Peterson Real Estate

The Olear Realty Group at MJ Peterson provides a unique blend of real estate expertise and social work skills that help to simplify the maze of options that confront caregivers and their families. For us, it's about helping people - there is no cost for this add-on to our traditional real estate practice.

We begin by providing the client and family with a factual planning session that helps to identify priorities such as when to paint, what items to repair and what not to worry about, what rooms will the next home have, when do items get moved-before or after the sale, what municipal requirements need to be satisfied, what will the property sell for, what are the transaction costs and what will my next living arrangement cost me. By employing a simple checklist system, we help everyone proceed at a pace that is manageable. We help you examine all possibilities and slowly walk you through all the financial outcomes.

In addition, we bring a pre-screened list of handymen, trades- men, movers, estate sale professionals, and highly skilled professional services to assist with getting market ready in the shortest possible amount of time with the least amount of aggravation. We also provide a 12-week moving planner, an internal home safety checklist and documents with oversized print upon request.

Twenty years experience in the real estate business helps us to anticipate problems and assist you with making sound decisions. We do our best to help make a complicated process into something simple.

Are you looking for a great free newspaper that features health and wellness, fun and games, award-winning columnists and regional history and culture, with an eye toward aging? Here in Western New York Forever Young is now in its 19th year - for a good reason! This monthly paper offers a wonderful blend of articles, features and fun for active and thoughtful Western New Yorkers over 50. Covering both Erie and Niagara counties, Forever Young has won 39 national awards for both editorial and design. True to the senior community, this publication offers the latest on health care, fitness, care giving, culture, dining, community events and so much more.

Forever Young explores a fresh blend of topics for senior lifestyles. Sections on life and leisure care giving, home and garden, food, arts, calendars and classifieds are featured each month. The fun includes Sudoku puzzles, community photos, dances, restaurant reviews, antiques and bridge. Profiles of regional personalities have included Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark, media personality and television hose Susan Hunt and Buffalo Sabres color commentator Mike Robitaille. Monthly columnist Dr. Toby F. Laping assists with updates on medical insurance, healthcare, housing and tips for daily living. Garden specialist Carol Ann Harlos offers new projects every issue. Its recently launched offshoot, Forever Young Senior Directory is a free glossy catalogue that lists senior-specific agencies throughout Western New York.

Western New York seniors' organizations, agencies and professionals are always featured in Forever Young. Editor Christopher Schobert is open to suggestions, story ideas and your agency's even listings. Contact him by email at: cschobert@buffalospree.com or call 634-0820 ext. 2128.

By Nicole Passantino, Marketing Director, Weinberg Campus

The decision for a senior to move from their home to a retirement setting can be overwhelming. Often times it is the senior's caregiver, a daughter, son, or even a grandchild, who helps to make the decision. Caring for an elderly loved one can be challenging - you wonder if mom or dad is eating right, is he taking his medications - the list of worries is immense. Family members are hesitant to broach the topic of a retirement home in fear that their loved one will feel abandoned.

A senior living community can be seen as an extended family and a caregiving partner. As people age, their needs change. Weinberg Campus provides a variety of living options to meet the needs of seniors all in one location. Additionally, a full slate of activities are available for residents to enjoy, such as music, movie nights, religious services, trivia, exercise, and more!

Another unique feature that Weinberg Campus offers is a chance for couples to stay together.

Through its eight specialized living environments, Weinberg Campus provides flexibility for couples - they can continue to celebrate milestones and spend quality time together.

By overlapping a wide range of complementary programs and services, residents continue to enjoy the fullest choices for their changing needs. From independent living apartments with support services available as needed, to a more structured adult home setting, to day programs, short-term rehabilitation, or a nursing home, Weinberg Campus helps seniors and their families.

For more information about Weinberg Campus or to arrange a tour, call 639-3311.

Waddell & Reed recently announced that Robert Wills, CFP ® has been promoted to district manager with supervisory responsibilities in the Western New York area. Wills has been with the firm for six years, after joining as a financial advisor in 2001.

As a district manager, Wills will oversee the East Amherst office monitoring performance, managing sales practices, and training.

Wills, a Lockport resident, is a 1980 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned an MBA in finance and marketing from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Bob is on the Network in Aging board of directors and currently serves as Vice President and Co-Chair of the Membership Committee.

Bruce D. Reinoso, Esq., Partner of Magavern, Magavern & Grimm LLP, has been selected by his peers to be included in the 2007 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the specialty of Elder Law. Published biennially since 1983, The Best Lawyers in America is widely regarded as the preeminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. The Best Lawyers lists, representing 57 specialties in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., are compiled through an exhaustive peer-review survey in which thousands of the top lawyers in the United States confidentially evaluate their professional peers.

Bruce has served on the Network in Aging's Board of Directors for the past ten years, also serving as Network President and Past President. Congratulations Bruce and best wishes from the Network Board.

In Memoriam

Jerry Flaschner

by Laura Mondello, Communications Co-Chair

Our colleague and friend Jerry Flaschner passed away at the too young age of 77 on July 7, 2006. Jerry had served on the Network in Aging Board of Directors since 2002 and also served as an active and valued member of the Network’s Communication Committee. His insights and guidance will be greatly missed by us all.

Jerry was the 2002 recipient of the Network in Aging’s Dr. Evan Calkins award for Meritorious Service. As publisher of “Living Prime Time,” he advanced the notion that life after 50 was just the beginning, and that “the best is yet to come.”

It was a great privilege to have Jerry as a part of our lives. Through his energy, enthusiasm and optimism Jerry made a difference for elders in the Western New York community. Through his belief in the goodness of people, his kindness and his boundless love of his family we saw an example of how to live a successful life.

We’ll miss his warm smile, his trademark red scarf, and his stories of the “Joy” of his life – his wife and family.