April 2020April 2020

Mat-SuMat-SuSenior ServicesSenior Services

1132 S. Chugach 1132 S. Chugach StreetStreet

Palmer AK 99645Palmer AK 99645907-745-5454907-745-5454

What’s Inside:

COVID-19Resources.............1Lockdown Guide..............1 & 3MSSS Services.......2MSSS Mission.......2MSSS Managers....2Board Corner........4CEO Message........5Puzzles................6April Menu...........7MSSS Sponsorship Packages........8 & 9Good News..........10Birthdays............11Sudoku Answers..11Wall of HonorOrder Form.........12

CORE PURPOSECORE PURPOSE

Seniors Quality of LifeSeniors Quality of Life

CORE VALUESCORE VALUES

Respect • Trust • Independence • Security • Compassion • UnityRespect • Trust • Independence • Security • Compassion • Unity

Mat-SuMat-Su

Senior Senior

ChatterChatter

At the time this edition of The Chatter was printed, the Palmer Senior Center remains closed to the public and many of our services are suspended or limited. Things wont get back to normal until State and CDC lets us know it’s safe. All our lives will continue to be disrupted by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for the foreseeable future.

To keep track of the latest developments on COVID-19, you can check the following websites:

www.cdc.govcoronavirus.alaska.gov

www.facebook.com/matsuseniors

COVID-19 Lockdown Guide: How to Manage Anxiety and Isolation During Quarantine

If you have specific questions about COVID-19, you can call 211. Alaska 211 is a network of partners put together by The United Way and it is a great resource.

If you have an immediate need call:Santa Cops & Heroes Program 907-745-1133The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) 907-232-3632

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are Fever, Cough and Shortness of Breath.

If you have symptoms that could be COVID-19, you may get tested for the illness at the Capstone Clinic in Palmer, but 227-7447 first.

Mental Health is also a big concern during this health emergency. Mat-Su Health Services is available to talk to anyone who is anxious, concerned, unable to sleep due to worrying. Specially trained professionals are available to talk to 24 hours a day at 376-2411 -- Free of Charge.

For some ideas on how to deal with the potential effects of social isolation read through this article:

by Aarti Gupta, PsyD/adaa.orgAnxiety and Depression Association of America

Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, many of us, even those who have not been infected by the virus, will choose to quarantine in our homes for the upcoming weeks. Capsized travel plans, indefinite isolation, panic over scarce re-sources and information overload could be a recipe for unchecked anxiety and feelings of isolation. Here are a few pointers that could help you survive spiraling negative thoughts about this uncertain time.

***Article continued on page 3

1132 South Chugach Street, Palmer, Alaska 99645Phone (907) 745-5454 Fax (907) 746-5173

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

CONGREGATE MEALS: Served Monday through Friday 11:30am to 12:30 p.m. at the Palmer Center.

HOME-DELIVERED MEALS: Call-in by 9:00 a.m., Monday - Friday.

ADULT DAY SERVICES: Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

CHORE & RESPITE SERVICES

NOTARY SERVICE: Traveling notary available.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SENIOR HOUSING CHUGACH AND COLONY ESTATES: Call 761-5001 for information on Senior Housing.

FACILITY RENTAL AND CATERING:Call 761-5006 for information and rates.

TRANSPORTATION: *For lunch at the Center or changes to home-delivered meals, please call before 9:00 a.m. that day.*For medical trips in Palmer or Wasilla call ahead for an appointment - One week notice preferred.

VOLUNTARY DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED FOR ALL SERVICES

SUGGESTED DONATIONSCONGREGATE MEALS:........................................$5.00HOME-DELIVERED MEALS:................................$5.50TRANSPORTATION: Palmer (Round Trip)........................................$5.00 Wasilla (One Way)..........................................$8.00

MEMBER OF UNITED WAY OF MAT-SU, FOOD BANK OF ALASKA, COALITION OF MAT-SU

SENIOR CENTER, AGENET, AND ACOA

Funding for this Newsletter was provided in part by:DIVISION OF SENIORS AND DISABILITIES SERVICES.

MISSION STATEMENT

MAT-SU SENIOR SERVICES’ primary mission is to promote honor, dignity, security, and independence for older Alaskans and to assist them in maintaining meaningful, quality lives. Eligibility includes older Alaskans, individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders and anyone of any age on the Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver Program. Our Core Purpose is accomplished through programs including, but not limited to, the following:

• Congregate Meals* providing nutritious meals and socialization in a congregate setting;• Home Delivered Meals* providing nutritious meals at home;• Transportation* to/from medical appointments, the Center, Adult Day Services;• Family Caregivers Support* providing support for the family caregiver;•Adult Day Services* a day program for eligible individuals;•Chore* assist individuals in maintaining their home; • Respite* provides family caregiver a much needed break; • Information and Referral* helping seniors reach needed services;• Outreach* for those unable to get to the Center;• Colony Estates and Chugach Estates Senior Housing for individuals 55 years and older;• Activities* which include Card & Board Games, Bingo, AARP driving courses, Classes, Bible Studies, Veterans’ & First Responders Circle, etc.;• Health Promotion & Disease Prevention* Senior Strength, Strong Women, Zumba Gold, New You, Qigong, Yoga• Volunteer Opportunities* contact out administration office at 745-5454• Notary Services, including traveling a notary to your home.

*Programs provides services for eligible individuals in Palmer, Wasilla, Houston, Big Lake, Butte, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, Willow, Sutton, Chickaloon, Knik, and all areas in between.

MAT-SU SENIOR SERVICES DEPARTMENT MANAGERS

Chief Executive Officer……................................................….……..Elaine Phillipps Chief Operating Officer……...................................................……….Beth Westland Chief Financial Officer ……..................................................…….…Amanda WatsonHuman Resources ….............................................Beth Westland & Focus SolutionsAdult Day Svcs Mgr…………...............................................…..……….Vivian SavageChore & Respite Manager.…….................................................…….…..Nancy KovalKitchen Manager…………...............................................……………....Phyllis MooreFacilities/Transportation Mgr……...................................................……..Tim Pettit

Continued: COVID-19 Lockdown Guide: How to Manage Anxiety and Isolation During Quarantine

1.) Reframe “I am stuck inside” to “I can finally focus on my home and myself”

As dismal as the world may feel right now, think of the mandated stay-home policy as an opportunity to refocus your attention from the external to the internal. Doing one productive thing per day can lead to a more positive attitude. Set your sights on long-avoided tasks, reorganize, or create something you’ve always wanted to. Approaching this time with a mindset of feeling trapped or stuck will only stress you out more. This is your chance to slow down and focus on yourself.

2.) Stay close to your normal routine

Try and maintain some semblance of structure from the prequarantine days. For those individuals with children, sticking to a routine might be easier; however as you work from home, it could be tempting to fall into a more lethargic lifestyle, which could lead to negative thinking. Wake up and go to bed around the same time, eat meals, shower, adapt your exercise regimen, and get out of your PJ’s. Do laundry on Sundays as usual. Not only will sticking to your normal routine keep you active and less likely to spiral, it will be easier to readjust to the outside world when it’s time to get back to work.

3.) Avoid obsessing over endless Coronavirus coverage

Freeing up your day from work or social obligations gives you plenty of time to obsess, and if you have a tendency to consult Google for every itch and sneeze, you may be over-researching the pandemic as well. Choosing only certain credible websites (who.int or cdc.gov is a good start) for a limited amount of time each day (perhaps two chunks of 30 minutes each) will be in your best interest during this time.

4.) A chaotic home can lead to a chaotic mind

With all the uncertainly happening outside your home, keep the inside organized, predictable and clean. Setting up mental zones for daily activities can be helpful to organize your day. For example, try not to eat in bed or work on the sofa- just as before, eat at the kitchen table and work at your desk. Loosening these boundaries just muddles your routine and can make the day feel very long. Additionally, a cluttered home can cause you to become uneasy and claustrophobic of your environment- so keep it tidy.

5.) Start a new quarantine ritual

With this newfound time, why not do something special during these quarantined days? For ex-ample, perhaps you can start a daily journal to jot down thoughts and feelings to reflect on later. Or take a walk every day at 4pm, connect with your sister over FaceTime every morning, or start a watercolor painting which you can add to everyday. Having something special during this time will help you look forward to each new day.

6.) Use telehealth as an option to talk to a professional if your anxiety becomes unmanageable

Many licensed psychologists are offering telehealth options over HIPAA-compliant video chat platforms. Remember to reach out for help if your anxiety is reaching proportions that is unmanageable without professional help.

Letting go of illusions of control and finding peace in the fact that you are doing your part to “flatten the curve” will certainly build mental strength to combat the stressful situation the whole globe is experiencing.

MSSS BOARD OF DIRECTORSBob Shaw, President

Dave Sapp, Vice President Jennifer McCrary, Treasurer

Betty Keegan, Secretary

Dee Brown • Gloria Brown • Linda Combs Jo Ehmann • Andy Hess • Sally Weiland

Bob Shaw’s

Board Corner Members,

The Center has received several calls from concerned seniors about the current virus outbreak. Unfortunately, we closed the Palmer Senior Center on March 18, 2020 for Dining Room congregate meals, exercise classes, Bingo, AARP Tax Preparation, and all other activities. I hope, by the time you read this we will be open again but, at this time, we do not have a defined date when the building will be open again. We are following the direction and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Now that the COVID-19 virus has reached the Valley the Center will follow instruction given to us by the Department of Health.

We encourage seniors to help seniors! The Mat-Su Senior Service will be out in the community offering help and support. But everyone can help! If you have not heard from someone, as you normally would, give them a call to see how they are doing. If you have not seen your neighbors’ come and go as normal, call them. If you find them experiencing symptoms like a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or any other flu like symptoms, ask them if you can help by going shopping for them or fixing a meal. But please, do not go into their home! Leave the purchased items or the meal outside the door where they can easily pick it up. We all want to maintain our independents, have the quality of life we dreamed of, while still living in our own homes or apartments, with respect, trust, security, compassion, and unity. But most of all, we want to know someone cares and we are being cared for. So be a good neighbor and look out for one another.

We are working on several issues that have created an opportunity for change. We plan to present the changes at several roundtable sessions with you, our Members, once the Center reopens. We want everyone to be informed and be comfortable with the direction we are going. More information about the time and place for those discussions will be available when we get past this COVID-19 closure

Our awesome Administration team needs to be in the spot light. The staff within that department go above and beyond to make sure the services they offer are the best they can offer. If you have had the opportunity to visit the second floor, you know how hard the staff work to give extra time to assist in any way possible. Even though, they have tasks that need to be completed, they will stop and offer their support when it is needed. Thank You! You are Awesome!

Have a Great Day!

Bob ShawBoard President

Elaine Phillipp’s

CEO Message Members,

When we started this month, we were ready to show off our new website, plan some big events and show the world that Mat-Su Senior Services and the Palmer Senior Center were true cornerstones of the Valley. Instead, we were called into action – to protect, support and help guide Seniors through this unprecedented health emergency. It is a role we are duty-bound and honored to accept.

We changed the way we do meals and increased the number of home deliveries. Everyone from the kitchen staff to the drivers are taking extra care and precautions to ensure the meals get delivered clean, safe and on time.

We have had to limit some programs and suspend others until National, State, Borough, City and MSSS leaders feel it is safe. When it is safe, we will rise like the Phoenix. We will fill the halls and activity rooms at the center. We will share stories of this time and what we did to fill our days. Most importantly, we will fill the dining room with the friendship and laughter it was built to hold.

Looking further ahead, the financial impact of this may end up being longer lasting then the health concerns. The added meals and other expenses have been very costly and hit during an already difficult time for MSSS. If you can, and when you can, please share the sponsorship packages included in this edition of The Chatter with people you know who can help the Center and its mission to support the men and women who built the Valley.

I will end my message this month by saying Thank You.

Thank You to all the Seniors who are trusting us to help them through this uncertain time.

Thank You to the great MSSS staff members for finding new ways to be of service to Seniors and adapting the many changes we have had make.

And, Thank You to the community members who have already stepped up to help MSSS and help Seniors across Alaska.

Warm Regards,

Elaine PhillippsCEO. MSSS

© 2015 KrazyDad.com

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Senior SudokuWorkout

YourBrain

Fill in the blank squares so that each row,

column and 3-by-3 block contains all of numbers from 1 to 9.

Star Wars W o r dF i n d

***Menu is Subject to Change******Menu is Subject to Change***

* ON FISH AND LIVER DAYS THERE WILL BE AN ALTERNATE CHOICE.* ON FISH AND LIVER DAYS THERE WILL BE AN ALTERNATE CHOICE.* UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, ALL FISH SERVED IS WILD, NOT FARMED.* UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, ALL FISH SERVED IS WILD, NOT FARMED.* MILK AND VARIOUS JUICES SERVED DAILY* MILK AND VARIOUS JUICES SERVED DAILY* SALAD BAR OFFERS TOSSED SALAD, FRUIT AND A VARIETY OF OTHER SALADS* SALAD BAR OFFERS TOSSED SALAD, FRUIT AND A VARIETY OF OTHER SALADS*WE DO NOT CARRY CHANGE FOR BILLS LARGER THAN A $20 IN THE DINING ROOM.*WE DO NOT CARRY CHANGE FOR BILLS LARGER THAN A $20 IN THE DINING ROOM.

April April MenuMenu

1Chicken Fried Stake

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Peas & Carrots

Bread

Dessert

2Pork Riblets

French Fries

Corn

Corn Bread

Dessert

3Cat Fish

Oven Fried Potatoes

Mixed Veggies

Garlic Bread

Dessert

6

BBQ Ham

Hash Brown

Carrots

Bread

Dessert

7Swedish Meat Balls

Rice

Brussels Sprouts

Bread

Dessert

8Turkey

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Winter Blend Veggies

Bread

Dessert

9Hot Dogs & Sauerkraut

Peas

Bread

Dessert

10Pollack Patties

Rice

Mediterranean Veggies

Garlic Bread

Dessert

13Pastrami Casserole

Oven Fried Potatoes

Lima Beans

Bread

Dessert

14Hot Turkey Sandwich

Mashed Potato

Broccoli

Dessert

15Beef & Noodle

Broccoli Spears

Bread

Dessert

16Stuffed Peppers

Mixed Veggies

Bread

Dessert

17Stuffed Pollack

Scalloped Potatoes

Green Beans

Garlic Bread

Dessert

20Sausage Casserole

Noodles

Bread

Dessert

21Meatballs w/

Noodles

Peas

Bread

Dessert

22Liver & Onions

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Cauliflower

Bread

Dessert

23Pork Cutlets

Sweet Potato Fries

Peas & Carrots

Bread

Dessert

24Gumbo

Green Beans

Garlic Bread

Dessert

27Meat Loaf

Mashed Potatoes

Bread

Dessert

28Breakfast for Lunch

29Sloppy Joe’s

Potatoes

Dessert

30Chefs Choice

Congregate Meals Congregate Meals Will Resume When Will Resume When it is Deemed Safeit is Deemed Safe

Home Delivered Meals:

Adopt-a-Route $500 • A contribution of $500 feeds approximately 40 homebound seniors

for one day.

• We will include a note letting the clients along the route know of the

sponsorship.

• Recognition can also be published in the agency newsletter and a

tagged social media post.

Home Delivered Meals:

Adopt all the Routes $3,000• A contribution of $3,000 feeds approximately 250 homebound

seniors for one day.

• We will include a note with the delivered meals letting clients know

of the sponsorship.

• Recognition can also be published in the agency newsletter and a

tagged social media post.

Since opening our doors in 1980, Mat-Su Senior Services has provided outstanding and comprehensive support for seniors in the Mat-Su Valley.

Please share these sponsorship packages with anyone you know who would be able to help the center by making a financial gift.

Cafeteria Takeover $1,000• A contribution of $1,000 will feed all of our approximately 115 daily cafeteria clients for one day.

• We will also invite you to join us for lunch on your sponsorship day.

• Recognition can also be published in the agency newsletter and a tagged social media post.

Feed Everyone! $4,000• A contribution of $4,000 will feed all of our senior clients for one day (approximately 365 seniors).

• This includes all our delivered meals and everyone who eats at the Mat-Su Senior Services cafeteria.

• We will create and include a note letting the client know of the sponsorship.

• We will also invite you to join us for lunch on your sponsorship day.

• Recognition can also be published in the agency newsletter, a tagged social media post and a press

release sent to Anchorage and Valley media.

“There are many ways you can make a direct and meaningful impact on the lives

of Mat Su Valley Seniors.”

Every Donation Every Donation Makes a Difference Makes a Difference

One RideOne Ride

$20.00$20.00

One Delivered MealOne Delivered Meal

$12.00 $12.00

One On-site MealOne On-site Meal

$9.00$9.00

Please consider Please consider a reoccurring a reoccurring

donation to donation to sponsorsponsor one meal or ride one meal or ride

a month.a month.

Sponsor a Vehicle $10,000Sponsor a Vehicle $10,000

You Buy It, We Drive It $35,000You Buy It, We Drive It $35,000

One Oil ChangeOne Oil Change$30.00 $30.00

Snow TiresSnow Tires$500.00$500.00

Mat-Su Senior Services is a registered a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, formed in Alaska in 1980 under the name Palmer Senior Center. Our non-profit identification number can be made available upon request. Our primary mission is to promote honor, dignity, security, and independence for older Alaskans

and to assist them in maintaining meaningful, quality lives. MSSS strives to provide Mat-Su seniors with the

individual services they require to remain autonomous and avoid the astronomical costs associated with

premature institutionalization in nursing homes. Funds raised will be added to MSSS general fund and used as needed, unless special arrangements are made.

Donations and sponsorships can be arraigned with Nick McDermott (907-761-5006).

You can also arrange a one-time or reoccurring donation at matsuseniors.com.

• A contribution of $35,000 towards

sponsoring one of our passenger

or meal delivery vehicles offsets the

purchase cost of the vehicle.

• As a sponsor, your donation will be recognized on the vehicle for as long as we keep it on the

road.

• Recognition can also be published in the agency

newsletter, a tagged social media post and press release

sent to Anchorage and Valley media.

• A contribution of $10,000 towards sponsoring one of

our passenger or meal delivery vehicles offsets maintenance

and operation costs for one year.

• As a sponsor, your donation will be recognized on the vehicle for one year.

• Recognition can also be published in the agency newsletter and a tagged

social media post.

Keep MSSS On the Road

In response to COVID-19, many shelter animals are being taken home in droves as hundreds of people volunteer to foster pets.

In hopes of helping the people staying home during this health emergency, numerous performers are creating content for that can be viewed for free on social media platforms.

The State and Federal government are working on ways to get needed relief funds in to the hands of citizens.

Rep. Denver Riggleman, Virginia congressman and owner of the Silverback Distillery, has turned his whiskey-making operation into a hand sanitizer factory.

Tom and Rita Hanks are “Feeling Better” and on their way to making a full recovery from COVID-19.

A new Dr. Seuss book is planned to be published in September. The original manuscript for “Horse Museum” was discovered in the late author’s home 21 years after he passed away.

The calf, whose photo was posted Monday on Facebook by Cedar Island, North Carolina, resident Ricky Daniels, has white fur and one brown eye and one blue eye — a rare phenomenon known as heterochromia iridis that is shared by some animals.

The farming organization Ranch Solutions was hired to return the pregnant cow, Dori, back home to North Carolina’s Cedar Island, about 350 miles east of Charlotte, after she, along with two other cows, was first discovered in the Outer Banks after escaping the wrath of Dorian’s nearly eight-foot “mini tsunami.”

Dori, said Ranch Solutions, was the "difficult" of the trio — giving them the most trouble during their rescue operation back to the island.

The cows that live on Cedar Island are considered feral, and most have a unique bleached blond appearance, resident Woody Hancock told McClatchy News.

“The wild cattle that lived on Cedar Island were not used to seeing humans or having them approach them,” the state’s National Park Service said.

Contributing: The Associated Press. Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote

Cow that swam four miles to shore after Hurricane Dorian gives birth to 'miracle' calf

Joshua Bote/USA TODAY

How About Some Good News!

Good News Nuggets

Leave a lasting legacy at Mat-Su Senior Services by being part of our

Wall of Honor.You can use your plaque to display your name, a loved ones name, or even your business. Let everyone who enters the Palmer Senior Center see you proudly support MSSS.

Mat-Su Senior Services wish a Happy Birthday to the following Members:

Geraldine Binder, Marguerite Bowers, Donald Bratten, Carol Christianse, Mary Ann Cochran, Bonna Downs ,Paula Esch, James Gleason, Gerald Grape, Roger Hughes, Gerry Lentz, Eric Lohmann, John Milward, Daniel Phillips, Ellen Robertson, Robert Taylor, Mary Jane Thomas, Lee Truesdell, William Tull, Linda Turner , Mary Jo Lentz, Merle Beeter, Nancey Hess, Betty Keegan, Stephen Koeniger, Carolyn Laux, Maridie Olson,

Clark Reichel, Kathryn Von Gunten

Senior Sudoku AnswerHow did you do?Do we need to find a harder one?

Leave a lasting legacy at Mat-Su Senior Services by being part of our

Wall of Honor.You can use your plaque to display your name, a loved ones name, or even your business. Let everyone who enters the Palmer Senior Center see you proudly support MSSS.

NON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PALMER, ALASKA 99645

PERMIT #99

MAT-SU SENIOR SERVICES

1132 S Chugach Street

Palmer, AK 99645

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