November-December 2012

AARP will Honor our Military Veterans both active and retired during the month of November with FREE Driver Safety Instruction for them and their families. To register call the numbers listed below for the site of your choice.

Nov. 1 & 2 ~ Fulton City Hall, 9:30am,

call 342-3296.

Nov. 14 ~ West Monroe Methodist

Church, 11am, call 668-3690.

Nov. 17 ~ Schroeppel Town Hall, 9am

call 436-0565.

Nov. 26 & 27 ~ Phoenix SUNY Education

Center, 9:30am, 342-3296.

Course instruction will resume next April with 6 new instructors! Mature

Living will keep you posted!

More ways to thank a Veteran, p. 3

THANK A VETERAN … AARP Does ...

RSVP Osteo Sector Coordinator, Rosalia Secor

with a map of the Osteo Bone Builders sites at

the Senior Health Fair. ~Photo by Jon Vermilye

Better Balance Inaugural Class (l to r):

RSVP instructor, Rachel Brooks, & “guinea

pigs” Ellen Allen, Pat O’Reilly, Marge Flood,

Loretta Milewski, Priscilla Walts. Sitting: Pat

Fanning, Pearl Jones. (Missing Ruth Renze)

Bone Builders + Better Balance =

HEALTHY FUTURES! pages 4 & 5

HONOR FLIGHT ~by Dorothy Deans

At 6:00am on October 6, 27 veterans (three females) of WWII & their compan-ions plus many, many volunteers man-aged to sort us out at Hancock Airport. Vets were given red tee shirts, their com-panions yellow and volunteers wore blue.

My daughter Andrea & I proceeded through a special security line and went toward our gate. Surprise! People clapped as we went by. Just before the gate we went between a row of people holding big flags. I almost lost it then.

Flying into Washington is always a thrill, seeing the Washington monument and

coming in over the bridge which had been hit by a plane some years back. Flying low over the Potomac River and a neat landing.

Two buses awaited us with a police escort. A woman greeted me at the ~continued on page 2

WWII Veterans Dot Deans & Senator Bob Dole

Writer’s Cafe, Sun. Nov. 11, 6:30 - 8:30 p

A free & informal gathering for local writers & people who enjoy writing, held once a month for writers to share their work with the community.

To read at the Writers Café, call Café Coordinator, Jim Farfaglia at 402-2297 or email him at sjimf903@twcny.rr.com (Yes, this is “our Jim” from Camp Hollis,

Senior Camping fame!)

Pass-the-hat donations support the CNY Arts Center for their hospitality. Kiley's Coffees & Treat Me Sweet offer hot

beverages and pastries for purchase.

Spotlight on Local Authors Spend a Wednesday evening w/ local authors who have recently published Nov 14th, 7pm - Driftwords Anthol-

ogy Writers — Poetry, fiction and essays which feature authors from in and around Oswego County

Dec. 12th, 7pm - C. V. Abbott

Other class offerings: “I Remember When,” Brittany Fiorini’s class that fo-cuses on capturing memories, “Intro to Poetry,” taught by Jim Farfaglia and “Launching your writing journey,” for beginning writers by Carolyn Dougherty. There are also classes on Culinary Arts. Classes, Registration & Information on the

web or call 216-8790. Located at State

Street Church, 357 State Street, Fulton

Come see their new digs ...

SALMON RIVER FINE ARTS CENTER

Main Street, Pulaski

A non-profit organization staffed by volunteers dedicated to the creation & appreciation of the fine arts through con-tinual gallery shows, classes & work-shops.

Their programs and activities are for the novice as well as the gifted artist. Includes free drawing classes, work-shops, receptions for art openings, and scheduled competitions.

For information or tours call 298-7007.

RETIREES TURN ATTENTION TO PERSONAL LEGACIES

~ Dave Carpenter, AP Finance Writer Excerpted from Palladium Times, 10/5/12

“A growing number of retirees are looking to pass along more to the next generation than money and possessions. People can convey their personal legacy in any number of styles.

“They can be brief or book-length, and may include audio, video & photos. They can take the form of an ethical will — a document sometimes referred to as a legacy letter or family love letter that provides a heartfelt personal message beyond the financial particulars.

“Paul Wilson of Bethesda, MD, decided to write a memoir so his family would have a fuller understanding of him & his life in earlier days.

“The 80-year-old Wilson has found the process pleasurable. “It’s therapeutic in that I come out of this learning more about myself, my present & my past,” he says. “But the reward is more the expe-rience of allowing myself to wander back to those times, and describe them in words as precise and concise as I can.”

HONOR FLIGHT ~ Continued from page 1

airport and thanked me for helping to make the role of women easier. Many more women thanked me during the day.

The rest was a blur. The outstanding stop was the WWII memorial. We were quite impressed at the size of it. Every Saturday Bob Dole comes to the

memorial where he poses for pictures

and I had my picture taken with him.

Karen, my daughter who works in Washington, met us at the WWII

memorial. She plays trumpet in a group to welcome veterans from all over the country at the airport.

Arlington National Cemetery with its row after row of markers amazed me

and left me thankful. Then on to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the impressive changing of the guard.

We also visited the Vietnam & Korean monuments as well as the Air Force sculp-ture. Guides pointed out sites that includ-ed the Pentagon that was hit on 9/11, the Women’s National Gallery, and many more.

Back to the National airport and more

greetings. The most common was “thank you so much.” Amazing.

Big welcome in Syracuse about 7:00 pm. Two young ladies gave me an or-ange tee shirt with writing that said, “Veterans Go Orange.” And again they thanked me for my part in Women’s Lib.

It was one wonderful time. Thank you. Thank you.

Editor’s Note: Dorothy Deans is a mem-ber of the Parish Writers Club and RSVP’s 90’s Club and volunteers presently at the Pulaski Historical Society.

RSVP VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Contact the office, we’ll send you an enrollment application and arrange for an orientation at a convenient location such as:

Volunteer Station in the County RSVP office at SUNY Other location upon request

Contact us!

Honor Flight Network is a

non-profit organization created solely

to honor America’s veterans for their

sacrifices. They transport our heroes

to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect

at their memorials. Top priority is given

to senior veterans - WWII survivors.

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to

be stronger.” ~ John F. Kennedy

YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED

Because needs are becoming greater than the resources available to meet them, we appreciate financial contributions. Your assistance will help seniors maintain their

independent lifestyles and help RSVP recruit and place volunteers where the need is greatest at more than 100 local sites.

Name______________________________ I designate my contribution of

May we publish your name? Yes___ No___ $__________ for:

Street______________________________ ___RSVP general operations

City______________ State____ Zip______ ___Mature Living home delivery

Clip and return this coupon with your ___Specific Program(s): Contribution to: RSVP, 103 Rich Hall, _________________________ SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY 13126 In Memory / Honor of

Contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law.

MATURE LIVING DISTRIBUTION

Receive your bi-monthly issue 1 of 3 ways:

Bulk Delivery

All Public Libraries

All Dining & Activity Centers

All Senior Housing Units

All Home Delivered Meals

At one of the following drop sites:

Fulton: Granby Community Center, Meadowbrook Estates, Volney Town Hall, YMCA Hannibal Meadowbrook Manor Mexico: Palermo, Mexico and New Haven Town Halls, New Haven Seniors Minetto: First United Methodist Church The Manor at Seneca Hill North Shore Oneida Lake: Vella’s Market, West Monroe Town Hall Phoenix: Schroeppel Town Hall Oswego: Bishop Commons, St. Luke, Human Concerns, Office for Aging, Oswego Health, Wayne Drug, YMCA Pulaski: Park Street Methodist Church Scriba: Municipal Bldg., Justice Center West Amboy: Community Church

E-mail Delivery Sign-up is simple; just send us an

email: rsvp@oswego.edu

Home Delivery Annual subscription cost is $5.00

(Free for RSVP volunteer members)

VETERAN Someone who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to & including their life.

Continued from page 1

5 SIMPLE WAYS TO THANK A

VETERAN ~ Bryan Black, ITS.com

1. Say Thank You – Just the simple act of saying “Thank you for your service” goes a long way with veterans. Throw in a handshake too, you’re bound to see a smile on their face, which will make it all worth it.

2. Volunteer – Do something for the

veterans in your community. Seriously, what’s an hour of your time for the sacrifices they’ve made? Check out uso.org for ways that you can help.

3. Donate – Make a small donation today to any of the fantastic organizations out there that help veterans each and every day.

4. Pay for Lunch – One of my fondest memories while serving was actually when a complete stranger came up to a group of three of my buddies and I and paid for our lunch. We were in our Dress Blues eating at a Friday’s in the airport on our way out to San Diego. He simply walked up said “We appreciate what you guys are doing (pointing to the table of three other men appearing to be travel-ing on business), this one’s on us.” Offer to pay for a veteran’s meal today.

5. Never Forget – One of the biggest

things you can do, and I think all my veteran brothers will agree with me here, is to make the most out of the opportuni-ty you’ve been given. Our freedoms have been paved with the sacrifices of our sol-diers and they did so for all of us to enjoy this great country; let’s not forget that or

take it for granted.

MATURE LIVING SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN!

The fall issue of Mature Living was

mailed to all RSVP volunteers and included a notice that receiving Ma-

ture Living is now a member benefit.

Along with the newsletter, volunteers were surveyed to address any con-cerns and to find out their preferred method of receiving it.

It was gratifying to hear how much the newsletter is appreciated and humbling to learn of our mistakes. As one reader wrote: “I use a lot of it to put in my bulletins at church to keep them informed of what is available for seniors in Oswego Co.” She went on to ask if we could eliminate the gray because it is “harder for older eyes to read,” and makes it hard to copy “so I have to retype it.”

Another reader wrote, “It’s nice the way RSVP values seniors when some people in today’s world do not value us.” We do value senior citizens and we delight in spreading the word about how much elders accomplish!

We thank everybody who took the time to fill out and return the survey. Rest assured your concerns are taken to heart and your comments are always welcome. Stay in Touch!

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to

be stronger.” ~ John F. Kennedy

CONTACT RSVP

Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00-4:00 Tracie Wallace: Tues. -Thurs.

Email: rsvp@oswego.edu

Phone: 312-2317

Fax: 312-3374

Website: www.oswego.edu/rsvp

Office: 103 Rich Hall, SUNY Oswego

Like us on Facebook!

RSVP of Oswego County is

sponsored by the Research

Foundation of SUNY, a 501(c)3

organization

RSVP Barbara Gifford, receives the

President’s Lifetime Achievement Award

IN MEMORIAM We remember the following

RSVP Volunteers who have passed on

Genevieve Runeare Norine Buske Rocco Fortino

We appreciate hearing about members both

active & inactive who have passed on..

Our condolences to all friends and family.

OSTEOPOROSIS BONE BUILDERS PROGRAM

RSVP recently completed the 14th annual training for new exercise lead-ers. The 8 new trainees are: Terry Sheldon, Mary Ellen Ross & Shirley Hanley from Fulton; Jane Bacchus from Mexico; Cynthia Stanton from West Amboy; Mary LaDue from West Monroe; Joanne Green from Cayuga County and Kim Bumpus from Wayne County.

Site Update While there are no new sites opening in the immediate future, the Fulton Mills site will be closing for the winter and will re-open when new leaders are trained. The next training is planned for the spring and at this time new leaders willing to hold classes at other times and locations than currently offered will be encouraged to register. For in-stance, evening hours and a class on campus, are current requests.

A New Spin What’s new and exciting is the addi-tion of Fun and Innovative Approaches to

Fall Prevention referred to as 6 Steps to

Better Balance that were added to the

Bone Builders exercise regimen as taught by Dr. Betty Perkins-Carpenter to 23 of our osteo instructors. Because 15 minutes of every one hour session of the Bone Builders program is dedicated to balance exercises, Dr. Betty’s work-shop not only added stimulating variety but also revolutionary techniques for overcoming the fear of falling.

Pulaski Osteo Instructor Millie Murray

walking the balance beam with Dr. Betty

spotting her and Carol Flournoy on deck.

BARBARA GIFFORD TOPS THE 4,000 MARK!

Barbara resides in Hannibal and joined RSVP in March 1995. Over the years Barbara has volunteered at Meadowbrook Manor, SUNY-Oswego student elections, Office for the Aging, Oswego County Fair, Kenney School, Habitat Stewards and St. Luke’s.

When the Osteoporosis Bone Build-ers program was launched in 1999, the Hannibal American Legion became one of the first host sites and Barbara their first instructor. She continues to lead the class and currently serves as the Hannibal Sector Coordinator.

Barbara also knits up a storm for the Busy Knitters & Crocheters group. In fact, she is quite a seamstress, often creating her own hand crafted vests or wearing items that bear her special touch.

Barbara Gifford epitomizes the President’s call to service and has will-ingly stepped up to the plate to seize opportunities that raise the quality of life for Oswego County residents.

FROM THE DIRECTOR As the calendar year comes to an end our 39th year continues. We’ve ventured into some new areas with some stunning results and with your help and understand-ing have persevered through some tough fiscal challenges. When cutbacks forced the closure of mentoring programs, volun-teers drawn to serve at-risk youth made a positive impression with Driving Books Home

and Families and Schools Together.

Bone Builders donations have helped the

osteo program survive and even to branch out with 6-Steps to Better Balance. We are

also breaking new ground with the RSVP

Retreads. Though there are successful

walking club models out there, they are not tailor-made to our needs— to your needs— and so we’re taking it one step at a time, progressing slowly but surely!

We held our 39th Recognition Event and though attendance was down spirits were up. All who came had a great time. We anticipate an even better 40th.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO RSVP Special thanks to

Anonymous - $15.00 contribution Anonymous - $50.00 contribution Elma Schott - $50.00 contribution

Bone Builders Refresher Training Course

Phoenix Walking Club: Priscilla Walts, left,

and phone coordinator, Loretta Milewski

The RSVP Retreads

IN STEP WITH WALKING CLUBS

If you want to walk on a regular basis, call the person listed below. If you al-ready signed up and your name is not listed below, contact RSVP. For towns without a phone coordinator call RSVP at 312-2317 or email: rsvp@oswego.edu.

Clubs are in various stages of develop-ment; the first step is to let RSVP know you are interested in walking!

Palermo Town Park - M & Th 8:45am Call Rachel Brooks at 963-1069

Walkers: Ruth R, Pat F, Linda A, Kelly

D, Rachel B. Fulton - Call Rita Hooper at 706-3564

Also, the First United Church on 33 S. 3rd St. has club on Tuesday 10:30 am

Walkers: Linda S, Judy R, Ellen D,

Joan F, Rita H Mexico - Call Marge Flood at 963-

3506 Walkers: Sheila S, Martha S, Jane B,

Marge F. Oswego -Call Anne Knutson, 342-7409 Walkers: Jeanne S, Kathy R, Jeanette

A, Margaret L, Stephanie D, Judy C, Sam V, Pat R, Virginia P. Phoenix - Call Loretta Milewski, 695-

6746 Walkers: MaryAnn M, Priscilla W.

Central Square - Contact RSVP Walkers: Arthur A, Lee A, Julia M

Sandy Creek - Contact RSVP Walkers: Carol F

Scriba - Contact RSVP Walkers: Art T.

Pulaski Osteo Instructor Millie Murray

walking the balance beam with Dr. Betty

spotting her and Carol Flournoy on deck.

Six Steps to Better Balance Train-the-Trainer: Virginia Gilbert (Osteo Trainer) being coached

by Dr. Betty Perkins-Carpenter while osteo

instructors Ann Hardy of Oswego YMCA and

Sharon Faudree of Red Creek look on.

Minetto Osteo Instructor Gloria Bickel

learning ball handling from Dr. Betty

SIX STEPS TO BETTER BALANCE

Virginia Gilbert, the Osteo Consult-ant who conducts RSVP’s Bone Builders training each year also took the Six Steps to Better Balance Train-the-Trainer workshop offered by Dr. Betty

Healthy Futures

6 STEPS TO BETTER BALANCE Wednesdays

NOVEMBER 14 - DECEMBER 19 9:30—10:30 am

PALERMO TOWN HALL Instructor Rachel Brooks

and was impressed by Dr. Betty’s methodology. So were the Osteo in-structors, some of whom want to teach the 6 week Better Balance series in addition to supplementing the exercise regimen at their osteo sites.

One of the first instructors to take Dr. Betty’s training was Rachel Brooks. As we go to press, Rachel is in the middle of teaching her first 6-week course and about to start her second course:

Some of the fun activities partici-pants can expect to learn are the ‘Jiggle Wiggle’ and ‘10 Martini Slump,’ activities that are designed to reduce not only falls, but fear of falling.

Call Rachel at 963-1069 before 8 pm to register. Cost is $30 (50% off for Osteo class members); includes Betty’s book. Class size is limited and through word of mouth, sign-ups have begun.

1 Wilda Pulver 4 Mary Eddicus 5 Charles Conklin 6 Louise Oleyourryk 7 Patricia Barry, Adrienne Vanderhaden 8 Rosalia Secor 9 Allan Mosier 11 Mary Lou Morrow 12 Venita Ackley, Regina Peluso, Esther Tanner 13 Anna Bonanno, Joann Dawley 15 Ione Dolbear, Heike Koenig, Eva Taillefer 17 Betty Coon, Darlene Upcraft 18 Madeline Shruell, Sue Taylor, Phoebe Wheeler 20 Dorothy Gass, Joyce Ineich, Liz Stine 21 Ann Palen 23 Doug Davis, Sr., Sally Fravor, Nancy Hale, Marian Schremph 24 Donald Fitzgerald, Gordon Haskins 25 Louise Auger, Norma DeAmbra 27 Norman Hickox, Ruth Woodworth 28 Darlene Adydan 29 Charles Bardin

2 Kathryn Ferguson, Sharon Halsey 3 James Abel, Patricia Foster 4 Judy Haney, Linda Palmer 6 Peggy Munski 7 James Guilfoyle, Curt Schwalbe Betty Talamo 8 Betty Kirkpatrick 10 Marge Ravesi 11 Linda Crandall, Barb Rizzo 12 Ruth Barry, Dorothy Putnam, Melvin Sitts 13 Bruce Schuchert, Mary Theresa Smith 15 Eileen Bixby, Joan Southwell 16 Linda Cough 19 Rosalyn King, Deb Spiwak 22 Carmella Kieper 23 Nan Auclair, Rachel Brooks, Rosemary Occhino, Sue Trinder 25 Merry Gantley, Barbara Layman 27 Carolyn King 29 Mary Ann McDougal 30 Alexa Carter, Harold Johnson, Barbara Kelly, Shirley Rice,

YARN DONATIONS Thanks to Charlotte, Kathleen and a host of others for their donations. As always, it is greatly appreciated. To donate yarn to the RSVP Busy Knitters, call Marcia Owens at 593-1048.

Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?

Dec. 3 ~ Nell Francis

A special birthday wish and sincere thanks for all the thoughtful things you

do. It also comes to let you know just how much you mean to me and to say I love you! ~Tracie

November is National

HOSPICE AWARENESS MONTH Support Hospice-tality Day

11/ 6 - Canale’s * 11/12 - Blue Moon Grill

11/15 & 11/30 - Ruby Tuesday *

11/19 - Fajita Grill 5-9pm

11/27 - Arena’s Eis House

*coupon needed, call 343-5223

FOOD VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Salvation Army Volunteers to work in the

kitchen, Mon, Tues & Fri. Call Linda West, Kitchen Supervisor at 343-6491 and say RSVP sent you.

Oswego County Opportunities Volun-

teers to deliver meals to senior apts. in Central Square & Fulton area. Call OCO Vol. Coord. Chris Parks at 598-4712.

7th Annual United Way

STONE SOUP LUNCHEON Thursday, November 15

$5 donation Non-perishable food items welcome. St. Joseph’s Parish Center W. 1st St. Oswego, Call 593-1900

The outside

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Are you uninsured & 40 years of age or older?

Early Detection Saves Lives!

Don’t Wait, Call Today!

315-592-0830

FREE Cancer Screenings!

PETS ON PARADE

In May, 1983 the Pet Therapy Program was launched in Oswego, a collaboration between the City of Oswego, St. Luke’s Health Services & RSVP. Jack Woods, the City Ani-mal Control Officer and Donna Rose, St. Luke’s Activities Director, spearheaded the first bi-

monthly visits, referred to as the “Pet Parade.”

Jack would screen cats & dogs and bring them to St. Luke’s where he was met by RSVP volun-teers who would take the animals to visit resi-dents who welcomed the visits.

The Pet Parade proved to be so popular that

Jack Woods extended his visits to other Oswego & Fulton nursing facilities, along with the Mental Health Association and Oswego Industries. Over 20 RSVP volunteers made the visits possible.

The Pet Parade continued for 14 years until

Jack’s retirement in 1997. Today the City of Oswego Animal Shelter continues to use Pet Therapy volunteers— students from the SUNY Oswego Service Learning program.

THE BEAR TEAM... Build A Bear, Upstate Gulisano Children’s Hospital & Glenda Stowell

Started in October 2011, this organi-zation raises money to donate stuffed bears to children undergoing surgical procedures at the Children’s Hospital.

Volunteers are currently needed to sew outfits for the bears and donations of fabric are greatly appreciated. For more information on this program, call Glenda at 298-5308

ON GROWING OLDER ~by Daphne Thompson

When the sun is setting, There are times we feel blue, But with the sunrise, Comes the beautiful dew, Tis the glorious morning, When we step out of bed, And find the sun shines, On our gray or bald head, It is with such wonder, To behold life on earth, To teach us such blessings, And search for some mirth, We savor each moment, And treasure the past, The future looks bright, We hope it will last, The bible it says, With each loving sign, We go to our Father, At the very right time, But as the days grow shorter, And life grows dim, It is with great love, We think more of him.

Editor’s note: "Daphne has been to every writing program I have organized - including Camp Hollis. She is a sensitive person and because of that she sees the world in a special way. She always touches my heart with her poems." ~ Jim Farfaglia

OSWEGO CO. HUMANE SOCIETY is seeking volunteers to drive ani-mals from one foster home to an-other, for vet visits, and other er-rands. Call Barb Capella 343-2959

or Bernadette Mroz 564-6833. Be sure and tell them that RSVP sent you.

OSWEGO OPERA THEATER presents

“WELCOME BACK” CONCERT

Sunday afternoon at 2:30 pm November 11, 2012

Waterman Theater, SUNY

The production celebrates young Oswego Musical Theater artists who call Oswego “home.” Info: 312-2141

39th ANNUAL RECOGNITION EVENT ~A WILD TIME!

As the white, electric “safari” cars delivered guests right to the front door of the Hewitt Union Ballroom, the smell of hot, buttered popcorn greet-ed them as they entered.

There were no speeches by politicians, just a warm greeting by Oswego County Legislators Amy Tresidder (Oswego) & James Karasek (Fulton) and Assemblyman Will Barclay who made the rounds.

“We Bought A Zoo” was a feel good movie that

left many crying “happy tears” and obviously enjoying the warm pretzels, Tim Horton’s coffee and each other’s company.

The donation of over 50 boxes of Girl Scout cookies made for lots of winners! Along with Joyce Ferlito winning the “Trip to the Zoo” basket, Suzy Beyer the afghan, and Martha Sturtz the 50/50 raffle.

Once the movie ended, the fleet of safari cars were lined up at the front doors to take people to their cars. The chauffers' were all smiles as volun-teers exited.

Plans are already underway to return to our tradi-tional luncheon banquet and make next year’s 40th anniversary an occasion to remember!

November-December 2012