WCCOA holds annual meeting

New board members installed…..

Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. holds annual meeting to install new board members

Bowling Green, OH (January 15, 2020) – The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) held its annual meeting on Wednesday, January 8th at 1:15 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center.

The five Governing Board members were installed by Bowling Green Mayor, Michael Aspacher. The newly elected Governing Board members are Rick Barker, Paul Herringshaw, John Calderonello, Judith Wahrman, all of Bowling Green; and Nancy Orel, of Perrysburg.

Other returning board members include Roger Anderson and Becky Bhaer.

Pictured (left to right)Back Row: John Calderonello, Nancy Orel, Roger Anderson, George Stossel (Treasurer), Tom Milbrodt (Secretary)
Front Row: Paul Herringshaw (President-Elect), Judith Wahrman, Becky Bhaer, Ben Batey, Eric Myers (President) (Not Pictured: Rick Barker)

Officers were also seated for the 2020-21 term: Eric Myers, President; Paul Herringshaw, President-Elect; Tom Milbrodt, Secretary; George Stossel, Treasurer; and Ben Batey, Immediate Past President.

The mission of the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc., shall be to provide older adults with services and programs which empower them to remain independent and improve the quality of their lives.

For information on programs and services, please contact the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc., at (419) 353-5661, (800) 367-4935, or online at www.wccoa.net.

5 Questions to Ask When Planning for Long-Term Care

Long-term care can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in an assisted-living facility or in a nursing home….

(Family Features) You may not want to consider a time when you might not be able to fully take care of yourself, but the reality is there is almost a 70% chance someone turning 65 today will need some type of long-term care service and support in his or her lifetime, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Even if you’ve worked hard to save for retirement and create the financial security you want in the future, the need for long-term care could throw a wrench into even the most well-thought-out plans and impact you and your loved ones’ finances.

Consider these questions as you begin the long-term care planning process.

What is long-term care?
Different from traditional medical care that treats illnesses and injuries, long-term care includes services designed to help you maintain your quality of life and perform everyday activities even if age, illness, injury or a severe cognitive impairment make it a challenge to take care of yourself for an extended period of time. Long-term care services help with common daily functions including dressing, bathing and eating, and even skilled nursing services such as giving medication.

When should you start thinking about long-term care planning?
Because you never know when a need for care may arise, planning for care when you are younger and healthier can provide additional options as you’re more likely to qualify for coverage. Plus, cost is based on your age when you apply, so waiting can end up costing you more. Some people are beginning to plan as early as in their 40s.

How much does long-term care cost?
Long-term care costs vary depending on where you live, the type of care provided and the setting. Home-care services average $24-$135 per hour, according to the New York Life Cost of Care Survey, while private rooms in nursing homes can cost more than $100,000 a year.

Long-term care is generally not covered by health insurance, and government programs like Medicare or Medicaid have limitations, which often isn’t discovered until care is needed. However, New York Life offers long-term care options to AARP members and provides specially trained agents who can provide guidance. The agents can work with you and your family to create a customized plan based on your financial goals, helping protect your assets should you ever require long-term care.

Where is care provided?
Long-term care can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in an assisted-living facility or in a nursing home depending on the amount and type of care needed. In fact, some insurance plans cover care on a part-time basis by a family member or home health worker. Planning ahead can allow for more control over how and where you receive care.

How much coverage do you need?
The amount of coverage you need typically varies based on several considerations including budget, age, the type of care expected and how much of your assets and income you may be willing to use to offset the care costs. You don’t have to cover your entire risk – choosing a modest amount of coverage can still provide benefits and help protect other assets.

While planning for long-term care can seem daunting, you can find more benefits and information to make the process easier at aarp.org/benefits.

SOURCE:
AARP Services, Inc.

Should I Claim Social Security At 63?

Signed: Tired of Working…

**by AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor**

Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Social Security At 63?

Dear Rusty: I’m 63 years old. What are the benefits or negatives of retiring now? How do I begin the process? Signed: Tired of Working

Dear Tired: Your first question is quite open-ended, but I can give you the basics. Your Social Security benefit is based upon something called your “primary insurance amount” (PIA), which is the amount you would get if you claimed at your full retirement age (66 years and 4 months for you). Your PIA is based upon the highest-earning 35 years in your lifetime working career (past earnings are adjusted for inflation).

If you claim benefits before you reach your full retirement age (FRA) your benefits will be cut by about 6.7% for each full year early, but the reduction is done according to the number of months before your FRA that you claim. If you claim at your current age, your benefit will be cut by about 22%. The reduction will be slightly less for each month that you continue to wait, up to your FRA when you’ll get 100% of what you’ve earned from a lifetime of working. For reference, if you claim at age 64 the reduction will be about 18% and if you wait until you’re 65 the reduction will be about 9.7%. Conversely, if you wait beyond your full retirement age your benefit amount will grow by 8% for each full year you continue to delay, up to age 70 when your benefit amount would be 30.7% more than it would be at your FRA. But whenever you claim, that is the amount you’ll get for the rest of your life (except for cost of living adjustments (COLA) which may be applied annually).

The benefits or negatives to claiming now? Claiming now gives you money earlier, and if you need the money now, are in poor health and don’t expect at least average longevity, then that may be the right choice for you. But if you’re okay financially, are in good health and expect to live to at least average longevity (about 84 for a man your age), then you’ll get more in monthly and cumulative benefits by waiting until at least your full retirement age to claim benefits. By claiming now, the benefit reduction will be permanent. By waiting, the benefit increase will also be permanent.

Claiming before your full retirement age will also subject you to Social Security’s “earnings test” which limits the amount of money you can earn from working before they take back some of your benefits. The earnings test goes away when you reach your FRA.

If you are married, waiting longer to claim will also benefit your surviving spouse should you pass away first. Your surviving spouse will get 100% of the benefit you were receiving at your death (if they have reached full retirement age) and the longer you wait to claim, the more that survivor benefit will be.

Whenever you decide to claim, you can do so either by contacting Social Security directly (preferably by phone) or you can apply online at www.ssa.gov/retire. You will need to create your personal “My Social Security” online account first, but the online process is by far the easiest way to apply, considering that direct contact with SS often subjects you to long wait times (even on the phone).

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at [email protected].

Raise a glass to the New Year, but drink responsibly

“It’s bad enough when youngsters drink to excess, but it can have particularly critical effects on older folk.” ~ Dan Weber AMAC

Raise a glass to the New Year, but drink responsibly

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec 27 — There’s no toast like the ones we raise a glass to during the holidays but the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC] suggests its members — and senior citizens in general — need to be careful not to overdo it.

Senior advocate and AMAC president Dan Weber notes that Americans increase their use of alcohol exponentially between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. “It’s bad enough when youngsters drink to excess, but it can have particularly critical effects on older folk.”

Studies have shown that Americans double their intake of alcohol during the holiday season, starting on what has been called “Blackout Wednesday,” the day before Thanksgiving Day and continuing through New Year’s Day. The publication, Beverage Daily, says that on average most of the year we consume about four drinks a week, but during those festive days from Blackout Wednesday to January 1 we can down eight drinks a week or more.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information [NCBI], “In addition to the psychosocial issues that are unique to older adults, aging also ushers in biomedical changes that influence the effects that alcohol and drugs have on the body. Alcohol abuse, for example, may accelerate the normal decline in physiological functioning that occurs with age. In addition, alcohol may elevate older adults’ already high risk for injury, illness, and socioeconomic decline.”

The NCBI also suggests that the older you are friends and family are likely to ignore excess drinking, so you can’t necessarily rely on them to keep track of your intake. “Therefore, it is up to you to drink responsibly, which means taking it easy as you pour and limiting your intake,” says Weber.

“Thus, in preparation for an impending holiday party, you should prepare yourself to be a ‘responsible’ drinker, one who plans ahead before heading out for a night of festivities.”

Weber offers a few tips when planning for an evening of “fun, food and frivolity” during the season:

-Pace yourself. Limit your drinking to a lightly poured cocktail an hour.

-You’ll consume less alcohol if you have a non-alcoholic drink between boozy drinks.

-Don’t drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

-Most important is to trust your own instincts by not letting a party pal determine that you “need” another drink.

The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s Association to Hold Educational Program on 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s for the Community and Families Impacted by the Disease

Toledo, OH – The Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter will hold an educational program on The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s for interested community members.

The program will begin at 11am on Tuesday January 7, 2020 at the Chet Zablocki Recreation Center, 3015 Lagrange St.

The Alzheimer’s Association® has created an education program that explores the most common warning signs of Alzheimer’s to help individuals stay informed about what is normal aging and what is not. The free one-hour 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s program:

● Describes typical age-related memory, thinking or behavioral changes

● Helps individuals learn how to recognize the common warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia

● Discusses tips for approaching someone about memory concerns

● Explains the importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis

● identifies possible tests/assessments for the diagnostic process

● Offers helpful Alzheimer’s Association resources.

“This program is our most important community program” says Pam Myers, Program Director of the Chapter. “When you or your loved ones begin to notice changes in these areas, it is important to know what might be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s and how to access help/resources to ensure an accurate diagnosis.”

Please register online at alz.org/CRF or call 1-800-272-3900.

In the United States alone, more than 5 million individuals are living with Alzheimer’s and 16 million are serving as their unpaid caregivers. The disease is a global crisis that impacts numerous families right here in our community. However, no one has to face this disease alone or without information.

About the Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association, call 1.800.272.3900, or visit alz.org.

Great Decisions Lecture Series Returns to WCCOA for 2020

Up-to-date information on worldly topics facilitated by BGSU professors……

Bowling Green, Ohio (December 17, 2019) – The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) along with the American Association of University Women – Bowling Green Branch will once again host the Great Decisions Lecture Series at the Wood County Senior Center (305 N. Main St., Bowling Green) for six consecutive Saturdays from 9:30-11:00 a.m. January 25 through February 29, 2020.

The Great Decisions Lecture Series is an informative educational discussion group designed by the Foreign Policy Association. Participants will be enlightened with up-to-date information on worldly topics facilitated by Bowling Green State University professors. The professors will provide an opportunity for questions and answers following each discussion session.

These sessions are free and open to the public. Manuals are available for $32 but are not required. To register for this program, contact the WCCOA Programs Department at (419) 353-5661, (800) 367-4935, or email [email protected] When registering, a name and phone number is required in case of cancellations due to inclement weather.

A full list of topics and speakers is provided below.

January 25: Climate Change and the Global Order

Dr. Shannon Orr, Associate Professor of Political Science

Climate change has become one of the defining issues of our time. As much of the world bands together to come up with a plan, the U.S. remains the notable holdout. What is the rest of the world doing to combat climate change? What impact with the effects of climate change have on global geopolitics?

February 1: India and Pakistan

Dr. Marc Simon, Associate Professor of Political Science

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi rode a wave of Hindu nationalism to a historic reelection in 2019. His first order of business was to revoke the special status granted to the Kashmir region, inflaming the rivalry between India and Pakistan. How will the Kashmir situation affect the region, both economically and politically?

February 8: Red Sea Security

Dr. Vibla Bhalla, Chair of Department of Ethnic Studies

The Red Sea has remained vital for global trade since the time of ancient Egypt. Once home to the spice trade, the Red Sea now sees millions of barrels of oil a day transported across its waters. With major nations like China, France, Italy, and the U.S. building large ports and bases in the region, what does the future of the region look like? How important is Red Sea security for global security? Can the region be a place of global cooperation?

February 15: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Dr. Priscilla Coleman, Dr. Su Yun Bae, Department of Human Development

Almost every nation has enacted laws criminalizing human trafficking, and

international organizations, governments, and NGOs sponsor a large variety of

projects to curb trafficking and slavery. Billions of dollars have been allocated to these efforts. What is the international community doing to combat slavery and

trafficking? What are the experiences like for those being trafficked?

February 22: China’s Road into Latin America

Dr. Amilcar Challu, Department of History

As the Trump administration continues to withdraw from the world stage, China is looking to fill the void. How does Latin America fit into China’s “One Belt, One Road” plan? How will the relationship with China affect the region? Should the U.S. be concerned about China’s growing “sphere of influence”?

February 29: Artificial Intelligence and Data

Dr. Rob Green, Assistant Professor Computer Science

Policymakers in many countries are developing plans and funding research in

artificial intelligence (AI). Global growth is slowing, and not surprisingly, many

policymakers hope that AI will provide a magic solution. The EU, Brazil, and other Western countries have adopted regulations that grant users greater control over their data and require that firms using AI be transparent about how they use it. Will the U.S. follow suit?

*Note: Dates and topics are subject to change.

The mission of the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc., shall be to provide older adults with services and programs which empower them to remain independent and improve the quality of their lives.

For information on programs and services, please contact the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc., at (419) 353-5661, (800) 367-4935 or www.wccoa.net.

NBHS Principal Report Nov. 2019

Dr. Bob Falkenstein’s Principal’s Report for November 26, 2019

**NBHS-MS Principal Dr. Bob Falenstein**

Principal’s Report for November 26, 2019

1. The Fall Cabaret performance was absolutely phenomenal! Awesome
instrumental and vocal music! Great choreography! Students had a blast
participating.

2. Winter sports are gearing up.

3. Middle school PBIS continues to be a huge hit with students, staff and
parents. Detentions for not turning in homework are reduced 50% compared with last year. Look for an article and picture about our PBIS program in the Sentinel Tribune soon.

4. We are starting to eyeball curricular changes for next school year. This is
done in preparation for scheduling in January. 2020 is coming soon!

5. Happy Thanksgiving!

Birchaven Village Hosting ‘Bazaar Days’

Friday, December 13 through Monday, December 23…

Birchaven Village will host its annual Bazaar Days’ craft and bake sale on Friday, December 13 through Monday, December 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The special event will take place on Birchaven’s indoor “Main Street,” located at 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay. The event is open to the public.

Bazaar Days will feature a variety of items handmade by residents, staff, volunteers and families. Items for sale include:

Homemade hardtack candy, fudge, buckeyes and dipped pretzels
Hand-crocheted doilies and other items
One-of-a-kind tree ornaments
Gifts for teachers
Cookie jar mixes and custom candy tins
Slippers for the whole family

A comfort food and bake sale will be held Friday, December 13 beginning at 10 a.m. featuring homemade chicken and noodles.

All proceeds benefit the activities’ program at Birchaven Village. For more information, please contact Birchaven Village at 419.424.3000.

Wood County Historical Society Public Opinion Survey

Your feedback is vital to help the Society meet the needs of the public.

Wood County Historical Society
Public Opinion Survey

The Wood County Historical Society is seeking your input. Please take our brief public opinion survey and be entered into a drawing for a free membership and goody gift basket.

Your feedback is vital to help the Society meet the needs of the public.

The survey should take less than 5 minutes and can be found online here or from our website at woodcountyhistory.org

This survey is being administered as part of a Masters in Public Administration capstone project at Bowling Green State University.

Golden Care Winners Awarded

Caregiving Heroes Honored, including Briar Health Health Campus staff member ….

Bowling Green, Ohio (November 13, 2019) – On Thursday, November 7, 2019, compassionate caregivers in Wood County were honored at The Golden Care Awards. This event was designed to recognize National Caregivers Month in November and to honor caregivers within our communities and facilities.

Nominations were sent in from friends, family, and coworkers of caregivers that go above and beyond every day to care for those they serve. All nominees from three categories including agency support staff, medical staff, and community caregivers were recognized at the event. Each nomination was reviewed by the Wood County Commissioners, who selected one winner from each category.

The event, which was held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bowling Green, was presented by the Wood County Committee on Aging. Event committee sponsors were: Bowling Green Care Center, Bowling Green Manor, Briar Hill Health Care Campus, Bridge Home Health and Hospice, Brookdale of Bowling Green, Kingston of Perrysburg, and Perrysburg Commons. Other county-wide participating companies included: Bowling Green Family Physicians, Golden Care Partners, Heartland of Perrysburg, Heritage Corner Health Care, Laurus Home Care, and Wood Haven Health Care.

Sheila Sizemore, Briar Hill Health Campus, Support Staff Caregiver Winner

Selected winners were: Sheila Sizemore, agency support staff caregiver from Briar Hill Health Campus; Cheryl Kinder, community caregiver; and Anna Anderson, medical staff caregiver from Bridge Home Health and Hospice.

Anna Anderson, Medical Staff Caregiver from Bridge Home Health and Hospice

Prior to Anderson’s career with Bridge Home Health and Hospice, Anderson spent time at the facility with her grandmother who was suffering from pancreatic cancer. Anderson stated “I always knew that’s what I wanted to do with my ultimate goal being to work for hospice”. Anderson achieved that goal in 2015 when she started with Bridge Home Health and Hospice and has enjoyed the care she has been able to give during her time there. “There’s a little piece of my grandma in everyone I get to serve” Anderson said.

The complete list of caregiving heroes includes:

Support Staff: Cindy Below, Noland Covington, Shannon Dawson, Bettie Dean, Ron Gargasz, Ashley Gonyer, Kris Jankowski, Pam Kominek, Cherie Modlinski, Don Neifer, Cassandra Parrish, Ester Polan, Sheila Sizemore, Valerie Wambo, Linda Wilkins, and Lynn Zachrich

Medical Professionals: Anna Anderson, Linda Davis, Donna Heflin, Ryan Heney, Stacy Irvin, Christine Matere, Danielle Oman, Anthony Onyekelu, Shae Williams and Dr. Thomas Wojciechowski

Community Caregivers: Melinda Amos, Sue Glass, Mike Keller, Cheryl Kinder, Victor Reynolds, Jessica Sinning and LaDora Woods.

WCCOA and our partner organizations would like to thank those caregiving heroes in our communities. If you would like to be involved in this great event next year by purchasing a table for your company, or by making a nomination, please contact the Programs Department at (419) 353-5661 or (800) 367-4935 or email [email protected]

The mission of the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc., shall be to provide older adults with services and programs which empower them to remain independent and improve the quality of their lives.
For information on programs and services, please contact the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc., at (419) 353-5661, (800) 367-4935 or www.wccoa.net.

Custom Cut Specials Nov. 12 – 15

Seniors 55+ get 10% OFF Tuesdays…

Senior Citizen Tuesdays
10% OFF ANY Purchase

From the Farms to your Freezers
We’ll Cut whatever you want!

OUR Hand Trimmed
Ground Beef
$4.79#

Beef
Chuck-Eye
Steak

$5.59#

Beef
Skirt
Steak

$5.99#

Beef
Brisket
$4.09#

Beef
Chuck Roast
$5.49#

Beef Chuck
English Roast
$4.49#

Pork Butt Roast – $2.99#
Pork Steak – $2.79#
Boneless Pork Chops – $3.99#
Assorted Bone-In Pork Chops – $2.89#
Fresh Pork Side – $4.99#

OUR Hickory Smoked Bacon – $5.99#

Extra Meaty Smoked Ham Hocks – $1.99#

Keystone Canned Meats 28 oz.
Beef/Pork Chicken
$7.99 ea. $6.89

Deli Cheeses
Swiss – Pepper Jack – Colby – CoJack
$5.49

Tasty Taters Potato Chips
Regular- BBQ – Dippers
$4.00/bag

We accept
Credit- Debit – EBT

P/T Route Driver South/North Baltimore

Part-time (25 hour per week) position based at our North Baltimore site.

Position Posting

Route Driver South/North Baltimore

Part-time (25 hour per week) position based at our North Baltimore site. Examples of duties include: Packaging, prep and delivery of home-delivered and congregate meals, and maintaining cleanliness of vehicle and facility. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds consistently. Requires lifting, bending, stooping, reaching and standing for extended periods of time, and carrying hot pans/trays of food.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, a proven record of working harmoniously with older adults as well as colleagues, be eligible for bonding and insurable under agency policy, possess a valid Ohio driver’s license with proof of auto coverage (state minimum), must have a minimum of 5 years driving experience and a demonstrated ability to operate large vehicles (CDL not required). Successful candidate must successfully complete BMV and BCII background checks.

Applications available at WCCOA, 305 N. Main Street, Bowling Green, Ohio. Downloadable format available at www.wccoa.net Completed applications can be directed to the Manager of Human Resources. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

The Wood County Committee on Aging, a non-profit organization, is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Wood County Historical SocietyPublic Opinion Survey

Wood County Historical Society
Public Opinion Survey