Download Report

Proudly Serving Pennsylvanians for Over 35 Years!
May 15, 2015
Message from the Secretary
On Wednesday, in partnership with Pennsylvania Homecare Association, the Department
presented the 2015 Pennsylvania Direct Care Worker of the Year Award to Blanche Clendenen.
This award was created so that we could recognize a direct care worker who brings honor and
respect to the profession. Direct Care Workers provide an invaluable service to our seniors and
persons with disabilities in the comfort of home. They assist individuals with a broad range of
support, including meal preparation and bathing assistance. Their service and dedication is
exemplary and their role in enhancing the lives of others is vital. Direct Care Workers make it
possible for individuals to live meaningful lives in their homes and communities and remain
connected to their families and friends. Blanche has been employed as a Direct Care Worker
for the past 25 years by Diversified Human Services, which is located in Charleroi, Washington
County. Blanche’s self-less service to individuals in need of in-home services has impacted
many lives. She is described as a dedicated, respectful and compassionate caregiver. Her
kind, consistent and respectful approach to caregiving is admired by her peers, appreciated by
her supervisors and accepted gratefully by the consumers and their families entrusted to her
caseload. Blanche is known as a team player who helps and supports her colleagues and she
contributes regularly to trainings where she willingly shares the knowledge, experience and
expertise that she has gained during the quarter century that she has spent serving older, frail
seniors in Washington County. Without Blanche and the more than 100,000 other home and
community based direct care workers in the Commonwealth, our older Pennsylvanians and
persons with disabilities would not be able to access long-term care services and supports
which enable them to live at home with their families with the dignity and respect they deserve.
A tip of the hat to Blanche for her dedicated service to those entrusted to her care, and to all
who made the award luncheon such a special and memorable event.
On Thursday, I had the pleasure of serving as the keynote speaker at the Berks County Area
Agency on Aging 4th Annual Centenarian Luncheon. It was quite appropriate that we paused in
the month of May to recognize the Berks County centenarians as May serves as Older
Americans Month … a time to celebrate older adults and the people who serve and support
them as powerful and vital individuals who greatly contribute to the community. The Berks
County event recognized senior citizens throughout Berks County who are 100 years of age and
older and in particular, those who turn 100 during 2015. To be certain, older Pennsylvanians
are a link to our past and an inspiration of what can be accomplished in the future. I shared with
those gathered the words of Governor Wolf, who wrote a personal letter to the 17 Berks County
residents celebrating their 100th birthday this year. The Governor wrote, “Your life has spanned
100 years and you grew into adulthood during one of the most remarkable centuries in our
history. It is your contributions and those of your generation that have made Pennsylvania and
our nation strong and prosperous.” It was a wonderful celebration of life and I was honored to
be a part of it. To all who are celebrating 10 decades of life this year, I hope that their special
1 day includes the blessing of family and friends, and may it be filled with sunshine and smiles,
laughter and love.
In closing out this week’s Wrap Up, I humbly acknowledge that my confirmation process
successfully concluded on May 13th when the Senate voted unanimously to confirm Governor
Wolf’s nomination of me to serve as the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Aging. With profound
gratitude for the trust and confidence of so many, the opportunity to serve as a member of
Governor’s Cabinet is privilege that I accept with honor. I look forward to the journey and the
work before us as together we strive to serve, protect, enable and empower older
Pennsylvanians.
Teresa Osborne
Secretary
Personnel Update
JoAnn Kline is starting on 5/18/15 as a Clerk in the Support Services Unit, Operations and
Management Office. She can be contacted at 717-783-7132, joakline@pa.gov.
Whitney Chapman is starting on 5/18/15 as a temporary clerical employee in the Bureau of
Advocacy. Whitney can be reached at 717-787-2796, whchapman@pa.gov.
Robert Stanley ends his Paralegal Internship on 5/19/15 with the Office of Chief Counsel. We
wish Robert well in his future career endeavors.
Legislative Update
HOUSE & SENATE ACTION
Confirmation of Secretary Osborne – On May 12th the Senate Aging and Youth Committee
unanimously confirmed Acting Secretary Osborne and on May 13th she received unanimous
confirmation from the full Senate!
In addition to the confirmation vote on May 12th, the Senate Aging committee also voted out HB
753, the Long-term Care Council bill, which now goes to the full senate for consideration.
To view HB 753, click here. House Aging and Older Adult Services –On May 13th the Committee held an Informational
Hearing on the PACE and PACENET Prescription assistance program for older adults and the
PA Patient Assistance Program Clearinghouse. Secretary Osborne and Tom Snedden,
Executive Director, provided the overview.
HR 300 by Rep. Kinsey – A resolution recognizing May 2015 as “Older Americans – Get into the
Act” month in Pennsylvania. – Adopted by a vote of 195-0
To view HR 300, click here.
HR 329 – By Rep. Major – A resolution designating May 13, 2015 as “Missing Adult Persons
Remembrance Day” in Pennsylvania.
To view HR 329, click here.
2 PENDING LEGISLATION / NEW LEGISLATION:
This week the House introduced budget bills. Representative Adolph introduced the Republican
proposal, HB 1192 and Representative Markosek introduced the Democratic proposal, HB
1125.
To view HB 1192, click here.
Note. Aging’s Budget is under Section 301, State Lottery Fund Appropriations beginning on
page 159 of the bill.
To view HB 1125, click here.
Aging’s budget can be found under Section 301, State Lottery Fund Appropriations, Section 301
beginning on page 154 of the bill.
UPCOMING COMMITTEE HEARINGS:
The House and Senate are adjourned until Monday, June 1, 2015.
Education and Outreach Office
PrimeTime Health
The PrimeTime Health program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention activities
for older Pennsylvanians with a special focus on health risk screening, nutrition, chronic
conditions, fall risk, exercise, and strengthening to prevent fall-related injury, monitoring
behavioral health, and managing medications. To view upcoming programs offered through your
local Area Agency on Aging, click here.
Wayne Area Agency on Aging offers speaker on Rheumatology
Dr. Mark Cruciani will present at the following centers on rheumatology, which is a specialty that
focuses on joint, muscle and bone disorders, including autoimmune diseases (diseases of the
immune system). Join us at any of our centers to learn more about rheumatology and
osteoarthritis.
For dates, time and additional information, click here.
LEADER TRAINING in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Lawrence County
When: Tuesday & Wednesday May19 and 20
Where: CHALLENGES—Options in Aging,
Shenley Square Plaza
2706 Mercer Rd.
New Castle, PA 16105
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day
Fee: None
You will receive all materials, handouts, supplies, and refreshments during your training. After
completing the four day training you will be able to co-lead the six week CDSMP workshop in
your community. You do not need any previous teaching or healthcare experience but you must
plan to attend all four days in order to be certified.
Mysteries of Medicare: Marketplace Plans and Medicare
The trained Medicare counselors of the APPRISE program, help Medicare beneficiaries
understand the health care options specific to their health needs and financial resources. This
3 is one in a series of articles prepared by Chester County APPRISE volunteers to help Medicare
beneficiaries navigate this complex system.
If you have a health insurance policy that was purchased through the Affordable Care Act
Individual Marketplace and will soon be eligible for Medicare, you should be aware of what
Medicare means for you. Likewise, if you have Medicare you need to know what the
Marketplace means for you.
For those soon to be eligible for Medicare:
• Although you are allowed to keep a Marketplace plan that you already have when you
become eligible for Medicare, you will probably not need or want to keep the plan. For
instance, Medicare Part A meets the Affordable Care Act’s requirement to maintain
Minimum Essential Coverage, so you will not be liable for the fine associated with no
coverage. Also, as soon as your Part A coverage becomes effective you will lose any
Marketplace tax credits you may have, which will effectively raise the cost of the plan.
• In general, you should enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B during your initial enrollment
period (IEP) and act to cancel your Marketplace plan. Be sure the Medicare enrollment
and Marketplace disenrollment dates are seamless in order to avoid a gap in coverage.
You will also want to consider a Medigap plan and a Part D plan (prescription) or a
Medicare Advantage plan to get more complete coverage than Part A (hospitalization)
plus Part B (medical) alone provide. These are also best purchased during your IEP.
APPRISE counselors can help you choose a plan that suits your needs.
• One circumstance where you may consider delaying enrolling in Medicare is if you are
one of the small number of people who do not have enough working credits to qualify for
premium-free Part A. Purchasing Part A can be expensive—up to $407/month in 2015—
so it may be more economical initially to buy a Marketplace plan since you will be eligible
to keep any tax credit, but you will probably be subject to a Medicare late enrollment
penalty if you do decide to enroll at a later time. You will also be limited as to when you
can enroll and what supplemental plans will be available. If you are considering this
option, it is advisable to consult with an APPRISE counselor first.
For those who have Medicare now:
• You do not need to explore coverage through the Marketplace; in fact it is illegal for
anyone to sell you a Marketplace plan if you are enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B.
• The only exception to this prohibition is that if you are paying for Part A, you can enroll in
a Marketplace plan if you drop both Part A and Part B, but you will probably be subject to
a late enrollment penalty if you eventually decide to re-enroll in Medicare.
APPRISE counselors can also be reached through 1-800-783-7067
PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources
Lawrence County
Event: Mental Health Summit for Professionals and First Responders
Description: Key Note Speaker, Dr. Bobby Smith, will present “Dealing with the Aftermath of
Trauma”. Breakout Sessions include: Mental Health for First Responders, Youth Suicide
Prevention, Question, Persuade, Refer, Gatekeeper Training to Prevent Suicide, Reducing
Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness, and Demystifying Crisis Intervention Services.
Location: Scottish Rite Cathedral, 110 East Lincoln Avenue, New Castle, PA
Date: May 28, 2015
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
4 Contact: E-mail – spalumbo@humanservicescenter.net
Phone – (724) 658-3578, ext. 105
Fee: $35 (Scholarships available for Lawrence County First Responders)
Registration Deadline: May 14, 2015
Fayette/Greene/Washington
Event: Powerful Tools For Caregivers Series
Description: This free program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence,
communicate feelings better, balance their lives, and increase their ability to make tough
decisions and locate helpful resources. Workshop trainers are Michelle Rockwell, Pennsylvania
Link Coordinator and Kristen Jackson, Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging.
Location: Hickory UEP Church, 210 Main Street, Hickory, PA
Date: Tuesdays, June 2 – July 7, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Email – staley@hky.com
Phone – (724) 356-4042
Registration Deadline: May 26, 2015
Beaver County
Event: Psychosocial Issues, Assessment and Treatment Interventions with Hoarding Behavior
Training for professionals.
Description: Beaver County CAN, in collaboration with Pennsylvania Link is hosting this twopart presentation on hoarding behavior by Dr. Norma Thomas, MSW Program Coordinator at
California University of Pennsylvania. Event is free, networking lunch included.
Location: Penn State Beaver Auditorium, 100 University Drive, Monaca, PA
Date: June 4, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Part 1)
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Part 2)
Contact: Email – vcolonna@bccan.org
Registration Deadline: N/A
Somerset County
Event: Somerset Aging/ID Coalition Conference for Professionals
Description: Morning session will focus on the topic of De-escalation techniques and features
Tina Heinrich, Ed.S. Health Choices Clinical Director, Behavioral Health Services of Somerset &
Bedford Counties; Afternoon session will cover the topic of Medication Abuse and features
Ronna Yablonski, Prevention Coordinator (and Director of Somerset County Drug Free
Communities) and Renee Gardner RN, both of Twin Lakes.
Location: Oakhurst Tea Room, 2409 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA
Date: June 16, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Contact: Email – robinf@besmhmr.dst.pa.us
Phone – (814) 443-4891, ext. 4213
Registration Deadline: June 9, 2015
Butler County
Event: Elder Abuse Awareness Event
Description: This is a free community event featuring educational seminars, resource fair,
benefits screenings and more.
Location: Butler County Community College, Founders Hall
Date: June 17, 2015
5 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Email – register@anrinfo.org
Phone – (724) 431-3619
Registration Deadline: June 10, 2015
Bedford County
Event: Trust & Estate Planning Seminar
Description: Attorney Tom Murphy, Esq. of R. Thomas Murphy & Associates, P.C. will provide
information on planning for the future and the cost of long term care. There is no cost to attend.
Location: Homewood at Springhouse Estates, 150 Victoria Avenue, Everett, PA
Date: June 17, 2015
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (registration begins at 9:30 a.m.)
Contact: Email – Palinkcoordinator6@gmail.com
Phone – (814) 233-9206
Registration Deadline: June 8, 2015
Allegheny County
Event: Resources for Individuals with Disabilities under 60
Description: Part of the APPRISE/Allegheny Link 2015 Lunch and Learn Series, this
presentation will cover a number of services that are available to individuals with disabilities who
are under the age of 60 to help them maintain their independence in the community. This is a
panel discussion with time for question and is free of charge.
Location: Human Services Building, 1 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Date: June 25, 2015
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Email – mckendreew@fswp.org
Phone – 1-(866) 730-2368
Somerset County
Event: Elder Justice Day Seminar
Description: This free program is designed to inform, protect and help prevent older adults
from abuse and financial exploitation. Experts will be on hand from across the state along with
local leaders to talk about types of abuse and how it can be prevented. Lunch will be provided.
Location: Somerset Church of the Brethren, 606 Plank Road, Somerset, PA
Date: June 25, 2015
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.)
Contact: phone – (814) 443-2681, Missy Beam
Registration Deadline: June 19, 2015
Columbia-Montour County
Event: Aging/ID Conference
Description: Area Agency on Aging, PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources and the CMSU
Behavioral Health Developmental Services are working together to provide a conference.
Location: Country Cupboard Lewisburg
Date: Monday June 8, 2015
Time: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
Contact: E-mail – lrosbach@CMAAA15.org
Phone – 570-784-9272
Registration Deadline: N/A
6 Delaware County
Event: 2015 Caregiver Series “Creative Tools for Caregiving”
Description: Six session program for caregivers to bring their loved ones with them so they
can participate in meaningful activities that can be taken home such as mosaics, fitness and the
art of storytelling.
Location: Friendship Circle Senior Center
Dates:
May 20: Non-Traditional Caregivers: You can do it! Your loved one will participate in the
Art of Storytelling
June 03: What Does Good Nutrition Look Like? Feeding yourself and your loved one.
Your loved one will learn about “Home Remedies” while
participating in a Cognitive
Stimulation Activity.
June 17: Relaxation Techniques: The Keys to Stress Free Living. Your loved one will
participate in a Fitness Activity.
Time: 4:15 pm to 5:45 pm
Contact: Email -- dschumacher@scs-delco.org
Phone -- 610-237-6222 ext. 57
Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon County
Event: Series on balance and fall prevention
Description: A four-part series on balance and fall prevention, this program consists of
identifying what makes up good or poor balance, addressing the fear of falling, why balance
testing is valuable and exercises for better balance. The series dates and topics include:
May 20th – Addressing the Fear of Falling
June 17th – Understanding the Benefits of Balance Testing
July 15th – Exercises for Better Balance
Location: The Long Community at Highland, 600 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 in
the Brightwood Dining Room
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Contact: Email – blllink@mail.com
Registration Deadline: N/A
McKean County
Event Name: Resources for McKean Co. Veterans (training)
Description: A free half-day session packed with information and resources for professionals
and organizations working with Veterans who are residents of McKean Co.
Location: Commons Room at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Bradford, PA
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Time: 8am - noon
Contact: LASizemore@mckeancountypa.org or JERolick@mckeancountypa.org
Lycoming & Clinton County
Event: Focused on hoarding
Description: This training features expert Cory Chalmers on A&E's "Hoarders", Hoarding &
Biohazard Expert, Trainer, and Public Speaker, President/CEO Steri-Clean, Inc. & Crime Scene
Steri-Clean, LLC.
Location: Country Cupboard, Lewisburg
Date: Friday, May 22
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Contact: Email -- schurch@usaaa17.org
Registration Deadline: N/A
7 Columbia-Montour County
Event: Aging/ID Conference
Description: Area Agency on Aging, PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources and the CMSU
Behavioral Health Developmental Services are working together to provide a conference.
Details on topics pending.
Location: Country Cupboard Lewisburg
Date: Monday June 8, 2015
Time: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
Contact: E-mail – lrosbach@CMAAA15.org
Phone - 570-784-9272
The PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources, in partnership with agencies that support
individuals with intellectual disabilities, is hosting conferences throughout the state.
Lehigh and Northampton County
June 5, 8:30 to 4:30, at the Best Western in Bethlehem.
Contact Kimberly Melusky, at KimberlyMelusky@lehighcounty.org
There will be a $40 registration fee for this conference
Lehigh/Northampton County
Event: Dual Diagnosis: Working with Individuals with Challenging Behaviors
Description: LINK and the Lehigh & Northampton Aging/ID Team is partnering to provide a
conference to educate professionals and caregivers about individuals who are aging and
diagnosed with mental health issues and/or an intellectual disability. Registration fee is $40.00.
Location: Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center, 300 Gateway Drive in
Bethlehem
Date: June 5, 2015
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Email – kimberlymelusky@lehighcounty.org
Phone – 610-782-3096
Registration Deadline: Friday, May 22, 2015
Chester County
Event: Centenarian Birthday Party
Description: The Link will sponsor the Chester County Department of Aging’s 3rd Annual
Centenarian Birthday Party and will educate attendees on the Link and the Link’s project,
“Hospital to Home.”
Location: The Downingtown Country Club, 93 Country Club Rd, Downingtown, PA 19335
Date: June 24th
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact: E-mail - buckschestermontgomerylink@aim.com
Phone – 484-364-6981
Cumberland County
Event: Improving Aging Services for LGBT Older Adults
Description: This workshop will include information on the culture, needs and concerns of
LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) older adults, information on why LGBT older
adults are less likely to access health and social services and information on best practices,
policy and practice areas for increasing inclusiveness and safety for LGBT older adults.
Location: Giant Food Store Community Room, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015
8 Time: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM (lunch included)
Contact: E-mail – thelink@ccpa.net
Phone – 717-240-7887
Register: Click Here
Butler County
Event: Elder Abuse Awareness Event
Description: This is a free community event featuring educational seminars, resource fair,
benefits screenings and more.
Location: Butler County Community College, Founders Hall
Date: June 17, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Email – register@anrinfo.org
Phone – (724) 431-3619
Registration Deadline: June 10, 2015
Franklin County
Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting
Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin
County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education,
Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be
available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations.
Location: American Legion Post 517 – Mercersburg, PA
Date: May 22nd, 2015
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Contact: E-mail – jdslep@franklincountypa.gov
Phone – 717-263-4326
Registration Deadline: none
Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting
Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin
County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education,
Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be
available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations.
Location: Antrim Township Municipal Building – Greencastle, PA
Date: May 29, 2015
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Contact: E-mail – jdslep@franklincountypa.gov
Phone – 717-263-4326
Registration Deadline: none
Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting
Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin
County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education,
Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be
available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations.
Location: AMVETS – Chambersburg, PA
Date: June 4, 2015
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Contact: E-mail – jdslep@franklincountypa.gov
Phone – 717-263-4326
9 Registration Deadline: none
Event: 2015 Franklin County Veterans EXPO
Description: An event where 50+ vendors will be offering information on Veteran-specific
programs and services. A light breakfast and full lunch will be served. Veterans learn about
existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as
Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment
and Outreach services. The VA Mobile Outreach Van will be onsite as well as the
Chambersburg JROTC Color Guard.
Location: Scotland Campus – Scotland, PA
Date: June 10, 2015
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Contact: E-mail – jdslep@franklincountypa.gov
Phone – 717-263-4326
Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting
Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin
County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education,
Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be
available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations.
Location: Tuscarora Senior Center – Mercersburg, PA
Date: June 12, 2015
Time: 6:00 -7:30 PM
Contact: E-mail – jdslep@franklincountypa.gov
Phone – 717-263-4326
Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting
Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin
County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education,
Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be
available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations.
Location: Waynesboro Senior Center – Waynesboro, PA
Date: June 16, 2015
Time: 6:00 -7:30 PM
Contact: E-mail – jdslep@franklincountypa.gov
Phone – 717-263-4326
Registration Deadline: none
Bureau of Aging Services
Care Transitions Summit
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging, through the Long Term Living Training Institute (LTLTI),
hosted a Care Transitions Summit for the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network on Tuesday,
May 12, 2015 at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College. A total of 69 attendees
participated in the day, with representation from 26 AAAs. The day provided an opportunity for
AAAs involved in all stages of care transitions to network, share resources, discuss best
practices and attend break-out sessions suited to their current level of involvement with care
transitions. Included in the agenda were representatives from RightCare Solutions, Community
Care Transitions Programs for Western PA, Cole Memorial Hospital, PA Aging and Disabilities
Resource Center, PA Association for Area Agencies on Aging, York/Adams Care Transitions
Coalition, Wellspan Health, Aligning Forces for Quality, Hospital Association of PA and Quality
Insights of PA. The summit also featured a panel discussion, which included 5 AAA Care
10 Transitions service providers. Information and resources from the summit will be compiled and
posted on LTLTI’s website. An online tool kit will be developed in the near future for the AAA
network to reference and assist them in the promotion, planning and delivery of care transitions
services.
Announcements
Innovation in Caregiving Award
The Innovation in Caregiving Award recognizes individuals who, in the course of caring for an
older adult in a private home or a residential setting invented a device or technique that solves a
caregiving challenge, or found a new application for an existing device or technique that
supports caregiving of older adults and eases the burden on caregivers. Those assisting
younger individuals with disabilities may apply for the award if their device or technique is
helpful to the care of adults aged 60 and older. The application deadline is June 30, 2015.
Apply for the 2015 Award Messiah Lifeways and Harrisburg Magazine SAGE Awards
Awards to honor savvy, active, growing, and enlightened older adults, age 55 and better, who
have made important contributions to the economic, cultural, spiritual, and social progress of the
Greater Capital Region. We are currently seeking outstanding nominees who are transforming
the lives of others, who are improving the quality of life for all persons in our region, or who are
creating a new sense of purpose in the third age of their life. Past winners have included a
National Geographic instructor, several Peace Corps volunteers, a food pantry founder, a state
Senator, renowned philanthropists, and "a re-wired" executive. The key to the SAGE Awards is
that it highlights persons who are changing the conversation about aging and inspiring people to
think about retirement as a time of purpose and zest! We are especially eager to meet people
who have done interesting things in recent years - at age 55 or better
Completed applications may be emailed to kbisbee@messiahlifeways.org or faxed to 717-7968155. The deadline for this year’s entries is June 22. After a panel of judges reviews all of
this year’s nominees, as many as six recipients may be honored at an awards celebration
dinner scheduled for on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Messiah Lifeways at Messiah
Village. Nomination form, click here.
PA Association of Senior Centers Northeast Region Annual Meeting
The PA Assoc. of Senior Centers (PASC) Northeast Region is holding its annual meeting on
Friday, June 5, at the West Side Active Adult Senior Center, 1004 Jackson Street, Scranton,
from 10am - 3pm. The cost is $20.00 for PASC members and$25.00 non-members.
For further information, contact Leslie Berger at 570.420.3745 OR
lberger@monroecountypa.gov.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging 40th Annual Conference
July 11-15, 2015 in Philadelphia, PA
Please save the date; more information can be found by clicking here.
Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunity Announced for Navigators in Federally-Facilitated Marketplaces
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the availability of funding
to support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFM), including State Partnership
11 Marketplaces. Grantees will be selected for a three year project period, and a total of up to $67
million is available for the first year of the award. The funding opportunity announcement is open
to eligible individuals, as well as private and public entities, applying to serve as Navigators in
states with a FFM. It is open to new and returning HHS Navigator grant applicants, and
applications are due by June 15, 2015.
Click here for more information.
In the News
Teresa Osborne confirmed as secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging
Times-Leader, Wilkes-Barre
Crone receives Meals on Wheels volunteer award
Parkland Press, Allentown
Agency on Aging to celebrate anniversaries
York Dispatch
** If you have something you wish to include, please contact us. Kindly direct your comments
and suggestions to Drew Wilburne in the Press Office drwilburne@pa.gov.
12