May 2012 Van Cortlandt Senior Center

Cultural Events, Classes and Trips in May, 2012:


Create your own narrative portrait with Michael Ferris, guest artist-in-residence through the SPARC initiative. No previous artistic training necessary. Mr. Ferris will continue instructing this class on Monday afternoons from 1:15 – 2:30 PM. Please call the center office 718-549-4700 for further information. This project is made possible by grants from Bronx Council on the Arts and NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs.

Join our new walking group on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:45 AM.

Wed. May 9th: Supper served at 5:30 PM followed by Latin-Jazz by LIBBY & CO:  Libby Richman - alto sax; Marilyn Seits, piano; Lester Harper- bass and Ramon Terrero, Percussion. This combo performs in the tri-state area in jazz venues and for special events. Supper menu: beef tacos, rice and beans, garden salad and dessert. Suggested senior contribution for supper is $2.00. Recommended senior contribution for event is $2.00. Non-senior guests are welcome. RSVP to center office 718-549-4700 by Mon. May 7th.

Tues. May 15th: Presentation by Senior Whole Health Medicare Advantage Plus at 11:15 AM by Janet Gordon.

Post Mother’s Day celebration with Igor Sherbakov, dynamic keyboard player and vocalist on Fri. May 25th at 1:00 PM after lunch. Lunch menu: chicken marsala, kasha w/onion and mushrooms, health salad and dessert. Suggested senior contribution for meal is $2.00. Recommended contribution for event is $2.00. RSVP to the center office 718-549-4700 by Tues. May 16th.

Sun. May 20th: Lisa y Josue Guitar Duo will perform Flamenco, Latin and classical music after lunch at 1:00 PM. Lunch will be served at 12:15 PM: fresh fish, yellow rice and blended vegetables, roll and dessert. Suggested senior contribution for meal is $2.00. Recommended contribution for event is $2.00. Non-senior guests are welcome. RSVP to the center office 718-549-4700 by Friday, May 18th.

Trips are offered to Sands Casino on May 2nd, Fairway at Pelham Manor on May 9th, China Town on May 15th and Cross County Mall on May 18th. For registration and more information, please call the center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

NYC Board of Ed no longer afraid of birthdays and dinosaurs

April 3, 2012 Revised:  Sufficient ridicule has caused the Board of Education to announce:
"After reconsidering our message to test publishers and the reaction from parents, we will revise our guidance and eliminate the list of words to avoid on tests,” New York Chief Academic Officer Shael Polakow-Suransky said in a statement.
 March 26, 2012
City avoids placing taboo topics (that kids may actually know about) on public school exams - NYPOST.com

We Didn't Have Green

I enjoyed this post by oodlekadoodleprimitives

April events at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center

       

Create your own narrative portrait with Michael Ferris, guest artist-in-residence through the SPARC initiative. No previous artistic training necessary. Mr. Ferris will continue to instruct this class on Monday afternoons from 1:15 – 2:30 PM. Please call the center office 718-549-4700 for further information. This project is made possible by grants from Bronx Council on the Arts and NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs.

“A Taste of Passover” Model Seder on Wed. Apr. 11^th at 11:15 AM with Marilyn Kaplan, pianist, and sing-along leaders. A festive lunch of roast chicken and kugel will be served at 12:30 PM. Senior contribution for this event is $3.00. Fee for non-senior guests is $4.00. Reserve by Fri. Apr. 6^th with the center office: 718-549-4700.

Holocaust commemoration on Thurs. Apr. 19^th featuring an illustrated presentation by Gary Finkler, grandson of artist/author Toby Knobel Fluek based on her memoir Memories of My Life in a Polish Village: 1930 – 49 .   Lunch, tuna and health salad, will be served at 12:15 PM followed by the slide presentation. Senior contribution for lunch is $2.00. Fee for non-senior guests is $2.50 for lunch. Kindly reserve by Tues. Apr. 17^th.

Trips to South Street Seaport on Apr. 17^th and to South Ferry on Apr. 20^th.  Call the center office for further information and registration: 718-549-4700.

Line Dancing with Rose and Meir Beer, experienced instructors, resumes on Fri. April 27^th at 1:00 PM.

Open Sunday, Apr. 22^nd featuring NY Troubadors: Nick and Sam Kline performing Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and other nostalgic favorites at 1:15 PM. Lunch served at 12:15 PM. Senior contribution for lunch is $2.00. Senior contribution for program is $2.00. Non senior guests are welcome: $2.50 for lunch and $3.00 for program. Kindly reserve by Thurs. Apr. 19^th.

Center Light will offer a Zumba for seniors class on Apr. 25^th at 10:30 AM followed by a Medicare Benefits presentation at 11:15 AM.

Celebrate March/April birthdays with Igor Sherbakov, dynamic keyboard player/singer on Wed. Apr. 25^th at 1:15 PM. Latinos al Frente, a new social club, will enliven this event with authentic dancing to Latin rhythms.  A delectable lunch of beef stew and brown rice will be served at 12:15 PM. Senior contribution for lunch is $2.00 and ed/rec contribution for the event is $2.00.

On Fri. Apr. 27^th, Hudson Pointe at Riverdale will offer blood pressure screening at 10:30 AM followed by a presentation on Cerebral Vascular Accidents: Signs and Symptoms at 11:15 AM.

Big Apple Senior Strollers

A new walking program with William has begun.  Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:15 a.m.  Meet at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 3880 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY.  Questions?  call 718 549 4700.

March 16, 2012  I participated in the walk yesterday.  We went from the senior center to the track at Van Cortlandt Park, we walked around it twice.  We each walked at our own pace.

    Cultural Events and New Class Offerings in March, 2012:
   
    Meditation with Clara on Fri. Mar. 2nd at 1:00 PM.

    Create your own narrative portrait with Michael Ferris, guest artist-in-residence through the SPARC initiative. Mr. Ferris will instruct this class  on Monday afternoons starting on Mar. 5th from 1:15 – 2:30 PM. Please call  the center office 718-549-4700 for further information. 
Pre-Purim concert by Stephanie Kurtzman, Violinist and Binyamin Ginsburg, keyboard player on Tues. March 6 at 1:00 PM. Ms.Kurtzman performs with Neginah Orchestra.

    Centerlight Health Care (CCM) will present a talk on Stress Management     on Wed. Mar. 7th at 11:15 AM.

    Line Dancing with Rose and Meir Beer, experienced instructors, resumes     on Fri. Mar. 9th at 1:00 PM.

    Wed. Mar. 14th:Remembering Jerry: A Lullaby of Broadway, Film and     Television Legend Jerry Orbach  by John Anthony Gilvey, author,     educator and stage director at 1:15 PM. This presentation will be     illustrated with archival video and film footage of the actor's life and     work.     Mr. Gilvey is a noted authority on the Broadway musical and the     author of Jerry Orbach, Prince of the City (Applause Books, 2011).
    Lunch will be served at 12:15 PM. Suggested senior contribution for lunch
         is $2.00 and program contribution is $2.00. Call the center office 718-549-    4700 by Mon. Mar. 21st to reserve for lunch.

    New Member Tea on Thurs. Mar. 22nd at 1:30 PM. New members are     welcome to attend and to learn about JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center's     many programs and services. Singer Carmel Riggs accompanied by     Jonathan Dzik will perform beloved Gershwin and Cole Porter songs such as     "Anything Goes", "You’re The Top", "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and     "So In Love".

    Carmel Riggs holds a BA from the Westchester Conservatory of Music in Vocal     Performance and an MA in Music Education from Manhattanville College.     She has performed regionally, on and off Broadway in West Side Story (Maria),     The Sound of Music (Maria) and Man of LaMancha (Aldonza).  
    Lunch will be served at 12:15 PM. Suggested senior contribution for     lunch     is $2.00 and program contribution is $2.00. RSVP to the center office at     718-549-4700 by Tues. Mar. 20th.

What your doctor doesn’t tell you - NYPOST.com

Save the CLASS act

This is from the Coalition of People of dis-Abilties NYC site:

Fighting for Home and Community-Based Care!

An estimated 10 million Americans currently need long-term services including personal care and other supportive services – and this number is projected to increase to 26 million by 2050. For Americans with Disabilities, long-term care is a critical tool for independent living but most could not secure coverage.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act included a program known as the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (the “CLASS Act”) that would enable people to buy affordable long-term care insurance.
CLASS would provide millions of people with a crucial service that was previously beyond their reach—home and community based care that enables people live and work in their communities and costs far less than institutional care.
Now, before it has even been implemented, this vital program is in danger.
HR 1173 -- a bill that would repeal the CLASS Act – is expected to reach the floor of the House of Representatives soon. We have to stop this bill.
Instead of killing a program that millions of Americans need, our leaders must get back to work and find a way to make the CLASS Act work.
Congress must not repeal CLASS and the President must VETO any legislation that attempts to repeal it.

Internet Freedom at risk

inlineimage2

Cuomo in league with nursing home lobbyists

Governor Cuomo's plan to reduce New York's rising Medicaid costs may send some of the state's poor and elderly to nursing homes - NY Daily News

Schedule January 2012 Van Cortlandt Senior Center

Welcome Back Caroline!

Menu Van Cortlandt Senior Center January 2012

       

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center 3880 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463                                                                      (718) 549-4700

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
2 Center Closed	3 Apple Juice                   Breaded Fish Mashed Potato w/Gravy California Blend Veg. Fresh Orange	4 Pineapple Juice   Oven Roasted Turkey w/Gravy Baked Yams Cauliflower Florets Pears	5 Orange Juice               Meat Loaf Egg Noodles Garden Salad Plums	6  Blended Juice  Italian Chicken Rice Broccoli w/ Garlic Banana
9 Orange Juice          Fresh Fish Corn w/Red Peppers Spinach Diced Pears	10 Apple Juice                  Baked Chicken 3 Colored Pasta Salad Scandinavian Blend Orange	11 Pineapple Juice  Meat Loaf w/gravy Oven Baked Potato String/Wax Beans Apricot Halves	12 Blended Juice Fresh Haddock w/Dill Brown Rice Garden Salad Banana	13 Orange Juice     B.B.Q. Chicken Potato Kugel Mixed Vegetables Apples
16 Closed	17  Pineapple Juice Breaded Chicken Cutlet w/Mushrooms Sauce New Potato Broccoli w/red peppers Banana	18 Apple Juice    Fresh Tilapia w/tomato & green pepper Baked Yams Zucchini & Yellow Squash Pear	19 Orange Juice Meat Balls Egg Noodles String Beans w/Marina Sauce Apricot Halves	20 Blended Juice    Rosemary Chicken Orzo w/Mushrooms & Onions Peas & Carrots Apple
23 Orange Juice Fresh Flounder w/Lemon & Dill Mashed Potato Spinach 30 Fresh Apple	24 Apple Juice Hungarian Goulash White Rice Mixed Vegetables Fresh Orange	25 Pineapple Juice  Sliced Turkey Breast Mashed Sweet Potato Italian Blend Vegetables Plums	26 Blended Juice Homemade Hamburger Baby Carrots Coleslaw Banana	27 Apple Juice    Oven Roasted Chicken Broccoli Soufflé Harvard Beets Diced Pear
Orange Juice Breaded Tilapia Butternut Squash String Beans Fresh Apple	31 Pineapple Juice Salisbury Steak Kasha w/Mushrooms Peas & Carrots Mandarin/Orange

Funded by NYC Department for the Aging                                                                                    MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE

heart rate monitor and cold weather

Here is a useful post from the DC Rainmaker blog on getting correct reading when using a heart rate monitor in dry, cold weather.
Troubleshooting your hrm in cold weather.

Dancing Crane Georgian Dancers

Santa's Land saying goodbye - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

View of 61 Street and Madison Avenue, NYC

Left looking south on Madison, right looking west from Madison

Blue Bloods - heart attack episode

I watched the episode of Blue Bloods on WCBS-TV called Thanksgiving.  In it Henry Reagan, the oldest member of the family, has a heart attack.  While his family is waiting for the outcome of the angioplasty they feast on pastrami sandwiches.  All that salt! all that fat!  These people should be thinking about heart healthy meals.  The mayor brings a cornbread and sausage stuffing to the family.  All that fat! all those carbohydrates!

NYS attacks home health care for the elderly

My Elder Advocate
The nursing home lobby is powerful in New York State.

FDA sees problem with some DES stents

FDA sees rare but serious issue with stents I hope to add more news about stents. If you are not having a heart attack, think twice about having a stent placed.

Eliminate the institutional bias in Medicaid

September 18, 2011

For Information contact:
Bruce Darling (585)370-6690
Rahnee Patrick (312) 320-5111
Bob Kafka (512) 431-4085

http://www.adapt. org

Open Letter About Medicaid to President Obama from ADAPT

Dear President Obama

The ADAPT Community has spent over 20 years working to eliminate the institutional bias in Medicaid. This institutional bias has forced millions of Americans into institutions because institutional services are an entitlement while community based services that provide supports in our own homes is optional. We have achieved systemic Medicaid reforms that have freed many of our brothers and sisters from oppressive institutions. While the institutional bias still exists in Medicaid, thousands of Americans now are able to use Medicaid optional programs in their state to find freedom from those institutions.

You say that you want to make modest "adjustments" to Medicaid which can only mean cuts. We know the programs that always face cuts first are the "optional" programs particularly those that provide services that have freed thousands Americans from oppressive and costly institutions.

You can use other words like "administrative changes", "leveling the F-MAP", or other terms, but lets not mince words, seniors and PWDs will pay the price. We will pay for such savings with our freedom, and quite possibly our lives.

We cannot support a leader that proposes Medicaid cuts that will cost us our freedom and jobs.

We demand that there be no arbitrary Medicaid cuts. Instead we support REAL Medicaid Reform. There are ways to protect our freedom and save money and more importantly end the institutional bias in Medicaid by:

* Expanding the use of community based services
* Demedicalizing services
* Expanding consumer directed options
* Reorganize Medicaid services to eliminate wasteful bureaucracy.

We urge you to include this approach and these prinicples in any plan that you develop to address the deficit.

The ADAPT Community

Yellow Berries in Van Cortlandt Park

Andre Carson speaks the truth

Andre Carson tells it like it is

Irene, the mta photos

MTA photos

They should not have put trains in yards that decades of experience showed flood in heavy rains.

Many bus lines could have kept running.

Bx26 breakdown

Today I was on a hybrid Bx26 westbound.  I got on at the Botanical Gardens.  The bus broke down on Bedford Park Blvd.  It was unable to climb the hill.

Memorial to Leiby Kletzky

Marigolds are thriving in the hot humid weather.  Ladybug by Jan (primouthouse)

Dyckman St. No 1 southbound, will get elevator

United Spinal Settles Suit with MTA Regarding Accessibility at a Subway Station

New York, NY – July 21, 2011– It was announced today that the MTA has agreed to the installation of an elevator at the Dyckman Street (#1)subway station. The agreement was the product of settlement of litigation between United Spinal Assoc -- represented by Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) -- the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA).

In the settlement, the MTA commits to installing an elevator at the elevated southbound platform of the Dyckman Street Station, which will enable people who use wheelchairs, among others, to get on and off southbound #1 trains.

June Exercise Classes at the Van Cortlandt Sr. Ctr.

June 2, 10 a.m. Thursday, Yoga with Trudy
June 3, 10 a.m. Friday, Tone and Stretch with Lydia
June 6, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aerobics with Doriana
June 6, 1 p.m. Monday, Zumba with Adelaide
June 10, 10 a.m. Friday, Tone and Stretch with Lydia
June 13, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aerobics with Doriana
June 14, 10 a.m. Dance Movement with Caroline
June 15 , 10 a.m. Tai Chi with Bei Li
June 16, 10 a.m. Thursday, Yoga with Trudy
June 17, 10 a.m. Friday, Tone and Stretch with Lydia
June 20, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aerobics with Doriana
June 21, 10 a.m. Dance Movement with Caroline  - Date Change
June 24, 10 a.m. Friday, Tone and Stretch with Lydia
June 27, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aerobics with Doriana

This was an outstanding event.  Here's a picture of the chorus in action.

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center  June 2011 special events
See the page on the Van Cortlandt Senior Center for location. 

Sunday, June 5th A choral performance by the Boricua College Chorus. Lunch served at 12:15 PM. Menu: Chicken Chow Mein, Brown Rice, Oriental blend vegetables and dessert. Recommended contribution is $4.00. RSVP to office 718-549-4700. 

Compassionate Care Hospice Presentation by Priscilla on Tues. June 14th at 11:00 AM. 

Book Talk w/Francie Einenkel, NYPL Librarian on Wed. June 15th at 11:00 AM

Goldman Sachs Community Team Works Gardening and Picnic Event at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center on Friday, June 17th. Highlights of the day’s activities include: gardening, exercise, picnic lunch and entertainment by Rob Silverman, Jazz Pianist. Pre-register for picnic lunch by calling the office at 718-549-4700 by Tues. 6/14.

Sunday,  June 19th featuring a lunch of turkey w/pastrami sandwich, potato and fresh green salad at 12:15 PM followed by entertainment by Roman Lankios, xylophone player extraordinaire. RSVP to center office by Wed. June 15th. Recommended contribution for this event is $4.00. 

Tour the Methodist Home on Wed. June 22nd including refreshments and entertainment. Meet at 12:45 PM. Pre-register in the office or call 718-549-4700.

Dinner and performance by Bronx Opera Ensemble on Wed. June 29th at 5:30 PM. Menu will include: Fresh fish, orzo, green beans and dessert.

RSVP to center office 718-549-4700 by Fri. June 24th. Recommended contribution for this event is $4.00.  Paperpest says: I highly recommend this event.

Last night, I like the other cooperators of Park Reservoir and Amalgamated learned that Patricia Goldwater is no longer the General Manager.  No explanation was given for the change.

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center in June 2011 special events

Mon. June 6th & 27th: Zumba at 1:00 PM with Adelaide, Volunteer Instructor

Sunday June 5th featuring a choral performance by the Boricua College Chorus. Lunch served at 12:15 PM. Menu: Chicken Chow Mein, Brown Rice, Oriental blend vegetables and dessert. Recommended contribution is $4.00. RSVP to office 718-549-4700.

June 4, Tuesday 11 a.m.  Compassionate Care Hospice Presentation by Priscilla 

June 15, Wednesday 11 a.m.  Book Talk w/Francie Einenkel, NYPL Librarian .

June 17, Friday:  Goldman Sachs Community Team Works Gardening and Picnic Event at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center. Highlights of the day’s activities include: gardening, exercise, picnic lunch and entertainment by Rob Silverman, Jazz Pianist. Pre-register for picnic lunch by calling the office at 718-549-4700 by Tues. 6/14.

June 22 Wednesday Meet at 12:45 p.m., Tour the Methodist Home on trip includes refreshments and entertainment.  Pre-register in the office or call 718-549-4700.

June 26 Sunday 12:15 p.m.  A lunch of turkey w/pastrami sandwich, potato and fresh green salad followed by entertainment by Roman Lankios, xylophone player extraordinaire. RSVP to center office by Wed. June 22nd. Recommended contribution for this event is $4.00.

June 29, Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.  Dinner and performance by Bronx Opera Ensemble. Menu will include: Fresh fish, orzo, green beans and dessert.

RSVP to center office 718-549-4700 by Fri. June 24th. Suggested contribution for this event is $4.00.  Paperpest says: I highly recommend this event.

Classes in Fitness,  Movement, Tai Chi, Yoga, Tone & Stretch, Painting,  Meditation, Knitting, Current Events and Short Stories, Indoor Gardening, Line Dancing, Jewelry Making, sing-along, computer lab and more are offered at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center. We are located in the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. off of Van Cortlandt Ave. West on the Bronx #1 or #10 bus routes. For more information, please call the center office at 718-549-4700.

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center is funded by NYC Dept. for the Aging, UJA- Federation of NY and by special grants from Council Member Oliver Koppell and other NYS representatives.

Activities at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center for May
This is just a sampling.

May 2 10:30 am Aerobics with Doriana
May 5 10:00 am Yoga with Trudy
May 9 10:30 am Aerobics with Doriana
May 10 10:00 am Dance movement with Caroline
May 11 10:00 am Zumba
May 19 10:00 am Yoga with Trudy
May 23 10:30 am Aerobics with Doriana
May 24 10:00 am Dance movement with Caroline
May 25 10:00 am Zumba

May 2011 events at the JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center
Tues. May 3rd: Holocaust Memorial Program at 1:15 PM. Refreshments will be served.
Trip to Isamu Noguchi Museum on Fri. May 6th.  Depart at 9:00 AM. Fee: $3.00 includes for bus and tour. Call center office 718-549-4700 to pre-register.
Trip to South St. Seaport on Wed. May 11th. Depart at 9:00 AM. Fee: $3.00 for bus. Call center office 718-549-4700 to pre-register.
Make Up Day on Sunday, May 15th. Lunch menu: fresh fish, couscous, spring vegetables and dessert served at 12:15 PM followed by superb entertainment by Ari Leshans, keyboard and vocals. Suggested contribution is $4.00. RSVP to office 718-549-4700.
Wed. May 18th: Screening of The Eddie Cantor Story at 11:00 AM.

Celebrate April and May birthdays with international keyboard player Igor Sherbakov on Fri. May 27th following a chicken lunch at 12:15 PM.
Make Up Day on Sunday June 5th featuring a choral performance by the Boricua College Chorus. Lunch served at 12:15 PM. Menu: Chicken Chow Mein, Brown Rice, Oriental blend vegetables and dessert. Suggested contribution is $4.00. RSVP to office 718-549-4700.

April 2011 Events at the JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center

This is a sampling:
I regard the most important activities to be those that involve exercise.  Here is a listing of them.
April 11 10:30 am Doriana Castro leads an aerobics class
April 12 10:00 am Movement with Caroline Grant, a gentle, graceful class
April 13 10:00 am Tai Chi with Bei Li
April 15 10:00 am Tone and Stretch with Lydia
April 18 10:30 am Doriana Castro leads an aerobics class
April 21 10:00 am Yoga with Trudy Bacon
April 29 10:00 am Tone and Stretch with Lydia

Sunday Apr. 3rd: Lunch served at 12:15 PM followed by international entertainment by David Mandler, One Man Band. Suggested contribution is $3.00. RSVP by 3/29 to 718-549-4700.
Trips to:   Stew Leonard's at 9:00 AM on Apr. 4th
Empire City at 10:30 AM on Apr. 6th
Fairway Market at 9:00AM on Apr. 27th.
Call center office 718-549-4700 for more info and to pre-register.

Constant Companion (alert system) by Oppenheimer on Fri. Apr. 8th at 11:15 AM.
AARP presentation about Medicare Fraud on Apr. 13th.
Health Presentation by Lawrence Hospital on Fri. Apr. 15th at 11:15 AM.
Taste of Passover Model Seder with sing-along leader Marilyn Kaplan on Fri. Apr. 22nd at 11:00 AM.
 Suggested contribution is $4.00.
 RSVP by Fri. Apr. 15th to center office: 718-549-4700.
Trips in May: Noguchi Museum on May 6th at 9:00 AM
South Street Seaport on May 11th at 9:30 AM
Sands Casino on May 26th at 8:45 AM.

The voluntary contribution for meals is now $2.  One of the issues in keeping this senior center open was that not enough people were participating in the congregate dining experience.  This suggested fee will discourage people from coming in.

Quilt at St. Joseph's Hospital, Yonkers NY

Quilt by the elevators at the entrance to St. Joseph's Hospital, Yonkers

Bad News.  AT&T is acquiring T-Mobile USA

Impact of cutting meals to seniors (click to read story)
March 17, 2011
 
Cuomo planned cuts to programs for the aged
State Cuts FY 11-12 affecting Seniors Council of Senior Centers and Services of NYC e-ACTION ALERT Feb 3, 2010 “YES, THE SKY IS FALLING” CATASTROPHE FOR THOUSANDS OF OLDER NEW YORKERS AS STATE BALANCES BUDGET ON BACKS OF SENIORS TITLE XX CUT TO SENIOR CENTERS BACK ON THE TABLE - “INTENDED CONSEQUENCES” – WOULD CLOSE 110 NYC SENIOR CENTERS
1. Title XX cut back – $25.2 million cut to NYC senior centers –
a.. Last year, the Governor’s office said this cut had “unintended consequences”. This year, Governor Cuomo has put the same cut back which would close 110 senior centers in NYC and cut aging services around the state – these are “intended consequences”. The total cut to aging services statewide would be $37 million, of which $25 million funds senior centers in NYC. Funds would move over to child welfare services which is considered a “mandated service”.
b.. Title XX has funded NYC senior centers for about 30 years. While senior services is technically an “optional” service under title XX, after decades of providing core support (25% of all senior center funding), clearly it is not an optional funding source for the survival of 110 senior centers and the thousands of elderly New Yorkers who will be devastated at the loss of their local senior center. It is time to take this cut off the table once and for all.
2. $7.4 million cut to NY State Office for the Aging: Budget bill eliminates funding for various programs and develops local competitive grant program – Governor Cuomo’s budget eliminates funding for all these programs and uses some of the funds to establish a competitive grants program:
a.. “Establish Local Competitive Performance Grant Program for Aging Programs. A new local competitive performance grant program for aging programs will be funded with savings created by reducing support for various programs (with current funding levels) including: a.. Community Empowerment Initiative ($0.25 million)
b.. Congregate Services Initiative ($0.64 million)
c.. EAC/Nassau Respite Program ($0.24 million)
d.. Elderly Abuse Education and Outreach Program ($0.49 million)
e.. Enriched Social Adult Day Centers Program ($0.25 million)
f.. Foster Grandparent Program ($0.20 million)
g.. Long Term Care Senior Respite ($0.14 million)
h.. NY Foundation Home Sharing ($0.17 million)
i.. Patients’ Rights Hotline and Advocacy ($0.06 million)
j.. Regional Caregivers Centers for Excellence ($0.23 million)
k.. Retired and Senior Volunteer Program ($0.43 million)
l.. 2011-12 Value: $1.4 million; 2012-13 Value: $1.6 million"
a.. A total of $5.2 million annually is being cut from these programs, $10.4 million over two years. The competitive grant program is only $3 million over two years so funds leaving a $7.4 million loss of funds in total. CSCS is concerned that existing programs will be eliminated and that, overall, $7.4 million, will be lost in available dollars for services. It is our understanding that the Cuomo administration has established similar competitive grant programs in other state agencies as well. CSCS will find out more about the new local competitive performance grant program.
3. EISEP, SNAP and CSE funding –
a.. $5 million budget gap in EISEP, SNAP and CSE - Governor Cuomo’s budget left EISEP, SNAP and CSE funding the same. However, there is $5 million for EISEP, CSE and SNAP that is not in SOFA’s baselined budget that the legislature restored to prevent a previous cut. The state legislature needs to restore these funds.
b.. Budget bill does not proposed consolidating SOFA with DOH - However, Governor Cuomo has established a commission to look further into state agency consolidations. CSCS will keep you updated on this.
4. EPIC phased out – Governor Cuomo’s budget proposal ends premium subsidies for lower income seniors and only will pay in the donut hole. Since the donut hole is going to be closed by the federal health bill, eventually EPIC will be eliminated entirely. This goes into effect on January 1, 2012. Under this proposal, EPIC is being phased out as a state responsibility over the next ten years. Savings are $58 million this year and $93 million next year. EPIC was established under Governor Mario Cuomo.
5. Medicaid cuts - CSCS will be meeting with leaders in the Cuomo administration and the state legislature to discuss the important role community-based services could play in decreasing hospital admissions, nursing home placement and other costly Medicaid services. We are developing a series of recommendations that will be on our website soon. It is important that community-based service providers be part of the Medicaid re-design process as we have cost-effective programs to offer the state for both Medicaid and non-Medicaid eligible seniors. This is why it the March 2-3 Albany conference is so critical (see below) – to get educated and advocate for services. We will keep you updated on these issues. CSCS is still gathering information on the budget and will update you regularly. We will be reaching out to the aging services network to do advocacy to prevent title XX cuts and restore the $5 million to EISEP, SNAP and CSE. It is important to contact your state Assemblymembers and Senators. The city is reviewing the state budget’s impact and will be releasing its budget on February 17th. For further information, please contact Bobbie Sackman, (212) 398-6565, x226 or bsackman@cscs- ny.org

WITH BUDGET CUTS AND DISCUSSIONS ABOUT LONG TERM CARE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO ATTEND THE CSCS/NYSCA LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IN ALBANY – MARCH 2 & 3, 2011 GO TO WWW.CSCS-NY. ORG FOR MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

A Question of Loyalty

Editorial

Published March 09, 2011, issue of March 18, 2011.

Read more: http://www.forward.com/articles/136014/#ixzz1GQaQFRjw

Rights of senior citizens at senior centers NYS

Fulton Street station scary story
This is a story of an exit to nowhere. One night people exited at this point and the entrance to the outside was barred. People had to use their metro card again to reenter the subway and exit via a different route. What if you didn't have any more money on your card?

Bx 1 stop at 3835 Sedgwick Avenue will be restored.  This is according to a report in the January 20, 2011 edition of the Riverdale Press.  The service will begin in March. 

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot yesterday while meeting constituents.  She has supported health care and full time kindergarten.

Where was Bloomberg? January 5, 2011 
Daily News article - Was it a snow day for all the honchos at City Hall
Missing in action has been an unending story for Bloomberg.
Published August 8, 2007, several additions follow Where's Bloomberg? August 8
Did he take the subway this morning? How can anyone take his candidacy for President seriously? A major failure of public transportation hits the city just weeks after he advocates congestion pricing. He has not made his presence known all morning.
Steam pipe explosion, August 8 subway failure and now also on Aug 8 a building under construction at 1916 Park Ave has collapsed.
Aug 13 - The East River turbines that were supposed to be an example of green power at work have failed after just a few weeks of use. The idea was to use the currents of the East River to generate electricity.
Aug 18 - The deaths of firefighters Beddia and Graffagnino should be evidence of how little leaders of the City of New York have learned since 9/11 Mayor Bloomberg and his lackeys fail as administrators.

Chess-school kids rooked - NYPOST.com

Chess-school kids rooked - NYPOST.com I'm shocked. Marley Kaplan is obviously someone who knows how to do well while doing good.

The Daily Bastardette: Take Yourself Out of the Discourse! My response to Jean Strauss' HuffPo blog

The Daily Bastardette: Take Yourself Out of the Discourse! My response to Jean Strauss' HuffPo blog

34th Precinct is ticketing chess players.
The chess players are sitting at permanent chess tables provided by the parks department.

A fire on November 11, 2010 at Nonno Tony's on 235 St. in Riverdale has temporarily closed Liebman's Deli and Mother's Bake Shop. 

Mother's Bake Shop, the notice says the store will probably open on Monday, November 15

Liebman's Deli, the notice says the store will probably open on Saturday, November 13

New Pedestrian Plazas Are a Nightmare for the Blind - DNAinfo.com

New Pedestrian Plazas Are a Nightmare for the Blind - DNAinfo.com

Christmas Creep
This was the first use of these words I've read about.

Riverdale Senior Services had a terrific bazaar this past Sunday, October 31, 2010.  All kinds of interesting items, I bought some fabric.  A great selection of desserts.  There was also egg salad, tuna salad all kinds of staples for lunch.  I  bought a raffle ticket.  It was a lovely sunny day, just perfect for going to an event like this.

Here's a website called Senior Planet.  It describes itself as the digital community for older adults.

November 1, 2010  I received an email this evening from a member of the Amalgamated Board, explaining that the reference in the minutes should have referred to the old BXM 4A stop on Dickinson and Sedgwick.

Dickinson and Sedgwick Avenue bus stop is in danger of being discontinued. I just sent this email to Community Board 8.

I just received the highlights of the Amalgamated Housing Corporation of September 15, 2010. There is a sentence that says "Mr. Graham reported from the Community Board 8 Traffic and Transportation Committee of two issues, namely one being the removal of a bus stop on Saxon and Sedgwick Avenues in order to free up parking." Saxon is between two bus stops, one on Dickinson and Sedgwick, the other on Hillman and Sedgwick. These are heavily used bus stops. They should not be forfeited. It's bad enough that we don't have the Bx 1 local service we used to have, but to entirely lose our bus stops would be a hardship for the many to benefit the few who have cars.

From a Reuters story

POTSDAM, Germany — Germany's attempt to create a multicultural society has "utterly failed," Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday, adding fuel to a debate over immigration and Islam polarizing her conservative camp.

Speaking to a meeting of young members of her Christian Democrats (CDU), Merkel said allowing people of different cultural backgrounds to live side by side without integrating had not worked in a country that is home to some four million Muslims.

I would like to remind Chancellor Merkel that German Jews spoke fluent German, served in the German army during WW I and were proud to be Germans. When Hitler rose to power, none of that mattered.

Oct 13, I caught the Bx 10 bus going toward Riverdale at about 10:50 am.  I was at the Orloff and Van Cortlandt W. bus stop.  The bus was standing room only.  A nice young woman gave me her seat.  This overcrowding, is a consequence of the lost Bx 1 local service for the stops preceding this one.
George Diaz of Oliver Koppell's office contacted me today, September 28. I hope it's the beginning of us getting our local Bx 1 service back.

Waiting for Koppell

I sent email on September 16 and September 19 to Councilman Koppell. They both concerned the loss of Bx 1 bus local service during the week. I have yet to receive even an acknowledgment of my emails. Posted on September 23.

'Israel should treat its minorities the way we always wanted to be treated' - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

'Israel should treat its minorities the way we always wanted to be treated' - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Borough Park, NY - Nursing Home Sold, 506 Employees Let Go -- VosIzNeias.com

This is frightening. For profit nursing homes have a bad track record for providing care. If you chose this place for yourself or a loved one, you can now be in a terrible situation. It is not always possible to move from one nursing home to another.

Schedule and Menus for September 2010

Schedule revisions

Yoga, September 16, will be conducted by Neem

Sukkot celebration, changed to September 29 from September 28

The Good News is the nutritionist hasn't approved the meals. The menu is fine, chosen by people with years of experience in cooking for the elderly.

August 5, all streets around the Van Cortlandt Center were closed for repaving. There was no bus service nearby, so attendance was lower.

Activity Schedule for August 2010

Menu for August 2010

August 18, there will be a trip to Mt. Airy. The cost is $25.00

June 30 Concert at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center
Bronx Opera Stars

Kirk Doughtery	Eric Kramer, pianist
Benjamin Spierman and Leslie Swanson	Michael Spierman, impresario, Hannah Rosenbaum and Leslie Swanson, sopranos.

July 2010 Schedule

Menu July 2010

Click on schedules to enlarge.

May is Older Americans Month. This year's theme is Age Strong, Live Long!

Baby Soda Jazz Band

Van Cortlandt Senior Center Schedule

More information on the adopted child abandoned by Torry Hansen. The Daily Bastardette

April 11, 2010
This site third mom gives the perspective of a mother who adopted two Korean children, who are now young adults.

Senior Center Schedule April 2010 Van Cortlandt