The Senior Summit in Albany was definitely worth the trip. I learned a lot, and we will be scheduling some of the presenters to come to lunch and give us some assistance and information.
For instance, we can have someone come with applications for the Home energy Assistance Program, and weatherization applications. There is a home-repair program through the Rural Housing Alliance, and numerous services through Veterans Affairs and the Albany County Veterans Bureau.
One of the ones that was new to me, and that I really like, is Senior Hope. It is a counseling and addictions program targeted exclusively to seniors. How nice to be able to talk to someone who knows that Glenn Miller is not the name of a new bakery, and understands the particular issues that we face as seniors.
The addictions counseling is also a necessary answer to a problem that we don’t often talk about. With all the medications that some of us take, and the falls and ailments we can get, it’s far too easy to get used to grabbing a pill or a little glass of something every time we get stressed, or hurt, or lonely.
The trap is that all those things work just fine — at first. Then the servant can ever so gradually become the master.
Who can you turn to when you begin to suspect that there might be a problem? Some of us are too proud, or too scared, to admit that things have gotten out of control.
It is a literal lifesaver to have a safe, confidential place where we can talk to someone who knows what we are facing, and understands, and can help. Their office is in Albany, and the telephone number is 489-7777.
In the health area, please be sure your calendar is marked for the flu shots at the Knox Town Hall on Sept. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Coming events
Hilltown Seniors will be meeting and lunching on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Senior Center. Bring a dish to share, or just show up. President Madeline Bradt is sure to have something interesting planned, and there are several trips coming up in the near future.
Primary Day is Sept. 10, and we have voter registration forms at the senior center. Don’t come whining to me about the government if you don’t vote!
Yes, you are only one person, but you are still one person, and many “one persons” are what make changes in our style of government. A lot of guys (and gals) died so you could keep that privilege; don’t dishonor them by not using your vote.
OK, I’m through yelling at you. Now on to the fun!
Pat Lightbody will be teaching a basket-making class after lunch on Tuesday, Sept. 22. I’m already signed up, and so are a bunch of your friends. It’s free, thanks to the Albany Department of Aging picking up the tab, so come and learn something new and useful!
Lunch
The lunchtime menu for the next quarter has finally arrived, thanks to an e-mail from Chef Mashama. Come and swap tales with friends, and enjoy a lunch that you don’t have to cook. Last week’s chicken teriyaki was really scrumptious, so check it out. Doors open at 11 a.m., and lunch is served promptly at noon. Don’t forget games the on Tuesdays, and live music on Friday.
Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day, the cook’s day off, no lunch;
Tuesday, Sept. 8: Hot turkey sandwich,, gravy, broccoli, whole-wheat bread, milk, and peaches;
Friday, Sept. 11: Baked ziti, romaine salad with Italian dressing, apple juice, whole-wheat Italian bread, milk, and grapes.
Please call 24 hours in advance to 872-9400 to reserve lunch. E-mail plightbody@nycap.rr.com, or sign up when you come in. Tell us how many are coming, your name, and your telephone number. If you’d just like to come and help out, give Mary Moller a call at 861-6253, or e-mail her at helderbergseniormeals@aol.com, and put “volunteer” in the subject line.
Lunches are provided by Helderberg Senior Services, the Albany County Office for the Aging, and the Peter Young Housing Industries Program. The Hilltown Senior Center is located at 1360 Helderberg Trail (Route 443) in Berne.