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December 9, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Senior Nation Senior Notes

Upper Shore Aging Brings Senior Volunteer Program to Kent, Caroline, and Talbot

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Upper Shore Aging Inc. was the recent recipient of three $75,000 grants from the federal agency, AmeriCorps. Founded in 1975, Upper Shore Aging, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that serves as the designated Area Agency on Aging for Kent, Caroline, and Talbot counties, operating five senior centers and providing services for over 31,000 seniors each year.

With this new funding, Upper Shore Aging will establish an AmeriCorps Seniors Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in each of the three counties. RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people 55 and over.

RSVP will partner with local agencies and recruit and place volunteers with the purpose of meeting critical community needs. Particular emphasis will be placed on the needs of seniors, such as access to care, transportation, social isolation, and food insecurity.

“RSVP will serve a dual purpose” said Mavis Jones, RSVP Director for Kent County. “RSVP will provide a high-quality experience for senior volunteers with opportunities that are tailored to their interests, skills and expertise, while meeting the mission of many organizations that use volunteers”.

“There are many benefits to joining the RSVP network,”saidJones. RSVP will be considered a “one stop shop”, where volunteers looking for opportunities can be matched with organizations looking for volunteers. “It’s a win-win situation”. “Organizations will get the volunteer help that they need, and senio rvolunteers will have the chance to learn new skills, utilize the skills they have and become involved in activities that will benefit the local community”. Other RSVP benefits to the volunteer include volunteer recognition, supplemental automobile and personal liability insurance, and meal and mileage reimbursement while serving.

If you are a local agency looking for volunteers or if you are 55 years and older and are interested in volunteering, consider becoming involved with RSVP. There is no fee to join.

For additional information, call or email:

Mavis Jones, Kent County 410-708-6610/ [email protected]

Doris Mason, Talbot County 410 829-3463/ [email protected]

Paula Dixon, Caroline County 410 725-4275 / [email protected]

Visit Kent County RSVP Facebook at www.facebook.com/RSVPKentCountyMD/

Website coming soon!

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Senior Nation: Home Instead Senior Care & Upper Shore Aging Start Joint Fundraising Effort

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Today, representatives for Home Instead Senior Care and Upper Shore Aging announced a joint fundraising effort aimed at helping area seniors get around town better and make those important medical and social appointments that help them stay active and healthy.

Representatives say they hope to raise $5000.00 in this unique, one of a kind matching grant program that focuses on seniors. Speaking for Upper Shore Aging, Childlene Brooks said, “We’re so excited to be able to work with Home Instead Senior Care Foundation to bring awareness and financial gifts to those who need it in our community. We know folks here in Talbot County are among the most generous in Maryland so we’re crossing our fingers that they’ll give Home Instead Senior Care a lot to match!”

“This is the second year we’ve promoted the GIVE65 program here on the Eastern Shore and what we really love about this program is that it encourages all of us to play an active role in the lives of our senior citizens and help those who need a little extra assistance without having to bother government to do it for us.” said Jenna Marchi, who along with her husband Ben Marchi, have owned the local Home Instead Senior Care office in Easton for the past 8 years.

Positive Impact on Seniors

Currently, about 25 seniors receive a monthly bus pass but Upper Shore Aging says that they are constantly receiving calls from their partner agencies and other individuals asking about availability and unfortunately, resources can be limited. With Upper Shore Aging opening a satellite location in St. Michaels, Brooks expects an uptick in the number of requests in the future and says these concerns highlight the importance of the GIVE65 fundraising event.

How GIVE65 works

The campaign is titled “Give65” as the fundraiser runs for a straight 65-hour period. Starting on July 1, you may schedule your donation at www.give65.org/uppershoreaging for the 65-hour period (that runs from 7AM July 10 to Midnight on July 12), and it will be matched. Only funds contributed between July 1st and July 12th will be counted toward the matching grant.

The Give65 Campaign is a fundraising campaign by Home Instead Senior Care Foundation. The Foundation is affiliated with Home Instead Senior Care – an international senior care company with a local office in Easton. The Give65 Campaign is a crowd-sourcing platform similar to the well-known Kickstarter, and it’s the first and only crowd-sourcing platform in the nation for senior resources and needs. The goal of the Upper Shore Aging, Inc,’s Give65 Campaign is to raise a total of $5,000 (All funds will be matched by the Home Instead Foundation). The funds from Give65 will be donated to Upper Shore Aging, Inc. to go toward funding the bus pass program for senior citizens in Talbot County.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Local Agencies Collaborate to Offer Financial, Legal, Healthcare, and Estate Planning Services

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A new workshop called “Suddenly Solo? What Next?” is designed to help individuals answer the question, “What would you do if you found yourself in charge of finances because your spouse suddenly passed away or became disabled?” This workshop is the collaboration of several local agencies and individuals whose desire is to help individuals or couples with the process of household finances, legal documents, and healthcare planning, either following the death or disability of a spouse or as part of the overall planning process. The workshop is free of charge and open to the public and will be held Wednesday, November 15, 3-5 p.m. at Brookletts Place, Talbot County Senior Center, 400 Brookletts Avenue in Easton.

Photo: The Suddenly Solo planning committee includes (l-r) Talbot Hospice Director of Marketing & Communications Caron James, Talbot County Register of Wills Patti Campen, Brookletts Place, Talbot County Senior Center Program Director Teresa Greene and Executive Director Childlene Brooks, Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Sandy Brown and local estate planning attorney Sharon Ritter Beall. Not pictured, Glenn Fleureton of Fleureton Financial Solutions.

The idea came from local attorney Sharon J. Ritter-Beall whose work assisting clients with their estate planning led her to understand the need for these types of services in Talbot County. “In many families, for example, the husband handles all the finances,” said Ritter-Beall. “If the husband dies suddenly or becomes disabled, the wife is often at a loss as to what assets there are and how to pay bills. We want to help individuals who may currently be in this situation, but we also want to be proactive and help individuals and couples prepare in advance so they don’t end up being at a loss.”

Agencies and individuals involved with planning the service include Childlene Brooks and Teresa Greene of Brookletts Place, Talbot County Senior Center, Sandy Brown of Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Patty Campen of Talbot County Register of Wills, Glenn Fleureton of Fleureton Financial Solutions, and Caron James of Talbot Hospice. Other agencies participating in the workshop include the Social Security Administration, the Veterans Administration, the Talbot County Department of Social Services, and the Maryland State Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

Participants at the workshop will be able to go from station to station to get help with understanding finances, Medicare, long-term care, legal documents, the state health insurance program, and more.

To register for the workshop, call Brookletts Place Talbot County Senior Center at 410-822-2869 or email [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Upper Shore Aging Joins Pioneering Fundraising Effort

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Everyday, 10,000 people in the United States celebrate their 65th birthday. Many of these seniors across the country are in need of programs that provide meals and proper nutrition education that enhances their quality of life. However, despite the increased need for support, only two percent of funding from the nation’s largest grant makers is specifically focused on seniors.

That’s why Upper Shore Aging is partnering with GIVE65 to help seniors in Talbot County. GIVE65, a program of the Home Instead Senior Care Foundation, is the nation’s first and only crowd-fundraising platform focused exclusively on helping nonprofit organizations raise funds for programs and services benefiting seniors.

The funds from Give65 will be donated to Upper Shore Aging, Inc. to go toward their partnership with the St. Michaels Family YMCA, to fund congregate meals at the new “St. Michaels Senior Center”.

The seniors who participate in the meals program receive a nutritious and balanced meal, but also benefit from the opportunity to socialize with other seniors. Nutrition education is provided to encourage healthy eating and healthy lifestyles.

“Most people don’t realize how many seniors need assistance with proper nutrition,” said Childlene Brooks with Upper Shore Aging. “With GIVE65, we get to raise awareness of this issue in the hopes of engaging our community so we may ease the burdens that many seniors face at a time when they should be enjoying life to the fullest. These important financial gifts will help feed seniors in Talbot County and we’re pleased to partner with the Talbot YMCA and Home Instead Senior Care Foundation to help make that happen.”

Beginning July 11th, anyone who wants to support Upper Shore Aging’s mission, can visit GIVE65.org to learn more about the organization and make a secure, online donation. “Our Goal is $10,000!” says Brooks, “The first $5,000 in donations will be matched dollar for dollar! We also have the chance to receive an additional financial award of $10,000 based on how much we raise and how many individual donations are given” she continued. Donations ($10 minimum) are accepted starting at 7 a.m. July 11 until midnight, July 13 (CDT). Donors can also preschedule their donation July 1-10.

“Every gift makes a difference. From $10 to $1,000. And, the best part is, these funds will help at the local, grassroots level,” said Roger H. Baumgart, executive director of the Home Instead Senior Care Foundation. “We are pleased to partner with Upper Shore Aging, as they are an outstanding example of the efforts being done to make a positive difference for the safety, well-being and independence of seniors. Especially seniors most in need of our help and support.”

Upper Shore Aging was urged to apply for the grant by local Home Instead Senior Care franchise owners, Benjamin & Jenna Marchi. The Marchis say they were inspired to encourage Upper Shore Aging’s successful grant application after seeing firsthand, the joy and satisfaction that the congregant meals program brings to seniors in Talbot County. “These seniors have given us a great community to live in. Its only right that we give back to them when they need it most. We know that folks in Talbot County are very generous and we hope they’ll see the merit in this effort and ultimately participate!” says Jenna Marchi

To support Upper Shore Aging or learn more about GIVE65, visit GIVE65.org. All donations are 100% tax deductible in the United States.

For more information about Upper Shore Aging’s effort, visit www.give65.com/uppershoreaging or call 410-822-2869.

ABOUT GIVE65
Home Instead Senior Care Foundation is proud to present GIVE65 – the first crowd-fundraising platform exclusively devoted to helping nonprofits raise funds online for programs and services that create hope for seniors. At GIVE65.org, selected nonprofit organizations across North America are invited to showcase projects and social service programs helping community members age 65 and better. Those who have a desire to help less fortunate, vulnerable seniors can visit GIVE65.org to share a secure, online donation in support of the featured nonprofit they choose. By combining technology and generosity, GIVE65 inspires greater charitable giving in support of seniors and those who care for them. Visit www.GIVE65.org to learn more.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE FOUNDATION
Since its founding in 2003, Home Instead Senior Care Foundation has been helping less fortunate and vulnerable aging adults. The Foundation has invested nearly $2 million in nonprofit organizations serving seniors throughout the United States and Canada. The mission of the Foundation is to enhance the lives of aging adults and those who care for them. This mission is made possible, in part, thanks to Home Instead, Inc. as well as generous sponsors and donations from the general public. To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.homeinsteadseniorcarefoundation.org.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, by Lori and Paul Hogan, the Home Instead Senior Care® network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, this network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,000 independently owned and operated franchises that are estimated to annually provide more than 50 million hours of care throughout the United States and 14 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 65,000 CAREGiversSM worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Instead Senior Care network strives to partner with each client and his or her family members to help meet that individual’s needs. Services span the care continuum from providing companionship and personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources. At Home Instead Senior Care, it’s relationship before task, while striving to provide superior quality service.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Senior Citizen Speaker Series for 2016-17

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Talbot County Commission on the Aging in partnership with Chesapeake College to sponsor series of speaking engagements for senior citizens and their families.

The series, entitled Plan Well, Live Well, began on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 and will continue through April 2017, highlighting a different topic and speaker each month.

The September sessions, entitled Paying for Care Including Insurance, will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton; and on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12095 Blades Road, Cordova. Speakers for these sessions include Tonya Pritchett, Medical Assistance Case Manager for Talbot County Department of Social Services and Patricia Dorn, Outreach Staffer III for the Maryland Insurance Administration Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit.

The October sessions, entitled Talbot Village Connections, will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Senior Center/ Brookletts Place, 400 Brookletts Avenue, Easton; and on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church, 201 Railroad Avenue, St. Michaels.

Future topics include: Medication Management and Mental Health for Seniors; Family Caregivers and Dementia; Senior Exploitation; and End of Life Planning. The dates, times and locations for the additional sessions will be announced as the series moves forward.   Each topic will have multiple sessions approximately an hour long, with one session each month being recorded for future distribution via DVD.

For more information, please contact Childlene Brooks, Manager, Brookletts Place/ Talbot County Senior Center, at 410-822-2869.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Senior Citizen Speaker Series 2016-2017

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senior citizenTalbot County Commission on the Aging in partnership with Chesapeake College to sponsor series of speaking engagements for senior citizens and their families.

The series, entitled Plan Well, Live Well, began on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 and will continue through April 2017, highlighting a different topic and speaker each month.

The August sessions, entitled Continuum of Care for Seniors, will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton; and on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Oxford Community Center, 200 Oxford Road, Oxford.

The speakers for this session include Debbe Fairbank, Adult Services Supervisor for Talbot County Department of Social Services; William Roth, Regional Director- Care Transitions for the University of MD Shore Regional Health; and Amy Moore, Social Worker for Integrace Bayleigh Chase Assisted Living.

The September sessions, entitled Paying for Care Including Insurance, will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton; and on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12095 Blades Road, Cordova.

The October sessions, entitled Talbot Village Connections, will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton; and on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church, 201 Railroad Avenue, St. Michaels.

Future topics include: Medication Management; Mental Health for Seniors; Family Caregivers and Dementia; Senior Exploitation; and End of Life Planning. The dates, times and locations for the additional sessions will be announced as the series moves forward.   Each topic will have multiple sessions approximately an hour long, with one session each month being recorded for future distribution via DVD.

For more information, please contact Childlene Brooks, Manager, Talbot County Senior Center, at 410-822-2869.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

1st Annual Golf Tournament by Upper Shore Aging, Inc.

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golf tournament1st Annual Golf Tournament
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Hog Neck Golf Course
Rt. 50 – Easton, MD

Registration Details
8:00a.m. – registration
9:30a.m. – tee off
Please register in advance to secure your spot. Contact Deb Cavalier at 410-822-2869 or email [email protected].

Golf Packages:
$575 – Eagle – 4 players and Hole Sign
$500 – Four-Man Team
$125 – Individual Golfer
Sponsor Package:
$1,000 – Event Sponsor
$250 – Hole Sponsor
Improve Your Score:
$20 – Two mulligans and option to hit from a forward tee box at designated hole

– Four man scramble
– 18 holes of golf with cart
– Box lunch and beverages
– Goodie bags
– Free range balls
– 19th hole celebration lite fare provided

Prizes:
1st place gross and net
Closes to the pin
Longest drive
50/50 Raffle

Proceeds from the event to benefit Upper Shore Aging, Inc. Maryland Access Point Program serving older adults, caregivers and individuals with disabilities

Upper Shore Aging, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) agency dedicated to serving the needs of individuals to our community.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Senior Citizen Speaker Series 2016-2017

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brookletts placeThe Talbot County Commission on Aging is sponsoring a series of speaking engagements for senior citizens and their families.

The series, entitled Plan Well, Live Well, will begin on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 and continue through April 2017, highlighting a different topic and speaker each month.

The July 2016 sessions are entitled “Signs to Look for in an Aging Parent” and will feature panelists Kate Stinton, Nurse Supervisor for Family Services, Talbot County Health Department; Mary Sellers, LCSW-C, Talbot County Health Department; and Jane Anthony, Retired Social Worker, Queen Anne’s County Department of Aging.

Dates, times and locations of the sessions through the remainder of 2016 are as follows:

The first session will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton; the second session will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church, 301 S. Talbot Street, St. Michaels.

The August sessions, entitled Continuum of Care for Seniors, will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton; and on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Oxford Community Center, 200 Oxford Road, Oxford.

The September sessions, entitled Paying for Care Including Insurance, will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton; and on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12095 Blades Road, Cordova.

The October sessions, entitled Talbot Village Connections, will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton; and on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church, 201 Railroad Avenue, St. Michaels.

The November sessions, entitled Mental Health for Seniors, will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton; and on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Scott’s United Methodist Church, 3748 Main Street, Trappe.

Topics for 2017 include:  January – Family Caregivers and Dementia; March – Senior Exploitation; and April – End of Life Planning. The dates, times and locations of sessions for the 2017 sessions will be announced as the series moves forward.   Each topic will have two sessions approximately an hour long, with one session each month, except July, recorded by MCTV for future distribution via DVD.

For more information, please contact Childlene Brooks, Manager, Talbot County Senior Center, at 410-822-2869.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Wine & Cheese on the Miles!

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wine cheeseWhat could be finer than enjoying wine and cheese at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Van Lennep Auditorium and deck? Come out and join us for wine, cheese and great company with our local friends who will be sharing a bit of St. Michael’s history. We are honored to have Johnny Mautz who will assist with the introductions and opening remarks. Hear the local lore, Pam O’Brien, whose family dates back to the 1600’s will entertain you with her witty humor and enthusiasm along with photos of the town from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s.

The racing of log canoes emerged in the mid-1840’s from working boats dashing from oyster beds to market in efforts to obtain the best price for their goods. By the early 20th century, log canoes were built to race. The “Magic” was built in 1894 in the town of St. Michaels and has been owned by the Wilson family since 1923. Our guest speakers, fourth generation skipper, Jonathan Clarke and second generation skipper, George Wilson Jr. will speak about the log canoe sailing tradition.

Tickets: $45.00 (Tickets are tax deductible)
Proceeds benefit Upper Shore Aging, Inc. Maryland Access Point program (MAP) providing long term support and services to older adults, caregivers and individuals with disabilities.

Thursday, June 23, 2016, 4-6p.m.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Van Lennep Auditorium
213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21601
To register contact: Deb Cavalier at 410-822-2869 ext. 225 or Cell 443-480-1914
Pay by cash or check to Upper Shore Aging, Inc. (MAP)
Mail to Brookletts Place, Talbot County Senior Center
400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, MD 21601
RSVP by June 21, 2016

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors: Talbot County Senior Center, Wishing Well Liquors, Comcast Spotlight, Sinfuls, Foxy’s Harbor Grill and Check Yourself. If you would like to support our efforts, please call Deb. Upper Shore Aging Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Volunteers Sought as Advocates for the Elderly

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Upper Shore Aging, Inc., is accepting applications for volunteers to serve as Ombudsmen. The word ombudsman (om-budz-man) is from Sweden. In the United States, it has come to mean “advocate.” The Ombudsman Program is authorized by the Older Americans Act and Maryland law.

The overall goal of the Ombudsman Program is to assure residents receive quality care, and that they maintain their dignity, legal rights, and control of their lives.

Ombudsmen act as advocates for residents, regularly visiting assigned nursing homes and assisted living facilities and speak with residents about their experiences and satisfaction with care and services. Ombudsmen investigate complaints, assist in resolving resident concerns, and educate residents and facility staff about the Ombudsman Program and residents’ rights. Guidance and support are available from full-time staff.

It is estimated that 70 % of those living beyond age 65 will need long-term care services. Much of that need is and will be provided by nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Concerns addressed by Volunteer Ombudsmen include:
*Residents’ Rights
*Quality of Care
*Involuntary Discharges
*Privacy
*Food Quality

A one-year commitment of at least 8 hours a month is requested. Volunteers Ombudsman receive at least 20 hours of training to educate them about the long-term care system, residents’ rights, communicating with older adults, and complaint investigations. Continuing education is provided through-out the year.

No experience is required. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and physically and emotionally able to assume the duties of the position, must respect and care about the rights and welfare of older adults, and be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Background checks are required as well as signed confidentiality statements. Conflicts of interest are not permitted. A valid MD driver’s license is also required.

For information, call Patrick Carney, Upper Shore Aging Program Manager, at 410-778-1182.

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