County Senior Living Expo back at Harrah’s May 5
CHESTER >> Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) host the Senior Living Expo at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, May 5. The theme for the expo this year is “Celebrate Age — Let the Fiesta Begin” and guests are welcomed and encouraged to follow the theme.
Vendors at the expo include home care agencies, physical therapists, nursing homes and life care communities, insurance carriers, government agencies, hospitals, and health care systems. The Delaware County Senior Games booth features Wii Bowling and interested Delaware County seniors age 50 and older may sign up for the 2017 Senior Games to be held from June 12-23.
Throughout the day, there are raffles donated by the vendors and sponsors. Free blood pressure and other screenings are provided. Pharmacists from PerformRX are available to discuss medications and interactions. The Delaware County Office of the District Attorney has a medication drop box available to dispose of any unused prescription medication. There DJ entertainment and photo booths to put guests in a fiesta mood. Local senior centers demonstrate or display a few of their activities and programs.
For information about the expo, contact Barbara Nicolardi at 610-490-1524.
The Senior Living Expo is one of the county’s annual Older Americans Month celebrations, which also includes the Centenarian Luncheon which will be held on May 17, 2017 at the Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center. Delaware County residents turning 100 or older in 2017 are invited to attend. For information on the Centenarian Luncheon, contact Debbie Hedgepeth at 610-872-1686.
Seniors night at Haverford MS
HAVERFORD >> Haverford Middle School, 1701 Darby Road, Havertown, hosts the community’s senior citizens for an evening of food, dancing and socializing from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 5. The Administration on Aging (AoA), part of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), has announced that “Age Out Loud” is the theme of Older Americans Month in 2017. The theme for the May observance is intended to give aging a new voice, one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say about aging.
Senior Citizens throughout the Haverford Township are invited to the middle school gym for the event. Students and teachers will be in attendance.
Register for Mother’s Day brunch
HAVERFORD >> Friends of the Grange (FOG) hosts a “day before” Mother’s Day Brunch and Tea from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Historic Grange Estate mansion, 143 Myrtle Ave., Havertown. Seating is limited to 40. Cost of $30 per person includes tours of the mansion.
Brunch includes tea sandwiches, scones and petit-fours by Le Petit Chef, fruit salad, quiche, other desserts, coffee, tea and Mimosas.
Reservations must be made by May 1. Checks can be made out to FOG and mailed to the Grange, or call the office to register at 610-446-4958.
Get insects info May 8
MEDIA >> Delaware County Institute of Science: 11 Veterans Square, Media hosts a free lecture with Dina Richman, Ph.D., 7:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, May 8. Richman’s topic “Urban Entomology: A Career in Industry” and covers options in the study of insects.
Have fun, help Franciscan sisters
ASTON >> The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia hold their second annual Franciscan Night from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Our Lady of Angels Convent, 609 S. Convent Road. The event features fun, food, games of chance, and raffle baskets. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Parking for the event is across the street from the convent.
Ticket cost of $100 includes food, wine and beer, and $50 in chips. Food is provided Caffe Gelato of Newark, Del. Raffle baskets include items ranging from personal care and relaxation, to food and drinks, to dog items.
A handicap entrance is available. Proceeds from the event support the sisters’ retirement. Today approximately 425 Sisters of St. Francis serve in 17 states and in Ireland and African nations. Their ministries include education at all levels; healthcare; pastoral care; service to elderly persons, immigrants, and refugees; care of those who are homeless, poor, or living with HIV/AIDS; and prayer and spiritual ministries.
For information on the event and sponsorship opportunities, call 610-5586143 or visit the “Foundation Events” page under “Support our Mission” at www. osfphila.org
Get ‘sheltered workshops’ updates
NEWTOWN >> Families and caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities are invited to attend an important information session at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, on preserving “sheltered workshops” and day programs as an option in light of new regulations regarding waiver funding for services. The meeting is held at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square, in the social room below the church.
The free meeting includes a small panel of experts and advocates who provide families with an update on the waiver regulations at both the federal and state levels, and how they impact their sons, daughters and family members who choose a workshop setting for a safe, meaningful day.
In Delaware County, more than 800 adults with intellectual disabilities attend day programs and workshops. Parents who have sons and daughters attending workshops including Elwyn’s Bridgewater and Lansdowne programs, the Divine Providence workshop, Handi-crafters and Melmark have organized the meeting to help people understand the complex changes ahead. The forum is open to family members of clients at those programs, or any program that is impacted by the new waiver regulations.
Pennsylvania has been weighing new federal regulations that promote inclusion of workers with disabilities in competitive employment. The state considered eliminating workshops and adult training facilities by January 2018. However, in March, after hearing from thousands of upset, angry families, the state Department of Human Services reconsidered and revised the guidelines. These will be addressed at the meeting. The process is not over.
“We want individuals to make a choice that best meets their needs and we don’t want options taken away from them. It’s wonderful that more individuals with disabilities are finding employment in the community, but other individuals need and want a workshop for a safe, meaningful day that offers them peer interaction, self-esteem from a job well done, and a routine they can depend on,” said advocate Trish Cofiell. “It’s about person-centered planning and choice.”
There are 465 workshops and occupational training centers in Pennsylvania. While the state has amended its plan, it’s important for families to be informed and to be proactive. The forum is also open to support staff in the field, and families who have students transitioning from high school and might want to consider a workshop option.
The panel includes attorney/advocate Ted Schwartz, who will update families on developments in the state of Pennsylvania regarding the federal/state waiver regulations, and attorney/advocate Dennis McAndrews, who will present information on drafting an ISP that reflects a person’s preferences, including a safe, meaningful workshop setting, some type of employment in the community, or a combination of both.
To gauge seating and handout material, guests are asked to RSVP to familiesforworkshopchoice@gmail.com. People can also email their questions in advance.
To submit community news, email Colin Ainsworth at delcocommunity@21stcenturymedia.com.