October - November 2002 Edition 

Senior Center Happenings    By Karin Hodos, Assistant Director at Fair Lawn Senior Center   EVENING OUT WITH THE SENIOR CENTER:   See "Tovah Feldshuh: Still Out of Her Mind" at NJ Performing Arts Center with the Fair Lawn Senior Center. A trip is planned for Saturday, November 16th, 2002 departing at 6 pm for the Senior Parking Lot (opposite the Municipal bldg). This one-woman powerhouse has earned raves for her work on Broadway (Sarava) and off-Broadway (Tallulah Hallelujah), on television (Holocaust, Law and Order, The Education of Max Bickford) and the big screen (A Walk on the Moon, the recent Kissing Jessica Stein ), but only the cabaret setting allows her to display the full range of her talents. With her acclaimed one-woman shows, Feldshuh combines her first-class Broadway voice with her staggering acting and comedic talents. The trip is $45 per person; money due November 1st, 2002. Please be aware that this is a Saturday evening performance and no meals are included.   LUNCH & LEARN AT THE SENIOR CENTER The Fair Lawn Senior Center will present new "Lunch & Learn Lectures" on select Thursdays. These programs are free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served. However, if you would like lunch before/after the presentations, you must make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. The suggested donation is $1.25 per person. For more information, please call the Senior Center, located on the corner of 11th Street and Gardiner Road, at 201-796-1191.   SENIOR FINANCIAL PRESERVATION WORKSHOP Keep More of What You Worked Hard For! A workshop sponsored by the National Senior Advisory Council (NSAC), a division of the Department of Banking & Insurance, will be here Thursday, November 7, 2002 at 11:00 am. If you are 55 or over, you can't afford to miss this FREE seminar! A little knowledge goes a long way for today's seniors. Did you know that there are federal laws which allow you to avoid costly out of pocket expenses for taxes, Probate and nursing home care! Did you know that the government would not tell you that you are eligible for these benefits? Well, you should know now! And we will make sure that you do! Take advantage of this FREE opportunity to obtain this crucial information. This may be the most important seminar you will ever attend! The information is FREE and OPEN to the public and light refreshments will be served. Call the Center at (201) 796-1191 for more information.   SENIORS DESERVE GEM Bergen Regional Medical Center's Maureen Stein, MSW will speak at the Center on their Geriatric Evaluation and Management program (GEM), a special healthcare program for older adults. Geriatric medicine is the specialized body of knowledge to help older people function their best, despite chronic illnesses or condition. GEM is a team of health professionals who are dedicated to helping older persons and their families. The GEM team is available to consult for a particular problem or to provide ongoing medical care. Ms. Stein will speak on Thursday, October 3, 2002 at 11:00 am.   SENIORS TAKE CONTROL OF ARTHRITIS Did you know that in New Jersey, one in seven residents and one in three families are affected by Arthritis? A representative of the Arthritis Foundation will be at the Center on Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 11:00 am to discuss "The Facts about Arthritis." Facts will dispel any myths throughout the discussion, which will also include education, awareness, signs, types, management, treatments, medication, exercise, services and support groups. By the year 2020, Arthritis prevalence is projected to increase 60 percent, impacting 20 percent of the state's population. Get the facts about Arthritis at the Senior Center!   SENIORS - NOW HEAR THIS!  We are all looking forward to the next lecture topic, "Now Hear This!" on Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 1:30 pm. Audiologist David Barclay will present a informational seminar on hearing loss. There is no cost or obligation to attend. In an attempt to educate the community, Mr. Barclay will focus on the serious effects of hearing impairment and why your friends and loved ones may be complaining about it. In addition, causes and types of hearing loss will be taught and how modern technologies achieve amazing results. As a special bonus, if you sign up ahead for this lecture only, our presenter will pay for your lunch!!   PEDESTRIAN SAFETY FOR SENIORS The Bergen County Office of Highway Safety received a grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety to fund the production of a video and corresponding teaching guide. The program was a cooperative effort between the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association, the Bergen County Police Traffic Officers Association and Hackensack University Medical Center's Trauma Services Unit.  In conjunction with our local police department, we will present "Autumn," a docudrama devoted to senior pedestrian safety on Thursday, October 17, 2002 at 11:00 am. FLPD Officer Tim Franco will discuss the story about two couples who have been friends since childhood and the events that impact that friendship, as well as the impact of pedestrian safety in the adult community.   COPING ISSUES DISCUSSED The Senior Center will present a free workshop entitled, "Coping with a Loved One's Illness" on Thursday, October 24, 2002 at 11:00 am. A social worker from CancerCare in Ridgewood will discuss normal reactions to a loved one's illness, how to cope with the illness and the stress it places on those close to the person with the illness. It will include a discussion of communicating with the person as well as suggestions on how to cope more effectively. This workshop had been postponed from August.   VEIN DISEASE DISCUSSED Many people think that varicose veins and spider veins are the only symptoms of vein disease. Beginning signs of vein disease can also be detected by achy, itchy, heavy or cramping legs, as well as dilated veins, skin discoloration, swelling or ulcers around the ankles. "Vein Disease," a lecture to discuss this topic in-depth is intended for Thursday, October 24th, 2002 at 1:00 pm. Vein disease is a serious ailment that will likely get worse if left untreated. Spend a few moments with a vascular expert discussing concerns and possible treatment options for one's needs, including the latest minimally invasive treatments.