THE COMMUNICATOR

W ya n d o t te/ L ea v en w o r th Ar e a Ag en c y on Ag in g
V o l um e 1 8 - I s s ue 4
T H E C O M M U N I C A TO R
J ul y - A ug us t
2010
60 Plus?...Call on Us!
ENJOY THE SUNSHINE BUT KEEP YOUR COOL
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Senior Advocacy/
Legislative Wrap-up
2
Seniors Enjoy Working
Out/AAA Receives Grant
3
A note from Senator
David Haley
4
Older American’s MonthIt's A Cabaret!
5
Mill Levy Programs
Drawing/Puzzle/Did
You Know?
When the temperature rises, we should take certain precautions to ward off heatrelated illness. Babies, children, pregnant women and the elderly are more prone to
overheating than others. Don't forget that the human race lived for many, many years
without air conditioning. Within the limits of your particular health situation, your body
can alter to the summer increase in temperature. Just become accustomed to the
fact that you may have to alter your activities and schedule to “beat the heat”. Here
are some simple ways to stay cool.
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Drink plenty of water and clear beverages to keep hydrated.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes.
Close your blinds and curtains during the day to block the sun.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or
snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products.
Wet several wash cloths and place them on your forehead and chest and sit in
front of a fan.
If you experience symptoms of heat stroke or dehydration, call emergency personnel
and seek professional assistance.
Channel 9 has provided
free fans to low-income
families across the Kansas
City metro area for more
than 10 years. Families
with medical problems or
families with young children
are given priority status.
AGING FUNDED PROGRAMS
• Demand Response Transportation
913-573-8308 (traveling within
the Wyandotte County limits only)
• Hearing Aid Program
Providence Medical Center
913-596-5143
• Vision Screenings
Visiting Nurse Association
816-627-6484
• Legal Services
Kansas Legal Services
913-621-0200
DISFRUTE DEL SOL PERO MANTENGASE FRESCO
Cuando la temperatura sube, debemos tomar ciertas precauciones para rechazar enfermedades relacionadas con el calor. Los bebés, los niños, las mujeres embarazadas
y los ancianos son más propensos a recalentarse que otros. No se olvide que la raza
humana vivió muchos, muchos años sin el aire acondicionado. Dentro de los límites de
su situación particular de salud, su cuerpo puede ajustarse al aumento de temperatura en el verano. Acostumbrese al hecho de que usted tiene que alterar sus actividades y horario “para combatir el calor”. Aquí están algunas maneras simples de mantenerse fresco.
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Tome mucha agua y líquidos claros para mantenerse hidratado.
Vistase con ropas livianas y sueltas
Cierre sus persianas y cortinas durante el día para bloquear el sol.
Evite la cafeína y el alcohol pues éstos promueven la deshidratación.
En vez de alimentos calientes, sirva pequeños comidas o bocados frecuentes
que contengan frutas frías o productos lácteos con poca grasa.
Moje varios paños y coloqúelos en su frente y pecho y siéntese delante de un
ventilador.
Si usted experimenta síntomas de acaloramiento o de deshidratación por el calor,
inmediatamente busque ayuda médica de emergencia.
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S E NIO R A DVO C A C Y
V o l um e 1 8 - I s s ue 4
LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP
At approximately 3:00AM on May 11, 2010, the Kansas House of Representatives passed the tax legislation
necessary to fund the state budget for next year. Later that day the Kansas Legislature completed their work for
this year. Below are some highlights of the 2010 session that impact Kansas' aging population.
 Senior Care Act was funded by the Governor's recommendation at roughly $6.3 million, which was a
$315,484 reduction for FY 2011.
 Nutrition programs will be funded at the FY 2010 level plus $110,000 added by Rep. Niles Dillmore
(Wichita).
 A new telehealth program will be established for those on the Medicaid waiver for the frail elderly. The program is funded at $1.1 million for roughly 500 individuals. The program is required to be a statewide program with 100 spots for each congressional district. If not used in one area it can be used elsewhere.
 The 10% Medicaid cuts on rates paid to medical and community programs are restored in FY 2011.
Thank you for all of your advocacy efforts throughout the legislative session this year. I ask that you keep senior
issues in the minds of candidates as they run for office this year.
Information provided by: Craig Kaberline, Executive Director, Kansas Area Agencies on Aging Association (K4A)
KANSAS BECOMES SMOKE FREE
On July 1, 2010 the Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act
will take effect. Kansas workplaces, bars and
restaurants will become smoke-free.
TAX INCREASE SAVES AGING
SERVICES FROM MORE CUTS
The state legislature approved an increase in sales tax
from 5.3 percent to 6.3 percent. Governor Mark Parkinson
signed the measure marking Kansas' first general tax increase since 2002. Starting in July, shoppers in Kansas will
be paying an extra penny for every $1 spent on groceries
and other items through July 2013. Although no one likes
tax increases, this move by the legislature prevents any
further cuts in state aging services including meals and inhome care for older adults. With the current economic
situation, this measure will keep seniors from entering a
nursing home prematurely and help support them at home
in a safe and independent environment.
Appreciation is extended to the following who have
contributed toward the cost of this newsletter.
Names are listed in alphabetical order.
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Marlene Babcock

Mr. & Mrs. Beasley

Madelyn Fotovich

Alice Hampton
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Paul Johnson
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Mary Kent

Mary King-Kerns
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Ida Pryor
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Elaine Ward
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Rosalyn Welch
A friendly reminder; to offset the cost of this publication, donations to the newsletter are always welcome.
H E A LT H Y A G I N G
Page 3
V o l um e 1 8 - I s s ue 4
SENIORS GET A WORK O UT
Seniors at Vernon Center are having
a great time exercising two days a
week. The exercise routine builds
physical strength of major muscle
groups (legs, arms) and improves
endurance. Their personal trainer
encourages them to
drink plenty of water,
maintain a balanced diet
and get plenty of rest.
The group meets twice a
week – Tuesdays and
Thursdays at 10:00 am.
The participants range in
age from 42 to 89 years
old. If you are looking to
increase your daily physical activity and like to
have fun, join them at
the Vernon Center!
SAVE THE DATE
A “Senior’s Luau” will be the theme for the 12th
Annual Multi-Cultural Festival, a program that celebrates the diversity of our nation and community.
September 16, 2010
Jack Reardon Center
9:00am - 1:30pm
Exhibits
Entertainment
Health Screenings
Catered Lunch
Admission: $6.00, includes lunch!
Registration begins at 8:30 AM
WY/LV AREA AGENCY ON AGING
RECEIVES GRANT FROM
HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION OF
GREATER KANSAS CITY
The Wyandotte/Leavenworth
Area Agency on Aging has
been approved for a
$40,738 grant from the
HealthCare Foundation of
Greater Kansas City.
The funds will be used to
support the SeniorFit Education & Wellness Program.
The SeniorFit Program is designed to promote healthy
lifestyles for older adults that will aid in the prevention
and management of chronic diseases such as high
blood pressure and diabetes.
The program will include personal trainers focusing on
exercise and strength training; health screenings provided by a RN to monitor symptoms and help identify
health concerns; and nutrition education by a registered dietitian to assist with meal planning and healthy
food choices.
Scholarships for the Kansas City Kansas Community
College Wellness Center will also be awarded.
Page 4
SENIOR NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
V o l um e 1 8 - I s s ue
F R O M T H E D E S K O F S E N A T O R D AV I D H A L E Y
From the Desk of Senator David Haley:
I am so disappointed that we missed
seeing one another at the Older American’s Month Celebration this year,
which you may recall I normally attend.
With perhaps, the exception of taking
my bath in the Dunk Tank (which was
NOT a part of the festivities this year I
understand), I always enjoy our opportunity to share and to plan!
As a member of the Kansas Senate
and as a member of the State's Advisory Commission on Aging, it is my particular challenge to continue to understand
and to respond appropriately to meeting the needs of our
Area Agency on Aging. In these particularly troubling economic times, I am proud to report that the Kansas Legislature did find a way to plug a $315 million plus shortfall. This
should ensure, at least for this year, that the Meals on
Wheels, Medicare matches and In-Home services remain in
place. Last year, as recipient of the Silver Haired Legislature’s Legislator of the Year for my “Silver Alert” law’s passage, I was pleased to see too the Lifeline basic phone service availability become a reality as well. Quality of life for all
our neighbors is crucial to me and a basis for my wanting to
serve in public office. Please be assured that we are partners in finding common sense solutions to dignified and
healthier lives for us all.
Del escritorio del senador David Haley:
Estoy decepcionado que no nos vimos durante la celebración
del Mes de las Personas Mayores este año, que usted puede
recordarse yo atiendo normalmente; quizás, con la excepción
de bañarme en el tanque de la clavada (que entiendo no era
parte de las festividades este año) ¡Disfruto siempre de nuestra
oportunidad de compartir y de planear!
Como miembro del senado de Kansas y como miembro de la
Comisión Estatal Consultiva en el Envejecimiento, es mi desafío
continuar entendiendo y respondiendo apropiadamente cubriendo las necesidades de nuestra Agencia para los Servicios
a las Personas Mayores. En estas épocas económicas y muy
preocupantes, estoy orgulloso de informarles que la legislatura
de Kansas encontró una manera de cubrir el déficit de más de
$315 millones. Esto asegura que siga habiendo el programa
de HCBS para la ayuda para el cuidado en el hogar, las comidas sobre ruedas (Meals on Wheels) y el Seguro de salud, para
nombrar a algunos servicios, se mantengan disponibles y no
pierdan mucho apoyo… por lo menos por este año. El año
pasado, como recipiente del premio Legislador del Año de la
Legislatura Gris por el paso de mi ley “Alerta de Plata”, estuve
satisfecho de ver que la disponibilidad del servicio básico de
teléfono de la cuerda se convirtió en realidad también. La calidad de vida para todos nuestros vecinos es muy importante
para mí y es una base para mi deseo de servir en cargo
público. Esten confiados que somos socios en encontrar
soluciones de sentido común para que todos vivamos vidas
mas sanas y dignificadas.
Page 5
ALL ABOUT AGING
V o l um e 1 8 - I s s ue 4
OLDER AMERICANS MONTH CELEBRATION A SUCCESS!
The Older American’s
Month Celebration
themed, “It’s A Cabaret”
included dancing, food,
entertainment, games and
health screenings.
An estimated 250 - 300
seniors were in
attendance.
A THANK YOU TO THE S PONSORS
A special “Thank You” is given to the following companies for sponsorship of the Older American’s
Month Celebration. You made this event a memorable one.
7th Street Casino
Access Medical
Adult Health Services
All Services Home Health Care
Always There Senior Care of KC
American Heartland Theater
Assisted Health Services
Best Choice Home Health
Blessed Trinity Home Health
Bonner Springs Nursing & Rehab.
Care Alternatives
Caring Hearts
Catholic Community Hospice & InHome Support
 Cedar Lake Village
 Cremation Center of Kansas City
 Crosslines Community Outreach, Inc.
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Delta Innovative Services, Inc.
Foster Grandparents
Golden Living Centers of Kaw River
Edwardsville and Parkway
Home Buddy
JC Penney at The Legends
Kansas City Ballet
Kansas City Chiefs Football Club
Kansas City Zoo
Legends 14 Theatre
Life Care Center of Kansas City
LoCamp Home Health Care
Manor Place
Medicalodge Post Acute
Midwest Medical Services
National World War I Museum
Perry Jones (YMCA)
Presbyterian Manor
Prestige Home Care of Kansas
Providence Med. Center Audiologist
Providence - St. John’s Hospital
Providence Place
ResCare Home Health
Rob’s Hallmark
Shepherds Center of KCK
Kansas City T-Bones
The Dream Works
Union Bank
United Way - RSVP (Retired Senior
Volunteer Program) of Wyandotte
County
 Vintage Park in Stanley, Lenexa, &
Tonganoxie
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SENIOR NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
V o l um e 1 8 -
MILL LEVY PROGRAMS
What is the Mill Levy?
A “mill” is defined as $.001 or one thousandth of $1.00. A Mill Levy is the number of dollars a
taxpayer must pay for every $1000 of assessed value. Mill Levy funding helps maintain the
following programs for older adults residing in Wyandotte County:
Medical Alert
Lifeline Government Services
Audra Eames
1-800-368-2925
Hearing Aid
Providence Medical Center
Eric Hyde
913-596-5143
Vision Screening/Eyeglasses
Visiting Nurse Association
Susan Lawrence
816-627-6484
Senior Center
Vernon Multi-Purpose Center
Bernadette Walker-Harris 913-321-1220
Senior Center
El Centro
Maria Reyes
913-677-0177
Senior Center
Bonner Springs
Tina Ashford
913-441-0169
Telephone Reassurance
El Centro
Maria Reyes
913-677-0177
Friends for Seniors
Shepherd’s Center
Linda Siemens
913-281-8908
Transportation
Demand Response-WyCo only
Syglenda Collins
913-573-8308
Transportation
Tiblow Transit-Bonner Springs only
Rita Hoag
913-422-5355
Transportation
Assisted Transportation
Ask for “mill levy” ride
913-262-5190
“GOOD 50” SEARCH ENGINE
Good50 is a senior friendly search engine
that is enabled with SafeSearch which filters out websites with explicit or adult content and does not allow text-linked ads that
can lead to sponsored websites (the ads are
on the side of the screen, away from search
results). The site features larger fonts and
fewer advertisements than other search engines.
The search engine was created by Sunmee Huh, a soft spoken Richard Montgomery High School junior who saw the difficulties her 82-year old grandfather, a stroke survivor, endured when using the web.
For every 50 visits to Good50, Huh pledges 5¢ to a featured
charity. When the site raises $50, the funds will be donated.
If you would like to view this website, please type:
www.good50.com into your address bar...happy searching!
S E N I O R S G E T A S S I S TA N C E
W I T H M I N O R H O M E R E PA I R S
The First United Church of Heber Springs, Arkansas
targeted older adults
in our area who were
in need of minor home
repair.
The group assisted
eight low income residents in Wyandotte
County from June 710th.
Projects included the
building of ramps, yard work, landscaping, painting
and house cleaning. During their stay, the group
also performed skits and music at area churches.
FU N FA C T S
Page 7
V o l um e 1 8 - I s s ue 4
“DI D YOU K NOW ?
ENTER TO WIN
 The Pentagon in Washington, D. C. has five
sides, five stories, and five acres in the
middle.
Answer all questions correctly to enter a drawing for a $25 gift card
to Wal-Mart compliments of KC Mass Services.
 An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
Return entry form to:
 A flamingo can eat only when its head is
upside down.
Wy/Lv AAA, Attn: The Communicator, 1300 North 78th Street, Suite
100, Kansas City, Kansas 66112 by July 31, 2010.
 If you were to spell out numbers, you would
have to go until 1,000 until you would find
the letter “A”.
1. According to the article regarding keeping cool; what should you
wear? ______________________________________________
2. What date does the state of Kansas become “Smoke Free”?
________________________________________________
 Mel Blanc (voice of Bugs Bunny) was allergic to carrots.
3. According the home repair article, how many seniors were assisted with minor home repairs? ______________________
 One pound of lemons contain more sugar
than one pound of strawberries.
NAME: _______________________________________________
ADDRESS: _________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP: ____________________________________
PHONE #: _________________________________________
“ I N D E P E N D E N C E DAY ” WO R D S E A RC H
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E N T R J O T A K E U H L
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P F V E
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J S M O F
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F B U
I N R U R G T S E O
Find and circle all the words that
are hidden in the grid.
AMERICAN
APPLE PIE
BANG
BARBECUE
BETSY ROSS
BILL OF RIGHTS
COLONIES
CONGRESS
A F T W L A O G E J R M A G C F S E E H
CONSTITUTION
DECLARATION
C M D H N O A M U N E E S W G F N O L W
EAGLE
ELLIS ISLAND
L E A D G L K L T R C
FIRECRACKERS
FIREWORKS
FLAG
FOREFATHERS
FOURTH OF JULY
FREEDOM
INDEPENDENCE DAY
LIBERTY BELL
PATRIOTIC
PICNICS
PRESIDENT
RED, WHITE, BLUE
SPARKLERS
STARS
STATUE OF LIBERTY
STRIPES
WATERMELON
WHITE HOUSE
E V R P P W X E M S
L U E E E E T T
P S X R E
P S
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I N S F O E O T L O B
I M H D L D C O F T A
R D E J
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F D K T T T
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S C T U B
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S R E K C A R C E R
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G O T C N U T R H
G A
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H S B G E
D B E O N T O O W Z Z U X Y E E E X S
Z S V B B Z D E C L A R A T
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S S O R Y S T E B B L C X N U G W T S D
S P A R K L E R S Y P
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S K W Z P O G L E U C E B R A B P T F N
J V K R Y O Z R B W B S J V W L C L Z T
Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging
Security Bank Building
1300 North 78th Street, Suite 100
Kansas City, Kansas 66112-2406
913-573-8531
913-573-8577 FAX
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
KANSAS CITY, MO
PERMIT NO. 1332
IS THIS NEWSLETTER REACHING YOU?
Please notify us of any change in address. If the address
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Also, please notify us if you receive more than one copy.
THANK YOU
Voice your opinion regarding issues that are important
to you. Please call the Kansas Legislative Hotline at
1-800-432-3924 to contact your local representative.
THE COMMUNICATOR
Publisher:
Information and Assistance for Older Americans
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Ruth E. Jones
JULY OBSERVANCES
Unified Government Furlough Day - 2nd
(AAA offices closed)
Independence Day - 4th
(AAA offices closed)
AUGUST OBSERVANCES
Cataract Awareness Month
National Fraud Awareness Week
August 4 - 10
Emma Fonseca - Contributing Editor
Alison Olson - Content Editor
Linda Ramirez - Formatting Editor
LaMonica Upton - Contributing Editor
The Communicator is published bi-monthly by Information
and Assistance for Older Americans, a unit of the Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging, Security Bank
Building, 1300 North 78th Street, Suite 100, Kansas City,
Kansas 66112. It is funded by the Kansas Department
on Aging through the Older Americans’ Act. We assume no
responsibility for the care and return of unsolicited material. Donations are suggested.
For more information call the Information & Assistance
Department at 913-573-8531.
Information & Assistance does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, or
handicap. If you feel you have been discriminated against,
you may file a complaint with the Wyandotte/Leavenworth
Area Agency on Aging by calling 913-573-8531, or for the
hearing impaired TDD 1-800-766-3777.