Senior Hi-Lites
AN ADVOCATE OF INDEPENDENT LIVING IN LATER YEARS
Van Wert County Council on Aging
220 Fox Rd., Van Wert, OH 45891
Phone: (419)238-5011
www.vwcouncilonaging.com
Kevin Matthews, Executive Director
July – September 2015
Purse Bingo 2015 COA Gives Thanks
The Van Wert County Council on Aging would like to give tremendous thanks to the following businesses
and individuals that sponsored this year’s Annual Designer Purse Bingo Fundraiser: Platinum Sponsors
Dr. Eversman, D.D.S., Laudick’s Jewelry, Rob Sites, Trevor Webster of Edward Jones, United Steel
Workers Local Union 13029, and Van Wert Propane. Diamond Sponsors Van Wert County Council on
Aging Monday Night Bingo and Van Wert Rotary Club Foundation. Gold Sponsors American Legion Post
#178, Cooper Farms, Linda & Richard Frederick and Kathleen Frederick, HCF Management, Inc.: Van
Wert Manor, Kennedy Manufacturing Company, Bill & Allie Kuhlman, Merkle Insurance with Grange
Insurance, Purmort Brothers Insurance, RCS Construction, Stoneco a Division of Shelly Company, Trinity
United Methodist Church, Van Wert Federal Savings Bank, Van Wert Service Club, and Voiture Local 154.
Silver Sponsors Gary Corcoran (COA Board Member), Cowan & Son Funeral Home,
Jack and Monica Davis in Memory of Jamey Davis, Delphos Granite Works, Elks Lodge #1197, Elmco, First
Federal Savings & Loan, Jan Hoblet (COA Board Member), Honorable Judge Jill Leatherman, Johnson &
Carcione Attorneys at Law, Phil McClure (COA Board Member), Ken Mengerink (COA Board Member),
Corinne Mowry, New Vision Nursing & Home Care, Dr. Okuley, D.D.S., Jim Price (COA Board Member),
and Van Wert Memorials. Bronze Sponsors Brookside, The late Bob Lybarger (COA Board Member),
Mayor of Scott: Mayor Byron Glass, Jerry Mazur, Joi & Paul Mergy, Ron Myers (COA Board Member),
Stan Owens, Doris Rathert, and Young & Yarger Attorneys at Law.
The Van Wert County Council on Aging would like to give tremendous thanks to the following businesses
and individuals that donated door prizes for this year’s Annual Designer Purse Bingo Fundraiser: Sharon
Adkins, Advanced Auto Parts, Arby’s, Auto Zone, Balyeat’s Coffee Shop, Barnhart’s Furniture Outlet, Best
Little Hair House, Jean Brown, Clarko Bingo, Collins Fine Foods, Dairy Queen, Dave’s Quality Cleaners,
DeShia, Fettig’s Flowers, Francis Furniture, Frickers, Gibby’s, Good Earth Vitamin Co., Hegemier Tire
Service, Hickory Sticks Golf Club, Impressions Salon, JJ’s Hair on the Square, Knight’s Pizza (Convoy),
Laurie’s Naturescapes, Lee’s Ace Hardware, Lloyd’s Auto Service, McCoy’s Flowers & Diamonds, MOD
Boutique, Nicko’s Pizza, Niswonger Performing Arts Center, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Once I Was, Orchard
Tree, Peking Chinese Restaurant, Pizza Hut, ReHab Fab, Rocky Top Ice Cream, Rural King, Shear Magic,
Slusher’s Jewelry, Subway South, Sycamore Ice Cream, Taco Bell, Taylor Chiropractic, Taylor Floor
Covering, The Bridge, The Embroidery Coop, The Sophisti-Cut (Convoy), The Tavern (Convoy), Touch of
Grace, Truly D’Vine, Tyler’s Short Stop, Van Wert Auto Supply, Van Wert Beauty, Van Wert Bedrooms,
Van Wert Massotherapy, Westwood Carwash, and Wild Willy’s.
A special thank you to Save-A-Lot and Wal-Mart for donating a portion of the food supplies for the
event.
We also wanted to give a special thanks to the Van Wert Times Bulletin and the Van Wert Independent
for their support in providing coverage of the event, but also their overall support of the Council on
Aging.
The Council on Aging would also like to give big thanks to all of the volunteers who helped make this
annual event a success. The Council on Aging’s Designer Purse Bingo has become a Signature
Fundraising Event for our agency, and it takes around 50 volunteers to make the event such a
success. When people think of Designer Purse Bingo, they think of the Council on Aging. We greatly
appreciate this, and without these dedicated individuals helping to run the event, along with our
committed sponsors, we couldn’t make this great event happen.
Lastly, thanks to those that purchased tickets and attended the event and we will see you at next year’s
event which will be on June 10, 2016.
8 Summer Safety Tips
With some precautionary steps and healthy senior personal care, everyone can enjoy the blue
skies and warm weather. Below is a list of 8 things seniors can do to improve their safety during
the hot summer months.
1. Drink plenty of fluids: Aim to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. By the time you are thirsty,
your body is already dehydrated. For seniors, the feeling of thirst decreases as we age, so be
sure to increase your water intake if you are exercising or doing any type of prolonged physical
activity. Of those fluids you are taking in, be sure they are non-alcoholic and decaffeinated.
Carbonated sodas and pops may taste good, but they will only further your dehydration.
2. Pick the right outfit with accessories: When possible, wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored
long sleeves to help protect your skin from sun, while also allowing your skin to breathe. Use
wide brimmed hats to keep the sun off of your face and neck, as well as full coverage (wrap
around) sunglasses for the best eye protection. Glasses that block UVA and UVB rays can help
reduce the cumulative effect of damage linked to cataracts and age-related macular
degeneration.
3. Turn on your air conditioning: Air conditioning is important when it is hot and humid outside.
During a heat wave, if you don’t have central air or a room air conditioner, spend part or most of
each day at locations with air condition, including a friend’s house, shopping mall, senior center,
or movie theater.
4. Be an early bird or night owl: The sun is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If you must be
outside during a summer heat wave, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and the evening,
when the temperature is lower and the sun is less intense.
5. Watch for heat stroke: It is extremely important to watch for signs of heat stroke, especially for
seniors. Some signs to look for include confusion, disorientation, dry skin, excessive tiredness,
headache, lethargy, nausea, and a rapid pulse. If you or someone you know experiences these
symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
6. Check on friends and family: Use the rising temperatures as an opportunity to catch up with
your neighbors and relatives, especially the elderly and those who do not have air conditioning.
Plan outings together in places that have air conditioning.
7. Review your medications: Many seniors use medications daily. Some medications can cause
side effects, like increased sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Review all medications and check
with a doctor or pharmacist for any questions.
8. Wear sunscreen: Sunscreen is a major component to preventing sunburns. Look for a sunscreen
that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and also have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more.
Be sure to apply it about 15-30 minutes before exposure. If you’re enjoying water activities, be
sure to reapply your sunscreen frequently.
It only takes about 15 minutes for the sun to damage unprotected skin. You may not notice it
immediately, but the damage is there.
Annual Van Wert COA Garage Sale
Our annual COA garage sale is coming very soon. This year the sale will be held July 30, 31 2015 along ,
& August 1, 2015 with Van Wert County’s largest bake sale and August 6, 7, 8. 2015. The time for the
sale will be 8:00 am to 4pm on Thursday and Friday with Saturday hours of 8:00
am to Noon. There will be many treasures, furniture, knick knacks, dishes, books,
movies, craft items, Christmas items, decorations, small appliances, you name it
we probably have it, except clothing.
We are still accepting donations for the garage sale so if you have items you would
like to donate we will accept donations Monday thru Friday 8am to 4pm. There is
also a donation drop off shed on the east side of the warehouse if donations need
to be dropped off after hours. We will accept all donations except clothing, mattresses, computer desk,
and TV’s.
We are in need of volunteers to help with this fund raiser, if you would like to give of your time there
is a sign-up sheet at the front desk at the Council on Aging.
Christmas in July Carry In
On Friday, July 24, 2015 we will be having Christmas in July. At 9 am we will have bingo with special
prizes. For lunch we will be grilling hot dogs and asking you to bring in a dessert or side dish to share.
We ask that anyone that would like to participate in the carry in to sign up at the front office by July 21,
2015 so we know how many to expect.
Van Wert County Fair
Yes it will soon be time for the Van Wert County Fair. This year the dates for the fair are September 2nd
– 7th 2015. Senior Day will be Thursday September 3rd. As always there will be free coffee and donuts
for all Seniors and Veterans from 8:30 am to 10:00am at the Gospel Pavilion/Free Entertainment Tent.
We hope to see all of you come and enjoy the day. If you need transportation call the office at the Van
Wert County Council on Aging 419-238-5011
Lunch N Learn
July 16, 2015 Linda Pollitz will be here to discuss Brain Health. Linda is with the Lima division of the
Alzheimer’s Association
August 19, 2015 Amy Carles from the Office of the Ohio Consumer’s Council will be here to discuss ways
to save energy on your utility bills. You may bring in your utility bills and she will be glad to look at them
to see if there is a way to save you money.
All Lunch N Learns start at 11:00 am and if you would like a meal you need to order the day before by
3:00 pm.
Mah Jongg
If you are interested in learning how to play Mah Jongg please let us know. If we have enough people
interested there will be classes in early August.
Go Getter’s Exercise
There is a great group of people that
meet three times a week here at the
COA and they are the “Go Getter’s”.
The “Go Getter’s” enjoy exercising
and moving to music we hear a lot of
laughter from them. Both men and
women are enjoying this group, so if
you would like to join them they
meet three times a week, Monday,
Wednesday, Thursday mornings at
10:15 – 11:00. Feel free to come all
three days or pick a day that works
best for you.
Holiday Closings
July 3, 2015 Friday closed for the 4th
of July Holiday
September 7th 2015 Monday closed
for Labor Day
Shopping at Wal Mart
As most of you know in the past we
have always gone to Wal Mart on
Monday, well that has changed. We
are now going to Wal Mart on
Wednesday. We go after lunch so the
pick up time will be around noon. We
have two drivers on Wednesday so
that enables us to accommodate
more people to go to Wal Mart and
still enables us to take care of other
trip request. Remember if you want
to go to Wal Mart give us a call and
we will do our best to accommodate
you.
Free Legal Aid
August 14, 2015 Rebecca Steinhauser with Legal Aid of Northwestern Ohio will be at the Van Wert
County Council on Aging. Rebecca will be taking appointments in the morning for clients that are in
need of legal aid. You must call to sign up for an appointment if you would like to speak with Rebecca.
Please call the Van Wert County Council on Aging at 419-238-5011 to schedule your appointment.
Internet and Computer Access
With the generosity of Van Crest Home Health Care we now have two more computers for clients to
use. You can access the internet from each computer and there will be a printer connected that way
you can print too. We would like to thank Van Crest Home Health Care for thinking of us with such a
generous gift.
In Memory
We wanted everyone to take moment and reflect on the passing of Robert Lybarger. Bob was a
committed Council on Aging board member for the last 6 years and volunteered at the Senior Center
almost every day helping with bingo or fixing anything anything and everything. Our thoughts are with
Bob and his family.
The Van Wert COA Memorial Fund
When a loved on passes, keeping their memory alive is a way of honoring their life and finding
comfort in your own life as a survivor. Your gift toward the Memorial Fund helps to ensure that
additional services for older generations are able to be provided. Monies raised by our memorial
funds are distributed toward seniors in need.
Please Consider Your Gift to the Van Wert COA Memorial Fund. No gift is too large or too
small. The Memorial Fund is managed by the VW COA Board of Directors. Gifts can be made
directly to the Van Wert COA or can be bequeathed in one’s will or trust. For more information
contact Kevin Matthews, Executive Director at the Van Wert Council on Aging.
VAN WERT COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING
220 Fox Rd.
Van Wert, OH 45891
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S Permit #107
Postage Paid
The mission of the Van Wert County Council on Aging is to assist older adults, age 60 and over, to live
their lives with independence and dignity for as long as possible in the environment of their homes. The
Van Wert County Council on Aging operates the Van Wert Senior Center.
The Van Wert County Council on Aging is supported by the Senior Services Tax Levies from Van Wert
County, Title IIIB of the Older Americans Act administered by PSA3 Area Agency of Aging, United Way of
Van Wert County, the Van Wert County Foundation, Transportation Contracts, Donations and
Contributions.
The Van Wert County Council on Aging serves clients without regard to race, color, national origin,
religion, sex or disability. We are and Equal Opportunity Employer.
Services provided by the Van Wert County Council on Aging include: Chore Services, Outreach,
Information & Referral, Socialization, and Transportation.