Dear Members:

We are fortunate to have Milford’s Health Director Deepa D. Joseph provide us with  a number of sun safety tips for older adults during the hot weather.  They are as follows:

Wear appropriate clothing.  The best summer clothing is lightweight and made from breathable fabric such as cotton.  Shirts should be long-sleeved.  Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect from the sun.

Apply sunscreen early and often.  Try to apply sunscreen before you head outside and reapply every two hours.  Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UBA radiation.

Stay hydrated.  Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.  Increase your water intake especially if you are   doing any kind of activity.

Stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day.  The sun is most intense during the middle of the day.  Try to keep outdoor activities in the early morning or evening hours when the weather is cooler.

Wear eye protection.  As we get older, our eyes can become more sensitive.  Wearing sunglasses can help reduce the damage to your eyes.

Check your medications.  Some medications can cause increased sensitivity to the sun or hotter temperatures.  Look over your medications and talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns.

The Milford Senior Center is an air conditioned facility.  When temperatures are in the high 90’s the Center may be open until 8:00 p.m.  Come enjoy a good book, watch a movie or play cards with friends.  Please call the  Center to verify at 203-877-5131 before 4:30 p.m.

Be safe and I hope everyone has an enjoyable summer.

With best wishes always

Janice M. Jackson

Executive Director.

FROM THE DESK OF EDITOR ELEANORE TURKINGTON.

Welcome to July! This is the month to enjoy your backyard pool, road trips to visit family & friends  and preparing picnic baskets for visits to our State parks.  You can save some vacation money by obtaining a free Charter Oak Pass to Connecticut’s Parks and Recreation System which is available only to Connecticut Residents age 65 and older. There is no charge for this pass and is a life issue pass. There are applications available by calling the State Parks Department in Hartford at 1-800- 424-1200. The next time you’re visiting our Center, take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the flowers and plants at our entrance. So beautiful and our staff member Maryann Hayes takes such pride in maintaining their beauty!   Program Director, Amanda Berry has planned a July Special Events Calendar on page five today, crammed full of varied activities.  Come on down and enjoy the month of July with us. Happy July!   

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

James Brei, Noel Brei, Herb Brelsford, Joan Brelsford, Linda Desrosiers, Norman Lawrence,  Patricia Lawrence, Mary Emmy Oake, Robert Proto and Ronnie Ryan.  Also, Gerri Southard, Donna Tevlin, Irene Tierney, Filomina Tortora, Cynthia Vere, Joan Walsh, John Wash, Tammy Ward, Allan Wilcox, Sue Kamm, Robert Kamm and Joseph D’Agostino. Welcome to our family!

                                        HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

MILFORD TRIVIA

How long does it take for an oyster to grow to harvesting size off Milford?

What was the big event of the winter in Milford, in the 1930’s?

What is the name of the wildlife area located between Fresh Meadow Lane and Connecticut Turnpike?

In what year was the dental program in the public schools inaugurated?

Who organized the first Milford Writer’s Festival? 

A Vist, a Smile, a Cheerful Hello!

            Ahrens Program Assistant, Maryann Hayes has been providing cheerful greetings to patients in Milford Hospital and convalescent facilities for over 19 years.  Maryann is a natural for this position.  She not only has a lovely, welcoming smile, but a natural personality for spreading cheer to hospital bound patients.

                  Each hospital patient over the age of 59 enjoys a visit, a smile and a cheerful greeting card with their name personally written on the envelope of the card providing a personal touch to the greeting. Quite often, some of these patients do not receive visitors or mail from anyone at all and welcome Maryann’s visit with anticipation and smiles.

                Over the course of each week, Maryann, Milford Senior Center’s hospital greeter, visits approximately 40 to 50 patients a week, between Milford Hospital and various convalescent facilities. During visits to nursing homes, Maryann delivers home- made crocheted lap robes to patients, created by volunteers at the Center. According to Maryann, her love of associating with the elderly relates to a relationship with her grandparents with whom she spent a good bit of time growing up, enjoying their love and warmth.

                Maryann has extremely creative skills, sharing her originality and talents with members in her classes as she teaches arts and crafts at the Center.  Her decorative skills are also displayed in the Ahrens Program area, meeting each holiday with cheerful, decorations.

Maryann, a Milford native, is married with two children, three step children and 11 grandchildren.  Her life is filled with devotion to husband, children, grandchildren, the Ahrens Program participants and hospital patients.

                A smile and a greeting to you, Maryann Hayes!

MILFORD HOSPITAL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

             Milford Hospital has available morning, afternoon and evening openings for volunteers.  According to Christine Brown, Milford Hospital Representative, there are rewards of volunteering while making a difference in the community. 

             Milford Hospital is seeking prospective volunteers with mid to late afternoon or evening availability.  The greatest need for volunteers is in the Enchanted Window Gift Shop, the Information Desk, the Surgi  Center and the Dietary Department.

             Most positions require the ability to commit to one 3 ½ hour shift per week.  Candidates must be over the age of 18 and must enjoy interacting with the public.  Excellent customer service skills, dependability and the ability to walk if needed are also required.

             Milford Hospital volunteers are committed community members who care about making a difference in the lives of others.  You are invited to share your skills and talents with the hospital and the community.  For more information or to register for an Orientation Session, please call 203-876-4062.

TITLE VI COMPLIANCE

Do you know your rights under Title VI? Title VI ensures that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal funding.  Milford Council on Aging supports Title VI.  For more information visit our web site milfordctseniorcenter.com and go to the link Information and Referrals. You may also email lkmilfordseniorcenter@yahoo.com or call Liz Kassay, Human Resources Manager  203-877-5131.

                                                                      Members Recuperating

                 Please notify us if you are aware of a member who is in a healthcare facility in Milford.  Please call     203- 877-5131 to request a visit from our Friendly Visitor, Maryann Hayes.

Members: Please do not use the road between the Senior Center and the condominium complex as an exit.  This road is only to be used to pick up or drop food off, deliveries and City vehicles.

Bequest gifts to the Milford Senior Center in memory of a family member or friend are always appreciated.  Please mail your gift to Janice M. Jackson, Executive Director, Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive, Milford, CT. 06460