"Young at Heart Club" at the Ephrata Public Library

2007-11-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

Senior Photo Contest Winners

Books/Library

1st: “You Can Read Anywhere” by Janet Stoner

2nd:“Abby’s Favorite Book” by Larry Ray

3rd: “Book Club” by Jean Miller

Portrait

1st: “Flower Girl” by Rose Cebular

2nd: “Faraway Thoughts” by Jeanne Schopf

3rd: “Climbing” by Janet Stoner

Landscape/Nature

1st: “Horses Saying Hello” by Rose Cebular

2nd: “Waterlily Penny Pitch” by Larry Ray

3rd: “Fishing” by Janet Stoner

Black & White

1st: “Calculating Cat” by Rose Cebular

2nd: “Breakfast Feast” by Jeanne Schopf

3rd: “Sheets to the Wind” by Larry Ray

Still Life

1st: “Late Summer Crop” by Janet Stoner

2nd: “Standing Guard” by Larry Ray

3rd: “Harvest Sunday” by Jeanne Schopf

2007-10-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Basket Weaving Class

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

5:00-8:00PM in the multi-purpose room

This is a three hour basket making class. While learning to make a muffin basket you will also learn about baskets made long ago. The class has a materials fee of $10.00 which includes all supplies, materials and instruction. Our instructor is Cindy Seaton who lives in a small farmette north of Lititz. She has been making baskets for twenty years. She also demonstrates basketry at the Landis Valley Museum.

For more information, call 717-738-9291, x104 and ask for Donna.

2007-10-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

Senior Beginner Computer Classes, Session 2

Oct. 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 6-7PM

No prerequisite. This class is structured for people with no computer experience but is also open to those who would like a slower paced class. Sign up is for all three classes.

Covered in class
23th: Computer hardware and software, using Windows, mouse and keyboard.
30th: More using Windows, mouse and keyboard, using WordPad or WORD
26th: My Documents and the use of folders

*Sign up in person at the library. $5.00 refundable deposit needed to reserve a spot.

For more information call 717-738-9291, x104 and ask for Donna.

2007-09-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Young at Heart Photography Contest

Contest Rules

Open to persons of the age of 55 and older.
All photo entries must have been taken within the last 12 months.
The contest is designated for amateur photographers.
Participants can submit one entry per category.
Photographs should be no smaller than 5x7 in size.
The submitted photos must be the photographer’s original work.
Any photographs considered extremely offensive or lewd will be excluded from display.
All entries will be hung on display and judged by the general public.
Library staff may submit photo entries but is not eligible to win a price.
Photos including people will need a signed model release form from each person.
All photos, negatives and disks become property of the Ephrata Public Library and may appear on any of the library’s exhibits or printed materials.

Photo Categories

Book/Library related
Landscape/Nature
Black & White
Portrait
Still Life

How to Enter

Pick up an entry form at the circulation desk.
Submit your photo entries to the Ephrata Public Library by Wednesday, October 31, 2007.
Include your name and contact information, title of the photo, entry category, and a brief statement about where and when the photo was taken.

Judging

Judging will take place from Thursday, November 1^st until Friday, November 16^th.
The entries will be on display for the public to view and judge.
Judging forms will be available for people to place their votes.
There will be a first, second and third place winner in each category.
Winners will be announced on Monday, November 19^th at 6:00PM.
Winners need not be present to win.

2007-09-24T09:53:00.001-07:00

The "Young at Heart" Monday Morning Lectures

The Aging Eye

Presenter: Dr. Barton Halpern

Monday, Oct. 1, 2007 at 11:00 AM

Dr. Barton Halpern, from the Eye Doctors of Lancaster, will discuss what happens to the eye as it ages and what can be done to maintain good eye care. His specialties include cornea and external disease, cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and comprehensive ophthalmology.

Dr. Halpern is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of honor and professional societies including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, and the Heed Ophthalmic Fellowship Society. He has lectured at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, Hershey Medical Center, Albany Medical Center, ASCRS, the Nantucket Cornea Meeting and the International Contact Lens Meeting.

For more information call 717-738-9291, x104 and ask for Donna Brice.

2007-09-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Senior Beginner Computer Classes, Session 1

Sept. 18, 25 and Oct. 2, 6-7PM

The Senior Beginner Computer Classes, Sessions 1 & 2 are geared to people who need a slower pace to become familiar with using a computer. Computer basics will be covered in these classes so you do not need to have any computer experience to attend. By the end of three classes you will have a better understanding of how computers work and feel more confident using a computer. No prerequisite. This class is structured for people with no computer experience but is also open to those who would like a slower paced class. Sign up is for all three classes.

Covered in class

18^th: Computer hardware and software, using Windows, mouse and keyboard.

25^th: More using Windows, mouse and keyboard, using WordPad

2^nd: My Documents, the use of folders, using Paint

*Sign up in person at the library. $5.00 refundable deposit needed to reserve a spot.

2007-09-04T10:43:00.001-07:00

An Afternoon Tea

Thursday, September 13th at noon.

Come join us for a splendid afternoon. A variety of teas will be offered, finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, jam and clotted cream all served on china. Light entertainment will consist of a brief look at the history of tea, nineteenth century trivia and poetry reading.

For more information and to make reservations call 717-738-9291 and ask for Donna or Bethany.

2007-07-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

The "Young at Heart" Monday Morning Lectures

The History of the "Green Dragon Farmer's Market & Auction"

Presenter: Larry Loose

Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 at 11:00 AM

Come learn about or just reminisce about Ephrata's largest farmer's market, the Green Dragon. Larry Loose, retired owner, will talk about the history of the market that opened in 1932 and continues to draw customers from Eastern and Central Pennsylvania as well as neighbors from Maryland.

For more information call 717-738-9291, x104 and ask for Donna Brice.

2007-07-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

The "Young at Heart" Monday Morning Lectures

History of the Reading and Columbia Railroads presented by John Brown

August 6, 2007 at 11:00AM

Railroad and Civil War buffs alike will enjoy the story of how the Reading and Columbia Railroads were built during the Civil War.

For more information call 717-738-9291, x104
and ask for Donna.

2007-06-12T10:04:00.001-07:00

The "Young at Heart" Monday Morning Lectures

Ephrata Cloister:

The Revolutionary War

Presenter: Michael Showalter

Monday, July 2, 2007 at 11:00 AM

The Revolutionary War touched the lives of Ephrata’s local residents. The most notable example occurred in the winter of 1777-1778 when members of the Ephrata Cloister and their neighbors assumed the role of caretaker for nearly 250 American soldiers in need of medical attention. Discover the stories of the people who made the Independent’s Day holiday possible with their brave actions at the nation’s beginning.

For more information call 717-738-9291, x104 and ask for Donna Brice.

2007-06-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Interested in being a part of a Garden Club at the Library?

Is gardening your passion? Do you like to share your gardening knowledge with others? The Ephrata Public Library would like to invite those who love to garden or would like to learn more about it to meet at the library on Monday, June 25th at 6:00PM to discuss starting a library garden club.

For more information call 717-738-9291, x104 and ask for Donna Brice.

There will also be a signup sheet in the adult folder for those interested in attending.

June is national rose month.

2007-06-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

“YOUNG AT HEART” MONDAY
MORNING LECTURES
at the Ephrata Public Library

Monday, June 4, 2007
at 11:00AM in the Conference Room

Online Health Databases

Learn to research some of your own health issues and obtain current health care information using the internet. The Library will demonstrate a few online health databases that are available to the public from home using the libraries website and Access PA.

The following databases will be demonstrated: Consumer Health Complete, streaMed Patient Portal, Health Source Plus: Consumer, Health Source: Nursing/Academic and Clinical Pharmacology.
Reservations are recommended. Call the Ephrata Public Library for more information, 717-738-9291, x104.

2007-05-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Older American's Month

Older Americans' Mental Health Week: an annual opportunity to spread the message that mental illness is not a normal part of aging.
May 21 - 27, 2007

It is no secret that we all age, although sometimes we try to keep it a secret from ourselves. Often we deny our aging because we are afraid of what might happen when we are older. Will we be strong enough to take care of ourselves? Will our minds hold out as long as our bodies?

A survey released this month by the MetLife Foundation found that adults over age 55 fear Alzheimer’s disease more than cancer. We all want to live long, healthy and happy lives.

Fortunately, researchers have determined that there are things we all can do to help keep our minds and emotions healthy into advanced age. Some of it will not come as a surprise because it turns out that the secrets of aging well are the secrets of living well. For years we all have heard about the importance of eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep and connecting with friends and family. Now we know that these are good for the brain as well as our bodies.

But if the secret of healthy aging could be boiled down to one word it would be activity, according to the Older Women’s League, which sponsors Older Americans’ Mental Health Week the last week of May.

Mental activity, physical activity and social activity all are proven to help keep individuals healthy, well into their future. While brain cells grow old and deteriorate, we also can continue to form new, more efficient connections in our brains into our 80s.

Mental activity helps to increase brain connections and delays onset of dementia. Researchers from Pennsylvania State University found that many people do not lose significant amounts of mental functioning as they age, and those who do could prevent decline and improve function by reading, taking courses, even doing word puzzles or jigsaw puzzles. And mastering a new skill or maintaining mastery of an old one—such as playing the piano or speaking a foreign language—helps to keep us confident and boosts our immunity to illness.

Physical activity is associated with a lower risk of depression among older adults, The American Journal of Epidemiology recently reported. Physical activity releases good chemicals into the brain and increases both brain connections and functioning.

Researchers at the University of Illinois found a correlation between aerobic exercise and density of brain tissue, and research at the Salk Institute suggests that people who have different levels of physical activity have differences in brain cell growth. In the study, mice that got a lot of exercise daily showed a lot of cell growth. "The brain may be more capable of self repair than we think," said lead researcher Henriete van Praag.

Of course, physical exercise also helps make sure that our bodies will be healthy as we age. The Center for Disease Control goes so far as to say “physical activity is the key to healthy aging. Nowhere is the gap wider between what we know and what we do than in the area of physical activity. Nowhere is the potential pay-off greater.”

Social activity lowers stress and increases a sense of support, lowering levels of harmful chemicals in the brain and boosting positive ones. Researchers at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles found that support from family and friends helps older people stay mentally healthy, in part because it improves self-esteem. Social connections also boost our immunity to physical illnesses.

While genes determine about 30 percent of the characteristics of aging, lifestyle and environmental factors decide the other 70 percent, according to research by the MacArthur Foundation Consortium on Successful Aging. So, there is much we can do to influence the quality of our aging.

Acting on this new research on healthy aging can help you keep fit and stay well, but it won’t necessarily prevent all mental health problems because not every mental health problem or dementia can be prevented. But if identified early and treated properly then most mental health problems can be successfully treated and, according to The New England Journal of Medicine, progression of illnesses like Alzheimer’s can be slowed.

Older adults have the same rate of mental illness as younger adults: about one in five have a diagnosable mental health problem, and one in ten have a serious mental health problem. The most common mental health problems for older adults are anxiety, depression and dementia. Importantly, older adults have the highest suicide rate, so depression should be taken seriously.

Problems like these may require consultation with a healthcare professional:

Sadness that has lasted longer than two weeks.
Consistent worries about issues such as money, family, and health.
Consistent trouble sleeping or concentrating.
Frequent trouble remembering things or feeling confused in familiar places.
Have more than one alcoholic drink a day or take more medication than is prescribed.

Treatments may include medication, psychotherapy and, in the case of dementia, community supports. The American Federation of Aging Research and the Alzheimer’s Association both report high expectations for continued advancement in treatments and also in prevention.

Often solving basic problems—such as getting a regular ride to the grocery store—can help alleviate anxiety and depression, so reach out for help. Remember, the sooner you get help the sooner you will feel better! Mental illness is not a normal part of aging.

Reading, walking and socializing are just a few of the activities that individuals can enjoy at any age. And keeping an active mind, body and social life are good for your mental health, too. That’s news you can use!

Older Americans’ Mental Health Week is the last week in May. For more information, see www.owl-national.org.

2007-05-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Older American's Month

Never Too Old For A Harley

Seniors Enjoy Motorcycle Rides To Put Spice Into Life

(CBS) Would you let your Great-Grandma jump on the back of a Harley? You may consider it, according to
The Early Show National Correspondent Hattie Kauffman, who reported on an unlikely combination: nursing home residents and Harleys.

Every six months, the elderly residents of Marionwood Nursing Home, which is near Seattle, finds their daily slow-pace day get a shot of adrenaline. Thanks to a local Harley riders club, the thrill for the seniors is back, although it may seem an odd match. "People have the wrong impression of bike riders," says motorcyclist John Martin. In fact, the motorcycle riders Kauffman talked to donate their time, which bring some smiles to the seniors.

"As long as they're going to embrace us, we're going to give them all the love we can," says Harley rider Don Estill.

The seniors enthusiastically embrace the bike rides. Joann Dejong keeps a photo of her Harley experience at her bedside.
Dejong explains, "You feel free on a motorcycle."

"I'm really glad that the motorcycle club has decided to do this … for their part to the service of humanity." says Mary Tanji.

But Marionwood Nursing Home's activities director Diane Bixler says it's not all about humanity. There's just something sexy about bikers. "There's nothing better [than] the handsome man in black leather on a motorcycle. And these women love it," says Bixler. "They get on and hold on tight … At all ages."

Residents are wheeled outside, where they anxiously await their guests. They know the bikes are arriving by the roar of the Harleys. "It's beautiful to see our residents happy and doing something out of the ordinary, and something they look forward to for six months," says Bixler.

Six months can be a lifetime in a nursing home. Some residents have died since the bikers last visit. Don Estill has some nervousness each time he arrives, because he's not sure if 97-year-old Florence Keizer will still be here. But, Keizer was there waiting for her turn to ride. And, Keizer says she loves riding with Estill.

The same device usually used to lift residents out of bed, is now placing them gingerly on a motorcycle. The nursing home does say it is concern about the fragility of the elderly when they ride on motorcycles. As an extra precaution, the residents are strapped onto bikes and those deemed too frail, ride in a sidecar.

Ninety-five-year old Rita Whetzel gave a thumbs-up and she was ready to roll. Her driver is Ken Rutz "It's a wonderful feeling … it's just a very special moment where we can go there and do this with these people," says Rutz.

Don Estill says, "You know they just need to get out, and get away, enjoy themselves. We're having as much fun as they are, to tell you the truth." At the end of the day, the seniors will be back in the nursing home. But none of them will be the same.

"It's nice to get that feeling back again, you know -- free and in control," 82-year-old Mary Tanji says.

The riders from eastside Harley-Davidson say they've been contacted by other motorcycle clubs, *and* nursing homes around the country, about how to schedule similar rides.

For more information, go to ProvidenceMarianWood.org and EastSideHarley.com.

©MMIV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

2007-05-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Older American's Month

AGING IN THE KNOW

Your Gateway to Health and Aging Resources on the Web

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Physical activity is one of the most important and effective ways to prevent and treat certain health problems in older adults. Physical activity means that the body is using energy to move muscles. Exercise is a type of physical activity that is designed to improve fitness.

Your level of physical activity influences your risk of chronic illness, loss of function, dependence, and death. A number of things influence the specific effects of physical activity, including the type of activity and how often and how long someone performs the activity.

Health Benefits of Physical Activity

Regular physical exercise is the best antidote to many of the effects of aging. Major benefits from regular exercise include the following:

favorable effects on fats in the blood
better handling of blood sugar
improved breathing
better endurance
improved balance
greater strength
stronger bones
improved sense of well-being
clearer thinking
better sleep

Studies are currently being done to show the benefits of exercise programs for increasing life expectancy and decreasing the risk of or delaying disability as long as possible.

Click here to read the rest of the article http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/chapters_ch_trial.asp?ch=11

Senior Programs at the Ephrata Public Library

2007-04-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Young At Heart Monday Morning Lectures Start May 7, 2007 at 11:00AM

May 7 - Elderhostel, David Kuch

If you have ever wondered what Elderhostel was about, this is the lecture to attend. Elderhostel is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing extraordinary and educational travel adventures and cultural experiences for people 55 and over. The program also offers intergenerational learning opportunities for grandparents and their grandchildren to share.

June 4 - Online Health databases, Donna Brice

Learn to research some of your own health issues and obtain current health care information using the internet. The Library will demonstrate health databases that are available to the public through Access PA. The following databases will be demonstrated: Consumer Health Complete, streaMed Patient Portal, Health Source Plus: Consumer, Health Source: Nursing/Academic and Clinical Pharmacology.

July 2 - Ephrata Cloisters, Revolutionary War, Michael Showalter

The Revolutionary War touched the lives of local residents. The most notable example occurred in the winter of 1777-1778 when members of the Ephrata Cloister and their neighbors assumed the role of caretakers for nearly 250 American soldiers in need of medical attention. Discover the stories of the people who made the Independence Day holiday possible with their brave actions at the nation’s beginning.

August 6 - History of the Reading and Columbia Railroads, John Brown

Railroad and Civil War buffs alike will enjoy the story of how the Reading and Columbia Railroads were built during the Civil War.

Sept. 10 - History of the Green Dragon, Larry Loose

Come learn or reminisce about Ephrata’s largest farmers market, the Green Dragon, Larry Loose, retired owner, will talk about the history of the market that opened in 1932 and continues to draw customers from Eastern and Central Pennsylvania as well as neighbors from Maryland.

Oct. 1 - The Aging Eye, Dr. Barton Halpern

Nov. 5 - Medicare Part D Overview, Joe Flasher

If Medicare Part D has you confused about which plan best suits your needs, Joseph Flasher, a retired pharmacist will help you understand the selection process and explain why it is important to review your choice each year. He is also available by appointment between November 15th and December 31st--the Plan D annual enrollment period--to help individuals with their decisions.

Welcome to EPL's New Blog for Seniors

2007-03-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

This blog was created as a forum for people of retirement age to comment on issues or events that are relevant to their lives and to offer resources to help seniors and their families with their educational and recreational needs. The Ephrata Public Library has a multitude of resources; from print materials and downloadable e-audiobooks to Online Health Resources. Be sure to check out our website and newsletter for new senior activities.