Making Art Makes for a Great Day

State Representative Bill Adolph Visits Art Class Reprensentative Adolph visits a collage making class taught by

artist Kezia Lechner. Representative Adolph sponsored a

state grant that helps make these classes available.

"Our goal is that every day is a great day" says Meaghan Brown, director of MCSS adult day services programs in Broomall and Upper Darby.

Meaghan and her staff make great days for men and women who need care and support during the day. Instead of being stuck at home, a frail older person who comes to an adult day program can enjoy a wide variety of activities, chat with friends and get the care she needs.

"My mother blossomed when she started to attend" says the daughter of one of our participants.

Creating art - a mask, a collage, or a painting - is one way to have a great day at the Lawrence Park adult day program in Broomall. There are many others, with activities tailored to the interests and abilities of participants. Exercise, singing, book club, chatting over coffee...the activities vary daily. Staff monitor health conditions, give medication and, if needed, provide personal care in a dignified way.

Art classes are fun, and they may also improve health. Recent studies have shown definite health benefits for older people who participate in art classes taught by professionals. The current classes at Lawrence Park are led by Kezia Lechner, a professional visual artist with years of experience teaching older men and women.

MCSS runs three adult day programs:

• Lawrence Park Adult Day Services in Broomall 610-325-1600
• Barclay Square Adult Day Servicesin Upper Darby 610-626-0662
• Main Line Adult Day Care in Bryn Mawr 610-527-4220

For more information, contact Meaghan Brown brownmea@mlhs.org or Pam Barton bartonp@mlhs.org

Volunteers Get Paid in Smiles!

Do something you can for someone who can’t…DRIVE!

Volunteer drivers get paid in six figures: S-M-I-L-E-S at Mid County Senior Services.

Make a new friend while making an impact on someone’s life! Take someone to see their doctor, dentist, bank…give someone the opportunity to needed for healthy living and life-long experiences of meaning and connection in our community.

Call Loretta Wilson at 610-353-6642 to make a difference today!

smile!
Originally uploaded by sean-b

Congressman Joe Sestak Visits Havertown Center!

Congressman Joe Stestak with Havertown Center Member Bill Boyle.

Monday, March 16, Congressman Joe Sestak stopped by to chat with Havertown Center members during lunch. Serving his second term as the Representative from Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, Sestak spoke in detail about funding the curent financial crunch we all feel. Senior center members shared their concerns and asked great questions and Sestak responded with thoughtful and informative answers.

Congressman Sestak also met with Mid County Senior Services' (MCSS) Executive Director, Lesa Sulimay and heard some of her funding concerns for MCSS's other senior center in Media, Hometown Center, the Chore Connection Program, and caregiver services.

Here are some facts provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Senior Centers (PASC):

• 15.3% of PA’s population is 65+ ranking the State 3rd, behind only Florida and West Virginia, in the number of older adult residents (2000 US Census).
  
• People are living and working longer. In 2011, only 2 years from now, the older “Boomers” turn 65 and on average can be expected to live to age 83 or beyond.
  
• Senior centers contribute to cost savings in long term living and health care by promoting healthy lifestyles, providing access to social services and combating isolation through keeping older adults actively engaged in their communities.
  
• Pennsylvania provides base support for senior center programs, but not for the full operating expenses, new initiatives or capital expenses.
  
• Collaborations, grants and fundraising activities alone are unable to support the growing need for community-based older adult programs and services.

Thanks, Congressman Sestak, for listening to the concerns of older adults!

Our Senior Centers Are Accredited!

Both Havertown Center & Hometown Center
are now Nationally Accredited Senior Centers!

It’s official—Mid County Senior Services' 2 senior centers have been awarded accreditation from the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC), a unit of the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Accreditation is the official recognition that a senior center is meeting its mission in a nationally accepted professional fashion and in compliance with the nine standards of senior center operations. Accreditation is the official mark of excellence.

It was wonderful hearing all that Havertown Center and Hometown Center mean to their members. And even more wonderful receiving the official notice of National Accreditation.

Congraulations to Havertown Center and Hometown Center!

About Mid County Senior Services

Mid County Senior Services (MCSS) is your gateway to positive aging. Your resource for staying healthy, keeping connected, becoming involved.



For 25 years, MCSS has enriched the lives of older adults and their families, helping thousands throughout Delaware County live more secure and fulfilling lives.

Explore opportunities for...

• fun & friendship
• helping others
• learning new things
• new experiences to create lifelong meaning and connection
  

Find the support you need to...

• stay strong and healthy
• age securely in your own home
• provide excellent care for an older loved one

MCSS Administrative Office
22 Media Line Road
Newtown Square, PA 19073
610-353-6642

Lesa Sulimay, Executive Director
lsulimay@senrs.org

Mid County Senior Services (MCSS). MCSS provides innovative and effective programs, services and effective programs, services and opportunities that promote positive aging in our community. Mid County Senior Services is funded in part through the Delaware County Office of Services to the Aging (COSA). Additional support comes from The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Kind Family Foundation, The United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Center members and generous community supporters.