1 Proudly Serving Pennsylvanians for Over 35 Years! May 15, 2015
Transcription
1 Proudly Serving Pennsylvanians for Over 35 Years! May 15, 2015
Proudly Serving Pennsylvanians for Over 35 Years! May 15, 2015 Message from the Secretary On Wednesday, in partnership with Pennsylvania Homecare Association, the Department presented the 2015 Pennsylvania Direct Care Worker of the Year Award to Blanche Clendenen. This award was created so that we could recognize a direct care worker who brings honor and respect to the profession. Direct Care Workers provide an invaluable service to our seniors and persons with disabilities in the comfort of home. They assist individuals with a broad range of support, including meal preparation and bathing assistance. Their service and dedication is exemplary and their role in enhancing the lives of others is vital. Direct Care Workers make it possible for individuals to live meaningful lives in their homes and communities and remain connected to their families and friends. Blanche has been employed as a Direct Care Worker for the past 25 years by Diversified Human Services, which is located in Charleroi, Washington County. Blanche’s self-less service to individuals in need of in-home services has impacted many lives. She is described as a dedicated, respectful and compassionate caregiver. Her kind, consistent and respectful approach to caregiving is admired by her peers, appreciated by her supervisors and accepted gratefully by the consumers and their families entrusted to her caseload. Blanche is known as a team player who helps and supports her colleagues and she contributes regularly to trainings where she willingly shares the knowledge, experience and expertise that she has gained during the quarter century that she has spent serving older, frail seniors in Washington County. Without Blanche and the more than 100,000 other home and community based direct care workers in the Commonwealth, our older Pennsylvanians and persons with disabilities would not be able to access long-term care services and supports which enable them to live at home with their families with the dignity and respect they deserve. A tip of the hat to Blanche for her dedicated service to those entrusted to her care, and to all who made the award luncheon such a special and memorable event. On Thursday, I had the pleasure of serving as the keynote speaker at the Berks County Area Agency on Aging 4th Annual Centenarian Luncheon. It was quite appropriate that we paused in the month of May to recognize the Berks County centenarians as May serves as Older Americans Month … a time to celebrate older adults and the people who serve and support them as powerful and vital individuals who greatly contribute to the community. The Berks County event recognized senior citizens throughout Berks County who are 100 years of age and older and in particular, those who turn 100 during 2015. To be certain, older Pennsylvanians are a link to our past and an inspiration of what can be accomplished in the future. I shared with those gathered the words of Governor Wolf, who wrote a personal letter to the 17 Berks County residents celebrating their 100th birthday this year. The Governor wrote, “Your life has spanned 100 years and you grew into adulthood during one of the most remarkable centuries in our history. It is your contributions and those of your generation that have made Pennsylvania and our nation strong and prosperous.” It was a wonderful celebration of life and I was honored to be a part of it. To all who are celebrating 10 decades of life this year, I hope that their special 1 day includes the blessing of family and friends, and may it be filled with sunshine and smiles, laughter and love. In closing out this week’s Wrap Up, I humbly acknowledge that my confirmation process successfully concluded on May 13th when the Senate voted unanimously to confirm Governor Wolf’s nomination of me to serve as the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Aging. With profound gratitude for the trust and confidence of so many, the opportunity to serve as a member of Governor’s Cabinet is privilege that I accept with honor. I look forward to the journey and the work before us as together we strive to serve, protect, enable and empower older Pennsylvanians. Teresa Osborne Secretary Personnel Update JoAnn Kline is starting on 5/18/15 as a Clerk in the Support Services Unit, Operations and Management Office. She can be contacted at 717-783-7132, [email protected]. Whitney Chapman is starting on 5/18/15 as a temporary clerical employee in the Bureau of Advocacy. Whitney can be reached at 717-787-2796, [email protected]. Robert Stanley ends his Paralegal Internship on 5/19/15 with the Office of Chief Counsel. We wish Robert well in his future career endeavors. Legislative Update HOUSE & SENATE ACTION Confirmation of Secretary Osborne – On May 12th the Senate Aging and Youth Committee unanimously confirmed Acting Secretary Osborne and on May 13th she received unanimous confirmation from the full Senate! In addition to the confirmation vote on May 12th, the Senate Aging committee also voted out HB 753, the Long-term Care Council bill, which now goes to the full senate for consideration. To view HB 753, click here. House Aging and Older Adult Services –On May 13th the Committee held an Informational Hearing on the PACE and PACENET Prescription assistance program for older adults and the PA Patient Assistance Program Clearinghouse. Secretary Osborne and Tom Snedden, Executive Director, provided the overview. HR 300 by Rep. Kinsey – A resolution recognizing May 2015 as “Older Americans – Get into the Act” month in Pennsylvania. – Adopted by a vote of 195-0 To view HR 300, click here. HR 329 – By Rep. Major – A resolution designating May 13, 2015 as “Missing Adult Persons Remembrance Day” in Pennsylvania. To view HR 329, click here. 2 PENDING LEGISLATION / NEW LEGISLATION: This week the House introduced budget bills. Representative Adolph introduced the Republican proposal, HB 1192 and Representative Markosek introduced the Democratic proposal, HB 1125. To view HB 1192, click here. Note. Aging’s Budget is under Section 301, State Lottery Fund Appropriations beginning on page 159 of the bill. To view HB 1125, click here. Aging’s budget can be found under Section 301, State Lottery Fund Appropriations, Section 301 beginning on page 154 of the bill. UPCOMING COMMITTEE HEARINGS: The House and Senate are adjourned until Monday, June 1, 2015. Education and Outreach Office PrimeTime Health The PrimeTime Health program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention activities for older Pennsylvanians with a special focus on health risk screening, nutrition, chronic conditions, fall risk, exercise, and strengthening to prevent fall-related injury, monitoring behavioral health, and managing medications. To view upcoming programs offered through your local Area Agency on Aging, click here. Wayne Area Agency on Aging offers speaker on Rheumatology Dr. Mark Cruciani will present at the following centers on rheumatology, which is a specialty that focuses on joint, muscle and bone disorders, including autoimmune diseases (diseases of the immune system). Join us at any of our centers to learn more about rheumatology and osteoarthritis. For dates, time and additional information, click here. LEADER TRAINING in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Lawrence County When: Tuesday & Wednesday May19 and 20 Where: CHALLENGES—Options in Aging, Shenley Square Plaza 2706 Mercer Rd. New Castle, PA 16105 Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day Fee: None You will receive all materials, handouts, supplies, and refreshments during your training. After completing the four day training you will be able to co-lead the six week CDSMP workshop in your community. You do not need any previous teaching or healthcare experience but you must plan to attend all four days in order to be certified. Mysteries of Medicare: Marketplace Plans and Medicare The trained Medicare counselors of the APPRISE program, help Medicare beneficiaries understand the health care options specific to their health needs and financial resources. This 3 is one in a series of articles prepared by Chester County APPRISE volunteers to help Medicare beneficiaries navigate this complex system. If you have a health insurance policy that was purchased through the Affordable Care Act Individual Marketplace and will soon be eligible for Medicare, you should be aware of what Medicare means for you. Likewise, if you have Medicare you need to know what the Marketplace means for you. For those soon to be eligible for Medicare: • Although you are allowed to keep a Marketplace plan that you already have when you become eligible for Medicare, you will probably not need or want to keep the plan. For instance, Medicare Part A meets the Affordable Care Act’s requirement to maintain Minimum Essential Coverage, so you will not be liable for the fine associated with no coverage. Also, as soon as your Part A coverage becomes effective you will lose any Marketplace tax credits you may have, which will effectively raise the cost of the plan. • In general, you should enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B during your initial enrollment period (IEP) and act to cancel your Marketplace plan. Be sure the Medicare enrollment and Marketplace disenrollment dates are seamless in order to avoid a gap in coverage. You will also want to consider a Medigap plan and a Part D plan (prescription) or a Medicare Advantage plan to get more complete coverage than Part A (hospitalization) plus Part B (medical) alone provide. These are also best purchased during your IEP. APPRISE counselors can help you choose a plan that suits your needs. • One circumstance where you may consider delaying enrolling in Medicare is if you are one of the small number of people who do not have enough working credits to qualify for premium-free Part A. Purchasing Part A can be expensive—up to $407/month in 2015— so it may be more economical initially to buy a Marketplace plan since you will be eligible to keep any tax credit, but you will probably be subject to a Medicare late enrollment penalty if you do decide to enroll at a later time. You will also be limited as to when you can enroll and what supplemental plans will be available. If you are considering this option, it is advisable to consult with an APPRISE counselor first. For those who have Medicare now: • You do not need to explore coverage through the Marketplace; in fact it is illegal for anyone to sell you a Marketplace plan if you are enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B. • The only exception to this prohibition is that if you are paying for Part A, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan if you drop both Part A and Part B, but you will probably be subject to a late enrollment penalty if you eventually decide to re-enroll in Medicare. APPRISE counselors can also be reached through 1-800-783-7067 PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources Lawrence County Event: Mental Health Summit for Professionals and First Responders Description: Key Note Speaker, Dr. Bobby Smith, will present “Dealing with the Aftermath of Trauma”. Breakout Sessions include: Mental Health for First Responders, Youth Suicide Prevention, Question, Persuade, Refer, Gatekeeper Training to Prevent Suicide, Reducing Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness, and Demystifying Crisis Intervention Services. Location: Scottish Rite Cathedral, 110 East Lincoln Avenue, New Castle, PA Date: May 28, 2015 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 4 Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – (724) 658-3578, ext. 105 Fee: $35 (Scholarships available for Lawrence County First Responders) Registration Deadline: May 14, 2015 Fayette/Greene/Washington Event: Powerful Tools For Caregivers Series Description: This free program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, and increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. Workshop trainers are Michelle Rockwell, Pennsylvania Link Coordinator and Kristen Jackson, Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging. Location: Hickory UEP Church, 210 Main Street, Hickory, PA Date: Tuesdays, June 2 – July 7, 2015 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – (724) 356-4042 Registration Deadline: May 26, 2015 Beaver County Event: Psychosocial Issues, Assessment and Treatment Interventions with Hoarding Behavior Training for professionals. Description: Beaver County CAN, in collaboration with Pennsylvania Link is hosting this twopart presentation on hoarding behavior by Dr. Norma Thomas, MSW Program Coordinator at California University of Pennsylvania. Event is free, networking lunch included. Location: Penn State Beaver Auditorium, 100 University Drive, Monaca, PA Date: June 4, 2015 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Part 1) 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Part 2) Contact: Email – [email protected] Registration Deadline: N/A Somerset County Event: Somerset Aging/ID Coalition Conference for Professionals Description: Morning session will focus on the topic of De-escalation techniques and features Tina Heinrich, Ed.S. Health Choices Clinical Director, Behavioral Health Services of Somerset & Bedford Counties; Afternoon session will cover the topic of Medication Abuse and features Ronna Yablonski, Prevention Coordinator (and Director of Somerset County Drug Free Communities) and Renee Gardner RN, both of Twin Lakes. Location: Oakhurst Tea Room, 2409 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA Date: June 16, 2015 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – (814) 443-4891, ext. 4213 Registration Deadline: June 9, 2015 Butler County Event: Elder Abuse Awareness Event Description: This is a free community event featuring educational seminars, resource fair, benefits screenings and more. Location: Butler County Community College, Founders Hall Date: June 17, 2015 5 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – (724) 431-3619 Registration Deadline: June 10, 2015 Bedford County Event: Trust & Estate Planning Seminar Description: Attorney Tom Murphy, Esq. of R. Thomas Murphy & Associates, P.C. will provide information on planning for the future and the cost of long term care. There is no cost to attend. Location: Homewood at Springhouse Estates, 150 Victoria Avenue, Everett, PA Date: June 17, 2015 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (registration begins at 9:30 a.m.) Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – (814) 233-9206 Registration Deadline: June 8, 2015 Allegheny County Event: Resources for Individuals with Disabilities under 60 Description: Part of the APPRISE/Allegheny Link 2015 Lunch and Learn Series, this presentation will cover a number of services that are available to individuals with disabilities who are under the age of 60 to help them maintain their independence in the community. This is a panel discussion with time for question and is free of charge. Location: Human Services Building, 1 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA Date: June 25, 2015 Time: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – 1-(866) 730-2368 Somerset County Event: Elder Justice Day Seminar Description: This free program is designed to inform, protect and help prevent older adults from abuse and financial exploitation. Experts will be on hand from across the state along with local leaders to talk about types of abuse and how it can be prevented. Lunch will be provided. Location: Somerset Church of the Brethren, 606 Plank Road, Somerset, PA Date: June 25, 2015 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.) Contact: phone – (814) 443-2681, Missy Beam Registration Deadline: June 19, 2015 Columbia-Montour County Event: Aging/ID Conference Description: Area Agency on Aging, PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources and the CMSU Behavioral Health Developmental Services are working together to provide a conference. Location: Country Cupboard Lewisburg Date: Monday June 8, 2015 Time: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 570-784-9272 Registration Deadline: N/A 6 Delaware County Event: 2015 Caregiver Series “Creative Tools for Caregiving” Description: Six session program for caregivers to bring their loved ones with them so they can participate in meaningful activities that can be taken home such as mosaics, fitness and the art of storytelling. Location: Friendship Circle Senior Center Dates: May 20: Non-Traditional Caregivers: You can do it! Your loved one will participate in the Art of Storytelling June 03: What Does Good Nutrition Look Like? Feeding yourself and your loved one. Your loved one will learn about “Home Remedies” while participating in a Cognitive Stimulation Activity. June 17: Relaxation Techniques: The Keys to Stress Free Living. Your loved one will participate in a Fitness Activity. Time: 4:15 pm to 5:45 pm Contact: Email -- [email protected] Phone -- 610-237-6222 ext. 57 Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon County Event: Series on balance and fall prevention Description: A four-part series on balance and fall prevention, this program consists of identifying what makes up good or poor balance, addressing the fear of falling, why balance testing is valuable and exercises for better balance. The series dates and topics include: May 20th – Addressing the Fear of Falling June 17th – Understanding the Benefits of Balance Testing July 15th – Exercises for Better Balance Location: The Long Community at Highland, 600 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 in the Brightwood Dining Room Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am Contact: Email – [email protected] Registration Deadline: N/A McKean County Event Name: Resources for McKean Co. Veterans (training) Description: A free half-day session packed with information and resources for professionals and organizations working with Veterans who are residents of McKean Co. Location: Commons Room at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Bradford, PA Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 Time: 8am - noon Contact: [email protected] or [email protected] Lycoming & Clinton County Event: Focused on hoarding Description: This training features expert Cory Chalmers on A&E's "Hoarders", Hoarding & Biohazard Expert, Trainer, and Public Speaker, President/CEO Steri-Clean, Inc. & Crime Scene Steri-Clean, LLC. Location: Country Cupboard, Lewisburg Date: Friday, May 22 Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Contact: Email -- [email protected] Registration Deadline: N/A 7 Columbia-Montour County Event: Aging/ID Conference Description: Area Agency on Aging, PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources and the CMSU Behavioral Health Developmental Services are working together to provide a conference. Details on topics pending. Location: Country Cupboard Lewisburg Date: Monday June 8, 2015 Time: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone - 570-784-9272 The PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources, in partnership with agencies that support individuals with intellectual disabilities, is hosting conferences throughout the state. Lehigh and Northampton County June 5, 8:30 to 4:30, at the Best Western in Bethlehem. Contact Kimberly Melusky, at [email protected] There will be a $40 registration fee for this conference Lehigh/Northampton County Event: Dual Diagnosis: Working with Individuals with Challenging Behaviors Description: LINK and the Lehigh & Northampton Aging/ID Team is partnering to provide a conference to educate professionals and caregivers about individuals who are aging and diagnosed with mental health issues and/or an intellectual disability. Registration fee is $40.00. Location: Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center, 300 Gateway Drive in Bethlehem Date: June 5, 2015 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – 610-782-3096 Registration Deadline: Friday, May 22, 2015 Chester County Event: Centenarian Birthday Party Description: The Link will sponsor the Chester County Department of Aging’s 3rd Annual Centenarian Birthday Party and will educate attendees on the Link and the Link’s project, “Hospital to Home.” Location: The Downingtown Country Club, 93 Country Club Rd, Downingtown, PA 19335 Date: June 24th Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact: E-mail - [email protected] Phone – 484-364-6981 Cumberland County Event: Improving Aging Services for LGBT Older Adults Description: This workshop will include information on the culture, needs and concerns of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) older adults, information on why LGBT older adults are less likely to access health and social services and information on best practices, policy and practice areas for increasing inclusiveness and safety for LGBT older adults. Location: Giant Food Store Community Room, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015 8 Time: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM (lunch included) Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-240-7887 Register: Click Here Butler County Event: Elder Abuse Awareness Event Description: This is a free community event featuring educational seminars, resource fair, benefits screenings and more. Location: Butler County Community College, Founders Hall Date: June 17, 2015 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Contact: Email – [email protected] Phone – (724) 431-3619 Registration Deadline: June 10, 2015 Franklin County Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations. Location: American Legion Post 517 – Mercersburg, PA Date: May 22nd, 2015 Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 Registration Deadline: none Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations. Location: Antrim Township Municipal Building – Greencastle, PA Date: May 29, 2015 Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 Registration Deadline: none Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations. Location: AMVETS – Chambersburg, PA Date: June 4, 2015 Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 9 Registration Deadline: none Event: 2015 Franklin County Veterans EXPO Description: An event where 50+ vendors will be offering information on Veteran-specific programs and services. A light breakfast and full lunch will be served. Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. The VA Mobile Outreach Van will be onsite as well as the Chambersburg JROTC Color Guard. Location: Scotland Campus – Scotland, PA Date: June 10, 2015 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations. Location: Tuscarora Senior Center – Mercersburg, PA Date: June 12, 2015 Time: 6:00 -7:30 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations. Location: Waynesboro Senior Center – Waynesboro, PA Date: June 16, 2015 Time: 6:00 -7:30 PM Contact: E-mail – [email protected] Phone – 717-263-4326 Registration Deadline: none Bureau of Aging Services Care Transitions Summit The Pennsylvania Department of Aging, through the Long Term Living Training Institute (LTLTI), hosted a Care Transitions Summit for the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College. A total of 69 attendees participated in the day, with representation from 26 AAAs. The day provided an opportunity for AAAs involved in all stages of care transitions to network, share resources, discuss best practices and attend break-out sessions suited to their current level of involvement with care transitions. Included in the agenda were representatives from RightCare Solutions, Community Care Transitions Programs for Western PA, Cole Memorial Hospital, PA Aging and Disabilities Resource Center, PA Association for Area Agencies on Aging, York/Adams Care Transitions Coalition, Wellspan Health, Aligning Forces for Quality, Hospital Association of PA and Quality Insights of PA. The summit also featured a panel discussion, which included 5 AAA Care 10 Transitions service providers. Information and resources from the summit will be compiled and posted on LTLTI’s website. An online tool kit will be developed in the near future for the AAA network to reference and assist them in the promotion, planning and delivery of care transitions services. Announcements Innovation in Caregiving Award The Innovation in Caregiving Award recognizes individuals who, in the course of caring for an older adult in a private home or a residential setting invented a device or technique that solves a caregiving challenge, or found a new application for an existing device or technique that supports caregiving of older adults and eases the burden on caregivers. Those assisting younger individuals with disabilities may apply for the award if their device or technique is helpful to the care of adults aged 60 and older. The application deadline is June 30, 2015. Apply for the 2015 Award Messiah Lifeways and Harrisburg Magazine SAGE Awards Awards to honor savvy, active, growing, and enlightened older adults, age 55 and better, who have made important contributions to the economic, cultural, spiritual, and social progress of the Greater Capital Region. We are currently seeking outstanding nominees who are transforming the lives of others, who are improving the quality of life for all persons in our region, or who are creating a new sense of purpose in the third age of their life. Past winners have included a National Geographic instructor, several Peace Corps volunteers, a food pantry founder, a state Senator, renowned philanthropists, and "a re-wired" executive. The key to the SAGE Awards is that it highlights persons who are changing the conversation about aging and inspiring people to think about retirement as a time of purpose and zest! We are especially eager to meet people who have done interesting things in recent years - at age 55 or better Completed applications may be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 717-7968155. The deadline for this year’s entries is June 22. After a panel of judges reviews all of this year’s nominees, as many as six recipients may be honored at an awards celebration dinner scheduled for on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village. Nomination form, click here. PA Association of Senior Centers Northeast Region Annual Meeting The PA Assoc. of Senior Centers (PASC) Northeast Region is holding its annual meeting on Friday, June 5, at the West Side Active Adult Senior Center, 1004 Jackson Street, Scranton, from 10am - 3pm. The cost is $20.00 for PASC members and$25.00 non-members. For further information, contact Leslie Berger at 570.420.3745 OR [email protected]. National Association of Area Agencies on Aging 40th Annual Conference July 11-15, 2015 in Philadelphia, PA Please save the date; more information can be found by clicking here. Funding Opportunities Funding Opportunity Announced for Navigators in Federally-Facilitated Marketplaces The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the availability of funding to support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFM), including State Partnership 11 Marketplaces. Grantees will be selected for a three year project period, and a total of up to $67 million is available for the first year of the award. The funding opportunity announcement is open to eligible individuals, as well as private and public entities, applying to serve as Navigators in states with a FFM. It is open to new and returning HHS Navigator grant applicants, and applications are due by June 15, 2015. Click here for more information. In the News Teresa Osborne confirmed as secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Times-Leader, Wilkes-Barre Crone receives Meals on Wheels volunteer award Parkland Press, Allentown Agency on Aging to celebrate anniversaries York Dispatch ** If you have something you wish to include, please contact us. Kindly direct your comments and suggestions to Drew Wilburne in the Press Office [email protected]. 12