FROM: State Rep. Don Walko, D-North Side

TO: Editor

DATE: Sept. 5, 2007

CONTACT: Ben Turner, 717-787-7895, bturner@pahouse.net

State Representative Don Walko Reports:

Walko sponsoring series of ‘Older & Wiser’ seminars for 20th District seniors

            I have long advocated for programs and services that benefit older Pennsylvanians. Now I am happy to present a series of informational seminars on a variety of important topics.

            Each of the three seminars will be presented twice in different locations so people may attend the seminar closest to them.

            Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Space for the seminars is limited. For more information or to reserve your spot, please call my office at 412-321-5523.

            Working with Neighborhood Legal Services, I would like to invite you to attend the following Older and Wiser Program seminars. All of the seminars will run from 10 a.m. to noon:

POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND LIVING WILLS

            Participants will learn what these documents are, how they are used and why they are important, including important changes in state law that affect these documents. Discussions also will include the cost of legal and other expenses and the inconveniences that may arise when a person becomes incapacitated and a court must appoint someone to make decisions on his or her behalf.

• Friday, Sept. 28 — St. Mary’s Hall, 329 45th St., Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
• Friday, Oct. 5 — West View Firemen’s Hall, 398 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15229

PREDATORY LENDING

            Participants will receive tips and information on how to protect themselves from predatory lenders. These lenders, who often target the elderly, entice borrowers into loan agreements that contain unfair and often abusive terms. Tips will include what to watch for, what kinds of questions to ask lenders and what to avoid.

• Friday, Oct. 12 — St. Mary’s Hall, 329 45th St., Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
• Friday, Oct. 19 — West View Firemen’s Hall, 398 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15229

DEALING EFFECTIVELY WITH A HEALTH-CARE FACILITY

            Participants will receive tips on how to effectively provide information to, and receive information from, nursing facilities, personal care homes and hospitals. The discussion will also include the difference between nursing facilities and personal care homes, patients’ rights and responsibilities regarding health-care information, the use of power of attorney in making health-care decisions, and other health-care information.

• Friday, Oct. 26 — St. Mary’s Hall, 329 45th St., Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
• Friday, Nov. 2 — West View Firemen’s Hall, 398 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15229

            For more information on these seminars or other state-related concerns, please visit my Web site -- www.pahouse.com/walko -- or call my office at 412-321-5523.