As baby boomers continue to age, healthcare workers say there is a growing trend of seniors who want to stay in their own homes during their golden years.

I think people really desire to stay where theyre living, to stay in their own place rather than pay for a nursing home or assisted living, if its possible, said Melissa Carlson, an occupational therapist at Fremont Health. Sometimes that is a more cost effective and a more comfortable environment to be able to stay in their own home.

My primary responsibility at the hospital is I see people under home healthcare, those are people who are receiving therapy services in their home, she said. I see it all the time that people want to know how they can be safe in their home, how they can lessen the risk of falling, how things can be easier.

Lynn Lamprecht, president of Fremont-based Promedcare, recently earned certification as an Aging-in-Place Specialist, trained to help people evaluate their homes, and then work with medical professionals and general contractors to recommend modifications to make the home safer and more comfortable.

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist program was developed by the National Association of Home Builders.

For me, Lamprecht said, Aging-in-Place is doing the best you can to live in an environment where you want to stay. Most likely, people want to stay at home, and were trying to help them modify their home and just do simple things to help them stay at home safely for as long as they can.

Modifications can range from making the bathroom more accessible with raised toilets, grab bars, no-slip floors and easy-entrance showers and baths, to installation of elevators and lifts.

Sometimes it can be little things that dont really cost any money, Carlson said. It can be picking up throw rugs that are all over, which I see a lot of. ... Just trying to organize the environment better, and as youre thinking about the future you can think about things like adding a ramp or a rail or something. Obviously those do cost money, but you can make little changes that help make people safer in their homes too, its a start and youve got to start somewhere.

Once in a while Ill see somebody who, as theyve aged theyve lost some height, so perhaps they can no longer reach where they hung their clothes on their closet rod, so Ill make a recommendation to think about lowering that rod so you can reach it, she said.

As an occupational therapist, Carlson gets involved under a physicians order, typically after someone has suffered a medical event or health condition has developed.

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Local experts help aging baby boomers stay in their homes

CTVNews.ca Staff Published Tuesday, November 11, 2014 2:14PM EST Last Updated Tuesday, November 11, 2014 9:59PM EST

A 16-year-old girl who was horrifically beaten and left for dead in the Assiniboine River is now recovering in hospital, as homicide detective search for suspects.

Winnipeg police have obtained surveillance video of 16-year-old Rinelle Harper on the night of the attack, and are using it to retrace her steps, CTV News has learned.

The video shows Rinelle walking along Assiniboine Avenue with what appears to be two males.

Police say Rinelle became separated from her friends last Friday night, and was attacked near a downtown bridge, ending up in the freezing river.

She was discovered, badly beaten, along the riverwalk by a passerby the next morning, and taken to hospital in critical condition, according to police. The girl is currently in stable condition.

Rinelles aunt, Holly Harper, told CTV Winnipeg that the entire family is trying to understand how the attack could have happened.

"I can't even imagine what would provoke such an attack, such a brutal attack on my niece. Who in their right mind would do something so horrible?" she said.

Officers made the rare move of naming Rinelle on Monday, with the permission of her family. They're hoping that by disclosing her name they will encourage witnesses to come forward.

"Rinelle is a person in this community," Supt. Danny Smyth told reporters at a news conference Monday.

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Video may hold clues after Winnipeg girl beaten, left for dead in river

Fifty-six projects to improve transportation alternatives are in line for $33 million in federal funds, PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch announced today.

Transportation alternative projects enhance pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to school, preserve historic transportation structures, provide environmental mitigation, create trails that serve a transportation purpose, and promote safety and mobility.

These awards represent yet another way PennDOT is working to broaden the reach of transportation investments in Pennsylvania, Schoch said. Combined with awards from the new state Multimodal Fund and the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Fund, this program opens the door to an even wider variety of improvements for the people of Pennsylvania.

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, the 2012 federal transportation authorization act known as MAP-21, introduced fundamental changes to the administration of local programs, including those that had existed as separate programs in SAFETEA-LU, the previous authorization act. Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, Scenic Byways and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) are now consolidated into the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).

PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, reasonableness of cost, readiness for implementation, statewide or regional significance, integration of land use and transportation decision making, collaboration with stakeholders, and leverage of other projects or funding.

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Fifty-six Projects Receive Federal Funds to Improve Transportation Alternatives

Reference N14165E

Minister MacKay announces Government of Canada support for the Westville Memorial Cenotaph

November 8, 2014 Westville, NS Veterans Affairs Canada

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister Responsible for Nova Scotia, today announced Government of Canada funding to the Pictou County Military Museum and the Town of Westville. Support is being provided to assist with the restoration, improved accessibility and beautification of the Westville Memorial Cenotaph. Minister MacKay made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs.

The cenotaph has been the gathering point for community remembrance and commemorative events since its construction in 1921. Planned restoration work includes repairs to the statue and the base, and new plaques will be placed over existing engravings deemed beyond repair. Existing entrance steps will be restored and new walkways and handrails installed, improving accessibility.

Ensuring that local cenotaphs are maintained is critical to paying tribute to our Veterans. I encourage all Canadians to visit a local cenotaph or memorial in their community to honour the sacrifice and service of our Veterans.

The funding of restoration projects and commemorative ceremonies throughout Central Nova helps us pay tribute to the sacrifices of local veterans. Our Government will continue its steadfast support for Canadian Veterans and their families.

I am very pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting the restoration of our cenotaph. It is gratifying to see our collective efforts combining to return the cenotaph to its original glory in honour of our Veterans and the sacrifices they have made and continue to make.

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Barbara Mottram Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs 613-996-4649

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Major cenotaph enhancements ensure enduring commemoration of local Veterans

Published on November 08, 2014

Sueann Musick -The News

Westville Mayor Roger MacKay, left, Westville CAO Kelly Rice and Pictou East MLA Tim Houstan were on hand to hear an announcement by Central Nova MP Peter MacKay, right, in regards to federal government funding for the restoration of the Westville cenotaph.

WESTVILLE - Ongoing restorations at the Westville Cenotaph are getting a boost from the federal government.

Central Nova MP Peter MacKay announced Saturday that the restoration project is the recipient of a $15,000 grant from the federal government to towards repairs on the monument and the make it more accessible for visitors of all ages.

We must never forget the heavy price that has been paid to defend our cherished way of life, and protect our shared values. Since Confederation, more than 2.3 million Canadians have served in our Armed Forces. Tragically, 118,000 never returned home, said MacKay.

We were reminded all too tragically of that reality only weeks ago, when terror attacks took two brave soldiers from our great nation. As Canadians we remain united, and these terrible events serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.

Funding will go towards the cleaning of the monument and applying a protective coating and new wording. The area has also been landscaped and new steps, handrails and walkways are installed to improve accessibility.

The cenotaph, completed in 1921 as a memorial to those from Westville lost in the First World War, features a bronze statue of a grief-stricken soldier created by renowned Canadian sculptor Emanuel Hahn.

After the sculpture, the first of its kind in Canada, was unveiled, 10 other communities across Canada wanted the design. Westvilles memorial, however, is the only one signed by Hahn and has been described as the finest community war memorial in Canada.

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MacKay announces funding for Westville cenotaph restoration project

Waterford - Planning and Zoning is poised to take the initial steps of redeveloping Mago Point, a piece of shorefront land that juts into the Niantic River, according to Director of Planning and Development Dennis Goderre.

Since the bridge connecting Waterford to East Lyme was replaced in 1991, residents and owners of businesses on the point have complained that the small peninsula lies so hidden in the shadow of Route 156 that people don't even see it.

Goderre said Friday that a portion of a $500,000 state Small Town Economic Assistance Program grant the town received over the summer will be used to fund the development of a master plan slated for completion in the spring.

"We'll now have a fantastic road map that shows that we have a plan," Goderre said.

He said the town will use the plan to apply for further state and federal grants, including a second STEAP grant and a grant to explore the possibility of bringing commercial aquaculture back to the point. Goderre said aquaculture is currently only permitted in the area for research, though shellfishing was common in the past.

The town plans in the next week to sign an agreement with planning, engineering and construction services firm BETA Group Inc., according to Goderre.

BETA will be charged with surveying the point over the next few weeks. On Dec. 13, the firm will hold its first workshop for members of the public to give suggestions for the master plan.

The master plan will look at walkways, waterfront access, design regulations for buildings, layout of parking lot space, design of the point's park and more, according to BETA project manager Randall Collins.

BETA Senior Vice President Najib Habesch called the point a "diamond in the rough."

BETA will develop two to three master plans by the end of January, at which time it will hold further public workshops, according to Goderre.

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Mago Point redevelopment planning begins

As post offices prepare for the holiday rush of cards, letters and packages, they are seeking to remind customers that a snowstorm can be just around the corner.

Considering the extreme winter weather we had last year, it is never too early to plan for this years season, Postmaster Michael Thompson said. We are asking our postal customers to keep walkways and curbside mailboxes clear of snow and ice to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of mail this winter.

Letter carriers are especially vulnerable to slips, trips and falls during the winter months. Slippery surfaces can be dangerous and costly for homeowners, as well as for their visitors including their letter carriers. By clearing a path when the snow arrives, accidents can be prevented.

Letter carriers cannot make door or curb deliveries when the approach to the mailbox is hazardous because of snow or ice. Carriers are not allowed to attempt door delivery when there is a heavy buildup of snow and ice on sidewalks, steps or porches. They are not allowed to dismount for curbline boxes blocked by snow and ice buildup.

We greatly appreciate the support of our customers in this endeavor, Thompson said. Your letter carrier will thank you.

Source: U.S. Postal Service

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Downriver post offices ask for help this winter season

A public meeting has been arranged to provide an update on the Proposed Cathedral Coast Walk, which is part of our Coromandel Great Walks Project.

Everyone is invited to the meeting at the Hahei Community Hall on Saturday 29 November, from 10am until midday.

"This is a chance for us to share with everyone where we're at with the Walks project and to discuss parking issues around Hahei," says Garry Towler, Council's spokesperson on the Proposed Cathedral Coast Walk. "We need to talk about the impact that increasing visitor numbers is having on Hahei and how we can best manage it short and long term," says Mr Towler.

The Proposed Cathedral Coast Walkway is being developed in partnership with DOC and local iwi Ngati Hei. Stage 1A and 1B of the Cathedral Coast Walk is approximately 10km in length from the iconic "Blowhole," at Te Pupuha Recreation Reserve at Hahei through to the Purangi Estuary at Cooks Beach. It takes in DOC estate, Council reserve and QE2 Trust land. A private section of land at Lees Rd is also being negotiated, which will help to provide additional car parking for anyone wanting to walk the route.

"While the public meeting is primarily as an update on the Walk project and parking around Hahei, DOC are also coming along to give an update on its Integrated Plan for Cathedral Cove and Hahei," says Mr Towler.

WRC has also been invited along with Council staff and elected members from our Mercury Bay Area office.

One of the next steps in the Proposed Cathedral Coast Walk project will be finalising the names of a working group , made up of permanent Hahei residents, non-permanent residents, the Hahei Business Association and Coastal Walkways. This group will be the major forum through which the Hahei community and stakeholders can table views and issues and report back to the Project Governance Group, which is made up of our Council, DOC and local iwi Ngati Hei.

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Public briefing on Coromandel Great Walks Project arranged

A Signal Hill man accused of kidnapping and raping two women this year pleaded not guilty to a host of felony charges Monday and is being held in lieu of $4.5-million bail.

David Faavale Tautolo, 32, is charged with two counts each of kidnapping to commit another crime, forcible rape and one count each of forcible oral copulation, attempted sodomy by force, sodomy by force and criminal threats, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.

Prosecutors say that on Jan. 14, Tautolo forced a woman at a bus station into his car and then sexually assaulted her at another location. She managed to get away and call police, but officers couldn't find Tautolo.

Then in October, Tautolo allegedly kidnapped a second woman, drove her to an alley and raped her. The woman called police once she was free and Tautolo was arrested the next day.

Tautolo faces life in prison if convicted on all charges. Hes due back in court Jan. 20 for a preliminary hearing.

For breaking California news, follow@JosephSerna.

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Man pleads not guilty to kidnapping, raping women in Long Beach

First, they used a YouTube video to arrest him on suspicion of obstructing a California Highway Patrol officer. Now, officials say, theyre using what they found inside Guraurdas Khalsas home to lobby for illegal drugs and weapons charges.

Its only made a bad situation worse for Khalsa, a 32-year-old Brentwood resident who CHP officials say works as a stunt motorcycle rider and has a corporate camera sponsorship. Last week, Bay Area CHP officials announced they tracked down Khalsa and hoped to find others through a video he allegedly posted on YouTube showing him and other riders doing wheelies on Interstate 680 in Milpitas.

The riders in the video are seen speeding on the freeway and circling the officer, whose siren can be heard in the background.

The officer tried unsuccessfully to stop the riders in the pack. The video shows the riders celebrating after the officer peels away for safety.

On Thursday, a search of Khalsas Brentwood home turned up 90 marijuana plants and a loaded rifle, authorities said. Investigators are recommending additional charges related to having a loaded weapon in aid of cultivating marijuana.

Khalsa was taken into custody Wednesday on suspicion of delaying or obstructing an officer and being an accessory after the fact.

Officers say Khalsa filmed the riders' actions, and the video was picked up and later posted toYouTube. The video has been viewed more than 1.5 million times.

For breaking California news, follow@JosephSerna.

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Biker accused in taunting-video case could face drug, weapon charges, CHP says