SMETHPORT — A Smethport woman’s artwork is featured in the 2019 Medicare Preventive Services Calendar, an initiative promoting the importance of maintaining good health and raising awareness of disease prevention and sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Helen Cole, an active member at the Senior Center, was among the senior center participants and school students from throughout the Commonwealth to submit examples of their artwork. The top 12 entries were selected for the calendar, which highlights Medicare Preventive Services that beneficiaries may be eligible to receive at low or no cost.
Her acrylic painting, showcased in January, is titled “Can You See the Poppy?” and calls attention to the early diagnosis of glaucoma, which can rob people of their vision. A huge poppy is prominently displayed along with the message: “It has a history to share. Don’t let it become just a memory. Be aware of glaucoma without delay!”
January has been proclaimed National Glaucoma Awareness Month.
“As a token of this accomplishment — as well as our gratitude for your participation in this initiative — please accept the enclosed Certificate of Appreciation, along with a copy of the calendar,” Teresa Osborne, secretary of the Department of Aging, wrote in a letter to Cole.
A 50-year plus member of the Smethport American Legion Auxiliary in Smethport and a past district president of the AL Auxiliary, Cole said her inspiration for the painting came from the poppy, the familiar red flower that was found at the battlefields of Flanders Fields in World War I. It has become the symbol of fallen armed services personnel. It is now the official flower of the American Legion, largely due to the efforts of the American Legion Auxiliary.
The artwork that received a high number of votes, but did not win are featured on the cover and in a collage inside the calendar.
Cole is an active member of the Smethport Senior Center, where she has held various offices, and of the Elderberries Club.
A past officer of Chapter 933 American Association of Retired Persons in Smethport, Cole has volunteered at the Senior Expo at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. She is a board member of the Office of Human Services.
