Meriden and Wallingford Senior Center News & Events January 2007
Sponsored by Easel Works Creative Art Studio and Gallery
Wallingford Senior Center Newsletter Info for JANUARY Edition
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT DAY on January 18, 11:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
The Visiting Nurse Association, Rite Aid Pharmacy and Abbots Diabetes Care are sponsoring three opportunities for us to gain important information (and free giveaways) on our Medication Management Day.
1. THE NURSE’S CORNER on January 18, 11:00 a.m.: The Visiting Nurse Association of Wallingford will provide an important program regarding the safe and effective way to store and take your medications. Please sign up if you plan to attend.
2. ASK A PHARMACIST on Thursday, January 18: Call the Senior Center at 265-7753 to schedule a confidential appointment with a registered pharmacist. Bring a list of your current medications or the actual bottles and consult the pharmacist about your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins and supplements. The pharmacist can review your medications and offer advice about the best time during the day to take them; about possible drug interactions; and other related matters. This free service will be provided by a Rite-Aid pharmacist on January 18, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Schedule your appointment today!
3. DIABETES DEMO on Thursday, January 18, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Abbott Diabetes Care will sponsor a Diabetes Demo Day from noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Great Room. Stop by to learn about new technological advances in home blood glucose monitoring and get answers to your questions about blood glucose meters.Free giveaways!
PLEASE, GIVE ME YOUR KEYS on Wednesday, January 24, 7:00 p.m.
As we age, we often are faced with the issue of safe driving. When is it appropriate to “give up the keys” or to take the keys away from a loved one? Mary Underwood, Area Director of Alzheimer Services for Benchmark Assisted Living, will address this issue on January 24, at 7:00 p.m. (Snow date: January 31). Ms. Underwood will describe the physical changes that affect our driving; services provided to assess our individual needs; and strategies to know when it’s time to get involved and how to discuss this difficult issue with loved ones. Also, “How Do I Get There” a transportation guide for Wallingford residents will be available. The public is invited. Please call the Senior Center at 265-7753 to register to attend.
HYPNOSIS PROGRAM on Friday, January 26, 10:30 a.m.
Elee Zammarieh, hypnotherapist and lecturer will present a program on self-improvement through neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotherapy. Do you want to stop negative habits like smoking? . . . eliminate fears or phobias? . . . overcome obstacles and create solutions? Join us on January 26 to discover how hypnotherapy is used to help people enjoy a more fulfilling life. Please call 265-7753 to register to attend. (One lucky attendee will receive a $50 certificate for a personalized coaching session!)
ADVANCED DIRECTIVES SIMPLIFIED on Monday, January 29, 1:00 p.m.
Recent Changes in CT Law Information Session
If one of your New Year’s resolutions includes completing a Living Will to communicate your wishes concerning life support systems, come to this session and cross that Living Will resolution off your list! Attorney Kate McEvoy, who helped draft the new and simplified changes in CT law, will help you understand how the recent changes make it simpler to express your wishes concerning end-of-life medical care. Copies of the required forms will be distributed and she will explain how to complete the forms. Please call 265-7753 to sign-up.
CATARACTS & CATARACT SURGERY Wednesday, January 24, 10:30 a.m.
Dr. Andrew J. Epstein, Ophthalmologist, will present an informative program entitled “Bringing Your Vision into Focus: The Benefits of Advanced Cataract Surgery” on January 24. This program, which is sponsored by MidState Medical Center, is designed to help you understand what cataracts are and how they are treated. Dr. Epstein is associated with Dr. John Redmond and practices general ophthalmology in Wallingford. Please call 265-7753 to register to attend this program.
NEW SELF DEFENSE CLASS Free Demonstration Tuesday, January 16, 11:00 a.m.
Don’t be a victim! Learn how to defend yourself with very simple techniques that anyone can learn. If you can walk, you can defend yourself – no super strength needed! The 6-week class, which consists of stretching, conditioning and defense techniques, will feature: pre-conflict and avoidance strategies; how to escape when being held; and takedown and control techniques. The class, led by certified instructor Elee Zammarieh, will be held Tuesdays, 11:00—11:45 a.m. beginning January 23. The fee for the 6-week course is $20.00 for Senior Center members and $25.00 for non-members. Sign up to attend the free demonstration Tuesday, January 16, at 11:00 a.m.
LOOKING GOOD PRESENTATION Friday, January 19, 10:15 a.m.
Talking about the challenges of vision loss is helpful. Our Low Vision Support Group is energized to begin another active year of learning, resource sharing, and self-advocacy. Our first program in 2007 will be presented by Michele Tarantino, Occupational Therapist at Masonicare. Michele will give us tips on matching, labeling, and organizing items of clothing.
STAY WARM THIS WINTER! CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Wallingford Senior Center takes applications for energy assistance for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. Income limits are $27,867.32 for a single person and $36,441.88 for two people. There are asset limits.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies of the following documents:
· Year 2006 Social Security check amount (copy of recent check, or most recent bank
· statement showing deposited amount, or Social Security “2006 New Benefit” letter.)
· Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents.
· 2006 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income.
· Four most recent pay stubs, if employed.
· Rental Income—rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account.
· Driver’s license or birth certificate.
· Most recent heat utility bill.
· Electric bill.
Applications are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 265-7753.
WAL-MART LAUNCHES $4 GENERIC PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM
Wal-Mart is bringing more affordable medicines to seniors. Three-hundred and thirty-one (331) commonly prescribed generic prescription drugs are now available at the Wallingford Wal-Mart pharmacy for a cost of $4 for up to a 30-day supply. For further information on the program, customers can call 1-800-WAL-MART, or go to www.walmart.com. Visit a Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club store to discuss the program with the pharmacist, or pick up a brochure explaining program details. Please see the Social Services Bulletin Board in the Senior Center for the list of $4 generic drugs.
INTERFAITH Volunteer Care Givers VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN WALLINGFORD
“Caring and Sharing is what Volunteering is all about.”
The following are two recent requests received:
· Elderly woman needs help with grocery shopping.
· Ride needed on a regular basis to MidState Medical Center.
Gas mileage reimbursement is available to our volunteers. Please call S.W. Marie Cunha for details.
WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE
In the event of inclement weather, we urge you to watch WVIT-Ch. 30, WTNH-Ch. 8 or WFSB-TV Ch. 3 for information on any opening delays or closings of the Senior Center due to weather.
MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER
The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver’s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!
Reverse Mortgage Specialist Jessica Penfield from BCI Financial Mortgage Corporation in Cheshire will offer a Reverse Mortgage presentation at the Senior Center on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 10:30 AM. Topics to be discussed include learning the basics of a reverse mortgage, how a reverse mortgage works, uses for a reverse mortgage, common misconceptions and some case examples of how BCI Financial customers have benefited from having a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage can be a good way for a homeowner to tap into the equity they have built up in their home, to pay for repairs, vacations, medical expenses, a new car or any number of other expenses requiring some extra income. This no cost or obligation program will be held in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center and refreshments will be served. We ask that people planning to attend this program please sign-up in the main office or call us at 237-0066 so that we will know how many people to expect for this program. To learn more about how a reverse mortgage may be able to enhance your retirement income plan to attend this program on Wednesday, January 31 at 10:30 AM.
AARP’s trained volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are once again ready to help you with income tax advice and actual preparation of your 2006 Federal and State income tax returns. Meriden AARP volunteers will be at the Senior Center each Wednesday, starting Wednesday, February 7 and continuing until Wednesday, April 11. This free service is offered by appointment on the mezzanine level of the Senior Center. Appointments will be taken starting on Monday, January 8 and can be made by calling the Senior Center at (203) 237-0066. Times are available from 9:00 am until 1:45 pm each Wednesday. At the time of your appointment you must bring a copy of last year’s 2005 tax returns.
For your 2006 return you must bring all1099 forms. These are issued to you for Social Security, pensions, annuities, IRA’s, interest, dividends, brokerage and mutual fund sales and miscellaneous other items. Many times tax returns cannot be completed because all 1099 forms were not brought in. Look carefully at all paperwork you receive for 1099; sometimes it is in small print! If you are still working you will have a W-2 form and, occasionally, seniors may have unemployment compensation, gambling winnings or a State tax refund. All of these forms must be brought to your appointment. Also, to receive a credit on your State tax return you must bring the receipt from the Meriden Tax Collector for car and real estate taxes paid to the City of Meriden. Please note that Tax-Aide counselors are trained to assist with basic tax returns of typical seniors. Individuals involved with partnerships, rental property, trusts, estates, etc. will be referred to professional tax preparers. AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax preparation service offered to all taxpayers with middle- to low-income, with special attention to those 60+. Those with incomes less than or equal to the approximate median household income in Connecticut of $70,000 are eligible to use this service. If your income is greater than this amount and your return is complex we ask that you consult a professional tax preparation service.
The State of Connecticut has announced the new income limits for the ConnPACE Program effective January 1, 2007. For a single person the new income limit will be $23,100 and for a married couple the new income limit will be $31,100. Income includes your adjusted gross income from an income tax return, if filed, Social Security minus the Medicare Part B premium, pensions, interest, dividends and any other income. ConnPACE helps seniors age 65 and over, and people on Social Security Disability, pay for the cost of their prescription drugs, insulin and insulin syringes. There is a $30 registration fee and co-pay of $16.25 for each prescription. For further information, or to pick up an application, please ask in the Senior Center office. Applications and instructions can also be downloaded from the ConnPACE web site at www.connpace.com.
For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.
John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT DAY on January 18, 11:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
The Visiting Nurse Association, Rite Aid Pharmacy and Abbots Diabetes Care are sponsoring three opportunities for us to gain important information (and free giveaways) on our Medication Management Day.
1. THE NURSE’S CORNER on January 18, 11:00 a.m.: The Visiting Nurse Association of Wallingford will provide an important program regarding the safe and effective way to store and take your medications. Please sign up if you plan to attend.
2. ASK A PHARMACIST on Thursday, January 18: Call the Senior Center at 265-7753 to schedule a confidential appointment with a registered pharmacist. Bring a list of your current medications or the actual bottles and consult the pharmacist about your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins and supplements. The pharmacist can review your medications and offer advice about the best time during the day to take them; about possible drug interactions; and other related matters. This free service will be provided by a Rite-Aid pharmacist on January 18, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Schedule your appointment today!
3. DIABETES DEMO on Thursday, January 18, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Abbott Diabetes Care will sponsor a Diabetes Demo Day from noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Great Room. Stop by to learn about new technological advances in home blood glucose monitoring and get answers to your questions about blood glucose meters.Free giveaways!
PLEASE, GIVE ME YOUR KEYS on Wednesday, January 24, 7:00 p.m.
As we age, we often are faced with the issue of safe driving. When is it appropriate to “give up the keys” or to take the keys away from a loved one? Mary Underwood, Area Director of Alzheimer Services for Benchmark Assisted Living, will address this issue on January 24, at 7:00 p.m. (Snow date: January 31). Ms. Underwood will describe the physical changes that affect our driving; services provided to assess our individual needs; and strategies to know when it’s time to get involved and how to discuss this difficult issue with loved ones. Also, “How Do I Get There” a transportation guide for Wallingford residents will be available. The public is invited. Please call the Senior Center at 265-7753 to register to attend.
HYPNOSIS PROGRAM on Friday, January 26, 10:30 a.m.
Elee Zammarieh, hypnotherapist and lecturer will present a program on self-improvement through neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotherapy. Do you want to stop negative habits like smoking? . . . eliminate fears or phobias? . . . overcome obstacles and create solutions? Join us on January 26 to discover how hypnotherapy is used to help people enjoy a more fulfilling life. Please call 265-7753 to register to attend. (One lucky attendee will receive a $50 certificate for a personalized coaching session!)
ADVANCED DIRECTIVES SIMPLIFIED on Monday, January 29, 1:00 p.m.
Recent Changes in CT Law Information Session
If one of your New Year’s resolutions includes completing a Living Will to communicate your wishes concerning life support systems, come to this session and cross that Living Will resolution off your list! Attorney Kate McEvoy, who helped draft the new and simplified changes in CT law, will help you understand how the recent changes make it simpler to express your wishes concerning end-of-life medical care. Copies of the required forms will be distributed and she will explain how to complete the forms. Please call 265-7753 to sign-up.
CATARACTS & CATARACT SURGERY Wednesday, January 24, 10:30 a.m.
Dr. Andrew J. Epstein, Ophthalmologist, will present an informative program entitled “Bringing Your Vision into Focus: The Benefits of Advanced Cataract Surgery” on January 24. This program, which is sponsored by MidState Medical Center, is designed to help you understand what cataracts are and how they are treated. Dr. Epstein is associated with Dr. John Redmond and practices general ophthalmology in Wallingford. Please call 265-7753 to register to attend this program.
NEW SELF DEFENSE CLASS Free Demonstration Tuesday, January 16, 11:00 a.m.
Don’t be a victim! Learn how to defend yourself with very simple techniques that anyone can learn. If you can walk, you can defend yourself – no super strength needed! The 6-week class, which consists of stretching, conditioning and defense techniques, will feature: pre-conflict and avoidance strategies; how to escape when being held; and takedown and control techniques. The class, led by certified instructor Elee Zammarieh, will be held Tuesdays, 11:00—11:45 a.m. beginning January 23. The fee for the 6-week course is $20.00 for Senior Center members and $25.00 for non-members. Sign up to attend the free demonstration Tuesday, January 16, at 11:00 a.m.
LOOKING GOOD PRESENTATION Friday, January 19, 10:15 a.m.
Talking about the challenges of vision loss is helpful. Our Low Vision Support Group is energized to begin another active year of learning, resource sharing, and self-advocacy. Our first program in 2007 will be presented by Michele Tarantino, Occupational Therapist at Masonicare. Michele will give us tips on matching, labeling, and organizing items of clothing.
STAY WARM THIS WINTER! CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Wallingford Senior Center takes applications for energy assistance for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. Income limits are $27,867.32 for a single person and $36,441.88 for two people. There are asset limits.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies of the following documents:
· Year 2006 Social Security check amount (copy of recent check, or most recent bank
· statement showing deposited amount, or Social Security “2006 New Benefit” letter.)
· Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents.
· 2006 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income.
· Four most recent pay stubs, if employed.
· Rental Income—rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account.
· Driver’s license or birth certificate.
· Most recent heat utility bill.
· Electric bill.
Applications are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 265-7753.
WAL-MART LAUNCHES $4 GENERIC PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM
Wal-Mart is bringing more affordable medicines to seniors. Three-hundred and thirty-one (331) commonly prescribed generic prescription drugs are now available at the Wallingford Wal-Mart pharmacy for a cost of $4 for up to a 30-day supply. For further information on the program, customers can call 1-800-WAL-MART, or go to www.walmart.com. Visit a Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club store to discuss the program with the pharmacist, or pick up a brochure explaining program details. Please see the Social Services Bulletin Board in the Senior Center for the list of $4 generic drugs.
INTERFAITH Volunteer Care Givers VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN WALLINGFORD
“Caring and Sharing is what Volunteering is all about.”
The following are two recent requests received:
· Elderly woman needs help with grocery shopping.
· Ride needed on a regular basis to MidState Medical Center.
Gas mileage reimbursement is available to our volunteers. Please call S.W. Marie Cunha for details.
WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE
In the event of inclement weather, we urge you to watch WVIT-Ch. 30, WTNH-Ch. 8 or WFSB-TV Ch. 3 for information on any opening delays or closings of the Senior Center due to weather.
MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER
The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver’s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!
Reverse Mortgage Specialist Jessica Penfield from BCI Financial Mortgage Corporation in Cheshire will offer a Reverse Mortgage presentation at the Senior Center on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 10:30 AM. Topics to be discussed include learning the basics of a reverse mortgage, how a reverse mortgage works, uses for a reverse mortgage, common misconceptions and some case examples of how BCI Financial customers have benefited from having a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage can be a good way for a homeowner to tap into the equity they have built up in their home, to pay for repairs, vacations, medical expenses, a new car or any number of other expenses requiring some extra income. This no cost or obligation program will be held in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center and refreshments will be served. We ask that people planning to attend this program please sign-up in the main office or call us at 237-0066 so that we will know how many people to expect for this program. To learn more about how a reverse mortgage may be able to enhance your retirement income plan to attend this program on Wednesday, January 31 at 10:30 AM.
AARP’s trained volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are once again ready to help you with income tax advice and actual preparation of your 2006 Federal and State income tax returns. Meriden AARP volunteers will be at the Senior Center each Wednesday, starting Wednesday, February 7 and continuing until Wednesday, April 11. This free service is offered by appointment on the mezzanine level of the Senior Center. Appointments will be taken starting on Monday, January 8 and can be made by calling the Senior Center at (203) 237-0066. Times are available from 9:00 am until 1:45 pm each Wednesday. At the time of your appointment you must bring a copy of last year’s 2005 tax returns.
For your 2006 return you must bring all1099 forms. These are issued to you for Social Security, pensions, annuities, IRA’s, interest, dividends, brokerage and mutual fund sales and miscellaneous other items. Many times tax returns cannot be completed because all 1099 forms were not brought in. Look carefully at all paperwork you receive for 1099; sometimes it is in small print! If you are still working you will have a W-2 form and, occasionally, seniors may have unemployment compensation, gambling winnings or a State tax refund. All of these forms must be brought to your appointment. Also, to receive a credit on your State tax return you must bring the receipt from the Meriden Tax Collector for car and real estate taxes paid to the City of Meriden. Please note that Tax-Aide counselors are trained to assist with basic tax returns of typical seniors. Individuals involved with partnerships, rental property, trusts, estates, etc. will be referred to professional tax preparers. AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax preparation service offered to all taxpayers with middle- to low-income, with special attention to those 60+. Those with incomes less than or equal to the approximate median household income in Connecticut of $70,000 are eligible to use this service. If your income is greater than this amount and your return is complex we ask that you consult a professional tax preparation service.
The State of Connecticut has announced the new income limits for the ConnPACE Program effective January 1, 2007. For a single person the new income limit will be $23,100 and for a married couple the new income limit will be $31,100. Income includes your adjusted gross income from an income tax return, if filed, Social Security minus the Medicare Part B premium, pensions, interest, dividends and any other income. ConnPACE helps seniors age 65 and over, and people on Social Security Disability, pay for the cost of their prescription drugs, insulin and insulin syringes. There is a $30 registration fee and co-pay of $16.25 for each prescription. For further information, or to pick up an application, please ask in the Senior Center office. Applications and instructions can also be downloaded from the ConnPACE web site at www.connpace.com.
For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.
John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director
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