SALEM COUNCIL ON AGING
5 BROAD STREET
SALEM MA 01970
978 744-0924
FEBRUARY SENIOR POWER NEWSLETTER
Dear Friends;
I hope everyone is enjoying the start of the New Year. The days are getting longer again, and winter will be over soon. In mid-January, I spent a long weekend in Houston, Texas, to watch the USA Olympic Marathon Trials, which included Marblehead native Shalane Flanagan, who competed for a spot at the 2012 games in London this summer. Houston is one of the largest cities in the country, in terms of land mass, and is home to NASA and the now-retired Houston Astrodome.
Once again, Volunteer Coordinator Sandy George is handling the shoveling program for the City of Salem. She is looking for residents who need help with shoveling, as well as volunteers who are willing to be part of the program to help shovel elderly and disabled residents. If you choose to take advantage of this program, please be aware that the City of Salem does not employ these individuals, and any agreement entered into is a private one. Sandy maintains the list of snow shovelers as a courtesy to match residents in need with individuals willing to help. There could be a charge for this service as determined by participating parties. To sign up to participate as a shoveler, or to have your home shoveled, call Sandy at the Senior Center, 978-744-0924.
We are excited to announce we now have new digital radios in our vans, licensed for the next 10 years. This has been a long time coming, and it gives us a much stronger audio signal. This important, time-consuming project was handled by Bill Woolley.
Join me in welcoming Loretta Carroll to our Council on Aging Board of Directors. Loretta spends a lot of time in the Senior Center as a volunteer and will be a great addition to the Board.
Upcoming February activities include a Valentines Day luncheon on Monday, February 13, where Comedian Chris Zito will entertain us. Our next Fiesta will take place on Thursday, February 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. with Latino-style music and food. We will also host a fire safety presentation for everyone on Wednesday, February 8, at 10 a.m.
Finally, join me in welcoming our new Recreation Supervisor, Tim Short. Tim follows Eileen Dunn, who accepted a position at her alma mater, the University of New Hampshire. Please welcome Tim aboard.
Doug Bollen, Director
Parks, Recreation & Community Services
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SENIOR CENTER
TRANSPORTATION
The Salem COA offers curb-to-curb transportation to and from the Senior Center, as well as to other destinations, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Two business days notice is required for all rides. Please note that transportation service may run as much as 15 minutes early or 15 minutes late. Suggested donations are $1 for in-town trips and $2 for out-of-town. No one will be refused rides for inability to donate.
Medical appointments ... Out-of-town rides for morning medical appointments are: Monday in Beverly; Tuesday in Lynn; Wednesday in Danvers; Thursday in Swampscott; Friday in Marblehead; Thursday and Friday in Peabody. Pickup is 9 a.m. Medical trips to the Cancer Center and to MGH/North will still be honored Monday-Friday, with a 9 a.m. pick-up time.
NOTE CHANGES: Shopping ... Normally, rides are from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the following days:
· Monday: Traders Way and WalMart Plaza; pick up at 11-11:30 a.m. at home, return approximately 1:30 p.m.
· Tuesday: Crosby’s (senior discount day) pick up 10 a.m. at home, return approximately 11 a.m.
· Wednesday: Traders Way and WalMart Plaza; pick up 11-11:30 a.m. at home, return approximately 1:30 p.m.
· Thursday: No shopping.
· Friday: Traders Way and WalMart Plaza; pick up 11-1130 a.m. at home, return approximately 1:30 p.m.
LUNCH AT THE SENIOR CENTER
Lunch is served Monday-Friday, 11:15 a.m., at the Senior Center, 5 Broad St. Reservations are required by 11 a.m. the day before. The suggested donation is $2.25 for those 60 and older, but no one will be refused lunch due to inability to make a donation.
TRAVELING CHEF
The COA proudly presents “The Traveling Chef,” sponsored by Sidekim Foods. The Chef will join us Thursday, Jan. 5, presenting “Baked Potato Bar,” with dessert. Reservations are required by 11 a.m. the day before, and the suggested donation is $2.25.
SPECIAL EVENTS/DAILY ACTIVITIES
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Attorney Jack King will be available for free legal consultation, for Salem seniors only, Thursday, Feb. 16, from 10 to 11:20 a.m., at the Senior Center. This is an advice-only consultation, so be sure to bring your list of questions. Appointments must be made at the Senior Center, or by calling 978-744-0924.
Attorney Mary Frances Milburn, will be available Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m., at the Senior Center, to assist seniors who may have questions on elder issues.
Cheryl Gresek, senior advocate from the office of U.S. Cong. John Tierney, will visit the Senior Center Tuesday, Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m. to noon.
MEETINGS AT THE SENIOR CENTER:
COA Board: Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Advisory Board: Monday, Feb. 13, at 9:30 a.m.
Friends of the COA: Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m.
Triad: Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m.
Goldentones: Thursdays at 10 a.m.
MONTH AT A GLANCE
You are invited to a monthly program review Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m., at the Senior Center. Ask about programs, activities and services of the Council on Aging. As always, coffee and light breakfast items will be available for purchase.
TUESDAY TRIVIA
Would you like a chance to exercise your brain in a fun way? Join us for an afternoon of trivia Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 12:15 p.m., at the Senior Center. Answer trivia questions about the past and present. The fun and games begin after lunch has been served. Call Meghan, 978-744-0924, if you are interested in participatin.
FIRE SAFETY WORKSHOP
Firefighters from the Salem Fire Department will be giving a Fire Safety presentation at the Salem Council on Aging, Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. Firefights will give helpful tips and answer any questions that participants may have. Sign up with Meghan
VALENTINES DAY LUNCHEON
Our annual Valentines Day Luncheon will be held Monday, Feb. 13 at 10:15 a.m. The Traveling Chef will be presenting a menu titled Quesadilla Bar and entertainment will be provided. The event will cost $5.
BLACK CAT CAFÉ
A lunch trip to Salem High School’s Black Cat Café will be taken Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 11:15 a.m. Seniors will enjoy lunch prepared by students in the SHS culinary arts program. The cost is $5. As many as 34 seniors can be served, but van seating is limited to 10. Sign up and prepay at the front desk in the Senior Center, or call 978-744-0924.
SALEM WITCH MUSEUM
The Council on Aging will be taking a trip to the Salem Witch Museum located on the Salem Common, Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. This trip is free to Salem residents and transportation can be provided for up to 10 participants. The Salem Witch Museum can accommodate Spanish speaking Senior citizens. Sign up with Meghan or with Rosanna.
FIESTA: DIA DE LA AMISTAD Y EL AMOR
A party featuring Latino-style music, dancing and food will be held Thursday, Feb. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the~Senior Center, 5 Broad St. Musical entertainment will be provided by deejay David Pavetti of Power Music Sound.~All are welcome. Tickets are $6 and are available at the Senior Center.
MARDI GRAS LUNCHEON
We will be celebrating Mardi Gras with a special luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m. The lunch menu will include; Lyonnais of Beef, with caramelized peppers & onions, mashed potatoes and a parker house roll, with a delicious homemade cup cake for dessert. Jazz music will be played and prizes will be given. Please sign up in the main dining hall. A donation of $2.25 is suggested.
KNITTING WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN
The Salem Council on Aging will offer a knitting workshop for children 6 to 12 years old, Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. We are looking for seniors to pair up with the children to teach them basic knitting techniques. If interested in instructing, please sign up with Meghan.
AFTERNOON MOVIE: ‘THE HELP’
The Senior Center dining room will become a theater Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 12:15 p.m., for the film “The Help.” The film is based on the novel, “The Help,” written by Kathryn Stockett. This is one you do not want to miss. Traditional movie snacks will be served. This is a free event. Transportation can be provided until 3:15 p.m. Contact Amy, 978-744-0924, ext. 11, to request a ride.
DE-CLUTTER, ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE
The Elder Insider will give a presentation titled “Organize and De-Clutter your Life,” Tuesday, March 6, at 12:15 p.m. The presentation will discuss:
·When is it time to organize and de-clutter?
·How it will benefit you and your family?
·How to get started and why it is valuable?
Learn tips and ask questions. Pre-registration required, call Meghan 978 744-0924.
ST. PATRICKS DAY LUNCHEON
The Council on Aging will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon Friday, Mar. 16, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Senior Center.
Irish step dancers from the Bremer School will perform at 10 a.m., followed by a traditional corned beef and cabbage lunch. Tickets are $6 and may be purchased at the front desk.
Everybody is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. All are welcome!
JEWELRY MAKING WORKSHOP
The Salem Council on Aging will be offering a Jewelry making class on Friday, Mar. 23, at 10 a.m. Participants will learn how to make a beautiful necklace that they can take home with them. The fee is $15 and all materials are included. There is a minimum of 10 participants to run the class and pre-registration is required.
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
Presented by: Sallie and Conway Felton
Join Sallie and Conway Felton on Monday, Feb. 13, at 12:15 p.m. as they discuss a husband and wife’s journey through depression, support and transformation.
Depression can hit anyone at any age and millions are afflicted by this disease. The secret is how one deals with it medically, holistically and spiritually. Their story is not unique; they have been living with depression for more than 36 years. What is unique is this husband and wife team’s willingness to take the risk in having an open and ongoing conversation worldwide.
“We have learned new tools, exercises and how to change our mindset that we wished we had known years ago,” they say, “but it was not talked about back then. We want to share what we’ve learned, provide expert guests on our show and continue our learning journey with you our listeners. It is time to give back and help others out there suffering with depression. There is hope and light at the end of the tunnel.”
Pre-registration is required; call Meghan 978-744-0924.
SEEKING NEW BINGO PLAYERS
The Ward 1 Bingo club is looking for new members! Ward 1 Bingo is a private Bingo played at the Salem Senior Center on Mondays~from 10:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Refreshments are always available. For information, contact Meghan, 978-744-0924, and the message will be given to Ward 1 Bingo President Pauline Sullivan.
1.000 PAPER CRANES
Two South Korean students from Salem State Univ., Yeonghyeon and Sunmi, have started a “1,000 Paper Cranes” origami project at the Senior Center.
The project is based on the children’s book “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes,” written by Eleanor Coerr. It is believed that anyone who creates a 1,000 paper cranes will be granted one wish.
The students, who are studying at the college to improve their English, will be at the Senior Center on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in the first two weeks of December, at 1:30. Join them in folding paper into colorful cranes, or just sit and visit with them so they can practice speaking and listening English. Completed cranes will be displayed in the main dining hall.
NEW YEAR TROOP WRAP-UP
The Salem Council on Aging is currently accepting donations for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Donations can be brought to the Senior Center and placed in the box located in the main lobby. Seniors are invited to help put packages together from the donated items on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 12:15 p.m. Please contact Meghan, 978-744-0924, if you are interested in volunteering or know a soldier to whom you would like a package sent
BIRTHDAY PARTY
A celebration for those with December and January birthdays will be held Tuesday, Feb.28, 10 a.m., at the Senior Center.
Music will be provided by the Goldentones. Celebrants will get a card and be welcome to stay for lunch. A donation of $2.25 is suggested and reservations must be made. Cake will be served and a group photo will be taken.
Sign up by Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Senior Center, or call Meghan at 978-744-0924.
DIGITAL CAMERA BASICS
A Digital Camera Basics class will be held Tuesday, March 8, from 9:30 to11:30 a.m., at the Senior Center. Instructor Tracy Milkay will show participants basic controls, how to properly hold your camera, and how to understand terms, features and menu options. Bring your camera (with batteries fully charged) and manual. The fee is $7 and space is limited to 10 participants.
CRIBBAGE
This traditional card game is a new addition to the activities offered at the Senior Center. Come play this game that dates back to the early 1600s, and is considered the official pastime of personnel on American submarines. Cribbage will be played on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, including Jan. 10 and Jan. 24, at 12:15 p.m.
SCRABBLE
Enjoy friendly games of this classic, created by a New York architect in 1938, on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, including Jan. 12 and 26, at 12:15 p.m., at the Senior Center. All are welcome. Scrabble boards will be provided.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
The Council on Aging will host introductory computer classes Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., under the instruction of Betsy Horne, and on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 2:30 p.m., under the instruction of John Walsh.
Classes are limited to three students and Salem seniors citizens have priority. Call 978-744-0924, to sign up.
NOW ACCEPTING BOOK DONATIONS
The Council on Aging has begun accepting donations of books for its annual book sale in April. All kinds of books are accepted — hardcover, soft cover, children’s, large print, etc. Books may be dropped off anytime during office hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
SAVE THE DATE: ANNUAL CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT
The City of Salem Cribbage Tournament will be held Saturday, Mar. 31, 1 p.m. at the Winter Island Function Hall. The fee is $5 and participation is exclusively for Salem Residents or City of Salem Employees. Volunteer Tournament Director Steve Dibble will run and participate in this fun double-elimination tournament. Trophies and prizes will be awarded. This annual event will determine the 2012 City of Salem Cribbage Champion.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Sign up sheets are in the main lobby of the Senior Center.
QUILTING GROUP
The Salem Council on Aging quilting group is working on special projects and craft items to be donated to local charities and hospitals. The group will meet Wednesday, Feb. 8 and 22, at 10 a.m., at the Senior Center.
BRIDGE
Fun, friendly games of bridge are held every Friday, 12:30 p.m., at the Senior Center. New players are welcome; experience is required.
MAH-JONGG
Mah-jongg is a Chinese game of skill, coupled with wit and fortune. The game is similar to gin rummy, except that it is played with tiles, not cards. The familiar card suits are replaced with Chinese symbols. Join other players on Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Senior Center.
HEALTH & FITNESS .
TAI CHI *** TIME CHANGE ***
A tai chi class, under the instruction of Ben Hernando, is held Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Senior Center. It teaches awareness of one’s balance and gives an appreciation of one’s ability to moderate extremes of behavior and attitude, at both mental and physical levels. The class starts with meditation, then moves on to light exercise and self-massage. Program is free and is open to the public.
OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION EXERCISE
North Shore Physical Therapy will be instructing a new exercise program, “Osteoporosis Prevention Exercise,” Mondays, 10:30 a.m., at the Senior Center. Learn to perform exercises to benefit the muscles of your arms and legs under the guidance of a physical therapist. Exercises are done standing and sitting using an elastic band, held in your hands or tied around your legs and/or feet. Balance and stretching exercises are included. The cost per class is $3. Pre-registration is required, 978-744-0924.
ZUMBA
A Zumba class will be offered Tuesday evenings, Jan. 10 through Feb. 14, from 5-5:45 p.m. at the Senior Center. Ditch the old workout routine and lose yourself (and your calories) in the Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow beats of ZUMBA fitness. The ZUMBA program combines fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body using an aerobic/fitness approach to achieve a unique balance of cardio and muscle-toning benefits. Dancers and non-dancers alike can immediately master a ZUMBA class because previous dance experience is not necessary. Come exercise in a healthy, fun, party-like environment and see why ZUMBA fitness has already swept more than 125 countries worldwide. Zumba and Zumba Fitness are registered trademarks of Zumba LLC, used under license. The fee is $54 per session, $10 drop-in fee. Pre-registration required.
LINE DANCING WITH DIANE STARR
Get in line Mondays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. The first half-hour of the class is spent reviewing basics, followed by an hour of mixed dances for participants of all levels. Cost is $3.
TAP DANCING
A tap-dancing group, led by Debbie Davis, meets Mondays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., in the Senior Center.
EXERCISE
Join Bonnie Peruffo for exercise sessions Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., at the Senior Center.
CHAIR YOGA
Join Bonnie Peruffo for chair yoga sessions Tuesdays, 9:15 a.m., at the Senior Center. The cost is $3 per class.
MEDITATION
Elaine Tavis offers meditation classes on the first and third Mondays of each month, including Feb. 13 and 27, at 1:30 p.m., at the Senior Center. The fee is $5 per class. Daily meditation practice brings peace of mind, inner joy and inner peace. By increasingly gaining control over your mind, every session brings you closer to your own self, while filling your center with joy, wisdom and bliss. Pre-registration is required.
WELLNESS CLINIC
A wellness clinic, funded by Partners Home Care, is open to senior citizens every Friday, 9:30 a.m. to noon, on the third floor of the Senior Center. The nurse’s office is easily accessible by elevator.
REIKI & MORE
Elaine Tavis, Reiki Master, Angel Healing Practitioner, Reconnective Practitioner and Tuning Fork Therapist, will offer 30-minute Reiki sessions on the first and third Monday of each month, at 2:30 p.m., at the Senior Center.
The fee is $20 per 30-minute session but first-time clients are eligible for a free 20-minute session.
To experience one of the many treatments offered, call 978-744-0924 to make an appointment.
WALKING CLUB
The Walking Club, under the instruction of Anne Pelletier, has reunited and is welcoming new members. The group meets Monday through Friday at 10 a.m.
Anne will supply route maps and meeting locations. For information or meeting locations, send e-mail to salemwc@gmail.com, or call the Senior Center at 978-744-0924.
HEARING CLINIC
A free hearing clinic will be offered Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at the Senior Center. To make an appointment, call 978-744-0924.
MASSAGE THERAPY
Debra Fox, a massage therapist and holistic health counselor, will schedule half-hour appointments Wednesdays, Feb. 1 and 15, starting at 9 a.m.
The fee is $20. Last appointments will be at 2 p.m. Call 978-744-0924, for an appointment.
PODIATRIST
Dr. Wayne McCullough will provide podiatry services Thursday, Feb. 2 and 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Senior Center. The fee is $30. Call 978-744-0924 for an appointment. Dr. McCullough will also make house calls on Mondays. For information, call 978-549-6818.
SOCIAL SERVICE INFORMATION
TAX ASSISTANCE
The TAX season is here. If you need assistance in preparing your income tax return, the RSVP/AARP Volunteers will be at the Salem Council on Aging to assist you on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Thursday, April 12. Contact the Receptionist at 978-744-0924 to schedule an appointment.
SENIOR HOMEOWNERS & RENTERS
You may qualify for cash or credit from the state if you pay rent or property taxes.
The Massachusetts “Senior Circuit Breaker” Tax Program is for persons 65 or over whose property taxes (or 25% of rent) exceed 10% of their annual income and who meet other qualifying criteria.
If you meet certain requirements, you may be eligible for the refundable tax credit or “Circuit Breaker” now and for the past three years-even if you did no file Massachusetts state income tax forms. You may file for the 2010 tax year and file retroactively for the last 3 years if you already didn’t. The maximum credit you may receive for tax year 2010 is $970; 2009 is $940; for 2008 is $920.
EVEN IF YOU DO NOT NORMALLY FILE WITH THE STATE, IF YOU MEET THE CERTAIN CRITERIA YOU ARE MOST LIKELY DUE A “REFUND” CHECK/TAX CREDIT FROM THE DEPT. OF REVENUE.
*BE SURE TO INQUIRE WITH THE PERSON WHO ASSISTS YOU WITH YOUR TAX RETURNS OR THE RSVP/AARP TAX AIDE PERSON WILL BE AVAILALBE AT THE SALEM COUNCIL ON AGING TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE ELIGILBE FOR THIS.
UNWANTED OLD CELL PHONES
Do you have any old cell phones? You can drop them off at the Salem Council on Aging, 5 Broad Street, Salem (a box will be on the 1st floor outside the Social Service office) or at Steve’s Quality Market or Crosby’s Market. They will be donated to a 911 Cell Phone Bank. The City of Salem TRIAD (A Partnership involving the Essex County Sheriff’s Department & District Attorney’s Office, the City of Salem Police Department & Fire Department, Salem Council on Aging & Salem Housing Authority, and Salem Senior Volunteers who meet monthly to identify safety concerns and implement programs to address those concerns) sponsors this program.
911 EMERGENCY DISABILITY DATATBASE
The disability database alerts emergency personnel to a caller’s disability or special needs when a 911 call is made from their home. A form is available to provide information to emergency services about any special needs a caller may have (i.e. blind, bedridden, uses a wheelchair etc.) Contact Sharon or Lynne @ 978-744-0924 to obtain a form.
‘LOJACK SAFETY NET’ Attention caregivers: Is your loved one at risk of wandering?
This program, by LoJack, protects and rescues anyone that has a medical condition that may cause him or her to wander or become lost. The client is outfitted with a Personal Locator Unit on hers or her wrist or ankle. If they go missing, his or her caregiver, contact the Salem Police who use LoJack’s Search and Rescue Receiver to track the missing client. To obtain more information call 1-877-4-FIND-THEM (1-877-434-6384), visit www.LoJackSafetyNet.com or contact Sharon or Lynne at 978-744-0924.
HELP WITH YOUR MEDICARE PART B PREMIUM
The Medicare Part B Premium is automatically deducted from one’s Social Security check. Certain individuals may qualify for programs that pay this premium. If your income and assets meet the guidelines below, contact the Social Service Department at 978-744-0924 for more information.
Maximum Monthly Income Max Assets
Individuals $1,246 $6,680
Couples $1,675 $10,020
FUEL ASSISTANCE
The heating season has arrived and the furnaces are working to heat our homes. If you are having difficulty with your heating bills, you should consider applying for fuel assistance. North Shore Community Action Program (NSCAP), 98 Main St., Peabody, 978-531-0767 is now accepting applications. Call to schedule an appointment. Salem Seniors can also contact Sharon Felton or Lynne Barrett at 978-744-0924 for assistance.
New maximum income levels are:
One-person household, $31,218
Two-person household, $40,824
Three-person household, $50,429
ATTENTION SALEM HOMEOWNERS: PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
You may be eligible to reduce all or a portion of your city property taxes assessed on your home, if you meet the qualification for one of the personal exemptions allowed under Mass law. If you fall into any of the categories listed below and meet the income and asset guidelines, contact the Assessor’s Office at Salem City Hall, 93 Washington Street, 978-745-9595, ext.261 or 262, to obtain an application. It could save you some money!
*Must be primary residency and fall under category type by July 1.
Category Max Income Total Assets
Senior 70 and over
Single $22,652 $39,685
Married $27,602 $42,520
Widow (any age) No income cap $56,695
Veterans (war incurred disability)
No income cap No asset cap
Legally blind (any age) No income cap No asset cap
*Car value and second home (if own one) are looked at as an asset.
SHINE
Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders
The SHINE Program is a state health insurance assistance program available to offer free help and information regarding plan selection and enrollment. SHINE counselors will also help Medicare beneficiaries apply for Extra Help for prescription costs.
Lynne Barrett is a SHINE counselor available at the Salem Senior Center. To schedule an appointment, call 978-744-0924. The regional SHINE office is located in the Mystic Valley Elder Service Office, 781-324-7705.
SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
With rising food and heating costs, times are tough for everyone, especially seniors with limited budgets. Food stamp benefits can help seniors make ends meet. Recent changes to the program make it easier than ever for needy seniors in Massachusetts to access this important nutrition safety net.
There is a new simplified application for elderly applicants-it is only one page front to back. To find out more, call the MA Food Stamp Application Hotline at 1-866-950-FOOD. You can access the shortened food stamp application at www.gettingfoodstamps.org.
A Message from ShINE
The 2011 Medicare Open Enrollment period ended on December 7, but there are still a few changes you can make, if you qualify.
For those with a Medicare Advantage Plan:
Between January 1 and February 14, you can leave your plan and switch to Original Medicare, but you cannot switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
Your Original Medicare coverage will begin the first day of the following month. You may also add a supplement at this time or at any time during the year.
Again, coverage will begin on the first day of the following month. If you drop your Medicare Advantage plan during this period, you will be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add drug coverage.
Your prescription drug coverage will begin the first day of the month after your enrollment.
For those with a Tufts Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (drug coverage only) in 2011:
If you did not select a different Medicare drug plan for 2012, then you are currently without drug coverage. You have until the end of February to enroll in a new Part D drug plan for 2012, which will begin the first of the month after your enrollment.
For those with Prescription Advantage or getting “Extra Help” paying for prescription drugs:
You can change your plan anytime during the year. Those with Prescription Advantage can do this only once each year. Those with “Extra Help” can change every month.
Trained SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) volunteers can help you. The SHINE program at Mystic Valley Elder Services offers free counseling services to Medicare beneficiaries in the communities of Chelsea, Danvers, Everett, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Marblehead, Medford, Melrose, Middleton, Nahant, North Reading, Peabody, Reading, Revere, Salem, Saugus, Stoneham, Swampscott, Wakefield and Winthrop.
Call your senior center and ask for a SHINE appointment. You can also call the SHINE office at Mystic Valley Elder Services at 781-324-7705 x 164, leave your name and number.
A volunteer will call you back as soon as possible
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