SENIOR POWER
November 2008
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
OF THE SALEM COUNCIL ON AGING
SALEM COUNCIL ON AGING
5 Broad St.
Salem, MA 01970
Telephone: 978-744-0924
Fax: 978-744-7225
MISSION STATEMEMT:
The mission of the Salem Council on Aging is to develop and offer a program for all senior citizens of Salem that affirms life, challenges creativity, enhances socialization and promotes spiritual, psychological and physical wellness. The COA recognizes that the main center of programs and services is offered at the Senior Center of Salem but also stresses the necessity of offering services to the homebound, isolated and culturally diverse senior citizens of Salem.
INFORMACIóN EN ESPAñOL:
Información importante para los residentes de la tercera edad de Salem esta disponible en español. Para información sobre nuestros servicios gratis de transportación, nutrición, comidas, asistencia financiera y actividades de recreación. Por favor llámenos al 978-744-0924.
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR:
Dear Friends:
I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. October was a hectic but exciting month in Salem, with so much happening. I was able to get away to Baltimore for the long Columbus Day weekend and run a half-marathon. I’m strongly considering running the Boston Marathon in 2009.
I want to welcome our new outreach social worker, Margaret Cull. Please stop by and give her a nice COA welcome.
I want to thank the Friends of the Council on Aging for donating a color laser printer to our computer lab. (See photo below.) It’s a great gift, which was much needed. Another addition to the COA is a grand piano in the main dining room. It was donated by Karen Majalian and will get a lot of use by Tom Bold and the Goldentones.
A nice event, coming up, will be the dedication of our Treasure Trove room, which will be named after Sira Blanaru. She spent many hours working at the Treasure Trove, keeping it neat and selling many items for us. We all miss Sira very much, and this will be a fitting tribute.
We all look forward to the traditional dinner at the Ward 2 Social Club. They will be hosting a turkey dinner on November 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please sign up with Lynne Barrett, at the Senior Center, if you’d like to attend. This event is donated from by the Ward 2 Social Club.
The annual flu clinic will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12. Our department also will be hosting the fifth annual Wild Turkey 5 Mile road race on Thanksgiving morning at 8 a.m. We’re looking for volunteers to come, that day, and help out. It is the largest race on the North Shore. Please let me know if you can help. We’re expecting 1,000 runners.
Please pick up a copy of our fall-winter booklet, which we made available in September, it has many programs, trips and special events listed.
Finally, I want to welcome our newest COA Board member, Domingo Alvarez
Doug Bollen,
Director
Goldentones: Rehearsals are Thursdays, 10 a.m. at the Senior Center.
Volunteers: Will be meeting on November 12, 10:00 a.m.
TRIAD: Will meet Wednesday, November 19, 10:00 a.m.
Advisory Board:. Will meet Monday, November 10, 9:30 a.m.
COA Board of Directors: Will meet Wednesday, November 19, 6:30 p.m.
WELCOMING BREAKFAST & MUSIC:
The Salem Council on Aging will typically host a welcoming continental breakfast the first Monday of every month at 9 a.m. The next breakfast will be November 3.
During the breakfast, Council on Aging staff members will answer any questions you may have regarding programs and services. Reserve your spot by calling 978-744-0924. Bring your “Senior Power” newsletter and a yearly pocket calendar. We will provide the yellow markers for you to use to highlight events you might wish to attend.
RIBBON CUTTING
A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly renovated Treasure Trove will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. The event will include the renaming of the Treasure Trove in the name of Sira Blanaru who passed away suddenly this year for all her support, friendship and years of volunteer work for the COA.
We also want to recognize and show our appreciation to Chelsea Borden, a local Salem High School student, who took this project as a Salem Neighborhood Girl Scout. Please join us as we pay tribute to Sira and Chelsea. The Goldentones will perform and a continental breakfast will be served.
Call Lynne Barrett,978-744-0924, to confirm your attendance.
CALLIGRAPHY LESSONS
Frank Clocher will be offering a five-week calligraphy class starting Tuesday, Oct 14, 1-2 p.m. The word, calligraphy, is from the Greek “kallos graphe,” meaning beautiful writing. Participants will learn how to write calligraphic letters and how to hold and use calligraphy pens. The class fee is $20, which includes supplies. Pre-register with Lynne Barrett, at which time payment is due.
SUFFOLK DOWNS
There will be a trip to Suffolk Downs on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The time and cost will be determined. Seats will be available for the first 10 to sign up with Lynne Barrett.
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS
The Council on Aging is compiling a taste-tempting cookbook featuring favorite recipes from local North Shore families and members of the Salem Community. Anyone can send in a recipe; age does not matter. Submit a favorite recipe(s) so you can be represented in what should be a memorable collection. If there is a special history or family story behind the recipe (i.e., it’s been handed down from your mom, grandmother, something you enjoyed as a child, or one you made up), include it with the recipe.
Proceeds from cookbook sales will help fund future projects and events for seniors. Your help in contributing recipes will ensure that this project will be a success. Drop off or send your recipes to Lynne Barrett, c/o Salem Council on Aging, 5 Broad St., Salem 01970, or direct e-mail to her at lbarrett@salem.com.
CARMEN THOMPSON VARIETY SHOW
The fifth annual Carmen Thompson Variety show will be held Thursday, Dec. 4, 5-8 p.m., at the Senior Center. Once again we will create a “theatre in the round” in the dining room. Holiday punch, along with an assortment of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres will be served in a separate room before the show. Coffee and pastries will be served at intermission. The Variety Show is dedicated to Carmen Thompson, former musical director of the Goldentones, chairperson of the COA Advisory Board, a volunteer and supportive friend of the COA. Tickets are $10 and will go on sale on Monday, Nov. 3, at the Senior Center.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
The seventh annual Candle-Lighting and Remembrance Service will be held Thursday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. The gathering is held to remember dear friends and family members no longer with us. Music will be presented by the Goldentones.
Twelve candles will be lit, each representing a month of the year. A memorial DVD of various friends and family members will be shown. Anyone wishing to include a love one on the DVD may bring a picture to Lynne Barrett no later than Thursday, Nov. 19. The cost is $2 per picture.
To include the name of a loved one for the ceremony, call Lynne Barrett, 978-744-0924.
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT SALEM HIGH
Salem High School students have extended an invitation to their 8th annual Thanksgiving Extravaganza. Guest will dine in the auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 20. Entertainment will be provided by the SHS String and Jazz Band and Chorus, as well as the Salem Council on Aging Goldentones.
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner will be prepared and served by the students. As always, the highlight will be the lively conversation by the students and the seniors as they sit down to dine together. Transportation will be provided.
For information or to sign up, contact Lynne Barrett at the Senior Center. Seating is limited to 100; after which names will be kept on a cancellation list. You can only register up to two people. If you are registered but won’t be able to attend, call Lynne, 978-744-0924, so those on the waiting list can be called.
ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE
TheCouncil on Aging is having an Election Day bake sale Tuesday Nov. 4. Donated baked goods are greatly appreciated and may be dropped off at the Senior Center, 5 Broad Street.
Due to the “General Guidelines for Bake Sales,” please bring your recipes or a list of all ingredients in your baked goods. No pumpkin pies, sweet potato pies, cream pies, meringue pies or cream-filled pastries will be accepted.
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT THE MOOSE
The Moose Lodge in Salem will host a free Thanksgiving dinner Thursday Nov. 27, noon, at the Moose Family Center, 50 Grove St. All ages are invited. Call 978-744-0924 to reserve a place. If you are a Salem senior citizen and need transportation to the dinner, call the Council on Aging, 978-744-0924. For Salem seniors who are homebound and have no family support, a home-delivered meal will be provided. Call Ellen Kennedy, 978-744-0924, to sign up for a home-delivered meal.
FLU CLINIC
Vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia will be giving Wednesday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to noon at the Senior Center. Bring your Medicare card and wear short sleeves. Visits to homebound seniors are also available. The flu is one of the leading causes of death among older Americans. It is important for people 50 years of age and older, or anyone of any age with chronic medical issues, to get their vaccinations every year. Other flu clinics will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Salem Housing Authority, 27 Charter St., and Thursday, Nov. 20, 8-11 a.m., at the Pioneer Terrace Community Room.
SHINGLES SEMINAR
A lecture entitled “Relief From Pain After Shingles,” will be presented Monday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m., at the Senior Center. Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox.
It may cause nerve damage that results in pain long after the shingles are gone, and which can be more painful than shingles itself. This condition is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
This is a free 45-minute seminar which will provide education and support led by community healthcare professionals. This is free and opened to the general public
TELEVISION TRANSITION
Jason Whittet, from Comcast, will present information on digital TV Monday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. On Feb. 17, 2009, televisions using “bunny-ear antennae” may not work. Jason will explain what is going to happen and what action, if any, you need to take. Bring your questions.
COA COOKBOOK:
The Council on Aging is compiling a taste-tempting cookbook featuring favorite recipes from members of community. Anyone, regardless of age, is welcome to submit a recipe for publication in what should prove to be a memorable collection. The cookbook committee will meet Tuesday, November 10, 2:30 p.m.
If there is a special history of your recipe, (i.e. from your mother or grandmother, something you enjoyed as a child or one you made up, etc.) include that information. Proceeds from cookbook sales will help fund future projects and events for seniors. Your help in contributing recipes will insure the cookbook will be a success. Drop off or send recipes to Lynne Barrett, SCOA, 5 Broad St., Salem 01970, or e-mail Lynne at lbarrett@salem.com.
SALEM HISTORY BOOK FOR SALE:
For more than two years, a dedicated group of seniors, under the
direction of Linda Conrad, has been sharing their personal perspective of the changes that have taken place in Salem during their lifetimes. Drawing on their memories, they have written “Personal Perspectives of a Changing Salem,” a poignant, sometimes humorous, always insightful book. To purchase the book for $12, call Lynne Barrett, 978-744-0924.
INTRODUCTORY COMPUTER CLASSES SCHEDULED
The Council on Aging is offering free computer training. Participants will learn how to use a mouse and keyboard, send e-mail, search the Internet, play games, and much more. John Walsh is available to give instruction Mondays and Thursdays, 1-2:30 p.m. For information, call Lynne Barrett at 978-744-0924.
FRIDAY CLUB:
The Friday Club is an intergenerational gathering of Saltonstall School students and senior citizens that takes place Fridays, 8:30-10 a.m., for seven weeks, at the school on Lafayette Street. Participants engage in activities, play games, dance, write and read together. Call Lynne Barrett at 978-744-0924, ext. 15, for more information.
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
Have you always wanted to paint but thought you weren’t creative or couldn’t paint like the masters? Learn to express your creativity in a supportive atmosphere where you can be more in touch with the child you once were. Paula Beaulieu is a certified art educator and artist. She has been a painter of watercolor for more than 25 years.
Paula will hold two four-week sessions of watercolor classes.The second starts Friday, Nov. 21, 1:45-3:45, (last class will be Dec. 19). The fee is $12 per class, which includes supplies. There is a minimum of nine students, and a maximum of 15. Register with Lynne Barrett.
CREATIVE STITCHERY
Regina Carmada will begin her creative stitchery class Tuesday, Sept. 23, 1-3 p.m. The class will meet for 10 weeks, the last class being Tuesday, Dec. 2. Anyone wishing to learn a new stitching skill is welcomed. This class includes counted cross-stitch, crewel embroidery, needlepoint, Brazilian embroidery, hard anger, Assissi embroidery and others. The fee for the 10 weeks is $25.
TAP DANCING
Tap dancers, under the direction of Anne McCue, meet every Monday, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Senior Center. Whenever there is a Monday holiday, classes will be held on the Tuesday of that week.
LINE DANCING
Join Doris Bourque for basic line dancing every Monday, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Senior Center. Whenever there is a Monday holiday, classes will be held on the Tuesday of that week.
BRIDGE
Fun, friendly games of bridge are held Fridays, 12:30 p.m., at the Senior Center. Players are being sought and newcomers are encouraged to join in
TRANSPORTATION
The Salem COA offers curb-to-curb transportation to and from the Senior Center, as well as to other destinations, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Suggested donations are $1 for in-town trips and $2 for out-of-town. No one, however, will be refused rides due to inability to contribute.
Medical appointments ... We offer out-of-town rides for morning medical appointments: Monday in Beverly; Tuesday in Lynn; Wednesday in Danvers; Thursday in Swampscott; Friday in Marblehead; Monday through Friday in Peabody.
Shopping ... . Normally, rides are from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on: Monday to Crosby’s, Steve’s, Shaw’s and Market Basket; Tuesday to Crosby’s, Steve’s, Shaw’s, Market Basket, Target and Wal-Mart; Thursday to Crosby’s, Steve’s, Shaw’s and Market Basket. Rides to salons are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Two business days notice is required for all rides. Requests for return trips between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. may be delayed.
Vans are handicapped accessible. Service may be canceled due to weather.
LUNCH
Lunch is served Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m., at the Senior Center. Reservations are required by 11 a.m. the day before you plan to attend a meal. The suggested donation is $2 for those 60 years and older. No one age 60 or older will be refused a lunch due to inability to make a donation.
MANICURES AND PEDICURES
Registered Cosmetologist Ann Elizabeth Weston will offer manicures and pedicures Tuesday, November 4 and 18 , with appointments for 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Senior Center. Ann is new to us but has provided these services at the Beverly Community Senior Center for the past five years. Typically, she will be at the Salem Senior Center the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
A 30-minute manicure is $15; a 45-minute pedicure is $20, which includes nail polish. To schedule an appointment, call Ann at 1-508-527-0079 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. She will also do home visits, if needed.
.
WELLNESS CLINIC
A Wellness Clinic, funded by Partners Home Care, will be available every Friday, 10 a.m. to noon, on the third floor at the Senior Center. No appointment is necessary.
EXERCISE
Join Bonnie Peruffo for exercise sessions Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., at the Senior Center. This is a fun and enjoyable way to keep up your health, so don’t miss out.
CHAIR YOGA
Join Bonnie Peruffo for chair yoga sessions Tuesdays, 9:15 a.m., at the Senior Center. The cost is $3 per class.
T’AI CHI
A t’ai chi group, under the direction of Ben Hernando, meets Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Senior Center.
REIKI SESSIONS
Certified Reiki Master Elaine Travis will offer 15-minute Reiki sessions on Monday, November 3rd and 10th, 12:30 to 3:00 p.m., at the Senior Center. One of the greatest benefits of Reiki is stress reduction and relaxation, which triggers the body’s natural healing abilities. The fee is $5. To sign up, call Lynne Barrett at 978-744-0924.
PODIATRIST
Dr. Wayne McCullough will offer podiatry services Thursday, November 6 and November 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Senior Center. Call 978-744-0924 for an appointment.
The fee is $25. Dr. McCullough will also make house calls on Mondays. Call 978-549-6818 for a house call.
LIKE TO LEAD?
If you are interested in conducting an aerobics class, a walking class or any other form of exercise class, contact Lynne Barrett, 978-744-0924.
HEARING CLINIC
A free hearing clinic will be held Wednesday, November 12 , 9-11 a.m., at the Senior Center.
BOOK CLUB
The Cornerstone Senior Book Club meets, at the Cornerstone Book Shop. Please call Lynne Barrett to find out the book of the month for the meeting of Tuesday, Senior Book Club members receive a 10 percent discount on books of the month.
BIRTHDAY PARTY
A celebration for those with November Birthdays will be held Tuesday, November 25th, 10 a.m., at the Senior Center. Musical entertainment will be provided by Tom Bold and birthday celebrants will get a free lunch and a card.
Birthday cake will be served and a 50/50 raffle will be held. Sign up by Monday, November 17 , with Lynne Barrett at the Senior Center, or call 978-744-0924.
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Mayor Kimberley Driscoll will visit the Senior Center for coffee and conversation Tuesday, November 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Cheryl Gresek, a senior advocate from the office of Congressman John Tierney, will visit the Senior Center Tuesday, December 9th, 11 a.m. to noon.
Attorney Jack King will be available for free legal consultation Thursday, November 20th, 10-11:20 a.m. Appointments must be made with the receptionist at the Senior Center, or by calling 978-744-0924.
Lisa Craig of Country Wide Home Loans, will offer free, 15-minute consultations on reverse mortgages Wednesday, November 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Senior Center.
WRITERS GROUP
Linda Conrad will lead a writers group Monday, November 3 and 17 , 3-4:30 p.m., and alternating Mondays thereafter, at the Senior Center. Linda encourages guests to bring their memories and join the group.
MAH-JONGG
Mah-jongg, for intermediate players, Mondays, 1-3 p.m., at the Senior Center. Classes for beginners, with instructors Jan Corbett, Pauline Stevens and Mary Dionne will begin September 8th with enough interest.
AFTERNOON TEA
The monthly Afternoon Tea will be served Monday Nov. 10, at 2 p.m.
SEAMSTRESS
Seamstress Alice Williams will be on hand Wednesday, November 5 and 19, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Senior Center
.
FRIENDLY PHONE CALLS
Senior citizens who are homebound are welcome to receive phone calls from a friendly volunteer, on behalf of the Council on Aging. A weekly chat can be arranged, for you or a loved one, by calling Volunteer Coordinator Carole Isaacson or Social Service Coordinator Sharon Felton at 978-744-0924.
* * * TRIPS * * *
Cancellation policy: Full refunds are allowed if you cancel one week (seven days) prior to the trip. No refunds for cancellation will be allowed less than seven days prior, or for “no shows” on the day of departure. You may call Lynne Barrett to see if there is a waiting list to go on the trip. If not, it will be your responsibility to try and sell your ticket.
Can you offer a ride? If you are going on a trip and are willing to drive a senior citizen to and from their home, call Lynne Barrett at 978-744-0924. There are those who would love to go on trips but don’t have a way to get to and from the Target department store in Salem. Driving support would be greatly appreciated.
NOVEMBER
6: New York City day trip. Cost is $66 per person
DECEMBER
4: Wrentham designer outlets. Cost is $41 pp.
SOCIAL SERVICE INFORMATION
WELCOME
The Salem Council on Aging and the Social Service Department would like to welcome our new outreach social Worker, Margaret Cull, LSW. Margaret has tremendous experience in the elder field and will truly be an asset to us.
PLAN FOR MEDICARE PART D
Choices and/or changes to Medicare Part D for 2009 may be made from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2008. Do you need to change you Medicare Part D plan?
The SHINE program (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) is a state health insurance assistance program that provides free health care information, assistance and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages. SHINE advises elders to:
· Review medications with your doctors;
· Save information you receive from your current health insurance plan regarding “creditable” coverage or changes in the formulary;
· If you are a MassHealth or Prescription Advantage member, be sure that your plan premium is at or below $31.74;
· Call your current insurance company to confirm premium changes, ask if your medications are still on the formulary and ask about the co-payment of each medication;
· To make an appointment with a local SHINE counselor to review all your insurance information. Call the Council on Aging at 978-744-0924.
· Call Mass Medline at 1-866-633-1617 to discuss alternatives to brand name drugs, or other pharmacy benefits.
“Extra Help” is available for: individuals with an annual income below $15,600 and resources below $11,990 and married couples with an annual income below $21,000 and resources below $23,970. To apply for Extra Help, go to the local Social Security Office, 10 Federal St., Salem or visit www.socialsecurity.gov online. Remember to check Senior Power every month for information.
WHERE TO FIND HELP WITH MEDICARE PART D
· Mass. Medline 1-866-633-1617;
· Sharon Felton, LSW or Judy Calnan, LSW at the SCOA 978-744-0924;
· Regional SHINE office 1-781-324-7705.
· Bill Foley, SHINE Volunteer at 978-744-0924, Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 is the time to evaluate your coverage and make any changes. Be sure to check your current plan premiums, co-pays, deductibles, etc., for the new year.
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 qualifications for one of the personal exemptions allowed under Massachusetts 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 St., 978-745-9595, ext. 261 or 262, to obtain an application. It could save you some money!
Applicant’s primary residency must be Salem, and they must fall under a category type by July 1.
Below are last year’s income and assets caps. These amounts usually increase a little each year. Check next month’s newsletter or contact the Assessor’s office for the new amounts.
Category Max Income Total Assets
Senior 70 and over,
Single…..….……..….$21,433……………...$37,721
Senior 70 and over,
Married………….…..$26,105……...…....….$40,415
Widow (any age)…...No income cap………...…$53,889
Veterans (war-incurred disability)
No income cap…….….No asset cap
Legally blind (any age)
No income cap……..…No asset cap
Note: Car value and second home (if you own one) are considered assets.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
The heating season is right around the corner and it is never too early to consider if you’re eligible for fuel assistance. North Shore Community Action Program (NSCAP), 98 Main Street, Peabody, 978-531-8810 will begin sending out redetermination forms for those who were enrolled in their program the previous heating season sometime in September. For those who wish to enroll for the upcoming heating season, NSCAP will start taking appointments in October. Last years maximum income amounts were:
One-person household … $20,800
Two-person household … $28,000
Three-person household … $35,200
Watch next month’s newsletter for the new levels. They increase every year. For information on how to apply for assistance, contact North Shore Community Action Programs, 98 Main St., Peabody, 978-531-8810.
CONTINUOUS OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR PRESCRIPTION ADVANTAGE
Don’t miss this opportunity to reduce your prescription drug costs. Prescription Advantage is a secondary prescription drug insurance plan administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. It is available to all Massachusetts residents aged 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with disabilities who meet income and employment guidelines.
It is a secondary payer to Medicare Part D and can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs by:
· Providing benefits during deductibles and the “donut hole;
· Lowering your co-payments amounts;
· Give you with an annual out-of-pocket spending limit.
Paying Part D premium, if you are an individual whose annual income is less than $19,552 or a married couple whose annual income is less than $26,320.
For information on how this plan could help you, call Prescription Advantage at 1-800-243-4636, and press 1.
APPLYING FOR FOOD STAMPS HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER
Despite the help the Food Stamp Program can offer, there are still many eligible Massachusetts residents who could enroll. In today’s economy, too many families are struggling to make ends meet. Food stamps can help you ensure that you and your family are getting consistent, healthy meals at home. Food stamps come on a debit card that automatically deducts from your monthly benefits each time you use it at the grocery store — an easy, convenient way to provide nutritious food for your family.
Project Bread is partnering with community-based organizations across the state to increase enrollment and awareness of the Food Stamp Program by providing application assistance to clients. This program, in partnership with the Department of Transitional Assistance, gives eligible applicants a convenient, supportive, and secure way to access benefits online. The initiative provides greater convenience: applicants can apply in their neighborhood, and they can work with a counselor who speaks their language and coaches them through the process.
The food stamp application is also available to anyone online, thanks to the Department of Transitional Assistance. You can apply from a home, library, health center, or any location with access to the Internet, at www.mass.gov/dta. It is fast and convenient and you can apply anytime. Interested applicants can find the latest information about times and places to apply — online, in person, by mail or fax — at www.gettingfoodstamps.org, www.mass.gov/dta, or by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
THE DIGITAL TRANSITION: COME TO A PRESENTATION
MONDAY, NOV. 10, 10 A.M.
Note: Cable and satellite TV subscribers with analog TVs hooked up to their cable or satellite service should not be affected by the Feb. 17, 2009, cut-off date for full-power analog broadcasting. Currently our broadcasting stations broadcast in both analog and digital. Congress has mandated that the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog will be Feb. 17, 2009.
An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications. Also, some of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies that will be able to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services. Consumers will benefit from improved picture and sound quality.
If you have one or more TVs that receive free over-the-air television programming (with a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” on the TV), the type of TV you own is very important. A digital TV (one with an internal digital tuner) will allow you to continue to watch free over-the-air programming after Feb. 17, 2009. However, if you have an analog TV, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue to watch broadcast television on that set.
To help, the U.S. government established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. Every American household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes.
Coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers, and must be used at the time of purchase.
HANDYMAN
Doug Desrocher has volunteered for the Council on Aging, to handle small household jobs that may be too difficult for a senior citizen to manage. The tasks may include lifting small appliances, mounting air conditioners, moving furniture and minor repairs.
For information, call Sharon Felton or Judy Calnan at 978-744-0924.
HAVE QUESTIONS ON ELDER ISSUES?
Sharon Felton and Judy Calnan are Licensed Social Workers who are available to provide information on many elder issues, referrals to appropriate agencies, assistance with applications, and continuous support. If you have any questions, contact Sharon or Judy at 978-744-0924 to schedule an appointment. Home visits can be arranged.
Director of Park, Recreation
& Community Services
Doug Bollen
Asst. Director
William Woolley
Transportation Coordinator
Amy Walsh
Social Worker
Sharon Felton
Outreach Social Workers
Judy Calnan
Principal Accounts Clerk
Jackie Grimes
Nutrition Coordinator
Ellen Kennedy
Program Manager
Lynne Barrett
Volunteer Coordinator
Sandy George
Custodian
Fred Votta
Receptionist
Meghan Murtagh
Van Drivers
Ray Hincman
Richard Marchi
Jeff Moon
Judy Turner
John Akatyszewski
Nurse
Ann Kelley
Dietician
Pat Murphy
Board of Directors
Chair
Kathleen Wilkinson
Vice Chair
Pat Donahue
Treasurer
Elaine Heredeen
Secretary
Robert Dionne
Members
James Willis
Frank Clocher
Donna Clifford
Roland Jean
City Council Liaisons
Joan Lovely
City Councilors
The Salem Council on Aging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Salem Council on Aging Transportation Department is funded, in part, by the City of Salem Planning, U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development and North Shore Elder Services. This program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability.
Para mas información en español por favor llame a Salem Council on Aging, 978-744-0924.
HELP SUPPORT
FRIENDS OF THE SALEM COUNCIL ON AGING
(Contributions are tax-deductible)
____ ENROLL ME AS A GOLD CARD MEMBER ($100+)
____ ENROLL ME AS A SILVER CARD MEMBER ($50)
____ ENROLL ME AS A BLUE CARD MEMBER ($25)
____ ENROLL ME AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER ($10)
(In memory of a loved one, consider a tax-deductible contribution to benefit Friends.)
NAME: ______________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE: _____________________ E-MAIL: __________________________________
MAIL CONTRIBUTIONS TO:
FRIENDS OF THE SALEM COA, INC.
5 Broad St., Salem, MA 01970
For an annual subscription to the monthly Senior Power newsletter, send request with $3, in a separate envelope, to the Salem Council on Aging, 5 Broad St., Salem MA 01970.
INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL
Información importante para los residentes de la tercera edad de Salem esta disponible en español. Para información sobre nuestros servicios gratis de transportación, nutrición, comidas, asistencia financiera y actividades de recreación.
Por favor llámenos al 978-744-0924.
| 
