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Janice Long
Director
Address: |
29 Church St. Hudson, MA 01749 |
Picture: |
Telephone: |
978-568-9638 |
E-Mail: |
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Hours: |
Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
July 2008
Hello to Everyone!
As of June 30th our fiscal year 08 ends, and so do some of our programs and services that are supported by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, fortunately they will resume in September 08. Our aerobics class at Anytime Fitness is one of programs affected; however, Anytime Fitness is offering a special for seniors for the months of July and August. Please call them directly at 978-562-3250 for more information. The good news is that Anytime Fitness has expanded their facility and our aerobics class to start in September will be in the new addition on the first floor, and will hold more people! (No more stairs!!) Ana Salamao will be taking the summer off and return in September. We want to thank her for all that she does at our center and look forward to seeing her again in the
Fall. She promises to “pop in” every once in a while during the summer! Our water aerobics class which was supported by the Older Americans Grant will also resume in the Fall, supported by a private donation. I will announce that in August. We are grateful for the monies we receive from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs which continues to support some of our programs and operating expenses such as, Ana’s Bi-Lingual Outreach position, staff education and training, , volunteer recognition dinners, our new copy machine, our new phone system and office and newsletter supplies.
Recently, I received an important notice from the Massachusetts Council on Aging regarding significant changes in the Food Stamp Program. It appears that income guidelines have increased considerably due to the high cost of gas and food. Please take note of this important message.
Good News for Seniors - Help is Available to Beat the High Cost of Food
If you are a low-income senior (age 60 or over), you may now qualify for food assistance through the Food Stamp Program, even if you own a home or a car, or have savings. Thanks to new changes to the Food Stamp Program, assets are no longer considered for seniors whose income falls within certain income guidelines. Seniors whose incomes fall above the guidelines may still be eligible, but their assets will be counted.
For example, a senior living alone with a gross income under $1,734, you will not be required to verify assets. If there are two people in the home, and the total monthly gross income is below $2,334, assets will not be considered in the food stamp calculation. Prior to the criteria changes, you would have been required to submit information about bank accounts, CD's and other assets.
Assets higher than $3,000 would have disqualified both of the examples above and indeed many low-income seniors with modest assets had been ineligible under the old rules. That is no longer the case and as a result thousands of seniors who had not been eligible previously may now meet the requirements.
Income alone cannot determine eligibility. Food Stamp benefits are primarily determined by a calculation that is based on income and certain expenses. It is important that you keep track of those expenses so that you can maximize your benefits. For instance, if you have more than $35 in medical expenses per month, documenting those expenses may increase your food stamp benefits. Medical expenses include health insurance premiums, co-payments, transportation to medical appointments and many other out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Shelter expenses are also considered in the calculation of benefits. By providing proof of your rent or mortgage and utilities, you are able to benefit from important deductions.
The increases in the price of fuel and food are hurting everyone. Food stamps can make a big difference in your quality of life by helping you purchase the food you need for good health. The average food stamp benefit for a senior in Massachusetts is $88 per month. That is $1,056 per year. Some people will get less, some will qualify for more, but isn't it worth a call to see if you can receive some help, particularly now with the rising cost of food?
For more information, call Project Bread's Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It just takes a few minutes to determine if you are eligible to receive food stamps. Counselors will talk you through the medical expense deduction to help you make the most of that deduction. They can fill out the application for you with the information you provide and will mail it to you for your review and signature, with information about how to complete the application process. Once you are approved for food stamps, you generally will not have to go through this process again for two years.
Please note that you may also call the Hudson Senior Center and we will also help you with the Food Stamp application.
What is HOPWA?
It stands for Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV + or Aids. SMOC Framingham Resource Center now has a program for those at risk of homelessness due to HIV or Aids. For more information call Ben Nieves @ (508) 620-2343 or Ana Maria Cerqueira @ (508) 620-2399. According to an article entitled “Senior citizens and HIV over 50” by Mark Cichocki, R.N. “The figures are staggering. Heterosexual transmission in men over 50 is up 94 percent and the rate has doubled in women since 1991. And while prevention and education dollars are concentrated toward young adult populations, seniors are not getting safer sex education and continue to get HIV infected.” Last year Renee and I attended a 3 day seminar at the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, and learned of the high incidence of HIV
among the elderly. IV drug use and unprotected sex which can result in HIV or Aids does affect people over 50. Something we should all think about. Education is the best form of prevention.
Lastly, a reminder for those under 64 with no health insurance…
WOMEN’S HEALTH NETWORK FREE HEALTH SERVICES
You may be eligible for FREE: pap test, mammogram, physical exam and cardiovascular screening. Who is eligible? Mass residents, 40-64 years of age, uninsured or underinsured and meet income guidelines. Call 1-888-663-3688 ex 1315, ex 1340, or ex 1337. Services are provided in the local community through VNA Care Network, Inc. (Funded by the Mass Department of Public Health)
MENS’ HEALTH PARTNERSHIP
For men 18 or older and do not have health insurance or have limited insurance coverage this may be for you. Has anyone in your family had a heart attack or diabetes? Would you like to loose weight? Are you worried about your health and would like a personalized health screening and visit with a doctor? Please call 1 888-663-3688 ext 5605, details in Spanish and English.
Bye for now,
Janice
June 2008
Hello to Everyone!
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our 8683.25 Volunteer Service Hours, and the year is not over yet! Our meals on wheels helpers, bread and pastry helpers, instructors for ceramics, quilting, bridge, Tai Chi, Mah Jong, office help, center help, Friend’s officers and members, COA Board and many more, you are all invaluable to the needs of our center and community. As a volunteer, your donated time enables Hudson’s seniors to live richer lives and also provides services that we simply do not have the staff to carry out. Volunteerism is the driving force that contributes to the Senior Center’s ability to continue to offer a wide array of services. Thank you everyone.
This past month, Renee, Ana and I attended the Annual Alzheimer’s Conference. It was very informative. We all know the elderly population is the fastest growing segment of our country’s population. Looking at the numbers of people 65 and older in 1980, (22,431,000) and comparing that to the estimated numbers of 2030, (57,590,000) we can expect an incredible increase. A percentage of that population will have Alzheimer’s disease and the financial responsibility of caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease will be overwhelming. However, there is so much research going on to try to understand this devastating disease. It is known that there are genetic risk factors to AD, but more recently, (within the last 5 years) research has shown that nutritional deficiencies accentuate the
damage. According to Thomas B. Shea, PH. D., Amy Chan. PH. D. and Ruth Remington, PH. D. from the Center for Cellular Neurobiology & Neurodegeneration Research at UMass Lowell, current studies suggest that Alzheimer’s disease may also be a disorder of Oxidative Stress, or nutritional deficiency. Their research has, led them to the development of the “SMART PILL”. The SMART PILL consists of:
· Folic acid, B12 and vitamin E : (antioxidants that we cannot make)
· N-acetyl Cysteine : (building block for antioxidants we do make)
· Acetyl-L-Carnitine : (energy for brain cells, keeps mitochondria strong)
· S-adenosyl methionine “SAM” or “SAME e” : (allows brain cells to use their own antioxidants, and boosts neurotransmission)
(Please note that vitamin E, Acetyl-l-Carnitine, SAM each used individually in prior clinical trials had marginal effects).
The teams successful pre-clinical trials with mice showing cognitive improvement has led them to clinical trials with early –stage Alzheimer’s disease, moderate to severe Alzheimer’s and Adults without dementia. (Yes, even people without AD seem to exhibit cognitive benefits from this vitamin cocktail) People with AD often become anxious depressed, irritable, have trouble walking and sleeping. Caregivers of 18 persons with early stage AD reported that their loved one showed less and less of these symptoms over the past 12 months while taking the smart pill. Case reports from the team’s clinical trials seem impressive. I am happy to share with you the handouts I received regarding the SMART PILL and the team’s research.
Dr. Shea stated the SMART PILL will be available soon and because it is a special combination of vitamins it will be sold over the counter. However, if you are interested in learning more about the team’s clinical trials and their next phase of clinical trials, you may contact them at 978-934-2881, or email Thomas_Shea@uml.edu.
Have you ever forgotten a face or name? Most of us have. This month we are going to have a workshop entitled “Never Forget a Name or Face Again” with Mary Driscoll, instructor at Framingham State. She has her Master’s in Education and is certified in Developmental Education with a focus on adult learning theory. In this workshop we will learn the normal brain changes during aging, how memories are stored in the brain, stress reduction techniques for memory enhancement, visualization for long term memory and retrieval and two powerful memory strategies: 1) Remembering names and faces and 2) Peg Method for remembering lists. Our first session will be Friday June 13th at 10am the second session will be June 17th 7pm at the Senior Center. You must call and sign up for
this, the class is limited to 25-30.
Please take notice, in this newsletter that we are starting a new summer Golf League with the Bolton Twin Springs Golf Course.
Bye for now,
Janice
May 2008
Hello to Everyone!
I would like to bring you all up to date on our building project.
As of mid February, Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development, completed and submitted the next round for the Community Development Block Grant, (CDBG). We are asking for about $600,000.00 to assist with the construction cost. If awarded, this grant will allow us to complete the ADD ALTERNATES for our project. The base cost of our project is 4.4 million and that includes everything but the Add Alternates. The Add Alternates include the installation of the geothermal heating and cooling system which would save the Town of Hudson in energy costs for our center. The additional cost for this type of system is approximately $70,000.00. According to S A R Engineering, the payback period for this system is about 4-5 years, and that the total energy costs for the geothermal heat pump system should be
half of the conventional HVAC system. The Town of Lexington has confirmed they are experiencing much lower operating costs based on the two new schools they built using the geothermal heat pump system. I have spoken with Senator Pam Resor regarding possible State/Federal incentives that may help with these costs. Senator Resor has been very involved with issues regarding alternate/renewable forms of energy. She seemed hopeful that incentives for this type of program will be available in the very near future and will keep me informed of this. The second Add Alternate would be the fit up and finishing of our attack space. This will give us the much needed additional office space and serve as a meeting room. The cost for this is approximately $120k. The final Add Alternate is the finishing of the basement area (old and new basement areas) with walls, lighting and flooring. The cost for this is approximately 190k. This will allow us
to continue with our ceramic classes in the older basement area, and the new basement area, under the new addition, would give us another large room. (We have many ideas for that space)
The completion of the attic and basement areas will ensure space that is needed now and in the future as this population grows, and it is more cost effective to finish and complete those areas during the construction phase rather than later as an afterthought. The costs for the Add Alternates were provided by a professional cost estimator. There is however the possibility that the costs could come in less than anticipated due to our present economic climate. We will not know until the project goes out to bid and the bids start coming in. Michelle will be getting the packages ready for bid once the architectural drawings are completed which should be in May. We are hopeful that the project will start in the fall.
The “Friends” fundraising efforts are crucial for the completion of the Add Alternates if we are not awarded the Community Development Block Grant. I personally want to thank again, all the people who have submitted private donations to our building fund, (about $7500.00) and everyone who has participated in the “Friends” fundraisers. We will have a better idea as to how much money we have made from fundraisers by the end of June.
I would also like to thank all of our “Friends Officers”, Rita Chase, President, Genevieve Freve, Vice President, Kay Donley, Secretary, Mary Helen, Treasurer and Janet Chase, and Dotty Parker, Public Relations and Fundraising, for all their hard work this past year. They have been instrumental in making this a banner year for fund raising. Simply an outstanding job and I have enjoyed working with all of them. Sometimes, “thank you” just does not seem to be enough!
Another “Thank You” goes out to Dick Murphy and Bill Spitzer, our AARP Tax Preparers. This year they had a 34% increase in the number of clients over the prior year. Look at these numbers…Total clients = 75, federal E files = 66, repeat E files from 2006 = 49, mail ins =3, stimulus package =7, state E files = 64, state mail ins =5, circuit breaker = 17 and questions and answers = 8. WOW! Great work guys! Please come back next year.
May is Volunteer Recognition month and the staff and I would like to thank everyone who volunteers at the senior center and for Hudson seniors. Your time, efforts and talents are appreciated by many.
Bye for now,
Janice
April 2008
Hello to Everyone!
First and foremost, many of you have been contributing to our Senior Center Building Fund and we all want to thank you very much for your support!
I am happy to report that Ana and I have successfully completed our Boston University Gerontology Certificate Program. This consisted of 7 courses that had to be completed within one year. Both Ana and I completed the courses in less than one year! Personally, I enjoyed this very much and because of this course and my 23 year old daughter who is in graduate school, I am seriously considering going back to school, very part time, to get my Masters Degree. This is a scary thought at the age of 53, but we shall see! More on this later!
In addition to the Gerontology Certificate Program, I have been trying to educate myself on the Geothermal Energy option we are looking into for our new Senior Center’s heating and cooling systems. I thought I would share a few things with you. The word “Geothermal” comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). Thus, geothermal energy is heat within the earth. We can actually use the steam and hot water produced inside the earth to heat buildings or even generate electricity. Already throughout the world geothermal energy is used to heat homes/buildings, and to produce electricity by digging deep wells and pumping the heated underground water or steam to the surface. Simply stated, the geothermal heat pumps use the Earth’s constant
temperature to heat and cool buildings by transferring heat from the ground (or water) into buildings in winter and then reverse the process in the summer.
“According to the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for temperature control. In 2005, the EPA analyzed 6 major cities with very different climates, from Burlington VT, to Phoenix, AZ and found geothermal heat pumps in homes produce the lowest year round utility bills of any central heating/cooling system.” This is because during the winter, the ground temperature stays warmer than the outdoor air, making it easier for the geothermal heat pump to draw heat into a building. In the summer, the ground stays cooler than the outdoor air, so the geothermal heat pump can dump the heat more efficiently.”
Finally, unlike fossil fuels,( coals; liquid fuels petroleum, heavy oils, and gaseous fuels, natural gas)
,geothermal energy is considered a renewable energy source because the water is replenished by rainfall and the heat is continuously produced inside the earth. I have recently completed a 2 year summary, month by month, of our gas heat and electrical usage for the Architects. (So far this year we have spent $3275.00 on heat and $2802.00 on electricity.) They will be doing a cost analysis to see what our cost savings would be using the geothermal system. I am sure it will be significant. As soon as I find out I will pass the information on to you.
This concept is really nothing new as geothermal water has flowed freely from the earth’s surface as hot springs! The oldest and most common uses were to simply relax in the warm waters. The Early Romans actually used geothermal water to treat eye and skin disease. As early as 10,000 years ago, Native Americans used hot springs water for cooking and medicine, as did the Maoris, natives of New Zealand about 1350. France, in 1960, had over 200,000 homes heated by geothermal energy, and today in the United States some 300,000 homes, buildings and schools are utilizing this form of natural energy for heating and cooling, and saving lots of money! One of the web sites I looked into actually had a cost estimator which analyzed the cost savings switching from a
conventional heating and cooling system to a geothermal system. I entered in the heating costs for my home this year and the cost savings factored out to be 64%. WOW!
The cost of installing a geothermal system is expensive, but the cost savings should make up for the installation cost in a few of years.
Bye for now,
Janice
March 2008
Hello to Everyone!
We certainly have a lot to be grateful for. The February 5th Presidential Primary and Special Town Election has come and gone. Voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of our Senior Center renovation and expansion project. Thank you to everyone who supported our project. This includes all the seniors who worked so hard during the campaign prior to Election Day. Seniors braved the cold as they stood outside with campaign signs by the Hudson Rotary, Stop and Shop, Main Street and the Transfer Station. They also folded newsletters, passed out flyers, talked about the project to their family, friends, and fellow church members and wrote letters to the editors. Seniors attended meetings such as the Conservation Committee meetings, Community Preservation
meetings Town meetings; and Public meetings in an effort to educate themselves even more about their project. They attended the open houses we had at the center to give tours and to answer questions about our building. No task was too small. We all worked together for this most meaningful project that will benefit many. Preserving, restoring and adding on to “this old house” also shows respect for the seniors who came before us. The seniors who actually purchased this home, for the sole purpose of making sure all Hudson seniors had a place to go. The warmth of this building stems from their sense of pride and accomplishment, and we thank them for that and promise to make our center available to ALL SENIORS. Finally, to all the seniors who worked so hard on this campaign, for all the seniors who got their absentee ballots and for everyone who voted in favor of our project, I say to you, “THANK YOU and CONGRATUALTIONS”, another job
well done!
I would also like to thank my colleagues; Michelle Ciccolo, Jen Burke, Fernanda Santos Teresa Vickery, Linda Ghiloni, Ray Girard ,Joan Wordell and John Parent for their direction, support and help!
The last almost two years have been anything but dull! We have gone through a Feasibility Study thanks to the Friends of Hudson Seniors, we were awarded $260,000.00 from the Community Development Grant last year for our Architectural Design phase, last November 19th Town meeting voted in favor of putting the Senior Center project on the ballot as a special question, and finally the community voted in favor of our project. Our “Friends” organization has committed to raising money for this project. We need the same spirit and energy that we had on our campaign! The “Friends” welcome all to their meetings, the second Wednesday of every month. Please come and help us meet our fundraising goals by offering suggestions and getting involved. Please call Janice for more information.
Bye for now,
Janice
February 2008
Hello to Everyone!
We have certainly had our fair share of cold weather and it’s only mid January. With the high cost of fuel, more people are experiencing difficulty paying their heating bills. Recently I received a notice from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs stating that the Federal Health and Human Services agency is proposing an approximate $18M-$19 Million dollars to be allocated to Massachusetts for fuel assistance. Our Senior Center is an official intake site for SMOC Fuel Assistance, helping people of all ages. If you would like more information or help with the application process please call our center at 978-568-9638 and ask for Ana or Renee, they will make a confidential appointment with you.
January 1 – March 31 is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
(Medicare Advantage would be the Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, Fallon and BCBS, HMO’s) During this time, Medicare beneficiaries may make one additional Lateral change from; Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare or finally from your present Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan. If you find you are unhappy with the health plan you selected in the Annual Election Period, which was November 15th thru December 31st you have until March 31st to make another choice. However, your Part D or Prescription Drug Plan status may not change. This simply means that if you had chosen a Medicare Advantage Plan without drug coverage in
the Annual Election Period, you may NOT add drug coverage at this time. (If this sounds confusing, don’t worry, it is! But we are here to help) Please call Renee, Ana or Janice if you have any questions or need help changing plans.
Just a little reminder…. TAX SEASON IS HERE
I would like to welcome back our AARP Tax Preparers; Richard Murphy and Bill Spitzer. They will be available at the senior center every Tuesday 9-12pm starting in February and ending in April. Low to moderate income seniors may use this service. You must call Marie to schedule an appointment 978-568-9638.
The Arts Alliance and the River’s Edge Players……..
Lynne Johnson of Hudson is now directing the River’s Edge Players and she is looking for help with sets, lighting, sound, costumes, props and more. This group is a great way to learn new skills, interact with area adults, perform on stage, exercise, use stage voices and entertain the community. (Sounds like fun to me!) For more information you may call 978-562-1646 or e-mail: arts- alliance@upwitharts.org
We now have Friday Aerobics 9:30-10:15 at Hudson Town Hall second floor.
ON LINE BANKING PRESENTATION FOR OUR SENIORS
Mr. Ken Simms from Avidia Bank, (formerly The Hudson Savings Bank), is giving the presentation “On-Line Banking” at the Hudson High School Wednesday February 27th at 2:30. He will explain what it is, how to use it and the safe guards that are used today to protect your accounts. If you would like to learn how to pay bills, transfer money from one account to another or just keep an eye on your balances, you will find this presentation interesting. If you have a computer with internet access, this feature can save you a lot of time and give you immediate access to your accounts
(Day or night). The session is being given to our Senior Center Computer Class at the High School, however if you would like to just sit in on this class, please call Marie, 978-568-9638 to reserve your seat. Don’t miss out on this!!!
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DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!!!!!!!!!! FEB. 5, 2008
This is the last month the Friends of Hudson Senior’s will be providing the absentee ballot application for you. Your absentee ballot application is good through February 4th 2008.
February 19th, 7pm at the Hudson Senior Center,
Attorney David Feakes from Feakes Associates presents:
How to Legally and Effectively Protect Your Assets
From a Long Nursing Home Stay
This one-night workshop will teach you actions you can take now to protect your assets from nursing home costs. You will learn about the:
· Changes in Medicaid laws and the steps you to take to protect your finances.
· How you might be able to qualify for Medicaid without spending down.
· How to avoid the biggest mistakes families of nursing home residents make.
· Why “traditional” estate planning does not work, and find out what does.
· And more! Call the center 978-568-9638 to reserve a seat. (Coffee and goodies as well)
VALENTINE’S LUNCHEON
Your choice of stuffed chicken or baked scrod, salad, rolls, red bliss potatoes, butternut squash and variety of pies.
Tuesday February 12TH, 11:30ish at the Assabet Valley Epicurean Dining Room…Cost is $5.25
(And surprises)
Our Second Annual Community Health Fair is coming Saturday, March 29th at Hudson High School. We are again partnering with the Hudson Natural Health Center. This is a Fair for the entire family. More info next month!
SAVE THIS DATE….MARCH 27TH
FOR OUR SECOND ANNUAL
NIGHT ON THE
RED CARPET DINNER DANCE all are welcome
“A THANK YOU LUNCH ……JUST FOR YOU”
Thursday, February 7th, 11:30 at the Senior Center
For all of our seniors who worked so hard at our Annual Fair and most recently, our Senior Center Renovation/Addition Campaign. At the time of this writing, I do not know if we won or lost the ballot question, but I do know a lot of people worked very hard campaigning for our project, and supporting our Senior Center. Let’s have a nice lunch and reflect on our accomplishments. (Catered homemade lasagna, rolls, salad and wonderful desserts.) Call so we can save your seat and order enough food. This is on us!!! Thank you everyone for your ideas, support and help. It takes all of us to make a difference, and to make our senior center a place worth coming to.
You’re all GREAT Many Thanks, Janice
January 2008:
Hello to Everyone!
I hope you all had a happy holiday season. Most importantly, I hope you are all warm in your homes. We have been experiencing some very cold weather and I would like to share with you a guide entitled, “ Winter Tips for Elders”, prepared by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. (Some good advice)
How Do I Keep My Home Warm? Heating your home is expensive, but important to staying healthy in the winter. Attic insulation is very helpfully along with sealing air leaks. Be very careful of space heaters, which can pose a burn and fire risk. If you are having trouble paying your home heating bill, contact:
· LIHEAP Fuel Assistance Program: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides payments to energy providers to defer some of the costs of monthly heating bills for those eligible. Call (800) 632-8175 or visit LIHEAP~for more information. Our Hudson Senior Center is an official Fuel Assistance Intake Site. Call 978-568-9638 (We are there for you!)
· Salvation Army Good Neighbor Fund: To apply or learn about eligibility, call (800) 262-1320, (617) 542-5420 or visit www.magoodneighbor.org.
· Oil Co-ops: These buying groups are formed to help consumers purchase energy at lower costs. A list of oil co-ops in the state is available at www.mass.gov/doer~or you may contact DOER at (800) 351-0077.
· Shop Around: The Massachusetts Oil Heat Association offers a statewide list of member home heating oil dealers at www.massoilheat.org.
· Gas/Electricity Discount Rates: If you cannot afford to pay your gas or electric heating bill, your utility may not terminate your service if:
o All residents in your household are at least 65 years old;
o You have a financial hardship AND either:
1) you, or someone in your home, is seriously ill; or
2) you have an infant in the home under 12 months; or
3) It is between November 15th and March 15th and you need the service to heat your home.
If you have a financial hardship, contact your utility directly to apply for protection, or call the Hudson Senior Center and we will assist you. All visits or calls are confidential.
Who Can I Call If I Have Questions And Concerns Regarding Utility Issues?
If you have questions or concerns regarding your utility or have received a notice of termination and need assistance, you should contact:
· Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities:
o Consumer Division: 617-305-3531; 1-800-392-6066; 1-800-323-3298 (TTY)
· Massachusetts Office of Attorney General:
o Elder Hotline Toll Free 1-888-243-5337
o Consumer Complaint & Information Services Hotline 617-727-8400~~~~~~
o Utilities Division Hotline Toll Free: 1_888_514_6277
Stock Up For Snowy Days
In the event of major storm, elders should be prepared to remain inside their homes for a few days. These precautions will help you in weather emergencies:
· Emergency phone numbers and contact information (doctor, family, friends, neighbors, police, fire, board of health, your local Council on Aging);
· Extra medications: prescription and over the counter;
· First-Aid Supplies (bandages, tape, gauze, anti-bacterial ointment, rubbing alcohol, cold pack);
· A three day supply of non-perishable foods and drinks (1 gallon of water per person per day and extra for pets, ready-to-eat canned meat, fruit, vegetables, snack bars, cereal, juice, powdered milk);
· Battery operated flash lights, radio, manual can opener, candles, matches/lighter, cash;
· Hand sanitizer, paper products and garbage bags; and,
· Clean, warm clothes and footwear and blankets and sleeping bags.
Please call the Hudson Senior Center (978-568-9638) if you have any questions or concerns.
An important notice from our friends at SMOC Legal Services
More than 30,000 Massachusetts homes will face foreclosure in 2007 and approximately 10% are owned by seniors. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not seek advice or assistance until a foreclosure sale auction is imminent.
Solutions may be available to salvage your home or to preserve valuable equity in your property. Seniors may be entitled to property tax abatements, call assessors office 978-568-9620, fuel assistance, call the senior center, cash benefits or health coverage that might then reduce your household expenses and free up income for mortgage payments. Mortgage lenders may be willing to restructure a loan or reduce an interest rate on an existing loan. Bankruptcy protection may also provide a senior with an opportunity to stop an auction and in doing so gain time to possibly sell the property or arrive at a plan to pay the mortgage arrearage. More options may be available to the senior who seeks assistance early rather than waiting until an auction is scheduled. Seek legal assistance if you
are behind on your mortgage payments and if your mortgage payments are more than you can afford. South Middlesex Legal Assistance (1-800-696-1501) offers free legal assistance to seniors who are behind on their mortgages and at risk of foreclosure.
Bye for now,
Janice
December 2007:
Hello to Everyone!
I must report that our annual Fall Fair was truly “A Fair to Remember”! The quality of the homemade items was magnificent. The “Knit and Stitch” group really out did themselves with incredibly beautiful baby sweaters and blankets, adult scarves, mittens hats, sweaters and attractive afghans that would enhance any home.
Our beginners Quilting Class, “The Silver Threads”, raffled their second full size quilt. This exceptional quilt was a labor of love by everyone in the class. The colors were spectacular, and the design was created by our instructor, Karen Jacobs. They also sold individually handmade quilted items. Thank you to Karen Jacobs for raffling some of her most extraordinary quilts. (I wanted to win, but did not) A job well done by “The Silver Threads”.
What is a Fair without its Baked Goods? To everyone who baked for our Fair a very big “Thank You”. This always brings in a lot of money because of the superior quality of baked goods. Next year we may have to ask bakers to provide their recipes because so many people have come in or called requesting specific recipes for the baked goods they purchased. A special thank you goes to Marie Esteves who baked 37 assorted pies, with helpers Betty Gilson and Glena Karvoski, and Mary Armour who made enough corn chowder for 100 people. (All baked items and chowder were sold out. Great job.)
Our “Ceramics and Vintage Jewelry” tables also did very well. Thanks to Corinne Walcott’s ceramic’s class and everyone who donated beautiful vintage jewelry.
A newly created “Christmas Room” was inspired by Janet Chase and Dotty Parker. They turned our card room into a Christmas wonderland filled with hand made Christmas decorations. It was incredible! Another great idea. Janet and Dotty also redesigned the general layout of the fair resulting in more compliments on the appearance of our Fair. Thank you for your decorative and inspirational direction.
Still another Thank You goes to Betty Gilson for her “Christmas Baskets” idea. Betty, Franny Lawton, Vivian Belcher and others filled the center of our room with beautiful baskets of every description which were raffled off.
The winner of the 32” flat screen TV was Mary Vickers. Congratulations.
Finally, I want to thank all the volunteers who helped organize, set up, clean up, bake, quilt, craft and anything else I might have missed. The group effort involved in this project was wonderful. This year’s Fair was a financial success. When we all work together, great things can happen. (If I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me) Thanks to you all!
Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls
Made by Sally Mau, are still available as a raffle. Tickets are $1.00 ea or $5.00 for 6 tickets. Raffle will be drawn at our Dec. 18th Christmas luncheon.
A Little Holiday Wish!
My hope is that you all have a wonderful Holiday Season with your family and friends. I would also like to thank all our seniors and staff for your kindness, understanding and support throughout this past year. Together we have accomplished a lot. I am most grateful for this job that I love, because of the people I serve and the staff that I work with. Happy Holiday’s!
Janice
November 2007:
HELLO TO EVERYONE!
It’s that time of year again. The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period, November 15th through December 31st. This is the time Medicare beneficiaries evaluate the health insurance and prescription drug plans they are currently on, look into other plans to see what they are offering and finally make a decision for next year. To assist you with this process, I have arranged for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts Health Plan, Fallon Community Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim to come and present the changes in their existing plans, including costs, and some brand new products/options, such as (PFFS) Private Fee For Service Plans which will be available for January 2008. This meeting will be held at the Hudson Town Hall, 2nd floor, (please take
elevator), November 1, 2007 10:30 – 12ish. This type of forum is especially beneficial because you will hear from all the area senior plans available to you at one time. Ask questions and gather information to ensure you make the most informed decision possible for yourself and /or your family member(s). Coffee, bagels, and other “goodies” will be provided to keep you alert during this presentation. Please call 978-568-9638 to RSVP
**Please note that Blue Cross Blue Shield Medex plans presently have continuous open enrollment. Medicare beneficiaries can enroll now into a Medex plan, and existing members can upgrade or downgrade their Medex plan selection any time throughout the year. The effective date of new coverage will be the first day of the month following the date BCBS receives the enrollment application or the change request. You can hear more about BCBS Medex plans at the November 1st meeting.
I have also scheduled a separate presentation for Evercare, a special Medicare Advantage Plan to be held at the Hudson Senior Center November 2nd at 10am. Evercare has special plans for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, c.o.p.d., heart conditions, kidney disease and more. These plans provide coordinated personalized care to help you use your benefits to stay healthy. If you have a chronic condition, this presentation is worth attending. (Competitive prices as well) Evercare also has special plans for those individuals on Medicare and Mass Health. All of the Evercare Advantage Plans come with Part D prescription drug benefits. Call the center to RSVP.
Update on our Senior Center Renovation Project
The building committee met and interviewed with the two Architectural Firms, Catlin, and Graham & Meus,being considered for the Architectural Design phase of our renovation project. Our comments and recommendations went to the Selectman, and they awarded the Senior Center Architectural Design Contract to Grahams and Meus, the same firm who completed our Feasibility Study. It has been requested that the designs be completed by February 2008 so Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development can apply for another CDBG grant for up to $800,000.00 in construction costs.
November 19th, 7:30pm at Hudson High School is Town Meeting. This meeting is very important if you want to pass Article 4: Senior Center Renovation and Expansion Funds. We have made arrangements for transportation that evening to pick up as many people as possible to attend this meeting and to take you home. With the passing of this Article, we will be another step closer to the start of our building project. Please call Marie 978-568-9638, if you need a ride to this most important Town Meeting. (We really need you NOW!)
Bye for now……Janice
August 2007 Notes:
Prescription Advantage Update: (It’s really good news!)
The Governor signed the budget in July and Prescription Advantage now has a continuous open enrollment effective July 13, 2007. This is great news for seniors and people with disabilities receiving Medicare benefits. No longer will seniors have to wait a year because they missed open enrollment. Prescription Advantage is a state sponsored prescription drug insurance plan. It helps pay Part D Prescription Drug Plan costs, including premiums and lowers your drug co-pays. Everyone should look into this wonderful program. You may call the center and ask for Janice, Renee or Ana. We would be more than happy to have an appointment with you, answer your questions or mail out an application.
Last month Renee and I attended a 3 day conference at Boston College graduate school of social work. We attended 10 two hour lectures on various aging issues. The lecture on Alzheimers Disease (AD) had some startling statistics. Presently there are 5 million Americans diagnosed with AD, (120,000 people in Massachusetts). That represents 13% or 1 in 8 persons aged 65 and over. It is estimated that by the year 2050, we could see 16 million people diagnosed with AD.
While some major diseases between the years 2000-2004 experienced a decline in deaths: Stroke -10.4% decrease, Heart Disease -8%decrease, and Prostate Cancer -6.3%decrease, Alzheimers Disease experienced a 33% increase in deaths. Advances in research are happening, but still no cure. Some treatments can delay symptoms and even help manage daily life. This disease is difficult for the whole family. The Alzheimers Association has a helpline that is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and is available in 140 languages and dialects, (1-800-272-3900). This is the number to call if you need someone to talk to, help with support or services or help planning for the future. If you are dealing with AD in your family, please call the helpline they have a wonderful reputation
and of course you may also call the Hudson Senior Center.
Health Care Reform
The State is offering two different health insurance programs. One program is called Commonwealth Care for those individuals, couples or families making under 300% of the federal poverty level. The other program is called Commonwealth Choice for individuals, couples or families making over 300% of the federal poverty level. There are many options, or plans within these programs. Everyone must have health insurance by December 31, 2007. Please call the center, (978-568-9638) we are happy to help you sort through the states health insurance options, or you can call 1-877-623-6765 for Commonwealth Care customer service.
Message from Janice:
Welcome to the Hudson Massachusetts Senior Center website. The Senior Center is located at 29 Church Street, in the downtown area of Hudson.
We are in a building that is over 130 years old, and have been in this location since 1979. The building has been renovated over the years adding rooms to accommodate our ever expanding programs and activities. The local is wonderful for the elderly in our community who can ride our bus, take care of business on Main Street and then walk up to the Center.
In Hudson, we have just over 3,500 elderly (59+). We are privileged to serve our town’s older residents by providing information, advocacy, referral, programs and activities that meet their varied needs. The Council on Aging offers a comprehensive package of health, educational and social services, helping older people access a full range of essential services.
We like to refer to the Senior Center as “your home away from home” and we hope when you visit us, you will too.
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