Guilderland Senior News for Thursday, March 1, 2018
The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of March 5. Call the senior office at (518) 280-7607 with any questions or for information. The location for senior services is 141 Bavarian Way, Altamont, NY 12009. Transportation’s phone number is (518) 356-2920.
— Monday: Scheduled shopping, aerobics at 9 a.m., senior fitness at 10:30 a.m., Tai Chi at 1:15 p.m. Town hall classes are Strong Bones Plus at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.;
— Tuesday: Luncheon of a beef Stroganoff or cold plate at 11:30 a.m., bingo/Rummikub at 12:30 p.m., and town hall class of Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m.;
— Wednesday: Scheduled shopping, senior strength, and balance at 9 a.m., senior fitness at 10:30 a.m., needlecraft at 1 p.m., and Strong Bones Plus at 10:30 and 1:30 p.m. at Town Hall;
— Thursday: Scheduled shopping, Silver Sneakers at 9 a.m., Silver Sneakers Yoga Stretch at 10 a.m., Mahjong and Pinochle at 12:30 p.m., and no Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m. at Town Hall; and
— Friday: Scheduled shopping, painting at 9:30 a.m., intermediate bridge at 12:30 p.m., and quilting at 1 p.m.
AARP Tax Aid Program
Through Monday, April 9, free income tax preparation and e-filing will be provided Mondays and Saturdays at the Guilderland Public Library by the all-volunteer AARP Tax-Aid Program.
Volunteers are trained and certified in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, and prepare personal federal and state income tax returns for taxpayers of all ages with low and moderate incomes.
Appointments are necessary; a separate appointment is required for each taxpayer. Bring a copy of last year’s return, Social Security cards for all people on the tax return, photo ID, all 2017 W-2s, 1099 statements, sold investments’ with purchase dates and cost basis, and supporting documents if itemizing deductions.
Also, if these apply, bring supporting documents for any gambling winnings, medical insurance coverage, payments for any child care, payments for education, contributions to an IRA, and estimated tax payments you made during 2017. Bring your checkbook if you want a direct deposit of your refund.
Tax-Aid volunteers can’t do estate or partnership returns, returns with rental income, or returns requiring Schedule C (business returns with a net loss, inventory, employees, or expenses over $25,000.) Both taxpayers must be present if filing a joint return, except in case of illness or infirmity.
Call for an appointment at 2-1-1. You may request your appointment beginning on this date and time. If you are told that the schedule is full, please continue to call throughout the month as more appointment times will be added for tax preparation.
HEAP
People with monthly incomes under $2,318 for one person or $3,018 for two people are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program called HEAP. This grant can be received each heating season and goes directly to the heating company.
The amount of the payment to each person is determined by income, living expenses, and type of fuel. Applications are available at the senior center. We can help complete applications by appointment.
School Tax Relief
Homeowners may be eligible for school property tax relief on their primary residence only. The School Tax Relief or STAR credit or exemption applies only to the school district tax, not to other property taxes such as county, town, or city.
To receive a new STAR credit, you must register with the state’s Department of Taxation and Finance by phone at (518) 457-2036 or online at www.tax.ny.gov.
If you already have a STAR exemption, you may file an application for an enhanced STAR exemption with the town assessor who is located in the Guilderland Town Hall. The “enhanced” program is available to people who are 65 and older with adjusted gross income for 2016 under $86,000.
For additional information, please contact the Town of Guilderland Assessor’s Office at (518) 356-1980.
GHS spring musical
The Guilderland Players’ next musical will be “The Music Man.”
This is the story of how “Professor” Harold Hill convinces the parents of River City to buy instruments and uniforms for their youngsters in order to save them, but chaos ensues as Hill’s credentials are questioned and he is called upon to prove himself to the citizens of River City.
Senior Citizen Night is Thursday, March 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available for $5 each (cash only) in the senior office late February. Please call ahead for ticket availability at (518) 280-7607.
Learn about Medicare
Come to the Guilderland town hall on April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a Medicare presentation.
Please call the office at 518-280-7607 to register for the presentation by April 4..
Will you soon be 65? Come learn how Medicare works. You will be informed of all the factors that you should consider when making your choices. Are you already in Medicare but still having questions about your coverage options? There are Medicare counselors trained to help you understand your choices and options. Attend a presentation designed to provide you with an understanding of Medicare and the choices available to you.
Having trouble paying your Medicare premium or related medical expenses? Find out if you may qualify for Federal assistance with your medical expenses.
Wellness program
On March 28 at 1 p.m. join us for What’s the Fuss About Fiber? presented by CDPHP. You’ll be amazed at the many health benefits of fiber and how easy it is to choose rich sources of this powerful food component. Different types of fiber will be discussed along with a demonstration to emphasize fiber’s role in the body. Please call before March 23 to register for this 45-minute presentation and 15-minute discussion.
Bridge
A bridge group meets Friday afternoons at 12:30 p.m. here at the senior center. If you are an experienced bridge player the small group welcomes you to play. Feel free to just show up for the program.
Mahjongg and Pinnacle players
Both programs meet Thursday afternoons at 12:30 p.m. At the request of both groups, they are seeking new players and requested that this news reach you! Both groups will teach or refresh game skills!