Guilderland Senior News for Friday, March 17, 2017
The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of March 20. Call the senior office at (518)280-7607 with any questions or for information. The new 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., Strong Bones Plus and senior fitness at 10:30 a.m., and Strong Bones Plus at 1:30 p.m.;
— Tuesday: Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m., blood pressure screening from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., luncheon of turkey meatloaf or cold plate at 11:30 a.m., and Bingo/Rummikub at 12:30 p.m.;
— Wednesday: Scheduled shopping, senior strength and balance at 9 a.m., Strong Bones Plus and senior fitness at 10:30 a.m., needlecraft at 1 p.m., and Strong Bones Plus at 1:30 p.m.;
— Thursday: Scheduled shopping, Silver Sneakers and Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m., Silver Sneakers Yoga Stretch at 10 a.m., Mahjongg and Pinochle at 12:30 p.m.; and
— Friday: Scheduled shopping, painting at 10 a.m., intermediate bridge at 12:30 p.m., and quilting at 1 p.m.
Strong Bones Plus classes are held at the town hall.
Learn about Medicare
On April 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. join us at the Guilderland town hall for this program on Medicare information. Please call the office to register for a 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 31 at 1 p.m. join us at the senior center for Total Recall. Take a look at the mechanism of memory and relieve the concern that changes are unavoidable as we age. Learn easy techniques to improve your memory, what foods can help, and how to stimulate your brain to keep it sharp now and in the future. Please call before March 22 to register for this 45 minute presentation.
GHS spring musical
The Guilderland Players’ next musical will be “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
Big business means big laughs in this delightfully clever lampoon of life on the corporate ladder. The tune-filled comic gem took Broadway by storm, winning both the Tony Award for best musical and a Pulitzer Prize.
J. Pierrepont Finch, a young New York window washer with large ambitions believes he can be a success in the corporate world after he impulsively picks up the book “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.” The book promises its reader that he can climb the corporate ladder simply and quickly.
Senior Citizen Night will be Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m., and tickets will be available at a cost of $5 each (cash only), in the senior office in late February; call ahead to check on ticket availability at (518) 280-7607.
Limited transportation will be available for this event.
Defensive driving
The AARP Smart Driver Course, offered by AARP Driver Safety volunteer instructor, is designed especially for drivers age 50 and older. We schedule classes every other month for odd-numbered months.
This six-hour class is held on two weekday mornings, three hours each day. The cost for this class is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. After completing the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion that can be presented to your insurance agent for a possible reduction in your auto insurance premiums for three years. There is no test to pass.
If you are interested, please call to be put on class list. This class is also offered online by visiting aarp.org/drive.
Property tax exemption
People 65 years old or who will be 65 in this year whose annual income is less than $37,400 may qualify for a partial property tax exemption, based upon their 2016 income. An application must be filed by March 1.
Income includes: pension, Social Security, bank interest, and dividends and all other income. It is necessary to provide proof of the following: deed, birth certificates of owners, pension forms, Social Security (white form), and income-tax forms. All owners must sign the forms.
Please call the assessor’s office for information on veterans or disability exemptions.
STAR
Homeowners may be eligible for a 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 New York State Department of Tax and Finance at (518) 457-2036 or 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 65 and older with income for 2015 under $86,000. For additional information, please contact the town of Guilderland assessor’s office at (518) 356-1980.
No health insurance?
You may be eligible for no cost easy, take-home colon cancer screening, mammogram, clinical breast exam and pap test. Call 525-8680 for more information, St. Peter’s Health Partners and Cancer Services Program.