Guilderland Senior News for Thursday, October 6, 2016

The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of Oct. 10. Call the senior office at 356-1980, ext. 1048 with any questions or for information.

— Monday: Town hall closed in observance of Columbus Day;

— Tuesday: Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m., luncheon of barbecue chicken 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 at 10:30 a.m., no senior fitness, 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., art and culture trip at 9:30 a.m., and Mahjongg and Pinochle at 12:30 p.m.; and

— Friday: Scheduled shopping, painting at 10 a.m., and intermediate bridge at 12:30 p.m., and quilting at 1 p.m.

New location

We are at our new location please come to see us at the new Town of Guilderland Senior Center. It is located a half mile west of the Guilderland town hall, left turn onto Frenchs Mill Rd., first left into the development, and first right into the senior center parking lot.

HEAP

We expect HEAP (Heating and Energy Assistance Program) applications for new enrollees to arrive in our office on Nov. 14, and we would be happy to assist seniors in completing them.  Income guidelines apply. Please call to schedule an appointment.

Learn about Medicare

On Oct. 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join us to learn about Medicare.

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. Having trouble paying your Medicare premium or related medical expenses?  Find out if you may qualify for federal assistance with your medical expenses.

Please call the office to register for a presentation by Oct. 23.

Medicare appointments

Janet Kiffney from the Albany County Health Insurance Counseling Program will be in the senior office late October into November. If you would like to schedule an informative one–on-one appointment between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., please call the senior office.

Thanksgiving dinner deliveries

Thanksgiving Day preparations are in the works by Equinox, Inc. for their 47th Annual Equinox Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Please contact the senior office to make your dinner reservation by Nov. 4.

Drivers needed

If you are interested in volunteering once in awhile for about an hour and half, this is an opportunity for you. Meals are delivered to Guilderland and Altamont residents weekdays. Please call MaryAnn at 356-1980, ext. 1095 for further information.

Senior Expo

On Friday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crossgates Mall the Senior Services of Albany and CDPHP Medicare Choice present this day-long exposition. It is the largest and most widely recognized trade show for older adults in the Capital Region; featuring exhibitors who cater to the 60 plus population and their families from life, health, and long-term care insurance, housing, home health services, home repairs and modifications, city and governmental services, trips and recreation, finances, volunteerism, and much more. Health screenings, health-related activities, and entertainment will highlight the event. The event will also include a raffle. For further information call 465-3322.

Why Take a Driver Safety Course?

Because Driving has changed since you first got your license and doing so could save you money.  

Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving conditions and the roads you travel every day. By taking a driver safety course you'll learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. In addition, you'll learn:

—How to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots;

— How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car;

— The safest ways to change lanes and make turns at busy intersections;

— Proper use of safety belts, air bags, antilock brakes and new technology found in cars today;         

 — Ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities;

—The effects of medications on driving; and

— The importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking and using a cell phone.

After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and a better understanding of how to avoid potential collisions and injuring yourself or others.

Please call the senior office to sign up for this affordable AARP course offered every other month-odd numbered months.  AARP also offers this course on line.