Guilderland Senior News for Friday, December 23, 2016

The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of Dec. 26. Call the senior office at 280-7607 with any questions or for information. The new location for senior services is 141 Bavarian Way, Altamont, New York 12009.

— Monday: Christmas holiday;

— Tuesday: Strong Bones Plus at 9 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., advanced bridge at 12:30 p.m., and quilting at 1 p.m.

Strong Bones Plus classes are held at the town hall.

HEAP program

Cold months are approaching and heating costs will increase. People with monthly incomes under: $2,300 for one person or $3,007 for two people, etc., 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 used.

Transportation reminder     

When the Guilderland Schools are closed due to inclement weather, all scheduled shopping trips and scheduled medical appointments will be cancelled. You will now find the listing on the local television stations it will read:  “Guilderland Senior Programs-No Transportation.”

When the Guilderland Schools are listed as delayed in opening, we will still provide transportation but it may be delayed due to road conditions.

Why take a driver safety course?

Because driving has changed since you first got your license and taking a safety course 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, anti-lock 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 cellphone.

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 online.