The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of March 12 . 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 chicken ala King or cold plate at 11:30 a.m., food pantry raffle at noon,  bingo/Rummikub at 12:30 p.m., and town hall class of Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m.;

— Wednesday: Exercise registration, scheduled shopping, senior strength and balance at 9 a.m., AARP defensive driving class from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Guilderland Public Library, 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: Exercise registration, 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., AARP defensive driving class from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Guilderland Public Library, intermediate bridge at 12:30 p.m., and quilting at 1 p.m.

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!

The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of Feb 12. 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, no aerobics at 9 a.m., senior fitness at 10:30 a.m. Town Hall classes of Strong Bones Plus are at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m..;

— Tuesday: Luncheon of pot roast or cold plate at 11:30 a.m., food-pantry raffle at noon; 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 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.     

Partial property tax exemption

People who will be 65 years old this year and those who are older and whose annual total income is less than $37,400 may qualify for a partial property tax exemption, based upon their 2017 income.
An application must be filed by March 1.

Income includes: pension, Social Security payments, bank interest and dividends, and all other income.
It is necessary to provide proof of the following: Deed, birth certificates of owners, pension forms, the Social Security white form, and income tax form. All owners must sign the forms.Please call the assessor’s office for information on veterans or disability exemptions.

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.  

MVP Tai Chi

Join us for an introduction to Sun (pronounced soon) Style Tai Chi. Described as “meditation in motion,” this class consists of slow, continuous whole-body movements that use controlled breathing and mental concentration to create an integrated mind-body experience. The level of exertion can be adjusted for everyone.

Practicing Tai Chi improves balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and posture. It also reduces the risk of falling in addition to improving any number of chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, to name a few.

Please wear flat-soled shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. There is no fee for this class, compliments of MVP Health Care. Call (518) 280-7607 to register. MVP  Health Care members will be offered priority registration. The registration deadline is Feb. 20.

 This class will be offered on Mondays, from Feb. 26 through May 14, from 1:15 to 2 p.m. The instructor is Kate McKee. She is a certified Tai Chi instructor, specializing in fall prevention and arthritis treatment. This style of Tai Chi offered has been found to be an “easier” style to learn than other styles of Tai Chi.

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.

The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of Feb 12. 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, no aerobics at 9 a.m., no senior fitness at 10:30 a.m. Town Hall classes of Strong Bones Plus are at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m..;

— Tuesday: Luncheon of barbecued chicken 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., no 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., Mahjongg and Pinochle at 12:30 p.m., and Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m. at Town Hall; and

— Friday:Scheduled shopping, painting at 9:30 a.m., no intermediate bridge at 12:30 p.m., quilting at 1 p.m., and Alzheimer’s Disease Seminar also 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.     

Partial property tax exemption

People who will be 65 years old this year and those who are older and whose annual total income is less than $37,400 may qualify for a partial property tax exemption, based upon their 2017 income.

An application must be filed by March 1.

Income includes: pension, Social Security payments, bank interest and dividends, and all other income.

It is necessary to provide proof of the following: Deed, birth certificates of owners, pension forms, the Social Security white form, and income tax form. All owners must sign the forms.Please call the assessor’s office for information on veterans or disability exemptions. 

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.  

Alzheimer’s seminar

There is a free educational seminar on Alzheimer’s disease by the Alzheimer’s Association on Feb. 16 at 1 p.m., which will last about an hour. Sign up before Feb. 9 by calling (518) 280-7607.

The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as inevitable parts of normal aging. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts. Early detection is the key to improving quality of life for anyone affected by memory impairment.

Attend this interactive workshop to learn the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease where we separate myth from reality and address commonly-held fears about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Hear from people who have the disease and find out how to recognize the signs in yourself and others.

The seminare is for anyone who is interested in learning the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, and a little information about Alzheimer’s disease. 

MVP Tai Chi

Join us for an introduction to Sun (pronounced soon) Style Tai Chi. Described as “meditation in motion,” this class consists of slow, continuous whole-body movements that use controlled breathing and mental concentration to create an integrated mind-body experience. The level of exertion can be adjusted for everyone.

Practicing Tai Chi improves balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and posture. It also reduces the risk of falling in addition to improving any number of chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, to name a few.

Please wear flat-soled shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. There is no fee for this class, compliments of MVP Health Care. Call (518) 280-7607 to register. MVP  Health Care  members will be offered priority registration. The registration deadline is Feb. 20.

 This class will be offered on Mondays, from Feb. 26 through May 14, from 1:15 to 2 p.m. The instructor is Kate McKee. She is a certified Tai Chi instructor, specializing in fall prevention and arthritis treatment. This style of Tai Chi offered has been found to be an “easier” style to learn than other styles of Tai Chi.

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.

The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of July 31. 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, strength and balance and core at 9 a.m., Town Hall classes: Strong Bones Plus at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.;

— Tuesday: Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m. at Town Hall, luncheon of roasted turkey or cold plate at 11:30 a.m., Bingo/Rummikub at 12:30 p.m., senior trip to Tanglewood on Parade at 6 p.m.;

— Wednesday: Scheduled shopping, no senior strength and balance at 9 a.m., needlecraft at 1 p.m., and Strong Bones Plus at 10:30 and 1:30 p.m.at the Town Hall; 

— Thursday: Scheduled shopping, no Silver Sneakers at 9 a.m., no Silver Sneakers Yoga Stretch at 10 a.m., art and culture to New Skete Monastery at 12:15 p.m., leaving from town hall, Mahjongg and Pinochle at 12:30 p.m., Town Hall for Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m.; and

— Friday: Scheduled shopping, painting at 9:30 a.m., intermediate bridge at 12:30 p.m., and quilting at 1 p.m.

CDPHP program offering

Eating For One held on July 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Be a savvy shopping senior. Get ideas on shopping, planning, and cooking for “one” while keeping your diet balanced and healthy. See some budget friendly, good tasting recipes. Please call 280-7607 by July 11 to register for this hour and a half program.

Getting and Staying Active for Life held on Aug.28 from  1 to 2 p.m. This program will address how physical activity can enhance the quality of life and help maintain independence as we age.  Recommendation and benefits of physical activity will be reviewed, along with community wellness resources and programs for older adults. Please call 280-7607 by Aug. 18 to register for this hour program.

MVP beginner Tai Chi moves

Join us for an introduction to Sun (pronounced soon) Style Tai Chi. Described as “meditation in motion,” this class consists of slow, continuous whole-body movements that use controlled breathing and mental concentration to create an integrated mind-body experience. The level of exertion can be adjusted for everyone. Practicing Tai Chi improves balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and posture. It also reduces the risk of falling in addition to improving any number of chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, to name a few. Please wear flat soled shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. There is no fee for this class, compliments of MVP Health Care®. Join at any time during the session- all seniors citizens are welcome. Please call 280-7607 to register.

This class will be offered Mondays.

Sept. 18 through Dec. 4 (No Class Oct 9 Columbus Day) from 1:15 to 2 p.m.

The instructors are Erick McCandless and Kate McKee. They are both certified Tai Chi instructor with a specialization in Fall Prevention and Arthritis. This style of Tai Chi offered has been found to be an easier style to learn than other styles of Tai Chi.

Save the date

Volunteer Recognition Luncheon is Friday, September 22.

Meals on Wheels drivers

Meals On Wheels permanent driver and substitute 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/Altamont residents weekdays. Please call MaryAnn at 280-7607 for further information.

Farmers market coupons

Farmers market coupons are a one-time benefit of $20 per household per year in NYS Farmers Market checks. Eligible seniors whose gross income must be no more than 185 percent of the US poverty income guidelines. This nutrition program helps senior’s buy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at nearby farmers markets. It will be necessary to bring ID when picking them up.  These coupons should be available mid-July please call for availability.

We will provide transportation to an area farmers market on July 18 and Aug. 22 at 10:45 a.m. leaving from the Guilderland senior center as well as pickups at the Omni. Please let us know if you plan to participate.