Published by Greene County Department of Human Services since 1976 JANUARY 2018

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT for 2018 GREENE COUNTY SENIOR CITIZEN AWARDS

Richard Golden, Chairperson of the Advisory Council to the Greene County Department for the Aging (Human Services), has announced that nominations are being accepted for the annual Greene County Senior Citizen Awards. The two awards presented annually are the Senior Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen. The purpose of the awards is to recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements of senior citizens who have volunteered their time and energy to help other people, their communities, or special projects. The dedication of these volunteers helps make Greene County a better place for us all. The individuals chosen on the county level will in turn be nominated for recognition for New York State awards.

Any Greene County resident, age 60 or older, can be nominated for these awards. Achievements must be voluntary in nature; performed in Greene County and not part of paid employment. Past award winners may be nominated only if seven years or more have passed since last awarded.

If you know someone who deserves this recognition, contact the Greene County Department of Human Services at (518) 719-3555 for an official nomination form. Incomplete forms will not be considered as eligible. Any inquiries for further information may also be directed to the department.

Deadline for entries is January 31, 2018 SENIOR ANGELS PROGRAM - SPREADING CHEER 365 DAYS A YEAR SPONSORED BY GREENE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Thank you to our 2017 Senior Angels . . .

Athens Senior Citizens’ Club Bethany Village Tenants Association Blue Shield of Northeastern New York Vitaliy Bobkov/Hearthstone Care Catskill Animal Hospital Catskill Dental Care, PC Catskill Police Association Catskill Rotary Club Catskill Silver Linings Coxsackie – Athens Rotary Club Deily & Schaefer, Attys. at Law Margaret Donohue Harry Feineis Fortnightly Club Of Catskill Arthur Fullerton Tom & Linda Gentalen Clifford Gross Hotel Vienna Paraco Gas/Kosco Oil Honeyford Memorial American Legion Auxiliary Unit #110 Denise M. & Jerry Janiec Karleen Karlson & Kingsley Greene Kaaterskill Liquors John Kropp Lake & Mountain Realty Robert & Dena Lawrence Lexington Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary Lionesss Club of Catskill Veronika & Wayne Marquoit Dodie Maxwell James McEnaney Dennis & Kathleen Meehan Oak Hill-Durham United Methodist Church Karen & Bill Ormerod CDPHP National Bank of Coxsackie Carol & Chris Pfister Sawyer Chevrolet P. Schneider & Associates PLLC Senior Citizens of Coxsackie Charles Serro Glen’s Carpet and Linoleum Sales & Svc. Shook Insurance Agency DBA Porto Agency Mrs. Dolores Sutherland Tip Top Furniture Debbie J. Trificante Valentine Insurance Agency Walenta & Co. Agency, Inc. Greggor Petrovic & Steve Goldberg

In Memory of Emily B. and Bertha J. Irene Bloomer, Emily Brunner & Bertha Jurcik John L. Carl Sr. & Dorothy E. Carl Richard Carl Donald D’ Agostino Dash, Happ, Sprague & Sylvester Families John H Earle, 11/4/14 RIP Helen Mary Eckler Ruth Kallman Mary Christina Killourhy Elena Marino Stanley E. Maykut Maebelle “Mike” Milian Joan Ohl Robert Olofsson Corrina Peckham Rev. Henry J. Verdaasdonk Maria Zinovenko from Dr. Elena Suditu

In Honor of My Angel of a friend, Diane Babcock from Carolyn Yusko Selma Labuda Parents, Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles Residents of Greene Meadows The Thanksgiving Dinner Volunteers from Tammy Brooks

SENIOR ANGELS & RSVP SPONSOR BOOTH SENIOR ANGELS SPONSOR AT TOWN OF ATHENS VICTORIAN STROLL TOY BASKET RAFFLE

On Sat., Dec. 9, RSVP & Senior Angels sponsored a booth at the Athens Victorian Stroll. Seen in photo are RSVP member Vickie Cramer who sold RSVP Fuel Raffle tickets and Ken Brooks, who greeted visitors To aid in the fundraising efforts of the Senior Angels with a warm drink, as well as sold merchandise to Program, they had a little help from Santa. The benefit the Senior Angels. Absent from photo is Senior program raffled off a basket filled with over $75.00 Angel member Maureen Murphy who sold chances for worth of toys. The drawing was held on Thursday, the toy basket raffle and DHS Executive Director, December 21, 2017 and was after our press date. Terry McGee Ward, who also manned the table.

IF A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS . . . THEN THESE IMAGES SAY IT ALL BUT THANK YOU!!!! These pictures are some of the many gifts that the Senior Angels Program was able to get to brighten the holiday of area senior citizens. As you can see, the elves had much to wrap! Thank you to Patty Caporta, Heather Minew, and Tezera Pulice who offered to help the committee wrap the presents. Seen in photo are Angel Committee members Rose Bundy and Ken Brooks with Tezera Pulice.

GREENE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES’ DEPARTMENT FOR THE AGING

Our knowledgeable and capable staff can assist you or the person you are caring for in accessing a wide variety of human service resources available in Greene County. Appointments recommended. For more information, please call (518) 719-3555 or toll free (877) 794-9266.

Our goal is to OUR SERVICES:

 Assist older adults in maintaining and/or improving  Information and Assistance NUTRITION: their social, economic, health, (Outreach visits) to senior  Home-delivered Meals to safety and nutritional status; centers & in-home; “Medicare eligible homebound Minute” individuals  Help older adults stay independent for as long as  HIICAP: Health Insurance  Congregate Meals at our possible Counseling & Assistance Greene County Rivertown including Medicare assistance Senior Center in Athens, as  Ensure a network of supportive well as our Senior Nutrition services to assist the County’s  HEAP: Home Energy Sites in Acra, Catskill, residents age 60 and older and Assistance Program Coxsackie and Jewett their caregivers;  Nutrition Education; Diet  Advocate for the elderly.  Legal Services Counseling & Recreational Programs EISEP (IN-HOME): The Department informs  Case Management  Transportation to certain Seniors & Caregivers Centers so seniors can have of news via:  Homemakers & Personal Care social interaction with their noontime meals  Local Area newspapers Aides

 Greene County Round Table  Shopping Bus: News  Personal Emergency Response Door-to-Door service for  Senior Citizen Club Monthly System local shopping & errands - Updates CAREGIVERS SUPPORT: Special trips to Colonie,  Caregivers Information, North Lake, Capitol Holiday HELP US HELP OTHERS Assistance, and Support. Lights The Department neither charges a fee nor applies a means test for  Respite Workers  Farmer’s Market Coupons its services. Service users, however, have the right to make HOMEBOUND confidential donations to the TRANSPORTATION: costs of the service so that  Transportation for Medical VOLUNTEER programs may be expanded. No Appointments & Entitlements SERVICES: one shall be denied services due - Two (2) week advance notice  Volunteer Recruitment and to the inability or unwillingness required placement within the to make a donation. (NOTE: Department and various There may be a sliding fee for in- Community Agencies home services.)

SHOPPING BUS

The Greene County Department of Human Services offers a shopping bus to Greene County residents age 60 or older, living in the towns of Ashland, Athens, Cairo, Catskill, Coxsackie, Greenville, Hunter, Jewett, Prattsville and Windham. Seniors are picked up at their door, driven to Catskill for shopping, and then have lunch at a local Senior Center before returning home. Special trips on a periodic basis.

MONDAY: Mountain Top/Catskill (Windham, Ashland, Prattsville, Jewett & Hunter)

TUESDAY: Cairo/Catskill

WEDNESDAY: Athens/Coxsackie

NOTE: The Shopping Bus does not run on the following holidays observed in New York State government:

New Years Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presidents’ Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Election Day (November) Veterans’ Day Thanksgiving Christmas

In addition, during snow or ice storms, it may be necessary for us to close our senior service centers because of hazardous driving conditions. When we close the centers, we also cancel our transportation services for the day, which includes the Shopping Bus.

MONTHLY TRIP TO COLONIE CENTER: THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

PRICE PER PERSON: $10.00 Payment due at time of departure/boarding. No exceptions please.

For further information, dates for Colonie trips, or to make a reservation, call Janet at 719-3559

YOU could be the sunshine on a cloudy day in the life of a senior citizen.

We are looking for volunteers to assist Greene County homebound senior citizens to get to their medical appointments.

Volunteers are also needed to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens. (Mileage stipend of 50 cents per mile available.)

You could help bring a ray of sunshine into their daily lives

Call Ruth Pforte, Greene County RSVP Coordinator, (518) 719-3555 to see how you can help RSVP SPONSORS FUEL RAFFLE OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE The lobby of the Greene County Office Building in Again, this year, RSVP sponsored a $500 Fuel Raffle. Catskill was decorated with a lovely Christmas tree The drawing was held on Tuesday, December 12 and thanks to the RSVP volunteers. The ornaments on the the lucky winner was Colleen from East Durham. tree were personalized to reflect the many volunteers that Greene County has had over the 40 years that Thank you to all who purchased a chance and supported RSVP has been in the county. RSVP.

Also, thank you to those members who sold chances, especially Vickie Cramer who manned a table at various community events.

HUMAN SERVICES COUNCILS HOLD JOINT CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON On Tuesday, December 12, 2017 the councils that serve under the Department of Human Services held a joint Christ- mas luncheon. Members from the Advisory Council to the Greene County Department of Human Services, the Greene County Children, Youth & Community Advisory Board, and the RSVP Advisory Council had a pleasant time enjoying good food and spreading holiday cheer.

GREENE COUNTY LEGISLATURE REAPPOINTS 2018 ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE GREENE COUNTY DEPARTMENT FOR THE AGING

Michelle Black Greene County Veterans Service Agency Lynn Brunner Athens Representative Valerie Chereck Jewett - Mountaintop Representative Larry Gardner Legislator, Chairperson, Greene County Services Committee Richard Golden Coxsackie Representative Ernest Harris Catskill Representative Kim Kaplan Director, Greene County Public Health Lawrence Krajeski Director, Catskill Mountain Housing Barbara Lindsay Mobility Manager, The ARC of Ulster-Greene John LoPriesti Jewett - Mountaintop Representative Lillian Moore Catskill - RSVP Representative Beverly Myers Greenville Representative Florence Ohle Director, Community Action of Greene County Dorothy True Round Top - Cairo Representative Linda VanEtten Greene County Department of Social Services Dawn Wallant Director, Common Ground Dispute Resolution

The Advisory Council is comprised of Greene County residents over 60 years of age, as well as representatives of agencies serving the elderly and elected officials. The purpose of the Council is to advise the Greene County Department of Human Services in their efforts to serve the County's elderly residents. More specifically the Council will advise the Department to: 1) Develop and administer the service plan; 2) Conduct public hearings; 3) Represent the interest of older person; and 4) Review and comment on all community policies, programs and actions which affect older persons.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT and GENEROSITY

As the number of seniors grows, so does the need for our vast array of services. The Department of Human Services encourages and appreciates donations. If you or your family are in a position to do so, please fill out the form below. One hundred percent of your contribution will be used to provide service to another older adult in need.

NAME: ______

ADDRESS: ______

______

I designate a $ _____ donation in appreciation for services OR In memory of ______to the following: _____ Round Table News _____ In-home services

_____ Where most needed _____ Senior Angels Fund

_____ Homebound transportation _____ Nutrition Program/Home-delivered Meals

Make checks payable & mail to: Greene County Dept. of Human Services 411 Main Street Catskill, N.Y. 12414

JANUARY IS FIBER FOCUS MONTH

Beans: provide 6-10 grams of fiber for a ½ cup serving (the daily recommendation for adults is 25 grams of fiber for a woman and 30 grams of fiber for a man). An average slice of bread may provide 2 grams of fiber. There are many types of beans, peas and even lentils. The major differences are in their taste and texture and the time it takes to cook them. Some, such as cannellini (white) beans, dark red kidney beans and brown lentils, retain their shape well after cooking. Green split peas and red lentils do not, so they’re best for soups and purees. Add any of them to soups and stews. They are an integral part of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, and bursting with nutrients. They are rich in B vitamins, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc. And they provide phytosterols, (may help lower blood cholesterol), 8 grams of protein for the same ½ cup serving, and another newly appreciated component of beans (and other starchy foods) is resistant starch, which resists digestion in the small intestine, and believed to be a “prebiotic. If using canned beans, rinse them to reduce the sodium by 40%.

All that, with little fat and low cost. What’s not to like?

MOROCCAN KIDNEY BEAN & CHICKPEA SALAD Ingredients; 1 small clove garlic, chopped 2 15-ounce cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed ¼ cup lemon juice 1 cup finely diced carrot 2 tablespoons ground cumin 1½ cups chopped fresh parsley ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ cup chopped fresh mint

Directions: Mash garlic with the side of a knife or with a fork to form a paste. Scrape the paste into a large bowl. Add oil, lemon juice, cumin and cinnamon and whisk to combine. Stir in kidney beans, chickpeas, carrot, parsley and mint. Serve at room temperature or cold. SENIOR SERVICE CENTERS in GREENE COUNTY Each site serves the noon-time menu item for the day, Monday - Friday, for a suggested donation of $4.00. All meals include: Meat/Alternative Entrée, Vegetables & Fruit, Bread, Milk & Dessert. We ask that you call at least one day ahead, if you wish to be included in the lunch count. Centers are closed on legal holidays and inclement weather. In addition, each center offers Aging Information & Assistance/Medicare Minute each month. CALL YOUR LOCAL SENIOR CENTER FOR ACTIVITY INFORMATION

ACRA COXSACKIE JEWETT Acra Community Center, Town of Coxsackie Jewett Municipal Building Old Rte. 23B, Acra Senior Center Route 23C, Jewett (518) 622-9898 Mansion Street, Coxsackie (518) 263-4392 (518) 731-8901 Sandra Sherman Gayle Ruvolo Meal Site Manager Renee Raffiani Meal Site Manager Meal Site Manager Elaine Cherrington MaryAnn Brink

AGING INFORMATION AGING INFORMATION AGING INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE & ASSISTANCE & ASSISTANCE MEDICARE MINUTE: MEDICARE MINUTE: MEDICARE MINUTE: 2nd monthly Wednesday 3rd monthly Monday 4th monthly Friday 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

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ATHENS CATSKILL Rivertown Senior Center Washington Irving Senior Center 39 Second Street, Athens 15 Academy Street, Catskill (518) 945-2700 (518) 943-1343

John Orso, Senior Center Manager Gethen Proper, Meal Site Manager JoanAnn Rouse—Center Cook Kitchen Staff: Martha Schilling Shane Dillon John Lawrence Lana Marrone AGING INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE AGING INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE MEDICARE MINUTE: MEDICARE MINUTE: 2nd monthly Thursday 2nd monthly Monday 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

GREENE COUNTY SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM ALL PERSONS, AGE 60 OR OLDER ARE INVITED TO ATTEND - SUGGESTED DONATION IS $4.00 DAILY: Whole Grain Bread (unless otherwise noted) w/Promise Spread, and 1% Milk, Coffee or Tea RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AT LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE BY CALLING THE APPROPRIATE CENTER

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 3 4 5 All Senior Nutrition sites Baked Ham Lemon Pepper Fish NATIONAL Meatloaf w/ Gravy and w/ Raisin Sauce Rice Pilaf SPAGHETTI Green Salad Main Office closed Au gratin Potato Hot Beets DAY Mashed Potato Parisian Mixed Broccoli Spaghetti & Meatballs California Mixed Vegetables Rice Pudding Green Salad Vegetables Pineapple Chunks Spinach Fruit Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

8 9 10 11 12 Baked Ziti w/ Ricotta Salmon w/ Dill Sauce Beef Burgundy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Pepper Steak Italian Green Beans Parsley Boiled Potato over Noodles Green Salad Green Salad Peaches Broccoli Honey Balsamic Brussels Oatmeal Cookie Baked Potato Fruited Gelatin Sprouts Carrot Coins Lemon Mousse Fresh Fruit

15 16 17 18 19 All Senior Nutrition sites Asiago turkey w/ Sun Sweet & Sour Pork Spaghetti & Meatballs NATIONAL and Dried Tomato Brown Rice Italian Mixed Vegetables POPCORN Main Office closed Pasta Broccoli Fresh Fruit DAY Spinach Hummingbird Cake Beef Pot Roast Pears w/ Gravy Mashed Potatoes Roasted Carrots, cauli- flower & Green Beans Chocolate Mousse

22 23 24 25 26 Black Bean Chili NATIONAL Pork Chops Cooks’ Choice Fish & Chips Brown Rice PIE w/ Mushroom Gravy Coleslaw Corn DAY Braised Cabbage Baked Potato Fries Peaches Mashed Potatoes Mixed Vegetables Red Pepper Quiche Apple & Sweet Potato Fruit Cocktail Hash Browns Compote Green Beans Cauliflower

Chocolate Silk Pie

29 30 31 Turkey Divan Meatloaf w/ Gravy Roasted Chicken over Rice Fresh Salad w/ Gravy Carrots Baked Potato Mashed Potato Pears Oriental Mixed Broccoli Casserole Vegetables Oatmeal Cookies Chocolate Pudding

GREENE COUNTY SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM ALL PERSONS, AGE 60 OR OLDER, ARE INVITED TO ATTEND - SUGGESTED DONATION IS $4.00 DAILY: Whole Grain Bread (unless otherwise noted) w/Promise Spread, and 1% Milk, Coffee or Tea RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AT LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE BY CALLING THE APPROPRIATE CENTER

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 Seafood Scampi Groundhog’s Brown Rice Pilaf Day Spinach American Goulash Mandarin Oranges Fresh Green Salad Green Beans Fruited Gelatin

5 6 National 7 8 9 Vegetable Lasagna Chopsticks Beef Stew Turkey Salad Pork Loin w/ Gravy w/ White Sauce Day Wax Beans on Lettuce Applesauce Corn Salad Pork Chow Mein Cauliflower Green Beans Coleslaw Broccoli Brown Rice Chocolate Mousse Fresh Spinach Mix Salad Mashed Potatoes Pears Oriental Mixed Potato Salad Carrots Vegetables Raspberry Swirl Brownie Apple Cranberry Crisp Pineapple Chunks Fortune Cookie

12 13 14 15 16 Spaghetti Mardi Gras ASH Oven Fried Pork Chop Mushroom Quiche w/ Meat Sauce WEDNESDAY Applesauce Fresh Salad Italian Mixed Vegetables Beef Pot Roast Herb Baked Fish Green Salad Broccoli Fruit Cocktail w/ Gravy Asparagus Braised Cabbage Mixed Vegetables Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin Potatoes Sweet Potato Peach Halves Old Fashioned Mixed Carrot Coins Tropical Fruit Mix Vegetables Strawberry Cream Pie King Cake w/ Hershey Kiss HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

19 20 21 22 23 MAIN OFFICE NATIONAL Meatloaf w/ gravy Turkey Divan Salmon w/ Dill Sauce & ALL SENIOR NUTRI- CHERRY PIE Mashed Potatoes Brown Rice Parsley Boiled Potato TION SITES CLOSED DAY Spinach Peas w/ Pearl Onions Broccoli Cuts Macaroni & Cheese Apricots Green Salad Fruited Gelatin Mashed Potatoes Mandarin Oranges Spinach Cherry Pie

26 27 28 Breakfast Shepherd’s Pie Baked Chicken for Dinner Green Beans w/ Gravy Day Fruit Cocktail Collard Greens Breakfast Casserole Sweet Potato (Eggs, vegetables Cranberry Sauce & Sausage) Apricots English Muffin Hash Browns Broccoli

Tropical Mixed Fruit

GREENE COUNTY DEPARTMENT of HUMAN SERVICES CONTRIBUTIONS POLICY

For services under the Older Americans Act and in Community Services for the Elderly and Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly projects which propose contributions, such contributions must be used for costs allowable under applicable regulations and incurred during the budget period that contributions were received. The suggested contributions will not be more than the actual cost of the service. The purpose is to offer participants the opportunity to contribute and to increase the units of services, particularly to those in greatest need. Envelopes are provided to participants that desire to make voluntary and confidential contributions.

Services will not be denied to anyone unable or unwilling to make a contribution.

CONSULTATION and ASSISTANCE: This includes such client assistance activities as case assistance, HIICAP, help with public benefit applications, etc.

The suggested level is $5.00 per office visit (Actual cost $20.00/hour).

IN-HOME SERVICES: This is discussed with the client by the case manager at the time of assessment. The suggested level of contribution is $3.00 per hour (Actual cost $21.56/hour).

LEGAL SERVICES The suggested level of contribution is $10.00 per attorney consultation (Actual cost $149.00/hour).

NUTRITION: Senior Congregate Meal or Home Delivered Meals: The suggested level of contribution is $4.00 (Actual cost $12.01/meal).

Nutrition Counseling - Clients requesting diet counseling from the Registered Dietitian are provided with an opportunity to contribute. The suggested level of contribution is $5.00. (Actual cost $65.00/hour).

TRANSPORTATION: Shopping Bus: This door-to-door service is provided directly by the Department. The suggested level of contribution is $3.00 round trip (Actual cost $15.08/one way).

Senior Center Transportation: The suggested contribution is $1.00 for round trip (Actual cost: $7.34/one way).

Medical (Homebound) Transportation: All tolls are to be paid directly by the passenger. The suggested contribution for this service is a sliding scale based on mileage 0 – 10 miles $3.00 round trip 11 – 20 miles $5.00 round trip 21 – 40 miles $9.00 round trip 41+ miles $15.00 round trip (Actual cost is $29.62 one-way trip, maximum mileage)

Remember to make checks payable to Greene County Department of Human Services & note in memo the service.

Taking care of a loved one on Medicare with a chronic illness, disability or frailty is not an easy job. Yet more than 90 million Americans do it every day, according to the Caregiver Action Network. Being a caregiver also means navigating the health care system, which can be difficult and sometimes confusing. That’s why it’s important to have a good understanding about how Medicare works. Let’s start with the basics – knowing your ABCs…and D.

Medicare Part A and Part B Medicare Parts A and B make up what’s called Original Medicare. This is traditional Medicare that is administered by the federal government. In general, Original Medicare pays 80% of the cost for covered services. Your loved one would be responsible for the other 20%. There is no limit on out-of-pocket spending with Original Medicare.  Part A is hospital insurance. It covers services such as inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice care and some home health care.  Part B is medical insurance. It covers services such as doctor visits, outpatient care, some medical supplies and certain preventive services like flu shots. Once you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you have other coverage choices. These other choices are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Medicare Part C Medicare Part C is also called Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage plans include the same coverage provided by Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and may offer extra benefits. Additional benefits may include prescription drug coverage; dental, hearing and eye care; and wellness services.  Your loved one must be enrolled in Part A and Part B to be eligible to join a Medicare Advantage plan. They continue to pay the Part B premium to Medicare.  Benefits come through the Medicare Advantage plan instead of through Original Medicare. In general, your loved one would pay a low or no monthly premium and co-pays or co-insurance when services are used. Plans are required to have a maximum out-of-pocket spending limit.

Medicare Part D Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage, but stand-alone plans may be purchased separately by those with Original Medicare. Original Medicare does not provide drug coverage.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Medicare supplement insurance (sometimes called Medigap) may help pay some costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. Plans are standardized by the federal government in terms of coverage, but costs may vary. Your loved one would continue to pay the Part B premium. (Medicare supplement insurance cannot be used in conjunction with a Medicare Advantage plan.)

Finding the Right Plan Once you know what type of coverage might fit with your loved one’s needs, it’s important to look carefully at the different plans available. Specific benefits and costs may vary from plan to plan. When assessing Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans, consider these questions:  How much might your loved one pay, including co-payments, co-insurance, premiums and deductibles?  Does the plan’s network include your loved one’s health care provider and preferred hospital and pharmacy?  Are the prescription drugs your loved one takes on the plan’s drug list (also known as the formulary)

Conclusion Understanding Medicare may seem overwhelming at times, but help is available. Go to MedicareMadeClear.com to learn more about Medicare. Go to Medicare.gov, or contact the Medicare helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633- 4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. GREENE COUNTY LEGISLATURE REAPPOINTS GREENE COUNTY CHILDREN, YOUTH & COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD

The following have been reappointed to serve on the Advisory Board for 2018:

Donna Baeckmann Greene County Probation Department

Lauren Clark Greene County Public Health

Pamela Coloton Service Provider

Mary Jo Jaeger Greene County Liasion

Larry Krajeski Service Provider

John Scalera General Public

MaryAnn Scalera General Public

Angelo Scaturro Greene County Public Defender

Don Smith General Public

Susan Smith-Hicks General Public

YOUTH GRANT FUNDING

Applications for 2018 funding were due on December 11, 2017. Members of the Greene County Children, Youth & Community Advisory Board have received their packets with all the applications. They will be reviewing them and deciding on potential awards. Until the final budget is set by the state, decisions will not be made and award letters will not go out.

YOUTH OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Do you know a youth who has made outstanding contributions in serving his/her community through leadership, knowledge, skill and/or service? We want to know!

The Greene County Children, Youth & Community Advisory Board will again be sponsoring the annual Youth of the Year Awards. Applications will be available in February. From the nominations received, youths will be evaluated by the selection committee to determine the winners. Three awards will be presented at the Greene County Youth Fair in July (Youth of Year; Director’s Choice, and Chairman’s Choice).

Deadline is March 31, 2018. Any questions can be directed to the Greene County Department of Human Services. GREENE COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS CLUBS

ATHENS: ATHENS SR. CITIZENS 2nd & 4th monthly Monday 1:15 p.m. Rivertown Senior Center

CAIRO: CAIRO GOLDEN AGERS 2nd & 4th monthly Wednesday 1:30 p.m. Acra Community Center

CATSKILL CATSKILL SILVER LINING SENIORS 2nd monthly Thursday 1:00 p.m. Washington Irving Center

COXSACKIE: BETHANY VILLAGE TENANTS COXSACKIE AREA SENIORS 3rd monthly Wednesday 2nd & 4th monthly Wednesday 1:15 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Van Heest Hall Van Heest Hall, Bethany Village

SENIOR CITIZENS of COXSACKIE 1st & 3rd monthly Monday 1:30 p.m. Coxsackie Senior Center

GREENVILLE: GREENVILLE GOLDEN YEARS 1st monthly Wednesday 1:30 p.m. American Legion Hall

MOUNTAIN-TOP: MTN. TOP GOLDEN AGERS W-A-J-P-L GOLDEN AGERS 4th monthly Thursday 1st & 3rd monthly Monday 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Tannersville Village Hall Hensonville Town Bldg.

CATSKILL SILVER LININGS BUS TRIP AMISHLANDS, PENNSYLVANIA

APRIL 18 - 20, 2018

$405 PER PERSON/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $25 per person deposit due with reservation Balance by February 23, 2018

PACKAGE INCLUDES; LODGING AT THE HERITAGE HOTEL, LANCASTER TWO FULL BUFFET BREAKFASTS & DINNERS PERFORMANCE OF “JESUS” - THE MILLENIUM THEATER SCENIC TOURS (Wilbur Chocolate Store & Museum, Herr’s Potato Chip Factory, Kitchen Kettle Village, Farmer’s Market & Turkey Hill Experience) MOTORCOACH TRANSPORTATION

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION, CALL GEORGIANNA RAMSAY (518) 622-3257

MOUNTAIN TOP GOLDEN AGERS BUS TRIP CATSKILL SILVER LININGS OCEAN CITY & EASTERN SHORE HOST CHRISTMAS PARTY SEPTEMBER 9 - 12, 2018 The Catskill Silver Linings Club held a delightful Christmas party as part of

their December meeting.

$489 PER PERSON/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $100 deposit due with reservation $189 by 6/1/18 & balance by 7/20/18

PACKAGE INCLUDES; LODGING AT HOWARD JOHNSON PLAZA HOTEL W/ BREAKFAST 3 DINNERS INCLUDING PHILLIP’S CRAB HOUSE OCEANS DOWN CASINO W/ BONUS SCENIC TOURS (Assateague Island, Ocean City Boardwalk, Nassau Valley Winery, Salisbury Zoo, and Lewes and Rehobooth, DE) MOTORCOACH TRANSPORTATION, LUGGAGE HANDLING, TAXES AND GRATUITIES

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A Photos courtesy of Joan Young RESERVATION, CALL CHRIS (518) 589-5815 FUN NEVER RETIRES

Treating Arthritis through Fun, Laughter, and Friends

Enhance Fitness is a proven community-based senior fitness and arthritis management program. The program consists of low-impact exercise classes that are safe and challenging for older adults of all fitness levels.

WHEN: 16 weeks beginning Monday, January 8, 2018 thru Friday, April 27, 2018

TIME: 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

LOCATION: Town of Coxsackie Senior Center 127 Mansion Street Coxsackie

INSTRUCTORS: Diane Lewis & Ranita Voellm

Class size is limited to 25 participants Sign-Up Required

ADULT LEARNING INSTITUTE (ALI)

The Adult Learning Institute has announced its program for January 2018.

All are held at Columbia - Greene Community College, 4400 NY RT 23, Hudson From 1:30 p.m.—4:00 p.m. in the Faculty/Staff Lounge, unless otherwise noted.

Please call the ALI Office @ 518-828-4181, ext. 3431, or email [email protected] to register.

Mon. Jan. 8 & 22 Open Pinochle Group NOTE: January 22 will be from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tues. Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Bridge Group

Wed. Jan. 10 & 24 Mahjongg

Thurs. Jan. 18 Executive Board Meeting 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Room 105A

Mon. Jan. 22 Chair Yoga 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Room 505

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)

VITA is a free, IRS-sponsored program to help low and middle-income workers have their federal and State personal income taxes prepared and filed electronically at no cost. VITA also ensures that workers receive all the tax credits to which they are entitled.

Many workers eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) don’t feel comfortable filling out tax forms themselves. However, commercial tax preparers charge significant fees to prepare a return and offer services that can otherwise be provided at no cost at a VITA site. People eligible for EITC and CTC have a no-cost option — they can have their returns prepared and filed at a VITA site.

Not only can many New Yorkers get their taxes done for free at VITA sites, but if they have a bank account and use direct deposit, they may receive their federal refund within as few as 10 days.

Every county in the State has at least one VITA site. Opening and closing dates vary by site as well as hours and days of operation. In addition, many sites do require an appointment.

Here in Greene County, Community Action of Greene County offers VITA. For further information, contact their office at (518) 943-9205.

Let the Weatherization Team at Community Action of Greene County, Inc. make your home better this New Year. Weatherization Assistance Program is a free program for income eligible home owners.

We follow the same income guidelines as HEAP.

2017 - 18 WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM INCOME THRESHOLD Household Size Monthly Income Annual Income 1 $ 2,318 $ 27,816 2 $ 3,031 $ 36,372 3 $ 3,744 $ 44,928 4 $ 4,457 $ 53,484 5 $ 5,170 $ 62,040 6 $ 5,883 $ 70,596 7 $ 6,190 $ 74,280 8 $ 6,887 $ 82,640 9 $ 7,583 $ 91,000 10 $ 8,280 $ 99,360 11 $ 8,977 $107,720

If your home has never been weatherized by the Weatherization Assistance Program, call for an application. Insulation, Air Sealing, Ventilation, Light Bulbs, Refrigerator, Smoke Detectors and CO Detectors are just some of the things that the Weatherization Assistance Program may be able to do for your home. Call 518-943-9205 today for an application. THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT (6/18) GREENE COUNTY ROUND TABLE NEWS is published monthly by GREENE COUNTY DEPARTMENT of HUMAN SERVICES 411 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414 (518) 719-3555 Toll Free (877)794-9266 [email protected]

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Thérèse McGee Ward

Business Manager - Ken Brooks

Aging Department Coordinators: Aging Services - Connie Bentley Nutrition - Tezera Pulice Volunteer Services - Ruth Pforte

Staff: Case Managers: Cortney Carlson Carol Provost Danielle Wade Bethany Village Case Manager: Andrea Benjamin-Legg

Administrative Assistant: Maureen Murphy

Aging Services Aide: Rose Bundy Receptionist: MaryJean Pomilla

Shopping Bus Driver: Janet Osborn Nutrition Van Chauffeurs: Patrick Murphy Dave Mokszycki

Youth Bureau Case Worker: Carrie E. Wallace

The office is open 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday,. Agency staff specialize in a variety of subjects. While walk-ins can sometimes be seen, staff who can best assist you may be unavailable. We recommend you call ahead for an appointment.

6772 GCDHS 411 Main Street Catskill, NY 12414