Happy New Year to You and Yours!
Hello everyone,
Can you believe it is 2024! I have truly enjoyed being a part of all of your lives and look forward to spending more time with you throughout the new year!
In case you missed it, I am adding a link to our January, 2024 Newsletter ; it is chock-full of programs and activities, so be sure to take some time to browse the pages.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE JANUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

As always, I like to share a bit of positive light with you all; I hope that you have enjoyed that. If you have a wonderful positive quote that you would like to share with me, to use in a future weekly blast, feel free to email me at [email protected].

What’s Happening

Caregiver Support Group

Thursday, January 4th, 1:00 PM

Are you a caregiver seeking a compassionate and supportive community? We invite you to join our monthly caregiver support group, where an RVNA health professional leads meaningful discussions and provides valuable insights. In these gatherings, you can connect with fellow caregivers, share your unique experiences, and find the empathy and understanding you deserve. Every first Thursday of the month, we come together to offer emotional support, exchange information, and collaboratively address common caregiving challenges. For questions, more information or to sign up, please connect with the Senior Center.

Senior Songbirds

Friday, January 5^th at 1PM

The Senior Songbirds are back and ready to gather around the piano once again. Local pianist, Dan Ringuette, will be join us to tickle the ivories and accompany our singers. Warm up those voices, it’s time to SING!

COMING SOON!

Circle of Friends Game Day with

The New Milford Youth Agency

Monday, January 8^th 2:15 PM

Join us for an intergenerational meetup with the New Milford Youth Agency to play board games and/or card games in good company every second Monday of the month! To sign up, please connect with the Senior Center.

UPCOMING TRIP

SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE

Wednesday - Friday, June 26th -June 28th

The Day Trippers are extending their stay and heading to Lancaster, PA to see “Daniel” at the Sight and Sound Theater with some other area attractions! Detailed flyers including itinerary and pricing are available at the Senior Center and payment for reservations will be taken starting Tuesday, January 9th.

HEARING SCREENING

Tuesday, January 9th, 10:00 AM -12:00 PM by appointment

Free Hearing Screenings will be available right here in our Health & Wellness Room in partnership with our friends from Hearing Life, formerly Hearing Aid Specialist of CT. Please connect with the Senior Center to set up an appointment

PREPARING FOR LONG TERM CARE

Tuesday, January 9th, 1:00 PM

Connecticut's long-term care costs are the 2nd highest in the nation. You've likely heard horror stories of people losing their homes to pay for care. Attend this session to learn how you can protect assets with a carefully orchestrated plan. You'll walk away understanding how you can properly protect your life savings. You'll also learn about Medicaid and how it can help you pay for long-term care costs, Medicaid's confusing rules, what it takes to apply, who can help you complete an application, and much more will be discussed. Join us as we welcome Atty. Lynda Lee Arnold, senior partner at law firm Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri. To sign up, please connect with the Senior Center.

HEALTHY CHATS & BREAKFAST SNACKS WITH HEIDI: PREPARING YOURSELF FOR WINTER

Wednesday, January 10th, 9:30 AM

To carry on the theme of Wellness Wednesday, join us every third Wednesday of the month as we welcome Heidi Bettcher, Community Nurse with the Housatonic Valley Health District Winter is here! Be prepared for upcoming winter storms, cold weather and dark skies and join the discussion on some important strategies to get us through the season. Breakfast sponsored by Synergy Home Care and Village Crest. Connect with the Senior Center to sign up.

WALL $TREET WIZARDS

Wednesdays, January 10th and 24th, 10:30 AM

This group discusses the stock market and how it effects our IRA’s, ROTH’s, 401K’s, and various investments in them. The Wizards are looking into their Crystal Ball for the answers. Bring your questions and share ideas with the group. Personal finances are NOT discussed in this forum. Connect with the Senior Center to sign up.

*NEW NAME* INTEGRATED FITNESS

Thursdays, January 11th and 25th, 11:00 AM

Circus Moves is now called Integrated Fitness! Functional movement and playful content promoting body and mind strength and flexibility, core strength and balance, cardio vascular health, brain function and elasticity, and mental wellbeing. Movement activities are adaptable for most mobility levels and participants are invited to stand or sit as needed at any time during the class. For curious and creative adults. “So much fun it doesn’t feel like exercise!” Presented by Circus Moves. This class offering is made possible by Senior Center ARPA allocations and is free of charge for participants. Space is limited so to sign up, please connect with the Senior Center.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Friday, January 12th, 10:00 AM

Bereavement support groups allow participants to process their grief, share and receive helpful advice, and create a community with others walking in similar paths. Join us as we welcome Garret Walkup, RVNAhealth Mananger of Bereavement, Social Work and Pastoral Care Services and receive emotional support, validation and understanding, coping strategies, community and connection, and healing and recovery. For questions, more information or to sign up, please contact Garrett Walkup at 4755296118 or [email protected] or connect with the Senior Center.

JUKEBOX BINGO

Friday, January 12^th

1PM

Come rock around the clock with us as we play our favorite game of  MUSIC BINGO ! Pizza will be served.

Please register ahead with the senior center

There will be a cost of $5.00 for this event.

A Note From Our Senior Advisors

Our Senior Advisors are ready to help! They are here Monday- Friday 8AM-4PM, please call the center to set up an appointment.

About 988

988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:

Thoughts of suicide

Mental health or substance use crisis, or

Any other kind of emotion distress

People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

MEDICARE GENERAL ENROLLMENT:

JANUARY 1ST - MARCH 31ST

During Medicare general enrollment you can join Medicare Part B if you did not join during your 7month initial enrollment period when you first became eligible for Medicare. Also during this time, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan you can switch into a different Medicare Advantage Plan or back to Original Medicare plus a Part D Plan. You can only make one change during this enrollment period. Please bring you Medical Insurance Cards, Prescriptions and Primary Care Doctor information and connect with the Senior Center to make an appointment.

HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX CREDIT:

FEBRUARY 1ST - MAY 1^ST

Eligibility Requirements: Are you a Homeowner in New Milford? Must be age 65 or older or Social Security disabled and owned a home throughout 2021 in New Milford. Income guidelines are $40,300 unmarried person and $49,100 married. Documents Required: Applicants will need to provide proof of income from all sources in the previous year. If applicants file a tax return this must be included along with SSA1099s. If applicants don’t file tax returns then all 1099s are required. For more information or to make an appointment, please connect with the Senior Center.

VETERANS ADDITIONAL TAX CREDIT:

FEBRUARY 1ST - OCTOBER 1^ST

Eligibility Requirements: Must have filed DD 214 at the Town Hall and must meet the established income guidelines. Documents required: Applicants will need to provide proof of income from all sources in the previous year. If applicants file a tax return this must be included along with SSA1099s. If applicants don’t file tax returns then all 1099s are required. For more information or to make an appointment, please connect with the Senior Center.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE (CEAP)

Application Period: Generally, applications for deliverable fuels (oil, propane, and kerosene) are accepted starting September 1st. The first day EA clients can receive a delivery is around November 1st. Generally, electric heated households are scheduled for appointments after January 1st. Eligibility Requirements: Income and asset guidelines are subject to change, but you may connect with the Senior Center for the most up-to-date figures for this season. Documents required: Current income from all sources (social security, pensions, work, interest and dividends, etc.) current assets, (bank statements from all bank accounts, stocks, bonds, IRAs and CDs) and a current electric bill.

-Proof of rent and utilities paid in previous year via note from Landlord or payment records.

SENIOR CENTER ARPA FUNDS

The Senior Center has received ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funds to assist New Milford households who were financially impacted by COVID19.Applications are available at the Senior Center or in the Senior Center section of the Town of New Milford's website: www.newmilford.org. There is no income limit to applying, however, proof of residency and financial impact are required. Grants are limited. Applications and supporting documentation must be sent to the New Milford Senior Center at 40 Main St New Milford, CT 06776 for review and consultation. For more information, please connect with the Senior Center.

DID YOU KNOW?

SENIOR COMMUNITY CAFÉ

CHEZ J serves lunch Monday - Thursday at 12:00 PM and there is a suggested donation of $4.00. Come on in for a program then stay for lunch! Please note that the menu is always posted in the monthly newsletter.

Sign up in person, on our Touch Screen, or by phone, at least 3 days in advance!

Senior Bus Transportation

If you live in New Milford, Gaylordsville or Northville and need transportation to come to the center, go shopping or go to a friend’s house? All you have to do is give us a call a few days ahead of time to get on our bus schedule. Call us at 860-355-6075 to schedule your ride and meet our fantastic bus drivers, Erin, Tom and Sue.

DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LENDING CLOSET

Did you know that the New Milford Senior Center houses a “lending closet” of durable medical equipment for donated items in clean + excellent condition for those in need? Connect with the Senior Center for further details, availabilities, or acceptable items for donation.

THE LUNCH BUNCH

The Lunch Bunch is back and meets one Saturday a month to enjoy a new or favorite area restaurant. Join in for delicious local fare and friendships! Connect with the Senior Center for contact information.

Have a wonderful week,

Janette