Get Out There!! – Content by Judy
New Age???
New Time???
New Start???
Do any of us know what to call this time we are now living? I can’t figure it out myself. I just know I’ll never live a ‘normal’ life again. That was before COVID. Now I just know things a different and I need to create the life I want to live.
Things will be different because we are different. But how do we want this new ‘different’ to look? Should we be making a new plan? Finding new avenues? Reassessing those things we wanted but didn’t do before?
My husband and I started a list several months ago of things we were going to do after COVID. On it I added go to bars. My husband said, “But we don’t go to bars!” “No, but we’re going to start because it’s something new and different. Who knows we might even like them!” So, we’ll see…
That’s sort of a silly example of trying something new. Going somewhere we might be uncomfortable. Experiencing a new environment. But it will get us engaged in a new way and who knows we might even make new friends or find people we used to know.
I want all of you to experience that new day. A new start. For you to act and move forward. Even if you don’t know what ‘IT’ is. Work on ‘IT’. Figure ‘IT’ out. Make a plan. Pick a day of each week to try something new.
It can be as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee in a new place. You’re not alone. There will be others looking for the same things you are looking for. Say hello as you walk by. You just need to get out there.
The next day maybe go for a walk. Then reach out and ask someone to go out to eat or visit a museum. Even if they can’t go then, see if they want to meet up another time. I can almost guarantee they do! They are lonely too. Invite a few friends and family over for a game night or a cookout. Reach out to an old friend you haven’t seen in a while. Put yourself out there. Volunteer. Go to the library. Join the gym. Sign up for a class at the Senior Center.
And if a few things don’t go as you thought they would, remember it’s ok. You’re trying. Finding a new path can be hard and it will take time. But you just might end up in a totally different place than what you thought you wanted. And it can be even better than you ever imagined!!
So be sure to remember aging is a privilege. A time to explore. A time for growth. A time make new connections with new people and places.
As we travel into this new world don’t forget to reinvent yourself and your life!!
UniteCT- Do You Need Help Paying Rent due to COVID-19?
UniteCT is an emergency rental assistance for Connecticut’s
economy. Have you been financially impacted by COVID-19? Are you
struggling to pay your rent and utilities? Apply for UniteCT, a rental
assistance program supporting CT residents who earn up to 80% of the HUD
Area Median Income and their landlords. You may qualify for the
opportunity to receive…..Missed electric outstanding payments, Missed
rent or future rent payments. To learn more and see if you qualify, visit:
www.bit.ly/UniteCT or for additional information, call 1-844-864-8328.
Office of the Attorney General-Connecticut:
Attorney General William Tong and Department of Consumer Protection
Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull are asking Connecticut consumers to be wary
of companies selling potentially faulty and unregulated over-the-counter-hearing
aids.
Connecticut law has long required that hearing aids may only be sold by
licensed audiologists or hearing instrument specialists. In 2017, the Food and
Drug Administration relaxed regulations on the sales of hearing aids and
companies began developing hearing devices that could be sold over the counter,
without consulting a medical professional. Medically approved hearing aids are
expensive, often costing several thousand dollars for a single earpiece.
The FDA has yet to approve any over-the-counter hearing aids for sale to
consumers. Yet some hearing devices have been marketed as a FDA “registered”
or “cleared” solution for mild to moderate hearing loss as a more affordable price.
While some might word as advertised, others may be faulty or completely
inadequate for treating hearing loss.
“Although an over-the-counter medical device might be less expensive, it
doesn’t mean it will be effective,” Attorney General Tong said. “If you are looking
into such hearing devices, please do your homework to make sure the device
actually works and fits your specific needs before spending money on a product
that might be worthless.”
“Just like any purchase, make sure to read the fine print closely,” said DCP
Commissioner Michele H. Seagull. “Shop around, do your research, read reviews,
consult with a medical professional, and be sure you know the return policy.
These are all steps that can help prevent you from wasting money on a device
that doesn’t work as advertised.
Here are some tips to remember if you are shopping for hearing aids:
*The FDA has not approved any over-the-counter hearing devices. Over-the-
counter, direct-to-consumer, hearing aids are not regulated and because of this,
may work poorly or not at all and could be harmful.
* Research the seller with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a
good rating before you purchase the product.
* Be skeptical of online reviews and endorsements.
* Read the purchase policy carefully. Can you get a refund if they don’t
work? How long do you have to make a return if necessary?
* If you can, get a health screening and discuss your options with a medical
professional. They will be able to tell you exactly what kind of hearing device
would work for you and make recommendations.
* Always remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or have been contacted
by a scammer, contact the Office of the Attorney General at 860-808-5318 or
attorney.general@ct.gov.
Renter’s Rebate of Elderly and Totally Disabled Program 2021
July 2021- Reminder
As a reminder for individuals applying for the Renter’s Rebate and Totally Disabled Program, the income limits for unmarried individuals are $37,600.00 and $45,800.00 for a married couple. You need to provide proof of income for 2020 including but not limited to Social Security benefits, interest, wages, etc. Information regarding additional documentation essential for the completion of your application may be directed to the Senior Affairs Office. To schedule an appointment, please telephone the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 extension 6. Application deadline is October 1st.
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The Renter’s Rebate Program includes the following requirements for participation:
1. The claimant must have resided in Connecticut for a one-year period of time prior to filling an application.
2. Claimant, or spouse, if domiciled together, must have been 65 years of age by the end of the calendar year preceding the filing period; or be 50 years of age or older and the surviving spouse of a renter, who at the time of his/her death, had qualified and was entitled to tax relief. Persons under 65 years of age who are receiving Social Security or disability benefits deemed comparable by the Secretary of OPM are also eligible (applications filed under the disability provision must be accompanied by current proof of disability.
3. Qualifying income is considered wages, bonuses, commissions, gratuities and fees; self-employment net income; gross Social Security benefits, Federal Supplemental Security income, dividends, interest, annuities; IRA distributions, Black Lung payments; Green Thumb payments; interest resulting from gifts received; Lottery winnings; net rental income, pensions, Railroad Retirement; severance pay, Unemployment Compensation, Workers Compensation, Alimony, etc.
4. The qualifying income guidelines for the calendar year 2020 must not exceed $45,800.00 for a married couple and $37, 600.00 for unmarried individuals.
5. The applicant must provide proof of rent and utilities payments during the 2020 calendar year.
Individuals interested in making application for the Renters Rebate of Elderly and Totally Disabled Programs are requested to contact the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 ext. 6. The application filing period is April 1st through October 1st.
The COVID-19 restrictions continue to remain in place. Possibly in the near future, face-to-face appointments will again be offered. Until there is an official lifting of those restrictions, I ask that those individuals interested in applying for the Renters Rebate program contact the office, make arrangement to drop off your documents in the Blue Drop Box in the front of the Preston Town Hall, 389 Route 2 (include your name and telephone number on the items) and I will contact you by phone to finalize your application.
Zumba Gold- Every Friday at 6:30pm
Active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that
recreates the original moves you love at a lower-intensity, easy-to-follow
choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination.
This class can be modified for all abilities.
Dates: Fridays: July 2-August 6, 2021
Time: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Ages: 50+
Location: Preston Community Park Basketball Courts
Fee: $33.00 per person
Register online at www.preston-ct.org or call the Parks & Recreation Office at
860-887-5581 ext. 113 to have a form mailed to you.