Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Wise! Content by Judy
So here we sit with Coronavirus snuggled up right next to us on the coach. And yeah, I’m not liking it very much. You? How about we ask those germs to please leave? Tell them they have overstayed their welcome? Just flat out tell them to get out!! I don’t think any of us could have ever imagined or thought up a worldwide situation like this!! But it is what it is and we need to all – Be Safe, Be Smart, and Be Wise!
When we think of safe, we often think of being secure, protected, free from danger. In this situation being safe is… Stay home. Keep 6 feet of space between you and others.
“WASH YOUR HANDS”
We have started using “My Tribe” “My Circle” “My Posse” as a way to refer to those closest to us. So be sure they are safe too. Contact those loved ones, friends and neighbors. Work together to make things as good as you all can. Take care of each other and stay safe.
Now let’s Be Smart – Use your time wisely. Create new routines because being together for way more hours than usual can create difficult situations. Find new ways to stay calm. Maybe find a yoga video. Learn to meditate. And you can probably find what you are looking for online. YouTube is amazing. Take a look – There is like nothing that is not there. Learn something new, maybe a craft skill, a new language. Watch silly movies. Make your own videos. Share them with those you are missing. Share online. Make others laugh. Make a list. And do the things at home you never seem to have time for. Enjoy the great weather and start spring cleanup. Get the garden ready. Clean closets, cabinets, paint that room, reorganize, fill out your census form. Be smart and “Don’t hoard” For everything you have too much of – someone else needs it. Just what are some of you going to do with 100 rolls of toilet paper??? Buy what you need and leave the rest for the next guy.
And “WASH YOUR HANDS”
Be Wise – take care of you!! If you don’t – you can’t take care of those around you. Be nice to you and nice to those around you. Develop a new schedule. Structure helps. Be thankful for those still out there taking care of us. The xray tech, the nurse, the doctor, the CNAs, police, EMTs, firefighters, TRUCK DRIVERS, everyone that is still working. AND Stay positive!! Don’t hoard!! Use your time wisely!! Plan parties and events for when this is all over!! Look at this as more of a gift than a punishment
and “WASH YOUR HANDS”
The Preston Senior Affairs Office has taken on a slightly different way of conducting business.
Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, face-to-face interaction is
temporarily on hold until such time as the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has been eliminated. I will continue to accept telephone messages and adjust regular support in completing re-determination forms, SNAP applications, etc. to requesting that you use the US Postal service or the Blue Drop Box located in the front of the Preston Town Hall to deliver your documents to me. Safety is a
priority!
The Blood Pressure Screening conducted monthly at Lincoln Park Housing has been cancelled until further notice.
Application Deadline is May 15th for the Elderly and Disabled Homeowner program.
As a reminder, the application deadline for filing the Elderly and Disabled Homeowner application is May 15th. For individuals currently participating in this program, you would have previously been contacted by the Preston Assessor’s Office indicating a need to reapply for this important benefit. The Town of Preston has placed a “drop Box” outside of its main entrance to assist residents in supplying important information to individual departments. If using the drop-box, please include your name and telephone number in a sealed envelope containing your personal information. Please mark the envelope: Attention: Fran Minor. I will notify you that I am in receipt of your documents.
New Information about ECTC Program:
Good news for individuals who currently participate in the ECTC medical transportation grant. There will be an additional 6 round trips granted to this year’s program. So, if you have already maxed out your rides, you will receive the benefit of scheduling a few more trips. Contact ECTC as you normally would to schedule your medical transportation. Phone 860-848-5910.
Renters Rebate Program and Totally Disabled Program:
The Renter’s Rebate Program includes the following requirement for Participation:
1. The claimant must have resided in Connecticut for a one-year period of time prior to filing 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 2019 must not exceed $45,100.00 for a married couple and $37,000 for unmarried individuals.
5. The applicant must provide proof of rent and utilities payments during the 2019 calendar year. Individuals interested in making application for the Renters Rebate of Elderly and Totally Disabled Program are requested to contact the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 ext. 6 for additional instructions. The application filing period is April 1st through October 1st.
Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, there will be no face-to-face contact for the current application process. The Preston Town Hall has placed a large blue “drop-box” outside of its main entrance for your use. The structure is securely bolted to the concrete. Simply place your information in a sealed envelope and marked: Attention: Fran Minor. Please include your name and phone number with the documents. The Preston Town Hall is located at 389 Route 2, Preston.
For those individuals living at Lincoln Park Housing, please drop-off your information in the office door mail slot. I will contact you by telephone if your paperwork is incomplete or if clarification is needed.
As of this printing, there are no changes to the application filing period.