Local News

Kingston Poughkeepsie Link

October 9th, 2017

The Senior Leader from Rosendale wanted to share this great transportation service with other seniors.

Medicare Fall Enrollment Period

October 9th, 2017

Home Delivered Meals

September 2nd, 2017

Medical Transportation Problem by Vivi

September 2nd, 2017

Some time ago, I wrote about one of our members experiencing outrageous bills for:

1. Transportation to Kingston Emergency by what she found out to be a private company ambulance.
2. Transportation from Kingston Hospital to Benedictine
3. air transportation to an Albany hospital (which simply dismissed her as being okay--now get home yourself).

I'm hoping you will be able to read this report on this subject by Consumer Reports. If not, I will try to get a copy out to all SSIP groups. Alternatively, you can read it at the library. It's from May 2017.

• Air Ambulances: Taking Patients for a Ride
• How to Beat a Surprise Medical Bill

August Business Meeting Minutes by Gloria Sender

August 16th, 2017

The SSIP209 monthly meeting was held on August 12, 2017 at DiBella's  restaurant in Kingston, New York.

Attending were Vivi Hlavsa, Laurie Silver, Marcia Clark, Millie Meyers, and Gloria Sender. Our guest speakers were Eleanor Minsky and Nancy Schaefer.

 

The topic was explaining available choices in Medicare apprising the group of little known choices of federal programs pertaining to health.

Minsky explained that the Ulster County Office of the Aging services people over the age of 60 and anyone who is disabled.  She gave us the names and numbers of people we can call:

 

• Get Help for long term services and support  Gloria Ferraro-334-5307 

• Neighbor to Neighbor (Senior Transportation) : 443-8837

• Volunteer Program (Volunteers needed!): Pat McDonough 802-7935

• Ulster Check in (volunteers call to homebound seniors): Pat McDonough 802-7935

• Medicare:  Robert Meci 340-3456

• Legal:  call for appointment at 340-3456

 

Eleanor spoke about the Medicare and Medicare Insurance Programs, and told us to be aware of changes coming to the Programs. She also spoke about the various health plans for Seniors.

 

It was a very informative meeting.

Respectfully submitted, Gloria Sender

Cost of Senior Pass for National Parks going Skyhigh by Vivi

August 15th, 2017

Senior Pass

• Cost: $10 lifetime pass (see note in "how to purchase" for more details)
• Available for: U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship.
• How to purchase:
  • In person at a federal recreation site (see PDF list of federal recreation sites that issue passes)
  • Online–buy now from the USGS store!
  • Through the mail using this application form (PDF).
  • NOTE: The cost of obtaining a Senior Pass through the mail or online is $20. $10 for the Senior Pass and $10 for processing the application.
  • The price of the lifetime Senior Pass will increase to $80 on August 28, 2017. A new $20 annual Senior Pass will become available at the same time. See more information about changes to the Senior Pass.
• Additional information:
  • The Senior Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services.
  • The Senior Pass generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
  • Golden Age Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass.

2017 Ulster County "Senior Of The Year" Award Recipients by Max

June 3rd, 2017

Violet Streich of Olivebridge (left) is this year’s “Ulster County Senior Citizen of the Year,” and our own Virginia “Vivi” Hlavsa is recognized for “Most Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.”

“Ms. Streich and Ms. Hlavsa are two exceptional senior citizens who are appreciated for their efforts to enhance the lives and well-being of others in our County,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “I would like to congratulate them for receiving these awards and extend my deepest gratitude for all they do so selflessly.  Ulster County is a better place because of their contributions.”

To read more please click here

Change of Weekly Meeting Date by Vivi Hlavsa

May 18th, 2016

The group this morning decided to change the regular weekly meeting for coffee to

 

EVERY TUESDAY MORNING, 9:30 AM AT LYDIA'S COUNTRY DELI

 

We've been doing Wednesdays now for five years and many people have been unable to make it that day.  It's time for a change.

 

And because of scheduling conflicts, our June Business Meeting will be held on Saturday, June 25th, 12 Noon at the High Falls Cafe

At that time, I hope to have Barry Slack from the Office for the Aging, come and talk and listen to senior concerns over transportation.

April Meeting Minutes by Gloria Sender

May 14th, 2016

The April SSIP209 meeting met for dinner at Asia Restaurant in Stone Ridge on April 9, 2016.  Thirteen members attended. Celebrating the 5th anniversary of SSIP 209, each attendee had $10.00 deducted from his/her bill, compliments of SSIP’s treasury.   

Liability in case of an automobile mishap while a member was giving a ride to another member was discussed.  SSIP does not have insurance, so the liability would be taken be the car owner’s insurance.

    

Tai Chi for seniors was discussed.  Florence will look into this possibility.

Vivi Hlavsa will be having back surgery on Tuesday.  If necessary, she suggested that we call her son, David, for information about her condition.  His number is 206-579-9387. 

Florence suggested that we not have all our email addresses revealed on mail from SSIP.

Our next meeting will be held at the High Falls Café on June 10, at 12 noon.

Respectfully submitted, Gloria Sender

Recommended Landscaper. by Vivi Hlavsa

May 14th, 2016

I have found someone to do lawn work who comes highly recommended.  Very nice, pleasant person, hard worker, also skilled in carpentry, etc.  He charges according to the lawn size. For carpentry, he charges $20 per hour. 

 

His name is Rob Beckvermit.  His phone is 845-417-7088.

 

Grab him quick.  He sounds like a winner.

Minutes for Febrary 13th Meeting by Marcia Clark

May 14th, 2016

Meeting took place at Di Bella’s on Lucas Avenue in Kingston at 11:30 AM.  This was earlier than usual to accommodate an Origami Demonstration and Workshop by Jill Obrig.

 

Present: ViVi Hlavsa, Gloria Mirsky, Millie Meyer, Gloria Sender,  Shirley Bernard, Florence Staats, Marcia Clark, Jill Obrig, Mary Jones.

 

The origami workshop was a lot of fun.  We began by making valentines, which if glued,  could later be filled with candies. First we used a test sheet of  colored paper and then graduated to origami paper. Next we learned how to make a swan, which was done in 29 steps and involved peak and valley folds.  Many thanks, Jill!

 

ViVi reports that there is a request from two people in Saugerties to start an SSIP. Since there are already a number of organizations in Saugerties that cater to the elderly, this will require further discussion. 

Looking back, we are reminded that ViVi, Florence and Gloria started our SSIP 209 which grew to 5 SSIPs in the area. Recently, the Tri-County SSIP in Fleischmans changed its name to Catskill Neighbors. Since their membership is much more spread out than we are, they meet only once a month.  Also they have a procedure for becoming a volunteer, which requires an application and training.  Their President, Ralph Darmstadt, reports they have a website: catskillneighbors.org. 
 

We should be alert to other communities in the vicinity that would benefit from setting up a new SSIP. 

 

Mary Jones gave the financial report. We have $2,027.43 in the treasury.  She will look into having SSIP advertised on the placemats at Lydia’s. 

 

The Freeman lists our Wednesday Mornings every Tuesday and we are also listed in the Bluestone Press.

 

Gloria Mirsky reports that an organization called Neighbor to Neighbor has been taken over by Office for the Aging, along with RSVP.

 

Jane Riley’s daughter, Peggy Watson, runs Angel Home Health Care Agency.  They wish to share donations that include a supply of Depends, Walkers, Crutches, a commode chair, and a hi tech electric chair.  Millie reported there is an agency in New Paltz that may have similar supplies to offer.  Millie will see if they need any of these items.  Meantime, SSIP members should let ViVi know if they can use these supplies.

 

The Office for the Aging now has Mall Walking every week and offers Tai Chi, help with taxes and lawyers.  Gloria Mirsky will see if they can offer a gardening workshop at the next meeting.  Suggested topic:  techniques for container gardens and raised beds.

 

When Gloria Sender agreed to take over the job of Secretary, she was given a round of applause. 

 

Next meeting will be second Saturday on April 9th.  We will meet at Di Bella’s at 12:30 PM

A Warning about Anti-Virus Defender by Marge Roberts

May 14th, 2016

If you get a message from an "Anti Virus Defender" that your computer has "Trojans", "Viruses", etc and your Browser locks up, DO NOT CALL THAT NUMBER. They will want to ransom your computer to 'fix' it.

Just turn off your computer and restart it.

Don't fall for this! Your computer does not have a virus!

Cleaning Lady by Vivi Hlavsa

May 14th, 2016

A friend reports that she has a very efficient -- and very pleasant -- cleaning lady, Lana Mysak. Lana is Ukrainian and is part of the Ukrainian community near the Ukrainian Foundation off of 44/55. 

Lana is looking for another client in the area.  Everyone speaks highly of Lana.  If you are interested, you can call Lana direct at 845/626-4992

March Business Meeting Minutes by Vivi Hlavsa

May 14th, 2016

March Business Meeting was held at the High Falls Café with some 16 members in attendance.

1. April is the Month for our Annual Dues.
   
   Please send your $25 to Mary Jones, Box 154, Stone Ridge 12484. 
   
   In response to the Treasurer's report on diminishing funds, the group agreed to increase the fee for Monday Yoga (12:15 at the Marbletown Community Center) to $10 per session, and Max agreed to reduce his fee for the website and the newsletter to $20 per month. Thank you, Max.
2. Wednesday morning coffee at Lydia's Country Deli is still a pleasant time for chats.
3. Game Day, the last Friday of month, is continuing, with about 6 people-enough for a table of bridge and a hot game of UpWords. We hope to expand with the warmer weather.
4. We will restart our Friday morning walks on Friday, April 17th , at the Cottekill Rail Trail, weather permitting.
5. NEXT BUSINESS MEETING: We're going to try meeting at the Red Lobster in Kingston (across from Office Depot) on Saturday, May 9th at 12 noon. There's a comfortable group room at the back which has been reserved for us.

6. Update on Shirley Bernard. Barbel and ViVi visited her at Benedictine. She's doing well after a fall at home. She has agreed to take over the List Manager's job, when Florence leaves in May. 

   Thank you, Florence, and Shirley! 

Food Matters Recap by Judy Demming

May 14th, 2016

The subject of food has so many possibilities, and our speakers covered a lot:

• Brooke Pickering-Cole introduced us to the exciting new Hudson Valley Farm Hub project, which will come to affect all of our local farmers and our local food.
• Rachel Robinson told us about the diet, nutrition, and shopping services available to anyone, free of charge, at our supermarkets (She is at ShopRite). Who knew?
• Margaret Gagnon , an expert in community resources, introduced us to the many services available to our population, regarding food and health.
• And John Novi, entertaining and skilled chef at DePuy Canal House, is an example of how our local restaurants are making creative use of local foods and bring in the public with such plans as: grandparent/grandchild cooking classes.

We really had fun with this one, as we batted around ideas and worked out details. We've gotten lots of feedback and are already thinking about next year, which will be bigger and better. We hope that some of you will join us with your ideas and help.