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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Local Tax Relief Programs, LEAP.…....2
Coronavirus Fraud Alert…...…...…....... 3
Nutrition……………….…………..…..…4
Menu & Fitness………………..….….....5
Census 2020…….………………...…....6
Thrifty Thanks…………….…..………... 7
A Little Help…………….…..……..……..8
April 2020
WE MISS YOU It is unknown when the Senior
Center will reopen for exercise,
lunch and programs. We are not
planning any in-house programs for
April, and we will get the word out if
we are able to resume any
activities before May 1. Please visit
our website pitkinseniors.com or
call (970) 920-5432 for the most up
-to-date information.
For mid-valley meal delivery
and other information, call Mandi at
(970) 379-0020
OUR MISSION To facilitate quality of life and
independence for individuals over 60.
Pitkin County Senior Services • April 2020 2
LOW INCOME ENERGY
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LEAP assistance will pay a portion
of home heating costs in a one-
time payment directly to the energy provider.
Assistance is determined by the homeowner’s
monthly income and number of members living
in the home. The qualifying income for LEAP is
now 165% of the Federal Poverty Level. Benefit
amounts range from $100 to $1,000. LEAP
applications are accepted November 1-April 30.
To request an application by mail or for more
information on LEAP and other available
resources, call Discover Goodwill at 1-888-775-
5327 or Heat Help at 1-866-432-8435.
Download an application at: https://
www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/leap
You may also apply at https://
coloradopeak.secure.force.com/
Download an application at: https://
www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/how-do-i-apply
Pick up an application at the Senior Center or
HHS building. Deliver applications to HHS.
If you need help filing out the paperwork,
contact Ligia Bonilla at (970) 319-4211.
FREE TAX PREP FOR BASIC RETURNS Appointment required
This service is provided by volunteer retired business and
income tax professionals
Available to low- and moderate-income persons of all ages
Appointments will be held at the Pitkin County Library
Starts February 6 and continues through April 9 (Thursday afternoons)
Call Don Davidson at (970) 925-3118 for an appointment
Also available: Tax Return assistance through the Retired Senior
Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Glenwood Springs. An AARP Tax-aide
program serving clients from Aspen to Craig. Call 970-384-8740 from mid-
February to mid-April, for details and appointments.
Pitkin County Senior Services • April 2020 3
The U.S. Secret Service is warning that cybercriminals are
trying to steal from people using several scams tied to
the coronavirus pandemic. "As more and more people have
tested positive for coronavirus, we've seen an increase in the
number of scams that are occurring,” says Special Agent Chris
McMahon, who spoke to AARP in a recent interview.
McMahon, who is with the agency's Global Investigative
Operations Center, says overseas partners including Interpol
and Europol alerted law enforcement here to these schemes,
which, like the virus itself, have seeped into the U.S. The
Washington-based center combats cyber-enabled financial
crime.
There are different coronavirus swindles, he warns, adding
that there are fundamental ways consumers can protect
themselves from losing cash or divulging sensitive personal
data. "You always want to be vigilant,” McMahon says.
As more and more people telework, they're relying increasingly
on email, so additional scams are forecast, the Secret Service
says, urging extra caution.
One sickness, many sick scams
The Secret Service gave AARP a PowerPoint presentation
covering a variety of schemes that pose a threat. In the
presentation was an email with the words “Wuhan Viral
Advisory,” which offered “promising treatments.” Currently,
there is no vaccine or cure for the coronavirus.
An example of an email phishing scam prompting
recipients to download information about preventing the spread
of coronavirus. Another con was delivered via to an email that
contains “-gov” at the end of the address. That's easily
confused with the “.gov” from a bona fide government agency.
The email says “Preventive measures against corona virus” in
the subject line. The body of the message touts “safety
measures” to prevent the virus's spread and urges recipients to
download a document. But if you follow instructions and
download it, you'll see a Microsoft logo and be directed to
“Enter password."
"This is derived and driven from people's fear — people are
fearful of coronavirus. People are looking for information to
protect themselves,” says McMahon, who probes large-scale
transnational crime groups. The goal? McMahon says
“credential harvesting” may be happening. That's when a bad
actor gets your log-on and password and uses it for financial
gain or to obtain access to the people and emails in your
contact list. Or, he suggests, it could be a way for the crook to
infect your computer with malware (malicious software).
Malware can allow a scammer to access your computer, where
you may have sensitive information — such as access to
online banking — stored.
Yet another trick is to secretly install a “key logger,”
enabling the cyber-thief to see the keys you're typing. Say you
enter a password and only asterisks appear on your screen.
According to McMahon, the key logger lets the fraudster see
the actual letters you've typed.
Crooks are opportunists
That criminals try to capitalize on a global pandemic
does not surprise the agent, who assails them as
“opportunists."
Other kinds of coronavirus scams involve con artists:
Posing as financial advisers as the virus rattles the stock
market.
Establishing bogus charities to exploit people's goodwill in
order to get their money.
Pretending to sell sought-after products, such as face
masks, and asking for payment in advance through Western
Union, MoneyGram or Bitcoin.
In the last example, McMahon notes that a huckster was
claiming to have 10,000 face masks — ready for shipping —
for $5,000. “We can prepare the shipment today against
tomorrow morning as soon as payment is done,” the message
continued. Take note of the awkward phrasing — “against
tomorrow” — which should raise a red flag about the email's
legitimacy.
As the agent urges, it's time for people to be “cognizant of
their cyber-posture."
SECRET SERVICE WARNS: CYBERCRIMINALS EXPLOITING CORONAVIRUS FEARS Scams spread in U.S. as outbreak sweeps the globe ● by Katherine Skiba, AARP, 3/17/20
Stay Cyber-Safe Here's more Secret Service guidance on staying safe. Beware of phishing emails. Typically, these purport to be
from reputable companies but are designed to induce people to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
Avoid opening attachments and clicking links within emails from senders you do not recognize. The attachments can contain malicious content, such as ransomware, that can infect your device and steal your information.
Be leery of emails or phone calls requesting account information or asking you to verify your account. Legitimate businesses never call or email you directly for this information. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network can help you spot and avoid scams. Sign up for free “watchdog alerts," review our scam-tracking map, or call our toll-free fraud helpline at 877-908-3360 if you or a loved one suspect you’ve been a victim.
Always independently verify that requests for information originate from a legitimate source.
Visit websites by inputting the domain name yourself. Businesses use encryption and other online safety measures, and messages that indicate a certificate “error” can be a warning sign that something is not right with the site.
Pitkin County Senior Services • April 2020 4
NUTRITION RESOURCES
ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
CALL (970) 920-5244
Information and help applying for:
MOBILE PANTRY FOOD ASSISTANCE No qualifications, forms, or fees. Please bring bags or a box.
First come, first served.
BASALT: First Thursdays
April 2 • 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Roaring Fork Apartments
111 Emma Road
ASPEN: Second Thursdays
April 9 • 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Forest Service Office
806 W. Hallam Street
*COMMODITIES SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM
(CSFP): CSFP (for Seniors 60 & Over) and TEFAP
provides a FREE additional monthly box of food to eligible
individuals. Commodity food distribution will take both the
Aspen and Basalt pantries. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is
prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or
disability. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
LIFT-UP Food distribution once per month. Bring some
form of ID or proof of address for first visit.
ASPEN PANTRY: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday •
11 am – 1 pm • Also Wednesday 4-6 pm
465 N. Mill St. #12 • 970-544-2009 Call to
confirm hours (please note, messages only
checked during business hours).
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: Carbondale, Glenwood
Springs, New Castle, Rifle & Parachute. Go to www.liftup.org
for more information on locations and hours.
TRANSPORTATION: (970) 920-5432
HOW TO KEEP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTHY
SNAP/Food Assistance
Public Assistance
Medicaid & Extra Help
LEAP
Emergency Financial
Assistance
Although you may not be able to fully prevent an illness
this season, a healthy immune
system is one way to give your
body extra protection. Focusing on
nutrient-rich foods and healthy
lifestyle behaviors can help you
and your family stay a step ahead.
Immune-Supporting Nutrients
The following nutrients play a role in the immune system and
can be found in a variety of foods:
Beta Carotene is found in plant foods, such as sweet
potatoes, spinach, carrots, mango, broccoli and tomatoes.
Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits, berries, melons,
tomatoes, bell peppers and broccoli.
Vitamin D is found in fatty fish and eggs. Milk and
100% juices that are fortified with vitamin D also are
sources of this important nutrient.
Zinc tends to be better absorbed from animal sources
such as beef and seafood, but also is in vegetarian
sources such as wheat germ, beans, nuts and tofu.
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that promote health. They
can be found in cultured dairy products such as yogurt
and in fermented foods such as kimchi.
Protein comes from both animal and plant-based
sources, such as milk, yogurt, eggs, beef, chicken,
seafood, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils.
Focus on Balance
To help keep your immune system healthy all year long,
focus on a balanced eating plan, adequate sleep and stress
management.
Aim for five to seven servings of vegetables and fruits
daily to get vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that may
support immune health.
Good hygiene and hand-washing help prevent the spread
of germs. Remember to wash produce before eating or using
in recipes. Clean glasses, forks, spoons and other utensils to
reduce the spread and growth of bacteria.
Find healthy and appropriate ways to cope with stress,
such as meditation, listening to music or writing. Physical
activity also is a great way to help manage stress and may
help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases that could
weaken your immune system further.
Lack of sleep contributes to a variety of health concerns,
such as a weakened immune system. Seven to nine hours is
recommended each day for adults, and children need eight to
14 hours, depending on their age.
What About Herbals?
Many herbal remedies are marketed to help fight colds or
shorten their duration but check with your health care provider
before taking any supplements or medications. No one food
or supplement can prevent illness. Source: eatright.org
Reviewed by Esther Ellis, MS, RDN, LDN, March 2020
FOR OTHER FOOD DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS DURNING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK GO TO
PITKINCOUNTY.COM/GETHELP OR CALL THE SENIOR CENTER (970) 920-5432.
APRIL MENU MONDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
TU
ES
DA
Y ♦
NO
LU
NC
H S
ER
VE
D
1 Spinach Manicotti, Marinara Sauce, Mixed Veggies, Salad Bar, Birthday Cake
2 Sweet and Sour Chicken Breast, Stir Fry Veggies, Steamed Brown Rice, Salad Bar, Fresh Fruit Salad, Sugar Cookie
3 Mahi Mahi, Mango Salsa, Brown Rice, Broccoli Salad, Mixed Greens, Pecan Pie
6 Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti & Marinara, Garlic Bread, Salad Bar, Small Orange, Coffee Ice Cream
8 Beef Stew, Potatoes & Tomatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Salad Bar, Blueberry Pie
9 Mushroom Ravioli, Tomato Basil Sauce, Broccoli, Tomato & Mozzarella Salad, Mixed Greens, Berry Parfait
10 Baked Salmon, Dill Butter, Brown Rice Pilaf, Italian Mixed Vegetables, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Mixed Greens, Lemon Bar
13 Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Cauliflower Salad Bar, Blondie
15 Pasta Primavera, Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheeses, Caesar Salad Small Orange, Chocolate Cream Pie
16 Baked Pork Chop, Sage Gravy, Roasted Potatoes Zucchini, Mixed Green Salad, Pear, Apple Pie
17 Maryland Crab Cake, Steamed Brown Rice, Island Mixed Vegetables, Waldorf Salad, Mixed Greens, Key Lime Pie
20 Spaghetti & Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Italian Mixed Vegetables, Caesar Salad, Fresh Strawberries
22 Chicken, Mushroom and Sweet Potato Stew, Steamed Rice, Salad Bar, Cherry Crisp
23 Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Green Beans, Salad Bar Cheesecake
24 Baked Sea Bass, Lemon Butter, Spinach, Tomato/Cucumber Salad, Mixed Greens, Orange, Chocolate Chip Cookie
27 Teriyaki Chicken Breast, Steamed Brown Rice, Stir Fry Vegetables, Salad Bar, Chocolate Chunk Brownie
29 Shepherd’s Pie, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Marinated Tomato Salad, Mixed Greens, Chocolate Éclair
30 Shrimp Creole, Dirty Rice, Green Peas, Salad Bar, Apple Crisp
Served with whole grain bread unless other bread is included with the meal. Please note: Lunches are available in April by delivery or pick-up only. Call (970) 920-5432 to make arrangements. Delivery area is limited. Side dishes and desserts may vary depending on availability, and suitability for travel.
RECREATION CENTERS
The ARC and Red Brick: Currently closed through at least March 31, and
classes cancelled through at least April 15. Please check aspenrecreation.com
or call (970) 544-4100 for updates.
The Snowmass Village Rec Center: Closed until further notice. Go to
TOSV.com and click COVID-19 updates or call (970) 922-2240.
The Carbondale Rec Center: Currently closed through at least April 30. Go
to carbondalerec.com or call (970) 510-1290 for updates.
RECREATION & FITNESS
SENIOR CENTER
FITNESS CLASSES:
Canceled through at least
April 30
Usual schedule for Senior
Center fitness classes
TAI CHI/QIGONG:
Monday • 9:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
ADVENTURES IN MOVEMENT (AIM):
Monday & Wednesday • 11:00 – Noon
YOGA:
Tuesday & Thursday • 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. BALANCE CLASS:
Tuesday & Thursday • 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
PILATES CORE & BALANCE:
Wednesday & Friday • 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
CHAIR YOGA:
Friday • 11:00
Silver Sneakers
The ARC, The Aspen Clinic (TAC) in Basalt, and
Carbondale Rec Center are participating
SilverSneakers membership locations. To find out if
your Medicare Supplement plan participates in SilverSneakers, call 866-248-
5476.
The Carbondale Rec Center is also a Silver & Fit site (part of some Rocky
Mountain Health Plans). For listing of senior classes go to carbondalerec.com.
When they reopen . . . Try out the ARC or Snowmass Rec using Senior Services’ punch passes! Give the Senior Center a call at (970) 920-5432 and let
staff know you would like to use one of the passes,
then check in at the ARC or Snowmass Rec desk. You
may use a pass up to 3 visits per person, and multiple
people can use a pass at the same time—bring a
friend! Scholarships are also available; enquire at the Senior Center.
Pitkin County Senior Services • April 2020 6
Wellness & Resources
SMILES FOR SENIORS DENTAL CLINIC Community Health Services
405 Castle Creek Rd, Aspen
April Clinics are
canceled.
Ages 60+. Standard
treatment and screenings
offered for $85. Financial assistance may be available, please
inquire when you schedule your appointment.
QUESTIONS OR SCHEDULING CALL COMMUNITY
HEALTH (970) 920-5420.
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP First Wednesday of the Month • 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Next meeting: To be determined
This group is to support the caregivers of
people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Facilitated by Rita Cohen. 970-923-2560.
For additional support & resources, contact
Debra Bianchi of the Alzheimer's Association in Grand
Junction at [email protected] 24-hr Helpline 800-272-3900
HELP WITH MEDICARE Medicare Questions and Enrollment Assistance:
The SHIP/SMP Medicare Assistance program is taking phone
appointments only at this time.
Please call 970-468-0295 ext. 120 to request
an appointment. We will schedule a time to
meet over the phone.
If needed, we will send you documents via email or USPS to
have as a reference during your phone appointment.
FOOT SOLDIER
Next Visit: To Be determined.
Check May newsletter for next
update.
Maralyn Bloomer normally offers foot care at the Senior
Center on the 2nd Friday of the month.
Space is limited; sign up is required.
You may schedule a maximum of once every 2 months.
Sign up dates will be announced. Do not call at this time.
SENIOR CENTER GROUPS & CLUBS KNITTING GROUP: Sundays • 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Kathryn, (970) 925-4249; resumes when Senior Center reopens
BOOK CLUB • TBD • may be held as virtual meetings, call
(970) 920-5432 for information
Next Books: Olive Again by Elizabeth Strout, followed by
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende.
CANASTA, MAHJONG AND MORE—will resume as soon as
possible
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
LITERATURE OUT LOUD
Pitkin County Library
Community Meeting Room
Programs at the library are canceled until further
notice. Please check pitco.lib or call (970) 429-1900 for
updates.
VETERANS COFFEE & DONUTS Sponsored by Alpine Bank
4th Tuesday of the Month
Canceled for April
Pitkin County Library Open to all veterans. Meet, share stories, and receive
information on resources and benefits available to veterans.
MORE INFO: call or email (970) 429-6115
ACTIVE ART at the Art Museum
Active Art is cancelled in April
The Active Art program provides older adults in the Roaring
Fork Valley opportunities to access and engage with
contemporary art and the wider community through art
appreciation activities, museum tours, and collaborations with
the museum.
AAM education programs are made possible by the Questrom
Education Fund. Go to aspenartmuseum.org for information
about current exhibits.
Aspen
Art
Museum
©Rose Wylie, Yellow Bathing Costume, Steps, 2019.
Courtesy of the artist and David Zwirner.
The Redstone senior programs are
Canceled for April
If you have any needs you cannot meet, or
other questions, please contact the Senior
Center at (970) 920-5432.
The Redstone programs are for residents and visitors
of the Crystal Valley.
Program usually includes activities such as Tai Chi,
yoga, lunch and an educational or social opportunity.
WHAT IS THE CENSUS? A constitutionally required ten-year count to produce statistics of all
people, young and old, living in the US regardless of citizenship.
CENSUS 2020 IT’S AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR VOTE!
Our community will lose $2,300 a year for each person who doesn’t complete the census.When everyone participates, we all win. Complete the Census 2020 by April 1st.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: A2PCENSUS2020.COM
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
KEY DATES
WHY PARTICIPATE IN 2020?
Starting March 12th: Online at www.2020Census.gov, Call the census call center, Mail-in form
• April 1st: Census Day• May-July: Census representatives visit homes of people not responding
by April 1 • December: Data delivered to the President and Congress
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It’s Important for:• $13+ billion in federal funding for schools, emergency services,
roads/transportation, hospitals, health clinics, public works, food stamps and more
• A voice in government - Boundaries for voting areas and House of Representative seats
• Important decisions by governments, businesses and nonprofits
It’s Easy – 10 Questions/10 Minutes! • Number of people living or staying in your home on April 1, 2020 • Plus basic information like name, sex, age, date of birth, and race • Only ONE census form per household.
It’s Safe - 100% ConfidentialThe law guarantees your personal information and answers cannot be used against you by any government agency and cannot be shared with ICE, FBI, CIA, welfare or the Department of Homeland Security.
It’s Not Personal The census does not ask for social security numbers, personal identifiers or citizenship.
Subscribe today! If you don’t already receive this newsletter
regularly, subscribe for email or U.S. Mail
delivery by calling 970-920-5432 or email
There is no charge for subscription.
Donations are welcome!
0275 Castle Creek Road
Aspen, CO 81611
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Pitkin County is an Age-Friendly Community
pitkinseniors.com • 970-920-5432
THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE P I T K I N C O U N T Y S E N I O R S E R V I C E S
