IRISH FOLK SONGS WITH

RALPH TUFO (O’TUFO FOR ST. PADDY’S)

Tuesday—March 17, 2015

1:30—3:30

at the Senior Center

Ralph has been here before and is a very talented musician. He plays with the

Squeeze Box Stompers who are a wonderful group of musicians. Sometimes he ventures out

on his own and joins us at the Senior Center which we’re happy about. You’ll enjoy his music,

so join us. Refreshments will be served.

Director’s Message:

Dear friends: In the February newsletter I said how lucky we were that we hadn’t had a lot of snow. So, I want you to please stop me if I attempt to mention snow in this newsletter. As a matter of fact, push me off the bridge! Margaret ,our custodian, said she’ll be happy to push me off! This is the worst winter that we’ve all experienced since the Blizzard of 78. I know, that it has been terribly difficult for the seniors and for us at the Senior Center. We’ve never cancelled so many programs, but the good news is, we have rescheduled most of them. We are all looking forward to better, warmer, sunny days ahead and Spring is right around the corner. We will look forward to seeing you all back at the Senior Center. Be kind to one another….

Nancy Williams

Director

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LAUGHING MATTERS…

Invite laughter into your life!

Wednesday—April 15, 2015

1:30—2:30

Looking to relieve stress in your life? After this winter we need all the laughter we can

get! Laughing Matters is dedicated to making laughter a

daily part of life and building a healthier, less stressful outlook.

Laughing Matters is interactive, giving participants effective tools to use at school, in the workplace, at

home and at senior centers. Laughing exercises and relaxation techniques are incorporated into

each session. As Milton Berle once said, “laughter is an instant

vacation.” Join us for this upbeat presentation!

Sign up please!

COUNCIL ON AGING

Helen Haddow - Chair

Alice Haskell—Vice

Terri Cronin - Treasurer

Judie VanKooiman

Marilyn Flanagan

Jim Frati

Nancy Pulson

Betsy Winkler

STAFF Nancy Williams - Director/Newseditor

Kathy Dixon - Outreach Coordinator

John Firicano - Van Driver

Kenny Brandenburg - Van Driver

Ruth Hames - Staff Assistant

Rita Driscoll - Staff Assistant

Todd Mahoney-

Senior Lunch Manager

Margaret Larity - Custodian

Charles Randall—SHINE Coord.

Valerie Millar –Program Coord. MARCH—2015

email - nwilliams@town.winthrop.ma.us www.town.winthrop.ma.us

Phone—617-846-8538 Fax: 617-846-9663

“Helping to provide quality community services”

35 Harvard Street, Winthrop Open Monday through Friday, 9:00AM-4:00PM

APRIL FOOLS DAY MUSICAL PROGRAM

With musician—John Root

Wednesday—April 1, 2015

1:30

John has performed several times at the Senior Center and is very unique with his music.

His musical capabilities are plenty and you will enjoy him for sure. So, don’t be a “fool” and miss

out! Refreshments will be served.

We’re not kidding—John will really be here!

SENIOR TAX WORK OFF PROGRAM

INFORMATION ON INSERT WITHIN

THIS

NEWSLETTER.

VAN TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

The Winthrop Council on Aging provides transportation to priority medical appointments (radiation, chemother-apy, and dialysis) and for food shopping to the Winthrop Marketplace, Market Basket in Chelsea, & Stop & Shop in Revere—Monday through Thursday. Transportation is door to door with courteous and helpful drivers, and can be scheduled by calling the Senior Center 1-2 days be-fore you wish to be picked up at: 617-846-8538. Prices are as follows: LOCAL– Winthrop area— $3.00 round trip NORTHGATE 7.00 WALMART 7.00 REVERE MGH 4.00 STOP&SHOP 4.00 MARKET BASKET IN CHELSEA/REVERE 7.00 CHELSEA B I...6.00 & CHELSEA MGH 7.00 EBNH 7.00 MELROSE/WAKEFIELD 16.00 SQUARE ONE MALL 8.00 WHIDDEN HOSPITAL 7.00 *Priority medical trip prices and transportation schedule provided upon request.

*********************************************************************************

POLICIES OF THE TRAVEL COMMITTEE

DAY TRIPS-

Should be paid in full—checks only You travel with us at your own risk. We are not responsi-ble for any liability. There will be no refund on a “no show” on the day of the trip. If you are late the day of departure, the maximum wait time will be no longer then ten minutes.

OVERNIGHT TRIPS-

All overnight trips require a deposit or can be paid in full. If paying a deposit, the balance will be due in accordance with the travel com-pany’s schedule. Cancellation insurance will be offered on most overnight trips. No refunds will be made after the balance due date unless a replace-ment is found. There will be no refund on a “no show” on the day of the trip . There are no refunds after fourteen days of the tour date. If you can-cel after the two week period, if there is a wait list, we will reimburse your money if we place another person in your place.

YOU CANNOT SIGN UP FOR ANY TRIPS UNLESS THEY

HAVE BEEN ADVERTISED IN THE SENIOR NEWS OR

WINTHROP TRANSCRIPT. *********

DO YOU WANT TO GO GAMBLING?

Foxwoods leaves at 7:00 a.m., Mohegan

Sun at 8:00 a.m. and Twin River at 9:00

a.m.

Twin River Trip—Tuesday—March 31, 2015

Price is $27.00 which includes: $7.00 food comp., $10.00 betting, and drivers gratuity.

Foxwoods—Tuesday—April 28, 2015 -$27.00

Mohegan Sun—Tues.—May 26, 2015—$27.00

You may sign up now!

CRUISE BY HOLLAND AMERICA

FROM BOSTON TO NOVA SCOTIA

This trip leaves August 29, 2015. If you’re interested, call travel agent, Cathy Sheehan at: 617-207-5512 for any questions you may have and to book.

*************

DAY TRIPS

LETS GO TO ITALY IN BOSTON

April 12, 2015

10:15—5:30

$69.00

This trip includes a trip to the North End and a visit to the Salumeria (grocery store) to sample mouthwatering Prosciutto & cheeses. Then it’s off to the Paul Revere House to learn about the man. After this, we will go to a local Italian restaurant for a pizza party where we will enjoy traditional and non-traditional pizza. After lunch, it’s off to the Old North Church for a special guided tour and a stop at the Colonial Chocolate Shop. If interested, there are only 40 seats so sign up early! “Very historic and tasty”!

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BEAUTIFUL, HISTORIC SALEM, MA

Monday—May 11, 2015

$80.00

The trip includes a visit to the Salem Witch Museum, Pickering Wharf, and the House of Seven Gables. You will learn about the city’s many historic and cultural attractions. Also included will be a delicious lunch at Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel. Price of $80.00 includes the driver’s tip.

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CHARLES RIVER BOAT TRIP

Wednesday—June 10, 2015

$78.00

Come and explore the beautiful Charles River. Enjoy a 60 minute, fully-narrated sightseeing cruise. Your captain and crew will both entertain and educate while pointing out the historic and cultural sights of Boston and Cambridge. After the tour, lunch will be at the Cheesecake Factory at the Cambridge Side Galleria. Price of $78.00 includes the driver’s tip. Join us for this wonderful day.

2 WINTHROP SENIOR NEWS MARCH 2015

Trip involves some

walking and some

stairs.

A LIVING MEMORIAL/HONOR

This is for your convenience in making a gift to the Council on Aging that will enhance today and

tomorrow’s elder services in our community. The individual of families of those you have honored, will be notified of your contribution. Your donation is greatly Appreciated in support of the Winthrop Council on Ag-

ing, 35 Harvard St., Winthrop, MA 02152. Please make your check payable to the Friends

of the Winthrop Council on Aging…… I am enclosing $________________________________ In memory/honor of:___________________________ Send card to:___________________________________ Address________________________________________ City________________State_________Zip__________ Donor’s name__________________________________ Address________________________________________

City________________State__________Zip_________

*********

THE SENIOR CENTER HEALTH FAIR

This event has been rescheduled to:

Thursday—May 28, 2015

10:00—3:00

Save the date!

Prescription Advantage, Safety Net, Home Instead Senior Care, Diabetic screenings, Dr. Pransky/Hallmark Health, Brooks Dental, The Arbors, Eastpointe Rehab & Skilled Care, Webster First Federal Credit Union, & Hamilton Relay will be participating.

There will be more providers and we will keep you up to

date as the providers confirm. This will be a great opportunity for you to

find out what’s new in health care. ***********

KELLY’S NAILS

Pamper yourself and get into a Spring mood with a manicure! (and boy do we need Spring)

Tuesday—April 21, 2015

12:00—2:00

$10.00 Come and enjoy the feel good treatment of a

manicure. Pick out a color or bring your own. Join us and feel good….

VITAL NUMBERS

Elder Affairs: -800-AGE-INFO 1-800-243-4636 TDD/TTY: 1-800-872-0166 Fax: 1-617-727-9368 Elder Abuse Hotline w/TTY: 1-800-922-2275 ELDER SERVICES ON LINE Click on www.800ageinfo.com for the latest information on programs, services, resources and related links avail-able to Massachusetts elders and their families. Chelsea-Revere-Winthrop Elder Services 100 Everett Avenue, Unit 10, Chelsea 617-884-2500 Winthrop Housing Authority—617-846-7100 Senior Lunch Program—CRW Elder Services and Meals on Wheels - 617-884-2500 Fuel Assistance—CAPIC in Chelsea—617-884-6130 Social Security—1-800-772-1213 TTY: 1-800-325-0778 Mass Health—1-800-841-2900 TTY: 1-800-497-4648 SHINE—1-800-AGE-INFO 1-800-243-4636 press 2 or make an appt. with SHINE Counselor, Charles Randall at the Senior Center-617-846-8538.

OUTREACH PROGRAM If you know of a homebound senior citizen living in Winthrop who could benefit from a home visitation, please inform our Outreach Coordinator, Kathy Dixon. Kathy could be their liaison to the outside world. She can refer them to vital services to make their lives more manageable, along with helping them to maintain their independence. Kathy can be reached at the Senior Center Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 at:

617-846-8538. “We are your lifeline”.

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TODD’S TECHNOLOGY CLASSES

Overwhelmed by technology? Don’t be.

Technology has advanced so quickly in recent years that it often feels like we are living in a completely dif-ferent world than the one we grew up in. Keeping up with all the new tech trends may seem daunting, but becoming more tech savvy in our later years can have a positive impact on our lives. It is never too late to try new things, and learning how to use new technologies may not be as challenging as you might expect. So, come to Todd Mahoney’s Tech classes on Monday -

March 2 & 16 at 2:00 to learn how to navigate

through the new technology. This class is free and sponsored by the Council on Aging.

MARCH 2015 WINTHROP SENIOR NEWS 3

REGULAR MONTHLY SCHEDULE SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR MARCH

SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM

If you want to order a meal for the senior lunch, make sure you call the day before ( up until 1:00 p.m.) for the next days meal. If you order after 1:00, your meal will not be included in the count. Lunch starts promptly at 12:00 p.m.-

please do not arrive late. YOU MUST ORDER

THE DAY BEFORE!

MARCH 2015 WINTHROP SENIOR NEWS 5

MONDAYS

EXERCISE CLASS 9:30 ART CLASS WITH DAWN 10:00 EXERCISE WELLNESS CLASS WITH ERNIE 10:30 SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM 12:00 BINGO 1:00 ITALIAN CLASS WITH MICHAEL 1:15-2:45 SPANISH CLASS STUDY GROUP 2:00-3:45 ZUMBA TONING WITH ERNIE SARRO

TUESDAYS

TAI CHI WITH LOU 9:30 BLOOD PRESSURES BY SANDY(1st & 3rdTues.) 10-11 SEWING CLASS/CROCHET & KNITTING 10:00 ARTS & CRAFTS 10:00 SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM 12:00 CARDS 1:00 CHORUS REHEARSAL 1:00 FREE HEARING SCREENINGS (4th Tues.) 1-3:00

WEDNESDAYS

EXERCISE CLASS 9:30 VISION IMPAIRED GROUP MTG(3rd Weds/) 10:00 YOGA FOR ARTHRITIS WITH PAUL 10:30 TAP DANCE CLASS WITH TRACEY 10:30 SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM 12:00 QI GONG (1st & 3rd Weds.) 1:00 MOVIE………(2nd Weds.) 1:00 SHINE COUNSELOR (1st & 3rd Weds.) 1-3:00 TOPS MEETING 4:30

THURSDAYS

EXERCISE WELLNESS CLASS 9:30 ZUMBA CLASS WITH CINDY 10:30 RED HATTERS MEETING-(2nd Thurs.) 10:30 SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM 12:00 BINGO 1:00 COA MEETING (2nd Thurs.) 10:30

FRIDAYS

EXERCISE CLASS 9:30 SPANISH CLASS STUDY GROUP 10:00-12:00 LINE DANCE CLASS WITH CINDY 10:30 CERAMICS WITH GERRY 10:00-12:00 CARDS &CRIBBAGE 11:30 SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM 12: 00

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

2 & 16—2:00—TECHNOLOGY CLASS WITH TODD 6:15 P.M.—ZUMBA WITH ERNIE & BARBARA

3-10:00-11:00—BLOOD PRESSURES (By COMMONWEALTH CLINCALSERVICES (1st Tues.) 17-10:00-11:00 BLOOD PRESSURES BY COMMON - WEALTH CLINICAL SERVICES (3rd Tues.) 17—ST. PATRICK’S DAY 17-1:30 –IRISH MUSIC WITH RALPH TUFO

24-1:00-3:00—FREE HEARING SCREENINGS (4th Tues.)

31-7:00—DAY TRIP TO TWIN RIVERS

1:15—BEGINNER LINE DANCING WITH CINDY

11-1:00—MOVIE (2nd Weds.) Heaven is for Real

18-10:00—1:00-VISION IMPAIRED GROUP MTG. (3rd Weds.) 1:30-3:30-BOOKS ON WHEELS DELIVERY PROGRAM (1st &3rd Weds.)

18 - CONG. CLARK OFFICE HOURS ( 3rd Weds.)

5-11:00-1:00 -CHAIR MASSAGE (1st Thurs. of mo.—by appt.) 12-10:00—RED HATTERS MEETING—(2nd Thurs.)

SATURDAY

10:30—ZUMBA WITH CINDY

SENIOR CENTER REGISTRATION

One year is still only $20.00

When you register, you have priority prefer-ence for trips and activities, more importantly,

we have emergency information on you in the event you get sick when you are at the Senior Center. Also,

you help to support the Senior Center financially. Every dollar counts!

**********

OFFICE HOURS WITH A REPRESENTATIVE

FROM CONGRESSWOMAN

KATHERINE CLARK’S OFFICE…

3rd Weds.—10:30—12:00

Do you have any concerns you would like to share? Come on down to the Senior Center and speak with Anthony from the Congresswoman’s office.

20—FIRST DAY OF SPRING—YIPPIE!

HOME MODIFICATION LOAN PROGRAM

A state loan program that could help you or a loved one live more independently at home….

The state-funded Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) provides loans to make modifications to the primary, permanent residence of elders, adults with disabilities , and families with children with disabili-ties. The modifications to be made to the residence must be necessary to allow the benefici-ary to remain in the home and must relate to their ability to function on a daily basis.

Eligibility -

Any homeowner who is an elder, has a disability or has a household member who is an elder or has a disability is eligible. Landlords with fewer than 10 units may be eligible for a 3% loan for a tenant. The proposed modifications must relate to the functional limitation of the beneficiary as docu-mented by a professional with whom there is a cli-ent history. This program is not a home repair pro-gram. Some examples of projects funded through this program include ramps, hardwired alarm sys-tems and other safety modifications, as well as ac-cessible bathrooms and kitchens.

Types of Loans Available -

Based on the income guidelines, you may qualify for a loan of $1,000 up to $30,000 which is secured by a promissory note and a mortgage lien. This program offers 0% or 3% deferred payment loans and 3% amortizing loans depending on the total gross household income. Homeowners eligible for a 0% loan do not make any monthly payments and no interest accrues. Repay-ment is required when the property is sold or has its title transferred. 3% loans require monthly pay-ments and must be aid back in 5-15 years, depend-ing on the total amount borrowed. This program only allows for one loan per property, making it important to think about all necessary home modifications, present and future.

Application process -

Applications are reviewed by six regional provider agencies to determine both income eligibility and eligibility of the proposed modification.

How to Get Started—

If you think you’re eligible, contact the provider agency in our region to start the application proc-ess. Information can be found of MRS’s website - www.mass.gov/mrc/hmlp or call Susan Gillam at: 617-204-3739.

4 WINTHROP SENIOR NEWS MARCH 2015

PHISHING AND OTHER SCHEMES USING

THE IRS NAME….

The IRS periodically alerts taxpayers to schemes that fraudulently use the IRS name, logo or web site clone to gain access to consumers’ financial information in order to steal their identity and as-sets. The scams may take place through e-mail, fax or phone. When they take place via e-mails, they are called “phishing” scams. The IRS web-site has information that can help you protect yourself from tax scams of all kinds. Here are some of the schemes: (and there are many) The IRS-impersonation telephone scheme, in

which callers may demand money or say the taxpayer has a refund due and try to trick them into sharing private information.

The IRS warns consumers about a new tax scam that uses a website that mimics the IRS e-Services online registration page. The phony web page looks almost identical to the real one. The address of the official IRS website is: www.irs.gov. Don’t be misled by sites claiming to be the IRS but ending in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov.

There is a combination email and text message phishing scam that appears to be from the IRS which lures people to a malicious website. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or social media to request personal or financial information.

The good news is that you can help shut down these schemes and prevent others from being vic-timized. If you receive a suspicious e-mail that claims to come from the IRS, you can relay that email to a new IRS mailbox, phishing@irs.gov. Follow instructions in the link below for sending the bogus email to ensure that it retains critical elements found in the original email. The IRS can use the information, URLs and links in the suspi-cious emails you send to trace the hosting web site and alert authorities to help shut down the fraudulent sites. Unfortunately, due to the ex-pected volume, the IRS will not be able to ac-knowledge receipt or respond to you. Contact: phishing@irs.gov