SENIOR CITIZEN E-NEWS:APRIL 2024 SENIOR NEWSLETTER - FROM ANNE RUSSAK - UPDATED TRIP DATES

Anne Russak
 
APRIL 2024 SENIOR NEWSLETTER
 
 
Hello Everyone, 
 
April is here already!  I feel like I just did the March Newsletter!  We’ve been having some beautiful weather, although a few cold days as I write this.                
 
Coming in April: 
 - Tuesday, April 16th at 11AM, the PBA in conjunction with the Recreation Department will sponsor a Bingo and Luncheon.  Come and win prizes, socialize with your friends, and enjoy a nice lunch.
Please Click on the links above to see the details.  Remember you must sign up for all programs.
 
The Senior Book Club will meet at the Hastings Library in the Barnes Room, on the 4th Friday of each month from 1:30-2:30 p.m., unless the date falls close to a holiday.  Copies of selected books will be available at the circulation desk.  For additional information or to suggest a book, contact Joyce DeVilbiss-Coordinator at (347) 835-9512 or j.a.devilbiss@gmail.com  
 
The book for April is: “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes.  The group will meet on Friday, April 26th from 1:30-2:30 pm.      
 
1. AN INVITATION AND REMINDER 
Carolyn and Will, who run the Tai Chi class on Fridays invite all of you to try an Introductory class.  Tai Chi begins at 11:00 am-12:00 pm every Friday, except holidays. This gentle exercise helps with balance, leg strength, posture, and reduces stress.  Try a class and see how you like it!  
                                               
2. SENIOR LAW DAY
Coming on April 3rd, 2024-10:00 am-11:00 am.  “Estate Planning”: Terms and Concepts in Plain English.  Registration URL: https://bit.ly/epterms24 
Having an estate plan in place is so important, but terms like “Trusts”, Fiduciaries”, and “Wills” can make the process seem daunting.  During this webinar the presenter will break down common estate planning concepts into plain English, go through the process generally, and show that estate planning can be accessible to everyone.  The speaker is: Regina Matos, Esq., Kommer, Bave and Ciccone LLP.    
      
3. DANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE and MOVEMENT CHALLENGES 
We have scheduled a one-time introductory class to determine interest in a movement class for people with Parkinson’s Disease and movement disorders.  The class has been scheduled for Thursday May 2, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 am at the James Harmon Community Center.  Please see the flier for further details.     We will then determine if it’s feasible to follow up this class with a 4-week series of classes that will be used to assess sustainability of future programming.   
If you, or if you know of someone with Parkinson’s disease and other movement challenges, such as arthritis, MS, balance, and post stroke, as well as their partners, care partners and friends.   
The objective is to increase coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength through music and movement. 
Please call me at (914) 478-2380 Ext. 2, if you are interested or know someone who might be interested.      
 
4.  MAHJONG PLAYERS WELCOME
If interested in playing Mahjong at the Hastings Library, call (914) 478-3307 or visit the Circulation desk and leave your name and number.   
Players will need to bring: 1.  Card from Mahjong League.  2.  Mahjong set     Tuesdays at 11:30 AM!   
 
5.  FISH NEEDS YOUR HELP! 
Marty and Lynda Merchant who take the calls for FISH (Friends n Service Helping) are receiving an abundance of calls for rides for medical appointments.  They are in need of additional drivers.  If you, or someone you know, could do some volunteer work, please call Marty and Lynda at (914) 999-2090.                                
                     
6. SENIOR TAX BREAKS
The Village of Hastings is helping homeowners develop and/or bring up to code an Accessory Dwelling Unit.  Grants of up to $125,000 are available for each assisted property (including both technical assistance and construction costs. 
                                                   HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
         Would you like to create an accessory apartment?  See if your income 
         qualifies:                      Maximum Income Limits
         1 person  $102,800                                     4 people  $146,000
         2 people  $117,459                                     5 people  $158,000
         3 people  $132,150                                     6 people  $170,000
 
Who qualifies:
*Homeowners with household incomes at or below the area Median Income
*Owner-occupied single-family homes in communities zoned for Accessory  Dwelling Units.
*Homeowners who need to legalize their existing ADU and bring it up to code.
*Homeowners committed to renting to a long-term tenant, who may also be a family member (short-term or vacation rentals are not permitted. 
               If interested contact Westchester County Habitat for Humanity
 
  1. Please help spread the word that the Hastings Community Center has a lending program if someone needs a walker, cane crutches, wheelchair, or other necessary items for residents.  If you hear of a neighbor or family member in need, or if you are ever in need, please contact me.   
  2. The Hastings Fire Department has also provided us with “In case of Emergency” cards.  So, if you would like one, stop by the Community Center. 
ATTENTION SENIORS
There are two tax programs that reduce the tax burden of residents 65 years and older. 
  1.  Enhanced Star-this is a partial exemption from school taxes for residents with household incomes that do not exceed $98,700. 
  2. Senior Citizens Partial Tax Exemption-this is a partial exemption from both village and school taxes.  Residents are eligible if their household income does not exceed $58,400 on their 2023 tax return. 
Residents who qualify for the Senior Citizens Partial Tax Exemption (income less than $58,400) can also receive the Enhanced Star exemption. 
Residents with incomes between $58,400 and $98,700 can only receive Enhanced Star. 
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are due by May 1, 2024. 
 
HOMEBOUND COVID BOOSTERS AND FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE FROM SCARSDALE AMBULANCE SERVICE
If you are homebound or know of an elderly resident who is homebound and they want to get the Covid booster shot, flu vaccine or need a home visit-they are in luck!  Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service has started a new service: house calls like the old-fashioned doctor.  It is a community paramedic program and available to anyone in Westchester County.  They will stop by your house and provide you with the vaccines and booster shots.  Email Covid@scarsdalevac.com, call 914-356-1229.    
                                    
For those of you who may not know, we have a senior bus that takes people shopping on a weekly basis.  It’s usually on a Wednesday and is a great service.  You are picked up at your home and taken back home to your door.  You may not need the service, but if you know a friend or neighbor who might benefit from such a service, have them give me a call.       
 
A few laughs/quotes for those over 60: To end this long newsletter! 
  • I’m at an age where my back goes out more than I do. Phyllis Diller 
  • The great thing about getting older is that you get a chance to tell the people in your life who matter what they mean to you. Mike Love 
  • Growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional.   
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.   
 
Sincerely,
 
Anne Russak
914 478 2380 ext 644
or Direct Line (914) 231 8283
For general information and transportation call 478-2380 Ext. 0.
 
 
SENIOR