DELAWARE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING 97 M S ., S 2 • …

V O L U M E 46 • N U M B E R 1 Website : w w w.co.delaware.ny.us/depar tments/ofa/ofa .htm • Emai l : [email protected] J A N UA R Y • 2021

97 MAIN ST., SUITE 2 • DELHI, NY 13753

DELAWARE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING

THEDELAWARE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 46

PLATTSBURGH, NY12901

FREE INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE WITH FREE E-FILING

Free Tax Counseling for the Elderly and low and moderate-income indi-viduals. Tax assistance is available in Delaware County from February 2nd

until April 15th.

If you have been paying to have your taxes done, this may be the year to make a change.

AARP Tax Aide volunteers, certifi ed by the IRS, are trained to help taxpay-ers with basic returns and supporting schedules. Th ere is no age limit or in-come limit. Th e complexity of the re-turn determines if the return may be processed.

Th e tax volunteers will be preparing taxes via electronic fi ling. Th e process sends the completed tax forms directly to the IRS and NYS using a comput-erized system. A printed copy will be given to the client at the time of fi ling.

Due to COVID-19 we may need two appointments to complete tax re-turns this year. One appointment to interview and scan your docu-ments and a second appointment to sign e-file documents and re-view your return.

The service is available by ap-pointment only!

LOCATIONS: Please call the number listed for that site’s next available appointment.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 134 ½ Main Street, Delhi.: Feb. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 23, 25; March 2, 4, 9, 16, 18; April 6, 13; *Call OFA 607-832-5750 to signup

Sidney Memorial Library: Feb. 18; March 11; April 1, 8, 15. 8 River

LIVING ROOM SPREADBy: Governor Cuomo Release

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo an-nounced the release of a Public Ser-vice Announcement (PSA) high-lighting the dangers of COVID-19 “living room spread.” New York’s lat-est contact tracing data shows 70% of new COVID-19 cases originate from households and small gatherings. As the number of new cases continues

to grow nationwide, the PSA encour-ages New Yorkers to avoid gatherings to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

“It’s not just mass gatherings caus-ing the spread anymore. The virus is now literally spreading in house-holds,” Governor Cuomo said. “When you eliminate other options for social-

SCHOOL TAX RELIEF (STAR) PROGRAM

Information obtained from www.tax.ny.gov/star

The School Tax Relief (STAR) pro-gram offers property tax relief to eli-gible New York state homeowners.

The STAR benefit applies only to school district taxes. It doesn’t ap-ply to county, town, or city taxes, ex-cept in the cities of New York, Buff alo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse. In those fi ve cities, the exemption is ap-plied partly to city taxes and partly to school taxes.

If you are eligible and enrolled in the STAR program, you’ll receive your benefi t each year in one of two ways:

• STAR credit check. If you are reg-istered for the STAR credit, the Tax Department will send you a STAR check in the mail each year. You can use the check to pay your school taxes. You can receive the STAR credit if you own your home and it’s your primary residence and the combined income of the owners and the owners’ spouses is

$500,000 or less.• STAR exemption: a reduction on

your school tax bill. If you’ve been receiving the STAR exemption since 2015, you can continue to receive it for the same primary residence. As long as you remain eligible, you’ll see a reduction on your school tax bill for the amount of your STAR ex-emption. Note: The STAR exemp-tion is no longer available to new homeowners.

Why Switch to Th e STAR Credit from Th e STAR Exemption?

If you currently receive your STAR benefi t as a reduction on your school tax bill (the STAR exemption), you may receive a greater benefit if you switch to the STAR credit to receive a check instead.

Beginning in 2019, the value of the STAR credit savings may increase by as much as 2% each year, but the value of the STAR exemption savings cannot increase. Th e STAR exemption savings

By: Rick Angerer, Senior Dining Project Director

The Sidney Senior Dining Center has been awarded The Arc of Dela-ware County’s Annual Father Eugene Willis Good Neighbor Award. This award celebrates people who embody the spirit of being kind and neighbor-ly. The Good Neighbor also actively supports the involvement of people who have disabilities in their commu-

nity. The Sidney Dining Center was selected for this award as the staff and volunteers have proven to be welcom-ing, caring, supportive, and patient while teaching and guiding people from the Arc of Delaware County who volunteer there. Please join us in con-gratulating Jennifer Anderson, Kim Dumay, David Mercurio, and Virginia Marino for all of their eff orts in being a truly “Good Neighbor.”

Rick Angerer, Senior Dining Program Manager from Delaware Opportunities, poses with staff and friends from the Sidney Senior Dining Center. Congratulations to

you all on being named the 2020 Good Neighbor Award winner!

SIDNEY SENIOR DINING CENTER NAMED 2020 GOOD NEIGHBOR

AWARD WINNER

STAR EXEMPTION AMOUNTS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2020–2021:

DELAWARE COUNTYFrom: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/

property/star/star12.htm

The Enhanced or Basic STAR ex-emption is the amount that your as-sessment will be reduced prior to the levy of school taxes. For example, if you own and live in a house that has an enhanced STAR exemption, and

that is assessed at $150,000, and the enhanced STAR exemption for your municipality is $50,000, the school taxes on your property would be paid on a taxable assessment of $100,000 ($150,000 - $50,000).

Updated: April, 15, 2020

Delaware County Municipality

Enhanced exemption

Basic exemption

Date certifi ed

Town of Andes $69,800 $30,000 4/10/2020Town of Bovina $16,050 $6,900 4/10/2020Town of Colchester $2,090 $900 4/10/2020Town of Davenport $54,100 $23,250 4/10/2020Town of Delhi $42,580 $18,300 4/10/2020Town of Deposit $2,860 $1,230 4/10/2020Town of Franklin $62,120 $26,700 4/10/2020Town of Hamden $69,800 $30,000 4/10/2020Town of Hancock $8,470 $3,640 4/10/2020Town of Harpersfi eld $19,440 $8,360 4/10/2020Town of Kortright $69,800 $30,000 4/10/2020Town of Masonville $69,800 $30,000 4/10/2020Town of Meredith $69,800 $30,000 4/10/2020Town of Middletown $71,200 $30,600 4/10/2020Town of Roxbury $69,800 $30,000 4/10/2020Town of Sidney $56,780 $24,410 4/10/2020Town of Stamford $18,430 $7,920 4/10/2020Town of Tompkins $2,740 $1,180 4/10/2020Town of Walton $69,800 $30,000 4/10/2020

Th e above exemption amounts were determined using the latest data available. As more current data becomes available these exemptions are subject to change.

See “STAR Program” page 7

See “TAX ASSISTANCE” page 2

See “LIVING ROOM SPREAD” page 3

2 • THE D I S P A T C H JANUARY • 2021

The Dispatch IS PUBLISHED EVERY OTHER MONTH BY THE

DELAWARE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING

97 MAIN STREET, SUITE #2 • DELHI • NY 13753 • 607-832-5750

Terri Whitney • Director

Stephanie Warner • caseworker

Eric Benecke • caseworker

Susan Sainsbury • caseworker

Yvonne Brock • aging services representative

Bette Jo Bojo • aDministrative aiDe

Carli Pinner • principal account clerk

Rachel Ryan • account clerk typist

Lyndsay Komosinski • ny connects coorDinator

Virginia Perez • ny connects i & a specialist

Amy Bowie • legacy coorDinator

Andrea Martel • Dietitian

FUNDING PROVIDED IN PART BY THE NEW YORK STATE

OFFICE FOR THE AGING AND THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION ON AGING

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK

Terri Whitney, Director

By: Terri Whitney, Director

Let’s face it – last year was rough. It hit us on a level that we’ve never experienced before. It didn’t just af-fect us as individuals. It didn’t just affect us as a nation. It affected the entire world. Life as we knew it came to a screeching halt. Drastic changes had to be made. We were forced to live with fear of the unknown and so-cial isolation. We had to learn to ac-cept the fact that what was normal for us then may never be normal for us again. I have to say that it feels good to have gotten the year 2020 behind us. Without question, 2020 will always be a year to remember, a year for the history books. Unfortunately, as we enter 2021, we are still faced with all the uncertainties of 2020.

So, here we are in the year 2021! Now what? How do we make 2021 a better year than 2020 was? That seems like a pretty big question. This certainly doesn’t seem like the kind of year where you make a traditional New Year’s resolution to lose weight or start an exercise program. Now ei-ther of these things could be challeng-ing, but I don’t think the challenge presented by either of these things can even come close to the challeng-es set in front of each and every one of us in 2021. New Year’s resolutions can be a pretty easy thing to declare. Keeping a New Year’s resolution isn’t

usually that easy which is why, many times, resolutions don’t last. This has happened to me many times. This year I’ve started early; I’ve not waited for New Year’s Day to work on my resolution.

The year 2020 brought with it much isolation, loneliness, fear, and anger. During times when it’s difficult to look past the troubles and uncertainties in our lives, it’s important to try and find something positive to hold on to. Optimism can help a person cope more easily and helps a person avoid negative thinking. Keeping a positive outlook on life helps a person adapt more successfully to their ever chang-ing world and my undertaking now, and into the New Year, is to work on keeping a positive outlook on life and trying to spread that feeling around those I know.

Now granted, I know it won’t al-ways be easy, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t be possible to improve my outlook on life. All it takes is some effort.

Sometimes I think, as an adult, it’s too easy to get caught up in the stress and troubles surrounding us, and then we end up lost in that world. One day, I took a moment to view the world through the eyes of a child. I watched my granddaughter as she danced around my dining room, wearing her ballerina skirt, while singing a favor-

ite song. Her eyes were lit up, she had the biggest smile on her face, and she had such boundless energy. All was right in her world. I realized that at that particular moment, as I watched her bouncing about, that my own eyes had lit up and I had a big smile on my face also. My life wasn’t all about the uncertainties and changes surrounding me. There are beauti-ful things in my life. All I have to do is look for them.

So the challenge seems to be in finding the good things in our world as we move into 2021. As the nation and world builds on what was learned last year, Delaware County Office for the Aging will continue to adapt to your needs as best we can. Eventually, we will find out what our new normal will be. As we work through this pro-cess, programs and services through the Office for the Aging will be offered in the safest manner possible.

For those of you who have been in-terested in taking a Tai Chi for Arthritis class, we are currently working toward getting classes up and running again. Calls are being made to people who have been on a waiting list for upcom-ing classes to check on their interest in attending an in-person class at this time. Once we find out what areas of the county have the most people interested, we will try to find a loca-tion in these areas where we can hold small classes so that we can safely so-cially distance people from each other during the class. For those who aren’t comfortable in leaving their homes to take an in-person class, but would like to learn or continue practicing Tai Chi for Arthritis in the safety of their own home, we have purchased a number of instructional DVDs, featuring Dr. Paul Lam, a world leader in the field of Tai Chi for health improvement. Dr. Lam and his colleagues estab-lished the Tai Chi for Health Institute to empower people to improve their health and wellness using the Tai Chi for Health programs. If you are inter-ested in receiving a DVD, please con-tact the office by calling 607-832-5750.

Delaware Opportunities will con-

tinue to provide home delivered meals to all of our congregate dining participants until we’ve gotten to the point where the congregate dining centers can be safely opened up once again. Our intention is to be able to reopen the dining centers, but only time will tell how long it will take to get us to that point.

The senior bus transportation sys-tem is in business once again. The agency has limited seating at five rid-ers for each trip. Social distancing guidelines are being strictly adhered to and facial coverings are required to be worn at all times while entering, riding, or exiting the bus.

The friendly visiting telephone reassurance program is still in op-eration. If you or someone you know could benefit from a friendly call on a weekly basis, please give the Office for the Aging a call, 607-832-5750. It’s very easy to get started.

As we move along into 2021, I hope that each day you are able to find something that brings a smile to your face or makes you laugh. I hope you are able to find some pleasure in the beauty that Mother Nature pro-vides this time of year. I hope you are able to enjoy an activity each day that brings you pleasure. I wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy 2021.

ATTENTION – ATENCIÓN – 注意 – AUFMERKSAMKEIT – UWAGA

Delaware County Office for the Aging offers interpretation services for more than 200 languages. To inquire about our agencies services for the aging at no cost to you, please call (607) 832-5750.

(Spanish) Oficina del Condado de Delaware para el envejecimiento ofrece servicios de interpretación para más de 200 idiomas preguntar acerca de nuestros servicios de agencias para el envejecimiento, sin costo para usted. Por favor llame al (607) 832-5750.

(Chinese) 特特拉拉华华县县办办事事处处老老化化超超过过200种种语语言言提提供供口口译译服服务务。。

在在没没有有你你的的成成本本询询问问我我们们的的机机构构老老龄龄化化的的服服务务，，请请致致电电 (607) 832-5750.

(German) Delaware County Amt für Aging bietet Dolmetscherdienste für mehr als 200 Sprachen. Um mehr über unsere Agenturen Dienste für das Altern ohne Kosten für Sie, rufen Sie bitte (607) 832-5750.

(Polish) Delaware County Urząd the Aging oferuje usługi w zakresie tłumaczeń ustnych na ponad 200 języków. Aby dowiedzieć się o naszych usługach agencji do starzenia bez kosztów dla Ciebie, zadzwoń (607) 832-5750.

Street; *Call AARP Delaware County Tax-Aide at 845-853-0667 for signup and information.

TAXPAYERS ARE TO BRING:• Photo ID (Driver’s License);• Social Security cards for yourself

and all your dependents;• Proof of health care insurance;• Copies of last year’s tax return;• W a g e a n d e a r n i n g s s t a t e -

ments (W-2);• Pension/social security/RR retire-

ment statements (1099, SSA-1099, RRB-W-2P, RRB-1099);

• Interest/dividend, etc. statements (all 1099 forms);

• H o m e o w n e r s s h o u l d b r i n g 2020 county/city and school tax statements;

• Unemployment compensation

statement;• Child care provider information;• N Y S P r o p e r t y Ta x R e l i e f

check amount;• If you sold your home in 2020, bring

all supporting paperwork pertain-ing to the sale and 1099S if you re-ceived one;

• Any and all information about in-come and expenses.These Tax-Aide Counselors have

volunteered to provide this service in Delaware County through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program through which they have received Tax-Aide training. This free service is sponsored by the Delaware County Office of the Aging, the AARP Founda-tion, the Albany District Internal Rev-enue Service Office, and the New York Department of Taxation and Finance.

“TAX ASSISTANCE”...continued from page 1

JANUARY • 2021 T H E D I S P A T C H • 3

B y : A m y B o w i e , L e g a c y Coordinator

12 Lessons We Have Learned Through the Pandemic

It’s undeniable that the season of the pandemic has touched all our lives in one way or another. For many people it has been a time of confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty. And for some individuals a time of solitude.

Because of the pandemic most of us have experienced abrupt changes in our daily lives resulting in stress.

The majority of the population has spent more time at home than they ever have before. During lock down, many of us took on new roles; teacher, hairstylist, cook, nurse, caretaker, and pet owner. For a number of people your home also became your place of work. Days were spent playing, rest-ing, watching TV, reading, listening

to music, exploring new hobbies and interests, and discovering abilities we never knew we had.

Since the pandemic there has been tremendous loss from; jobs, business-es, homes, to the most devastating of all losses - Life.

In some ways it feels as if we are liv-ing everyday life simultaneously with the button on pause, one-day blend-ing into the next, often combined with a haunting feeling that this so called “new norm” will never end.

However, there is no doubt, the pandemic has also given human-ity the opportunity to reflect on life, put things into prospective, and learn some valuable lessons.

12 Lessons we have learned through the pandemic:1. The love and bond we have for fam-

ily and friends has proven to be even

stronger than we thought.2. When we are safely able to shake

hands and hug others again it will have a lot more meaning.

3. There has been a renewed appre-ciation and respect for health care workers and the risks they take.

4. Experiencing the beauty of stillness that has always been there, but we were too busy to stop and feel it.

5. Non-essential material possessions have become less important.

6. Take time to reflect on who we are and how we can become a better ver-sion of ourselves.

7. Mother nature continues to prosper even if we are only seeing it through our window.

8. Gratitude for technology, because it enabled us to all stay connected.

9. A greater awareness and compas-sion for those in society who are most vulnerable.

10. Deep care and concern for the well-

being of us as a nation.11. The year 2020 has been a reminder

that if your general health is good, you are truly blessed.

12. Recognizing that each day we have on earth is a gift.I think we can all agree that experi-

encing this pandemic has transformed us. Yet, I suppose the reality is only time will reveal if the lessons we have learned will endure. Me personally, I have faith that they will.

Consider becoming a volunteer with the Legacy Corps Caregiving Program and help provide respite for someone who is a caregiver for a loved one age 60 or over. If you would like more information on becoming a vol-unteer or are a caregiver in need of a respite, please contact the Delaware County Office for the Aging at: 607-832-5750 and ask for Amy Bowie, the Legacy Corps Program Coordinator.

Referred Nurses and Non-Medical Companions

5 1/2 Main St., Suite 8, Delhi, New York 13753

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MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN INFORMATION FOR 2021

By Yvonne Brock, Aging Services Representative

New Part B Deductible:The Medicare Part B deductible is an

annual deductible, $203 in 2021.

Providers are allowed to ask the ben-eficiary to pay the deductible at the time of service as long as Medicare allows at least that much for their services.

Although the beneficiary may feel they have met the deductible, in actual-ity, the deductible has not been satisfied until Medicare receives and processes a claim, and applies the allowed amount toward the deductible. Sometimes this leads to a beneficiary paying one provid-er the deductible amount while the de-ductible is applied to another provider’s claim. In addition, due to the higher de-ductible, it may take multiple claims for a beneficiary to satisfy the deductible.

In order to avoid this potential confu-sion, the beneficiary may want to wait until they find out from Medicare how the deductible was applied before mak-ing any payment to a provider for the deductible amount. The beneficiary may check www.mymedicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify their deductible.

With newly eligible Medicare ben-eficiaries not being allowed to purchase Medigap Plans C or F, which pay for the

deductible, more beneficiaries will now be responsible for paying the deductible directly to the provider.

Medigap Rate Increase Update:The NYS Department of Financial

Services has requested all companies withdraw their Medigap rate adjustment filings and to resubmit after March 1, 2021. As a result, Supplemental Insur-ance rates are expected to remain the same through at least the end of the first quarter of 2021.

Medigap High Deductible Plans F & G:

The deductible amount for the Me-digap high deductible Plan F, and high deductible Plan G will be $2370 in 2021, an increase of $30 from 2020. These pol-icies offer the same benefits as the stan-dard Plan F and Plan G, but beneficiaries must meet the deductible before any benefits are available. For Plan G, which does not pay the deductible, the Part B deductible ($203) is credited toward the plans deductible amount.

Medigap Plans K and L:The annual out of pocket limit under

Supplemental Plans K and L will be in-creasing for 2021. The limit for Plan K will be $6,220, and for Plan L it will be $3,110. Plan K covers 50% and Plan L cover 75% of Medicare cost sharing until the out of pocket limit is reached. Once you meet the limit the plans will pay 100% of the covered Medicare deduct-ible and coinsurance amounts.

For further information, please con-tact Yvonne Brock at 607-832-5750 to schedule an appointment.ization, people will shift their behav-

ior and begin joining together in their homes. We are seeing the impacts of that now with a significant number of cases originating in households, and small gatherings. I know you may think, ‘I’m in my house with my fam-ily and friends so this is my safe zone,’ but that just is simply not the case anymore. As we move forward into the winter, addressing living room spread will be one of the biggest chal-lenges in the fight against COVID-19, and we can do it, but only if New York-ers stay smart.”

While New York continues to main-tain one of the lowest infection rates in the United States, avoiding small gatherings and practicing safe be-haviors like wearing masks, washing hands, and socially distancing, is as important as ever as COVID-19 cases continue to rise nationally.

LIVING ROOM SPREAD...continued from page 1


For more information about Life Line or our In Home Personal Care Services,

please call us:

At Home Care, Inc.AT HOME CARE PARTNERS, Inc.1-800-783-0613 or 607-432-7924

"Assisted Living...in Your Own Home"

Are you or your loved one worried about safely remaining in the comfort and security of your own home?

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM PANDEMIC FATIGUE?By: Terri Whitney, Director

We’ve been pushing through this pandemic since March. That means for nine months we’ve been working with all the precautionary safety mea-sures such as social distancing, mask-ing up and keeping hands washed and/or using hand sanitizer. You’d think that these safety measures would be a habit for us now. It should be second nature to us at this point. But this isn’t always the case, and time doesn’t make it any easier to deal with all that the pandemic brings us.

Distancing efforts have increased feelings of social isolation and loneli-ness for many people, especially among older adults and people who live alone. Keeping ourselves socially isolated is unnatural and it can have a negative im-pact on a person’s health including hy-pertension or poor sleep. People were able to gather with friends and family in the spring and summer. But with the cold weather of winter upon us, it makes socializing less feasible. Let’s face it, it can be tough sticking to that unnatural behavior on a long-term basis.

Physical distancing is probably the

most difficult safety measure that we must endure. We have learned over the past months there are other ways to stay connected with our friends and loved ones. We’ve learned that visits over vid-eo chat mediums, such as Zoom, are a quick and easy way to stay in touch with others. However, this form of contact might not always give us the connectiv-ity we are looking for. Although crowds and large gatherings still need to be avoided, small get-togethers are a pos-sibility when they are handled correct-ly. Be aware, though, that even though there are ways to minimize the risks, socializing in a group of any size comes with risks. Remember, your get-together is only as safe as your riskiest friend.

Here we are in the middle of the sec-ond wave of COVID-19. The infection rate has been on the rise once again. Our days are getting shorter. The weath-er is colder. Many people feel alone and/or are suffering from anxiety or sad-ness/depression. Some people have had to deal with multiple losses: loved ones, important events, connection to family and friends, finances, etc. Now, more than during the first wave, people are at risk of suffering from pandemic fatigue.

There’s no doubt about it. Pandemic fatigue is real. It takes a lot out of a per-son to constantly have to worry about keeping themselves safe. It makes a lot of sense that people may feel tired, sad, scared, and anxious.

So what can you do to help yourself? First of all, take some time to reflect on how you are doing. If you are feeling ir-ritated, impatient, angry, or are suffering from fatigue, anxiety or depression – ac-cept that these are all normal and un-derstandable responses. Then, try some breathing exercises to help reduce these feelings. Slow your breathing. Doing deep breathing sessions several times a day can tell your body that there’s not any immediate threat. Breathing exer-cises can help a person manage their anxiety response on a physical, physi-ological, and mental level. Next, limit your time on social media and listening to the news. Instead, read a book, listen to music, or watch a favorite movie or television show that can make you smile and take your mind to a more pleasant place. Lastly, make some time to build yourself up and restore your mental health. It doesn’t need to be anything major. It can be something as simple as taking a walk or reading a book.

The Office for the Aging has two pro-grams available for those that are expe-riencing pandemic fatigue. We have animatronic pets available for people to adopt. These cats and dogs have all the love in the world to give and will never eat the mail or have an accident. Thanks

to built-in technology, the two-way in-teraction helps create a personally rich experience that can bring fun, joy, and friendship to those who adopt them. The office also offers a friendly visitation telephone reassurance program through which we make weekly contacts with se-niors to check in on them and give them someone to talk to. If you or anyone you know could benefit from either of these services, please contact the Office for the Aging at 607-832-5750.

Meet the Joy for All companion golden pup from Ageless Innovation. This cute animatronic pet acts like a real puppy and responds to your voice. There is no responsibility needed for daily care as is required by a live pet. This pup has been designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun to those who adopt it. Office for the Aging has a limited number of these pups (and cats) available for individuals who feel they could benefit from owning one. Give the office a call at 832-5750 if you are interested in adopting a dog or a cat.

HEAP 2020-2021 SEASONB y : D e m e t r a A l b e r t i ,

CCAP, NCRT NCRI

The 2020-2021 Home Energy Assis-tance Program (HEAP) began on Nov. 2, 2020. This program is available for lower income Delaware County house-holds to assist with their home heating costs. Anyone receiving SNAP benefits or Public Assistance should contact the Delaware County Department of Social Services at 607-832-5300 for HEAP as-sistance. Any individual, age 60 and over, who did not receive an applica-tion through the early outreach process, and who meets the income guidelines for HEAP, should contact the Delaware County Office for the Aging at 607-832-5750 or send inquiries to Office for the Aging, 97 Main Street, Suite 2, Delhi, NY 13753. All other residents should con-tact Delaware Opportunities at 607-746-1600 with questions or to apply.

Refer to the following chart for cur-rent gross monthly income guidelines:

Household Size Maximum

Monthly Income

1 $2,610

2 $3,413

3 $4,216

4 $5,019

5 $5,822

6 $6,625

7 $6,775

8 $6,926

9 $7,077

10 $7,227

11 $7,378

For households over 11, add $560 to the maximum monthly income.

Emergency HEAP benefits will be available starting Jan. 4, 2021. Peo-ple should not wait until they have run out of fuel or have had electricity turned off.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE (MA) OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD

By: Yvonne Brock, Aging Services Representative

The Medicare Advantage Open En-rollment Period begins on Jan. 1, 2021 and ends on March 31, 2021. During this time anyone who is currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can change into a different Advantage Plan, or elect to drop their current plan and switch

back to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with or without a Part D Plan (Pre-scription Plan). The new plan will be ef-fective the first of the following month.

If you would like to change your Medicare Advantage Plan during this enrollment period, please contact Yvonne Brock at 607-832-5750 to sched-ule an appointment.


Providing patient focused and family-centered care.

� 607-432-5525globe HeliosCare.org

By: Yvonne Brock, Aging Services Representative; Article adapted from www.cms.gov

On November 6, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) re-leased the 2021 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medi-care Part A and Part B programs.

Medicare Part B Premiums/Deductibles

Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A.

Each year the Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayment rates are adjusted according to the Social Secu-rity Act. For 2021, the Medicare Part B monthly premiums and the annual deductible are higher than the 2020 amounts. The standard monthly pre-mium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $148.50 for 2021, an increase of

$3.90 from $144.60 in 2020. Th e annual deductible for all Medicare Part B ben-eficiaries is $203 in 2021, an increase of $5 from the annual deductible of $198 in 2020.

Social Security has a “hold harm-less” provision where a benefi ciary’s So-cial Security check cannot be reduced from one year to the next because of an increase in the Part B premium. So for people with Medicare Part B who are also collecting Social Security, the pre-mium cannot be increased any more than their Social Security COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) amount to avoid the Social Security benefi t decreasing.

Medicare Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

Since 2007, a beneficiary’s Part B monthly premium is based on his or her income. Th ese income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA) affect roughly 7% of people with Medicare Part B. The 2021 Part B total premiums for high income benefi ciaries are shown in the following table:

Benefi ciaries who fi le individual tax returns with income:

Benefi ciaries who fi le joint tax returns with income:

Income-related monthly adjustmentamount

Total monthly premium amount

Less than or equal to $88,000

Less than or equal to $176,000

$0.00 $148.50

Greater than $88,000 and less than or equal to $111,000


$59.40 $207.90



$148.50 $297.00



$237.60 $386.10

Greater than $165,000 and less than $500,000


$326.70 $475.20

Greater than or equal to $500,000

Greater than or equal to $750,000

$356.40 $504.90

2021 MEDICARE PART A & B PREMIUMS AND DEDUCTIBLES

Premiums for high-income benefi ciaries who are married and lived with their spouse at any time during the taxable year, but fi le a separate return, are as follows:

Benefi ciaries who are married and lived with their spouses at any time during the year, but who fi le separate tax returns from their spouses:

Income-related monthly adjust-ment amount

Total monthly premium amount

Less than or equal to $88,000 $0.00 $148.50


$326.70 $475.20

Greater than or equal to $412,000 $356.40. $504.90

employment.

Th e Medicare Part A inpatient hospi-tal deductible that benefi ciaries will pay when admitted to the hospital will be $1,484 in 2021, an increase of $76 from $1,408 in 2020. The Part A inpatient hospital deductible covers beneficia-ries’ share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefi t period. In 2021, benefi -

ciaries must pay a coinsurance amount of $371 per day for the 61st through 90th

day of a hospitalization ($352 in 2020) in a benefit period and $742 per day for lifetime reserve days ($704 in 2020). For beneficiaries in skilled nursing fa-cilities, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of extended care services in a benefi t period will be $185.50 in 2021 ($176 in 2020).

Part A Deductible and Coinsurance Amounts for Calendar Years 2020 and 2021 by Type of Cost Sharing

2020 2021

Inpatient hospital deductible $1,408 $1,484

Daily coinsurance for 61st-90th Day $352 $371

Daily coinsurance for lifetime reserve days $704 $742

Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance $176 $185.50

Enrollees age 65 and over who have fewer than 40 quarters of coverage, and certain persons with disabilities pay a monthly premium in order to voluntari-ly enroll in Medicare Part A. Individuals who had at least 30 quarters of cover-age or were married to someone with at least 30 quarters of coverage, may buy into Part A at a reduced monthly pre-mium rate, which will be $259 in 2021,

a $7 increase from 2020. Certain unin-sured aged individuals who have less than 30 quarters of coverage, and certain individuals with disabilities who have exhausted other entitlement will pay the full premium, which will be $471 a month in 2021, a $13 increase from 2020.

For further information, please con-tact Yvonne Brock at 607-832-5750 to schedule an appointment.

PRESCRIPTION PLAN (PART D) CHANGES FOR 2021

By: Yvonne Brock, Aging Services Representative

Plan Terminations:Two PDPs will be terminating as of

Dec. 1, 2020. Magellan and Journey will no longer off er Part D plans in New York State.

Beneficiaries in terminating plans who have Extra Help/LIS will be as-signed to a benchmark PDP. Those without Extra Help/LIS who do not en-roll in a new plan will not have Part D (prescription) coverage.

Members of terminating plans have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), from Dec. 8, 2020 –Feb. 28, 2021, to select a new plan. Th e new plan will be eff ective the fi rst of the following month.

Envision Name Change to Elixir:Elixir is the new name for the com-

pany formally known as Envision. All Part D plans formerly known as the name Envision are now known as Elixir. The company is offering two (2) part D plans in 2021-Elixir Rx Plus and Elixir Rx Secure, with Rx Secure being a benchmark plan.

SilverScript/Aetna:SilverScript Part D plans were pur-

chased by Aetna. While the PDP plan names will still go by the SilverScript name, Aetna is the company operat-ing those plans. When looking on the Medicare.gov plan fi nder for the Silver-Script plans, you will need to filter for plans by Aetna.

Medicare Part A Premiums/Deductibles

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hos-pital, skilled nursing facility, and some

home health care services. About 99% of Medicare beneficiaries do not have a Part A premium since they have at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered


Senior Dining Program menuMilk is served With every Meal. NutritioNal aNalysis available upoN request to CoNsultaNt dietitiaN. MeNu subjeCt to ChaNge.

FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL BY 10 AM ON THE SERVING DAY. SERVING 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM GRAND GORGE 588-6166 MIDDLETOWN (845) 586-4764

DELHI 607-746-2250

WALTON 865-6739

HANCOCK 637-2219 SIDNEY 563-2212

DATES MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

FEBRUARY 1THROUGHFEBRUARY 5




MARCH 1THROUGHMARCH 5




Stuffed ShellsWinter Blend VeggiesApple JuiceItalian BreadDiced Pears

Swedish MeatballsEgg NoodlesBroccoli FloretsFruit CocktailBanana Pudding

CLOSEDPRESIDENTS DAY

Beef Pepper SteakParmesan Penne PastaBroccoli/CauliflowerWhole Wheat BreadDiced Pears

Chili Con CarneSteamed Brown RiceWinter Blend VeggiesFruit SaladIce Cream Sundae

Swiss SteakOven Roasted PotatoesSeasoned SpinachThree Bean SaladBrownie

Sloppy Joe on a BunGreek Oven FriesMixed VegetablesApple JuiceVanilla Ice Cream

Swedish MeatballsSteamed Brown RiceRed CabbageWhole Wheat BreadOatmeal Raisin Cookie

Country Fried SteakMashed PotatoesVegetable MedleyWhole Wheat BreadApplesauce Cake

Chicken Stir FrySteamed Brown RiceDiced CarrotsWhole Wheat BreadMandarin Oranges

Chicken ParmesanSpaghetti w/ SauceString BeansOrange JuiceVanilla Ice Cream

California ChickenRoasted PotatoesSliced CarrotsCranberry SauceLemon Squares

Chicken FlorentineCapri Blend VeggiesCabbage Salad BowlWhole Wheat BreadLemon Pudding

Orange PorkSteamed Brown RicePeasWhole Wheat BreadSugar Cookies

BBQ Pork RibletSweet PotatoesCauliflowerSnow on the MountainPineapple Tidbits

Chicken ParmesanSpaghettiItalian String BeansTossed SaladTapioca Pudding

Spicy Cranberry PorkBaked Sweet PotatoesSteamed PeasCreamy Cucumber SaladUpside Down Cake

Macaroni & CheeseStewed TomatoesTossed SaladWhole Wheat BreadChocolate Brownie

Turkey Ala KingButtermilk BiscuitZucchini/YellowSquashSnow on the MountainSpiced Peaches

Spaghetti & MeatballsGreen BeansTossed Salad Italian BreadJell-O w/ Topping

Roast Turkey w/ GravyWhipped PotatoesCut Green BeansCranberry SauceIced Yellow Cake

Sunrise ChickenButtered NoodlesSteamed BroccoliApple JuiceChocolate Pudding

Corned Beef CabbageCarrotsBoiled PotatoesDinner RollPistachio Cake

Roast Pork w/ GravyWhipped PotatoesSuccotashApple SauceApricots

BBQ ChickenSmokey Baked BeansZucchini/YellowSquashCole SlawSherbet

Home Style MeatloafMashed PotatoesGreen BeansDiced PeachesSugar Cookies

Pot Roast w/ GravyMashed PotatoesRed CabbageTossed SaladButterscotch Pudding

Baked Tavern HamBaked PotatoButternut SquashRosey Apple RelishRice Pudding

Scrambled EggsMini PancakesSausage Patty/LinksOrange JuiceCinnamon Applesauce

Beef StewCauliflowerTossed SaladItalian BreadSliced Peaches

Cranberry ChickenBoiled PotatoesSliced CarrotsGrape JuiceButterscotch Pudding

Home Style Meat LoafMashed PotatoesPeas & CarrotsWhole Wheat BreadSherbet

Turkey Pot PieSliced BeetsCranberry SauceWhole Wheat BreadFruited Jell-O

CLOSEDCOVID-19ESSENTIALWORKERAPPRECIATION

Tuna Noodle CasserolePeas & CarrotsApple JuiceWhole Wheat BreadCranberry Crisp

Potato Crusted PollockSweet Potato FriesSteamed PeasCole SlawSherbet

Crab Topped TilapiaParmesan Bow TiesSteamed BroccoliWhole Wheat BreadPeachy Cream Pudding

CLOSEDCOVID 19ESSENTIALWORKERAPPRECIATION

Macaroni & CheeseStewed TomatoesBrussel SproutsCucumber SaladCinnamon Apples

Vegetarian LasagnaSautéed String BeansTossed SaladItalian BreadSherbet

MARCH 29THROUGHAPRIL 2

Tangy Baked ChickenBaked PotatoButternut SquashRosey Apple RelishLemon Pudding

Braised BeefMushrooms/Egg NoodlesSautéed ZucchiniMandarin OrangesPeanut Butter Cookies

Taco PieSeasoned SpinachThree Bean SaladWhole Wheat BreadVanilla Ice Cream

Roast Turkey w/ GravyMashed PotatoesSliced CarrotsCranberry SauceDiced Pears

Breaded Fish on a BunSweet Potato FriesMixed VegetablesFruited Jell-O

COVID-19 VACCINE SCAMS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOWExcerpts from: www.wwlp.com/

news/health/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-scams-are-on-the-way-heres-how-to-tell-the-difference and www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2020/coronavirus-vaccine-scams.html

Following recent approval from the FDA, the COVID-19 vaccine is being dis-tributed across the country.

Unfortunately, this gives scammers an opportunity to trick those who are eager to get vaccinated. The Northwest-ern District Attorney’s Office is warning the public to be wary, especially dur-ing the holidays when scam calls tend to increase.

If you receive these types of calls, it’s important not engage in any type of conversation.

“Right now, these types of vacci-nations aren’t available to the public. Don’t tell them any kind of information, don’t tell them you know it’s a scam just hang up the phone.”

There haven’t been any locally re-ported scams yet, but if you start to re-ceive calls or messages that sound like one you can report it to the FTC at Re-portfraud.ftc.gov. You can also file a complaint through your state or attorney general at www.consumerresources.org.

According to The Federal Trade Com-mission (FTC), consumers should be advised of the following:

• You likely will not need to pay any-thing out of pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.

• You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.

• You can’t pay to get early access to the vaccine.

• No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you ask-ing for your Social Security number, your credit card, or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.

• Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.

• If you get a call, text, email – or even someone knocking on your door – claiming they can get you early ac-cess to the vaccine, STOP. That’s a scam. Don’t pay for a promise of vaccine access or share personal in-formation. Instead, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or file a complaint with your state or territory attorney general through consumer-resources.org, the consumer website

of the National Association of Attor-neys General.

Here are five key points that state and federal officials want the public to understand:

(Excerpt by Katherine Skiba, AARP)1. Initially, the vaccine will be avail-

able in limited quantities, so people should turn to trusted resources – their doctor or local health depart-ment – for guidance.

2. People should not buy any kind of coronavirus vaccine or treat-ment on the internet or from an on-line pharmacy.

3. Doses of vaccine that were purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be provided to patients at no cost. Pro-viders, though, may charge an ad-ministration fee and have that fee reimbursed by private and public insurance companies. There’s also a means of reimbursement for unin-sured patients.

4. Consumers should not respond to any solicitations about the vaccine. “Fraudsters are using telemarket-ing calls, text messages, social me-dia platforms, and door-to-door vis-its to perpetrate COVID-19-related scams,” HHS officials said in a Dec. 3 fraud advisory.

5. People should not give cash or any

other form of payment to suspicious callers, nor should they divulge per-sonal, medical or financial infor-mation, which criminals can use to fraudulently bill federal health care programs and to commit medical identity theft.There will be strict protocols for the

order in which certain groups of people, such as nursing home residents and health care workers, will be inoculated. Watch for announcements from federal and state governments. For more infor-mation, consult online resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-vention web pages and the FDA’s vac-cine web pages.

UNDERSTAND YOUR COVID RISK WITH THE CV19 CHECKUP TOOL

By: Terri Whitney, Director

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and its Director Greg Olsen are working hard to keep you safe and advocate for the needs of older adults. NYSOFA, in partnership with BellAge, Inc. and the Associa-tion on Aging in New York, launched the CV19 CheckUp tool to help people

See “CV19 CHECKUP TOOL” page 8


Delhi Senior Dining Center (97 Main Street, Delhi, NY 13753 – side entrance) (607) 746-2250. Center Manager: Nakota Lame.

**ALL CONGREGATE MEALS AND ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS.**

Grand Gorge Senior Dining Center (Old School, Civic Center, Rte. 30) (607) 588-6166. Center Manager: Cheryl Hinkley.


Hancock Senior Dining Center (Baptist Church, Messenger Hall, Wheeler Street) (607) 637-2219. Center Manager: Lisa Drake.


Margaretville Senior Dining Center (Margaretville Methodist Church, Church St.) (845) 586-4764. Center Manager: Kim Segnini.


Sidney Senior Dining Center (Civic Center, Liberty Street) (607) 563-2212. Center Manager: Jennifer Anderson. **ALL CONGREGATE MEALS AND ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS.**

Walton Senior Dining Center (St. John’s Catholic Church, Benton Ave.) (607) 865-6739. Center Manager: Morgan Beers.


NOTE: Suggested contribution for regular meals is $3.00 for seniors and $4.00 for non-seniors. Suggested contribution for St. Patrick’s Day Dinner is $5.00 for seniors and $6.00 for non-seniors. The Delaware County Senior Dining Program is operated by Delaware Opportunities Inc. under contract with the Delaware County Office for the Aging with funding from the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, New York State Office for the Aging and the Department of Health,

federal and other state funds, and contributions provided by program participants.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES FOR FEBRUARY 2021 AND MARCH 2021HOLIDAY CLOSINGS: Friday, 2/12/21, and Monday, 2/15/21, for President’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner will be served on Wednesday 3/17/21.

can never be higher than the STAR credit savings.

The STAR Credit Benefit Can Continue to Grow

By switching to the STAR credit, your benefit could grow by as much as 2% each year, and it can never be low-er than the STAR exemption benefit.

For example, if your STAR exemp-tion benefit was $800 on your 2018-2019 school tax bill, that’s the most you can receive in any future years, unless you switch to the STAR credit.

If you switch to the STAR credit, your benefit can grow by as much as 2% each year.

• In the first year, that could mean up to $816—an extra $16 in savings.

• Five years later, the STAR credit benefit could reach as high as $900 due to the power of compounding,

Questions and Answers About The STAR Credit Program

Q: When should I register?

A: We recommend you register as soon as possible after you move into your home. Registrations will be ac-cepted for three years from the in-come tax filing deadline for the year that the credit covers. For example, to claim the STAR credit for 2020, you must register by April 15, 2024. How-ever, the sooner you register, the soon-er you will receive your STAR check.

Q: Do I need to register every year?

A: No. Once you’ve registered, we’ll automatically review your eligibility for the credit every year after that for as long as you continue to own and occupy your home.

Q: I used to receive the STAR ex-emption on my school tax bill, but I bought a new home. Why do I have to get a STAR credit check instead of the exemption?

A: In 2016, the law changed regard-ing the STAR exemption. Instead of applying to your assessor for the ex-emption, you’ll now register with New York State for the STAR credit. If you are eligible, you will receive a STAR credit in the form of a check. The dollar value of the credit will gener-ally be the same as the property tax exemption.

Q: I purchased my home last year and I received the STAR exemption on my first school tax bill. Do I need to register?

A: Yes. The reason you received the STAR exemption on your first school tax bill is because the previous owner

of your home was granted the STAR exemption. You were entitled to their benefit for the first year you owned the home, but you are not entitled to keep their STAR exemption beyond that. You must register for the STAR credit in order to receive a STAR ben-efit in the future.

Q: I have been receiving a Basic STAR exemption since 2014. I turned 65 years old a few months ago and believe that I now qualify for the En-hanced STAR exemption. Do I apply to the assessor to receive the Enhanced STAR exemption?

A: Yes. If you have been receiv-ing the STAR exemption since before the 2015 STAR application deadline, the STAR rules are the same for you as before.

To have your Basic STAR exemption upgraded to the Enhanced STAR ex-emption, you must submit the follow-ing to your assessor:

• RP-425-IVP, Supplement to Form RP-425-E (include the Social Se-curity numbers of all owners of the property and any of their spouses who reside at the property), and

• RP-425-E, Application for Enhanced STAR Exemption.Note: You should consider switch-

ing to the STAR credit, because you may receive a larger STAR benefit. For more information see Why switch to the STAR credit from the STAR exemption.

Q: I received a prop ert y tax credit check in 2019. Will I receive one in 2020?

A: You will not receive a property tax credit check unless you are regis-tered to receive the STAR credit from New York State.

Most homeowners who received a check related to their property taxes in 2019 received a check for the prop-erty tax relief credit. That program was in place from 2016 through 2019. However, by law, the program expired after 2019.

Some homeowners receive checks for the STAR credit. However, if you receive the STAR exemption on your school tax bill, you will not receive a check for the STAR credit. Check your school tax bill to see if it was reduced as a result of the STAR exemption.

If you are registered to receive a check for the STAR credit, the Tax De-partment will send you a STAR check in the mail each year, as long you are eligible.

“STAR Program”...continued from page 1

HEALTHY FOODS THAT MAY LIFT YOUR SPIRITSRevised by Andrea Martell, RDN

CDN. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mood-food

Feeling down? Some people find it comforting to turn to food to lift their spirits. However, the sugary, high calo-rie treats that many people resort to have negative consequences. So, are there any healthy foods that can improve your mood? Recent research on the rela-tionship between nutrition and mental health has been emerging; but, it’s im-portant to note that mood can be influ-enced by many factors such as stress, environment, poor sleep, genetics, and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it’s difficult to accurately determine wheth-er food can raise your spirits. Nonethe-less, certain foods have been shown to improve overall brain health and per-haps improve mood. Here are some foods that may give you a boost.

Fish: Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may lower your risk of depression. Aim for consumption of 3-4 ounces 1-2x per week.

Fermented foods: Fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics that support gut health. Since up to 90% of your body’s serotonin is produced in your gut, a healthy gut may correspond to a good mood.

Bananas: Bananas are a great source of natural sugar, vitamin B6, and prebi-otic fiber, which work together to keep your blood sugar levels stable and your moods more well-controlled.

Oats: Whole grain oats (oatmeal, muesli, granola) provide fiber that can

stabilize your blood sugar levels and boost your mood. Oats are also high in iron, which may improve mood ir-regularities in those with iron defi-ciency anemia.

Berries: Berries are rich in antioxi-dants. These stress-fighting antioxidants may help manage inflammation associ-ated with mood disorders, which may lower your risk of depression. If you can’t find them fresh, try buying frozen berries, which are frozen at their peak ripeness to retain antioxidants.

Nuts and seeds: High in plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and fiber, certain nuts and seeds are also high in trypto-phan, zinc, and selenium. Almonds, ca-shews, peanuts, and walnuts, as well as pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds are excellent sources. These nutrients support brain function and may lower your risk of depression.

Beans and lentils: In addition to be-ing high in fiber and plant-based pro-tein, beans and lentils are full of feel-good nutrients, particularly B vitamins, which help improve mood by increasing levels of serotonin. They are also a good source of zinc, magnesium, selenium, and non-heme iron, which may likewise elevate your spirits.

Dark chocolate (in small doses!): Dark chocolate is rich in compounds that may increase feel-good chemicals in your brain. However, since it’s high in calories, limit yourself to very small por-tions [1 small square per day of at least 70% cocoa solids].

We hope that you’ll enjoy many of these wholesome food suggestions that have been shown to not only boost your mood, but also your overall health.

See “STAR Program” page 8

B y : R i c k An g e re r, D i re c t o r Senior Meals

As we enter the winter season, the senior meals program wishes to re-mind area seniors that in the event that inclement weather makes driving too dangerous, it may be necessary to close senior dining centers and cancel home delivered meals. This means meal sites would be closed and that no meals would be delivered to homebound par-ticipants. Closings are made on the ba-sis of recommendations by the County Sheriff ’s Office and school closings. Driving conditions may force cancella-tion of meal deliveries in one area but not another. If you are receiving home delivered meals, you will be provided – in advance – with frozen emergency meals to be used when delivery of meals is not possible.

Meal delivery cancellations will be announced on the following radio sta-

tions: WDHI 100.3 FM, WDLA 1270 AM or 92.1 FM, WIOX 91.3 FM, WZOZ 103.1 FM, WSRK 103.9 FM, WCHN 970 AM, WBKT 95.3 FM, WTBD 97.5 FM, WKXZ 93.9 FM. Cancellations can also be found on television channel WBNG Binghamton Channel 12.

Be sure your driveway, walkways and stairs are clear so your driver can safely deliver your meals. We thank you for your assistance and cooperation. For more information regarding home deliv-ered or congregate meals, please contact the Senior Meals Office at 607-746-1710.

“The Delaware County Senior Dining Program is operated by Delaware Op-portunities Inc. under contract with the Delaware County Office for the Aging with funding from the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, New York State Of-fice for the Aging and the Department of Health, federal and other state funds and contributions provided by program participants.”

SENIOR DINING – INCLEMENT WEATHER


better understand their risk of con-tracting COVID-19. Th e CV19 Check-Up online tool is free and anonymous, and only takes a few minutes to com-plete. The series of questions asks about your health conditions, how many people do you come in contact with, and when do you wear a mask, etc. Th e information and the zip code you provide is used to calculate your risk of getting COVID-19 based on the most current information about the disease and what is happening in your area. It also provides recom-mendations and options to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19. You can complete this as many times as you like and see how your answers

to certain questions change your risk scores. Th ere has been a lot of misin-formation about COVID-19 and the risks associated with contracting and spreading the virus. Th is tool, devel-oped by BellAge, uses the latest sci-entific information from around the world to calculate your individual risk of getting COVID- 19, how likely you are to spread it to others, and how likely are you are to be hospitalized or die from it.

The CV19 CheckUp tool is very easy to use and is free. Try it and share it with everyone you know. Th e tool can be accessed at newyork.cv-19checkup.org.

Thank You Dispatch Donors

TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION FOR “THE DISPATCH” ORFOR A CHANGE OF ADDRESS

TAPE THE CURRENT DISPATCHLABEL HERE

CONTRIBUTION – Wish to make a contribution to “The Dispatch” but can’t remember when you last made one? Here’s a suggestion – contribute on your birthday, the first of the year or any holiday you choose. Planning tasks and yearly appointments on or around a specific day during the year that you already know and can easily remember makes it much easier to plan for those things which only occur once a year.

SUGGESTED CONTRIBUTION: $7 PER YEARMost services provided have no fee, but you are welcome to contribute towards their cost. No one is ever denied service due to inability or unwillingness to contribute. Those with a self-declared income at or above 185% of the Federal Poverty line are encouraged to contribute at levels based on the actual cost. All contributions are used to expand services to all who need them in Delaware County. We are grateful for your support.

SEND YOUR CONTRIBUTION,

(Cash OR, If You Prefer, A Check Made Payable To Office For The Aging),

TO: OFFICE FOR THE AGING, 97 MAIN STREET, SUITE #2; DELHI, NY 13753

Address Change - Are you going away or moving from the area? Do you live in Delaware County seasonally, heading to warmer climates during the winter months? Please let us know of your new address so that we can update our mailing list. We incur an expense with every paper that can’t be delivered and is returned to us when you go away. Keeping our mailing list accurate helps keep mailing costs down.

FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS: PERMANENT TEMPORARYFROM (DATE): _____________________ ; IF TEMPORARY, TO (DATE):___________________________

NEW ADDRESS:

NAME _________________________________________________________________________________

STREET _____________________________________________________________ __________________

CITY ________________________________________________STATE__________ ZIP ______________

Our household receives more than one copy. (Please send labels from ALL copies you received for this issue, indicating which one is correct.)

Please remove name from mailing list.

Donald W. Gleason Unit 190-American Legion Auxiliary, Daniel & Rita Carney, Cord Cordes, Solange Counort, John & Kathryn Cronk, Arthur Edel, Stephen & Helen Gendle, Doris Jeffers,

Carol Kalmar, Elizabeth Karl, Richard & Kay Kaufman, Maria Norris, James O’Donnell, Dave & Betty Ogborn, Nancy Ouimet, Salvatore Palazzolo, Scott Piesecki, Arnold Sandecki,

Family of Lois Tait, Georgia Taylor, Donald & Alvina Teter, Marjorie Tweedie, Richard Walley, Harold & Frances Wegman

“CV19 CHECKUP TOOL”...continued from page 6

For further questions or assis-tance regarding the STAR Program please contact your local assessor. The list and contact information for Delaware County assessors has been provided below.

DELAWARE COUNTY ASSESSORS’ ADDRESSES

Note - The names and contact in-formation displayed below for local officials are their “official addresses” as recorded by the Offi ce of Real Prop-erty Tax Services. Th ese are provided for public information ONLY and are not to be used for commercial pur-poses. (On the website, changes to this list are refl ected on a weekly basis. This list was copied from the website on 12/21/20)

Town of Andes: Ms. Tina Moshier, Assessor - Sole Elected. PO Box 356, Andes, NY 13731. Phone: (845) 676-3737, Fax: (845) 676-3776; Email: [email protected], Website: http://townofandes.com/

Town of Bovina: Mr. D. Joe Gif-ford, Appointed Assessor. Assessor’s Offi ce, PO Box 34, Bovina Center, NY 13740. Phone: (607) 746-2885, Fax: (607) 746-2885. Email: [email protected], Website: http://www.bovinany.org

Town of Colchester: Mr. D. Joe Gifford, Appointed Assessor. Town

Hall, 72 Tannery Road, Downsville, NY 13755. Phone: (607) 363-2175, Fax: (607) 363-7164. Email: [email protected], Website: https://townofcolchesterny.com/

Town of Davenport: Mr. Don Wood, Assessor - Chairman, BOA; Ms. Michael Bordinger-Lutz, Assessor - Member, BOA; Ms. Glenna Jeschke, Assessor - Member, BOA. 11790 State Hwy 23, Davenport Center, NY 13751. Phone: (607) 278-6439, Fax: (607) 278-5600. Email: [email protected]

Town of Delhi: Mr. Frank W. Bo-vee, Chairman; Mr. James Corcoran, Assessor - Member, BOA; Mr. D. Joe Gifford, Assessor. Town Hall, 5 Elm Street, Delhi, NY 13753. Phone: (607) 746-8843, Fax: (607) 746-7847 Email: [email protected]

Town of Deposit: Ms. Becky Her-zog-Ottens, Appointed Assessor. 91 Second Street, Deposit, NY 13754. Phone: (607) 467-5093. Email: [email protected]

Town of Franklin: Mr. James O. Basile, Appointed Assessor. Town Hall, 12480 County Route 21, Frank-lin, NY 13775. Phone: (607) 230-0900, Fax: (607) 829-5618. Email: [email protected], Website: https://townoff ranklinny.wordpress.com/de-partments/assessor/

Town of Hamden: Ms. Tina Moshier, Appointed Assessor. PO Box 26, Hamden, NY 13782. Phone: (607) 746-6660, Fax: (607) 746-2405. Email: [email protected], Web-site: http://www.hamdenny.com

Town of Hancock: Mr. James O. Basile, Appointed Assessor. 661 West Main Street, Hancock, NY 13783. Phone: (607) 637-3651, Fax: (607) 637-4617. Email: [email protected]

Village of Hancock: Village As-sessor. 85 East Front Street, Hancock, NY 13783. Phone: (607) 637-5341, Fax: (607) 637-3698. Email: [email protected], Website: http://www.co.delaware.ny.us/external/villages/hancockvillage.htm

Town of Harpersfield: Mr. Wil-liam P. Boyle, Chairman. 221 Boyle Road, Harpersf ield, NY 13786. Phone: (607) 652-7918, Fax: (607) 652-5060. Email: [email protected]

Mr. Rudolph A. Tompkins, Asses-sor - Member, BOA. 21 River Street, Stamford, NY 12167. Phone: (607) 652-2365, Fax: (607) 652-5060. Email: harpersfi [email protected]

Ms. Laurel Bedford, Assessor - Member, BOA. 3955 Co. Hwy 29, Jef-ferson, NY 12093. Phone: (607) 652-7759, Fax: (607) 652-5060. Email: harpersfi [email protected]

Village of Stamford: Mr. Charles Ferr is, Vi l lage Assessor. 30107 State Highway 23, Stamford, NY 12167. Phone: (607) 652-7730, Fax: (607) 652-3567

Town of Kortright: Ms. Diane G. Lutz, Appointed Assessor. PO Box 6, Bloomville, NY 13739. Phone: (607) 538-1790, Fax: (607) 538-9313. Email: [email protected]

Town of Masonville: Ms. Lin-nea E. Wilson, Appointed Assessor. 658 County Highway 35, Unadilla, NY 13849. Phone: (607) 265-4010, Fax: (607) 828-4025. Email: [email protected], Website: http://www.masonville-ny.us/

Town of Meredith: Ms. Diane G. Lutz, Appointed Assessor. 4247 Turnpike Road, Meridale, NY 13806. Phone: (607) 746-2115, Fax: (607) 746-8544. Email: [email protected],

Website: http://townofmeredith.com/

Town of Middletown: Mr. Joseph E. Todd, Assessor - Chairman, BOA; Ms. MegAnne Balcom, Assessor - Member, BOA; Mr. Miguel Martinez-Riddle, Assessor - Member, BOA. Town Hall, 42339 State Route 28, Mar-garetville, NY 12455. Phone: (845) 586-4048, Fax: (845) 586-1775. Email: [email protected], Website: http://middletowndelawarecountyny.org/

Town of Roxbury: Mr. Robert J. Breglio, Appointed Assessor. Asses-sor’s Office, 53690 State Highway 30, Roxbury, NY 12474. Phone: (607) 326-4362, Fax: (607) 326-4062. Email: [email protected], Web-site: http://www.roxburyny.com

Town of Sidney: Ms. Linnea E. Wilson, Appointed Assessor. 44 Grand Street, Sidney, NY 13838. Phone: (607) 561-2336, Fax: (607) 561-2335. Email: [email protected]

Town of Stamford: Mr. Charles F. Ferris, Assessor - Chairman, BOA. 30107 State Highway 23, Stamford, NY 12167. Phone: (607) 652-7730, Fax: (607) 538-9841. Website: http://townofstamfordny.us/contacts.html

Ms. Sharon Anderson, Asses-sor - Member, BOA. 5 Church Street, Stamford, NY 12167. Phone: (607) 287-8486, Fax: (607) 538-9841. Email: [email protected], Website: http://townofstamfordny.us/contacts.html

Mr. Paul Koerner, Assessor - Mem-ber, BOA. PO Box M, Hobart, NY 13788. Phone: (607) 538-9470, Fax: (607) 538-9841. Email: [email protected], Website: http://townofstamfordny.us/contacts.html

Town of Tompkins: Ms. Wendy Layton, Appointed Assessor. Town Hall, 148 Bridge St. - PO Box 139, Trout Creek, NY 13847. Phone: (607) 865-6967. Email: [email protected], Website: http://townoftompkins.org/

Town of Walton: Ms. Penny Had-dad, Appointed Assessor. Assessor’s Office, 129 North Street, Walton, NY 13856. Phone: (607) 865-5281, Fax: (607) 865-9314. Email: [email protected], Website: http://www.townofwalton.org

“STAR Program”...continued from page 7

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DELAWARE COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING 97 M S ., S 2 • …