January 2012 Newsletter

Friendly Reminder
The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center will be closed Monday, January 2nd in observance of New Years Holiday!

In observance of the New Year Holiday and the Martin Luther King Holiday the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center will be closed Monday January 2nd and Monday January 16th. There will be no home delivered meal service on this date and seniors are encouraged to request prepared meals from our nutrition department prior to being closed for the holiday. Also, home delivered meal recipients may request frozen meals by speaking with their home delivered meal driver. For your nutritional well - being and convenience frozen meals are always available prior to the holidays and should be used on the dates in which the Senior Center is closed. All services provided by the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center will resume when we reopen on Tuesday, January 3rd, and Tuesday, January 17th

2012. If you have any questions concerning your meal delivery service or in - home services that you receive, please contact the Nutrition Department at (740) 439-5717 or (740) 439-6681.

 

The Staff & Administration of the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center wishes you Health, Peace & Happiness in 2012!

 

Craft Group Meets Each Monday at the GCSCC

Crafters Welcome! The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center cordially invites anyone interested in crafting to join our in-house craft group. This group meets each Monday in our craft room from 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM. If you enjoy making crafts, and are looking for something to do on a winter morning we invite you to please stop by and join the crafters.  After crafting, we invite you to join us for lunch.

 

Monday Night Line Dancing Available at the GCSCC

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center offers line dancing classes each Monday night from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Connie Walters is the instructor for this class. The cost is by donation. If you enjoy dancing we invite you to join the class. For additional information please call the GCSCC at (740) 439-6681.

 

Winter Weather Reminders

Be sure to listen to the local radio and T.V. stations for any cancellations or closings due to inclement weather. The GCSCC activities and events may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

 

Square Dances in January

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center cordially invites you to attend our monthly square dances. The first square dance will be Tuesday, January 3rd at 6:45 PM with the Rex Van Dyne & Boys providing the entertainment for the evening. This will be a snack night. The second dance will be held Tuesday, January 17th at 6:45 PM and the entertainment will be the Pleasant Valley Boys. This will be a concession night. The square dances are open to the public. Admission is $3.00 per person. They offer square dancing, polka, round dancing, line dancing, and single dances. The square dances offer a 50 / 50 drawing, door prizes, and cake walk. Join us for an evening of socializing with friends and good old fashioned square dancing. We would like to Thank Betty Shade for volunteering and dedicating her time and hard work for the last 20 years managing the square dances at the GCSCC she will be missed. We would like to Welcome Nancy Grewall as the new volunteer to oversee the Square Dances.

 

Friendly Reminder Bible Study and Book Club Meetings

The Bible Study Group will meet on Thursday’s, in January from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. The Book Club will meet on Thursday, January 5th at 1:00 PM. Bring your favorite book for discussion. Hope to see you there soon!

 

Red Hat Ladies Luncheon
January 9th

The Red Hat Ladies will meet at Down Town Arena on Monday, January 9th at 1:00 PM for Lunch which will be on your own and will be ordered off the menu. To make your reservations please call Janie Downerd at (740) 439-6681.

 

Help With Medical Billing Questions Available to Seniors

The SEORMC will provide senior citizens with assistance regarding medical billing questions on the second Tuesday of each month from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. We encourage you to utilize this service provided by trained staff from the Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center. Appointments are required.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

The Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 1:30 PM. We   invite you to attend this support group meeting. You will learn valuable coping skills and have the opportunity to share your own personal experiences with others who take care of or are living with someone with Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a Safe Return Bracelet which helps reunite loved ones, with dementia, who have wandered. This program extends all over the United States. For more information please contact our friends and supportive group leaders Betty Tickhill at (740) 432-6724 or Mary Jo Moorehead at (740) 685- 8764.

 

Winter Breakfast Buffet
January 11th

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center cordially invites you to attend the monthly Breakfast Buffet on Wednesday, January 11th at 9:00 AM. The special menu will include Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Hash Browns, Mush, Fresh Fruit, Coffee Cake and assorted Juice Coffee & Water. To make your reservations please call (740) 439-6681.

 

Blood Pressure & Well Checks

Health Checks are provided by certified Health Care Professionals each Wednesday, from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, at the GCSCC. We encourage seniors to utilize this service which is available to assist with individual health and improved overall wellness. For additional information please contact the Senior Center at (740) 439-6681.

 

Guest Speaker
From Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
January 11th

Today, the fastest growing age group is centenarians. This means you could possibly spend more than 20 years in retirement. Will you have enough money to support your income needs? Find out more about the factors that may affect retirement and strategies to help you build retirement income in uncertain times. Join us for this informative seminar on Wednesday, January 11th at 11:00 AM presented by financial advisor, Jon Cleary from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. To attend this information session please call the GCSCC at (740) 439-6681.

 

Card Players Welcomed

New Cribbage Card Group

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center hosts four card groups each week. The Cribbage card group will meet on Thursdays from 12:00 noon - 3:00 PM. We will provide the Cribbage boards for this game. The new Pinochle group meets each Tuesday from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM. The Bridge players meet each Wednesday from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM. Euchre is played on Fridays at 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM.  The card players meet in the living room. If you enjoy playing cards and socializing with friends, please feel free to stop by and join us.

 

Exchange Shopping Trip to Zanesville

The Guernsey County Senior Center will travel to Zanesville for an exchange shopping trip for those Christmas gifts that may not fit or that you may not want. This trip will depart the Senior Center Friday, January 13th at 8:30 AM and return approximately at 4:00 PM. Lunch will be on your own at the food court in the mall. We will visit Gabriel’s, Kohl’s, T. J. Max & the Mall. To make your reservations please call the GCSCC at (740) 439-6681.The cost of the trip is:   

Members$ 15.00

Non Members$23.00

 

Reminder the GCSCC will be closed on Monday, January 16th in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

 

Monthly Senior Dinner
January 19th

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center cordially invites you to attend our monthly senior dinner on Thursday, January 19th at 4:30 PM. Dinner will be served at 5:15 PM. During the winter months the monthly dinner will begin at 4:30 PM. The special menu will include Roast Beef, White Quartered Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Sliced Peaches, Dinner Roll & Butter, & Carrot Cake for dessert, Ice Tea, Coffee & Water. Entertainment will begin at 4:30 PM. To make your reservations, please call the GCSCC at (740) 439-6681.

 

Food Commodity Pickup

Food Commodity distribution will be held Friday, January 20th from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. If you are unable to pick up your food box on this date, please notify Rachelle Gadd, by calling (740) 439-6681 to make other arrangements. We ask that you make every effort to pick up your food commodities on time as we have volunteers to assist you with loading your food box on the scheduled day. Thank you for cooperation. Reminder: It’s time to recertify for the Food Commodity Program Please call Rachelle Gadd to make your appointment at (740) 439-6681. Things you will need to bring with you for your appointment will include, Proof of age and residency.

 

Byesville Dinner January 31st

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center cordially invites you to attend the monthly senior dinner at the Byesville Satellite Site on Tuesday, January 31st at 4:00 PM. The special menu will include, Herb Roasted Chicken Quarters, Mashed Potatoes, & Gravy, Green Beans, Dinner Roll & Butter, Punch, Coffee. & Water. To make your reservations for the Byesville dinner please call the GCSCC at (740) 439-6681.

 

New WII Fitness & Game System Available For Seniors at the GCSCC

Seniors! Come join the fun with our new Wii game system. We have Bowling, Tennis, Golf, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Resort Vacation, and Wii Fitness. The staff will show you how the game system works and help you get started. Sign out the game and /or accessories with Janie Downerd. The Wii Game is available in the living room on Mondays from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Tuesdays 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM, Fridays 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Try out the new Wii. We’re sure you will enjoy it! For additional information please call Janie Downerd at (740) 439-6681.

 

Laptop Computers & WiFi

Available for Seniors at the GCSCC

Laptops are for the exclusive use of Guernsey County Seniors and can only be signed out and used inside the GCSCC. Sign out requirements are: Drivers License or Photo ID left with the receptionist until computer is returned. Laptops can only be used inside the Senior Center, in the following locations: Living Room & Dinning Room (Depending on availability). If you have any questions or would like to use one of the two laptops, please feel free to see Stephanie at the front desk.

 

Guernsey County Senior Center offers loaned Medical Equipment

For additional information please call (740) 439-6681.

 

New Memberships

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center offers a membership to senior citizens age 50 years and older. The annual membership cost is only $7.00 per person. The membership entitles you to receive our mailed monthly newsletter providing you with information on all our services, upcoming events & trip information. To become a social member please contact the center at (740) 439-6681.

 

New at the GCSCC
Newsletter Available by E-Mail

If you would like to start receiving your newsletter by e-mail please call GCSCC at (740) 439-6681 and let us know your e-mail address so we can make the change. Thank you for helping us save money.

 

Seniors Are Cordially Welcomed to Join Us for Lunch

The Guernsey County Senior Center cordially invites senior citizens to join us for lunch. Lunch is served from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. If you are a senior age 60 or older, the suggested donation is $2.50.  The cost is $5.50 per meal per person for those under age 60. Stop by the GCSCC dining room and enjoy a delicious lunch!

 

Home Delivered Meal Clients, Homemaking, & Transportation
Participant’s Your Help is Needed!

All senior’s receiving services such as Home Delivered Meal Clients, Transportation, and Homemaking can help the center save food, gas, and money. If you are not going to be home to receive your services please call the GCSCC at (740) 439-6681 and let us know and help us to serve others. Thank you in advance for helping.

 

Byesville Satellite Site offers
Lunches for Seniors

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center would like to invite you to the Byesville Satellite Site. We are located at the Stop Nine Church Senior Center building across from the Stop Nine Church and the Youth Center. The address is 60313 Southgate Road Byesville, Ohio. Hours of operation are 10:00 AM– 1:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Please feel free to call the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center Nutrition Department at (740) 439-5717 to make your reservation and visit our satellite site where you can enjoy lunch with us.  Reservations need to be made by 10:15 AM each day.  Lunches are served at 11:30 AM.  The Satellite Site will not operate on Thursday’s due to the Golden 60’s program operated by the Stop 9 Church of Christ.

 

Clothes Closet for Seniors
Available at GCSCC

Have you been cleaning out your closets recently? The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center maintains a clothes closet especially for senior citizens. If you are a senior citizen and are in need of clothes for your wardrobe we are certain our gracious and hospitable Clothes Closet Volunteer, Shirley, can assist you. The clothes closet is available on Tuesdays from 11:00 AM –12:00 noon. To inquire about making a donation to our clothes closet, please contact the Senior Center at (740) 439-6681.

 

“Pennies from Heaven Fundraising Project”

The Guernsey County Senior Citizen Center is hosting a coin collection fundraiser. If you have pennies to donate, please toss them in our project collection jars. We will be collecting pennies throughout the year! All proceeds will help to purchase much needed furniture and other items here at the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center, Inc. Thank You for your donations. We genuinely appreciate your support!

 

Dollar Energy Fund & Neighbor To Neighbor Program Assistance Available to Senior Citizens

Dollar Energy Fund and AEP Ohio have teamed up to create a new program that will assist low – income AEP Ohio customers who have difficulty paying their electric bill.

The program will provide eligible customers with a utility assistance grant applied directly to the AEP Ohio Bill. This grant will help low – income customers maintain or restore their basic electric service.

Eligible Households

Must be a Customer of AEP    

 Be at or below 200% of the Poverty Income Guidelines(FPIGs) a family of four earning up to $42,400 per year is eligible

 Have made a sincere effort of payment on their AEP Ohio Bill. A sincere effort is a minimum of $100 in the last 90 days. Exceptions for senior citizens will apply.

 Have a minimum balance of $100 on their AEP Ohio bill.

For a Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program referral, contact: Area Agency on Aging, Region 9 at (740)439-2294 or 1-800-945-4250.

 

Ensure®& Glucerna® Supplemental Beverages Available

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center offers supplemental nutritional beverage shakes which can assist in sustaining your nutritional

well-being, especially among cancer patients, who find it difficult to digest and tolerate regular foods. Each comes in four great flavors Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, & Butter Pecan. A case of Ensure costs $20.00 for regular and $22.00 for the plus. Diabetic Glucerna costs $38.00 per case. To order your Ensure or Glucerna beverage please contact Craig Daniels at (740) 432-3838. In some circumstances, please allow three days for delivery. Always remember to first consult your physician to determine if this nutritional beverage supplement is best for your nutritional needs.

 

Telephone Reassurance Program

Do you have a loved one that needs a social daytime telephone call, or are you yourself home alone with no one to talk to? The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center is currently welcoming volunteers to assist in our Telephone Reassurance program. Guernsey County residents 60 years of age or older can sign up for the telephone call each day. Anyone can make a referral and there is no charge for this service, however donations are welcomed and always appreciated. This service helps to assure the continued well-being of elderly individuals who may not receive contact outside their home. If you would like to become a telephone reassurance volunteer, or would like to sign up to receive our telephone reassurance services, please call the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center at (740) 439-6681.

 

Reminder to Report Your
“Change of Address” to GCSCC

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center would like to remind seniors who have recently moved or have a new PO Box to please report these changes to us by calling (740) 439-6681. Also, it’s very important to complete a “Change of Address Card” and provide it to your local Post Office so that you can be certain to receive all your mail.

 

Friendly Reminder Regarding
Senior Program Participant Assessments

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center is required by the Ohio Department of Aging to conduct routine assessments and updates on every senior citizen, age 60 years and older whom we serve. Assessments are a vital part of how we receive our funding and enable us to provide beneficial services. If you receive home delivered meals or dine with us here at the Senior Center anytime throughout the year we humbly remind you that we will need to conduct an assessment with you. We please ask for your continued support and cooperation anytime you are asked by our staff to participate in any of our routine program assessments. As always, we genuinely appreciate your time and understanding. Please note that we will be conducting client / participant assessments at various different events that we host here at the Senior Center throughout the year as well visiting you in your home. For additional information or questions regarding the assessment process, please call the GCSCC at (740) 439-6681.

 

Transportation Services Available at the GCSCC

Seniors! Do you need a ride to the doctor’s office, grocery store, hair appointment or other locations in Guernsey County? The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center provides transportation throughout the Guernsey County area for senior citizens 60 years of age and older. The cost is by donation, suggested donation is $2.00 one way, or what you can afford. To make reservations for transportation please call Transportation Supervisor Craig Daniels at (740) 432-3838.

 

Hand Stitched Quilting Services Are Available To the Public

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center Quilt Group is currently welcoming anyone who may need a quilt hand stitched or completed. To add your name and special quilt to the reservation list please call Janie Downerd at (740) 439-6681.

 

Kountry Swingers Welcome Dancers
To join the line dancing group

If you enjoy line dancing, or would like to learn, the Kountry Swingers are looking to engage new participates and will train if necessary. The group meets each Wednesday for practice at the GCSCC at 1:30 PM.  If you would like to join the group please call Diane Krall at (740) 432-7843 or JoAnn Sprill at (740) 432-3234.

 

Welcoming Volunteers for a Senior Citizen Choir Director & Group

The Guernsey County Senior Center is seeking volunteer seniors who love to sing & would like to form the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Choir Group. We are looking for a volunteer Choir Director to direct the choir. If you would like to become a member or serve as a volunteer choir director please call Janie Downerd at (740) 439-6681.

 

The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center Administration and Staff and the seniors that we serve would like to express our sincere Thanks & Appreciation to all those special people who purchased Christmas Gifts for seniors this past December. Thank You to Cambridge Lions Club, Federal Mogul & the Red Hat Lady Divas and Those who chose a name off the Giving Tree at CVS Pharmacy.

 



AARP Tax Aide Free Tax Help

AARP Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest, free volunteer run tax counseling and preparation service for taxpayers with middle and low income, with special attention to those ages 60 and older, will be offering their service again this year, starting in February 2012 at the Guernsey County Senior Center in Cambridge. All AARP Tax-Aide volunteers receive comprehensive training in cooperation with the IRS. Tax preparation services will be offered on Friday’s at the center in Cambridge starting on February 3rd through April 13, 2012. Free E-filling of all returns will be provided again this year, resulting in improved quality of all returns filed and speed up of the Tax Refund process. All returns are computer prepared using IRS authorized software to assure compliance with and take advantage of all new tax law changes. Returns will be completed on an appointment basis only, one return per appointment. Tax clients are to call 439-6681 to schedule an appointment in Cambridge and to bring proof and or copies of the following with them to their appointment.

 

Home Energy Assistance Program
Applications and Heating Help Available for Senior Citizens

 The Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center has HEAP applications available for senior citizens to receive assistance with their winter heating bills. In-home application assistance, whereby a member of our staff will come directly to your home and help fill out your HEAP application, can also be arranged. Applicants must provide the following:

Proof of income, proof of citizenship (birth certificate), baptismal certificate or a DD-214 (Military Discharge) proof of your past heating bill, and have a household income that is 200 % at / or below the federal poverty guideline level. For more information and eligibility requirements, please stop by the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center. Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday. Eligibility requirements per year are:

1 person           21,780.00

2 person           29,420.00

3 person           37,060.00

4 person           44,700.00

5 person           52,340.00

6 person           59,980.00

7 person           67,620.00

8 person           75,260.00

For households with more than 8 members, add $7,640.00 additional person.

If you are a senior and need help filling out your HEAP application, please contact the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center by calling (740) 439-6681 or toll free at 1-866- 534 – 2349; or visit;

Energyhelp.ohio.gov

Or email: energyhelp@odod.state.oh.us

For hearing impaired only, please contact

            1-800-686-1557