Dear Members:

Recently, as our employees were preparing statistics for the Mayor’s Annual  Report, we   learned we had a 37% increase in membership from last year.  There was also a 23%     increase in class participation as well as a 32% increase in our  travel department.  These statistics are proof older adults are joining the Milford Senior Center to participate in our many interesting classes and to travel. We are proud to be able to increase the variety of activities that are offered to members of the Milford Senior Center.  For more information regarding trips, classes, and other activities, visit our website at www.milfordctseniorcenter.com.

We wish to invite our Milford residents 55 years of age and older, to join the Milford  Senior Center.  The annual membership fee is only $15.00 a year. Our office is open  Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

This year the Milford Health Department’s Annual Flu Shot Clinics will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23^rd and Wednesday, October 30^th.   Please do not arrive at the Senior Center before 9:00 a.m. Further information will be available and published in our September Bulletin and local media.

Just a reminder, the Senior Center is an air conditioned facility and provides cool comfort for our older adults.  The Center is open on Monday evenings until 8:00 p.m. and on   Sunday afternoons from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.  Call 203-877-5131 before 4:30 p.m. to verify if we are open any other weekday evenings until 8:00 p.m. due to temperatures in the high 90’s.

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable August.

FROM THE DESK OF EDITOR, ELEANORE MYERS TURKINGTON

The sweltering heat we experienced during July is just a memory now.  Let’s hope August will be kind to us.  However, here at our center, in spite of the hot weather, Center members can enjoy all of their activities in comfortable, air conditioned rooms. In addition Program Director, Amanda Berry has scheduled a number of special events that she has planned for our interests.  As an example, you can participate in an AARP  Safe Driving Class, review Medicare Programs, attend a discussion on Happiness and also  learn how to respect and understand all animals.  You can check out page 4 of this  Bulletin  and view the many special event options planned for August. By the way, please  see our photo pages this month; they will offer you a glimpse into the busy, happy world of our members. Stay cool! Enjoy this last month of summer!

  WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Cheryl Altona, Peggy Antonini,Beth Barrett, Mary Anne Benjamin, Alfred Benjamin, Virgilia Bernius,                          Joseph E. Bogdan, Thomas Boone, Donald Budzilek, Mary Ellen Busillo, Maureen Camera,  Kathleen Cullen, Katherine Devine, Joseph Deyulio, Debra Dubien, Maureen Eisenhandler, Rita Emery, Guixiang Gong,                    Charles Griebell, Lorraine Hauck and Elinor Hill.  Also, Bette Jacobson, Isabel Jensen, Frank Jordan,                        Donna Jordan, Sharon Kay, Kathleen Koch, Frances Kwolek, Gina Labrecque, Marianne Laska, Robert Laska and Susan Linsley.  Also, Barbara Lisman, Phyllis Little,  Thomas  Minahan,  Mary Ellen Murphy, Ellen Novack,              Bonnie Peloso, Robert Peloso, Elizabeth  Peterman, Elizabeth Petrucelli, Barbara Pietrini, Ira Rosen,                        Dolores Roller,  Gerhard (Garry) Roller,   Sharon Rutledge,  Carol Scaramella, Anne Smith, Anita Stabler-Hussey,    Cynthia Stephensen,  Nancy Tomasco,  Michael Walmycky, Jacqueline Weiner and Alexandra  Winkleman.

 MEDICARE INFORMATION

There are changes coming with Medicare next year and we will try to keep you informed.  Each month until     January 2020, you will find important information in this column.  If there any questions, you may call our       Insurance Specialists, Laura Daneault or John Cornelius at the Milford Senior Center 203 877-5131

                                                   FOR THOSE MEDICARE “ELIGIBLE” AFTER 2020

For beneficiaries that are not eligible for Medicare until after 2020, you still have alternatives that will keep your out of pocket costs low.  The only difference between the alternative plans listed below and first dollar coverage plans is the Part B deductible which is $185.00 as of 2019.

Alternatives to First-Dollar Coverage Plans:

Alternative to Plan C is Plan N. Plan N is considered a cost –sharing plan because you have to pay a co-pay of up to $20.00 for doctor visits and up to $50.00 at the emergency room.

Alternative to Plan F is Plan G.  This plan covers virtually all your medical and hospitalization costs, including excess charges. Plan G is already a popular plan because it offers great coverage with a much lower premium than Plan F.

Plan G is a good bet if you want the fullest possible coverage.  Once you meet the annual Part B deductible, you shouldn’t have any further expenses for services covered by Medicare.

Plan N is a good choice if you’re looking to save money on premiums, don’t mind a small copay, and aren’t concerned about  excess charges.  Excess charges aren’t allowed in some states, and even where they are permitted, not all providers charge them.

Even though Medigap Plan F High Deductible is not really a first-dollar coverage plan, it’s being discontinued since it’s a plan that falls under Plan F.

According to our  Food Bank Manager , Sharon Brown, “ the shelves in the Food Bank were empty, but now they are full.  Our sincerest thanks to the U.S. Postal Workers and the citizens of Milford who donated  groceries recently to the city wide drive.”

There are programs at the Milford Senior Center that welcome members 55 years of age and older, the  opportunity to create, sing, play an instrument and genuinely enjoy our  many available  selective activities. You will see a number of photographs in this edition of our Bulletin that display additional pursuits that will encourage  participation and provide a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction. 

 During our Annual Creative Arts Show, the Art Class revealed their latest project, a “painted quilt” of   Milford historic sites. We were excited to have Mayor Ben Blake join us for this event at the Center.