New App for Florida Veterans

The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs has launched a new app for veterans. This app is available for iPhones and for android devices. This FDVA app provides:

• Links to claims, educational benefits, and health care
• Locations for VA clinics, hospitals, and centers
• Nursing home and assisted living information
• Veterans' Administration News
• Crisis contact information

Upcoming Library Programs

Would you like to learn how to do how to knit, find new friends at a Senior Games program, or learn about living wills? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco County library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:

Tues, September 1st at 12:00pm 
     Library Knitters 
     Hugh Embry Library
 People who enjoy working with yarn, here's your place to meet, share and enhance your knowledge! Bring a brown bag lunch, if you wish. This program is on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and runs for 90 minutes.
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576

Tuesdays at 4:45pm
Tuesday Night Stitchers
Hudson Regional Library  
This group instructs and shares ideas with knitters of all skill levels, beginning to advanced. New faces are always welcome. The group gathers at the tables near the New Books section.
Hudson Regional Library 
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667 
(727) 861-3040

Wed, September 2nd at 11:00am
Alzheimer's Association/ Caregiver's Support Group
Land O'Lakes Library
This meeting will inform the community about services and support available for patients with dementia.Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214

Wed, September 2nd at 2:00pm
Five Wishes Living Will Program
New River Library
Patricia Sutton, from the Gulfside Hospice and Pasco Palliative Care will present a program about living wills.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375
 
Thurs, September 3rd at 10:00am
    Social Seniors
    Land O'Lakes Library 
Join our group of Social Seniors for coffee, cake, and conversation. Get involved at the library by offering programming suggestions. Or, take this time to meet new friends, discuss common interests, and engage in recreational activities. Occasional workshops on topics of interest may be scheduled.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214

Thursdays at 11:00am
SHINE Medicare Help
     New River Library
A SHINE volunteer (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) will help people with their Medicare enrollment questions.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375  

Fridays at 11:00am      
Knitters for Charity       
Hudson Regional Library  
Join this fun group to knit and crochet for charity. They have donated over 14,000 items--hats, scarves, items for children, afghans, and more--to cancer patients, the needy, the homeless, and others. New faces are always welcome, and if you want to learn how to knit or crochet, they will teach you! 
Hudson Regional Library 
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667 
(727) 861-3040

Fri, September 4th at 11:00am
     Medicare 101
     New River Library
A representative from the Area Agency on Aging will be giving a presentation and Q and A session about Medicare
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Wed, September 9th at 2:00pm
    Senior Social
    New River Library
Adults, age 50 and above, can enjoy card games, board games, and Wii bowling. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.
New River Library34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Avoiding Frauds and Scams

There are many criminals who use scams to defraud people. These scam artists can show up at your home, call your home, or contact you online. The Federal Trade Commission has a webpage with scam alerts, so that you can recognize new scams. Their most recent scam alert is "Scam-proof Your Doorstep", which discusses:

• home repair scams
• cable reconnect scams
• utility cut-on scams

You can read all the scam alerts here.

Flood Update

The Pasco County Office of Emergency Management has been releasing daily updates about the flooding in Pasco County.
Governor Rick Scott signed a State Declaration of Emergency for Pasco County on Thursday afternoon. This declaration will provide additional State resources to be deployed in Pasco County. It is also one of the triggers to get Federal disaster assistance. Residents who have damage to their house as a result of flooding need to notify the County.

• Call the Resident Information Center at (727) 847-2411, (352) 523-2411, (813) 996-2411 or
• Go to the Pasco County web page and click on the Customer Service Center and then Submit A Request

 The county has set up Community Support Stations to help residents. These Community Support Stations will be staffed 7:00am to 7:00pm to assist families with meals and water. Pasco County is also using high profile vehicles to assist families in need that do not have means of transportation to the Community Support Stations. The Community Support Stations are located at:

• Jasmine Lakes: On Willow Drive between Mimosa Drive and Pineapple Lane Hudson

Meals provided by Red Cross at 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Magnolia Valley: Just north of 7113 Magnolia Valley Drive, New Port Richey

Meals provided by Salvation Army at 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• Elfers: On SR 54 at Celtic Drive, New Port Richey

Meals and showers provided by Salvation Army at 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• Bass Lake: At Bass Lake Dr at Wicker Lane, New Port Richey

Meals provided by Salvation Army at 11:00am – 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

You can read the full press release for today here. The most up-to-date press releases will be found on this page. You can also get answers to your questions by calling the Resident Information Center at (727) 847-2411, (352) 523-2411, or (813) 996-2411.

New Website for Older Adults

The Department of Health and Human Services has created a webpage with resources for older adults, called Aging.gov. This webpage has links to reliable information about:

• Healthy aging
• Elder justice
• Retirement planning
• Health issues
• Long-term care
• Age discrimination

It also provides a link to aging resources for each state. In Florida, our state agency is the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Pasco County Government App

Did you know that Pasco County now has its own app? This MyPascoApp is available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices. You can find this app in the Apple store and the Google Play Store, by searching for "mypasco". Note that the Apple version of the app is labeled iphone only, but it does work on an Ipad.  This app provides lots of great information. Here are some of the app's features:

• an interactive evacuation map
• "Pasco View" section (a map for looking at property lines and flood zones)
• Pasco County Announcements (with links to the Pasco Disaster Planning Guide)
• a "How do I?" section with information about how to apply for a permit, business license, or library card, find a recycle site, register to vote, and more.
• Park reservations
• National Weather Service Alerts for Pasco County

You can Help to End Hunger in Pasco County!

Did you know that one in six seniors in Pasco County is hungry or food insecure? These seniors are considered the "hidden hungry" because they are homebound and so people do not know about them. "Feeding Pasco's Elderly" is a non-profit organization that helps raise awareness about these hungry seniors and raises funds for the Pasco County Elderly Nutrition Program. Here is a link to a news article about this organization.

Pasco County's Elderly Nutrition program is 35 years old and feeds 800 elderly people daily at their homes and at eight congregate dining centers around the county.  You can help by volunteering with "Feeding Pasco's Elderly", by donating money to this organization, or by attending their fund-raising events, such as the First Annual Ambassador’s Breakfast Fundraiser coming up on October 14th, 2015. You can find out more about this event on their website here. 

You can also volunteer to deliver food to the elderly by contacting the Pasco County Elderly Nutrition department at (727) 834-3287. Here is a video about the Elderly Nutrition program:

Disaster Preparedness Guide for Elders

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs has just published the 2015 Disaster Preparedness Guide for Elders. This guide has articles about preparing for hurricanes, tornadoes, extreme heat, and disaster recovery. There is also information about: 

• Emergency preparedness and your health
• Protecting your home against wildfires
• Disaster preparedness for elders with hearing loss
• Disaster and recovery assistance for seniors

If you need daily medical assistance during an emergency - such as help with medication , oxygen therapy, etc. and don’t have another place to go, you may be eligible to go to a special needs shelter. Click here for a link to the special needs application form and information for Pasco County residents. Pasco County also has a Disaster Planning Guide. You can click here to access this guide.

Upcoming Library Programs

Would you like to learn how to do how to knit, find new friends at a Senior Games program, or learn how learn more about your Medicare options? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco County library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:

Tues, July 7th at 12:00pm 
     Library Knitters 
     Hugh Embry Library
 People who enjoy working with yarn, here's your place to meet, share and enhance your knowledge! Bring a brown bag lunch, if you wish. This program is on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and runs for 90 minutes.
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576

Wed, July 8th at 6:00pm
   Hugh Embry Chess Club
   Hugh Embry Library
This chess club is for beginning and advanced players! We have chess sets, or bring your own.
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576 

Thursdays at 11:00am
    SHINE Medicare Help
     New River Library
A SHINE volunteer (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) will help people with their Medicare enrollment questions.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Fridays at 11:00am      
Knitters for Charity       
Hudson Regional Library  
Join this fun group to knit and crochet for charity. They have donated over 14,000 items--hats, scarves, items for children, afghans, and more--to cancer patients, the needy, the homeless, and others. New faces are always welcome, and if you want to learn how to knit or crochet, they will teach you! 
Hudson Regional Library 
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667 
(727) 861-3040

Saturday, July 11th at 10:00am    
   Turning 65? Medicare Options   
    Land O'Lakes Library
This free program from the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) will provide information about Medicare Options.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214
  
Tues, July 14th at 10:00am
  AARP Driver Safety
  New River Library
To register for this AARP class, you will need to call (813)907-3908.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

 Thurs, July 16th at 10:00am
    Senior Games
    Land O'Lakes Library
Join us for fun and games at the library. Meet new people while playing cards, board games, or challenging video games.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214

Staying Safe and Mobile in Florida

In 2009, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) partnered with the Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy at FSU to establish a statewide coalition to address the specific needs of Florida’s aging road users. They developed a website called "Safe and Mobile Seniors". This website offers:

•  Driving tips
•  A search tool to help you find a ride within each Florida county
• Links to driver safety programs. Note: the New River Library and Land O'Lakes library often host AARP Driver Safety classes. Check with you local branch to find out if they are having one of these programs.
• Information about adaptive equipment for your vehicle 

In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides this webpage about safe driving for older adults.

"Ageless in America" Television Program

The Area Agency on Aging for North Florida and WCTV have collaborated to create a new 30 minute television program, "Ageless in America". This television series provides information about how to live better after age 50. This program covers topics such as: upbeat human interest stories, art, music, books, healthcare, financial planning and more.

Here is the first program in the series:


You can find more episodes of this program here.

New Resource for Identity Theft Victims

Are you worried that your personal information has been stolen, due to a data breach at a bank or store? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has created a new one-stop website -
https://www.identitytheft.gov/  - to help you determine if your identity has been stolen. For example, here are some of the warning signs of identity theft:

•   You get a bill from a medical provider for a service you never used.
• You find unfamiliar charges on your credit card.
• You don't get your bills or other mail.

If someone has stolen your personal information, Identitytheft.gov provides a step-by-step list of actions to take to regain control of your identity.

Upcoming SHINE Medicare Volunteer Training

Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity? Volunteers are needed in Pasco County to provide counseling related to Medicare, Medicaid & more.  There will be a three-day Boot Camp Program for individuals interested in volunteering with the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program.

The training will begin on June 23, 2014.  Transportation costs are reimbursed and meals are furnished. You can visit www.floridashine.org for an online application or email Geralyn.Fortney@aaapp.org for details.

In addition, you can speak with a SHINE representative in person at the Hap Clark building - Suite 302 E at 4111 Land O Lakes Blvd in Pasco County, on Friday June 5th or Friday June 12th between the hours of 8:00 am and 12:00 pm.

The May/June Elder Update is Available

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a bimonthly newsletter, the "Elder Update", for Florida Seniors. The current issue includes the following articles:

•  Medicare and Disaster Preparedness
•  Ageism
•  Florida Senior Day 2015
•  Hardworking canine volunteer aids in the fight against elder abuse (This story is about a local Victim Advocate with the Area  Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and her dog -  she is a real local hero!)

You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here. The 2015 Disaster Preparedness Guide should be published in July.

Older Americans Month Census Facts

May is Older Americans Month. This year's theme of "Older Americans Month" is "Get Into The Act".  Every Year the U.S. Census Bureau provides a fact sheet to celebrate this month. 

Here are some highlights from this fact sheet:

• 44.7 million people in the U.S.were 65 or older in 2012
• $35,611 is the median income of householders 65 and older
• 9.5% is the poverty rate for people 65 and older
• 18.7% of Florida's population was 65 or older in 2012.
• 4.9 million full time year round workers were 65 and older in 2012.
• 9.3 million veterans of the armed services are age 65 or older 
• 62.4% of those 65 and above accessed the Internet  through a  high - speed Internet connection

The full census report can be found here.

Local Volunteer Wins State Award

At Florida Senior Day, Janet Mills was awarded the Champion of Service Award for her outstanding service for more than 10 years as a dedicated volunteer with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. During that time she helped more than 10,670 people with Medicare counseling. Congratulations, Janet, and thank you for your many years of service to Florida Seniors!

"Tacky Tourist" Fun Fest in Dunedin

The Lifestyles After 50 Tacky Tourist Fun Fest will be held on Friday, May 15th in Dunedin from 9:00am - 2:00pm. Admission and parking are free. The event will feature:

• Free Health Screenings
• Live Entertainment
• Free coffee and goodies
• Free bingo and giveaways 

Our Lady of Lourdes Church at the Conmy Center
750 San Salvador Dr.  
Dunedin, FL 34698
1-888-670-0040 or 813-653-1988

Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month.  This observance was originally called "Senior Citizen's Month" when it was created in 1963, but it was renamed "Older Americans Month" by President Carter in 1980.  The purpose of Older Americans Month is to "recognize older Americans for their contributions to the nation".
The Administration for Community Living has announced the theme for this year - "Get into the Act". This theme focuses on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. 
If you are looking to get involved in your community, remember that the library has lots of opportunities for engagement. You can be a part of the New River Library community garden, help raise money for our children's programs by participating in our Friends of the Library groups, attend our Senior Socials, or volunteer at your local library!

Upcoming Library Programs

Would you like to learn how to do genealogy research, find new friends at a Senior Social, or learn how to download library ebooks? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco County library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:

Wed, Apr 29th at 4:00pm
   Hugh Embry Chess Club
   Hugh Embry Library
This chess club is for beginning and advanced players! We have chess sets, or bring your own.
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576 

Thursday, Apr 30th and May 7th at 11:00am
    SHINE Medicare Help
     New River Library
A SHINE volunteer (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) will help people with their Medicare enrollment questions.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Thurs, Apr 30th,  at 5:00pm
     Tablet Talk           
     South Holiday Library
Looking to learn more about technology? Learn how to use different apps to get the most out of your tablet! Each week we'll explore a different topic to help make you a tech pro! If you don't have a tablet and want to see what's available, we'll have several varieties on display.
South Holiday Library
4649 Mile Stretch Drive 
Holiday, FL 34690 
(727) 834-3331

Fridays at 11:00am      
Knitters for Charity       
Hudson Regional Library  
Join this fun group to knit and crochet for charity. They have donated over 12,000 items-hats, scarves, items for children, afghans, and more-to cancer patients, the needy, the homeless, and others. New faces are always welcome, and if you want to learn how to knit or crochet, they will teach you!
Hudson Regional Library 
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667 
(727) 861-3040

Fri, May 1st at 2:00pm
    Ebooks from your library
     New River Library
Learn how to get ebooks from the library to your tablet.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Sat, May 2nd at 2:00pm
   Genealogy- where do I begin?
   Regency Park Library
Get some tips on how to get started with genealogy.
Regency Park Library
9701 Little Road
New Port Richey 34654
(727) 861-3049

Tues, April 5th at 10:00am
    AARP Smart Driver Course
    New River Library
You can click here to find local classes and register for a class.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Tues, May 5th and May 19th at 12:00pm
    Knitting Club
    Hugh Embry Library
Bring your supplies and a bag lunch if you wish, 1st and 3rd Tues each month January-May!
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576 

Wed, May 6th at 11:00am
    Alzheimers Association/
    Caregiver's  Support
    Land O'Lakes Library
This program will inform the community about services and support available for patients with dementia.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214          

Wed, May 6th at 2:00pm
     Senior Social
     New River Library
Adults, age 50 and above, can enjoy card games, board games, and Wii bowling. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Thurs, May 7th at 10:00am
    Social Seniors
    Land O'Lakes Library
Join our group of Social Seniors for coffee, cake, and conversation. Get involved at the library by offering programming suggestions. Or, take this time to meet new friends, discuss common interests, and engage in recreational activities.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214           

Also, many branches offer book discussions and technology programs.

New U. S. Department of Veteran's Affairs' Streamlined Claims Process

The  U. S. Department of Veteran's Affairs has standardized their claims process by:

• using standardized forms for compensation claims (online on the eBenefits page).
• you can get downloadable forms from links in this VA blog post.
• you can get the new form to appeal your claims decision here 
• if you want to file a claim, but need time to gather information, you can file an "intent to file a claim" form here.

If you need more help with your Veteran's benefits, you can contact the Pasco County Veteran's Services Department by calling (727) 834-3282 or check the department's webpage here.

Check Out your Financial Advisor - Before You Invest!

 The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has created a website to help people check the registration, license, and disciplinary history of financial professionals. This website is called CFTC Smartcheck and it describes 6 steps to take before making an investment, including:

• Determine if your financial advisor is registered with the CFTC or the NFA, using the website's BASIC search tool.
• Use the BrokerCheck tool to see if the financial professional is registered with the SEC or FINRA.
• Check to see if the professional has a CFTC disciplinary history.

 In addition to these search tools, the Smartcheck website has investor news, tips to avoid fraud, and interactive videos about common investment scenarios. You can also report any sketchy offers or shifty sales tactics as a confidential tip here.

The March/April Elder Update is Available

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a bimonthly newsletter, the "Elder Update", for Florida Seniors. The current issue includes the following articles:

•  Florida Senior Day
•  Tips for helping your grandchildren become readers
•  2014 Senior Games Success Stories
•  Online Life Review Program
•  Become an Inventor in Your Second Act

You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here.

What can you do if you get malware or your email is hacked?

The Federal Trade Commission has created a website - OnGuardOnline.gov - which provides information about how to prevent your computer from getting malware and also gives instruction about what to do if your computer is infected with malware or your email account gets hacked. OnGuardOnline provides specific information about:

• safely disposing of your mobile device or old computer
• avoid, detect, or remove viruses or other malware
• computer security
• the risks of P2P file sharing

You can also download an article about online safety here.  Below are two videos from OnGuardOnline.

 What to do if your email has been hacked:



What to do if you get malware on your computer:

Upcoming Library Programs

Would you like to learn more about your ipad or iphone, try chair yoga, or try tai chi? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:

Sat, March 21st from 10:00am - 3:00pm
     Big Outdoor Booksale
     New River Library
The Friends of the New River Library will be hosting a large outdoor book sale tomorrow from 10:00 am to 3:00pm. We will have several drawings for prizes- including a gift basket and a signed book by New York Times bestselling author, Tess Gerritsen.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Tuesday, March 24th at 1:00pm
   Hospice and End Of Life Issues
   Hugh Embry Library

Presented free by Patty Sutton, Community Outreach Advocate with Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care. Learn about Advance Care Directives, and much more.
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576


Wed, March 25th at 10:00am
    iOS (Apple) and Ebooks
    Land O'Lakes Library
Come bring your favorite iOS device (ipad, ipod, or iphone) and learn how to read e-books on it. We will also highlight some exciting apps for iOS devices!
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214

Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576

Thursdays at 11:00am
    SHINE Medicare Help
     New River Library
A SHINE volunteer (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) will help people with their Medicare enrollment questions.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Thursday, March 26th at 11:30am
   Chair Yoga
   Regency Park Library
Chair Yoga taught by Tricia Gibbs from Flow Yoga; for adults.
Regency Park Library
9701 Little Road
New Port Richey 34654
(727) 861-3049

Friday, March 27th at 11:00am      
Tai Chi       
Hudson Regional Library  
Tai Chi is often described as moving meditation. The Taoist Tai Chi Society is back to instruct you in this therapeutic and healthful ancient Chinese martial art. This program is ongoing for four separate weekly sessions: Fridays, March 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. To participate, please sign up at the Reference Desk or by calling 727-861-3040. Please consult with a physician before starting any exercise program. This is a free program, sponsored by the Friends of Hudson Library.  
Hudson Regional Library 
8012 Library Road, Hudson, FL 34667 
(727) 861-3040

Also, many branches offer book discussions.

Florida Elderly Mortgage Assistance Program

In 2010, the U.S. Treasury department created the Housing Finance Agency "Hardest-Hit Fund" to help people avoid foreclosure after housing prices plummeted. Part of the money from the Hardest-Hit Fund is allocated to the Florida Elderly Mortgage Assistance Program (ELMORE). This program helps senior homeowners who have a reverse mortgage and are behind on their property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, flood insurance, and homeowners’ and/or condo association dues (property charges). The fund pays these property charges to the homeowners' reverse mortgage servicer.

The ELMORE program can provide up to $25,000 to help seniors avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes, if they are are in arrears on their reverse mortgage. You can find out more about the ELMORE at this website:

http://www.floridaelmore.org/

or call 1-(800) 601-3534 

The Area Agencies on Aging will be helping seniors to gather the documents they need to apply for the program. Note: there is no fee to apply for the ELMORE program. To contact the Area Agency on Aging for Pasco-Pinellas, please call 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

IRS Tips to Help You Choose a Tax Preparer

 

The IRS  recently published a list of tips to help choose a tax preparer. These tips include:

• Check the preparer's qualifications - All paid tax preparers are required to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN. You can use the search tool here to check a preparer's credentials.
• Check the Better Business Bureau to see if the preparer has a history of complaints from clients.
• Ask the preparer to e-file your return.
• Never sign a blank tax return.

You can read the full article here.

Alternatively, you can find free tax help in Pasco county through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. The TCE program helps those who are 60 years of age and older and they specialize in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. You can look for nearby sites for help by going to this webpage: Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers or by calling 211 (the Pasco County United Way helpline).

It's Florida Strawberry Festival time!

The Florida Strawberry Festival is happening now and continues until March 8th. This year's theme is "Come Join the Party!". This annual festival was started in 1930 by the Plant City Lions Club and it now ranks among the Top 40 Fairs in North America. What can you see at the fair? Here are some of the attractions:

• free entertainment - concerts, magician show, stunt team, racing pigs, and more
• livestock shows and contests
• Grand parade on Monday, March 2nd
• handmade crafts
• Pioneer village
• East Hillsborough Art Guild Show
• Horticulture Show
• fair food, and lots of strawberry shortcake!

303 N. Lemon St. 
Plant City, FL
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids

Florida Blue Senior Citizens Day: 
Thursday March 5th 
Patrons 60 years and older get $2.00 off the gate admission of $10.00 

Here is a link to the online schedule.  You can find even more information on the Florida Strawberry Festival website. 

New "Aging on the Suncoast" Episode

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas produces and hosts a community access television program, "Aging on the Suncoast". This program  provides information of interest to elders, their families and caregivers. The January program was  "Consumer Protection Part 1". This episode will help you recognize potential scams and how to protect yourself, if you are targeted. 

Medicare Help at New River Library - now on Thursdays

Do you have questions about how to sign up for Medicare or about which Medicare plan is right for you? A SHINE volunteer can help.  SHINE stands for "Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders", a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, where volunteers are committed to helping others make informed choices regarding Medicare insurance benefits. 

New River Library now has a SHINE volunteer available on Thursday mornings from 11:00 am to 1:00pm. However, we no longer have Medicare help on Fridays.

New River Library
34043 State Road 54
Zephyhrhills, FL 33543
813-788-6375

Volunteer Opportunity

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Becoming a SHINE volunteer may be a good choice for you. SHINE stands for "Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders", a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, where volunteers are committed to helping others make informed choices regarding Medicare insurance benefits. 

What is it like being a SHINE volunteer? Here is the story of a SHINE Volunteer Couple, Joe and Miriam: 

Joe writes:

"What do you think of when I say Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap, or Advantage Plan? For many of us, Medicare comes to mind, but in some cases confusion sets in.  About a year ago, I spotted a newspaper article which highlighted a program called SHINE that was seeking volunteers to assist Medicare clients with their choices.

So I convinced my wife, Miriam, that we may as well start understanding the program before we need to enroll, which usually occurs as we approach the age of 65. So I called, and soon after we began training.

It is important to note that counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company, and will not try to sell insurance, and all counseling records are strictly confidential. Since we have passed the training requirements, we now counsel individuals via telephone or face-to-face regarding Medicare enrollment and health plan choices.

We normally perform this volunteer service once a week either from home or at the Dunedin Library. By volunteering with SHINE, we have accomplished two goals: a much better understanding of the Medicare Program and helping those in need – which is what I suspect many, if not all of us, seek to do on a daily basis.

For many of you Medicare may be far off, but it’s never too early to start thinking about it. That said, I’ll leave you with two thoughts: one, consider becoming a SHINE counselor and two, if you have Medicare questions – take advantage of the free SHINE counseling services by calling 1-800-96-ELDER. Miriam and I are always willing to answer any questions you may have and encourage you to consider joining us as volunteer SHINE counselors.."

For Pasco County residents, there is an upcoming training program beginning on February 17th for individuals interested in volunteering with the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. Transportation costs are reimbursed and meals are furnished.  Visit www.floridashine.org for an online application and then contact Sue Samson @ 727/570-9696 x234.

The Florida State Fair starts next Thursday!

The theme for this year's Florida State Fair is "A Timeless Tradition" and the fair runs from February 5th through February 16th. This 111th Florida State Fair will have a new one-of-a-kind midway.  The fair will also have an expanded agricultural area with 6,000 animals and livestock. Live entertainment will include free concerts by :

• The Charlie Daniels Band 
• Lazy Bonez  
• The Fifth Dimension  
• Beatlemania Live

The fair will feature two new patriotic exhibits: 

• "The Wall that Heals" - a half-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and traveling educational museum, will run from opening day, February 5 through February 9. 
• The "9/11 Never Forget" Traveling Museum, honoring all those who sacrificed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This exhibit will run from Feb 10th -Feb 16th.

By clicking on a particular day in the events calendar, you can see a list of fair events for that day.  Although some concert events require an additional charge for tickets, there are over lots of free things to do at the fair. The admission cost is lower for Seniors on "Senior Days" (see below).

Senior Days

February 9th-11th

55+ Gate Admission $9.00

Advance Tickets $7.00

You can get directions to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa here.