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
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
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas offers a free helpline, which provides assistance and referral information on government funded programs, non-profit agencies, and for-profit businesses that serve seniors in our county.
