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Newsletter of the Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc./Area Agency on Aging
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July 2014

At 94, Grady Grimm Enjoys Dancing at the Senior Center

 Grady Grimm and his wife had
 always enjoyed ballroom dancing together until she became ill and
 then Grady became her caregiver
 for several years.  After his wife
 passed away, he was so lost without her. His friends suggested
 that he check out the Washington County Senior Center, which has line dancing classes.  He had never line danced before but was eager to try.  Since then, Grady has attended 79 line dancing classes, comes twice a week and has mastered the line dancing steps.  Grimm says, "I keep my motor running.  If people would know about the Senior Center, they could get out of the house.  It would keep them from their TV and computers.  This would reduce their medical bills, doctor bills and they would take less pills. If people would come, they would have fun and enjoy it."
 

Bid Awarded for Senior Center/WCCOA Offices

Construction to Start in Late July or Mid-August
The new home of the Washington County Senior Center and WC Commission on Aging will be in
the existing one-story brick armory building at 21 Willard Street in Hagerstown.  Renovations of
the 19,500 sq. ft. building are expected to take a year.
 
The project will include fitness rooms, a computer room, a café and a multi-purpose room capable of accommodating over 400 people for group events. The outdoor space will include walking paths and a large outdoor patio.

Need Help with Expenses?
You May Qualify for Help

WCCOA Staff Members are Coming to a Location Near You.

The economic climate continues
to challenge many who are older and/or live with a disability.  Find out if you are eligible for benefits that can save you money on groceries, energy bills, prescriptions, health care or real estate taxes by attending one of the 12 events scheduled throughout the county in August.  There is no charge to you for this service.
 
Applications for benefits have income guidelines and eligibility will be determined on a case by case review.  Appointments are recommended but walk-ins will be served as well.  Please call 301-790-0275 ext. 245 for a list of documents to bring along.


Washington County Senior Center – 8/1
1500 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
 
Potomac Towers Nutrition Site – 8/6
11 W. Baltimore St., Hagerstown
10:30 am - 11:30 am
 
Smithsburg Nutrition Site – 8/8
29 Blue Mountain Estates, Smithsburg
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
 
Walnut Towers Nutrition Site – 8/12
12 S. Walnut St., 8th fl.  Hagerstown
10:30 am - 11:30 am
 
Southeastern Nutrition Site – 8/13
40 Mt. Vernon Drive, Keedysville
10:30 am - 11:30 am
 
Williamsport Nutrition Site – 8/15
215 Otho Holland Drive, Park View Knoll
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
 
Boonsboro Library – 8/18
401 Potomac St., Boonsboro
10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Francis Murphy Nutrition Site – 8/19
20014 Rosebank Way, Hagerstown
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
 
Hancock Satellite Center– 8/20
126-128 High Street, Hancock
10:30 am - 11:30 am
 
South County Food Bank - 8/21
64 South Main St., Boonsboro
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
 
Alexander House Apartments -8/25
7 E. Washington St., Hagerstown
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
 
Elizabeth Court Apartments – 8/26
55 E Washington St., Hagerstown
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Is a New Social Security Card in Your Cards?

To help combat the rising threat of fraud and identity theft, Social Security will no longer issue Social Security number printouts beginning in August 2014. If you need written confirmation of your Social Security number, perhaps your new employer needs verification, and you can’t find your Social Security card, you can apply for a replacement.
 
But do you really need a replacement? In most cases, you don’t need your card as long as you know your number. For all intents and purposes, your number is your card. Usually providing your number and identifying information is enough.
 
In the event you really do want or need a replacement card, either for yourself or for a child, you can find all of the details you need at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. The “Social Security Number and Card” page provides information on how to obtain a replacement card and what specific documents you need to provide.
 

Pro Bono Law Day

Free Legal Clinic - July 16th
The Bar Association of Washington County Pro Bono Committee and the Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. are offering an opportunity for the public to discuss legal concerns on a variety of topics with local attorneys. The event takes place from 4 pm - 7 pm at the WC Department of Social Services at 122 North Potomac Street in Hagerstown.  There is no fee to attend and registration is not required.  Please bring relevant documents with you. For more information call Michele at 240-313-2015 or email: nshore@mdlab.org   Hablan Español.

Generations Shifts to Quarterly Publishing

The WCCOA will now publish print and e-versions of our Generations newsletter every three months. Readers will be kept aware of upcoming events such as Medicare Part D enrollment, the Tax Program and Mobile I and A schedules via announcements in the newsletter and by special email.  Readers are reminded that important information will be posted on our website and, as always, the public is invited to call with any questions.
Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period
Mark Your Calendars!
October 15 to December 7 is when ALL people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage for 2015. Anyone requesting assistance in reviewing their choices can make an appointment with WCCOA staff beginning in September.

Mahjong at the Senior Center
Game of Skill and Chance

Keep your brain sharp by playing Mahjong at the WC Senior Center. Mahjong is played with four people and is similar to the western card game, rummy.  The group meets on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 and they would love to have you join them!

 Dance Aerobics Class

On Break During July

Thank goodness the Senior Center has so many other exercise classes to choose from, like Zumba fitness, gentle yoga, line dancing, strength training, tai chi, walk away pounds and walk your belly flat.  We even have brand new elliptical machines, treadmills, recumbent bike and multi-station weight gym.  For those who can’t get to the Senior Center,  climbing stairs at home, joining a mall-walking group, or strolling the halls of your apartment building or retirement residence are all good ways to stay in shape.

Group Piano at the Senior Center on Summer Hiatus

The Senior Center staff will inform participants about when this popular class will resume.

Senior Center Update
 
Free Legal Clinc

 

Volunteer Opportunities

 Meals on Wheels 
A volunteer is needed every Friday for a delivery route including a few stops in downtown Hagerstown but mostly in the Longmeadow area.  Drivers use their own vehicles but may claim reimbursement for mileage if 55+. Please call 
301-790-0275 ext. 207 for more information.

 
International Program - Tutoring and Much More
Senior volunteers, your time and talents can help local children reach their potential!  
More info:
301-790-0275 ext. 206.

 
 Hospice Volunteer 
Training sessions on
July 14th & 18th
 Please call 301-791-6360 for more information and to register.


Upcoming Events  

Grandparent Support Group
Beginning in September, meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 10 am – noon on the WCCOA’s 4th floor. Made up of grandparents or relatives who have minor children living with them, this group includes monthly speakers covering topics such as childcare, transportation, financial and medical benefits, legal issues, etc. 301-790-0275 ext. 205 is the number to call for information.

AARP Drivers’ Safety Program
7/17 from 9 am – 1 pm
Reeder’s Memorial Home
141 S. Main St., Boonsboro
Instr: William Baschke, Jr.
Call 301-790-0275 ext. 220 to register.
 
Free Legal Clinic
7/10 and 7/24
 Noon – 4 pm
4th floor of the WCCOA
Call to register.
301- 790-0275 ext. 217.
 
Free "New to Medicare"
Workshops
Morning & Evening
August 13th  
10 am - noon
 6 pm - 8 pm
4th floor of the WCCOA
Please call to register.
301-790-0275 ext. 223
Join us to learn the basics of Medicare and supplemental Medicare insurance.
 
Living Well with Diabetes
9:30 am – noon
at Robinwood
Beginning 8/15 and running for 6 weeks. Please call 301-790-8907 to register for this free class.


Ongoing Events at the Senior Center

Western MD Hospital Center
1500 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown 
Phone 301-671-2368
Open Monday – Friday 
9 am – 3:30 pm

Brand new fitness equipment is available for senior use at no charge.  Come try out the elliptical machines, treadmills, recumbent bike and multi-station weight gym. All participants must sign waiver.
 
The Washington County Free Library Bookmobile will be at the front entrance of WMHC on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 3:30 pm.
 
Free blood pressure screening
is offered every 3rd Wednesday
From 11 am – noon.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, walk around the hallway for exercise.
20 laps = 1 mile


Start your weekday mornings with us at 9 am. Enjoy the Herald Mail newspaper and a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa. Check your email and surf the web with our free
Wi-fi hotspot.
 
Most classes at the Senior Center are offered for free or charge a minimal fee. The full monthly schedule is available in print at the Senior Center and online at wccoAging.org

Click here to see the July Senior Center calendar.


Click here to go to the

WCCOA's Facebook page!

 

Medicare's First Beneficiary 
July 1, 1966

Most people first become eligible for Medicare at age 65.  Will you be age 65 soon? Even if you decide not to retire, you should consider applying for Medicare online www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly or with the help of one of the WCCOA’s friendly staff members.  Call 301-790-0275 today.

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Copyright © 2012, Washinton County Commission on Aging, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
140 W. Franklin St., 4th floor • Hagerstown, MD 21740
301.790.0275 • TTD 1.800.735.2258

www.wccoAging.org