Guilderland Senior News for Thursday, February 7, 2019

The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of Feb. 11. Call the senior office at 518-280-7607 with any questions or for information. The location for senior services is 141 Bavarian Way. For transportation, call 518-356-2920.

— Monday: Scheduled shopping, Enhanced Fitness at 9 a.m., senior fitness at 10:30 a.m., and Strong Bones Plus at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the town hall;

— Tuesday: Luncheon of raspberry pork loin or cold plate at 11:30 a.m., food pantry raffle at noon,  bingo/Rummikub at 12:30 p.m., and town hall class of Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m.;

— Wednesday: Scheduled shopping, Enhanced Fitness at 9 a.m., senior fitness at 10:30 a.m., needlecraft at 1 p.m., Strong Bones Plus at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. at the town hall; 

— Thursday: Scheduled shopping,  exercise at 9 a.m., Yoga at 10 a.m.,  Mahjong and Pinochle at 12:30 p.m., and Strong Bones Plus at 9 a.m. at Town Hall; and

— Friday: Scheduled shopping, Enhanced Fitness at 9 a.m., painting at 10:30 a.m., intermediate bridge at 12:30 p.m., and quilting at 1 p.m.

MVP Tai Chi

Join us for an introduction to Sun (pronounced soon) Style Tai Chi. Described as “meditation in motion,” this class consists of slow, continuous whole-body movements that use controlled breathing and mental concentration to create an integrated mind-body experience. The level of exertion can be adjusted for everyone. Practicing Tai Chi improves balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and posture. It also reduces the risk of falling in addition to improving any number of chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, to name a few. Please wear flat soled shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. There is no fee for this class, compliments of MVP Health Care®.  Please call 518-280-7607 to register. MVP  Health Care  members will be offered priority registration. Registration deadline is Feb. 22.

This class will be offered Mondays, Feb. 25 through May 13,  from 1:15 to 2 p.m.

HEAP PROGRAM

People with monthly incomes under: $2,391 for one person or $3,127 for two people, etc. is eligible for the Heating Assistance Program called HEAP. This grant can be received each heating season and goes directly to the heating company. The amount of the payment to each person is determined by income, living expenses and type of fuel. Applications are available at the Senior Center. We can help complete applications by appointment.

PARTIAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION

For per persons 65 years of age or who will be 65 years of age in this year  whose annual total income is less than $37,400 may qualify for a partial property tax exemption, based upon their 2018 income. All new and renewing applicants must submit by March 1 an Income Verification Program application to receive the Enhanced Star portion of this exemption. An application must be filed by March 1. Income includes: pension, social security, bank interest and dividends and all other income. It is necessary to provide proof of the following: Deed, birth certificates of owners, pension forms, social security (white form), and income tax forms. All owners must sign the forms. Please call the Assessor’s Office for information on veterans or disability exemptions. 

STAR Program  

Homeowners may be eligible for a school property tax relief on their primary residence only. The STAR credit or exemption applies only to the school district tax, not to other property taxes such as county, town or city. To receive a new STAR credit, you must register with NYS Tax & Finance at 518-457-2036 or at www.tax.ny.gov. If you already have a STAR exemption you may file an application for an Enhanced STAR exemption and the Income Verification Program form with the Town Assessor who is located in the Guilderland Town Hall. The “enhanced” program is available to persons 65 years of age and older with adjusted gross income for 2017 under $86,300.  To receive the Enhanced STAR exemption on your next School Tax bill, you must file by March 1. For additional information, please contact the Town of Guilderland Assessor’s Office at 518-356-1980.  

GHS SPRING MUSICAL!

The Guilderland Players’ next musical will be:  Les Miserables, a musical based on the 1862 novel of the same name by French poet and novelist Victor Hugo.

In 19th Century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter.

Internet summary

Senior Citizen Night will be Thursday, March 14 , at 7 p.m., and tickets will be available at a cost of $7 each (cash only), in the Senior Office in late February  (call ahead to check on ticket availability 518-280-7607).

When the Guilderland Schools are listed as delayed in opening-we will still provide transportation but may be delayed due to road conditions.