2011 TAX WORKOFF PROGRAM BEGINS
COA TO SPONSOR “BETTER CHOICES/BETTER HEALTH”
NEWSLETTER NOTICE
This summer issue is combined for the months of July and August. September’s issue will be published in mid-August. The August menu will be available at the COA by the last week in July.
HELP WANTED
The COA is looking for seniors to drive other seniors to local medical appointments with own car. Interested persons must complete a volunteer
application and present a clean CORI. Compensation through donations based upon distance. For additional information, or to apply, please call Gale
or Debi at 508-261-7368.
STRENGTH/BALANCE PROGRAM
The COA is seeking interested seniors to participate in a program designed to enhance strength and balance. This eight week program, “A Matter of Balance,” is presented by trainers from Bristol Elder Services, Inc. Participants will learn how to avoid fractures from falls by strengthening and toning muscles and improving balance through exercises. Interested persons should call Gale at 508-261-7368.
2011 TAX WORKOFF PROGRAM BEGINS
Mansfield seniors who are homeowners are invited to participate in the Real Estate Tax Work-Off Program through the Mansfield Council On Aging. Participants are placed in jobs in various town departments and may earn up to a $750.00 credit towards their real estate tax.
To be eligible for this program, Seniors must be age 60 or older, homeowners, listed on the property deed, live in the residence, pay real estate taxes to the town of Mansfield and present a clear Criminal Offenders report, as required by law. Applications to participate in the 2010 to 2011 Tax Work-Off Program will be available on July 1st for those who have never participated in the program previously. For current and previous program participants, applications will be available starting on Monday, August 2nd. All prior participants must reapply to be able to enroll in the program.
Positions are not guaranteed from year to year and are dependent upon continued funding through the town. Applications are taken by appointment only. For information, please call Gale or Debi, and to schedule an appointment, please call Louise at 508-261-7368.
STAYING COOL ON HOT DAYS
During summer, there is sure to be exceedingly hot and humid weather. Staying cool on very hot days is an important step to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke and related illnesses.
Heat exhaustion is a medical condition caused from dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to not drinking enough fluids or impaired circulation due to age, medication use or illness. The symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:
Heat exhaustion preceeds heat stroke, and it is a warning to cool down by taking a cool shower, drinking water or an electrolyte replacement drink and resting. Inadequate treatment of heat exhaustion may lead to heat stroke, a life threatening condition. The symptoms of heat stroke include:
Heat Stroke is a very dangerous condition and requires immediate medical attention by calling 911. To prevent heat related illnesses, drink hydrating fluids like water and juices, avoid alcohol or caffeine, dress in light-weight and lightly colored clothing, avoid being in the direct sunlight, eat light and small meals and try to stay in air conditioned rooms. For information about heat related illnesses, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp.
COA TO SPONSOR “BETTER CHOICES/BETTER HEALTH”
The COA, in conjunction with Bristol Elder Services, Inc., will be holding a six part series, “Better Choices/Better Health,” starting in late Fall. Thisworkshop series is an educational opportunity for those adults who are living with chronic health conditions which impede quality of life. Through this series, participants will be able to
This workshop is free. For more information, or to register for this series, please call Louise at 508-261-7368. To receive the full benefits fromthis workshop series, participants should plan to attend all six meetings.
COA TO OFFER FARMER’S MARKET COUPONS
The Mansfield Council On Aging will be offering Mansfield seniors the opportunity to participate in this summer’s Farmer’s Market Coupon Program, a Federally and state funded program operated through Bristol Elder Services Nutrition Department.
Farmer’s Market coupons are vouchers totaling $30 per person, and are used at participating Farmer’s Markets for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Those who participate must be eligible through the enrollment in any of the many programs for those having a low to moderate fixed income.
Coupons will be available after the first week in July, and are available on a limited basis to those who respond first. For information, or to enroll in the program, please call Lynette, Linda or Beverly in the COA Outreach Department at 508-261-7368. Please note that income verification may be required.