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August 2026
Now that we’re in the “good ole’ summertime” it’s time to kick back and relax. Get a good book and sit by a fan, prop up your feet and “chill out”! Seriously, be careful; drink cool beverages, avoid alcohol & caffeine, wear lightweight clothing, avoid strenuous activity, and come to the center where it’s air-conditioned!!!
One area you don’t want to relax in is protecting your identity. I’ve recently obtained a list of ways to minimize your risk of Identity Theft:
- Never give your whole S. S. #. Last 4 digits or other I. D. will do.
- When buying new checks, use only your first initial and last name. PO Box is best for address. Your bank knows how you endorse a check, a thief won’t! Close all inactive accounts.
- Keep your hand over the ATM keypad. Memorize your pin #, don’t write it anywhere. Be sure the ATM “looks” like a real ATM.
- Cut up old or expired credit cards. Close inactive accounts.
- Invest in a shredder. Shred any trash with account and/or S.S. numbers on it.
Another area not to relax in is Investment Fraud. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:
- Before you invest, talk to someone you trust – family member, banker, accountant.
- Junk Mail? Delete or tear it up. Go to www.optoutprescreen.comor call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT to start the process to OPT OUT permanently. To complete your request, you’ll need to sign and return the Permanent Opt-Out Election form you’ll get after you’ve started the process.
- Before making investments, check with $AIF. Visit https://dfpi.ca.gov or call 866-ASK-CORP. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Register with the National Do Not Call Registry, a free government service, so you won’t receive telemarketing calls. www.donotcall.gov. You can verify there also if you registered before.
- If you have already fallen for a scam, change your phone number so you won’t be on a “sucker’s list” that is sold to other crooks.
Seniors are targeted because many are lonely or bored. That’s why it is so important to keep occupied. Come to the Senior Center regularly and be around other people. Idle minds can think of a lot of foolishness. Stay busy.
Those of you who have a Medicare Part D Plan remember that the “open enrollment period” to reevaluate & change your plan is from October 15, 2026, to December 7, 2026. Don’t procrastinate!! Wait until after Dec. 7th & you’ll be stuck with your old plan all of 2027 which may go up in price and/or change formulary to not cover what you take now.
If you or someone you know is turning 65 or going on Medicare soon, be sure to attend the Medicare 101 Seminar offered here on August 10th at 12:45pm or September 14th at 7:00pm. I will have answers to questions regarding how to sign up, what to look for in insurance and what is good information or junk mail that will be flooding your mailbox. Have a friend or relative come with you as you attend these informative classes.
Be sure to return & sign the white info sheet that was included in last month’s newsletter, and please answer all of the questions. The Department of Aging requires us to obtain this information, and our future funding could be determined by the number of people we serve and can substantiate by having this info. You need to be counted so please help us assist you. Thanks for your cooperation. We want to be able to serve you the best we can.
The deadline for filing PA RENT & TAX REBATE Forms has been extended to December 31st. Call and make an appointment if you need help. Form booklets are available here.
Stay cool and have a great August!
Sally
MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES
TOOLKIT
Welcome to your Toolkit for Medicare Beneficiaries. Inside this toolkit you will find a variety of information regarding Medicare including a brief history of Medicare, information about programs that help with Medicare costs, a Preventive Benefit checklist to discuss with your doctor, some fun puzzles to complete, and a listing of the local PA MEDI office phone numbers in each county.
Click here for the Toolkit for Medicare Beneficiaries |
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Chester County Food Bank
Chester County Senior
Food Box Program (CCSFBP)
Is a Chester County Food Bank program that helps seniors gain access to nutritious foods so they can better improve their health.
If you or someone you know is at least 60 yrs. old and has low income (below 150%), please register for the CCSFBP box that is available to qualifying seniors each month.
Each box may contain packaged fruit, non-perishable proteins, vegetables, carbyhydraes & dairy!!
Proof of age is required at sign up. There is no charge for this food. If you qualify then CCSFBP Box can be picked up the 1st Monday of every month between 1:00-3:00pm.
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FREE FOOD FOR SENIORS
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
PA SENIOR FOOD BOX PROGRAM
What do you need to know to be eligible?
- If you are 60 years of age or older.
- If your total household income is below 150%.
- Household 1 person: Monthly income $1,957
- Household 2 people: Monthly income $2,644
What will you receive in the food box
- FRUITS & JUICES: 1 juice & 3 fruits or 1 juice, 2 fruits, 1 raisin
- VEGETABLES: 6-8 vegetables & dehydrated potatoes
- CHEESE: 2-pound block
- MILK: 2 UHT milk –32 oz each
- MEAT, POULTRY & FISH: 1 beef or 1 chili & 1 poultry or fish
- PLANT-BASED PROTEIN: 3 peanut butter, canned beans, dry beans, or lentils
- CEREALS: 2 dry, farina, rolled oats or grits
- PASTA & RICE: 2 pasta or white/brown rice
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For more information and qualifications for both programs
contact
Sally Arter
(610) 932-5244
12 East Locust Street
Oxford, PA 19363 |
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WHAT IS INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE?
From time to time we all know we need information but have no idea how to find answers. |
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REFER
WEB
The Chester County Department of Human Services is pleased
to introduce Refer Web, an Information and Referral web-based
application. Simply visit their website at www.chesco.org/human.
Once on the site, locate the Refer Web icon, click on it and
start searching. |
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WHO IS SALLY ARTER?
Sally is the Center's very own Information & Assistance Specialist. Her responsibilities included helping you find the answers to your questions. |
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