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  • Home Energy Assistance Program Closing April 24, 2020

    APPLY SOON! The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is closing on APRIL 24, 2020.

    HEAP can help you meet the costs of home heating if you are an income-eligible homeowner or renter.

    APPLY ONLINE: www.mybenefits.ny.gov

    PAPER APPLICATIONS:  Apply at Office for Aging – Homeowners or renters age 60+ or disabled (SSI or SSD), call 607.778.2063 to request an application.

    Apply at Department of Social Services – Homeowners or renters under age 60 and not disabled, call 607.778.1100, option 8, for an application. Those receiving TA or SNAP may receive HEAP automatically.

  • Broome County Health Department Monitoring COVID-19 Closely

    While Broome County has no confirmed case of COVID-19 in our community, we are aware of concerns in the community about the spread of this relatively new virus. We are closely monitoring this fluid situation and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

    Rebecca Kaufman, Broome County Health Department Director states, “We are continually receiving updates from New York State Department of Health as new information is released. Staff are well prepared and are experienced in communicable disease surveillance.”

    There are a number of steps community members can take to minimize the spread of ALL respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19:  

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Heavily soiled hands should be washed.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

    ​

    If you or a family member begin showing symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, call the office and inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, and follow their advice. 

    We encourage you to follow the CDC’s information for travel, available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

    For more information, Broome County has created a specific webpage about COVID-19 which can be found at: broomecountyny.gov/hd/coronavirus. You can also call the Broome County Health Department at 607-778-8885.

    New York State has also established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline, which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms.

    Please know that, as always, the health and safety of our community is our highest priority, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to help prevent the spread of this illness.

  • St. Patrick’s Luncheon at Senior Centers – March 17, 2020

    Contact: Rita Fluharty                                           
    Nutrition Services Coordinator          
    (607) 778-2411    
    Rita.Fluharty@BroomeCounty.us

                                

    St. Patrick’s Luncheon at Senior Centers

    Everyone is invited to a St. Patrick’s luncheon at participating local senior centers. The celebration begins around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17.

    Guests will enjoy their choice of corned beef or spinach-parmesan pollack, baby red potatoes, sautéed cabbage with carrots, and shamrock-mint frosted vanilla cake for dessert.  In addition to lunch, the following centers have scheduled special entertainment: Broome West, First Ward, Johnson City and Vestal will feature performances by the Johnston School of Irish Dance; Deposit will celebrate with St. Patrick’s Day trivia & dancing; Eastern Broome will host Marian Wagner & Friends; Northern Broome will enjoy music by Orange Blossom Special; and North Shore Towers will play St. Patrick’s Day games for prizes.

    Lunch is a suggested contribution of $3.50 for individuals age 60 or older and their spouses of any age. Those under age 60 may dine for a charge of $4.50. No one age 60 or older or their spouse of any age will be denied a meal due to inability or unwillingness to contribute.

    Anyone interested in attending the celebration will need to make a reservation by noon, Monday, March 16 (call by Thursday, 3/12/20 for Deposit Senior Center) by calling the center he or she plans to attend.

    Broome West                          785-1777         2801 Wayne St., Endwell

    Deposit (reserve by 3/12/20)   467-3953         14 Monument St., Deposit

    Eastern Broome                      693-2069         27 Golden Ln., Harpursville

    First Ward                               729-6214         226 Clinton St., Binghamton

    Johnson City                           797-1149         30 Brocton St., Johnson City

    North Shore Towers                772-6214         24 Isbell St., Binghamton

    Northern Broome                    692-3405         12 Strongs Pl., Whitney Point

    Vestal                                      754-9596         201 Main St., Vestal

     

    What: “St. Patrick’s Luncheon at Senior Centers”

    When: Tuesday, March 17 around 11:30 a.m.

    Where: Participating Broome County Senior Centers

    Who: For all seniors, family, and friends

  • Local Participation in the National March for Meals Campaign

    Contact: Rita Fluharty                                
    Nutrition Services Coordinator
    (607) 778-2411
    Rita.Fluharty@BroomeCounty.US

     

    Local Participation in the National March for Meals Campaign

    Broome County is participating in the National March for Meals campaign throughout the month of March. As part of this campaign, we are asking the community to support local Meals on Wheels programs by volunteering to deliver meals or by making a monetary contribution. Meals on Wheels is a vital service to our community as it helps seniors remain independent while living in their own homes.

    Local dignitaries and celebrities who are available March 16th– March 20th during “Meals on Wheels Community Champions Week” will be out showing their support and delivering meals to program participants.

    In addition, participating local businesses will be collecting small monetary donations through the “Fill Our Plate for Meals on Wheels” project. Every small donation counts toward making a big impact.

    In addition to making donations through the “Fill Our Plate for Meals on Wheels” project at local businesses, community members can make online donations through the Broome County Office for Aging website at broomecountyny.gov/senior.  To donate by check, make checks out to Broome County Office for Aging and mail to Broome County Office for Aging, 60 Hawley Street, PO Box 1766, Binghamton, NY 13902 and note it as a “March for Meals” donation.

    For more information on making donations or volunteering for Meals on Wheels, please call the Office for Aging: (607) 778-2411.

    What: “Local Participation in the National March for Meals Campaign”

    When: Throughout the month of March 2020

    Where: Broome County Office for Aging

    Who: All Community Members

     

     

  • Home Repair Options Through First Ward Action Council – March 17, 2020

    Contact:  Judy Bobinski                    
    Caregiver Specialist
    (607) 778-2411
    Judith.Bobinski@BroomeCounty.US

    A Presentation for Family Caregivers
    Home Repair Options Through First Ward Action Council

    Family caregivers are invited to attend a presentation on Tuesday, March 17 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM at the Broome West Senior Center, 2801 Wayne Street in Endwell.  “Home Repair Options Through First Ward Action Council” will be presented by staff from First Ward Action Council (FWAC). 

    Attend this presentation to learn about the various home repair programs First Ward Action Council (FWAC) provides.  The presenter will give an overview of what each program offers along with income and eligibility guidelines, including which municipalities in Broome County qualify for FWAC programs. 

    Home modifications and repairs can help seniors live more comfortably in their homes.   Making an older adult’s home safer and more accessible reduces fall risk, prevents accidents, and increases independence.  

    Pre-registration is requested; please call (607) 778- 2411 to reserve your seat.

    What: “Home Repair Options Through First Ward Action Council”

    When:  Tuesday, March 17 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM

    Where:  Broome West Senior Center, 2801 Wayne St., Endwell

    Who:  For all Family Caregivers
     

  • March for Meals!

    This March, support the National March for Meals campaign.

    Meals on Wheels is a vital service in our community. You can help ensure that older adults in Broome County can live healthy, happy and independent lives in the community by supporting Meals on Wheels. Support can be volunteering to deliver meals, making a monetary contribution or spreading the word about the value of this wonderful program to others.

    In 2019, MOW in Broome County served meals to almost 700 people, totaling over 150,000 meals!

    Simply donate at broomecountyny.gov/senior or by check to Broome County Office for Aging, 60 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY 13902.

    For more information and to volunteer, please call the Office for Aging: (607) 778-2411.