Tag: senior

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Office for Aging Director Lisa Schuhle are pleased to announce that through the approval of the Age Friendly Action Plan Broome County has been accepted into the AARP network of age-friendly communities. 

The Action Plan was developed by engaging citizens, professionals, and government in reviewing community needs data and determining priorities. The Action Plan includes creative and workable solutions to community needs based on the eight domains of livability. 

“Our County’s residents are getting older and their needs are changing,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “I want to make sure they have a community that changes with them. Thank you to our dedicated staff at the Office for Aging for all their work on this and Broome County will continue to take the lead in coordinating with all our local partners to implement this plan and make it happen.”

With the Action Plan complete and approved by AARP, Broome County will now work to implement its many goals to make age-friendly improvements in our community. Broome County is committed to actively work together toward being a great place to live for people of all ages. 

“This project cannot be successful without community partners and everyone working together to make our community a better place to live,” said Broome County Office for Aging Director Lisa Schuhle. “We are looking forward to implementing this exciting plan to make Broome County more age friendly.”  

To learn more about the Broome Age-Friendly Project, how to get involved and to access the Needs Assessment Data Report and the full Action Plan contact the Broome County Office for Aging:

Website – broomecountyny.gov/senior/Age-FriendlyCommunityInformation
Call – 607-778-2411
Email – OFA@BroomeCounty.US
Mail – P.O. Box 1766, Binghamton, NY 13902 

The Action Plan is also available in paper form by calling the Office for Aging at 607-778-2411.

October 8, 2020                    

Contact:  Courtney Cashman                 
Broome County Office for Aging                
(607) 778-2411
Courtney.Cashman@BroomeCounty.US 

Snow Removal Providers Needed

Every winter, many senior citizens in Broome County have trouble finding reliable help for snow removal.  To assist with this search, the Office for Aging compiles a list of vendors and individuals who are willing to provide snow and ice removal for older adults in Broome County for a fee.

If you would like to be included on this list of vendors and individuals available to accept work this season, please contact the Office for Aging at (607)778-2411.
 

September 30, 2020                        

Contact:  Lisa Schuhle
Director, Office for Aging
(607) 778-2411
OFA@BroomeCounty.US

Broome County Office for Aging: Public Hearing Testimony Requested

Each fall, the Broome County Office for Aging holds a Public Hearing to allow older adults, caregivers and interested community members an opportunity to comment on our Draft Plan for Services, which includes proposed services for the coming year.  Due to COVID-19, this year’s hearing will be conducted a bit differently.  Instead of meeting in person to discuss projected services and older adults’ needs, we are asking for your input and suggestions by mail, email, or phone. 

Please share your ideas with us. The Draft Plan will be posted online by Friday, October 9 at the following link: broomecountyny.gov/senior/publications. If you wish to receive a paper copy of the 2021 Draft Plan for Services, please call Office for Aging at (607) 778-2411.

Once you have read the Draft Plan, you can share your questions and comments with us in one of the following ways: 

• call (607) 778-3806 and leave a message 
• mail your questions and comments to the Broome County Office for Aging, Attn: Public Hearing, PO Box 1766, Binghamton NY 13902. 
• send an email to ofa@broomecounty.us. Add email subject of: Public Hearing 
• send us a message on our Facebook page – Broome County Office for Aging, subject: Public Hearing.  

Questions and comments on the 2021 Draft Plan for Services will be accepted until the end of the day on Monday, October 26th, 2020. All questions or comments will be accepted and recorded to support the planning process for 2021.  

What: Broome County Office for Aging: Public Hearing Testimony Requested

When: Until Monday, October 26 by mail, email or phone.

Who: Open to the public

September 24, 2020

Contact: Sofia Rittenhouse                              
Coordinator of Health and Wellness    
(607) 778-2411    
Sofia.Rittenhouse@broomecounty.us 
            

Halloween Evening Meal Drive Thru at Senior Centers

Everyone is invited to celebrate the season with a festive Halloween evening meal drive thru at participating senior centers.  To-go meals will be available for pickup at the following locations:

• Tuesday, October 13, 4 pm:    
  Northern Broome Senior Center    692-3405    12 Strongs Pl., Whitney Point
   
• Wednesday, October 14, 4 pm:
  Broome West Senior Center        785-1777    2801 Wayne St., Endwell
   
• Thursday, October 15, 4 pm:
  Eastern Broome Senior Center    693-2069    27 Golden Ln., Harpursville 

Each to-go meal will include roast turkey, mashed potatoes, peas, a dinner roll, beverage and pumpkin pie for dessert.

To join the drive thru celebration, meal reservations must be made one day prior by 12 noon by calling the center that you wish to attend.

The suggested contribution is $4.25 for individuals age 60 or older and their spouses of any age. Those under age 60 may dine for a charge of $5.25. No one age 60 or older or their spouse of any age will be denied a meal due to inability or unwillingness to contribute.

What:  Halloween Evening Meal Drive Thru at Senior Centers
When:  October 13, 14 and 15 at 4 pm 
Where: Participating Broome County Senior Centers 
Who: For all seniors, family, and friends
 

Contact: Sofia Rittenhouse                           
Coordinator of Health and Wellness                    
(607) 778-2411
Sofia.Rittenhouse@broomecounty.us
            

Brooks’ House of Bar-B-Q Drive Thru Fundraiser 
for the Broome County Senior Games

All are invited to a Brooks’ House of Bar-B-Q Drive Thru Fundraiser for the Broome County Senior Games on Friday, September 18th from 3 pm until sold out at the Tractor Supply Co. Parking Lot, 154 Vestal Parkway West, Vestal.  

Each meal includes a half chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, dinner roll, beverage and dessert for $12.  All meals will be sold to-go with the convenience of drive-thru pickup. No advance reservations will be taken.  When picking up meals, please bring exact change and wear a face mask.  

This event is presented by the AgeOn Fund of Broome County, Inc., to benefit the Broome County Senior Games. 

Please contact Sofia at the Broome County Office for Aging with any questions:
(607) 778-2411.  

What: “Brooks’ House of Bar-B-Q Drive Thru Fundraiser for the Broome County Senior 
Games”

When: Friday, September 18, 2020, from 3 p.m. until sold out

Where: Tractor Supply Co. Parking Lot, 154 Vestal Parkway West, Vestal

Who: Open to the public
 

CONTACT:        Rebecca Morales, Meals on Wheels Coordinator
                         (607) 778-6206 Rebecca.Morales@BroomeCounty.US 

The Meals on Wheels Program is in need of volunteers in the Binghamton, Chenango Bridge, Conklin, Harpursville and Whitney Point areas. Due to recent circumstances, demand for this service has gone up over 70%. Meals on Wheels provide nutritious, well-balanced meals but more importantly, the program preserves the independence of older adults by helping them remain in their communities. 
  
Those who would like to help can choose a day (or days) to deliver meals between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, Monday through Friday. All CDC Public Health guidelines are followed for the safety of volunteers and clients.

Please help members of your community!  Contact the Binghamton Meals on Wheels office today to volunteer as a driver or friendly visitor: (607)778-6206.

What: “Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals on Wheels”

When:  Immediately 

Where:  Binghamton, Chenango Bridge, Conklin, Harpursville and Whitney Point areas

Who:  People age 18 and older
 

Contact: Sofia Rittenhouse                           
Coordinator of Health and Wellness                    
(607) 778-2115
Sofia.Rittenhouse@broomecounty.us
            

Pasta Dinner Drive Thru Fundraiser for Senior Games

All are invited to a Pasta Dinner Drive Thru Fundraiser for the Broome County Senior Games on Thursday, August 6, from 4:00-6:00 pm (or until sold out) at Broome West Senior Center in Endwell.

Each meal includes pasta, meatballs, tossed salad, dessert and a beverage.  The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under; free for children 3 and under.  All meals will be sold to-go with the convenience of drive thru pickup.  

Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged, but some to-go meals will be available for purchase without a reservation.  To reserve your to-go meal, please contact Sofia at the Broome County Office for Aging by Tuesday, August 4th at (607) 778-2115.  Please leave a message with the number of meals you would like to reserve and your callback phone number.  

This dinner is sponsored by the Elderwood Village at Vestal.  

What: “Pasta Dinner Drive Thru Fundraiser for Senior Games”

When: Thursday, August 6, 4:00-6:00 pm (or until sold out)

Where: Broome West Senior Center, 2801 Wayne Street, Endwell, NY

Who: Open to the public
 

Contact: Sofia Rittenhouse                              
Coordinator of Health and Wellness                
(607) 778-2411    
Sofia.Rittenhouse@broomecounty.us
            
 

Farmers’ Market Coupons Available to Seniors

Representatives from the Broome County Office for Aging will be visiting various outdoor locations to issue Farmers’ Market Coupons to eligible individuals, rain or shine.  Face masks and hand sanitizer will also be available for pickup upon request.  

Farmers’ Market Coupons are $20 worth of vouchers that may be exchanged for produce at local participating farmers’ markets. All eligible individuals may receive one $20 booklet per year.  Applicants must be age 60 or older and self-attest that they are within the following income guidelines: $1,968/month for a one-person household; $2,658/month for a two-person household; or $3,349/month for a three-person household.

Please refer to the list below for the dates and locations of the distributions.  All those who attend a distribution must wear a face mask, or one will be provided to them.  

8/4    Eastern Broome Senior Center Parking Lot, 27 Golden Ln., Harpursville, 9:30-10:30 am
8/6    Northern Broome Senior Center Parking Lot, 12 Strongs Pl., Whitney Pt., 9:30-10:30 am
8/10    Broome West Senior Center Parking Lot, 2801 Wayne St., Endwell, 1-2:30 pm
8/11    Otsiningo Park, Binghamton (Use Main Entrance off Bevier St. Bridge), 9:30-11 am
8/12    Vestal High School Parking Lot, 205 Woodlawn Dr., Vestal, 9:30-11 am
8/13    Otsiningo Park, Binghamton (Use Main Entrance off Bevier St. Bridge), 1-3 pm
8/14     Johnson City Senior Center Parking Lot, 30 Brocton St., Johnson City, 9:30-11 am

For additional information, please contact the Office for Aging at (607) 778-2411.  

What: “Farmers’ Market Coupons Available to Seniors”

When: August 4, 6, 10-14

Where: Various Outdoor Locations in Broome County

Who: Individuals 60 years of age and older who meet income guidelines
 

Contact:                              
Broome County Meals on Wheels
(607) 778-6206
Rebecca.Morales@BroomeCounty.US

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed 
in the Binghamton, Harpursville and Whitney Point Areas

Do you have time to spare this summer?  What better way to use your time than volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels!

Volunteers are needed in the Binghamton, Harpursville and Whitney Point areas. You can choose a day (or days) to deliver meals between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, Monday through Friday. 

Help members of your community stay healthy and independent!  Contact the Binghamton Meals on Wheels office today to volunteer as a driver or friendly visitor: (607)778-6206.

What: “Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed”

When:  Immediately 

Where:  Binghamton, Harpursville and Whitney Point areas

Who:  People age 18 and older
 

Contact: Sofia Rittenhouse                     
Coordinator of Health & Wellness
(607) 778-2411
Sofia.Rittenhouse@BroomeCounty.US

May 15, 2020

Face Masks Available for Broome County Residents Age 70+

The Broome County Office for Aging will distribute cloth face masks for those who are 70 and above and who have not yet obtained a mask. Family caregivers of people 70 and older may also pick up a mask if they are in need of one, or if they would like to pick up a mask for an older friend or relative.  

Distribution will take place outside the senior centers listed below on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 – 3:30 PM until May 29.   Please call the Office for Aging with any questions: (607) 778-2411. 

Binghamton: First Ward Senior Center, 226 Clinton Street

Deposit: Deposit Senior Center, 14 Monument Street (Christ Episcopal Church)

Endwell: Broome West Senior Center, 2801 Wayne Street   

Harpursville: Eastern Broome Senior Center, 27 Golden Lane 

Johnson City: Johnson City Senior Center, 30 Brocton Street

Vestal: Vestal Senior Center, 201 Main St. (Old Vestal Jr. High Cafeteria)

Whitney Point: Northern Broome Senior Center, 12 Strongs Place 

What: “Face Mask Distribution for Broome County Residents Age 70 +”

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 – 3:30 PM until May 29.

Where: Senior Centers

Who:  For all residents 70 + and/or Family Caregivers