Updated 11/1/21
Now open Monday - Friday
9am-3pm
Guidelines
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If you are fully vaccinated, masks are not required, recommended, but not required.
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If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may not be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. You should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask.
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If you are not fully vaccinated, masks are required in indoor public places. Let us all keep our family and friends safe and healthy!!
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IF YOU DO NOT FEEL WELL PLEASE STAY AT HOME!!
Updated 9/1/21
OXFORD AREA SENIOR CENTER
After Labor Day, the Senior Center will be open 5 days/week.
Labor Day is Monday, September 6th,
so we will be open Friday, September 10th,
and each weekday afterwards, except holidays!
Here's what you've all been waiting for
COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies and Reopening Guidelines
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Open 5 days/week) starting after Labor Day, Monday, September 6th
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Open weekly on Monday thru Friday from 9am to 3pm
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Indoor activities will include congregate lunches, card and board games, time to socialize, programs, presentations and monthly Birthday Party.
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Capacity for congregate lunches will be limited to 75% (60 people) to allow for social distancing at lunch tables.
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IF YOU DO NOT FEEL WELL PLEASE STAY AT HOME!!
Face Coverings
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If you are fully vaccinated, masks are not required, recommended, but not required.
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If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may not be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. You should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask.
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If you are not fully vaccinated, masks are required in indoor public places. Let us all keep our family and friends safe and healthy!!
Please understand that we intend to ease back into a setting that is safe, healthy, and fun
in which all of us can enjoy our time back together again.
Read all about our reopening by clicking here
Update 6/1/21
OXFORD AREA SENIOR CENTER
will be reopening
July 6, 2021
Here's what you've all been waiting for
COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies and Reopening Guidelines
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Partial reopening ( 3 days/week) of Senior Center on Tuesday July 6th
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Open weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 3pm
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Indoor activities will include exercise classes, painting class, congregate lunches, card and board games, time to socialize
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Starting capacity for congregate lunches will be limited to 50% (40 people) to allow for social distancing at lunch tables.
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IF YOU DO NOT FEEL WELL PLEASE STAY AT HOME!!
Face Coverings
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No face coverings will be required if fully vaccinated, but encouraged to use them
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For the protection and safety of others, you must wear a face covering if you are not fully vaccinated.
Please understand that we intend to ease back into a setting that is safe, healthy, and fun
in which all of us can enjoy our time back together again.
The month of July will be used to determine the level of comfort we will use in planning
our Birthday parties, bingo games, programs, speakers, trips, and other fun things
we used to do, and yes, maybe some new things too!!
At the first sign of any possible COVID outbreak, our doors will again be locked
until the possible contamination can be eliminated to safely reopen.
Beginning Monday, June 14th you can call us and make your reservations for lunch.
Naturally, we do not yet have July’s menu so we’ll have to trust our food provider.
Remember, seating will be limited in July so we will only be able to seat and
serve the first 40 people who make lunch reservations.
More details to follow in the July Newsletter
We will try to get it to you by June 26th
Stay Safe and hope to see you soon!
Jim
Update 4/27/21
COVID-19 Vaccination
Information UPDATE
Updated on 4/27/21
(Original update 1/27/21, then updated 2/24/21)
Chester County, through the Health Department, the hospitals and other healthcare providers, are actively receiving COVID-19 vaccine and administering it as quickly as possible. Vaccines are safe, effective, and a key strategy to protect you and the people around you from serious illness. Vaccine is now available for everyone 16 and older as of April 13, 2021.
For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccine, visit the following sites:
The Chester County Health Department now has a new vaccine registration system. If you have already registered for the vaccine and need to access your account for the first time in the new Vaccine Registration System:
- Please go to https://www.chesco.org/4896/VacReg for step by step instructions.
- Follow the instructions to create your account and schedule your vaccine appointment. You will receive an email that you must open and click the “VERIFY” button.
- After verifying your account, you will be redirected to the Vaccine Registration System where you can login, view your information and schedule your vaccine appointment.
- If other members of your family are using the same email you can see those family members in the “Manage Household” section.
If you need to sign up for the vaccine for the first time, please go to www.chesco.org/health. On that page:
- Click on Coronavirus COVID-19 Stay Informed
- Then scroll down and click on Vaccine Information.
- Click on Chester County COVID Vaccine Registration.
- Click on Register Now and follow the prompts to create your account.
- An email will be sent to you. (this may take a few minutes). You must open this email and click the “VERIFY” button.
- After verifying your account, you will be redirected to the Vaccine Registration System where you can login, view your information and schedule your vaccine appointment.
UPDATE 2/24/21: Older adults who have questions about vaccine availability in their community and how to make an appointment may also call the PA Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258 to get help. In addition, for older adults who don’t have access to a computer, PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources, which connects older adults and adults with disabilities to services and technical supports, is also stepping up to take calls and offer assistance.
When people call the PA Link for help with getting a vaccine, PA Link counselors will assess the caller’s situation, offer guidance and transfer to a scheduling team. For those callers with transportation needs, the Link counselors will also be able to contact PA Link partners and AAAs at the local level to assist with coordinating local transportation. The PA Link number is 1-800-753-8827.
Update 5/1/21
INCOME TAX
PREPARATION
Tax Day for individuals extended to May 17:
Treasury, IRS extend filing and payment deadline
Pennsylvania and Delaware Income Tax deadline now May 17
Maryland Income Tax deadline now July 15
You can use the IRS’s Free File at https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free where you can choose from several free online services. The services walk you through answering questions and does the math for you. You can also visit https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers to find services like VITA and AARP in the area for free tax assistance.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), which is a free tax assistance program, will prepare your income tax forms.
- Chester County VITA: Visit www.chestercountyfreetaxes.com or call 610-380-9099.
- Lancaster VITA: Visit https://vita.uwlanc.org/ for locations or call 717-824-8102.
- Maryland VITA: Call 800-906-9887.
AARP location: https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
Additional service in the area that charge for their services: Sally Arter, 610-857-9132, leave a message
INCOME TAX
PREPARATION
Update 1/27/21 - this information updated 2/24/21
We have had several phone calls from the area Coordinator for the AARP Tax Advisors regarding Income Tax preparation which normally begins in early February. They have not found a local Coordinator for the Oxford and West Grove sites where they’ve previously prepared taxes. So unfortunately, income tax preparation will not be available at the senior center this year.
Here is a list of local Tax Preparation individuals and companies to help you. But please realize you might have to pay for some of these services!
You can use the IRS’s Free File at https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free where you can choose from several free online services. The services walk you through answering questions and does the math for you. You can also visit https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers to find services like VITA and AARP in the area for free tax assistance.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), which is a free tax assistance program, will also prepare your income tax forms. For information regarding this program you can call the Chester County VITA Information Hotline at 610-380-9099 from January 25th to April 15th.
- Chester County VITA: Visit www.chestercountyfreetaxes.com or call 610-380-9099. More information regarding this program Click here for VITA Flyer.
- Lancaster VITA: Visit https://vita.uwlanc.org/ for locations or call 717-824-8102.
- Maryland VITA: Call 800-906-9887, However when investigating this service there does not seem to be any locations in the Cecil County area. They seem to be in the Baltimore/Montgomery County area.
VITA locations near us:
West Grove: The Garage Community Center, 122 Rosehill Avenue, West Grove
Drop off service: Friday 10am-2pm, last Saturday of the month (Jan 30, Feb 27, Mar 27) 10am-2pm
West Chester at Providence West Side Building, 430 Hannum Avenue, West Chester, 610-431-9378
Drop off service: Thursday 9am-2pm and 6-8pm
AARP location: https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
- Kennett Area Senior Center - ALL APPOINTMENTS HAVE BEEN FILLED
- Lancaster Tax Information: AARP Location - Grace Community Church, 212 Peach Bottom Rd, Willow Street, PA, appointments required by calling 717-964-0275.
- Maryland Tax Information: Appointments are required for virtual and drop off services by calling (443) 485-1153. Locations are:
- Calvert Grange, 2357 Telegraph Rd, Rising Sun, MD.
- Rising Sun Community Center, 17 Wilson Rd, Rising Sun, MD.
Additional services in the area that charge for their services:
Sally Arter, 610-857-9132, leave a message
H&R Block, 8 S. 3rd Street, Oxford, 610-932-8844
Liberty Tax Service, 11 N 3rd St Suite 1, Oxford, 484-702-6117
Update 1/6/21
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Chester County, through the Health Department, the hospitals and other healthcare providers, are actively receiving
COVID-19 vaccine and administering it as quickly as possible. Vaccines are safe, effective, and a key strategy to protect
you and the people around you from serious illness. The goal is for everyone to easily get vaccinated against COVID-19
as soon as large enough quantities are available. Vaccine availability will initially be limited and therefore must be
distributed in a phased approach. Click here to read more.
Update 9/1/20
Executive Director's Message
We’ve received many phone calls regarding the new meal program developed
by the Chester County Department of Aging.
See if this offer of nutritious meals interests you!
Weekly Cold and Frozen Meals available thru
The Chester County Department of Aging
Each week a combination of cold and frozen meals will be available to individuals, who prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, were taking part in the congregate noontime meal program offered by the Chester County Department of Aging . New individuals may also participate as long as they provide us with necessary information required by the Department of Aging.
Each week a meal participant is eligible to receive 2 cold meals and 3 frozen meals. These meals are delivered to us every Tuesday and Thursday and available for pick up between 10:30am and 12pm on those days.
The cold lunch is a box lunch including a sandwich, cold vegetable or vegetable salad, and fruit. The frozen meal is similar to frozen meals you see in the grocery store. I’ve tried both and they are nutritious, tasty, and well-balanced meals.
The delivery we receive on Tuesday consist of one cold meal and one frozen meal, and one quart of milk for each participant who placed an order for meals that week. The Thursday delivery consists of one cold meal and two frozen meals also for each participant who had requested meals that week That’s a total of 5 meals each week that can be provided.
September’s meal menu, click here
Following the previously established congregate meal program donation procedures, if a meal participant would like to make a donation toward the cost of the meal, donations will be accepted.
Our weekly meal order is due to the Department of Aging by noon of Tuesday for the following week.
If you have any questions about the meals or procedure ordering them, please feel free to contact me. Since we are closed for activities, call the senior center (610-932-5244) and leave a message on my voice mail box or email me directly at jdmcleod@oxfordseniors.org.
Update 8/1/20
Executive Director's Week Message
I’m excited to announce a new meal program developed
by the Chester County Department of Aging
Weekly Cold and Frozen Meals available thru
The Chester County Department of Aging
Each week a combination of cold and frozen meals will be available to individuals, who prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, were taking part in the congregate noontime meal program offered by the Chester County Department of Aging . New individuals may also participate as long as they provide us with necessary information required by the Department of Aging.
Each week a meal participant is eligible to receive 2 cold meals and 3 frozen meals. These meals are delivered to us every Tuesday and Thursday and available for pick up between 10am and 12pm on those days.
The cold lunch is a box lunch including a sandwich, cold vegetable or vegetable salad, and fruit. The frozen meal is similar to frozen meals you see in the grocery store. I’ve tried both and they are nutritious, tasty, and well-balanced meals.
The delivery we receive on Tuesday consist of one cold meal and one frozen meal, and one quart of milk for each participant who placed an order for meals that week. The Thursday delivery consists of one cold meal and two frozen meals also for each participant who had requested meals that week That’s a total of 5 meals each week that can be provided.
August’s meal menu, click here
Following the previously established congregate meal program donation procedures, if a meal participant would like to make a donation toward the cost of the meal, donations will be accepted.
Our weekly meal order is due to the Department of Aging by noon of Tuesday for the following week.
If you have any questions about the meals or procedure ordering them, please feel free to contact me. Since we are closed for activities, call the senior center (610-932-5244) and leave a message on my voice mail box or email me directly at jdmcleod@oxfordseniors.org.
Update 6/30/20
Executive Director's Week 15 Update
As we look forward, we are developing plans to re-open, including guidelines, restrictions, and protocols for the Chester County Department of Aging to consider. These plans will not include our normal congregate noontime lunches but will hopefully include some type of daily “grab and go” lunches that you can pick up and eat at home.
Due to guidelines established by the CDC and the PA Department of Health, we will be limited to the number of people allowed in our building at one time. Calling in to register just to come in will be a requirement. Getting temperature checks upon entering the building, wearing masks, and social distancing will be required! More to come in next month’s newsletter. We will make sure to keep you apprised of any new developments in our re-opening plans and guidelines.
AARP Taxes
The AARP Tax Preparation Volunteers will not be completing any more tax forms so we’re directing people to alternative sources to complete their filing.
Information & Referral
Sally is busy assisting by phone those who are in need of signing up for Medicare, Social Security, etc. If you need her assistance, call and leave a message at 610-932-5244, option #4. She will return your call. You can also email her at sarter@oxfordseniors.org.
Technology Help
Colleen is assisting those with tech issues. If you need her assistance, call and leave a message at 610-932-5244, option #5. She will return your call. You can also email her at caowens@oxfordseniors.org.
Chester County is now in the Green Phase as of June 26, 2020
Update 6/2/20
AARP Taxes
We received an email from our AARP Income Tax Volunteer Supervisor alerting us that they will not be doing taxes at their sites for the rest of the year. Our staff is calling all previously scheduled income tax appointments to alert them and hopefully provide them with an alternative way to complete their tax preparation by July 15 which is the new tax filing deadline. If you had a tax appointment, you will receive a call.
Update 5/12/20
Food/Meals
If you are aware of anyone over the age of 60 who is in need of food, we can help. Due to the generosity of The Chester County Department of Aging, PA Department of Aging, Chester County Food Bank, and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), we have available Shelf-Stable meal boxes that contain non-perishable food items enough for 5 meals. These meal boxes are available weekly and can be picked up at the senior center, or delivered if necessary. If you know a senior who needs meals, please call the senior center at (610) 932-5244 and leave a message. We will contact you for more information.
ROVER
Thanks to Chester County officials, hours for rides in the mornings to grocery stores, doctor’s appointments and pharmacies have been extended, and available on Saturday mornings too! There is a limit of 3 seniors on a bus at one time! There is no additional cost!
AARP Taxes
We have not been informed by AARP if they will continue completing income tax preparation later this year. Even though the tax deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020, we advise you to look for someone else to complete your taxes in case they don’t. There are a few tax services around, Liberty, H & R Block to name a few, that will allow you to drop off your information, then pick up your completed tax forms when they have completed them.
Update 4/13/20
Wear a Mask
During a COVID-19 press briefing on 4/3/20, Governor Tom Wolf recommended that all Pennsylvanians wear a mask any time they leave their homes for life-sustaining reasons. As COVID-19 cases steadily rise in the state, Gov. Wolf stressed the need to intensify all measures to help stop the spread of the virus. Read more here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-calls-for-universal-masking/
Paying Utilities
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman signed an emergency order prohibiting electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunication and steam utility terminations by utilities that are under the PUC’s jurisdiction. The moratorium will remain in place for as long as the Proclamation of Disaster, issued by Governor Tom Wolf related to the Coronavirus, is in effect. If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, contact your service provider for possible emergency assistance programs.
Update 3/31/20
Here is the latest on Senior Center Activities:
Gov. Wolf has expanded the closing of all Non-Essential business/organizations until April 30th
Chester County Seniors for food, supplies and prescriptions (also pet food)
Shelf-stable meals are available from our lunch provider for those who need food. They would be delivered to
our center for distribution. Each box includes 5 shelf-stable meals. If you need food, please call Jim at the center and leave a message. Messages are checked daily (610-932-5244).
If you cannot shop for food, supplies or pickup your prescriptions during this COVID 19 stay at home mandate, please call Jim at the Senior Center. We can help with food delivery and prescription pick up.
ROVER RIDERS:
Just to remind you that Rover continues to run grocery, pharmacy and medical trips if you need transportation. They have expanded hours (pickups as early as 5:00am for 6:00am arrival at a participating grocery store) and eliminating the increased Same Day Ride fees.
- If a senior calls requesting a ride for Grocery or Pharmacy trip, they are waving the increased fees and will transport the same day for the normal $1 Co-Pay to the Senior.
- Their Call Center will be active at 5:00am every weekday taking reservations for Grocery/Pharmacy trips.
AARP Tax Preparation -
All appointments are postponed.
We will contact you to reschedule when we have more information.
AARP Safe Driving Class
The class scheduled for Friday, April 24th has been CANCELLED
ALL afternoon and evening classes/workshops
CANCELLED
Our staff continues to work safely from home putting together contingency plans for re-opening to offer you the activities and programs you all have been missing, we ask you to: Check our telephone messages, website, and Facebook page to find out any changes in our opening status.
Additional Information
Federal and State Tax Deadline
Personal Income Tax Filing Deadline Extension – The IRS and PA Department Revenue announced the deadline for taxpayers to file their 2019 Federal and Pennsylvania personal income tax returns is extended to July 15, 2020. This means taxpayers will have an additional 90 days to file from the original deadline of April 15.
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Application Deadline Extended to End of Year
Harrisburg, PA — In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the deadline for older adults and
Pennsylvania residents with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2019 has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2020, the Department of Revenue announced 3/19/20.
Pennsylvania Primary Election Delay
The Pennsylvania Primary Election of April 28 has been changed to June 2.
PA Dept. of Health Updates
As always, stay directly informed on COVID-19 by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Health's website, which is regularly updated. https://www.health.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx#
Emotional Support
Where people can turn if they need to talk: Emotional Listening Line at 800-932-4616. http://www.contacthelpline.org/emotional-listening-support
Update 3/20/20
Chester County Seniors
For food, supplies and prescriptions (also pet food)
During this COVID-19 stay-at-home mandated time, if you cannot shop for food,
supplies or pickup your prescriptions, please call the senior center (610-932-5244)
and leave a message. We check our messages daily. We can get someone to help you!
Please share with people who might need help.
Veterans Affairs
In case you are a veteran or know of one in need, please call 610-344-6375
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Application Deadline Extended to End of Year
Harrisburg, PA — In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the deadline for older adults and
Pennsylvania residents with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes
paid in 2019 has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2020, the Department of Revenue announced 3/19/20.
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