May is Older Americans Month, Be Old and Proud Of It!!!
It’s been seven weeks since we were directed to close and lock the doors of our senior center due to some virus that was dangerously affecting everyone, especially individuals over 65 years old. Well, we’ve now heard many, many times that this virus is called COVID 19 and in fact it does have deadly affects on seniors, especially those with any pre-existing medical issues. We are truly living in an unprecedented time!!
After a few on-line meetings with the Department of Aging and a few other sources, the realization is that we will have a long wait until we are allowed to re-open. As of today, I have absolutely no idea when that will be. Even when Chester County moves in to the “yellow” area on the Governor’s map which allows for conditional openings, the fact that the people we serve are the most adversely affected age group by this virus, will probably put us last in line to re-open. Even then we will most likely be required to use face masks, social distancing, and maybe even temperature checks. It is our goal to re-open only when it is absolutely safe for you and our staff. Everyone’s health and safety is our main concern! Information is changing weekly, we will do our best to keep you informed!!
Our staff has been working from home, keeping in contact with those who we know are in need of meals and nutritional supplements due to our closure. 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.
As you will read throughout this newsletter, all scheduled trips, activities and events have either been postponed or cancelled. 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, I 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.
For all currently registered ROVER Riders, please see Rover page for important information.
All of us are working, even during this closure, to help you with the services that you need to get through this difficult and dangerous time.
PLEASE BE SAFE!!!!
Jim McLeod
Executive Director
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