Refreshing your driving skills
could reduce your auto insurance costs.*

When you take the AARP Smart Driver™ online course (https://www.aarpdriversafety.org/), you could be eligible for a multi-year discount on your auto insurance.* Plus safer driving can save you more than just money. The course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.

Additionally, you’ll learn:

• Important facts about the effects of medication on driving.
• How to reduce driver distractions.
• How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car.
• Proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes and new technology found in cars today.
• Techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts.
• Age-related physical changes and how to adjust your driving to compensate.

*Upon completion, you may be eligible to receive an auto insurance discount. Other restrictions may apply. Consult your agent for details.

**You are able to receive a refund if for any reason you do not complete the course or do not wish to continue it. You will have 60 days from the date of registration to request that a refund be credited back to your credit card account.

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

INCOME TAX PREPARATION

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.

1. Chester County VITA: Visit www.chestercountyfreetaxes.com or call 610-380-9099 from January 25th to April 15th. More information regarding this program: Click here for VITA flyer.
2. Lancaster VITA: Visit https://vita.uwlanc.org/ for locations or call 717-824-8102.
3. Maryland VITA: Call 800-906-9887.

AARP location: https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/

Additional services in the area that charge for their services:

Sally Arter, 610-857-9132, leave a message

Coping with Stress during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.

Stress can cause the following:

• Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
• Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Worsening of mental health conditions
• Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
• It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are ways that you can help yourself, others, and your community manage stress.

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
• Take care of your body.
  • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
  • Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine when available.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

Helping Others Cope

Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of others. During times of social distancing, it is especially important to stay connected with your friends and family. Helping others cope with stress through phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel less lonely or isolated.

Mental Health and Crisis

• If you are struggling to cope, there are many ways to get help. Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
• During times of extreme stress, people may have thoughts of suicide. Suicide is preventable and help is available.
• Free and confidential crisis resources can also help you or a loved one connect with a skilled, trained counselor in your area. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/individuals/index.htm

Article from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

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!

CDC COVID Updates

Visit the CDC website for the latest information, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Chester County COVID Updates

Visit this website for the latest information for Chester County: https://www.chesco.org/4376/Coronavirus-COVID-19

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!

 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

The Chester County Department of Mental Health has compiled information on how to access help and support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit their website and help us to get the word out by sharing this message. https://www.chesco.org/615/Mental-HealthIntellectual-Dev-Disabiliti

Chester County Warm Line: 866-846-2722 or visit chesco.org/mhidd

COVID-19 Statewide Support & Referral Line: 855-284-2494

Governor’s Websites

Visit the Governor’s websites for important information on the COVID-19 situation.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s website:
https://www.governor.pa.gov/

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s website:
https://governor.maryland.gov/

Delaware Governor John Carney’s website:
https://governor.delaware.gov/

Veterans Affairs

In case you are a veteran or know of one in need, please call 610-344-6375

Oxford Area Senior Center

As always be sure to also check our website or Facebook page for any updates.

The Oxford Senior Center is a member agency of the