In the News
African American Seniors: Promoting Healthcare and Better Health
The 22nd Annual Anna V. Brown Community Forum will be held Monday, May 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Cleveland State University. Breakout sessions will include "Health and Technology: Use it or Lose It", "Communicable Diseases: You Can Catch it Too!" and "An Ounce of Prevention: Preventative Measure to Better Health." The forum will be held in CSU’s Waetjen Auditorium in the Music and Communications Center. General registration is $40, students and seniors 20$. For more information contact Dr. Michael Williams, (216) 687-3655. The registration deadline is May 5.
Finer with Age
The Ohio Department of Aging produces a 30-minute television program in which Director Barbara E. Riley discusses benefits and services available to seniors. The Department’s website provides links to stations in Ohio that broadcast the program. Recent episodes can also be viewed online.
Pension Fund Shortages Create Hard Choices
Almost half of the states have been underfunding their retirement plans for public workers and may have to choose in the years ahead between their pension obligations and other public programs.
Consumer Information
Eligible Ohioans Can Still Apply for Homestead Exemption
Taxpayers 65 or older, and those who are totally disabled, who applied for the Homestead Property Tax Exemption and received credit on their 2007 tax bill do not need to reapply to receive the credit for 2008. Others have until June 2 to apply. The application form must be returned to the county auditor’s office by the stated deadline. Additional information about the tax exemption can be found here.
MORE CONSUMER INFO
Young at Heart: Tips for Older Adults.
Physical exercise and healthy eating are crucial to good health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health have published a helpful online pamphlet on the subject.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS APPLICATION 2007 - 2008
The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) offers several programs to help low-income Ohioans pay their utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. With this form, you may apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Winter Crisis Program (WCP), Summer Crisis Program (SCP), Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) and Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP). For WCP and SCP, an appointment is required at a local provider agency.
Concerns arise about elderly residents who may lose their TV signals after digital switch
On Feb. 18, 2009, as mandated by Congress, analog television broadcasting -- also known as free over-the-air programming by rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears" -- will cease and digital broadcasts will take over. For more information see the Federal Trade Commission's website Digital Television (DTV) Tomorrow's TV Today! . The form to use in requesting coupons is also available online.
Quick escapes: Finding great, last-minute getaways
When you just can't wait any longer for that planned vacation still months away, last-minute vacation getaways are easy and fun to find on the Internet.