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Greetings,
Thanks for your warm reception of The Beacon.
At MVES, we strive to provide clients, caregivers, and
friends with important information and useful resources.
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Thanks for reading!
| Cold Days Need Friendly Neighbors |
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With its combination of snow and frigid temperatures,
this winter has affected young and old. When weather
reaches extremes, we need to look out for our friends
and neighbors to make sure everyone is safe.
This cold weather can put a strain on budgets and on
furnaces. Please take a few minutes to check in on
your neighbors. Verify that furnaces or heating systems
are working properly and that your neighbors have been
able to get out to purchase food.
Read on... »
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| Elders Eligible for Possible Tax Relief |
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Certain Massachusetts homeowners and tenants may
qualify for a possible tax credit up to $790. The Circuit
Breaker Tax Credit allows qualified taxpayers to claim a
refundable credit on their 2002 state return for the real
estate taxes they paid on the property they own or
rent.
Eligible persons must be a Massachusetts resident age
65 or older and own or rent residential property in
Massachusetts as their primary residence. Also, a single
filer taxpayer must have an annual income of $42,000
or less; $53,000 or less for a head of the household
taxpayer; and joint filers must have a combined annual
income of $63,000 or less.
Read more and view a tax worksheet... »
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| Generosity Delivers |
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So often we're asked for money to support one cause
or another. But, how often do we see the results of our
generosity used practically?
At Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES), we appreciate
every
dollar our contributors give--and we use those dollars
very carefully, helping the frailest elders receive
emergency help. With unparalleled donor generosity,
MVES raised a record-breaking $15,000 this past fall. All
of this money will be allocated to the Elder
Independence Fund. But what is the Elder
Independence Fund? It's about helping real people with
serious issues.
Please read some examples of ways the Fund has helped... »
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| State Stops Prescription Advantage Enrollment |
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As part of sweeping state cuts made to offset the
budget deficit, the Commonwealth has stopped
enrollment in its popular Prescription Advantage
program. Beginning on February 1, Prescription
Advantage stopped accepting all new applications.
The Prescription Advantage program began in April
2001, and is the first state-sponsored prescription drug
insurance plan in the nation. It is administered by the
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Read more... »
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| Looking Out for the Elderly |
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With a fresh two-feet of snow on the ground, this
winter doesn't seem ready to submit to spring. For
many months, cold weather and snowy conditions have
pervaded our activities, making some tasks harder than
usual.
This edition of The Beacon addresses several
winter
weather concerns. The basic message of both articles
is to be aware of resources and be a resource.
The
difficult winter weather poses concerns for all of us,
but the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the
season's challenges.
Since budget issues loom all around us--especially with
high heating costs this winter--please be sure
that elders know how to help their own budgets with
the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. This credit is available
to many elders who pay taxes on property they own or
rent.
On a more important level, please look out for elders in
these cold days. Often elders are hesitant to ask for
help, so take extra time to check on elderly family
members and neighbors. The cold and snowy mix can
have terrible consequences for elders if not managed
appropriately. Thanks for reading The Beacon.
Let's all root for spring!
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