Minutes of our Monthly Meeting
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CRESTWOOD
VILLAGE 5 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION MEETING
A motion was made and seconded to suspend the regular meeting until after the presentation by the speaker, at which time Virginia Merendino, Second Vice President introduced Ginny Muscarella of Manchester Township's Senior Services Outreach Program. Ms. Muscarella advised the audience that there are many free senior and social services available to residents who are 60 years and older. Senior Outreach provides information about local, county, state and federal programs. She noted that transportation is provided to medical and dental facilities in the surrounding areas to those who are ambulatory, semi-ambulatory and wheelchair-bound and that food shopping is available to strictly homebound residents. She also spoke about Manchester Congregate Nutrition sites located at the Ridgeway Firehouse on Route 571 and at the Community Reformed Church at 30 Lacey Road in Whiting where meals are available for a $2 donation. Ms. Muscarella also mentioned that hot nutritious meals are delivered at lunchtime to homebound seniors who are unable to prepare a meal. Approval is required for this service. She also noted that a three-day supply of food is provided by the Hunger Relief program to those in need. Ms. Muscarella also noted that Jersey Assistance for Community Care giving (JACC) provides in-home services to seniors two to three days a week for 3 hours with the cost shared on a sliding scale based on income (under $40,000 for a single person and under $60,000 for a married couple). She advised the audience that the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program (PAAD) is available to persons receiving social security disability or 65 years or older, who meet eligibility requirements. This programs allows a single person with income less than $24,432 annually and a married couple with income less than $29,956 to buy generic medicines for $6 and brand medicines for $7. PAAD also supplies Medicare D to those who qualify. Those eligible for PAAD can also receive a one-time $225 annual heating credit through the Lifeline Utility Assistance program, a motor vehicle registration discount as well as a 15% discount on dental services at participating dentists. Ms. Muscarella also noted that the disabled as well as a single person with an income of less than $34,432 and a married couple with income less than $39,956 who have Medicare D would be eligible for the Senior Gold prescription discount program. Under this program there is a $15 co-pay plus 50% of the cost of the medicine. After reaching a catastrophic cap of $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a married couple, the co-pay is then $15. She also advised the audience to check their Medicare D every year, noting that pricing has changed this year and in some cases there are now deductibles with certain plans. She suggested making an appointment with Manchester Outreach where staff would screen you for the best programs to fit your prescription needs. She also spoke about Operation Ice Box whereby you would complete a card with pertinent personal and medical information and affix it to your refrigeration. In the event of an emergency, it would provide first responders with vital information. It was noted that there are many other things available to seniors some of which include heating assistance to singles with monthly income less than $2,150 and married couples with income less than $2,750 through HEAP; heating assistance to singles with monthly income of less than $1,517 and married couples with income less than $2,042 through the Universal Service Fund Program (USF); a home weatherization program if funds are available, the Property Tax Relief program for those who have lived in New Jersey for ten years, in their home for three years with annual income under $80,000; a senior tax deduction of $250 to those whose income is less than $10,000 not including social security benefits; and a Veteran tax deduction of $250 to those who served during wartime. Virginia Merendino thanked Ginny Muscarella for her informative presentation. The regular meeting was resumed. Pat Sinnott noted that the minutes of the previous meeting had been posted by the Recording Secretary on the bulletin board in the lobby as well as the website. A motion was made and seconded to suspend the reading of the minutes Pat Sinnott presented the treasurer's report: Balance
as of 10/23/2009 $3,241.31 Balance as of 11/20/2009 $3,192.39 Virginia Merendino, Second Vice President reported that Bill Fence of K & R Tax would speak at the January 22nd meeting and that Nurse Liz Dorik would speak at the February meeting, the topic being "Boot Camp of the Brain". Water Quality Chairperson, Mary Ellen Callahan spoke about the article in the Manchester Times regarding the sale of Crestwood Water and Sewer to Manchester Township, the deadline being the end of December for two state agency approvals. She also reminded the audience that what goes into our gutters will eventually end up in our water supply. Ruth Witkins, Sunshine Chairperson had nothing to report. Joan Cominotto, Membership Chairperson noted that registration for 2010 and 2011 will begin in April. Newsletter Chairperson, Kay Glynn had nothing to report. Ernie and Pauline Brummer were thanked for the coffee and donuts served at the meeting. Pat Sinnott, President noted that the November 9, 2009 Quarterly Meeting was poorly attended. She noted that the accountant, Skip Bauer reviewed the 2008-2009 audit report which showed a $23,095 deficit in 2008 and a $124,933 deficit in 2009. Residents in attendance at the meeting did not seem to be concerned about the deficit. The accountant did applaud the present board and treasurer for their work on the present budget and for their efforts in trying to get the Village back on track financially. The President also noted that Ocean County Court Surrogate Jeffrey Moran who spoke at last month's meeting regarding Wills had send additional brochures, planning guides and personal record booklets. Ms. Sinnott noted that there would be no meeting in December and that the next meeting would be on Friday, January 22, 2010. There being no further old or new business, a motion was made and seconded to close the meeting. Respectfully
submitted,
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