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Join us at Westchester County's 57th Salute to Seniors on May 8th!
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Medicare Part D Enrollment to Run From Oct. 15 to Dec. 7

Seniors who want to change their Medicare health plan and Part D coverage for prescription drugs for 2012 can enroll from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. 

During that period, they are eligible to move in or out of any type of Medicare coverage they choose. They can also switch to a new health or drug plan or drop their health plan and return to original Medicare. All changes take effect Jan. 1, 2012.

Seniors who want help to select the plan that best suits their needs, should call (914) 813-6100 – the free, year-round Medicare Information Line of Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS).

Even seniors who are satisfied with their current plans should review a mailing they received from their insurance companies with information about changes to that plan for 2012. For example, it is possible that next year’s plan would have a new monthly premium, new deductibles and new co-payments. Seniors should also check that the 2012 plan will continue to cover their current medications and will continue to work with their pharmacy.

In addition to the county’s Medicare Information Line, free help is also available from the Senior Benefits Information Centers (SBICs) that are sponsored by the Westchester Library System and the Medicare Rights Center with support from DSPS.

Medicare-trained counselors provide one-on-one counseling at the SBICs at the six libraries listed below. They can also tell seniors how to get help paying for medications and the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Seniors who sign up for Medicare Advantage can cancel their enrollment next year between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14. 

There is no need to call for an appointment. Counselors will be available at the dates and times below: 

  • Mount Kisco Public Library, Mount Kisco (914) 269-7764, Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Warner Library, Tarrytown (914) 269-7765, Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Grinton I. Will Library, Yonkers (914) 269-7138, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • John C. Hart Memorial Library, Shrub Oak (914) 269-7137, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Peekskill Field Library, Peekskill, (914) 265-5286, Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • New Rochelle Library, New Rochelle, (914) 265-5287, Fridays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Seniors can also visit the federal government’s Medicare Web site or call its helpline at (800) 633-4227.

Senior Law Program in New Rochelle

A free Senior Law Program on estate planning and legal issues surrounding Alzheimer’s and end-of-life concerns will take place Nov. 17 at United Hebrew of New Rochelle, 391 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. A light dinner and the program will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Print and post the flier.

Reservations are being accepted now. To sign up, contact Kirsy Gil at (914) 632-2804, Ext. 1223 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The evening will feature a panel of three leading elder law attorneys. Frances M. Pantaleo, Esq., from Walsh, Amicucci & Pantaleo, LLP,  will discuss “Estate Planning: Wills, trusts and your property.” Michael J. Amoruso, Esq., of Amoruso & Amoruso, LLP, will speak about “Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss: When a loved one needs a guardian.” 

“End of Life: Navigating the legal steps” will be discussed by Mary Beth Morrissey, Esq., PhD. MPH, from Fordham University’s Ravazzin Center on Aging and the Collaborative for Palliative Care.

Free valet parking will be available.

Sponsors are the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services, United Hebrew of New Rochelle, the South East Livable Communities Connection and the New Rochelle Office for the Aging.

Programs to Mark Older Driver Safety Week

Safe Driver“Keys to Safe Driving” is a series of five, free programs to be presented by Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) during Older Driver Safety Week from Dec. 3 to Dec. 7.

The sessions are sponsored by the department’s Older Driver Coalition. Each will explore concerns of older drivers, risk factors and steps that older drivers and their families should take to ensure safety. The programs will also discuss the sensitive subject of when it is time to stop driving, and what alternative transportation services are available if a senior does decide to relinquish the keys.

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino said it is crucial that seniors know what to do behind the wheel to protect both themselves and others.

“I encourage seniors and family caregivers to attend this valuable program,” Astorino said. “Being able to drive can give seniors enormous mobility and enhance their quality of life. However, we want to make sure everyone is safe.”

Occupational therapy students from Mercy College will discuss adaptive devices that seniors can use for comfort and safety as well as medically based driving evaluations. Medical evaluations are needed, for example, if a senior is recovering from a stroke and wants to drive again.  

The students will also discuss CarFit, a program where professionals do a 20-minute check about how well the senior and their vehicle work together. CarFit was created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association and AARP.
Lawrence Cunningham from the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation will be at each session to help seniors sign up for MTA’s Reduced Fare MetroCard.  

DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said that when seniors can drive it helps to prevent isolation and to keep their important connections to the community at large.

“But it’s also essential for seniors and their families to know when it is time to stop driving and relinquish their keys,” Carpenter said. “Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help ease the transition and enable the senior to find alternate ways to get around.”

Seniors and their families can attend as many sessions as they wish by calling the director of each program, as listed below. Pre-registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.

  • Monday, Dec. 3 – Port Chester Senior Community Center, 222 Grace Church St., Port Chester, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Contact Carol Nielsen, director, at (914) 939-4975.  Mary Ellen Burns from the county Department of Public Works and Transportation will facilitate the program with Marianne Kim, an OT student from Mercy College.

  • Tuesday, Dec. 4 – Theodore Young Community Center, 32 Manhattan Ave., White Plains.  10 a.m. – 11 a.m.  Contact Marianne Madden, director,   at (914) 989-3639. Kathleen Golisz, OTR, OTD, from Mercy College will facilitate with Mercy OT student Umbareen Kahn.  

  • Wednesday, Dec. 5 – Yorktown Senior Center, 1974 Commerce St., Yorktown, 11 a.m. – 12 noon.  Contact Mary DeSilva, director, at (914) 962-7447.  Anna Wyganowska from Public Works and Transportation will facilitate the program with Mercy OT student Meghan Torres.  

  • Thursday, Dec. 5 – Mount Vernon Armory, 144 N. Fifth St., Mount Vernon, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Contact the Office for the Aging at (914) 665-2315. Beverly Carter from Senior Programs and Services will facilitate with Mercy OT student Malgorzata Haluda.
     
  • Friday, Dec. 7 – Joseph Caputo Community Center, 95 Broadway, Ossining, 11 a.m. – 12 noon. Contact Kathy Asaro, director at (914) 762-1350. Janet Weinstein from Lighthouse International will facilitate with Mercy College OT students Diane Booth and Maribel Cuevas.  

Help Grandparents in Need Buy Gifts for Their Grandchildren

Many grandparents raising their grandchildren often lack the extra money to buy them holiday presents. That’s where the Grandparents Coalition of Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) comes in.

Again this year, the coalition is looking for sponsors – including caring individuals, social organizations and corporations - to buy a gift for a particular child or children. People age 55 and older who are caregivers for young relatives are eligible for the holiday gift program as well. Last year, the coalition was able to provide gifts to 125 children. For some children, that was the only present they received.

Often the grandparents find themselves parenting for the second time because of a variety of circumstances. Many struggle to support their grandchildren with their basic needs but there is often no money left over to buy presents.

The Grandparents Coalition meets every other month at various locations. It is unique because it brings together agency professionals and grandparents who are on the front lines of raising grandchildren. The professionals help the coalition members with advocacy issues, coordinating activities and organizing educational programs. Contact program administrator Corina Sonara for more information about the coalition or to join at (914) 813-6393 or send her an e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To make a financial contribution write to Sonara by Dec. 17, c/o the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services, 9 S. First Ave., 10th floor, Mount Vernon, 10550. Also contact Sonara to donate a toy or other gift.

Raffle to Benefit Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Blue Tree ResortWould you like a luxurious vacation in a sunny location – a relaxing getaway from winter’s wind and snow? If so, consider donating $10 for a raffle ticket to win a week at a timeshare in Florida.

The raffle is sponsored by the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services and will benefit its Grandparents Coalition, which helps grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. The donation for the seven-day stay at the Blue Tree Resort is $10 per ticket.

The Public/Private Partnership raises money to supplement programs of Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS). The date of the drawing has been extended until May 17.

The timeshare has two bedrooms and can sleep six to eight people. Just some of its amenities are four swimming pools, a children’s pool, a playground, a fitness center, a bilingual staff, free wireless Internet service and many restaurants in walking distance. The resort also offers free transportation to Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld as well as discounts on golf. To learn more, visit Blue Tree Resorts or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The winner must use the timeshare within two years; transportation to Orlando is not included. The cost will be an additional $169 if the winner prefers a timeshare in another location in the United States or in another country.

To donate money for a raffle ticket, contact Corina Sonara, the DSPS liaison to the Grandparents Coalition, at (914) 813-6393 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Make checks payable to the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services and mail them to the partnership at 9 S. First Ave., 10th Floor, Mount Vernon, N.Y. 10550. Volunteers willing to sell tickets should also contact Sonara. Download and print the flier.

The Grandparents Coalition sponsors events throughout the year including fund-raisers to help grandparents buy school supplies for their grandchildren in the fall and holiday gifts in December.

Grandparents raising grandchildren find themselves parenting for the second time because of a variety of circumstances. Many give up their jobs to care for their grandchildren. They struggle to support them with their basic needs but often no money remains for extras.

The Grandparents Coalition meets every other month at various locations. It is unique because it brings together agency professionals and grandparents who are on the front line of raising grandchildren.

The professionals help the grandparents with advocacy issues, coordinate activities and organize educational programs.

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