January 2016

@aoa . . . e-news from Alliance on Aging

You can make a difference in the lives of local seniors for years to come by including Alliance on Aging in your will or trust.

The time is now!

There is still time to sign up to volunteer with the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. A number of different opportunities are available. Those with prior experience are invited to apply for a Tax Preparer position. In addition to Tax Preparers, there are also openings for Greeters, Reviewers, e-Filers, and a Data Specialist.

To learn more about these opportunities contact Sarah Guzman at 831.655.4242 today as training begins soon!

If you are a return tax client, please expect a call from an AOA volunteer some time during the first 3 weeks of January. If you don't receive a call by the end of the month, please call Michelle Lopez at 831.655.4241 to schedule an appointment. If we've never prepared your taxes and you'd like to take advantage of this excellent program please call 831.655.4241 after February 1st to learn more.

Whether you're a spectator or a participant, the Peer Counselors have a group for you.

There is still time to join the no cost "A Time to Talk" group held at Active Seniors in Salinas. SPC Peer Counselors hold this group every Thursday and welcome those in attendance to exchange ideas while enjoying camaraderie and laughter.

Click here for details.

Maybe you've never been to a discussion group and you're a little hesitant. A great introduction to the Peer Counseling program is "Aging at The Movies". In this fun and interactive series, a film that addresses aging is shown then discussed by the group. This round has a great line-up of movies that you won't want to miss! Click the popcorn below for details and instructions on how to register.

Did you know you can DIS-enroll too?

Are you having 2nd thoughts about your recent Medicare Advantage Plan enrollment? January 01 - February 14 is the dis-enrollment period for this type of coverage. Call HICAP at 831.655.4245 if you'd like to discuss your options in detail.

Maybe you haven't yet signed up for Medicare? If you are soon eligible to enroll in Medicare coverage, we can bet you have some questions. Our Medicare experts will be hosting a Medicare Basics class on Tuesday, February 9, at the AOA office in Salinas.
Click here for time and location details.

Cant' make it to Salinas? Stay tuned to @aoa for future seminars held in and around Monterey County.

2016 South County Trashion Show

Save the date! Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Trashion Show in September, 2015, the Alliance on Aging has been asked to host an additional Trashion Show in South County in 2016. The fun-filled event will take place on Thursday, February 11 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in the Orradre Building, in King City. The event will give AOA an opportunity to raise funds to support seniors throughout the South County. Tickets are $55 a person and table of eight are available for reservation. We welcome artists who are interested in designing a one-of-a-kind entry utilizing recycled/repurposed materials, such as candy wrappers, papers, coffee bags, and more. Click here for the artist application.

For tickets and other details, please call 831.655.1334 or visit the Trashion Show page on our website.

New Year, New You!

Tai Chi is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 25. Participating in this 8 week course will help you to build strength, improve your balance and increase flexibility. Tai Chi can also help reduce stress, leaving you feeling relaxed and with a better mind, body and spirit.

Click the lotus to register and for time and location information.

Holiday Giving: We Need Your Support

Happy New Year! Our warmest wishes to you for a wonderful 2016.

Even though the holiday season has ended, the gift of giving continues. There is still time to celebrate the warmth of the season with a gift/donation to Alliance on Aging.

Your holiday gift can make a powerful difference in seniors' lives year round. AOA is able to provide critical services to over 6,500 seniors in Monterey County thanks to donations from people like you.

AOA is there to guide seniors through accessing benefits that help meet their basic needs such as taxi vouchers, food programs, cell phones and more. Other programs include: tax preparation assistance, Medicare counseling and assistance, peer counseling for seniors, advocacy and information for those living in long term care, community education/outreach and much more.

There are three simple ways to donate:

1. Donate online through our website

2. Mail a check, made payable to Alliance on Aging to 247 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901

3. Call 831.655.1334 to donate over the phone

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Monterey County Gives!

Thank you to everyone for your generosity to the Monterey County Weekly's MC Gives! holiday drive, which took place from November 12 to December 31, 2015. The Alliance on Aging was one of 141 local nonprofits featured by the Weekly for our "Big Idea"; institute a multi-pronged approach to inform/educate families and caregivers about senior resources. Your support to the MC Gives! will enable us to make our big idea a reality in 2016. Again, we thank you for your support in helping seniors throughout the county.