JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center hosts several programs in May including a Mother’s Day Celebration at the Center on May 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. preceded by lunch at noon. The suggested contribution for each meal is $3. Also scheduled is a trip to Caramoor Center for Music and Arts on May 14 to see “Carmen” and “La Traviata” followed by a picnic on the grounds and a house tour. The fee of $27 includes the bus, lunch, performance and tour. Reserve by May 7. The center is located at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. For more information, call (718) 549-4700.

Retirement Planning Seminar: The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is hosting a free seminar on Retirement Planning. The seminar, which will feature Dario Rodriguez, a Financial Advisor for Citi Smith Barney, is on Monday, April 28, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Space is limited. RSVP to Bob Altman, (718) 882-4000

Energy Cost Help: Older New Yorkers can apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grant to help meet the challenges of paying for heating & utility costs during the cold winter months. This federally-funded program provides financial assistance to limited-income households to offset costs of heating and energy bills. Applicants must meet income guidelines & be 60 or older. To receive a HEAP application, call 311 or visit DFTA at www.nyc.gov/aging . For more info about the HEAP program, seniors can log on to ACESS NYC at www.nyc.gov , call the Human Resources Administration’s Info Line at 1-877-HRA-8411 or visit the HRA Website at www.nyc.gov/hra.

PS 95 1958 Reunion, PS 95’s graduating class of 1958 will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in June 2008 and are planning a reunion. If you are a member of the sixth grade graduating class of 1958 or know anyone in the graduating class, please contact Norman Danzing at Normoa@aol.com, Norman Fisher at norm3971@yahoo.com, or David Seader at davidseader@comcast.net

 Services for Seniors

Benefits for Seniors : There are 39 federal, state, city and private benefits which are available for senior citizens. The Council of Senior Centers and Services of New York will provide information, education, advocacy, training and other community services for all persons age 50 and older. For more information call 588-8200, ext.253, or at see 50 and older. For more info call 588-8200, ext 253, or at www.cscs-ny.org.

Caregivers Services:  The Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA)’s Bronx Caregiver Program provides support  services and information to individuals caring for loved ones over 60. Services include case management, counseling, support groups and caregiving training. For more information, call Danielle Palmisano at (718) 365-4044 or e-mail DPalmisano@JASA.org.

Food Stamps:  The state launched a campaign to increase enrollment into the food stamps program, and signing up is easier than ever. Those who receive Supplemental Security Income and live alone will be automatically enrolled. For more information, call 311.

MetroCard Discounts:  Seniors and those with disabilities are eligible for the EasyPay MetroCard Program. Participants pay a maximum of $38 a month regardless of usage, and receive a month of free rides after the first three months in the program. Accounts are automatically replenished from a credit or debit card. For more information, call (877) 323-7433 or visit www.mta.info 

Senior Centers/Programs A - Z

Sister Annunciata Bethell Senior Center:  243 E. 204th St. The center, now called the  after its founder, provides meals and a wide range of services such as health, education and recreation programs. For more information, call 365-3725.

Bedford Park AARP Chapter 1011 meets at the Bedford Park Congregational Church House on Bainbridge Avenue and 201st Street. Meetings are on the 1st/3rd/Tues/mo., Sept.-June, from 12-2 p.m.

The Bedford Park Multi-Service Center: (243 E. 204th St.) Free programming every weekday for seniors. There is an opera lecture at 11 a.m. and painting class at 1:30 p.m. on Mondays; a crochet class at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays; exercise and computer classes at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays; social dancing at 11 a.m. on Thursdays; and a movie at 10 a.m. and a discussion at 11 a.m. on Fridays. Every day, the Center has exercise at 10:30 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m., and bingo at 1 p.m. Case assistance is also available.  

Senior Programs at St. Brendan's Church in the school cafeteria, located on 207th Street between Perry and Bainbridge avenues. On Wednesdays, participants meet for bingo, raffles, conversation and refreshments at 12:30 p.m. Exercise classes are held on Fridays at 12:45 p.m. in the Convent, and lunches are served on Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Interested volunteers are encouraged to call Sr. Catherine at (718) 547-6655.

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 3880 Sedgwick Ave.   Call 718-549-4700 for details.

Mosholu Montefiore Senior Center, (3450 DeKalb Ave., 718-882-4000):  Free with suggested $1 lunch contribution, at 1 p.m.:

St. Stephen's Meal Program:  at Epiphany Lutheran Church on 206th Street near Bainbridge Avenue is offering a free meals to anyone looking for a hot lunch. The meal program takes place in the basement of the church on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1p.m. Use the left side entrance.    

Tolentine-Zeiser Senior Center: 2345 University Ave. (at Fordham Rd.), 933-3305, located in the lower church of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church (wheelchair accessible) offers seniors ages 60 and over: congregate lunch M-F starting at 10a.m. ($.75), and kosher and non-kosher meals- on-wheels delivered to homebound seniors. Call Margaret McDermott for details; or Elderly Support at 547-2600. Also offered: recreational programs, health care education, safety and security seminars, and special events. TZSC also offers Bronx elderly residents one-way transportation throughout the borough for ages 60+, including to the doctor's office and TZSC's facilities M thru F. Participants must find a return ride home. Pickups are between 9:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. $1/suggested donation.

Van Cortlandt Village Senior Center, Inc.: 3880 Sedgwick Ave., serves kosher lunch daily and offers seniors: painting, stretching and relaxation, sketching, knitting, short-story, various morning exercise classes (from yoga to tai-chi) current events, movies, trips, line dancing, blood pressure screening, and information about entitlements, etc.  Case assistance services provided. Transportation available for those who qualify.  For more details, call  (718) 549-4700.

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