North Andover Senior Center Shares Weekly News

Circuit Breaker Tax Credit

The Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is a state income tax credit for certain Massachusetts residents age 65 years or older who paid rent or real estate taxes during the tax year. Based on local property taxes, the tax credit is funded by the state government. The credit is designed for senior homeowners and renters who meet income limits and other criteria. Homeowners are eligible for the credit if they paid more than 10 percent of their total income for real estate taxes, including water charges. Renters can count 25 percent of their rent as real estate tax payments. To qualify for the credit:

· You or your spouse must be 65 years or older by the end of the tax year

· If married, you must file a joint state tax return

· You cannot be the dependent of another taxpayer

· You must rent or own a home in Massachusetts that is your principal residence

· If you are a homeowner, your property’s assessed value cannot exceed $693,000

· If you rent, you cannot also receive a federal or state rent subsidy and your landlord must pay property taxes

· Income limits are: $57,000 single; $71,000 head of household; $85,000 married filing jointly

· The amount you paid for real estate taxes must be greater than 10 percent of your total income

To claim the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, you must file a state income tax return. If your credit is greater than the amount of income taxes owed, the state will issue a refund for the difference. The maximum credit for tax year 2015 is $1,070. Individuals who meet certain requirements may be eligible to file retro-actively for the last three years. Information regarding tax preparation and the criteria for the state’s Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is available at the COA office.

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As the weather gets colder and the snow starts to fly, be a Good Neighbor by checking in on friends, older adults and neighbors, particularly those living alone. Our older adults are most susceptible to extreme temperatures caused by power outages.

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JANUARY SUPPER CLUB: Thursday Jan 21, Bus departs 4pm, van charge $6, destination, The Outlook Restaurant in Westford.

Volunteers are the backbone of the North Andover Senior Center, we currently need Medical Transport Volunteers. You can set your own hours. Call the Senior Center for more information. Speak with our Program Coordinator at 688-9560 for an application and assistance.

NEW WELLNESS SERVICES AT THE NORTH ANDOVER SENIOR CENTER

MASSAGE THERAPIST: Antonio Chong, MSW, LMT will be at the North Andover Senior Center the 2nd Friday of every month 15 or 30 minute Chair Massage Sessions Available. Call reception for the Next Available Appointment. Special Discount for Senior Citizens.

FOOT CARE: RN Catherine Languedoc, Foot Care Specialist ($30), 3rd Friday of every month from 8:30-2:30.

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How about joining a new Exercise Class?

WALKING GROUP- Our Walking Group walks at the Youth Center at 9 a.m., Monday through Friday. Athletic shoes required for the gym floor.

Yoga- Mondays at 9-10a.m.

Strength Training & Yoga Combo- Mondays 10-11:30a.m.

Tai Chi & Chi Gong- Tuesdays at 9-10a.m.

Joy of Exercise- Thursdays at 10-11am.

Zumba Basic & Fitness- Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30-5:30pm.

Zumba Gold- Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30-4:15pm.

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Other wonderful programs and classes to join-

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1-3.

MAHJONG: Thursdays 1-3 pm.

KNITTING: Tuesdays 9:30 – 11:30. New project “Hats for Vets and Kids”

*WOMEN’S FORUM: 4th Thursday of every month, 1:30-3:00 (*Will return in January)

*ART CLASS: Tuesdays 1-3 pm, $60 for 6 classes (*Will return in March)

ONE ON ONE COMPUTER INSTRUCTION: 45 minute sessions for $7, Tuesdays with George Chory and Thursdays with Tom Kooken. Hours are 9-12. Make your appointments with reception 978-688-9560. This time can accommodate gadgets, too, if necessary (Phones, Tablets, etc.)

LECTURE SERIES: Every Monday 10-11:30. Call reception 978-688-9560 for the schedule.

NEWS & VIEWS: Every Wednesday at 10–11:30. Come and join in the lively discussion of current events, politics, history and you never know what else?!

MEET WITH AN ATTORNEY: Atty. Bridget Murray, Tuesday Jan 19th and Atty. Ramsey Bahrawy, Tuesday Feb 9th. Schedule with Reception-first consult is free.

MR. FIX IT: First and 3rd Thursday of every month from 12-3pm. We repair almost as good as new. Lamps, with cords and sockets, replace watch batteries, small tables and chairs. Anything that is not listed, we will give it a shot! Your cost is $2 - $4 depending on work needed, plus parts. Proceeds benefit the Senior Center.

WALK IN CLINIC: Wednesdays 9-12 pm, the North Andover Senior Center and Home Health Inc/VNA operate a wellness clinic. If you are a North Andover Senior, we urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to check your blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and blood oxygen levels. Consult privately with an RN regarding any medication and health issues that you are concerned about. There is no charge for this service. Donations are gratefully accepted.

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