There are several exciting events coming up in the next month, which can make a significant impact on senior citizens in Portage County. The first one is on Oct. 15. This will be an opportunity for all of us to make a donation to S.O.S, (Support Our Seniors) fundraising campaign.
The Portage 50+ Community Committee and the JFS Unified Committee are launching this campaign to “collect frequently requested items to make daily life safer, healthier and more comfortable for older adults in Portage County."
The kind of items they are looking for include Ensure, Depends, deodorant, toothbrushes and paste, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, pill boxes, blankets and non-perishable food items.
If you are able to help out, the Portage County Administration Building will have a drive-thru donation event from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15.
Another important date to remember is Nov. 3, Election Day. While you are voting, look for Issue 13: Proposed Tax Levy for Portage County Job and Family Services.
This what is being calling a Human Services Levy, which will not only benefit our county’s abused and neglected children, but also our senior citizens. (The first time in Portage County's history that there will be money designated for senior citizens.) Consider voting for this issue, it will only cost a homeowner $14 a year in property taxes for a home valued at $100,000.
There is a definite need to expand the Adult Protective Services Department. These are staff members who can reach out to our area senior citizens and help them find the services and items that they need for their daily life. There is not currently enough staff to cover the expanding needs of our elderly neighbors— plus keep in mind our segment of the population is expanding (senior citizens now contribute to 21% of our population).
While you are marking your calendars for these two events, make an additional note to go to the “Good Deeds Program” at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 at Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna. This is the second year that Patricia Smith (Probate-Juvenile Judge), Lori Calcei (Portage County Recorder) and Jill Fankhauser (Portage County Clerk of Courts) have offered these community seminars in partnership with the Portage County Bar Association.
The Good Deeds Program helps homeowners (house or condo) better understand how property ownership and asset titles can affect the probate process. This will be an opportunity for you to ensure these documents are in order to avoid both costs and delays to your estate.
There have even been recent television commercials showing how someone else can change the names and addresses on your home titles, without you even knowing about it.
These individuals can then use your home for collateral to purchase another home or to just get the money. Eventually, you may end up getting notice of foreclosure on your home for nonpayment of the loan you never requested.
There are so many scams going around affecting senior citizens that we need to remain educated in order to protect ourselves and our property.
On a lighter side, the Auxiliary of University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna is sponsoring their Annual Fashion Show on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Kent. The tickets are $50, and all proceeds benefit children’s rehab services at the Portage County facility.
The Auxiliary is a 501c3, so all contributions are tax deductible. For information on how to obtain a ticket or make a donation, call the Auxiliary office at 330-297-2594.
Contact Sally Kelly with your senior news at 330-687-9501 or sentrip@yahoo.com.