2020, January Issue Keith Rider, CMA, President/CEO

Hoangvan Dinh, B.S., Editor

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

700 Hamilton Boulevard, Peoria, Illinois 61603 Telephone: (309) 674-2071, Toll Free: 1-877-777-2422

Website: http://www.ciaoa.net

Serving Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell,

and Woodford Counties

Senior

Gazette

25th MLK Day of Service…………...1

Golf Tournament—New Location:

Metamora Fields Golf Course……..2

New Year’s Meal—A Blessing for Those Who Prepare, Deliver and Receive!.....................................……....3

A THANK YOU to Downtown Rotary Club of Peoria, IL and Kroger Company…………………………...4

“Touch-A-Heart” Celebrates the Holiday Season—Thank you ……....5

The Grandparents Raising

Grandchildren Holiday Party ……...6

National Blood Donor Month .........7

United States®

Census 2020………………......8 –11

Seven Steps for Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick…………..12

Inspector General Warns Public About New Twist to Social Security Phone Scams……………………...13

Reduce Your Risk of Cognitive Decline in the New Year……........14

Glaucoma 101…………………….15

Tax-Related Identity Theft………..16

Tax Time………………………….17

HealthAlliance MEDICARE…..…...18

Friendship Line………………...….19

Take Charge of

Your Health………….............20 & 21

Planning a Group Trip or

Outing………………………...…..22

Support Groups, Place to Go...Things to See and Facebook ..................….23

U.S. House of Representative, U.S. Senators for IL, IL General Assembly, Board of Directors and Council Rosters .................................24

To Receive Senior Gazette,

e-mail Hoangvan Dinh at hdinh@ciaoa.net

IN THE ISSUE

Source: https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community/mlk-day-service

MAKE IT A DAY ON,

NOT A DAY OFF

Office Hours: Monday — Friday: 8:30 am—5:00 pm

Saturdays: Closed

Save-the-Date

CIAA 18th Annual Dr. Laurence E. Norton

Golf Tournament

Date: 08/21/2020

Metamora Fields Golf Course

For sponsorship, registration materials

or additional information contact

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc.

309-674-2071 ext. 2204 (Beth) or 2205 (Renee)

Beth Stalker at bstalker@ciaoa.net

Renee Razo, rrazo@ciaoa.net

The proceeds from the 2019 Dr. Laurence E. Norton Golf Tournament will be used

to benefit Central Illinois Agency on Aging Faith-Based Meals and

New Year’s Day Meal Programs for Homebound Seniors.

New Year’s Day meals delivered to homebound seniors in Tazewell, Peoria and

Woodford Counties. Over 725 meals were cooked and delivered by volunteers

this past New Year’s Day.

Faith-based meals, also supported by Central Illinois Agency on Aging, are served

all year round. These meals, prepared and delivered by local churches, are for

shut-in seniors. CIAA’s funding to these organizations helps with the cost of supplies

enabling them to serve a meal to a homebound senior at least once a month.

NEW LOCATION FOR 2020

Serving Fulton,

Marshall, Peoria,

Stark, Tazewell,

and Woodford

Counties

Central Illinois Agency on Aging would like to thank the following churches and business

for their time, devotion and service in preparing these New Year’s Day Meals for

homebound seniors in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford Counties.

Bethel United Methodist Church, New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, Church of

the Living God #338, First English Lutheran Church in Peoria, First Baptist Church in Pekin

and Metamora Fields Golf Club.

Organizers for these meals at the respective churches/businesses are: Mr. Ed Funches and

Ms. Johnnie Locker, (Bethel); Ms. Linda Byrd (New Morning Star); Ms. Pearl Smith and

Bobbie Bowel (Church of the Living God), Mr. Jerry James (First English Lutheran),

Ms. Gayla Long (First Baptist) and Matthew Rogers (Metamora Fields).

They along with many members from these churches/businesses commit time,

energy and passion for this program.

Eight hundred eighty eight (888) meals were served this New Year’s Day.

NEW YEAR’S MEAL

A BLESSING FOR THOSE WHO PREPARE,

DELIVER AND RECEIVE!

By Beth Stalker Program Manager for Nutrition and Legal Services

We want to THANK many members of the Downtown Rotary Club, Peoria Kiwanis Club,

Key Club students from Peoria High, Richwoods, Peoria Notre Dame, and Peoria Heights

and Renaldo and Peggy Jacques, Betty Porter and family, Walter and Judy Porter,

Wanda and Mr. Aberle, Denise Smith, Theresa Gidcumb, and many, many members of the

churches and businesses that also prepared meals for helping to deliver these meals.

A very special THANK YOU to the Downtown Rotary Club of Peoria, Illinois for selecting

Central Illinois Agency on Aging and the New Year’s Day meals as one of the recipients

of their 2019 Hunger Grants. This grant was a tremendous help in providing these meals.

We appreciate your support.

Also a Thank You to the Kroger Company

for their donation of $250 to support

this program.

“Touch A Heart” Celebrates the Holiday Season”

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. would like

to thank everyone that participated in our

“Touch A Heart” Holiday Gift Campaign and

“Socks for Seniors” Program this past holiday season.

Through generous donations of gifts, socks, and cash

we were able to brighten the holiday of all

the residents of Schlarman House Apartments.

Thank you to everyone that assisted.

It was truly a group effort!

CIAA would like to thank the following individuals, groups, and business

for helping us remember area seniors and persons with disabilities

this holiday season.

Addus Healthcare

Christine Matlock

Deloris Turner

Marjorie Douglas

Wayne Heinemann

Keith Rider

Cliff Williams

Heart Warming Hats of the

First Baptist Church

Beth Stalker

Jimmy Hardin

Roger Sparks

Mary & Roger Hawk

Melody McFadden-Flatt

Renee Razo

Mitch Forrest

Karen Ice

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church

By Renee Razo, B.A., B.S., CIRS Director of Program Management

GRG Holiday Party

The annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Holiday party had another spectacular turnout December

13th, 2019 at the RiverPlex in Peoria, IL! We had 51 grandparents attend this year and 146 grandchildren

were in attendance for pizza, soda, a visit from Santa, basketball, gifts for grandchildren and grandparents,

winter hats and gloves, crafts and some extra give away prizes. This year we also had a representative from

the Carver Center to set up an informational table and staff from Health Alliance helped with a craft table.

This event would not be possible if it was not for these and many generous donations from community

partners like the Senior Care Network. Bradley University Counseling Research and Training Clinic is our

funded provider of caregiver services of whom deserves the most credit for organizing, supervising, collecting

donations, wrapping presents, taking RSVP’s and purchasing many of the wonderful gifts provided! CIAA

staff also went over and above to see that the event was a success including providing volunteer supervision,

purchasing grandchildren’s gifts, taking pictures and the purchase and distribution of hats and gloves for the

grandchildren in attendance.

Bradley University Counseling Research and Training Clinic offers grandparents raising grandchildren

monthly support groups and or individual counseling. These Grandparents Raising Grandchildren are

coping with multiple issues as reported in an article in Psychology Today, Sept 1, 2017.

About two-thirds of these families live in households with incomes less than 200 percent of the federal

poverty line. Grandparents in these families are less likely to be employed, less likely to receive help

with childcare, and more likely to suffer from physical disabilities and chronic health problems.

These grandparents experience higher levels of stress compared with other grandparents and are

more likely to face mental health and financial problems. (Psych Today, 2017)

Despite these obstacles with a little support from places like Bradley University Counseling and Research,

their faith communities and other community resources, grandparents are able to help their grandchildren

graduate from high school, enter college or become employed in a job that helps them become independent.

By Mitch Forrest MSW, LSW, CIRS-A/D Family Caregiver Information and Assistance Specialist

6

Please contact:

Central Illinois

Agency on Aging, Inc.

309-674-2071

if you or someone you know is

raising grandchildren and needs

the extra support.

Image Credit: https://www.bocatc.org/blog/january-is-national-blood-donor-month

7 National Blood Donor Month

Sources: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/Resolve-to-Give-during-National-Blood-Donor-Month.html

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/8-benefits-donating-blood-that-you-may-not-know-about.html

This January, the American Red Cross celebrates National Blood Donor Month and recognizes the lifesaving

contribution of blood and platelet donors. As we begin the New Year, the Red Cross encourages individuals to

resolve to roll up a sleeve to give this month and throughout the year.

National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January since 1970 with the goal of increasing blood and platelet

donations during winter – one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient

needs. During the winter months, inclement weather often results in cancelled blood drives, and seasonal illnesses

like the flu may cause some donors to become temporarily unable to donate.

Blood donation appointments can be made by

downloading the American Red Cross Blood

Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling

1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make

an appointment or to receive more information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable

supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who

are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good

health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have

to meet certain height and weight requirements.

To ensure the safety of both patients and donors, these are some of the requirements donors must meet to be eligible

to donate blood based on their donation type. To explore a list of eligibility, visit Requirements by Donation Type

Benefits of Donating Blood

Blood donation is good for your health.

Blood donation has also been shown to lower the risk of cancer.

When someone donates blood, they get a free health check-up.

Along with a health check-up, the donor will get a free blood analysis and be notified of their blood type.

There are some fun benefits of donating blood that you might not have known about, like getting some

free stuff!

Replenishing blood can be good for the body.

Donating blood is the fastest way to lose a pound of weight.

Blood donors get to relax for an hour or so and lay back in a chair.

It feels great to donate blood knowing that with one blood donation you could help three people and could

even be helping yourself if you are ever in need of blood

United States® Census 2020 What Is the 2020 Census?

The 2020 Census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia,

and five U.S. territories.

The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government

agency. The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories

(Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin

Islands).

Ways To Respond

By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census.

You will have three options for responding:

Images Credit:http://clipart-library.com/clip-art/telephone-transparent-10.htm; http://clipart-library.com/clipart/kT854pMgc.htm; and http://clipart-library.com/clipart/54588.htm

By phone Online By mail

In mid-March, households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to

respond to the 2020 Census.

Spread the Word

The 2020 Census is more than a

population count. It's an opportunity

to shape the future of your

community. Through your social

media channels, your voice can

make a difference.

Visit 2020census.gov

to learn more about the

2020 Census –

how to respond, and

why it matters.

What Will the 2020 Census Ask?

United States® Census 2020

The Census will ask

1. How many people were living or staying in

this house, apartment, or mobile home on

April 1, 2020?

2. Is this house, apartment, or mobile home

(mark ONE box) …

3. Name

4. Female/Male

5. Race

6. Relationship to the person answering the

Census

For the full list sample of the questionnaire, visit

https://2020census.gov/content/

dam/2020census/materials/partners/2019-

08/2020-informational-questionnaire.pdf

The Census Will Never Ask Certain Questions

During the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau

will never ask you for:

Your Social Security number.

Money or donations.

Anything on behalf of a political party.

Your bank or credit card account

numbers.

If someone claiming to be from the Census

Bureau contacts you via email or phone and

asks you for one of these things, it's a scam,

and you should not cooperate. For more

information, visit Avoiding Fraud and Scams.

What Happens to Your Answers?

Your personal information is kept confidential. The Census Bureau is bound by federal law to

protect your information, and your data is used only for statistical purposes.

Your responses are compiled with information from other homes to produce statistics, which

never identify your home or any person in your home.

Learn more about how we protect your information.

Yours Answers Matter

Impact in Your Community

A new school to ease overcrowded classrooms. A new road to ease overcrowded commutes.

There are many ways the 2020 Census can shape your community. The results, collected once

a decade, help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and

communities each year.

Visit https://2020census.gov/ to learn more and

Plan to be counted in the 2020 Census and Spread the Word

For additional information, visit https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/seven-steps-for-making-your-new-years-resolutions-stick

Seven Steps for Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick 12

Maybe you plan to ring in 2020 with a new resolve to quit smoking,

lose weight, exercise more, not sweat the small stuff. And maybe

these resolutions sound familiar — maybe just like the ones you

made a year ago!

Creating new habits takes time and energy. A new behavior won't

become automatic overnight, but you may enjoy some of its

benefits fairly quickly. Also, as you start to take walks regularly or

engage in stress-soothing practices frequently, you'll find you won't

feel quite right if you stop. That's a great incentive to continue.

So, keep nudging yourself in the direction you'd like to go.

Try the following seven tips to help you create long-lasting change.

1. Dream big. Audacious goals are

compelling. Want to compete in a

marathon or triathlon? Lose 50

pounds or just enough to fit into

clothes you once loved? With

perseverance, encouragement, and

support, you can do it.

2. Break big dreams into small-

enough steps. Now think tiny.

Small steps move you forward to

your ultimate goal. Look for surefire

bets. Just getting to first base can

build your confidence to tackle —

and succeed at — more difficult

tasks. Don't disdain easy choices. If

you start every plan with "Make

list," you're guaranteed to check one

box off quickly. So break hard jobs

down into smaller line items, and

enjoy breezing through the easy

tasks first.

3. Understand why you shouldn't

make a change. That's right.

Engaging in enjoyable aspects of an

unhealthy behavior, without the

behavior itself, helps too. For

example, if you enjoy taking a break

while having a smoke, take the

break and enjoy it, but find healthier

ways to do so. Otherwise, you're

working against a headwind and are

less likely to experience lasting

success.

4. Commit yourself. Make yourself

accountable through a written or

verbal promise to people you don't

want to let down. That will

encourage you to slog through tough

spots.

5. Give yourself a medal. Don't wait

to call yourself a winner until you've

pounded through the last mile of

your big dream marathon or lost

every unwanted ounce. Health

changes are often incremental.

Blast your favorite tune each time

you reach 5,000 steps. Get a pat on

the back from your coach or spouse.

Ask family and friends to cheer you

on.

6. Learn from the past. Any time

you fail to make a change, consider it

a step toward your goal. Why?

Because each sincere attempt

represents a lesson learned. If nailing

down 30 consecutive minutes to

exercise never seems to work on

busy days, break that down by

aiming for three 10-minute walks —

one before work, one during lunch,

one after work — or a 20-minute

walk at lunch plus a 10-minute mix

of marching, stair climbing, and

jumping rope or similar activities

slipped into your TV schedule.

7. Give thanks for what you do. Forget perfection. Set your sights on

finishing that marathon, not on running it. If you compete to complete,

you'll be a winner even if you wind up walking as much as you run. With

exercise — and so many other goals we set — you'll benefit even when

doing less than you'd like to do. Any activity is always better than none. If

your goal for Tuesday is a 30-minute workout at the gym, but you only

squeeze in 10 minutes, feel grateful for that. It's enough. Maybe tomorrow

will be better.

INSPECTOR GENERAL WARNS PUBLIC ABOUT

NEW TWIST TO SOCIAL SECURITY PHONE SCAMS 13

Source: https://oig.ssa.gov/newsroom/news-releases/january8-advisory

The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the

public that telephone scammers may send faked documents by email to

convince victims to comply with their demands. The Social Security

Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received

reports of victims who received emails with attached letters and reports

that appeared to be from Social Security or Social Security OIG.

The letters may use official letterhead and government “jargon” to

convince victims they are legitimate; they may also contain misspellings

and grammar mistakes.

This is the latest variation on Social Security phone scams, which continue to be widespread throughout the United

States. Using robocalls or live callers, fraudsters pretend to be government employees and claim there is identity

theft or another problem with one’s Social Security number, account, or benefits. They may threaten arrest or other

legal action, or may offer to increase benefits, protect assets, or resolve identity theft. They often demand payment

via retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency such as Bitcoin, or pre-paid debit card.

Inspector General Ennis urges continued vigilance against all types of phone scams no matter what “proof” callers

may offer. As we continue to increase public awareness of phone scams, criminals will come up with new ways to

convince people of their legitimacy. Social Security will never:

threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee;

promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment;

require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card; or

send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

If there is ever a problem with your Social Security number or record, in most cases Social Security will mail you a

letter. If you do need to submit payments to Social Security, the agency will send a letter with instructions and

payment options. You should never pay a government fee or fine using retail gift cards, cash, internet currency,

wire transfers, or pre-paid debit cards. The scammers ask for payment this way because it is very difficult to trace

and recover.

If you receive a call or email that you believe to be suspicious, about a problem with your Social Security number

or account, hang up or do not respond. We encourage the public to report Social Security phone scams using our

dedicated online form, at https://oig.ssa.gov. Please share this information with your friends and family, to help

spread awareness about phone scams.

For more information, please visit

https://oig.ssa.gov/scam.

Members of the press may make inquiries to

Social Security OIG at (410) 965-2671.

Reduce Your Risk of Cognitive Decline in the New Year 14

Source: https://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/wp/2020/01/03/reduce-your-risk-of-cognitive-decline-in-the-new-year/

In 2020, the most popular New Year’s resolutions among Americans will be focused on living healthier lives. In

addition to achieving healthier bodies, the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter encourages people to strive to

achieve healthy brains in the new year.

More than 230,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease in Illinois. Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of

death in the U.S. and the only cause of death in the top 10 that cannot be prevented, treated or cured. However,

growing evidence indicates that people may reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes.

Cognitive decline is a deterioration in memory or cognition that is, to some extent, expected with age. Normal

cognitive decline is different from dementia in that it is not severe enough to interfere with daily life.

The following is a collection of tips to reduce one’s risk of cognitive decline:

• Break a sweat. Engage

in regular cardiovascular

exercise that elevates your

heart rate and increases

blood flow to the brain and

body. Several studies have

found an association between physical activity and

reduced risk of cognitive decline.

• Hit the books. Formal education in any stage of life

will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and

dementia. For example, take a class at a local college,

community center or online.

• Catch some Zzz’s. Not getting enough sleep due to

conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in

problems with memory and thinking.

• Buddy up. Staying

socially engaged may

support brain health.

Pursue social activities

that are meaningful to

you. Find ways to be

part of your local community, or just share activities

with friends and family.

• Follow your heart. Evidence shows that risk

factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke —

obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes —

negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of

your heart, and your brain just might follow.

• Heads up! Brain injury can raise your risk of

cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a

helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike,

and take steps to prevent falls.

• Fuel up right. Eat a

healthy and balanced diet that

is lower in fat and higher in

vegetables and fruit to help

reduce the risk of cognitive

decline. Although research on diet and cognitive

function is limited, certain diets, including

Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary

Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to

risk reduction.

• Take care of your mental health. Some studies link

a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive

decline, so seek medical treatment if you have

symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health

concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

• Butt out. Evidence shows that smoking increases

risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce

that risk to levels comparable to those who have not

smoked.

• Stump yourself. Challenge and

activate your mind. Build a piece

of furniture. Complete a jigsaw

puzzle. Do something artistic.

Play games, such as bridge, that

make you think strategically.

Challenging your mind may have short and long-term

benefits for your brain.

15

Source: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma

Glaucoma 101

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part

of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. But blindness from glaucoma can often be

prevented with early treatment.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma

With open-angle glaucoma, there are no warning signs or obvious

symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, blind spots

develop in your peripheral (side) vision. Most people with open-angle

glaucoma do not notice any change in their vision until the damage is

quite severe. This is why glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight.”

Angle-closure glaucoma

People at risk for angle-closure glaucoma usually show no symptoms

before an attack. Some early symptoms of an attack may include blurred

vision, halos, mild headaches or eye pain. An attack of angle-closure

glaucoma includes the following:

severe pain in the eye or forehead

redness of the eye

decreased vision or blurred vision

seeing rainbows or halos

Normal tension glaucoma

People with "normal tension glaucoma" have eye pressure that is within

normal ranges, but show signs of glaucoma, such as blind spots in their

field of vision and optic nerve damage.

Glaucoma suspects

Some people have no signs of damage but have higher than normal eye

pressure (called ocular hypertension). These patients are considered

"glaucoma suspects" and have a higher risk of eventually developing

glaucoma.

Causes of Glaucoma

Your eye constantly makes aqueous humor. As new aqueous flows into

your eye, the same amount should drain out. The fluid drains out through

an area called the drainage angle. This process keeps pressure in the eye

(called intraocular pressure or IOP) stable. But if the drainage angle is

not working properly, fluid builds up. Pressure inside the eye rises,

damaging the optic nerve.

Risk for Glaucoma

Some people have a higher than normal

risk of getting glaucoma. This includes

people who:

are over age 40

have family members with

glaucoma

are of African, Hispanic, or Asian

heritage

have high eye pressure

are farsighted or nearsighted

have had an eye injury

use long-term steroid medications

have corneas that are thin in the

center

have thinning of the optic nerve

have diabetes, migraines, high blood

pressure, poor blood circulation or

other health problems affecting the

whole body

headache

nausea

vomiting

Treatment

Glaucoma damage is permanent—it

cannot be reversed. But medicine and

surgery help to stop further damage. To

treat glaucoma, your ophthalmologist

may use one or more of the following

treatments.

Source: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/tax-

related-identity-theft

Tax-Related Identity Theft 16

An identity thief may use your Social Security number (SSN) to get a tax refund or a job. This is tax-related identity

theft. You may not know it has happened until:

the IRS sends you a letter by mail saying they have gotten a suspicious tax return that uses your SSN, or

you try to efile your return but it’s rejected as a duplicate because a return already has been filed using your SSN

If the IRS sends you a letter, follow the instructions in the letter. Then visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the identity

theft to both the IRS and the FTC and get a recovery plan.

1. Uncovering Tax-Related Identity Theft

If someone uses your SSN to file for a tax refund before

you do, here’s what happens: When you file your

return, IRS records will show that someone else has

already filed and gotten a refund. If you file by mail, the

IRS will send you a notice or letter in the mail saying

that more than one return was filed for you. If you try to

efile, the IRS will reject your tax return as a duplicate

filing.

If someone uses your SSN to get a job, the employer

may report that person’s income to the IRS using your

SSN. When you file your tax return, you wouldn’t have

included those earnings. IRS records will show you

failed to report all your income. The agency will send

you a notice saying you had wages that you didn’t

report. But the IRS doesn’t know those wages were

reported by an employer you don’t know, for work

performed by someone else.

IRS notices about tax-related identity theft are sent by

mail. The IRS doesn't initiate contact with a taxpayer by

sending an email, text, or social media message that

asks for personal or financial information. The IRS also

does not call taxpayers with threats of lawsuits or

arrests. And, the IRS will never ask you to wire money,

pay with a gift card or prepaid debit card, or share your

credit card information over the phone.

If you get an email, text, or other electronic message

that claims to be from the IRS, do not reply or click on

any links. Instead, forward it to phishing@irs.gov. And

report IRS imposters to the US Treasury Inspector

General for Tax Administration at tigta.gov.

Image Credit: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/tax-identity-theft-awareness

2. Dealing With Tax-Related Identity Theft

If the IRS sends you a notice or letter saying that

someone used your SSN to get a tax refund, or

saying there’s another problem, respond quickly and

follow the instructions in the letter.

Call the IRS using the telephone number given in

the letter. You’ll need the letter and a copy of your

prior year’s tax return when you call to help verify

your identity. Visit the IRS’s guide, IRS Identity

Theft Victim Assistance: How It Works, for more

information.

If you think someone used your SSN to file for a tax

refund, but you haven’t gotten a letter from the IRS, use

IdentityTheft.gov to report it to the IRS and FTC and

get a recovery plan.

Visit IdentityTheft.gov to complete an IRS Identity

Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) and submit it to

the IRS online so that the IRS can begin resolving

your case. You’ll also be reporting the identity theft

to the FTC.

File your tax return, and pay any taxes you owe. If

you can’t efile your tax return, you may need to

mail a paper return.

3. Other Steps to Repair Identity Theft

Next, it’s important to limit the potential damage from

identity theft.

Put a fraud alert on your credit reports.

Order your free credit reports and close any new

accounts opened in your name.

Consider placing a credit freeze on your credit

reports.

Visit IdentityTheft.gov for help with these important

steps.

METEC Resource Center

2605 W. Krause Street

Peoria, IL 61605

(309) 676-3832

Dates Open: 1/25/2020 - 4/13/2020

Hours: Mondays 2PM – 6PM

Saturdays 9AM – 1PM

Tax Time INCOME: $56,000

OR LESS

Pekin Public Library

301 S. 4th St.

Pekin, IL 61554

(309) 347-7111

Hours: Only Tuesdays

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Dates Open: 2/1/2020 - 4/15/2020

Appointment Required.

Washington District Library

380 N. Wilmore Rd.

Washington, IL 61571

(309) 444-2241

Hours: Only Tuesdays

1:00 pm—4:00 pm

Dates Open: 2/1/2020 - 4/15/2020

For appointment, come in person

when Library is open or call for

appointment.

Alpha Park Public Library

3527 Airport Rd.

Bartonville, IL 61607

(309) 697-3822

Hours:

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

1:00 PM—5:00 PM

Dates Open: 2/1/2020 - 4/15/2020

For appointment, come in person

when tax site is open

NO telephone appointments

Chillicothe Library

430 N. Bradley Ave.

Chillicothe, IL 61523

(309) 274-2719

Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays

8:30AM—1:00PM

Saturdays: 9:30 AM—1:00 PM

Dates Open: 2/1/2020 - 4/11/2020

Walk-in Only—No Appointments

Source: https://secure.aarp.org/

applications/VMISLocator/

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Fondulac District Library

400 Richland St

East Peoria, IL 61611

(309) 699-3917

Hours: Fridays

9:00 AM—1:30 PM

Dates Open: 2/1/2020 - 4/15/2020

By appointment ONLY

Miller Senior Citizen Center

551 S. 14th St.

Pekin, IL 61554

(309) 346-5210

Hours: Only Fridays

9:00 AM —1:00 PM

Dates Open : 2/1/2020 - 4/15/2020

For appointment, call the site.

Peoria North Library

3001 W. Grand Pkwy.

Peoria, IL 61615

(309) 497-2100

Hours: Wednesdays: 11 AM—7 PM

Thursdays and Fridays

10:00 AM—3:00 PM

Dates Open: 2/1/2020 - 4/10/2020

For appointment, come in person

when tax site is open.

NO Phone call appointments

Peoria Public Library (Main)

107 NE Monroe St.

Peoria, IL 61602

(309) 497-2000

Hours: Tuesdays:

10:00 AM—3:00 PM

Dates Open: 2/1/2020 - 4/14/2020

For appointment, come in person

when tax site is open.

Morton Public Library

315 W. Pershing St.

Morton, IL 61550

(309) 263-2200

Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays

9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Dates Open: 2/1/2020 - 4/15/2020

Appointment Required.

IL Prairie District Public

Library— Metamora Branch

208 E. Partridge Street

PO Box 770

Metamora, IL 61548

(309) 367-4594

Hours: Only Mondays

12:00 PM —4:00 PM

Dates Open : 2/1/2020 - 4/15/2020

For appointment, call the site.

TAX DEADLINE

Wednesday

April 15

2020

“I feel lonely. Can I talk to you?”

Friendship Line 1-800-971-0016 Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free accredited crisis line for

persons aged 60 years of age and older, and

adults living with disabilities.

Suicide intervention;

Providing emotional support;

Elder abuse prevention and

counseling;

Giving well-being checks;

Grief support through assistance and

reassurance; and

Information and referrals.

The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and

a warmline for non-urgent calls.

Friendship Line provides round-the-clock

crisis support services including:

Contact:

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. for available

information on services for seniors.

Phone: (309) 674-2071

Website: http://www.ciaoa.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ciaoa.illinois

19

By Renee Razo, B.A., B.S., CIRS Director of Program Management

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH

We invite you to participate in this exciting interactive program!

Get support and encouragement from others living with ongoing

health conditions just like you!

WHAT IS TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH?

Take Charge of Your Heath programs generally last 6 to 8 weeks. Participant and facilitators meet weekly for

two and a half hours. Workshops are led by facilitators who have professional or personal experience with ongoing

health conditions.

Take Charge of Your Health: Live Well, Be Well is a program for anyone living with any ongoing

condition. The program helps participants take steps towards positive change and healthier living as they

build their confidence and their ability to manage their day-to-day life.

For more information on classes or class schedules contact us at

309-674-2071 or by email at ciaa@ciaoa.net

Space is limited.

Take Charge of Your Diabetes is a program for anyone living with

diabetes. The program helps participants take steps towards positive

change and healthier living as they build their confidence and their

ability to manage their day-to-day life.

Active Living Every Day (ALED) is a behavior change program that

is designed to help participants make simple lifestyle changes necessary

to incorporate physical activity into their everyday life. Not an exercise

program, the classes give participants the tools to overcome barriers to

physical activity, set realistic goals, and stay motivated.

A Matter of Balance is a program designed to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels among

older adults. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase

activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

Medication Management Improvement System (MMIS) – Home Meds is an in-home,

medication review and intervention that includes a computerized risk assessment and alert process, plus a

pharmacist review and recommendation for improvement.

Healthy IDEAS (Identifying Depression, Empowering Activities for Seniors) is a depression

self-management program designed to detect and reduce the severity on depressive symptoms in older

adults with chronic conditions and functional limitations. The program includes screening and assessment,

education, referral to appropriate health professionals, and behavioral activation. The presence and severity

of depression will determine the scope and duration of the program.

SIGN UP NOW

SPACES ARE LIMITED

Learn new information and tools to help you manage

your health, such as:

Find out how healthy eating can improve your

condition

Create an exercise program that works for you

Learn ways to improve communication with your

family, friends, and healthcare providers

Develop your own weekly goals to help you manage

your condition

Learn problems –solving strategies to help cope

with pain, fatigue and frustration

Gain Support and encouragement from others

living with ongoing health conditions

LEARN HOW TO THRIVE –

NOT JUST SURVIVE!

For more information contact: Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. 309-674-2071 or email ciaa@ciaoa.net

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. does not discriminate in admission to programs or activities to treatment of employment in

programs or activities in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act, the U.S. Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the

Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the U.S. and Illinois

Constitutions. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have a right to file a complaint by calling Keith A. Rider,

President/CEO, Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. at 309-674-2071 or with the Illinois Department on Aging at

1-800-252-8966 (Voice & TDD).

Participants are asked to make a

personal commitment to attend

all of the sessions if at possible.

Each program’s researched

based curriculum is proven to

work and is offered to the

community on a suggested

donation basis to cover the cost

of materials.

Planning a Group Trip or Outing?

Come

Ride With Us!

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Available for Group Excursions

For more information contact:

Cliff Williams, Transportation Program Manager

700 Hamilton Blvd.

Peoria, IL 61603

P: (309) 674-2071

Email: Cwilliams@ciaoa.net

Wheelchair lift for our friends with mobility issues

AM/FM/CD stereo with 4 speakers and 3 T.V. screens for pleasurable DVD viewing

Trips to group outings/functions/ shopping, out of town (i.e. Chicago/St. Louis)

Transportation services available any day

of the week, including evenings and

weekends

We can accommodate :

20 passengers without wheelchairs

18 passengers with 1 wheelchair

16 passengers with 2 wheelchairs

Support Groups Bradley University

Counseling Research & Training Clinic Caregiver Support Group Meetings

The Caregiver Program provides emotional support to help family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren:

Cope with their caregivers roles Develop and strengthen their capacities for better social and personal adjustments. Meet other caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren Learn how to self-care Learn how to be there without always “being there”.

There is NO CHARGE for services; however, contributions are accepted.

For more information, call (309) 677-3189 or visit www.bradley.edu/sites/caregiver

Bradley University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and the promotion of equal

opportunities for all persons regardless of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status,

national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University is committed to

compliance with all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination, harassment and affirmative action.

Places to Go ... Things to See

To see what’s happening in Peoria, visit these websites:

Hult Center For Healthy Living 5215 N. Knoxville Avenue Peoria, IL 61614 692-6650 www.hulthealthy.org

The Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum 2218 N. Prospect Road Peoria, IL 61603 323-6900 www.peoriaplayhouse.org

Peoria Riverfront Museum 222 S.W. Washington St. Peoria, IL 61602 686-7000 www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org

Peoria Park District Luthy Botanical Gardens—Owens Center Forest Park Nature Center 2218 N. Prospect Road Peoria, IL 61603 682-1200 www.peoriaparks.org

RiverPlex Wellness & Recreation Center 600 NE Water Street Peoria, IL 61603 282-1700 www.riverplex.org

Peoria Civic Center 201 SW Jefferson Avenue Peoria, IL 61602 673-8900 www.peoriaciviccenter.com

Central Illinois Agency on Aging is

now on Facebook and our fan base

is on an upward trend. CIAA wants

Facebook to be a place where our fans/those

we serve and those interested in what we do

as an agency can come to find information

and updates that pertains to those that visit

our page or for those wanting to know more

about our services and programs. CIAA also

wants to know what you/our fans would like

to know more about. ? Please email

ciaa@ciaoa.net with your thoughts/ideas.

Thanks to all of our fans and continue to let

others know about CIAA’s Facebook page

and all that CIAA does.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month (1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.) Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc., 700 Hamilton Boulevard Peoria, IL 61603 Facilitator: Kaili Ruff, B.S.

Liberty Village Caregiver Support Group 2nd Monday of the month (1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.) Liberty Village of Peoria, 6906 North Stalworth Drive, Peoria, IL 61615 Facilitator: Nargis Khan, NCC, LCPC

Pekin Miller Center Caregivers, Coffee, & Chat Group 3rd Friday of the month (2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.) Miller Senior Center, 551 S. 14th St., Pekin, IL 61554 Facilitator: Kaili Ruff, B.S.

Support Group for Caregivers and Those with Early Stage Memory Loss Every Monday of the month (10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.) Fondulac Park District Building, 201 Veterans Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611 Facilitator: Kaili Ruff, B.S.

Woodford County Family Caring 4 Family Support Group 3rd Monday of the Month (1:00-2:30 p.m.) Maple Lawn Apartments Community Room, 700 N. Main St., Eureka, IL 61530 Facilitator: Kaili Ruff, B.S.

*New groups will be available soon*

Co-sponsored by Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. and Bradley University

Last Updated 10/22/2019

Image Credit: https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults-caregivers/

Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. does not

discriminate in admission to programs or activities to

treatment of employment in programs or activities in

compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act, the U.S.

Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act,

the Age Discrimination Act, the Age Discrimination in

Employment Act, and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions.

If you feel you have been discriminated against, you

have a right to file a complaint by calling Keith A. Rider,

President/CEO, Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. at

309-674-2071 or with the Illinois Department on Aging at

1-800-252-8966 (Voice & TDD).

FY 2020 CIAA

Board of Directors

Robert Johnson, Chair Roger Wiseman, Vice-Chair

Jean C. Aldag-Daniels, Treasurer

Deloris Turner, Secretary

Philip Grgurich Frances Hackwith

Richard Hammonds Roger Hawk Joe Hendel Joan Herron

Joyce Jackson Margaret Jacques Cindy Levingston

Don Mool Robert Mueller

Carol Strandberg

FY 2020 CIAA

Advisory Council

Earl Riley, Chair Donna Ginglen, Vice -Chair

Vicki Hoke, Secretary

Barry Beck Thomas Eckert Eugene Hooker

Genevieve Howard Donna Hudson Kim Joesting

John Krug Carolyn Little

Jennifer Metcalf Charles Miner Sherri Nichols

Christine Notary Dolores Snyder Bryna Warren

Rep. Mike Unes (91st District—R) 19 S. Capitol Street Pekin, IL 61554 (309)620-8631, Fax (309)349-3046 repunes@gmail.com Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (92nd District—D) 300 E. War Memorial Drive, Suite 303 Peoria, IL 61614 (309)681-1992, Fax (309)681-8572 repjgordon@gmail.com

Rep. Ryan Spain (73rd District—R) 5407 N. University, Arbor Hall, Suite B Peoria, IL 61614 (309)690-7373, Fax (309)690-7375 spain@ilhousegop.org

Rep. Keith Sommer (88th District—R) 121 W. Jefferson Morton, IL 61550 (309)263-9242, Fax (309)263-8187 sommer@mtco.com

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (District 17—D) 820 SW Adams St. Suite 1 Peoria, IL 61602 (309)966-1813

Senator Chuck Weaver (37th District—R) 5415 University St., Suite 105 Peoria, IL 61614 (309)693-4921, Fax (309)693-4923 chuck@senweaver.com

Senator Dave Koehler (46th District—D) 400 NE Jefferson, Suite 200 Peoria, IL 61603 (309)677-0120, Fax (309)346-4650 senatordavekoehler@gmail.com

Illinois General Assembly

U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. Senators for Illinois Senator Richard J. Durbin (D) 525 South 8th Street Springfield, IL 62703 (217)492-4062, Fax (217)492-4382

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D) 8 South Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, IL 62701 (217)528-6124

Congressman Darin LaHood (District 18—R) 100 NE Monroe Street, Room 100 Peoria, IL 61602 (309)671-7027, Fax (309)671-7309