Massapequa Park's Senior Citizen Services

We have been selling real estate in Massapequa Park for the past 33 years and I was never aware of all that the community has to offer for residents 55 years and older.  Thanks to an Active Rain contest that requires one local post a week I have been actively searching for things that are going on in the area. Today I came across Massapequa Park's Senior Citizen Services and I really was impressed with all they have to offer.  I am embarrassed to say that I was not even aware of the fact that Massapequa Park had a Community Center for Seniors let alone aware of how much this Community Center has to offer.  So I thank Active Rain once again and I hope that the Seniors in our area enjoy the Center and take full advantage of all that it has to offer.I'm not sure what I ever did without "Google Search" and Active Rain....

Massapequa Park offers a very active senior citizen program for residents 55 years and older. They meet in the Massapequa Park Community Center at Brady Park on Lake Shore Drive between Front Street and Clark Boulevard. The air conditioned building is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Over 200 residents belong to a club that takes day trips, plays bingo and cards, works on arts and crafts, and has boutique sales and exhibits.

The American Blood Pressure Center sends registered nurses to the Center for free blood pressure examinations. The County's "Seniormobile" comes to the Center four times a year to provide assistance and information on social security, supplemental income, tax relief, passes and discounts, medicare and medicaid, employment opportunities and consumer problems.

Residents 65 years old and older may qualify for a property tax exemption if their annual income meets current requirements. The law also requires that the senior citizen owner of the property must show ownership for the two immediately prior years.

The Massapequa School District offers classes for seniors in various arts such as painting in oils and water colors, crafts and a variety of other courses. The program, open to School District 23 residents 55 years old and older, meets at the McKenna School in Massapequa Park on Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Call 797-6208 for information.)

The Massapequa libraries provide large-type books for easy reading, and "talking books" for the visually impaired. A bookmobile makes regular stops throughout the Village. (Call 799-0770 for the schedule.)

The Young at Heart Club meets every other Thursday from I p.m. to 4 p.m. at St. David's Lutheran Church, 20 Clark Blvd., Massapequa Park. (Call 799-7832 for information.)

Many Massapequa Park merchants offer discounts to senior citizens upon presentation of proper identification (such as senior cards, driver's license, etc.). Seniors should ask merchants at the time of purchase if they offer discounts. Many other merchants in the area offer discounts to seniors and persons receiving social security survivor benefits. Application for a discount card and a list of merchants honoring the card, is available at the Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa.

Town parks and pools issue reduced rate cards to residents 62 years old and older. These permanent identification cards provide car parking for a one-time fee of $12.00 (including photo identification). Seniors are entitled to free use of all Town beach facilities. Proof of age and residency requirements are required. The cards are available at Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa. (795-1000)

Softball teams, bowling leagues, choral groups, orchestras, etc. are among the activities available to seniors living in the Town of Oyster Bay. (Call 795-5943 for information.)

Golden Age passes that provide free entrance to state and national parks are available to persons 62 years and older. For state parks, the pass application may be obtained from the Long Island State Park Commission, and presented at any state park. (Call 669-1000) The Federal "Passports" may be obtained at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, or at any National Park. Fire Island is the only national park in New York State.

Seniors 60 years and older are entitled to half fare on all MSBA buses at all hours, seven days a week. Free transfers may be obtained for two connecting bus routes in the same general direction.

The Medicare Card may be used to obtain half-fare discounts on the Long Island Railroad (also applies to physically handicapped) on all trains EXCEPT those arriving in New York City between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on weekdays.

The following are some of the programs funded and/or sponsored by the Nassau County Dept. of Senior Citizen Affairs:

• Nassau County residents 60 years and older may obtain a permanent Senior Citizen LEISURE pass that permits free entrance to all County parks and senior citizen programs. Also, many restaurants offer special prices to holders of the leisure pass. The passes are available at Wantagh Park, Eisenhower Park and from the Seniormobile that visits the Village Senior Center quarterly. Cost is $7.00. Proof of residence and age are needed.

   

• Persons 55 years and older who wish part or full-time employment are provided with guidance and placement. (Call 571-5965)

   

• Free legal services in civil matters are provided to county residents 60 years and older who are ineligible for Legal Aid services and are unable to pay an attorney. (Call 292-8088)

   

• Aid in meeting home-heating bills is available to applicants 60 years and older (and all citizens with disabilities). (Call 431-8531)

   

• One time fuel deliveries during cold weather are offered seniors unable to obtain fuel due to a lack of funds. County agencies work with the Police Dept. in this program. (Call 292-2600)

   

• A free flu inoculation program is conducted by the Nassau County Dept. of Senior Affairs and Dept. of Health in cooperation with local municipalities and community agencies. Dates and sites are set after Labor Day prior to the flu season. (Call Village Hall in October, 798-0244, for location and date.)

   

• For information or assistance in other matters, call 571-5814.