Senior Moments: Computers can help

As winter fades away and spring beckons, some of our thoughts turn to April 15 and our tax deadline.

We have spoken before about RSVP and the services they offer. One of those services is free tax preparation and free electronic filing (e-filing). Your income must be less than $50,000 annually to qualify for this free service and it is by appointment only at CMC in Glenwood Springs.The phone number to make an appointment is 384-8740.

Those of you who can access a computer at home or at the library should go to the website at highcountryrsvp.org to see the list of documents that you will need to bring so they can help prepare your return if you cannot access a computer when you call to schedule your appointment please ask what documents to bring.

Below is a list of websites for each county to direct you to senior services if you do not have a computer, they are available at the library for no charge. The library also offers some limited education on using computers please check with your local branch for what services are available.

Those of you who live in Garfield County should go to garfieldcounty.com for information about senior services. Once there, the information available includes long term care options, transportation available for seniors, property tax exemption for seniors and adult Medicaid and more.

Those of you in Pitkin County (includesRedstoneand parts of Basalt and El Jebel) should go to pitkincounty.com them click on departments, proceed to senior services and follow to resource information.

Eagle County, which includes parts of Blue Lake and Missouri Heights, should proceed to eagle county.us, then proceed to departments, human services, resource directory and page 30. These are just general guides as you explore each county websites; I am confident that you will find more information in other locations.

At the February Carbondale trustee’s work session, one of the subjects was mobility around town. There were a group of over 20 seniors from a new group called CAFGI that presented a petition with over 150 signatures that expressed their concerns about mobility such as sidewalk maintenance, road maintenance not only for seniors but for all residents.

It was heartening to see this type of community response. For people who are interested about this group the contact points are liveable.delco.com or call (707) 496-3678 and leave a message. When we speak about mobility,I want to remind readers that Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) offers free rides to senior 65 and up. Ideally, you can get to Rubey Park in Aspen and get your RFTA senior ID, but you can also show your driver’s license with age and that usually works.

Whatever services you use always remember to ask about a senior discount. Some examples might be when calling about cable service, satellite service or internet service. Some other examples might be when booking hotels, rental cars or airfares or Amtrak. When checking on car repairs, tires or other services always ask. Movie theaters usually have a matinee senior rate, as do some restaurants. In the future we will try to compile a list of local businesses that offer senior discounts. Please keep your eyes open for The Carbondale Parks and Recreation Department summer schedule coming out soon with special activities and trips for seniors.