October 2020
Age-Friendly Teaneck News & Updates
As Teaneck works to create a more age-friendly environment for residents, we'll keep you posted about new developments programs and events.
Survey Results Are in and on Our Website
We received 242 responses to our survey, click here for our report on the key findings and what they reveal about residents' awareness of Township services and access to technology.

Click here for raw results on multiple-choice questions
Click here for raw results on on open-ended questions
Age-Friendly Teaneck Makes Presentation to Township Council
Age-Friendly Teaneck shared key findings from our recent survey at the Township Council virtual meeting on Sept. 22. Project Coordinator EJ Nicolas also described the ways in which COVID19 has reshaped plans and priorities.
“As we all experience increased stress and social isolation, we can perhaps reflect more about our own expectations for the kind of home-and-community life we will want and need in the future,” Nicolas said in her presentation to the Council. “As we move forward, Age-Friendly Teaneck would like to work with Township leaders to use the insights gained during this crisis to develop new plans of action.”

Click here to read a summary of our meeting presentation
Downsizing Challenge in Teaneck

Age-Friendly Teaneck also provided the Township Council with a one-page compilation of recent data from the U.S. Census and New Jersey Future, entitled, "A Look at Teaneck's Older Adults and Their Housing Challenges."

Click on image or here to view it
Do You Have a Voting Plan for Upcoming Mail-in-Ballot Election?
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If you don't want to mail your ballot, a secure dropbox is located at Teaneck municipal complex
Ballots have begun arriving for the Nov. 3 election, and most voters will not be permitted to vote on polling place machines on Election Day. Here are websites with information on how to fill out and submit your ballot.

But first: Are you registered? Click here to check.
Deadline is Oct. 13, but don't wait until last-minute!
Click here for print registration form.
Click here to register online.

Click here for state's Voter Information Portal to find out what to do if you don't receive your mail-in-ballot, how to track it, and other frequently asked questions.

Click here for Bergen County ballot instructions

The League of Women Voters also offers personalized voting information on its vote411.org website
Teaneck Board of Education Election Info

The Teaneck League of Women Voters held a virtual forum for the public to hear the views of the six candidates vying for three seats on the BOE.
Click here to watch the video

Property Tax Relief Restored in New State Budget
The Legislature and Governor Murphy restored funding for property tax-relief programs in the state budget that covers the period from Oct. 1-June 30. Our age-friendly alliance joined with AARP New Jersey, the New Jersey Foundation on Aging, and others in advocating for the return of the Senior Freeze and Homestead Rebate programs. Read more about this and other good financial news for older adults in this AARP New Jersey article
Bergen County DSS can help ease older adults' financial struggles
The Bergen County Division of Senior Services has teamed up with the National Council on Aging on a "Boost Your Budget"" program that seeks to help older adults on fixed incomes determine if they are eligible for benefits. DSS staff can do a screening over the phone and help older adults apply for food, medicine, utilities, or transportation or other benefits programs.
Call DSS at 201-336-7400
As a bonus, participants will receive a $25 grocery store gift card, while supplies last.
Bergen County's Housing Navigator Program Wins National Award
Shown on right.
Housing Navigator
Maureen McCormick
Age-Friendly Teaneck was thrilled to hear that the Bergen County Division of Senior Services received the Aging Innovations Award from The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) for its Housing Navigator program. Age-Friendly Project Director Elizabeth Davis and other leaders in our alliance had advocated for such a program to help guide low-income older adults through the difficult process of finding and applying for affordable housing, and the county responded by hiring Maureen McCormick to create a continually updated inventory of options and application info.

To learn more about this great resource, read our blog article
Time To Get Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment Oct 15 to Dec 7
"Medicare and You" planning booklets should be arriving in the mail soon, or you can create an account on MedicarePlanFinder to learn more about 2021health insurance options.

Need to find help navigating the choices? Call your Bergen County SHIP office at 201-336-7413 to speak to a trained, certified counselor.
Here's Important Advice on Staying Healthy and Avoiding the Flu
People 65 years and older are at high risk of developing serious complications from the flu. The best way to protect yourself is to get the flu shot. Medicare covers the cost of your flu shot, so you pay nothing out-of-pocket. Learn more
It’s important to continue preventive care and not put off necessary care because of COVID19. Providers and facilities will minimize exposure for in-person healthcare, and telehealth services are available. Learn more
**Click on Flyer Above for More Details about These Vaccination Clinics**
Age-Friendly Teaneck is Proud to Be a Member of ...
Check out the alliance's blog about age-friendly issues in NJ
A great place to grow up and grow old!
Be sure to visit our website and keep up-to-date on local news related to aging.
Age-Friendly Teaneck | 201-530-6756 | www.agefriendlyteaneck.org