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In the know: essential activities & services

Photo courtesy of OATS Older adults can learn computer basics, at the Senior Planet Exploration Center.
Photo courtesy of OATS
Older adults can learn computer basics, at the Senior Planet Exploration Center.

SENIOR PLANET EXPLORATION CENTER
The recently opened Senior Planet Exploration Center (127 W. 25th St., btw. 6th & 7th Aves.) is designed to give seniors over 60 the necessary skills to become proficient with today’s technology. Scheduled workshops, seminars and group sessions can be attended by walk-ins. Spaces are limited for free tech classes, so register ahead of time. The Center also has free Wi-Fi, 23 computers and a video game station. Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm. To register for classes or get event info, visit seniorplanet.org or call 646-590-0615.

Photo courtesy of Visiting Neighbors Jim and Danny, performing at last year’s Senior Talent Show. This year’s Visiting Neighbors Chelsea Day Festival happens on Sat., April 27. For info: 212-260-6200 or visitingneighbors.org. See p. 15.
Photo courtesy of Visiting Neighbors
Jim and Danny, performing at last year’s Senior Talent Show. This year’s Visiting Neighbors Chelsea Day Festival happens on Sat., April 27. For info: 212-260-6200 or visitingneighbors.org. See p. 15.

VISITING NEIGHBORS
Founded in 1972 by Greenwich Village community members, this organization — whose motto is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” — matches professional staff and more than 400 volunteers to over 1,000 seniors each year. Volunteers escort seniors to medical appointments, assist with errands and shopping and, make social visits and, generally, provide a helping hand. Visiting Neighbors holds an annual Chelsea Day Festival on the last Saturday in April (this year, April 27), with a Senior Talent Show featuring musicians and magicians, dancers and singers — many well into their 80s. If you are interested in participating or for more info, call 212-260-6200. Their office is located at 80 Eighth Ave., Suite 415 (at 14th St.). Email info@visitingneighbors.org or visit visitingneighbors.org.

MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT’S SENIOR LIVING GUIDE
Borough President Scott Stringer’s office recently published “Living Fully: Resources for Aging Well in the City” — a 78-page guide to rights and services for Manhattan seniors and caregivers in both English and Spanish. The guide can be found online at mbpo.org/uploads/SeniorsGuideEnglish.pdf or you can get a physical copy at the Borough President’s office (located at 1 Centre St., 19th Floor, at Chambers St.). For more information, call 212-669-8300.

PENN SOUTH
The Penn South Program for Seniors provides recreation, education, cultural and social services — and welcomes volunteers. The program offers a variety of classes and events. Neighborly Nights are Wednesdays at 5:30pm and Thursday Specials are Thursdays at 2:30pm. Penn South is at 280 9th Ave. (btw. 26th & 27th Sts. For info, call 212-243-3670 or visit pennsouthlive.org.

GAY MEN’S HEALTH CRISIS
GMHC’s mission is to fight to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected. GMHC offers resources from hot, nutritious meals and counseling to legal services and job placement, as well as HIV testing and educating the community on health and policy issues. At 446 W. 33rd St. (btw. 9th & 10th Aves.). Visit gmhc.org or call 212-367-1000.

HUDSON GUILD
Founded in 1895, Hudson Guild is a multi-service, multi-generational community serving approximately 14,000 people annually with daycare, hot meals for senior citizens, low-cost professional counseling, community arts programs and recreational programming for teens. The Adult Services Program offers breakfast from 8:45-10am and lunch is 11:45am-1:30pm. Breakfast contribution is $1 for 60 and better, or $2 for 59 and younger. Menus and more info is at hudsonguild.org. Email them at info@hudsonguild.org. For the Fulton Center for Adult Services (119 9th Ave., btw. 17th & 18th Sts.). Call 212-924-6710.

THE CARTER BURDEN CENTER FOR THE AGING
This organization promotes the well-being of individuals 60 and older through direct social services and volunteer programs oriented to individual, family and community needs. At 1484 1st Ave. (btw. 77th & 78th Sts.). Call 212-879-7400 or visit burdencenter.org. The Carter Burden Gallery, which gives a voice to NYC’s re-emerging older professional artist, is located in Chelsea — at 548 W. 28th St. (#534, btw. 10th & 11th Aves.). Gallery Hours: Tues.-Fri., 11am-5pm and Sat., 11am-6pm. Call 212-564-8405 or visit carterburdengallery.com.

THE SAGE CENTER
SAGE is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older adults. New York City’s first LGBT senior center offers hot meals, counseling and a cyber-center — as well as programs on arts and culture, fitness, nutrition, health and wellness. It is also home to SAGE Works, a national work readiness program for LGBT mature workers ages 40 and older that provides training, employment resources and job hunting tips. At 305 Seventh Ave. (15th floor, btw. 27th & 28th Sts.). Visit sageusa.org/thesagecenter for info, menus and a calendar of programs or call 646-576-8669. For SageWorks, call 212-471-2247or visit sageusa.org/sageworks.

SWEDISH INSTITUTE, COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
The Swedish Institute will hold a two-day Community Health Fair on the Importance of hypertension screening and the benefits of healthy living. Representatives will offer free screenings and demonstrations, on-site blood pressure evaluations, perform fitness tests and demonstrate massage techniques that can alleviate hypertension. Refreshments and informational materials will be available. The event, free and open to the public, is Thurs., April 4, from 11am-2pm and Fri., April 5, from 11am-2pm. At the Swedish Institute’s College of Health Sciences, 151 W. 26th St. (btw. 6th & 7th Aves.). For more information, call 212-924-5900 or visit swedishinstitute.edu.

NYU LANGONE MEDICAL CENTER
This month, NYU’s Langone Medical Center is reminding people that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. NYU Langone is composed of four hospitals: Tisch Hospital, the Hospital for Joint Diseases (one of five hospitals in the nation dedicated to orthopedics and rheumatology), Hassenfeld Pediatric Center, and the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine. It is located at 550 First Ave., at 34th St. For more information, visit med.nyu.edu.

NYS DIVISION OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
The Manhattan Center offers comprehensive healthcare to honorably discharged veterans. At 423 East 23rd St. (btw. First Ave. & Asser Levy Pl.). Call 212-686-7500.

NYC MAYOR’S OFFICE OF VETERAN’S AFFAIRS
MOVA works with veterans and their families to ensure they receive the benefits to which they are entitled. MOVA will liaise with federal, state, city and non-profit agencies on a veteran’s behalf. At 346 Broadway (visitor’s entrance at 108 Leonard St.). Call 311 or 212-442-4171. Visit nyc.gov/html/vets/html/home/home.shtml.

USO OF METROPOLITAN NEW YORK
USO service centers offer a “home away from home” for military personnel and their families. The service center offers computer and internet access, visitor information, refreshments, changing facilities for children and an entertainment area for children and families. Walk-ins are welcome. At 625 Eighth Ave. (btw. W. 40th & 41st Sts). Call 212-695-6160 or visit www.usonyc.org.

CENTER FOR INDEPENDENCE OF THE DISABLED, NY
CIDNY’s offices in Manhattan and Queens provide benefits counseling, direct services, housing assistance, transition services for youth with disabilities, employment-related assistance, healthcare access, peer support groups, information and referrals and recreational activities. All CIDNY services are free. At 841 Broadway (Suite 301, btw. E. 13th & 14th Sts.). Call 212-674-2300 or TTY at 212-674-5619. Visit cidny.org.

GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
The Geriatric Mental Health Alliance provides depression screening, advocacy and referrals. At 50 Broadway, 19th Floor (btw. Exchange Pl. & Beaver St.). Call 212-614-5753 or visit www.mha-nyc.org.

MT. SINAI HOSPITAL GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY CLINIC
Mt. Sinai provides a variety of services for seniors over the age of 65 who receive care from Mount Sinai Hospital. Services include mental health screenings, medication management, case management, group therapy, social work and home placement. At 1468 Madison Ave. (btw. E. 99th & 101st Sts.) Call 212-241-9382 or visit mountsinai.on.ca/care/psych/patient-programs/geriatric-psychiatry.

NEW YORK SERVICE PROGRAM FOR OLDER PEOPLE
SPOP provides counseling for adults age 55 and over at their clinic, located at 302 W. 91st St., and at the Adult Day Center on 188 88th St. at Amsterdam Ave. SPOP will also provide counseling in an older adult’s home if he or she is unable to travel due to physical or emotional problems. At 302 West 91st (btw. Riverside Drive & West End Ave.). Call 212-787-7120 or visit spop.org.

HAMILTON MADISON HOUSE DAY PROGRAM
A citywide service to individuals with dementia and memory loss age 55 years and above, it operates 9am-5pm. Hamilton Madison House offers several program and is located at 100 Gold St. Call 212-788-1537 or visit hmhonline.org/SocialAdultDayFactSheet.htm.

RIVERSTONE SENIOR LIFE SERVICES
The Riverstone Open Door Program is designed to meet the needs of developmentally disabled older adults. The Memory Center is a social adult day program for people experiencing memory loss. They also have a senior center and provide social service. At 99 Fort Washington Ave. & 164th St. Call 212-927-5600 or visit riverstonenyc.org.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, NYC CHAPTER
The Alzheimer’s Association of NYC provides information, assistance and support to patients, caregivers and professionals. A wide range of services are offered for caregivers including care consultation, caregiver support groups, a 24-hour helpline and in-home hospice services. Care consultation provides a personalized service for individuals and families who are facing the decisions and challenges associated with the disease. At 360 Lexington Avenue, 4th Fl. Call 646-744-2900. For the helpline, call 800-272-3900. Visit alznyc.org.

VISIONS
VISIONS helps the blind and visually impaired lead active and independent lives. Services include an intergenerational volunteer program, temporary overnight rehabilitation facility, rehabilitation day program, community outreach and training, and helpline services. At 300 Greenwich St., 3rd Fl. (btw. Spring & Canal Sts). Call 888-245-8333 ext. 144. Visit visionsvcb.org. VISIONS at Selis Manor is an adapted learning environment and meeting place for blind youth, adults and seniors. Programs include support groups, computer training, adapted activities and volunteer and social work services for people who are blind. At 135 23rd St. (btw. 6th & 7th Aves.). Call 646-486-4444 ext. 11 or visit visionsvcb.org/visions/programs/selis.

VILLAGECARE ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTER
VillageCare offers community and residential care programs for older adults and persons living with HIV/AIDS. At the Adult Day Health Center, there are physical therapy services, personal care assistance, health-related diagnostic services and social services as well as creative and exercise classes. At 644 Greenwich St. (btw. Barrow & Morton Sts.). Call 212-337-5870 or visit vcny.org/senior/adult_day_health.

SELFHELP
Selfhelp provides home care, case management services, home health aides, senior housing, legal resources, an Alzheimer’s resource program, senior activity centers and community guardians. At 520 Eighth Ave. (btw. W. 36th & 37th Sts.). Call 212-971-7600 or visit selfhelp.net.

NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
NYFSC coordinates home care, home delivered meals and other services, including assistance with benefits and entitlements for physically and mentally frail residents of Manhattan’s Community Districts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Case Managers meet with individuals to determine their eligibility for services and then arrange and monitor the delivery of services. At 11 Park Place, 11th Fl. (btw. Broadway & Church St.). Call 212-962-7817 or visit www.nyfsc.org.

SENIOR CENTERS
Low-cost meals are provided at the times listed, with a suggested donation. For more information on a specific meal program, call the listed telephone number.

Independence Plaza Senior Center
At 310 Greenwich St. (btw. Chambers & Harrison Sts.). Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm. Lunch is at 12:30pm. Call 212-267-0499.

At 200 Washington Square North (btw. Fifth Ave. & McDougal St.). Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm. Lunch is 12:15pm and 1:15pm. Call 212-777-3555.

BRC Senior Nutrition Program
At 30 Delancey St. (btw. Chrystie & Bowery Sts.). Open Mon.-Fri., 8am-3:30pm. Lunch is at 12pm. Call 212-533-2020.

Sirovich Senior Center
At 331 East 12th St. (btw. First & Second Aves.). Open Mon.-Fri., 8am-4pm. Call 212-228-7836

Smith Houses Senior Center
At 50 Madison St., at Oliver St. Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm. Lunch is at noon. Call 212-349-3724.

Hudson Guild Senior Services
At 119 Ninth Ave. (btw. W. 17th & 18th Sts.). Open Mon.–Fri., 9am–5pm. Breakfast is at 8:45am and lunch is at 11:45am. Call 212-924-6710.

Coffeehouse Senior Center – Project FIND
At 551 Ninth Ave. (btw. W. 40th & 41st Sts.). Open Mon.–Fri., 9am–5pm. Lunch is at noon. Call 212-947-5466.