County Office for the Aging launches ‘Medicare 101’ information classes

AMENIA — The Dutchess County Office for the Aging began hosting “Navigating Medicare” classes on Wednesday, Nov. 13, with opportunities located in Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck.

These workshops offer information about Medicare enrollment, Medicare Advantage Plans, benefits, supplement choices, Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage, and other long term care payment options.

Dutchess County’s Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) can provide free and accurate information relating to health coverage plans. The Office for the Aging volunteers and staff have been trained to assist with benefit information and Medicare drug plans, supplemental insurance options, Medicare Advantage choices, claims and appeal rights and other benefits available to seniors.

The classes are designed for people who are newly eligible for Medicare beneficiaries and those who do not know much about the Medicare program and want to learn more.

Classes are held at the Poughkeepsie Galleria’s Community Room at 10 a.m. on the third Wednesday of every month. The Starr Library in Rhinebeck holds classes on the fourth Monday of every month at 4 p.m.

Reservations are required for classes, in Rhinebeck and at the Galleria, reservations can be made by calling the Office for the Aging during business hours at 845-486-2555.

Latest News

Copake’s PICKLEMANIA tournament scores 2nd year

Sixty-four pickleball players from the the Tri-state region competed in an all-day tournament in Copake on Sunday, June 1.

Photo by John Coston

COPAKE — After a day of heavy rain that forced the cancellation of the second annual Copake PICKLEMANIA pickleball tournament, the games were back on Sunday, June 1, at Copake Memorial Park.


Keep ReadingShow less
Burial ground Mass at St. Patrick’s

Mass celebrating Feast of the Ascension was held May 29 at St. Patrick’s Church.

Photo By Christine Bates

MILLERTON — The sun broke through on a cloudy evening at 5:30 and a bagpiper played for a Mass celebrating the Feast of the Ascension in the graveyard of closed St. Patrick’s Church in Millerton on May 29.

The cars of about 50 former parishioners and town residents were parked on the side streets and lot across from the church. Some were clever enough to bring their own folding chairs.

Keep ReadingShow less
School budgets pass amid strong turnout in May 20 polling

With robust voter turnout throughout the region, proposed 2025-26 education budgets passed handily, along with their additional propositions, in the polling held on Tuesday, May 20.

Webutuck Central School District

By a margin of 173 to 103, voters approved the 2025-26 budget totaling $28,665,850, an increase of 5.96% over the current year. After expected revenues are factored in, the amount to be raised by local taxes is $19,403,307, a 5.27% increase over the current year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Amenia gathers at Fountain Square

A traditional Memorial Day observance to honor the fallen was held Fountain Square on Monday, May 26. The ceremony included an Honor Guard from the Wassaic Fire Company standing by the Veterans’ Memorial Wall.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — The community gathered at Fountain Square under sunny skies on Monday, May 26, for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the fallen who bravely served their country. Remembrances, tributes, prayers and music combined to create the fitting annual tribute.

An Honor Guard from VFW Post #5444 of Dover Plains presented the colors at the start of the ceremony that began promptly at 11 a.m. with a welcome from VFW Commander Nick Woodard to the more than 100 who had gathered.

Keep ReadingShow less