Patty Ritchie's posts related to Seniors

Urges Central and Northern New Yorkers to not miss out on important property tax savingsState Senator Patty Ritchie urged residents of Central and Northern New York who will be 65 or older this year to check to see whether they qualify for an additional reduction in their property taxes. Deadlines to apply for the Enhanced STAR property tax relief program--available to homeowners who turn 65 or older this year--are fast approaching. "Since I took office last month, I have been working to find ways to help reduce our state's tax burden on families," said Senator Ritchie. "That's been the number one issue raised by families I talk to who tell me how difficult it is for them to pay their bills, their mortgage and property taxes."

State Senator Patty Ritchie is urging Central and Northern New Yorkers to check frequently on the elderly and those who live alone, as well as to take extra care with family pets, to protect them from soaring temperatures in what is already being called one of the worst heat waves in years.

The National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Watch alerts for Oswego and Jefferson Counties through Thursday, as temperatures soar and remain in the 90s. Heat is the number one, weather-related cause of death in the US, claiming more lives each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined, they said.

“While we are all doing what we can to find relief for ourselves from the current heat wave, I am urging residents also to think about elderly neighbors, those who live alone, people with special needs, and helpless pets who are also suffering from heat and, in many cases, may be even more vulnerable to its effects,” Senator Ritchie said.

Sept. 14 At Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds In Watertown

State Senator Patty Ritchie along with the Jefferson County Office for the Aging invites the community to her 2011 Senior Health and Wellness Expo on Sept. 14 at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds on Coffeen Street in Watertown.

“The Senior Health and Wellness Expo will provide a one stop experience for people who want to meet and talk to health care professionals,” Senator Ritchie said. “Whether you want to check your blood pressure, get tips on how to keep fit, or get free health screenings, this event will help you preserve your health.”