Community Newsletter: Summertime Fun

Hello and welcome to The Village at Fawcett's Pond quarterly newsletter! We are thrilled to bring you the latest news and updates from our community. In this edition, we will cover a range of topics, including upcoming events, and valuable tips. Thank you for joining us, and we hope you find this newsletter engaging and informative. Happy reading!

Manager’s Notes

Register Your Overnight Guests’ Vehicle: You can now do this online at villageatfawcettspond.com/parking-registration-intro or provide details to the office. Visitors must display a tag for overnight parking. Unregistered guests may face warning stickers and towing. All residents need a parking permit; register or contact the office.

Visitors, Guests, Home Health Aids & Visiting Nurses: Please let your visitors know where they should park. Visitor parking is designated with signs that say Visitor Parking. If there are no spaces available in that section, please tell them to park in the spaces on the hill, closest to West Main Street. Resident parking is for residents only and any car that doesn’t display a parking sticker is subject to towing without notice.

2024 Dog Licenses: Dog licenses are issued by the Town Clerk and are valid from July 1st to June 30th each fiscal year. Licenses are available for sale - starting the first Friday in May. All dogs older than six (6) months are required to obtain a license. The cost of dog license is $7.00 per dog for Neutered/ Spayed and $10.00 per dog for non– Neutered/ Spayed. Late Fees are assessed after July 31st ($5.00) and again after December 31st ($10.00). Dog licenses can be purchased online, by mail or in-person at Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Dept., 367 Main St., Hyannis.

Reminder: Dogs are not permitted on Town of Barnstable beaches from May 15th through September 15th.

Fuel Assistance Applications: Fuel Assistance Recertification applications are usually mailed to your home sometime in August and new applications are usually available in October. I will be available to help complete your recertification by appointment, on a first come, first serve basis. Please make sure you keep ALL the papers that come in your recertification packet. If you are a new resident or have never received Fuel Assistance before you will need to apply in October through the Barnstable Senior Center or South Shore Community Action Council.


Community Updates

Become a Shine Volunteer

If you have a passion for helping others, a knack for technical details, and love solving problems, becoming a SHINE volunteer could be your calling! SHINE volunteers play a crucial role by offering confidential insurance counseling on Medicare options, making a real impact on the lives of Medicare beneficiaries on Cape Cod and the Islands.

Our volunteers undergo a comprehensive 10-day training and must successfully complete a state certification test. Your dedication will help individuals navigate their Medicare choices effectively. Sometimes, your service might extend beyond your local area to cater to broader community needs.

Ready to be part of this meaningful journey? For more information, reach out to William Redmond at (508)375-6762 or email william.redmond@barnstablecounty.org. Your efforts can bring clarity and relief to those seeking guidance. Join us and become a SHINE volunteer today!

Important: MassHealth Renewal Process for Members

If you're a MassHealth member, stay informed about the renewal/recertification process happening now. This process runs from April 2023 to April 2024. Look out for a distinct large, blue envelope similar to the image provided – some members will receive this.

Once your renewal packet arrives, you have 45 days to complete and return it to MassHealth. Some cases might qualify for automatic renewal. Following your submission, MassHealth may reach out with additional queries, using a white envelope for communication.

Remember, failure to complete your renewal recertification packet could lead to the end of your MassHealth coverage. Need help with your renewal? I'm available by appointment to guide you through the process. Stay covered and informed!  

Medicare Savings Programs

Massachusetts residents can access valuable healthcare assistance through Medicare Savings Programs. These programs, part of MassHealth, offer financial relief for medical costs. Here's a snapshot of what's available:

  1. MassHealth Standard: Designed for those with very low income, this program provides support for individuals and couples over 65. Eligibility is based on income and asset limits.

  2. Medicare Savings Programs (Buy-In Programs): These programs bring significant relief:

    • MassHealth Senior Buy-In (QMB): Designed for individuals and couples, this program covers Medicare A and B premiums, deductibles, and copays. It offers automatic extra help for prescription costs.

    • MassHealth Buy-In (SLMB, QI-1): Assisting with Medicare B premiums and offering automatic extra help for prescriptions, this program is a financial lifeline.

These programs not only ease healthcare costs but can also boost your monthly Social Security income. Eligibility is determined through simple applications submitted to MassHealth. For personalized guidance, consider consulting a SHINE counselor. Experience the relief of Medicare Savings Programs and lighten the financial load.

Bridge the Gap with Prescription Advantage

A common concern for many Medicare beneficiaries is facing the prescription drug "donut hole," a gap in coverage that leads to steep cost increases. But worry not, there's a solution: Prescription Advantage.

Prescription Advantage, a state-sponsored program, steps in to supplement your Medicare drug plan when you hit this coverage gap. Don't let your prescription costs skyrocket – Prescription Advantage has you covered.

For more details about how Prescription Advantage can be your safety net, get in touch with MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can also visit prescriptionadvantagema.org. Don't let the donut hole drain your finances – opt for peace of mind with Prescription Advantage.

Maintenance Notes

Water Flushing Program: From time to time, our local Water Department will be flushing the water mains. During the flushing operation, customers may notice temporary discoloration of their water and fluctuations in water pressure. If your water appears discolored (brown, rusty-looking), run the cold water in your bathtub for a few minutes, and that should clear the lines.

Feeding Animals: Please do not feed the birds or other wildlife. Throwing bread or other food out for wildlife attracts unwanted animals.

Beat the Heat With These Ten Tips on What to Do During Extreme Heat

  1. Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.

  2. Avoid outdoor exercising and other physical activity when it is very hot. Instead, find someplace you can be active while staying cool indoors.

  3. Drink plenty of water, juices or drinks that contain electrolytes– even if you are not thirsty! Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. If your doctor has directed you to limit your liquids, ask what you should do when very hot.

  4. Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

  5. Use AC and fans to stay cool. Avoid using the stove and oven, keep shades, blinds, or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day.

  6. If you must go outdoors, use a broad– spectrum sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, and reapply throughout the day. Wear a hat, protective clothing, and sunglasses.

  7. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton may feel cooler than synthetic fibers.

  8. Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.

  9. Practice Water Safety if cooling off around bodies of water.

  10. Know symptoms of and watch for heat-related illnesses. Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea could be a sign of a heat-related illness. Go to the doctor or an emergency room if concerned and need treatment. Call 911 in an emergency.

Community Events

Explore Our Neighborhood

 

Welcome to the neighborhood! We invite you to explore all of the wonderful things Hyannis, MA has to offer. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's something special waiting to be discovered. Click here to learn more.


We love our furry friends!

Prior to bringing a pet into the unit, please make sure your pet is registered with us.

To register your pet, please click here.

Happenings Around Town & Beyond

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Previous
Previous

Community Newsletter: Fall 2023 Edition