Welcome to Nancy’s Bulletin Board!  This Board connects us in real time with updates on events, activities, community resources and with your feedback.

At the bottom of the page please leave a positive comment, story, joke, pun, riddle or timely community news to post on the board.  Resident art and photography has a place to be shared on this website’s “Show and Tell” board.  Please email me your contribution at general_activity@otowfl.com and confirm that you want it published here.

To make a reservation on the calendar or make an appointment to meet, please email me at general_activity@otowfl.com or give me a call at 727-799-2734.  If you are a new resident and have questions, please attend our Good Neighbor’s “Get Acquainted & Coffee” on the second Thursday of each month 8:30 – 11:00 at the East Activity Center Auditorium.  I will be available after the event at 11 am to answer your questions and take you on a tour of the Activity Centers. Or, we can meet at another time by appointment. Please email or give me a call.

 

Summit Broadband On-Site Sign-Up events have been cancelled

 

Please be advised that due to the impact Hurricane Ian has had on Summit Broadband OTOW Team, all remaining On-Site Sign-Up events have been cancelled.

 

OTOW Farmer’s Market

 

The Farmers Market will resume this Winter on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 and run through April 2023, 10 – 5 at the East Activity Center S.E. parking lot off of World Parkway

 

Dreaming of Northern Exposure

(note: Jan is a resident of On Top of the World and writes for “Lifestyles After 50″ magazine.  She recently received an award for Profile from NAMPA (North America Mature Publishers Association)

By Jan Larraine Cox

During a dramatically hot summer, many have no doubt dreamed of getting away to a cooler climate.  Having the freedom to do just that, I scheduled a tour of Alaska, 7000 miles away from the summer heat.  The itinerary conjured up images in my imagination of the 1990’s TV show entitled Northern Exposure, which was rumored to be set in Talkeetna, on the route between Fairbanks and Anchorage. Well it was actually filmed in Rosslyn, WA!

But no matter, since I did beat the heat in the lower 48 and got to meet Alaskans and experience their Midnight Sun which I capitalize because it is at once bizarre to see the sun set at midnight and honestly irritating.  Thank goodness for heavy drapes.

By far the most tantalizing aspect of our itinerary was Denali, previously known as Mt. McKinley.  As the highest peak in America, Denali reaches 20,310 feet, and is just 250 miles from the southernmost edge of the Arctic Circle.  Astounding even to our guide was the fact that Denali was clearly in view the entire day we visited, which rarely happens: what a gift we received!

Denali means the high one and indeed is the third tallest peak in the world.   Situated in richly green fields –a seemingly endless filigree of trees–along the north side of the Alaska Range, Denali National Park has been designated an international biosphere reserve and was expanded from 3.2 million acres to 6 million acres by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980.

The Biosphere Program is an intergovernmental scientific program launched in 1971 by UNESCO which aims to improve relationships between people and their environments.  Traveling thoughtfully we surely connected with the benefits of this biosphere program as we drank in astounding natural beauty, successfully guarded and preserved.

Back on our way south we visited the ranger station where at least 1000 people seeking to climb Denali each year must attain permits.  Not one piece of refuse can be left behind by anyone to mar this pristine scene.

Next on our agenda was Mile 450 of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline, which carries oil discovered in Prudhoe Bay in 1968 some 800 miles south to the ice-free port of Valdez.  Authorized in 1977, the pipeline cost 8 billion dollars to construct.  Thankfully precautions have insured minimal environmental impact.  12 pumping stations have special radiators in certain sections to disperse the heat from pumped oil, thereby preventing melting of the permafrost upon which the pipeline was built.

Having learned about liquid gold, our appetites were whetted to discover the solid thing next!  We then learned how to pan for gold.  Two sisters and their golden retriever Nugget demonstrated the craft.  Their close relationship with the Fairbanks Goldrush is based on their dad having been a gold miner there. 

Good old dad bought the family gold enriched land before gold escalated in price under President Nixon.  Now the entire family wears a smile!

Coming next month…Alaskan Wildlife…Stay tuned!

 

Area on Aging Agency S.H.I.N.E.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a Free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential

SHINE Counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a Free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

 

OCTOBER ZOOM MEETINGS

 

  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans with SHINE Zoom Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 at 10:00 am

(Provides an overview of Medicare Advantage Plan options available in Florida)

When: Oct 5, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkcuivqjkqHdNrbOSDcybwwAPjPl9Cj4E3

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Part D Drug Plan with SHINE Zoom meeting Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 at 12:00 noon – Lunch & Learn 

(Provides an overview of Part D Drug plan options available in Florida)

When: Oct 5, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMldeyopjkjG9Xt2pSlHk6ss36WDJOCtVZV

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare 101 with SHINE Zoom meeting Tuesday, October 11th , 2022 at 11:00 am 

(Provides an overview of the different Parts of Medicare including Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap and available financial assistance)

When: Oct 11, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcoduiopzgsHNJhqWolntwfVr6LK_1UyzXz

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

  • Medicare 101 with SHINE Zoom meeting Wednesday, October 12th , 2022 at 10:00 am 

(Provides an overview of the different Parts of Medicare including Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap and available financial assistance)

When: Oct 12, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkcO2opz4sHdal-y8LS48PK2sJmlVxLlYm

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Basics with SHINE Zoom meeting Wednesday, October 12th , 2022 at 12:00 pm

(Provides an overview of the different Parts of Medicare including Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap and available financial assistance)

When: Oct 12, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkc-mpqz8vHtFuwiWM_KjgBKr_wRX49cuR

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare (OEP) Open Enrollment Plans with SHINE Zoom Monday, October 17th, 2022 at 1:00pm

(Outlines the Medicare paths, election options during OEP, and how SHINE can help)

When: Oct 17, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuce2spzkjGtdVHR9_H6UWr2zYBeFuUexz

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Part D Drug Plan with SHINE Zoom meeting Tuesday, October 18th , 2022 at 11:00 am

(Provides an overview of Part D Drug plan options available in Florida).

When: Oct 18, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwucuutqTwrGtWBf1GpwSa1VgcIXn65lYWc

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare (OEP) Open Enrollment Plans with SHINE Zoom meeting Wed., October 19th , 2022  at 10:00 am

(Outlines the Medicare paths, election options during OEP, and how SHINE can help)

When: Oct 19, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrcu6vqjMpGtNaEPfBhV_4TO-z6hS3gYAA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans with SHINE Zoom meeting Wed., October 19th , 2022 at 12:00 noon Lunch & Learn

(Provides an overview of Medicare Advantage Plan options available in Florida)

When: Oct 19, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlf-2srD0sHtGOIb-JAQU5YMYfxJcaPBe0

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare 101 with SHINE Zoom meeting Tuesday, October 25th , 2022 at 11:00 am 

(Provides an overview of the different Parts of Medicare including Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap and available financial assistance)

When: Oct 25, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtceCspjwpG9AmF2fY4Pv8v1tCjygl6hiI

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans with SHINE Zoom Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 at 10:00 am

Provides an overview of Medicare Advantage Plan options available in Florida).

When: Oct 26, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqdumsrzsuE9wDI4nxWVjKBg8DElLrI4k9

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

  • Medicare (OEP) Open Enrollment Plans with SHINE Zoom meeting Wednesday, October 26th , 2022 at 12:00 noon – Lunch & Learn

(Outlines the Medicare paths, election options during OEP, and how SHINE can help)

When: Oct 26, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpdOqgqzgiGdFXQkYOndNX6Z7brrEDmcl9

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

 LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY?

Give One Day a Week, Make a Lifetime of a Difference

Neighborly/Meals on Wheels (MOW) Pinellas County urgently needs volunteers to deliver lunchtime meals to approximately 10 homebound seniors. All it takes is 1 1/2 – 2 hours a week and your vehicle! Shifts are weekdays from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Choose the day that works best for you and your location; we have nine throughout Pinellas County! To learn more and to apply, visit: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/c3dc50ca/dq6Yoyuz6xGde-MTgdRvyg?u=https%3A%2F%2Fneighborly.org%2Fvolunteer-opportunities%2F

Give the Gift of a Lift! 

Imagine you no longer had transportation…how would you go to the pharmacy or get to the doctor? Last year Neighborly helped seniors get to over 10,000 appointments and we need your help to handle overflow requests. If you love to drive, have a safe driver record, a 2006 (or newer) vehicle, and enjoy helping seniors, this is for you! Neighborly has safety protocols to keep volunteers, and our clients, safe. Volunteers do not transport individuals in wheelchairs and do not lift clients. Choose one weekday or more in any region of Pinellas County. Volunteers use their own vehicle and generally serve between two and four hours a week (but can do more).To learn more or to apply, please visit https://link.zixcentral.com/u/c3dc50ca/dq6Yoyuz6xGde-MTgdRvyg?u=https%3A%2F%2Fneighborly.org%2Fvolunteer-opportunities%2F and complete the online application and choose your orientation date (be sure to choose an orientation for Transportation Drivers!).  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority – Link to Current Schedule and Fares

Traveling in Pinellas County has gotten easier with PSTA’s (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) bus and mobility programs. As always, we recommend that you plan your trip before you go out. You can do so by calling our information line  (727 540-1900) or by planning your trip through google maps.

Use bus route 62 or 76 to go to Countryside Mall, Tyrone Mall, Shoppes at Boot Ranch, Downtown Clearwater, and one transfer away from the Beach Trolley. Currently we ask that all riders board through the back of the bus and wear their mask properly throughout the entire trip. The bus service is currently free, but we will resume charging bus fares July 5th.

Current bus fares:

Route19: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/7a3b631b/pGzOwOW06xGtEGLdYFsSiw?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsta.net%2Fmedia%2F5112%2Froute-19-020721.pdf

Route 62: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/ed5ba217/XtrOwOW06xGtEGLdYFsSiw?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsta.net%2Fmedia%2F5143%2Froute-62-020721.pdf

Route 76: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/7cd40a78/ZDPPwOW06xGtEGLdYFsSiw?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsta.net%2Fmedia%2F5149%2Froute-76-020721.pdf

If the bus stop is not near your home, you can use our Direct Connect program that offers you a $5 discount to travel to or from a Direct Connect location (see picture for nearest Direct Connect location).  Use UBER, Lyft, or United Taxi to get to a Direct Connect location and then transfer to a bus to get to your destination.

Program Service Hours: 5:00a.m. until midnight – 7 days a week from

Link to program: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/1adca276/KA-QwOW06xGtEGLdYFsSiw?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsta.net%2Friding-psta%2Fdirect-connect%2F

FLORIDA VETERANS SUPPORT LINE

Talk with someone who’s been there.
If you or your loved one needs support or connections to community resources, call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) and talk to a trained specialist. Many of them are fellow veterans. Available 24/7 every day, all conversations are confidential and judgement-free.
All calls are:
Confidential
Available 24/7 every day

https://www.myflvet.com/

HURRICANE TIPS

  1. Purchase a battery-operated radio and a supply of batteries.
  2. Purchase flashlights with batteries. Use caution when using candles.
  3. Get an ice chest. Stock up on a week’s worth of water, food that won’t spoil, pet supplies, toilet paper, purchase a battery-operated fan.
  4. Refill medical prescriptions.
  5. Go to an ATM or bank and get cash.
  6. Fill your vehicle with gas. Fill a lawn mower container with gas.
  7. Do you need a generator? Never operate a generator indoors.
  8. Recharge cell phone batteries and use only when necessary.
  9. If you are evacuating, tell people where you are evacuating to and leave you contact information.
  10. Bring lawn furniture and outdoor decorations indoors.
  11. Sign up for the RAVE alert system from OTOW.
  12. Community updates will be posted on otowclearwaterinfo.com,

OTOW-TV Channel 732 and the Box Office (otowboxoffice.com).

  1. Make sure you have a first-aid kit, including bandages, ointments.
  2. Make sure important documents are safely stored.
  3. Don’t forget rain gear, blankets and home entertainment.

Don’t panic, but you may not have internet service for days.

WHEN A STORM HAS PASSED

  1. Do not go outside and begin cleanup on your own. Let OTOW

employees remove limbs and all damage. There could be wires down.

  1. Traffic lights may be out. Stop at all intersections.

 

 

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