Phil,
The City is sending letters to all property owners and residents along Paquin Street concerning parking meters. A letter was sent to the Housing Authority address. I have attached an electronic copy of the letter to this e-mail to ensure you get the information. Please feel free to copy the letter and distribute to residents of Paquin Tower. Please let me know if the Housing Authority has a position.
Sincerely,
Scott Bitterman, P.E.
Supervising Engineer, Traffic
Columbia Public Works Department
701 E. Broadway
Columbia, Missouri 65205
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Medicare rise could mean no Social Security COLA
Millions of retired and disabled people in the United States had better brace for another year with no increase in Social Security payments.
The government is projecting a slight cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits next year, the first increase since 2009. But for most beneficiaries, rising Medicare premiums threaten to wipe out any increase in payments, leaving them without a raise for a third straight year.
About 45 million people — one in seven in the country — receive both Medicare and Social Security. By law, beneficiaries have their Medicare Part B premiums, which cover doctor visits, deducted from their Social Security payments each month.
When Medicare premiums rise more than Social Security payments, millions of people living on fixed incomes don't get raises. On the other hand, most don't get pay cuts, either, because a hold-harmless provision prevents higher Part B premiums from reducing Social Security payments for most people.
David Certner of AARP estimates that as many as three-fourths of beneficiaries will have their entire Social Security increase swallowed by rising Medicare premiums next year.
It's a tough development for retirees who lost much of their savings when the stock market collapsed, who lost value in their homes when the housing market crashed and who can't find work because the job market is weak or they are in poor health.
"You just don't have the words to say how much this impacts a person," said Joyce Trebilcock, a retired legal secretary from Belle, Mo., a small town about 100 miles west of St. Louis.
Like most U.S. retirees, Trebilcock, 65, said Social Security is her primary source of income. She said a back injury about 15 years ago left her unable to work, so she applied for disability benefits. Now, she lives on a $1,262 Social Security payment each month, with more than $500 going to pay the mortgage.
"I've cut back on about everything I can, and I take the rest out of my savings," Trebilcock said. "Thank God I've got that. That's going to run out before long, at the rate I'm going. ... I have no idea what I'm going to do then."
Source:
http://hosted2.ap.org/APDefault/*/Article_2011-03-27-US-Social-Security-COLA/id-ecbfffae8c27421abb46e3c487a5734f
The government is projecting a slight cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits next year, the first increase since 2009. But for most beneficiaries, rising Medicare premiums threaten to wipe out any increase in payments, leaving them without a raise for a third straight year.
About 45 million people — one in seven in the country — receive both Medicare and Social Security. By law, beneficiaries have their Medicare Part B premiums, which cover doctor visits, deducted from their Social Security payments each month.
When Medicare premiums rise more than Social Security payments, millions of people living on fixed incomes don't get raises. On the other hand, most don't get pay cuts, either, because a hold-harmless provision prevents higher Part B premiums from reducing Social Security payments for most people.
David Certner of AARP estimates that as many as three-fourths of beneficiaries will have their entire Social Security increase swallowed by rising Medicare premiums next year.
It's a tough development for retirees who lost much of their savings when the stock market collapsed, who lost value in their homes when the housing market crashed and who can't find work because the job market is weak or they are in poor health.
"You just don't have the words to say how much this impacts a person," said Joyce Trebilcock, a retired legal secretary from Belle, Mo., a small town about 100 miles west of St. Louis.
Like most U.S. retirees, Trebilcock, 65, said Social Security is her primary source of income. She said a back injury about 15 years ago left her unable to work, so she applied for disability benefits. Now, she lives on a $1,262 Social Security payment each month, with more than $500 going to pay the mortgage.
"I've cut back on about everything I can, and I take the rest out of my savings," Trebilcock said. "Thank God I've got that. That's going to run out before long, at the rate I'm going. ... I have no idea what I'm going to do then."
Source:
http://hosted2.ap.org/APDefault/*/Article_2011-03-27-US-Social-Security-COLA/id-ecbfffae8c27421abb46e3c487a5734f
Friday, March 25, 2011
Deadlines near for direct deposit of Social Security checks
Retirement, disability checks soon to be electronic only
Q: Social Security soon will deliver retirement and disability checks only electronically. Can you refresh us on those deadlines?
A: Anyone applying for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits on or after May 1 will receive their payments electronically, while those already receiving paper checks will need to switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. Social Security, SSI, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management benefits, and other nontax payments are included.
Q: Will there be any changes for recipients who already receive payments electronically?
A: No. They will continue to receive their payment as usual on their payment day. Already eight out of 10 beneficiaries receive payments electronically.
Q: Can you tell us about the direct deposit options for payments?
A: Beneficiaries will have the option of direct deposits to a bank or credit union account of their choice, or into a Direct Express Debit MasterCard card account, a prepaid card option recommended by the U.S. Department of Treasury. You don't need to wait for the new rule to go into effect to sign up. Simply visit www.GoDirect.org.
Q: Why the push for electronic payments over paper checks?
A: It will save taxpayers millions of dollars in the cost of postage, paper and printing, and will save thousands of recipients the cost of check-cashing and bank fees. It's safer: no risk of checks being lost or stolen. And, by eliminating paper and transportation costs, it's good for the environment.
Source:
http://newsok.com/deadlines-near-for-direct-deposit-of-social-security-checks/article/3551629
Q: Social Security soon will deliver retirement and disability checks only electronically. Can you refresh us on those deadlines?
A: Anyone applying for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits on or after May 1 will receive their payments electronically, while those already receiving paper checks will need to switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. Social Security, SSI, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management benefits, and other nontax payments are included.
Q: Will there be any changes for recipients who already receive payments electronically?
A: No. They will continue to receive their payment as usual on their payment day. Already eight out of 10 beneficiaries receive payments electronically.
Q: Can you tell us about the direct deposit options for payments?
A: Beneficiaries will have the option of direct deposits to a bank or credit union account of their choice, or into a Direct Express Debit MasterCard card account, a prepaid card option recommended by the U.S. Department of Treasury. You don't need to wait for the new rule to go into effect to sign up. Simply visit www.GoDirect.org.
Q: Why the push for electronic payments over paper checks?
A: It will save taxpayers millions of dollars in the cost of postage, paper and printing, and will save thousands of recipients the cost of check-cashing and bank fees. It's safer: no risk of checks being lost or stolen. And, by eliminating paper and transportation costs, it's good for the environment.
Source:
http://newsok.com/deadlines-near-for-direct-deposit-of-social-security-checks/article/3551629
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Should Vt. stop paying for junk food?
Bloggers Note: Personally I think all states should do this. After all it is Tax Payer money they are spending and yes there should be some form of a regulation on it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In most grocery stores today, low-income Vermonters receiving food stamps can pretty much buy any kind of food they want; soda, potato chips, candy-- all what many would consider junk food.
"Improved health, nutritional outcomes for Vermonters-- particularly low-income Vermonters," said Rep. Oliver Olsen, R-Jamaica.
Olsen is one of a bipartisan group of 18 lawmakers sponsoring a resolution that would urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow Vermont to develop its own list of acceptable foods.
"If we're going to be expending public money on food items that are contributing to the rising cost of health care-- more specifically health care that's funded through Vermont state tax dollars-- I think Vermont has a particular interest in better managing the program," Olsen said.
Under the current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, recipients in a family of four can spend up to $668 a month. They aren't allowed to buy nonfood items like alcohol, tobacco, soap, toothpaste and pet food. Olsen says that if the program was also limited to nutritious foods, the state would encourage healthier choices and reduce health care costs shouldered by taxpayers.
The Vermont Food Bank in Barre distributes thousands of tons of food it receives across the state to local food shelves and other programs. About 60 percent of their clients also use food stamps. Officials there say any state effort to mandate what people eat is a mistake.
"Limiting food choices is not the way to help people make better food choices. If we're going to limit food choices for just people who are low income it really sets us back as far the work we've done to reduce the stigma of the program," said Judy Stermer of the Vermont Food Bank.
The proposed resolution got a mixed reaction from shoppers we spoke with in Barre.
"I just personally think that the people should be more responsible and realize what foods they're giving to their children and they should take more responsibility on trying to help the child go towards the healthier foods, but I don't think it should be a law," said Amanda Hickory of Montpelier.
"I think it's better to eat more healthy. They're trying to promote weight loss in overweight people. I think it's a good idea," said Corinne Munson of Barre Town.
Source:
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=14258257
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In most grocery stores today, low-income Vermonters receiving food stamps can pretty much buy any kind of food they want; soda, potato chips, candy-- all what many would consider junk food.
"Improved health, nutritional outcomes for Vermonters-- particularly low-income Vermonters," said Rep. Oliver Olsen, R-Jamaica.
Olsen is one of a bipartisan group of 18 lawmakers sponsoring a resolution that would urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow Vermont to develop its own list of acceptable foods.
"If we're going to be expending public money on food items that are contributing to the rising cost of health care-- more specifically health care that's funded through Vermont state tax dollars-- I think Vermont has a particular interest in better managing the program," Olsen said.
Under the current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, recipients in a family of four can spend up to $668 a month. They aren't allowed to buy nonfood items like alcohol, tobacco, soap, toothpaste and pet food. Olsen says that if the program was also limited to nutritious foods, the state would encourage healthier choices and reduce health care costs shouldered by taxpayers.
The Vermont Food Bank in Barre distributes thousands of tons of food it receives across the state to local food shelves and other programs. About 60 percent of their clients also use food stamps. Officials there say any state effort to mandate what people eat is a mistake.
"Limiting food choices is not the way to help people make better food choices. If we're going to limit food choices for just people who are low income it really sets us back as far the work we've done to reduce the stigma of the program," said Judy Stermer of the Vermont Food Bank.
The proposed resolution got a mixed reaction from shoppers we spoke with in Barre.
"I just personally think that the people should be more responsible and realize what foods they're giving to their children and they should take more responsibility on trying to help the child go towards the healthier foods, but I don't think it should be a law," said Amanda Hickory of Montpelier.
"I think it's better to eat more healthy. They're trying to promote weight loss in overweight people. I think it's a good idea," said Corinne Munson of Barre Town.
Source:
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=14258257
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Using Your Cell Phone Before, During and After a Disaster
Cell phones are becoming more and more valuable to our lives – providing internet access, the latest weather forecast, and access to our favorite social networking sites. While cell phones can be a great convenience, they can also be a lifeline after an emergency.
As Administrator Fugate often says, a cell phone is a data center, with the ability to store and access a large amount of information quickly. So why not tap into the power of your cell phone, whether it's the latest-and-greatest model, or a phone that’s been around a while, and be ready to use it in case a disaster strikes?
In recent disasters, like the aftermath of the devastating Haiti earthquake in 2010, cell phones have been an invaluable resource for disaster survivors. I sincerely hope no one finds themselves in the dire situation that many Haitians did following the earthquake, but we can all take steps to make our cell phones a handy resource before, during, and after an emergency.
Source and More:
http://blog.fema.gov/2011/03/using-your-cell-phone-before-during-and.html
As Administrator Fugate often says, a cell phone is a data center, with the ability to store and access a large amount of information quickly. So why not tap into the power of your cell phone, whether it's the latest-and-greatest model, or a phone that’s been around a while, and be ready to use it in case a disaster strikes?
In recent disasters, like the aftermath of the devastating Haiti earthquake in 2010, cell phones have been an invaluable resource for disaster survivors. I sincerely hope no one finds themselves in the dire situation that many Haitians did following the earthquake, but we can all take steps to make our cell phones a handy resource before, during, and after an emergency.
Source and More:
http://blog.fema.gov/2011/03/using-your-cell-phone-before-during-and.html
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
THE RESIDENT NEWSLETTER March 2011 | Volume 2, Issue 3
This is the monthly news letter HUD puts out for all of you.
Source:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph/pubs/newsltr-res-mar11.pdf
Source:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph/pubs/newsltr-res-mar11.pdf
Small fire at Paquin Tower causes havoc
A small fire in a unit on the 4th floor of Paquin Tower around 9pm Monday evening caused a lot of water damage after it triggered the automatic sprinkler system.
Several units from the Columbia Fire Department and their Fire Investigator were involved in the suppression and clean up after the incident.
CHA Emergency Maintenance was called in,the housing manager Penny Harrington was working with the fire department during the entire episode and residents who were in the lobby moved furniture to keep it from getting drenched by the water coming through the drop down ceiling in the lobby area.
Several residents reported flooding in their various units below the fourth floor incident and water from the sprinklers had found it's way naturally all the way to the basement.
Total damage estimates are not available at this time but one local TV station gave a number of upwards of $3,000.00.
Several units from the Columbia Fire Department and their Fire Investigator were involved in the suppression and clean up after the incident.
CHA Emergency Maintenance was called in,the housing manager Penny Harrington was working with the fire department during the entire episode and residents who were in the lobby moved furniture to keep it from getting drenched by the water coming through the drop down ceiling in the lobby area.
Several residents reported flooding in their various units below the fourth floor incident and water from the sprinklers had found it's way naturally all the way to the basement.
Total damage estimates are not available at this time but one local TV station gave a number of upwards of $3,000.00.
Friday, March 4, 2011
34th Annual Train Show
34th Annual Train Show
Description:
All aboard! See a wide variety of displays involving trains and the early days of transportation as well as movies and photographs on rail travel. Hosted by Mid-Mo Railfan and Columbia Parks and Recreation. Admission is free.
Location: Paquin Tower
Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm CDT
Duration: 5 hours
Category: Parks & Recreation Events*
Created by: Tammy Miller
Updated: Thursday, February 10, 2011 3:09pm CST
Attachments: None
Source:
http://gocolumbiamo.com/webcal/view_entry.php?id=2384
Description:
All aboard! See a wide variety of displays involving trains and the early days of transportation as well as movies and photographs on rail travel. Hosted by Mid-Mo Railfan and Columbia Parks and Recreation. Admission is free.
Location: Paquin Tower
Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm CDT
Duration: 5 hours
Category: Parks & Recreation Events*
Created by: Tammy Miller
Updated: Thursday, February 10, 2011 3:09pm CST
Attachments: None
Source:
http://gocolumbiamo.com/webcal/view_entry.php?id=2384
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Disabilities Commission Meeting March 2011
Disabilities Commission Meeting
Description: Disabilities Commission Meeting
Location: 300 S. Providence Rd., Columbia MO
URL: www.GoColumbiaMo.com
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm CST
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Meetings *
Created by: Roxanne Combs
Updated: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 4:19pm CST
Attachments: None
Description: Disabilities Commission Meeting
Location: 300 S. Providence Rd., Columbia MO
URL: www.GoColumbiaMo.com
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm CST
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Meetings *
Created by: Roxanne Combs
Updated: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 4:19pm CST
Attachments: None
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Great Plains ADA
Our mission is to provide accurate, quality, confidential services on the ADA and related disability laws. Since 1992, we have been the leader in providing ADA information, technical assistance,training,and products tailored to meet the needs of business, government, and individuals. If you need ADA technical assistance, call 1-800-949-4232.
Source:
http://www.adaproject.org/
Source:
http://www.adaproject.org/
Dental Health Care in Boone County ie: lack of
Well after much riding around and gathering of information yesterday on the Dental Health Care Waiting Line(s) in my community.
I must say I am thoroughly disgusted with the way those on SSI/SSD and Low/No Income are treated by the Medical Community if they have any teeth that need immediate attention.
I am now on one list where I have to call in every day at about 8am(gee good thing I do not have a real life cause that would be almost impossible) and the other list where I am on a lottery system only picks 12 - 15 cases each month(you have 5 days to respond with your $10.00 co pay) and then every four months they file 13 a.k.a. trash the list and start all over once again which means you have to go resign up.
This is just so wrong on so many levels that this atrocity is being perpetrated against our own citizens.
Is your horror story of waiting on Dental care worse than this? If so please share it with us here.
I must say I am thoroughly disgusted with the way those on SSI/SSD and Low/No Income are treated by the Medical Community if they have any teeth that need immediate attention.
I am now on one list where I have to call in every day at about 8am(gee good thing I do not have a real life cause that would be almost impossible) and the other list where I am on a lottery system only picks 12 - 15 cases each month(you have 5 days to respond with your $10.00 co pay) and then every four months they file 13 a.k.a. trash the list and start all over once again which means you have to go resign up.
This is just so wrong on so many levels that this atrocity is being perpetrated against our own citizens.
Is your horror story of waiting on Dental care worse than this? If so please share it with us here.
Mo to hold statewide tornado drill March 8
Missourians are being encouraged to participate in a statewide tornado drill next week as part of the state’s Severe Weather Awareness Week.
The 37th annual event will be conducted by the National Weather Service, State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management offices.
The drill is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on March 8 but will be pushed back to March 10 if the state is experiencing severe weather conditions.
The National Weather Service says there were 65 tornadoes in the state last year, including an outbreak on Dec. 31 that killed five people and hurt 13 others.
Officials encourage residents who hear the warning sirens to practice seeking shelter. The drill is complete once everyone is accounted for in the designated shelters.
Source:
http://www.newstribune.com/news/2011/mar/01/mo-hold-statewide-tornado-drill-march-8/
The 37th annual event will be conducted by the National Weather Service, State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management offices.
The drill is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on March 8 but will be pushed back to March 10 if the state is experiencing severe weather conditions.
The National Weather Service says there were 65 tornadoes in the state last year, including an outbreak on Dec. 31 that killed five people and hurt 13 others.
Officials encourage residents who hear the warning sirens to practice seeking shelter. The drill is complete once everyone is accounted for in the designated shelters.
Source:
http://www.newstribune.com/news/2011/mar/01/mo-hold-statewide-tornado-drill-march-8/
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Geothermal unit to heat, cool Paquin Federal money funds upgrade.
Construction starts this week on energy-efficiency improvements at Paquin Tower aimed at cutting utility bills for its owner, the Columbia Housing Authority, by 35 percent.
The improvements are part of an overall CHA effort to make its properties more energy-efficient.
The housing authority is starting with a pair of projects. The first replaces the heating and cooling system in Paquin Tower and is financed mostly through a federal grant. The other would install low-flow toilets in the building and aim for a variety of energy-saving improvements across all of CHA’s properties. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development should pay for these and other improvements.
“Its going to be a significant improvement to our properties with both of our projects,” said Phil Steinhaus, the housing authority’s CEO.
The construction’s cost is nearly $4.5 million but will have drastic long-term savings, especially for Paquin Tower. Steinhaus expects the 200-apartment building, which provides housing for residents with disabilities and the elderly, to cut its energy use by a third and use 40 percent to 60 percent less water. These, and improvements to other properties, should save at least $230,000 every year.
The new system for Paquin Tower uses geothermal energy to more efficiently heat and cool the building. Dozens of wells will circulate an antifreeze mixture 500 feet into the ground, which stays at a constant 58 degrees throughout the year. This will then go back up and into residents’ rooms, where a unit will either heat or cool the water, depending on the season.
Residents will have thermostats in their rooms for the first time in the building’s 40-year history.
“To me, that is just one of the biggest positives,” former resident association President Richard Craghead said.
Max Lewis, the resident member on the CHA board, said there would be some inconvenience but that the project is necessary. He, like Craghead, is looking forward to having his own thermostat.
Another part of the upgrade is an energy recovery unit, which will capture heated air from the building, filter it and then circulate it again. Modernization coordinator Greg Willingham said that is where most of the energy savings will come from.
Willingham said he hopes in a couple of years similar projects could be done at Oak Towers, another CHA property.
Steinhaus said work on the project began around September 2009. Going through the various processes to help get funding for the project wasn’t easy, but he said it will be worth it.
“I’m just really excited about the energy savings we’re going to achieve,” he said.
Source:
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/mar/01/geothermal-unit-to-heat-cool-paquin/
The improvements are part of an overall CHA effort to make its properties more energy-efficient.
The housing authority is starting with a pair of projects. The first replaces the heating and cooling system in Paquin Tower and is financed mostly through a federal grant. The other would install low-flow toilets in the building and aim for a variety of energy-saving improvements across all of CHA’s properties. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development should pay for these and other improvements.
“Its going to be a significant improvement to our properties with both of our projects,” said Phil Steinhaus, the housing authority’s CEO.
The construction’s cost is nearly $4.5 million but will have drastic long-term savings, especially for Paquin Tower. Steinhaus expects the 200-apartment building, which provides housing for residents with disabilities and the elderly, to cut its energy use by a third and use 40 percent to 60 percent less water. These, and improvements to other properties, should save at least $230,000 every year.
The new system for Paquin Tower uses geothermal energy to more efficiently heat and cool the building. Dozens of wells will circulate an antifreeze mixture 500 feet into the ground, which stays at a constant 58 degrees throughout the year. This will then go back up and into residents’ rooms, where a unit will either heat or cool the water, depending on the season.
Residents will have thermostats in their rooms for the first time in the building’s 40-year history.
“To me, that is just one of the biggest positives,” former resident association President Richard Craghead said.
Max Lewis, the resident member on the CHA board, said there would be some inconvenience but that the project is necessary. He, like Craghead, is looking forward to having his own thermostat.
Another part of the upgrade is an energy recovery unit, which will capture heated air from the building, filter it and then circulate it again. Modernization coordinator Greg Willingham said that is where most of the energy savings will come from.
Willingham said he hopes in a couple of years similar projects could be done at Oak Towers, another CHA property.
Steinhaus said work on the project began around September 2009. Going through the various processes to help get funding for the project wasn’t easy, but he said it will be worth it.
“I’m just really excited about the energy savings we’re going to achieve,” he said.
Source:
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/mar/01/geothermal-unit-to-heat-cool-paquin/
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