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Answers from 211's Senior Assistance Line
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Dear SAL,
I am an active, retired senior. I have recently unplugged my treadmill in favor of taking daily long walks. I am enjoying myself as I get exercise, make friends, and really 'see' things in my neighborhood. I'd like to vary my routine by exploring hiking trails in this beautiful county. Do you have any suggestions for trails that are within a twenty minute driving distance from central Grass Valley? I consider my skill level novice, but I am steadily gaining in speed, strength, and stamina-just watch me go!
-Trekking Trudy
Dear Trudy-
How wonderful that you are taking up a new healthful pastime that allows you to really enjoy all that Nevada County has to offer. We are fortunate to live in a region rich in hiking trails, many of which are near lakes, rivers, and streams.
A few ideas come to mind. First, you don't want to miss Bear Yuba Land Trust's
Celebration of Trails on June 4th. Billed as 'the year's biggest showcase of community trails and recreation groups,' this is a free, all-day event at Tahoe National Forest Headquarters, 631 Coyote St., Nevada City. Attendees will find out where to hike, run, bike, paddle, roll, and ride all in one place. Area hikes will take place from 8 am to 11 am and the festival will be from 11 am to 3 pm. Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co. in Nevada City will be supporting this event by donating a portion of the night's proceeds from Ales for Trails on May 23rd at 6 pm, so consider making plans to meet fellow hiking enthusiasts at this event as well.
Information on this event, as well as a variety of others, including hikes, lectures, book discussions, and horseback rides can be found on Bear Yuba Land Trust's
website. BYLT also offers a free monthly community hike on one of their preserves.
South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) is hosting a grand opening for the Loney Meadow Interpretative Trail on June 18th from 9 am to 2 pm. This self-guided excursion offers plenty to enjoy: wild flowers, fresh alpine air, and information about SYRCL's restoration work in Loney Meadow. After you check out the 1.5 mile loop at the meadow, there are several other trails to explore in the area. A caravan will leave at 9 am from the SYRCL office at 313 Railroad Ave. in Nevada City.
The Nevada City Chamber of Commerce has a great list of local trails on their
website.
You may also want to connect with
Nevada County Walkers, a Meetup group, for hiking with other enthusiasts. Founded in 2010, the group now has over 1,300 walkers and multiple walks on local trails are scheduled six days a week, covering a wide range of ages and fitness levels.
I hope this gives you a few good ideas to start.
Happy trekking!
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Ask SAL is a monthly column that gives our readers a chance to ask us questions about resources for seniors in Nevada County. If you have a question for SAL, email us at alicej@ns-pa.org.
The Senior Assistance Line is funded by:
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Intro to Tablets
Workshop for Seniors
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So, your kids got you an iPad for Christmas. Now what?
Agency on Aging Area 4 wants to help demystify your tablet with the upcoming Technology Training Workshop: Intro to Tablets. Learn the basics of using a touchscreen, surfing the web, taking and sharing photos, and downloading apps.
Tablets will be provided for hands-on practice.
When:
Wednesday, May 25, 1-3 pm
Where:
Gold Country Community Services
Nevada City Senior Apartments
841 Old Tunnel Road
Grass valley, CA 95945
Cost:
Free for anyone age 60+
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CalFresh Market Money Starts June 4th
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Dollar-for-dollar match up to $30 for fruits & veggies
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The Market Money program is back for another year, and 211 will be out at the farmers' markets helping CalFresh participants cash in.
The goal of the Market Money program is to encourage CalFresh participants to spend more of their EBT dollars on fresh fruits and vegetables. This year, CalFresh participants will receive a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $30, on EBT dollars spent at the market. That means that all CalFresh participants are eligible for $30 extra to spend on produce at local farmers' markets (click on the above image to download a PDF listing participating markets).
Cashing in your Market Money is simple. Just bring your EBT card and photo ID to the 211 booth at any of the four participating markets. Our 211 market liaison will assist you.
The Market Money program is a partnership between 211 and the Nevada County Department of Social Services. Last year, 983 CalFresh participants used the Market Money program for a total of $17,908 spent at local farmers' markets.
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AT&T Offers Discount Internet Access
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| As little as $5 a month for CalFresh participants |
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Families with low income can now get access to AT&T internet for as low as $5 a month.
As part of an agreement with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), AT&T is offering discounted internet to any household that has at least one member receiving CalFresh assistance. The program, called Access from AT&T, is available until 2020.
Under the program, a household will be assigned the fastest internet speed available in their neighborhood, from either a 3mbps connection ($5 per month) or a 10mbps connection ($10 per month). Installation and equipment is free. Data is limited to 600GB a month, and overage charges will be applied if the user exceeds the limit.
Go to the
AT&T website to see if service is available in your area or to apply for the program.
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Ready, Set, Go for Fire Preparedness
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Now is the time to start planning for fire
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Everywhere you look around Nevada County these days, people are preparing for fire season. Friends and neighbors are clearing brush, mowing grass, and cutting weeds. The Fire Safe Council is challenging us to pull scotch broom. And various local fire departments are out talking about defensible space.
It's time for all Nevada County residents to start thinking about fire. Below are some great resources to get you started on your fire prep work this season.
A collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service, the Fire Safe
 Council of Nevada County, Nevada County Fire Chiefs, and CalFire, this guide provides all kinds of great information specific to Nevada County. Learn more about bark beetles, what to do about illegal camping on your property, and what is being done to reduce fuels in our forests.
This practical guide will help you get ready (by creating a plan),
 get set (if a fire is nearing your home), and go (when it's time to evacuate). Includes tips on making your home fire safe and a template for creating your own personal action plan.
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Connect to Summer with 211
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Add your free summer activities to our database
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211 is celebrating summer in Nevada County with a new campaign to get our friends, families, and customers out into the world to enjoy everything the season has to offer.
We are compiling a database of all of the free summer events happening in Nevada County from June through August. This will include information on anything from hikes to healthcare, play groups to parades, car shows to concerts. The only requirement is that it's free for the public.
Send Us Your Free Events
If you have a free summer activity or event to add to the Connect to Summer database, please get in touch. We are looking for all kinds of events, including sports, outdoor recreation, theater and film, food and wine, music and concerts, arts and crafts, history, and health and wellness.
Send your event details (including event title, date, time, location, and description) to Rachel at
rachelj@ns-pa.org.
The Connect to Summer campaign kicks off in June. Call us at 2-1-1 (or 1-877-847-0499) to get connected to all of your favorite free summer activities.
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The FY 15/16 Third Quarter Report Is Now Available
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211 answered 3,305 calls and served 4,686 unique web visitors in the third quarter.
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Click on the above image to download a PDF of the report. |
Requests for housing and shelter resources and health care topped the list.
See the full report for more information.
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