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Queensbury Senior Citizens Center Group Has New Outdoor Space For More Activities

your books. If you can apply some of your earned income to these debts, you can improve your cash flow and possibly avoid dipping into your retirement accounts for short-term needs.

Of course, you’ll also have to consider some issues if you end up working in retirement, particularly if you bring in a sizable amount of money. For example, if you’re earning income and collecting Social Security before you reach your “full” retirement age—which is likely between 66 and 67—your monthly benefits will be reduced. (However, these “lost” benefits will be restored once you do reach your full retirement age.)

Also, the added income could push you into a higher tax bracket or even cause you to pay the Medicare premium surcharge or the 3.8% surtax on net investment income if your income reaches certain levels. So, before embarking on any employment that may yield a large additional income, consult with your tax advisor.

Overall, though, the financial benefits of parttime employment income during your retirement years may be worth it, so give some thought to “unretiring.”

BY ANN DONNELLY

The Queensbury Senior Citizens, Inc. has expanded with the opening of a new outdoor space called The Grove.

It officially opened in June with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We share our building, including the activity room, with the town of Queensbury,” center director Stephanie Smith. “The Grove gives us more room for activities in an outdoor space safe for seniors.”

While the organization holds activities in The Grove, including a recent BBQ fundraiser, a “Potluck Picnic,” outdoor movie nights, and music events, members are welcome to use the space with their families. There are picnic tables, grills, and a bocce ball court.

“This is a benefit for members as many don’t have their own space for this,” said Smith.

An Evening Under the Stars, this year’s senior ball, will be held in The Grove on July 28. The free event brings together the members of Queensbury, Glens Falls, and Fort Ann/Kingsbury senior citizen groups.

The organization, which now has approximately 1,400 members, provides activities that encourage physical fitness, social interaction, and continuous learning. There is no age requirement for membership, but people must be at least 55 to be on the Board of Trustees.

Currently, member ages range from early to mid-40s up to the oldest member, who is 103. They offer programs at no or little costs and sometimes get sponsors to help keep expenses down.

For example, CDPHP sponsors Tai Chi classes. The organization also partners with sponsors to provide presentations on relevant topics like financial aid, legal issues, and how to avoid scams. There is a health fair coming up on Sept. 22.

Some of the activities are organized by the center’s staff, while others are organized by members themselves based on their interests and skills.

Activities include line dancing, Zumba, Tai Chi, card games, art classes, book chat, crafting, shuffleboard, and pool. They also offer off-site activities such as bowling and an Out to Lunchers group that meets at different restaurants in the area.

Assistant Director Elizabeth Stone leads the travel program. A group is heading to London and Paris in October. Others traveled to South Carolina and Maine earlier this year. Day trips include shows at Proctor’s, SPAC, and other popular activities, events, and tours like the Van Gogh Experience in Albany and a West Point Military Academy tour. New members are always welcome. The membership fee is $25 per year. To join, visit the center at 742 Bay Road in Queensbury or call (518) 761-8224. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit seniorsonthego.org. People interested in partnering with the center to help with the cost of an activity or event or host a presentation can call Smith at (518) 761-8224.

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