2021 Celebrations of the Center:

 PRESIDENT’S  REPORT

 

President welcomed members and requested them to join in paying a tribute to the sad demise of our members Mr. Rajeshbhai Doshi, 67, and Dr. Niranjanbhai Shah, 84. Our condolences and sympathies to both the families. Condolence messages may be sent to Mrs. Shobhanben Doshi at srdoshi1955@yahoo.com and to Mrs. Pramilaben Shah at pramilans@yahoo.com

 

1 (i) Mr. Dev Gohel’s Presentation: 

 

President Introduced Mr. Devendra (Dev) Gohel (profile attached), an insurance professional, who had given several lectures in the past at our Center, made a presentation today on Medicare Changes 2022 and Open Enrollment Period. 

 

Mr. Gohel advised viewers to make necessary changes in their healthcare plans during the open enrollment period of 10/15/21 to 12/7/21. He discussed about the increase in the Medicare Parts A, B and D deductibles, increase in premiums, as well as increase in social security benefits in 2022. He explained at length about In Network, Out of Network, co-pay, deductibles relating to HMO, PPO, POS (Point Of Service) and Supplemental Insurance. Also discussed were features of Medicare Advantage plan and union coverage of Part B premium for government employees. 

 

Mr. Gohel explained about co-pay, co-insurance, maximum out of pocket, deductibles, ambulance charges, SSI, and SilverSneakers health and fitness program designed for seniors. He strongly suggested to join in Part B in order to avoid future enrollment penalty. In case Part B enrollment was missed, he mentioned about programs such as Extra Help, Medicare savings program, and Epic program. He recommended New York’s Epic program. 

 

Viewers are requested to view Mr. Gohel’s presentation on YouTube to get a very good grasp over the subject particularly several dollar amounts applicable to different items which he discussed. He was gracious enough to share his phone number 718 396 2492 for our viewers if they have any questions. Interesting Q& A session followed. Viewers appreciated his depth of knowledge. 

 

(ii) Musical Program: 

 

Ms. Priyanka Rajput from Baroda entertained our viewers for an hour and a half with Bollywood songs, Gujarati Geets and Garba. The program was arranged through Mrs. Suhagben Mehta who introduced the singer. Suhagben had introduced various singers to our Center in the past. Thanks Suhagben. 

 

Suhagben, President of SAWAO and Founder President of the Ganesh Mahotsav, is a recipient of the well known Kashi award for best national event organizer in the U.S., U.K., and India. She is a member of our Center and tries her best to bring talented artists to entertain seniors.

 

Priyanka Ji kicked off the program with Shri Ganesh Vandana, followed by a series of songs including Yeh Sama Sama Hai Ye Pyar Ka, Dil To Hai Dil, Lag Ja Gale, Babuji Dhire Chalna, Jawani JanemanHaseen Dilruba, Ajib Dastan Hai Yeh, Bahon Mein Chale Aao, Kisi Raah Men Kisi Mod Par, Humein Aur Jeene Ki Chahat, Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye, Pan Lilu Joyun Ne Tame Yaad Aavya, Savariyo Re Maro, Yeh Raaten Yeh Mausam, followed by a Garba Ramzat. 

 

Viewers applauded Priyanka Ji’s melodious voice and selection of songs. 

 

(iii) Announcements: 

 

(a) Executive Committee:

 

President Mukund Mehta informed about IASCCOFNY’s constitutional requirement that four EC members will retire every two years who will be eligible to rejoin the EC if so approved by the EC Board. Currently, IASCCOFNY has 11 EC members, the maximum number prescribed by the Constitution. Even if the four retiring EC members rejoin, it is expected that there will be a vacancy for a couple of new members to join since Mukund Mehta will be stepping down as President and EC member at the end of 2021 and another member has expressed his desire to retire, although he will continue to perform his duties. 

 

Mr. Niranjan Patel, Secretary, will soon be sending necessary nomination forms to members. Members are encouraged to join the EC and lead the Center at the highest level. 

 

(b) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP,  appealed viewers to become members of the Center, briefed about a cruise next year for Alaska from August 27 through September 3, 2022 starting from Seattle, and continue with Zoom programs instead of in-person meetings at least till the end of 2021. 

 

(c) We welcome new members  Narwarbhai & Gomtiben Patel. 

 

(d) Happy Birthday to Niranjanbhai Patel, Secretary and Dineshbhai Shah (Sheelaben). Thanks to Dineshbhai for a $101 contribution. 

 

A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Kishanbhai Raisinghani.