2021 Celebrations of the Center:

Dear Friends:

The following is a brief report of the Zoom meeting held on Thursday, June 3, 2021. Proceedings of the meeting were recorded and will be placed on YouTube. The meeting was anchored by Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, hosted by Jagdishbhai Patel, VP -PR and co-hosted by Niranjanbhai Patel, Secretary. A PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, Past President of GSNY. Thanks to all.

The meeting started with a prayer by Dineshbhai & Sheelaben Patel.

While welcoming members, President requested them to observe CDC guidelines and avoid large gatherings since one-third of US adults have not yet taken a single vaccine shot.

1. (i) Mr. Devendra Gohel’s Presentation:

Mr. Devendra (Dev) Gohel, a member who frequented our Center a few times in the past, revisited and provided an update on Medicare, Medicaid and Long Term Care (LTC). He clarified at the outset that his presentation is of educative nature and is not from a legal angle for which an elder law attorney should be contacted.

Considering the reporting limitations, readers are advised to listen to Mr. Gohel’s comprehensive presentation which was recorded and is being placed on YouTube. Moreover, professionals’ advice should be sought considering the financial impact and the intricacies of laws of different states.

Explaining the basic requirements of Medicare, Mr. Gohel reminded viewers that Medicare Part A will cover for skilled nursing care for only 20 days (0 cost), then $185.50 coinsurance per day for days 21-100. Thereafter, a patient has to pay which could be prohibitive, e.g., $12,000-15,000 for nursing home and $5,000 for assisted living facility per month in New York — where the need for LTC is crucial and requires a planning with the advice of a specialized insurance professional and an elder law attorney.

Mr. Gohel discussed at length about Medicaid eligibility requirements as well as Medicaid’s community-based coverage, Managed Long Term Care (MLTC), look back period of five years for nursing home and 2.5 years for home care (as of April 1, 2021 in NYS). Long term care policy premium varies based on age, health and daily benefit pool fund. He clarified that LTC policy normally covers treatments overseas.

Mr. Gohel also briefed on Medicare Advantage plan, SSI, food stamp, spousal refusal for MLTC, reverse mortgage financing, 100 days elimination period under LTC policy, pooled trust, etc.

Interesting and educative Q&As session followed. Mr. Gohel’s 80-minute presentation in Gujarati was revved by viewers. He was gracious to share his phone number 718 396 2492 for free consultation.

(ii) Musical Program:

Kavita Murti, a virtuoso singer from Mumbai, (profile attached) entertained for two hours with a variety of evergreen Bollywood songs. The program was arranged through our member Mr. Hemant Shah, President of F-BIMA and Past President of Jain Senior Group. Thanks Hemantbhai.

Kavita Murti’s songs included Kahin Door Jab Din, Yeh Sama Sama Hai Pyar Ka, Saiya Dil Mein Aana are, Babuji Dheere Chalna, Shola Jo Bhadke, Gori Gori O Banke Chhore, Pukarta Chala Hoon Main, Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh, Kisiki Muskurahaton Pe Ho, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, Jawan Hai Mohabbat, Ankhiyan Milake Jiya Bharma Ke, Tere Nainon Ne Chori Kiya, Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon, Hawa Mein Udta Jaye, Paan Lilu Joyu Ne Tame, Bhabhi Tame Thoda Thoda Thav, Ae Dil Mujhe Bata De, Mera Nam Chin Chin Chu, Na Tum Hamein Jaano, Apna Dil To Awara, Ye Raaten Ye Mausam, Dil Ki Nazar Se, Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi, Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua, Bachpan Ke Din BhulaNa Dena, Ek Pyar Ka Nagna Hai, capping with a Garba Ramzat.

Viewers revved Kavitaji’s melodious voice and selection of old songs.

(iii) New Members:

We welcome the following new members:

Yasumati (Raksha) Patel
Jyotsana M. Patel
Praful & Jyoti Patel

(iv) PowerPoint Presentation :

A beautiful PowerPoint presentation, prepared by Jyotindrabhai Patel, showing photos of members for their birthdays or wedding anniversaries, was displayed.

Birthdays:

Bhikhabhai Patel (70th), Ashok Pancholi (70th), Amrutbhai Patel, Rajesh & Priti Naik, and Rita Zaveri.

Wedding Anniversaries:

Prabhakar & Asha Dharawat (50th), Chandrakant & Renuka Shah (50th), Mahesh & Urmila Shelat, Atul & Geeta Parikh, Arvindbhai & Kalpanaben Dharia, Narendra & Shardaben Dadarwala, Virendra & Nalini Juthani, Nitin & Smita Mody, Ashok & Kusum Gandhi, and Sudhir & Mandakini Makim.

(v) Contributions/Sponsorships:

(a) Birthday/Anniversary Donations:

Prabhakar & Asha Dharawat $151
Mahesh & Urmila Shelat 151
Atul & Geeta Parikh 101
Amrutbhai Patel 101

(b) Janmastami Mahotsav:

Ramaben Sampat 1,001
Arvindbhai & Kalpanaben Dharia 1,001
Dhruv & Mandakini Vora 251
Jayantibhai Shah 251
Narendra & Shardaben Dadarwala 251

(c) Picnic Sponsorship:

Arvindbhai & Kalpanaben Dharia 500

(v) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, provided details about the Housie game on 6/27/21 at 2 pm, the Janmastami Mahotsav starting 8/12/21 and update of membership list spearheaded by EC member Nareshbhai Shah.

(vi) Promoting Gujarati Language:

In order to promote Gujarati language, Gujaratis of North America (GONA) is inviting video clips covering Gujarati conversation with children. 1st prize $101 for 25 winners and 2nd prize $51 for 25 winners. A flyer is attached.

(vii) Members’ Achievements:

Our seniors have hidden talents in various fields including arts, music, literature, participation on radio/TV shows, etc. We encourage them to share their talents with our members which will meet twin objectives, viz., encouraging them to show their talents and inspiring and motivating others.

Our member Chandrakantbhai Patel has drawn artistic pictures (attached). Please share your creative ideas, achievements, suggestions, etc. for the benefit of seniors.

A Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Shugnaben Pandit.

2. The Computer Class:

Prof Raj Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Computer Technology Course for Senior Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting 10:30 am Sunday Computer Class

Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=ZGFrZnhIdytrdVJWTzIzODJlbEpFZz09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 326589

3. The Yoga Class:

NO MORE CLASSES ON TUESDAYS.

Yoga class is going in full swing as about 60 to 70 families participate on Zoom. The next class is on Friday, June 11, 2021.For your queries, please contact her at rdharia78@yahoo.com or by text at 917 435 1890.

ID: 715 3405 1087
Password: 6789

4. The Arts Class:

India Home has extended an invitation to our members to join the arts, creative writing, cooking, crafts and technology classes. Please contact Mrs. Kavita Shah, Creative Aging Director, at 917 825 1559 for the Zoom link as well as for new educational and informative events. For additional programs, you may visit the following link:

https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/7280154731?pwd=d1preTlFMng5NXBQdFlKVjVqenh5Zz09

Meeting ID: 728 015 4731
Passcode: 2007

5. Future Programs:

Jitendra Zaveri, Jt. Secretary, provided details of future programs.

Please note the ID and Password for the programs (i) through (x).

ID: 516 607 5252
Password: 5252

(i) Mrs. Preety Sengupta’s Presentation:

The globe trotter Mrs. Preety Sengupta will discuss her interesting travels to South Africa and other nations on Thursday, June, 10, 2021 from 10:30am to 12:00pm.

Thereafter, a musical program by Sagotra Family, Mumbai, (arranged by Bharatbhai Goradia)

(ii) Pujya Shri Giriraj Shastriji’s Presentation:

Shri Shastriji’s presentation on पितृ देवो भव: is planned on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 10:30am to 12:00pm.

Thereafter, a musical program by Jaydeep Solanki (SV Band) (arranged through Suhag Mehta)

(iii) Father’s Day Musical Program:

A musical program by Mayuri & Rocky Patalia’s orchestra celebrating Father’s Day, sponsored by Chandrakantbhai & Manjulaben Patel, is planned on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10:30am. (The orchestra arranged through Bharatbhai Goradia).

(iv) Musical Program:

A musical program by Pranita Dasgupta Deshpande (Mumbai) is planned on Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm. (Arranged through Hemant Shah).

(v) The Housie Game:

The next Housie game is planned on Sunday, June 27, 2021 from 2:00 pm.

(vi) Musical Program:

A musical program by singer Neeti Gupte is planned on Thursday, July 1, 2021, 12:00pm-1:30pm (arranged through Bharatbhai Goradia ).

(vii) Reminiscing Binaca Geetmala:

A musical program by SurSangam Nagpur Group based on yesteryear-favorite Binaca Geetmala, sponsored by Parker Jewish Institute, is planned on Saturday, July 17, 2017 at 10:30am.

(viii) Picnic:

A picnic is planned on Sunday, August1, 2021. Details to follow.

(ix) Janmashtami Mahotsav:

Janmashtami Mahotsav Celebration is planned for four Thursdays, August 12, 19, 26 and September 2, and four Saturdays August 14, 21, 28 and September 4, 2021. Details to follow.

(x) Vishnu Sahasranam:

As advised earlier, Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar’s program on Vishnu Sahsranam is on every Monday from 9:45am to 11:45am/12:00pm. His next program will be on Monday, May 31, 2021.

(xi) Bhajan Sandhya:

Spiritual Development Center (Adhyatmik Vikas Kendra) organizes Bhajan Sandhya every Friday from 8:30pm to 10:30pm. For information, pl contact Paragbhai Patel, President, at 646 496 7748.

ID 127 918 441
Password 1975

(xii) Jain Senior Group:

Jain Senior Group has planned Jitubhai Dwarkawala’s program on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 9:00pm. A flyer was placed on WhatsApp earlier.

(xiii) VTNY-SCC’s Program:

A spectacular program of Folk Dances of India is planned on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at 8 pm. A flyer was placed on WhatsApp earlier.

(xiv) Karaoke Club:

Indian American Community of Long Island has planned a karaoke program on Sunday, June6, 2021 at 7pm. A flyer is attached.

(xv) Bhajan Sandhya:

Brahmin Society of New York has planned a Bhajan Sandhya on Sunday, June20, 2021 from 4 pm to 7 pm. A flyer is attached.

Please stay healthy.

Mukund Mehta, President
June 5, 2021

718 450 1829 (C)

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