Writer offers PAAD information to local residents

Eight years ago when I moved to Covered Bridge, I introduced a pharmaceutical program called PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled) for middle-income and disabled residents residing in New Jersey. This program has been embraced and accepted by the majority, especially in Covered Bridge. Each year, I publish the new amounts. This year, the trustees in Covered Bridge refused to publish [the new amounts].

When I read the April newsletter, I was appalled to find that trustee Michael Leggiero had published misinformation about PAAD and Senior Gold. Knowing that everyone in Covered Bridge reads and digests the information in the News Transcript, I submit the following:

PAAD caters to the middle-income, not welfare clients, who obtain low-cost or no-cost prescription drugs. Should you need the original and not the generic brand, your doctor will write "brand name medically necessary" on the prescription together with the authorized number issued by PAAD, all at approximately the same cost as teachers, state employees and other retirees from their former employers’ medical plans.

Mr. Leggiero is very confused about Lifeline. Lifeline is included in your application to the program. On the same form, there is a question as to whether you want to join Lifeline. If you fill in the information requested, Jersey Central Power and Light will automatically give you a $225-a-year deduction in your electric bill. The amounts posted by Mr. Leggiero and the telephone number are nonexistent. There is absolutely no reason why you have to telephone Verizon. If the applicant is accepted, and uses Verizon, the amount of $12 is automatically deducted from the applicant’s bill each month.

The PAAD office was utterly confused when I read them the amounts published by Mr. Leggiero. Correct amounts for the year are: PAAD — single, $20,437; couple, $25,058; Senior Gold — single, $30, 437; couple $35,058. The only telephone number to call is (800) 792-9745 if you need further information about the above programs or the cost of reduction on hearing aids and car registration fees.

In view of the above published by trustees, it is very important that you read the following:

Fran Dichter, a former trustee, got more than the necessary amount of bona fide owners to sign and submit to the trustees of Covered Bridge a petition proposing an amendment to the bylaws. Trustees accepted the proposal, but failed to advise you, as they promised, in the April newsletter.

For the first time in the history of Covered Bridge, I am told, you will have a say and show how important you are in helping to live a productive life here. The proposal will appear on the election ballot for Covered Bridge trustees, to which you must answer yes. The bylaws, as printed now, do not give a time limit for a trustee to serve and we’ve been stuck when an empty "seat" is not filled. The proposal sets a time limit of two terms for any trustee.

If you live in Covered Bridge and are an attorney, accountant, have business knowledge about insurance, or have a working knowledge about community living, please volunteer as a trustee. Or, if you can, just to keep busy, trustees need you as an adviser volunteer.

You must help amend the Covered Bridge bylaws. Get your absentee ballot May 3 (and proxy, if necessary), vote yes for the amendment, and mail or deliver it to the office. If you fail to vote yes and the proposal fails, the next step is a management company. The fate of Covered Bridge is in your hands.

Gert Feldman

Manalapan