Page 18 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 7, 2025 MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 7 vouch for that! Here’s one you may like... speaking of Boys’ Life: In the unassuming confines of a Malden garage on Presley Street back in the late ’70s, the raw energy of punk rock was born. At just 17 years old, John Surette stood at the helm of Boys’ Life, a band that would soon leave an indelible mark on the local punk/ pop scene. With their iconic debut at the WBCN Rock and Roll Rumble, John boldly declared, “We are Boys’ Life, and we are here to make you feel old!” A mantra that would embody their youthful defiance and electrifying presence. From the dingy, beer-soaked floors of The Rat and Cantones to headlining packed shows like their memorable record reSavvy Senior by Jim Miller How Seniors Can Get Help Lowering Their Grocery Bills Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to find out if my 72-year-old mother is eligible for food stamps or any other type of assistance program. When my stepfather died last year, mom’s income dropped in half and is having a hard time paying her grocery bills. What can you tell us? Searching Son Dear Searching, There are actually several different food assistance programs that can help lower income seniors with their grocery costs, but what’s available to your mom will depend on her income level. Here’s what you should know. SNAP Benefits The largest hunger safety program in the U.S. is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps), but your state may use a different name. While there are millions of seniors who are eligible for SNAP, only around 40 percent (about 4.8 million seniors) actually take advantage of this benefit. For older adults to get SNAP, their net income must be under the 100 percent federal poverty guidelines. So, households that have at least one person age 60 and older, or who are disabled, their net monthly income must be less than $1,255 per month for an individual or $1,704 for a family of two. These amounts are higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Households receiving TANF or SSI are also eligible. Net income is figured by taking gross income minus allowable deductions including a standard monthly deduction, medical expenses that exceed $35 per month out-of-pocket, rent or mortgage payments, utility costs, taxes and more. In addition to the net income requirement, some states also require that a senior’s assets be below $4,500, not counting the home, personal property, retirement savings and most vehicles. Most states, however, have much higher asset limits or they don’t count assets at all when determining eligibility. To apply, you or your mom will need to fill out a state application form, which can be done by mail, by phone, or online, depending on your mom’s state of residence. If eligible, her benefits will be provided on a plastic Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that’s used like a debit card and accepted at most grocery stores. The average SNAP benefit for 60-and-older households is around $105 per month. To learn more or apply, contact your local SNAP office – visit fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory or call 800-221-5689. Other Programs In addition to SNAP, there are other food assistance programs that can help lower-income seniors like the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). The CSFP is a program that provides supplemental food packages to seniors with income limits at or below the 150 percent poverty line. And the SFMNP offers coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs in select locations throughout the U.S. To be eligible, your mother’s income must be below the 185 percent poverty level. To learn more about these programs and find out if they are available in your mom’s area, visit fns.usda.gov/programs. There are also many Feeding America network food banks that host “Senior Grocery Programs” that provide free groceries to older adults, no strings attached. Contact your local food bank (see feedingamerica.org/findyour-local-foodbank) to find out if a program is available nearby. In addition to the food assistance programs, there are also various financial assistance programs that may help your mom pay for medications, health care, utilities and more. To locate these programs, and learn how to apply for them, go to BenefitsCheckUp.org. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. lease party at The Channel, Boys’ Life ignited stages and drew in crowds hungry for their fresh new sound. Even getting to share the spotlight with legendary acts like The Jam, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Joan Jett – carving out their place among punk rock royalty through relentless hard work and wicked good songs! But Boys’ Life wasn’t confined to Boston’s borders. They also took their rebellious anthems to the streets of New York City, becoming regulars at iconic venues like CBGB’s and The Ritz. Their relentless touring spirit (spearheaded by John’s big brother Dave) carried them to every gritty rock club from Portland, Maine, to Miami, Florida. Their discography, though modest in size, was monumental in impact. Two singles, a sixsong EP, and contributions to two Modern Method compilations – featuring their standout track “From A to Z,” which claimed the title of WBCN’s top local song of the year. With their youthful audacity, relentless energy and trail of unforgettable performances, Boys’ Life etched themselves into Boston punk rock history, proving that a band from a garage in Malden could shake the foundations of the scene from the Marshall Gym to The Rat to Spit to Chet’s Last Call to Jumpin’ Jack Flash and all stops in between. Postscript: Kathy Hannan, Traffic Supervisor Coordinator GRANT | FROM PAGE 5 aging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, and much more. “Our brave firefighters risk health hazards posed by smoke and other fire byproducts to protect our lives and property,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “We owe it to them to ensure that they have all necessary safety equipment, and this grant will help do so.” “Congratulations to the Malden Fire Department for being awarded a state grant to purchase new safety equipment,” said State Representative Paul Donato. “This funding will ensure our first responders have the best tools to protect themselves (and much more) for the MPD, this is your life...well, not exactly your life but a Maldonia Musings shout out to let you know Maldonia salutes and appreciates you. Kathy has been a bedrock institution in Maldonia for many years now and like several dedicated employees before her, such as Karen Anderson, Betty Christie, Kevin Morrison, Greg Lucey, Dom Fermano and the recently retired Deb Burke, are what make city government work so darn efficiently and in particular what makes Mayor Gary look so good (insert smiley face). Her contributions over the years may fly under the radar, but those who know her and her involvement understand how valuable she has been to Malden’s success. Kathy also has a heart of gold and a sense of humor to match as witnessed last week when her wellaimed barb was a direct hit as I sat and nursed a Ballantine Ale and drowned my sorrows to one of George Jones’ best tearjerkers (inside joke). Thank you, Kathy, for making my night and thank you for all you do. Dave (Angelo) will understand that I gave you the spotlight this week – another inside joke. —Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to the Malden Advocate. He can be reached at PeteL39@aol.com for comments, compliments or criticisms. and our community. Thank you to all of our brave firefighters for their commitment to keeping Malden safe.” “This investment will provide our firefighters with the tools they need to respond to emergencies with greater protection and efficiency,” said State Representative Steven Ultrino. “This funding is a vital step in ensuring the safety and well-being of both our first responders and the community they serve.” “I am pleased to see both Malden and Wakefield Fire Departments receive this competitive state grant for safety gear,” said State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “This grant funding will enable fire departments to purchase a variety of equipment that will make firefighters’ jobs safer through
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