October is here! The leaves are changing colors, temperatures are dropping, and pumpkin spice has somehow found its way into everything short of toothpaste! It’s the season of cozy sweaters, apple picking, and pretending that raking leaves counts as exercise?!?! But October is also a wonderful time to slow down, enjoy the crisp autumn air, and make special memories together.
October can also serve as a reminder that life, just as the weather, is constantly changing. Especially when it comes to our aging loved ones. Caring for an older parent or relative means facing important decisions that aren’t always easy. Is it still safe for Mom or Dad to live alone? Is it time to bring in additional help? Would a senior living community provide a better quality of life? These are difficult questions, often accompanied by uncertainty and even frustration.
There may not always be a perfect answer, but here at TASS, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping families navigate the challenges of caring for aging loved ones, and we’d LOVE the opportunity to share it with you!
Please take a look at our website www.tassgroup.org to see if any of our TASS skilled professionals could have the answers you are looking for!
But without further ado, for our October 2026 newsletter, TASS is proud to share our member/businesses of the month, Shari Haber of My Great Goodbye!!
Living Longer Doesn’t Mean Living Forever.
Most of us spend a lifetime planning for the future—but rarely plan for the one thing we know will eventually happen, no matter how much longer advances in longevity science may help us live.
Shari Haber founded My Great Goodbye to help individuals and families with the personal and practical decisions that shape what happens at the end of life, and everything that follows.
But it’s about more than making funeral arrangements.
Her holistic approach helps you make a plan for what’s done with your body, your memorial gathering, and the legacy you leave behind. She does the research so you don’t have to, and curates options that reflect who you are, what you value, and how you want to be remembered.
The result isn’t simply a plan for death. It’s the relief of knowing you’ve prepared and put your wishes into words — and the freedom to focus on living the life you have today with greater joy and purpose.
Planning ahead gives you an opportunity to clarify what matters most while you’re still healthy and able to make thoughtful choices. Working with Shari gives you compassionate guidance so you can avoid the overwhelming stress, save time, and often money.
It’s a gift to yourself and those you love.
Ready to start the conversation?
Reach out to Shari now to schedule a free discovery call: 201/236-0670, or shari@mygreatgoodbye.com.
Join The Alliance of Senior Services of New Jersey (TASS) as they host a panel discussion all about the needs and opportunities available for the senior community.
Thinking about downsizing? Somewhere between touring new homes, sorting through years of belongings, and deciding what to take with you, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This engaging workshop will give you practical tools, expert tips, and a step-by-step approach to make the downsizing process simpler, more organized, and far less stressful. Whether you’re planning a move soon or just starting to think about it, you’ll walk away feeling informed, confident, and ready to take the next step.
A light lunch will be provided to those who register.
Paramus Free Public Library – 116 East Century Rd., Paramus, NJ
Thursday Oct. 22nd, 2026 & Thursday Oct. 29th 6:00 PM – 7:30 PMShould I Stay? Or Should I go?
Wednesday Oct. 28th, 2026 1:00 PMHow To Recognize Computer Fraud
How to Recognize Computer Fraud, Prevent It, and What to Do If You Get Scammed
In this presentation, participants will learn how to identify common warning signs of fraud, including suspicious emails and text messages, fake computer-security warnings, telephone impersonation scams, requests for gift cards or unusual payments, Mortgage Scams, and attempts to gain remote access to a computer.
The presentation will also cover practical ways to protect yourself, including using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping computers and smartphones updated, avoiding unexpected links and attachments, and independently verifying requests before providing money or personal information. Mortgage and financial fraud will also be covered.
The program will be presented by The Alliance for Senior Services members, Jonathan King from My Personal Geek, Mark Richards from Fairway Home Mortgage , and Nicholas Astore from Certified Financial Services.
You do not need to be a Hillsdale resident. Registration is required https://hfpl.org/2026/09/18/computer-fraud/
Hillsdale Free Public Library – 509 Hillsdale Ave., Hillsdale, NJ
Tuesday Nov. 10th, 2026 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Medicare 101
Turning 65? Ready to retire? Have Medicare questions? Bree Doyle can help!
She is a licensed Medicare insurance broker who specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Dental, and Vision plans!
There is never a charge. Piece of Cake Insurance consulting is free.
A light lunch will be provided to those who register.
Paramus Free Public Library – 116 East Century Rd., Paramus, NJ
Tuesday Dec. 8th, 2026 12:30 PM – 1:30 PMCreate & Connect: A Holiday Craft For Caregivers
The holidays can be wonderful but for caregivers, they can also be stressful. Join us for a cozy, creative gathering where you can relax, connect, share, and create. Enjoy a supportive conversation with fellow caregivers while unwinding with a fun holiday craft led by our art therapist. No experience necessary—just bring yourself and leave with something you created! Come for the craft. Stay for the connection. Leave feeling a little lighter. Join TASS members Laura Huisking from Generations Counseling & Care Management, Jen Van Dam from Brightview Joys Farm, and Ellen Bucciarelli from Paint Your Destiny for this special event!
A light lunch will be provided to those who register.
You do not need to be a Paramus resident.
Paramus Free Public Library – 116 East Century Rd., Paramus, NJ
Previous TASS Events
“Answers Over Appetizers” at Town Square
Left to right: Jon King – My Personal Geek, Ed Whitehouse – Ridgewood Moving, David Stamberg – Senior Care Authority, Linda Pollock – North Jersey Home Maintenance, Steven Insler – Smooth Transitions, Donna Occhipinti – Visiting Physician Services, Laura Huisking – Generations Counseling, Paige Mulvey – Home Helpers, Ellen Bucciarelli – Paint Your Destiny, Kimberly Paton – Paton Law Firm
