By Musetta Wollenweber
SUN Columnist
A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research indicates that fewer than 10 percent of individuals enroll in the most cost-effective Medicare Part D plan for them.
The tendency to use short-sighted criteria such as the cheapest premium, and avoiding annual enrollment decisions, drives too many people’s decisions.
This is one reason the work of SHIPs is so important: We take complex information and help consumers optimize their choices.
The 2012 General Enrollment for Medicare Prescription Plans (Part D) and Medicare Advantage Plans is now through Dec. 7
Remember, all our SHIPs services are free; be sure to rescreen your current enrollment to ensure you are in the right plan for your needs.
For further information, or to schedule an appointment, call 264-2167.
Special events
The Wellness Center will provide a lipid panel screening, at no cost. This screening includes testing for cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides. Results are printed in as little as five minutes.
A blood pressure reading will also occur at that time, along with a short counseling session to go over the lipid panel numbers.
The Wellness Center will offer this free screening at the Senior Center on Tuesday, Nov. 13, and Friday, Nov. 16, from 8:30-11 a.m. each day, by appointment.
Please make your appointment through The Wellness Center at 731-9545, Ext. 260.
Each participant is asked to obtain a registration form at the Senior Center and fill it out completely prior to the screening date. Each participant must fast for 12 hours prior to the screen — no food or drink, except water, and you are encouraged to drink plenty of water.
Stretch and breathe
Due to popular demand our stretch and breathe yoga class will continue through Dec. 26. The class will be offered on Wednesdays — Oct. 31, Nov. 14 and 28, Dec. 12 and 26, at 10:45 a.m. each day.
Come on in and join instructor Margaret Burkesmith for a gentle stretch and breathe yoga session.
Help us help others
Due to budget restructuring, I am in need of a volunteer program coordinator.
Can you help answer phones that ring off the hook, create spreadsheets, enter data, come up with presentation ideas and schedule them?
You must be able to work at a fast pace and be an awesome multi-tasker, with a revolving door at your side.
Your reward for your assistance is the fulfillment of the many needs of our seniors. A free lunch is a bonus, too!
I am looking for a writer to help out with the weekly column. One idea for a writer would be to interview our Senior of the Week. Perhaps you or others have ideas.
Like to greet people and lend a hand? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you: We are looking for a few people who would like to greet our folks, introduce new clients to our services, show them the ropes in the dining room and offer assistance to those needing help filling out our new client form.
Special delivery
Are you struggling to get meals prepared because you are homebound, recovering from surgery or an illness? Let us do the cooking. Enjoy Cafe Fox meals delivered to your door. Our hot meal, home-delivery program is available to those living close to town four days per week, with frozen meals for Thursdays and weekends. Those living farther out of town could be eligible for the frozen meal program. Meals are available to people age 60-plus for a suggested donation of $4 per meal. Give us a call at 264-2167 for further information. Donations are greatly appreciated.
Transportation
Get out in the community and let us do the driving. Get to where you need to go. Door-to-door bus service is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and the second and fourth Thursday of the month for seniors age 60-plus. Suggested donation is $2 per day. Come hang out with us and enjoy our company. Call for details, 264-2167.
Weekly activities at The Den
Friday, Nov. 9 — 9 a.m. Geezers; 10 a.m. Stitchin’ in the Kitchen; 10:30 a.m. brain injury support group; 12:30 p.m. Gym Walk.
Monday, Nov. 12 — Closed for holiday.
Tuesday, Nov. 13 — 8:30–11 a.m. free health screening (registration required); 12:30 p.m. Gym Walk; 1 p.m. Meditation for Healing.
Wednesday, Nov. 14 — 10:45 a.m. stretch and breathe yoga; 11 a.m. blood pressure checkups; 1 p.m. Hand and Foot card game.
Thursday, Nov. 15 — No scheduled activities.
Friday, Nov. 16 — 8:30–11 a.m. free health screening (registration required); Geezers; 10 a.m. Stitchin’ in the Kitchen; 12:30 p.m. Gym Walk.
Cafe Fox menu
All meals include our great salad bar.
Friday, Nov. 9 — Crunchy baked fish, tartar sauce, whipped sweet potatoes, creamy coleslaw, mixed veggies, banana.
Monday, Nov. 12 — Closed for holiday.
Tuesday, Nov. 13 — Macaroni and cheese with ham slice, tossed salad, peas, bran muffin, banana and Mandarin oranges.
Wednesday, Nov. 14 — Oven fried parmesan chicken, baked potato, Mandarin spinach salad, corn bread, peaches.
Thursday, Nov. 15 — Closed.
Friday, Nov. 16 — French dip on whole wheat hoagie roll, mixed veggies, oven browned potatoes, fresh orange.
Reservations required by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you would like to dine at Cafe Fox.
Suggested donation for older adults age 60-plus is $4, guests $6. Our meal program is partially funded through the Older Americans Act via the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging, United Way, Archuleta County, Town of Pagosa Springs and other donations and grants. These funds help support the cost of the meal which is approximately $10.50. Please note our menu is subject to change. The salad bar opens at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served from noon to 12:30 p.m. Call 264-2167 for reservations.
