Senior Scene Spring 2016 by MinotDailyNews

Senior Scene

Page 2

Spring 2016

Understanding Medicare enrollment periods The initial enrollment period for Medicare Parts A and B occurs during the three months prior to and following the month an individual turns 65 years of age. Individuals already receiving Social Security benefits before they turn 65 will receive their Medicare card a few months prior to their birthday. The card will show an effective date for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and for Part B (outpatient insurance). Individuals who wait to begin their Social Security benefits must actively enroll into Medicare by contacting their Social Security office or enrolling online at www.socialsecurity.gov. If this enrollment occurs during the seven-month initial enrollment period there will not be any late enrollment penalties. The initial enrollment period surrounding the 65th birthday is the same for Part D prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans. If you enroll in a Part D plan during the month before you turn 65, it will begin the first day of the month you do turn 65. Jan. 1 to March 31 is the general enrollment period. This is the time of year a person can enroll in Medicare if they missed their initial enrollment period. If you waited to enroll during the general enrollment period, your coverage will not begin until July 1. Late enrollment penalties may apply. The next type of enrollment period is known as a special enrollment period. You can sign up using a special enrollment period only if you meet certain require-

DAVID ZIMMERMAN

N.D. Insurance Department

ments. In this circumstance, coverage would begin the month after Social Security gets the completed request. A person who qualifies for the special enrollment period doesn’t usually have a late enrollment penalty. The annual open enrollment period for Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans is from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This period allows beneficiaries to compare plans for the upcoming year. The premium costs of plans can go up or down, the medications they cover can change and your medications may change, so comparing each year is important. The most significant factor in determining out-of-pocket prescription drug costs is the formulary. The formulary is the list of medications covered by the insurance plan. Plans may change what medications are covered or which tier those prescriptions are assigned. Tier one drugs would be the least expensive medication and tier five the most expensive. If your medications were all tier one drugs in 2015, they could have changed to tier two or three for 2016, which means you will pay more.

During the last open enrollment period, the beneficiaries assisted by the North Dakota State Health Insurance Counseling Program at the North Dakota Insurance Department saved an average of $528 per person. SHIC assists beneficiaries by reviewing plans and helping people understand plan differences and changes. If it is discovered that a medication is not covered by a plan outside the open enrollment period and a beneficiary does not qualify for a special enrollment period, an exception may be requested. These exceptions are sent to the insurance company. An exception request is a formal request made to the standalone Part D plan asking the plan to make an exception and cover the drug. Exception request forms must be submitted before starting the appeal process. If the exception request is denied, the plan will provide a written denial letter, which then allows you to start a formal appeal. Sending the exception request in writing is recommended. A letter of medical necessity from a doctor must be included. The letter should state why the drug is needed, and that the drugs on the formulary will not work as well or will cause harm. Exception letters should include any medical records that support the request such as lab reports or medical histories. Copies should be kept of all documents and records sent. If a beneficiary speaks with an insurance plan representative over the phone about the excep-

tion request, the beneficiary should note the date, time and representative’s name. Ask the plan representative if they have a form that it recommends a doctor use to submit the exception request. In addition, the representative should be asked for the plan’s address or fax number where you can send your written exception request. Insurance plans must issue a decision within 72 hours of receiving exception requests. If it is an emergency and your health is in danger, a doctor can request a fast, or expedited, exception request. If the exception request is approved, the drug will typically be covered for the rest of the calendar year. If the exception request is denied, a letter called Notice of Denial of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage will be sent. It will explain how to begin a formal drug appeal. For questions regarding Medicare, call the SHIC program within the North Dakota Insurance Department. The SHIC program is designed to provide free, unbiased counseling on any Medicare related issues. Besides the state office in Bismarck, there are many trained volunteers across the state who may be able to answer questions. You can contact SHIC by calling 328-2440, calling toll free at 888-575-6611, or emailing ndshic@nd.gov. You may also visit our website at www.nd.gov/ndins/shic. David Zimmerman is Consumer Assistance Division Director for the North Dakota Insurance Department.

Spring is just around the corner LOIS ZAHN

Trinity Homes

It’s hard not to have the winter blues, but open up the drapes and let the sun shine in, you know then spring is right around the corner. Keeping busy with hobbies, like baking cookies, gives you two events in one to brighten

the day. First the exercise of stirring up the batter, and then eating the hot cookies out of the oven. We have also started planting seeds which will be transferred into the gardens after the last frost.

Music is a great way to give you an uplift on a winters day. Trinity Homes welcomes the many musical groups from families to full blown bands, as they come to entertain us. This also is a good time to do some spring

cleaning, so we are planning a rummage sale on Monday, March 21, first floor center. Share your dreams of spring with us and let us celebrate. (Lois Zahn is volunteer/activities coordinator at Trinity Homes, Minot.)

enior cene

Vol. 16 No. 1

THE MINOT DAILY NEWS Office located at 301-4th St. SE, Minot. For inquiries, call: Advertising 857-1963 or toll free 1-800-735-3119 Circulation 857-1998 or toll free 1-800-735-3117

News 857-1950 or toll free 1-800-735-3229

All other departments 857-1900 or 1-800-735-3119 Steven K. McLister, Publisher Michael Sasser, Editor

Do you have story ideas? If you have story ideas, suggestions or comments about Senior Scene, please contact Jill Hambeck by phone at 857-1938 or via e-mail at jhambeck@minotdailynews.com.

Senior Scene is published quarterly by The Minot Daily News. It is coordinated by Jill Hambeck.

Spring 2016 Senior

Scene

Page 3

Hearing in the Digital Age

Need help with your income taxes? If you haven’t filed your income taxes yet, there are AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites in Minot and Devils Lake ready to help middle- and low-income taxpayers complete their 2015 federal and state tax returns. You do not have to be an AARP member to take advantage of this free service. IRS-certified volunteers are trained to assist in filing accurate returns and help taxpayers receive all of the benefits, credits and deductions to which they are entitled. All AARP Tax-Aide sites, e-file returns, also at no cost, which helps taxpayers get refunds quickly. Every taxpayer’s return is quality reviewed and all information is kept confidential. AARP Tax-Aide sites are located at: Minot, American Legion, 1949 N. Broadway. Hours are 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. You must first make an appointment by calling 509-1446; and Devils Lake, Christ Free Lutheran Church. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You must first make an appointment by calling 662-8521. Individuals should ensure that they have all of the documents they need to file before coming to a Tax-Aide site, including Social Security cards, a photo ID, and a copy of last year’s tax returns.

Avoid Tax Scams With tax season comes the scam artists. It has yet to be determined if a new law passed in December will benefit scam artists. As part of the FAST Act (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act), the IRS is now required to use private collectors to help recover owed tax debt. Even before this change in the law, phone fraudsters have been posing as IRS agents who claim their targets owe back taxes. They might threaten to have you arrested if you don’t pay immediately, know all or part of your Social Security number, rig caller ID to make it look like the call is from the IRS, or tell you to put the money on a prepaid debit card and tell them the card number. This scam, since it first surfaced in October 2013, has swindled people out of at least $23 million. The IRS has repeatedly stressed that it will not call you about taxes you owe without first mailing you a bill.

LYLE HALVORSON

AARP North Dakota

But legitimate debt collectors will phone people. Although there’s no firm start date, private collectors are slated to begin working on behalf of the IRS early next year. But at least for now, assume that any caller claiming to be from the IRS or an IRS private collector is, in fact, a swindler. Just hang up the phone. If you have any doubts about a phone call you receive, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040. Finally, protect your personal information, especially your Social Security number. Never give your Social Security number or other personal information like credit card numbers or bank account numbers to someone who calls you. And always shred personal and financial documents that contain personal information.

Outsmart the scam artists and protect yourself Whether it’s over the phone, through the mail, online or even at your door, scam artists are looking for new ways to get you and your loved ones to open your wallets. Here’s one way to fight back and protect yourself. The AARP Fraud Watch Network is designed to give you access to information to help protect you and your family from identity theft, fraud and scams. It’s free and open to people of all ages – and it allows people who sign up access to watchdog alerts about active scams in their area and resources to help them spot and avoid the latest scams. Sign up for the Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork or call toll-free 877-908-3360. If you’ve spotted a scam or think you may have been scammed, call the helpline for advice and guidance. (Halvorson, of Bismarck, is associate director of AARP North Dakota)

Laura Greer, AuD

Is your hearing as clear as it could be? Loss of hearing often affects our quality of life and relationships. You don’t need to suffer from impaired hearing, contact our experts for an evaluation.

Audiologist

Digital hearing devices offer advantages: • Greater audible range • Better clarity • Improved quality of sound • Available in a wide variety of styles

Jerrica Maxson, AuD Audiologist

Tricia Nechodom, AuD Audiologist

Health Center – West • Audiology Department 101 3rd Ave SW • Minot, ND • (701) 857-5986 trinityhealth.org

Senior Scene

Page 4

PERFECT VALENTINES Carl and Joan Jensen celebrate a good life

By ELOISE OGDEN Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com

alentine’s Day is every day for Carl and Joan Jensen. They’ve been sweethearts for more than 60 years. Carl and Margaret Joan – who is best known as Joan – celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on New Year’s Eve. The Jensens live at The Wellington Assisted Living in Minot.

Spring 2016

Photos by Eloise Ogden/MDN Joan and Carl Jensen pose fo photos in their home at The Wellington Assisted Living in Minot. For their 60th wedding anniversary several weeks ago, Carl bought a diamond ring for Joan because she never had an engagement ring when they got married.

Both originally from Omaha, Neb., Carl Jensen and Joan Johnson got married Dec. 31, 1955. They were poor. He was going to school and she was working. They lived in Wyoming for a time, then moved to North Dakota to Grand Forks, where he was offered a corporate executive job with Blue Cross Blue Shield. “At that point and time I had a big career change. I went back to college,” Carl said. He attended the University of North Dakota. “I’ve attended many different colleges by courtesy of this lady. I’ve got over 10 years of college,” he

said. Joan worked while he attended college. “Basically, it worked out quite well. I was able to go back to school, finish my graduate work and became a psychotherapist,” he said. Joan started out working as an accountant for the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha for seven years, before they got married. “I did that after I graduated from high school,” she said. She continued to work during their marriage. The couple also raised three children. See JENSON — Page 7

Spring 2016

Senior Scene

Page 5

A marriage of eras When Somerset Court opened its doors nearly 16 years ago, few of our freshly minted residents were comfortable using computers, let alone “techsavvy.” Thinking back, though, that’s not hard to believe. High-speed Internet service, an innovation that rescued most of us from clunky dial-up service and now seems like it’s been around forever, helped to launch modern society forward in time. IBM’s Deep Blue, in 1997 – just three years prior to Somerset Court’s opening – became the first computer to ever defeat a human chess champion. It was a colossus of a machine, far larger than a common household refrigerator. But now, in terms of sheer calculation power, popular “smartphones” such as the iPhone or the Samsung Galaxy – which fit easily into many pockets, purses or specialized carrying cases – easily eclipse their mammoth predecessor, which was the industry pinnacle fewer than 20 years ago! Somerset Court opened in 2000 with a computer lab designed to help ease residents into “the computer age.” The lab provided desktop computers, printers, access to the Web and of course online games, such as solitaire, which provided the foundation for games still enjoyed by millions of people of all ages today. Today, however, computers are playing a far more vital role in assisted living - a role destined to become more and more important as time passes. LTC Solution LLC (www.ltcsolution.net) has been in ongoing stages of development on a propriety software program that has proven highly effective in managing the day-to-day needs of staff and residents at Somerset Court. Our facilities in Minot and Rapid City, S.D., have been using LTC Solution’s Management Information Suite in all aspects of operating our businesses. Information once available only in bulky paper file folders can now be accessed at the click of a mouse, such as employees’ certification renewal dates, the amount of the maintenance department’s monthly budget remaining or a resident’s birthdate, should we be contacted by the resident’s long-term care insurance company. In addition, a daily log feature enables the entire staff to remain

DAVE CALDWELL

Somerset Court

“in the loop” on employee- or residentrelated goings-on throughout the facility. Of course, when dealing with a clientele consisting entirely of seniors, emergency medical situations are inevitable. In these situations, fast access to up-todate medical records is crucial. And upto-the-minute, accurate information on a resident’s plan of care and which medications that they have received is available within the MIS so that it can be printed out and waiting to be transported to the hospital with the resident. In the near future, the families of Somerset Court residents will also be able to access a “family portal” feature that will allow family members to access pertinent information about their loved ones, including financial information in cases where residents are no longer interested in managing their own daily monetary affairs. So as you can see, the “new age” of technology has become integral in improving the lives of our “golden age” residents who are living life to the fullest. And in order to help make that possible, Somerset Court staff and management are able to utilize the LTC Solution MIS to assist in monitoring the health, happiness and care of our residents. As a final thought, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the vast majority of our residents at Somerset Court are now not only familiar with newer technology, most have their own computers in their apartments and many if not all utilize the Internet on a regular basis. Connecting with the world around them is a crucial tool in a person maintaining a feeling of well-being. Plus, online shopping and other readily available tools are wonderful innovations available to seniors today. (Dave Caldwell is a co-director at Somerset Court in Minot.)

Page 6

Senior Scene

Spring 2016

Fiber: The facts If one thing is well-known about fiber itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that it makes you ... well it makes you go. But did you know fiber is great for other aspects of our health too? Fiber is found in plants and is unable to be digested by the body. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber creates a gel-like substance in the body and helps to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber helps move material along the digestive tract and can be helpful for those who have trouble with constipation. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 recommend adults get 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Getting enough fiber not only helps keep bowels regular, it can lower the risk of developing diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Eating high-fiber foods can help with weight management as these foods tend to be filling so we eat less. The best foods to eat to increase the amount of fiber in your diet are fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Oatmeal and apples are a great source of soluble fiber, while beans and potatoes are great sources of insoluble fiber. Switching from refined white breads, rice and pasta to whole grain versions is an easy way to increase the amount of fiber you eat. Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables rather than juices is another good way to get more fiber. Some foods with the most fiber per serving include raspberries and blackberries, pears, beans, artichokes and quinoa. Try the recipes below to add some extra fiber into your diet. Be sure to gradually increase the amount of fiber you eat in a day and drink extra fluids to prevent gas and bloating.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal (9 servings, 3g fiber per serving) 2 cups rolled oats (not instant) 1 1/2 cups milk 2 eggs 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1 T. melted margarine 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

LEXIE PULLIN

Trinity Health

1 1/2 cups chopped apples Directions: Preheat oven to 350 and spray an 8x8 pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl mix together the milk, brown sugar, eggs, margarine and cinnamon. In a larger bowl mix together the oats and baking powder. Add the milk mixture to the bowl with the oats, add the chopped apples and mix it all together. Spread mixture into prepared pan and bake 30-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cut into squares for serving.

Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas (4 servings, 12g fiber per serving) 1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup corn 1/3 cup salsa 2 tsp. taco seasoning 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or green onions) 1 cup shredded cheese 8 tortillas Directions: In a medium bowl mix together beans, corn, salsa, taco seasoning and cilantro. Preheat a large skillet over medium-low heat and spray with cooking spray. Place a tortilla in the skillet and spread 1/2 cup of the bean mixture evenly over the tortilla. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese over the bean mixture and top with another tortilla. Gently press the tortilla with a spatula as the cheese melts. When the bottom tortilla begins to brown flip the quesadilla. Continue cooking until both sides are lightly browned and crispy and the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges for serving. (Lexie Pullin, RD, LRD, is a dietitian at Trinity Health, Minot.)

Senior Scene

Spring 2016

Page 7

Studies: Beyond scales, fitness and body fat key for health WASHINGTON (AP) — The bathroom scale may show a good number but how much of that weight is fat, not muscle? New studies are adding to the evidence that the scale doesn't always tell the whole story when it comes to weight-related health risks. Keeping body fat low is more important for healthy aging than a low overall weight, researchers reported Monday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. A separate study found young people who aren't physically fit are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life even if their weight is healthy. Here are some things to know:

Lazy Weekends May Boost Body Fat, Study Shows

ISN'T BMI IMPORTANT? Yes. Body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of a person's weight comAP Photo pared to their height. For many people, that's plenty of evidence to tell if A waist is measured during an obesity prevention study at Rush University Medical Centhey're overweight or obese and thus ter in Chicago. The bathroom scale may show a good number but how much of that weight at increased risk of heart disease, dia- is fat, not muscle? New studies are adding to the evidence that the scale doesn't always betes and premature death. Generally, tell the whole story when it comes to weight-related health risks. a BMI of 25 and above indicates overcommon are people who harbor too with the proportion of muscle deweight, while 30 and above indicates BUT IT'S NOT A little muscle and too much body fat creasing and the proportion of body PERFECT MEASURE obesity. Someone who is 5 feet, 9 even if their BMI is in the normal fat increasing. That slows metaboinches would hit that obesity threshSome people have a high BMI be- range. old at 203 pounds. cause they're more muscular. More Body composition shifts as we age, See BODY — Page 11

Jensen

Continued from Page 4

The Jensens moved to Minot when he received an opportunity to work at North Central Human Services. Later he went to work for area hospitals including five years at the Dickinson hospital. Carl was a psychotherapist at the North Dakota State Penitentiary in Bismarck for five and a half years before retiring. Joan worked for Social Services both in Grand Forks and Minot. Both Carl and Joan retired at age 62. “What we’ve done since then is we’ve had one major trip a year,” he said. They’ve traveled to Hawaii, Ger-

many, Alaska, New Zealand, Australia and other places. “We’ve had a lovely time,” he said. Minot has remained their home. “We liked it here, we liked the people here,” he said. Carl’s also a military veteran who served in the Army. About a year ago they moved into The Wellington Assisted Living. About six months ago, Carl said he realized he and Joan were approaching their 60th wedding anniversary. “I was doing some reading and found out the stone that you’re supposed to get is a diamond. That clicked for me, ‘Hey, wait a minute. I never gave her an engagement ring. Back before we were married and I got on

my knees, we decided we would go with two gold bands, which we did. Quite frankly, we were poor. We did not have the money for an engagement ring,” he said. “You were in college,” Joan, sitting nearby, added. “So I didn’t give her an engagement ring, but all of a sudden that clicked – ‘Wait a minute, that might be something to give her for the 60th wedding anniversary,” Carl said. He talked to their daughter, Jackie, about his plan and she helped him follow through with it. Since Carl can’t drive anymore, their daughter brought him photos of possible engagement rings. When this was going on Joan said she wondered

what they were whispering about and wouldn’t tell her. Jackie would tell her mother it was a secret, Joan said. “I finally decided on a ring,” Carl said. The evening of their anniversary this past New Year’s Eve, Carl and Joan went to dinner at The Wellington. The staff had everything for Carl and Joan. “She (Joan) sat and I talked about how I proposed to you on my knee some 60 years ago,” he said, relating about the anniversary evening. Originally, Carl said he proposed in Omaha. “Then I said, ‘I would go on my knees again but I probably wouldn’t get up,’ so I didn’t go on my knees,”

(HealthDay News) -- Playing couch potato on the weekends may be even worse for your weight than working at a desk all week, new research suggests. Exercise scientists reported that even a 20-minute reduction in sedentary time on Saturdays and Sundays added up to a loss of more than 2 pounds and 1.6 percent of body fat after a year. But the same association was not seen with sedentary time during the weekdays. "We know that, on average, people consume less or eat healthier diets on weekdays," explained study author Clemens Drenowatz, an assistant professor of exercise science at University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. "So, they may be able to get by with less activity on weekdays because their diet makes up for it. On weekends, they're eating more, which requires more activity or less sedentary behavior to

he said. “And I gave her the ring. It was in front of everybody.” “I was shocked,” Joan said. She wears the ring on her left hand along with a ring that her grandmother gave her. “She finally got her engagement ring,” he said. Both Carl and Joan are 81 years old. She will be 82 in June and he in January. “I’m not sure that’s old. I’m having trouble defining that,” Carl said. They have three children: Jason and his wife, Kathy, of Fort Collins, Colo.; John and his wife, Theresa, of the Seattle area; and Jackie Jensen of Minot. They also have three grandchildren. When asked what is their secret for staying to-

See LAZY — Page 11

gether for 60 years, he said: “Communication. Seriously, that’s the key,” Carl said. “We’re able to communicate honestly with each other. As far as I’m concerned that’s how I see that we made it.” “A lot of times Carl’s business called him out of town and he’d be home on weekends. I had my fun during the week and worked, then he’d be home on the weekends and the weekends were ours,” she said. “It was good,” Joan said of their many years of marriage. “I guess not too many people reach 60 years,” Joan said. “We’re kind of amazed we got to 60, too. No, we are. Really,” Carl added.

Senior Scene

Page 8

Spring 2016

Stolen Medicare numbers: Consequences to beneficiaries Approximately 250,000 Medicare beneficiaries are listed as having had their medical identity compromised through stolen or misused Medicare numbers. Medicare numbers cannot be changed, so once a number has been compromised, that beneficiary’s future benefits and health care may be forever at risk.

Medical identity theft Medical identity theft occurs when a beneficiary’s Medicare number is misused, either by a provider, a supplier, or by someone posing as the real beneficiary in order to receive medical care. Such Medicare numbers are considered “compromised.” Medicare numbers are for life, even if stolen or mis-

fraudulent provider can mean the quality of the care is poor, the intervention is not medically necesLINDA sary, or worse: the intervention is MADSEN actually harmful. A beneficiary may later receive improper medical treatment from legitimate providers as a result of inaccurate medical North Dakota records that contain: –False diagnoses Center for Persons with –Records showing treatments Disabilities that never occurred –Misinformation about allergies –Incorrect lab results used, so a beneficiary whose numAdditionally, because of inaccuber is compromised may be affected forever by false claims against his or rate or fraudulent claims to Medicare, beneficiaries may be denied needed her Medicare number. Medicare benefits. For example, some services have limits. If Medicare Health impact thinks such services were already Receiving health care from a

Combine

Style S ty tyle tyl l le

with Function! Specially designed for every day cane users or people needing an occasional walking aide, our wide selection of canes means you don’t have to choose between functionality and style.

Brro Browse Bro row ows wse se our ouur selection sel se ele lec ect cttio tion ion today! tod to oda day ay! 530 20th Ave SW • Minot, ND 58701 Hours: 8:30 am-5 pm Mon-Fri • Roxcy Reiter, Manager Ph: 701-857-7370 • 800-598-1207 • Fax: 701-857-7419

provided, they will deny payment.

Personal financial losses Medicare fraud, errors and abuse can all result in higher outof-pocket costs for beneficiaries, such as co-payments for health care services that were never provided, were excessive, or were medically unnecessary. Beneficiaries may also find themselves stuck with bills for services from providers who should have billed Medicare, but instead billed the beneficiary for the entire cost of that service. Finally, because Medicare numbers also contain Social Security numbers, financial fraud can be a side effect of having one’s Medicare number compro-

mised. Medicare numbers are as valuable as Social Security numbers to thieves who wish to set up credit card accounts with someone else’s identity. If your Medicare number has been compromised, or if you would like to learn more about Medicare fraud and taking steps to prevent it, contact the ND SMP at linda.madsen@minotstateu.edu or phone 1-800-233-1737 or 8583580. Reprinted with permission from the SMP National Resource Center. (Madsen is project director for ND Center for Persons with Disabilities in Minot and for the ND Senior Medicare Patrol program in North Dakota.)

You are my sunshine What a nice winter we had! Now the signs of spring are all around us. I’m enjoying the longer daylight hours and a little more sun. The song “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles comes to mind, and “Walking in the Sunshine, Sing a Little Sunshine Song” by Roger Miller keep running through my mind. Did you know that there are health benefits to sun and music? Sunlight, for example, can ease mild depression. It contributes to bone health because of vitamin D. It can also improve sleep quality. Studies have shown that sunlight is beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients; in that it can reduce agitation. Those are just a few benefits. Music is another sure way of making us feel good. “You are my Sunshine” has to be the number one favorite song of most elderly people. If you start singing it, just about everyone will start singing it with you. That song is always requested when we have guest musical entertainment. Music allows individuals to reminisce and go back and relate to emotions and life experiences. It can soothe those who are agitated or anxious. Most of us associate certain songs to events and emotions in our lives. A favorite song can transport us back to a special time in our lives. Music can benefit every age group. It can relax our bodies, reduce tension and sometimes

ROBIN BURNS

Souris Valley Care Center, Velva boost our energy. Studies have shown it can reduce pain and lessen the need for medication. So how great is that? Even though it was a mild winter, we are definitely looking forward to getting outside and doing some fun activities at SVCC. Flowers and vegetables will get planted. There will be bus outings and we will just take some time to sit outside and listen to the birds sing their songs. We will soak up the sun and smell the warm fresh spring air. And of course sing a song or two, like “Good Day Sunshine,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” and, of course, “You are My Sunshine.” Stop in and enjoy some time visiting and singing on our patio. We might just be grilling hot dogs or making s’mores that day. Be someone’s sunshine today! (Robin Burns is activity director at Souris Valley Care Center, Velva.)

Page 9 Senior Scene Hello from everyone at Emerald Court Memory Care Facility

Spring 2016

In December we enjoyed decorating for the holidays and then we celebrated Christmas with a party. Family was also invited. We did some Christmas caroling and then had coffee and baked goodies. Santa came and delivered presents to all our residents and a good time was had by everyone. We are waiting patiently for spring even though we had a very mild winter. We will be having a Valentine’s Day Bash. We will start by electing a king and queen and then having music. The event will conclude with coffee and cake made and decorated right here at Emerald Court. The next holiday we

groups who come and entertain us. Sometimes the staff will do singalongs and do karaoke with the residents; DONNA music has a way of HILZENDAGER soothing the soul and makes us all feel better. Edgewood We will be planning many fun summer activEmerald Court ities to enjoy the outdoors as much as will be celebrating is St. possible. Some events will include the annual Patrick’s Day and then family day picnic, a 4th Easter! We have been keeping of July celebration and our own little busy with baking, ball beach/pool party in our toss, music with sticks back yard. and reminiscing about Some special mothe good ole days. ments include times We have a monthly when our activity girls, birthday party to celealong with the nursing brate birthdays and staff, give excellent enjoy cake and ice hand, leg and foot mascream and good entertainment. We have sev- sages. Alzheimer’s is a diseral different music

ease which is very hard to understand. It is hard to accept how someone we have lived with and loved for the past 20-30 years is changing before our very eyes. Sometimes we see anguish not knowing their surroundings, sometimes anger and and the fear of wandering away from home. People who suffer from memory loss are very special people who need to be treated with love, respect and dignity. Oftentimes it becomes very hard for the spouse or family members to care for and protect their loved one and

they need to be in a more secure environment, which is one of the most difficult decisions to make by family members. To trust people to care for your loved one who are total strangers is not an easy decision. Perhaps family physicians, a pastor or a priest can help make the decision and transition easier. At Emerald Court it is our philosophy to care for residents as if they are our own father, mother or grandparent. We want to make their lives as comfortable as possible and give them

all the love and respect they deserve for as long as they are with us. We also treat family members as if they are part of the Emerald Court family. We would be happy to give tours in the event that you have a loved one or know someone who has been afflicted with Alzheimers’s disease. Feel free to give us a call at 858-9767 and we will schedule an appointment for you. (Hilzendager is activities director at Emerald Court, in Minot)

Senior Scene

Page 10

Spring 2016

Why you might want to work past retirement age Betty White, the 94-yearold actress, television celebrity and comedienne, when interviewed by Entertainment Tonight in January 2015 asked the interviewer, “Can you imagine being blessed at this age and still working at the career you love?” Late night TV host David Letterman recently retired at age 68; Jay Leno retired in his 60s. Presumably, these celebrities aren’t working to pay the bills. What keeps them in the game? How do you envision your routine after you retire? Perhaps you want to continue working in your current job or try a different job, or possibly start a small business. Maybe working past retirement age is a smart choice. An August 2014, Marketwatch.com report stated that 37 percent of people past retirement still work. A smaller percentage of peo-

ELLEN BJELLAND

NDSU Extension Service

ple have started businesses, do volunteer work, or exclusively travel or pursue leisure. You’ve scrimped and saved to have a financially comfortable retirement, but maybe retirement is overrated. Possibly you live alone and don’t have an activity “pal,” or maybe, like many people, you don’t have enough hobbies to sustain yourself. Have you considered working during your retirement years either full time, part time, or by starting a small enterprise? Making more money is most always a good thing! Probably, if you’re of a

certain age, you’ve scrutinized your Social Security earnings printout or even scheduled an appointment and met with one of the professionals at the Social Security office. Or maybe the Human Resources office at your job has helped you decide when would be best to retire. But, even if you’re in good shape financially, what’s wrong with earning a little more spending money. Talk to some older people who enjoy being substitute teachers or greeters at large retail stores or the guys who drive those courtesy vans that get you from the auto repair shop to your job in the morning. These are typically not longtime careers for these people but rather a means to some extra cash. Being in the work force can help keep life meaningful and purposeful. Most people in the peak

of their working years are defined, in part, by their job. Attend most any social gathering and one of the first questions from someone whom you have never met is likely to be “So, what do you do?” And friends and family will typically ask when greeting you, “How’s work going?” A life of leisure is not inherently a bad thing, but one can easily become selfabsorbed when out of the work force. A job, whether full time or part time, provides the structure that many people require to stay emotionally grounded and gives them a reason to finish that morning cup of coffee and get out of the house and make a difference. And truly most jobs, regardless of what they are, give people the opportunity to do something useful that impacts others in a positive way. Crossing guards at the

grade school down the street from where you live earn a relatively low hourly rate and only work a few hours a day, when children are walking to school or heading back home at the end of the day. But, the children are kept safe by these workers, many of whom are past retirement age. Perhaps you remember the face of your crossing guard when you were a kid and even remember their name. Older workers are able to stay socially connected by working even when it is not a financial necessity. Older people are reportedly more inclined to experience loneliness and depression than people younger than them. Forbes in May 2013 discussed how to beat the “Retirement Blues.” Most jobs involve some sort of people contact whether in person or via the telephone. That sort of con-

nection is essential to good mental health, especially for people who live alone. Working can keep your brain from turning to putty! Keeping yourself mentally challenged is important if you want to stay cognitively sharp well into your old age. Most jobs, even those that are seemingly mundane, can keep you on your toes mentally. Even if your financial situation doesn’t require staying in the work force, there are other reasons to stay busy with some sort of job. Explore some options of how many hours you might like to work and the level of challenge required. Source: Debra Karplus (www.stretcher.com/boomers) (Ellen Bjelland is family and consumer science extension agent for the NDSU Extension Service in Ward County.)

When to start your Social Security retirement When to start Social Security is your choice. A one-size fits all best time to retire does not exist. Deciding to retire is a major decision and Social Security is just one part to consider. Your Social Security retirement amount starts with using your best 35 years of work to compute your full retirement age amount. That amount is adjusted for the specific month you chose whether earlier or later than FRA. In general, early or late retirement provides about the same total amount over your lifetime. If you retire early, before FRA, monthly amounts are smaller to take into account the longer period you will receive them. If you retire late, after FRA, you get benefits for a shorter time but the monthly amounts will

fit amount at FRA. After obtaining your estimated FRA amount, use the Early or Late Retirement calculator. For any starting month HOWARD KOSSOVER chosen, the calculator shows how many your months before or after FRA and provides a perSocial Security centage payable of your estimated FRA amount, there called Administration primary insurance amount. be larger. Multiply your FRA amount By using tools in the SSA re- by the percentage shown and tirement planner at www.soyou will have a good estimate of cialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/, your Social Security retirement today you will see how to estiamount for that specific month. mate your personal amount for Monthly changes are small but any month from age 62 to 70. add up over time. Go to the find your retirement For an easy example, use a age chart. Check your year of March 22, 1951, birthdate and a birth to learn your FRA. This is FRA amount of $2,000 per age 66 for people born in 1943- month. Here, age 66 FRA is 1954. Then use the Retirement March 2017. Estimator to estimate your beneStarting retirement effective

March 2017 at FRA provides the full amount of $2,000 per month with no reduction. Starting effective January 2017, two months early, provides 98.9 percent of the full amount = $1,978, a permanent monthly reduction of $22. Starting effective June 2016, nine months early, provides 95 percent of the full amount = $1,900, a permanent monthly reduction of $100. People often look at a reduced amount and see only what is lost. Another way is to consider how much is received. Using the June 2016 example, the person gives up $100 per month but receives nine months of benefits at $1,900 = $17,100. At $100 per month, it takes 171 months (14.25 years) for a starting early compared to waiting to

FRA breakeven point. By then the person will be 80 years old. Deciding when to retire and when to start Social Security are major decisions. What works best with for you? Your choice. Visit the SSA website at www.socialsecurity.gov for free online services, retirement planning tools and applications for retirement or Medicare. Phone the SSA national toll-free number, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800325-0778), between the hours of 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. about existing benefits or to make an appointment. Reach the Minot office directly at 866-415-3193. (Howard I. Kossover is the Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for North Dakota and western Minnesota. Send general interest questions to him at howard.kossover@ssa.gov.)

Lazy

Spring 2016 Continued from Page 7

offset," Drenowatz said. The study findings are scheduled to be presented Wednesday at an American Heart Association meeting in Phoenix. Studies presented at scientific conferences typically have not been peer-reviewed or published, and results are considered preliminary. Much research in recent years has established an association between sedentary behavior -- which includes time sitting watching television or using computers -with poor health outcomes, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and some cancers, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. In a group of 332 adults aged 20 to 35, Drenowatz and his colleagues measured the time participants were sedentary by using a device that measured inactivity over a 10-day period. Participants also reported their own sedentary behaviors separately for weekdays and the weekend. In addition, the study participants' body weight and body fat measurements were taken every three months over a one-year period. "From what we saw, the overall sedentary time wasn't different on weekdays versus weekends," Drenowatz said. "A lot of people had sedentary occupations, like office jobs, and they didn't really make up for that on the weekends either. This suggests diet is the reason, though obviously more research needs to be done." Two clinicians from Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington, Del., weighed in on the findings. They suggested that healthy workplace behaviors -- such as light lunches and midday walks -- may help balance out the negative effects of sitting at a desk all day.

Many people "don't really have the option of being that inactive on weekdays," said Dr. Omar Khan, medical director for community health at Christiana Care. "Weekends are a whole different matter. There's a big opportunity to be healthy -- or, as many of us tend to be, fairly unhealthy. With a two-day chunk of potentially being a couch potato, anything we do in that space can be fairly significant." Karen Anthony, senior program manager for community health at Christiana Care, suggested that moving around for an extra 20 minutes on the weekends -- which seemed to spur measurable weight loss in study participants -- could lead to even more activity.

Body

Senior Scene

Continued from Page 7

lism, making it easier to put on pounds in middle age even if people haven't changed how they eat or how much they exercise.

FAT FINDINGS Dr. William Leslie of the University of Manitoba wondered if poorly measured body fat might help explain the controversial "obesity paradox," where some studies have suggested that being moderately overweight later in life might be good for survival. He tracked 50,000 middle-aged and older Canadians, mostly women, who'd

undergone screening for bone-thinning osteoporosis. Those screening X-rays — known as DXA for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry — measure bone and also allow an estimation of fat. A higher percent of body fat, independent of the person's BMI, was linked to reduced survival, Leslie reported. Risk began rising when body fat was in the range of 36 percent to 38 percent. Interestingly, being underweight also was linked to reduced survival, possibly reflecting age-related frailty. "It's not just the amount of body you've got, but what you're actually made of," Leslie concludes.

Brad Stai

Vice President

A. Fortunately, there is professional help available to you. Most bank Trust

Departments offer agency services on behalf of their clients. In your case, a Trust Dept. could act as your agent, and would perform all investment management functions for you, as trustee. The bank could also facilitate the filing of any income tax returns for the trust. You retain all authority over the trust, including decisions regarding discretionary distributions. If you are not satisfied with the bank’s service, for any reason, you can terminate the agency relationship, typically upon thirty (30) days written notice. An agency arrangement can provide you with a tremendous amount of peace of mind, while affording a high level of professional asset/investment management.

Minot’s only Local Trust Department

2200 15th Street SW Minot, ND 58701 857-7150

Page 11 AND FITNESS COUNTS

weight or overweight. Scoring low on both added to the risk.

A high BMI is one of the biggest risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. But a second study reported in Annals Monday suggests people can still be at risk if they're skinny but not physically fit. Researchers in Sweden and New York checked records of about 1.5 million Swedish men who at age 18 received medical exams for mandatory military service, and tracked how many developed diabetes many years later. Low muscle strength and low aerobic fitness each were associated with an increased diabetes risk — regardless of whether the men were normal

WHAT DO THE FINDINGS MEAN? For diabetes, "normalweight persons may not receive appropriate lifestyle counseling if they are sedentary or unfit because of their lower perceived risk," wrote obesity specialist Peter Katzmarzyk of Louisiana's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, who wasn't involved in the study. That study also suggests fitness in adolescence can have long-lasting impact. And Leslie said doctors should consider patients' body composition, not just weight, in assessing their health.

Senior Scene

Page 12

Hello seniors LOIS ZAHN

Trinity Homes By LOIS ZAHN a great lunch, lots of door Minot Area Senior Coalition prizes, vendor booths, a dance, ice cream social Hello seniors. and entertainment. Let me introduce myWear your red, white self, Lois Zahn president and blue and enjoy this of Minot Area Senior great patriotic day with Coalition, and also volun- us. teer coordinator/activities (Lois Zahn is president at Trinity Homes. Judy of Minot Area Senior Randle is vice president of Coalition) the senior coalition. We are so excited about being on board for this upcoming event. The 20th Anniversary Salute to Seniors, Salute to the Red White & Blue & USO show will be 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at the Minot Municipal Auditorium. Plan now to join us for

lub alendar

Alamo Senior Citizens 528-4881 Meals are served Tuesdays. Business meetings are the second Tuesday of each month. Birthdays of the month are celebrated on the last Tuesday of the month. Cards, with lunch served, every Tuesday. Foot care is offered every other month. Anamoose Senior Citizens 465-3316 First Sunday: Brunch, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Open to the public. Meal every Monday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Open to the public. First Monday: business meeting, bingo and speakers. Every Monday: Dinner from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Social gatherings are the third Friday of the month, starting at 1:30 p.m. for pool, cards, dominoes, etc. Chair exercises are Monday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 1 or 2mile walking tape. Free blood pressure checks are offered monthly on Mondays and per request. The Anamoose Senior Center is available for rent. For more information, call Ron at 465-3400. Berthold Senior Citizens 453-5680 Business meeting at 1

Spring 2016

Be included Senior citizen clubs may have their schedules included in the Senior Scene. Information may be e-mailed to jhambeck@minotdailynews.com or mailed to Jill Hambeck, Minot Daily News, P.O. Box 1150, Minot, ND 58702.

p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. Cards and lunch every Tuesday afternoon. Foot clinics are the second Wednesday of the month.

for special occasions. The senior bus runs in Bottineau Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. It goes to Minot every Thursday. For reservations, call 228-6061.

Bottineau Senior Citizens 228-3339 Center is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Title III meals served in the center at noon Monday through Friday. Home delivered meals are available and frozen meals can be ordered for delivery. Foot care and blood pressure clinics are offered every even month. Call the county nurse for appointment. Business meeting is the first Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m., followed by lunch. Social meeting is third Tuesday at 3 p.m. and includes programs or entertainment. Activities include crazy whist, bingo, cards, pool and dominoes. Lunch is served. Birthdays are celebrated every third month with a program, dessert and coffee. A potluck brunch is held the first and third Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Progressive whist parties will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sundays starting in midJanuary and continuing through mid-March. Cost is $3. Prizes will be awarded and lunch will be served. The center can be rented

Bowbells Senior Citizens Last Monday: Business meeting at 1 p.m. Third Thursday: Health day. Monday: 7 p.m., pinochle. Thursday: 2 - 4 p.m., social coffee party. Everyone is welcome. Meals are served Monday, Wednesday and Friday with home delivery available. Cards are played Monday at 7 p.m. There is no pool table on site but jigsaw puzzles are ongoing. Burlington Friendly Seniors Meeting is the third Thursday at 4 p.m. with a pot luck to follow. Coffee club meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30-11 a.m. Meals on Wheels served Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:15 a.m. Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Card playing is Thursday at 1:30-4 p.m. Free will pancake breakfast is last saturday of the month thru October. Exercise room is available at all times. Foot care is offered every other month.

Butte Senior Citizens 626-7323 Effective from the first Tuesday in October until the end of May. The club opens at 2 p.m. and at times there are card parties on Thursday. Call to confirm card party times. First Tuesday: Business meeting followed by cards. Second Tuesday: Potluck, then cards. Third Tuesday: Bingo, then cards. Fourth Tuesday: Program, then cards. Fifth Tuesday: (Open), then cards. Carpio Senior Citizens Senior meals are served Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Carpio Cafe from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pool is played Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Whist is played Thursdays. Third Thursday: bingo at 2 p.m. Third Thursday: dinner at the Carpio Cafe at noon, with business meeting at the center at 1 p.m. Foot clinics are the second Wednesday of every other month. Columbus Golden Circle Club Whist is played every Tuesday afternoon. Business meeting the fourth Wednesday of each month with lunch and entertainment. Foot care the second Friday of every month.

Senior Scene

Spring 2016 Deering Senior Citizens 728-6662 Senior meals are served Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in the Deering Cafe. A birthday potluck dinner is held the third Monday of each month. Senior meetings are the second Thursday of each month. Divide County Senior Citizens 965-6964 Business meetings are the first Friday of the month; followed by bingo. Progressive pinochle is the second Friday of the month. Third Friday: Card playing. Fourth Friday: Potluck dinner and card playing. Douglas Nifty Fiftys Meet every fourth Tuesday with potluck. Health screening by the First District Health Unit and foot care is the last Monday of every other month. Drake Senior Citizens Second Monday: Business meeting, 2 p.m. Fourth Monday: Potluck dinner, noon. Each Friday: Bone Builders exercise is at 1 p.m. Coffee and rolls are served from 2-4 p.m. Open to the public. Foot clinic is held the third Wednesday of every other month in the Drake City Hall. For appointments, call 537-5732. The Souris River Transportation Bus goes to Minot every Thursday. For rides call 1-800-9278318. Dunseith Peace Garden Senior Citizens 244-5483 Business meeting is first Monday of the month at 1

p.m., followed by card playing or bingo. Home-cooked meals are served at the center Monday through Friday at noon. Meals can be delivered.

Esmond Senior Citizens 249-3230 The Esmond Senior Citizens Club meets the second Tuesday of every month. Potluck suppers are held and bingo is played. Entertainment is sometimes available and there are always readings done by someone. Fessenden Specialist Club (Senior Citizens) 547-3403 First Monday: Birthdays of the month are celebrated. Third Tuesday: Business meeting followed by special speakers, programs and games, such as bingo and cards. First Baptist XYZ For more information about First Baptist XYZ, call 852-4533 on weekdays. Flaxton Senior Citizens Foot clinic and health clinic is the first Wednesday of each month. Pinochle is played each Wednesday afternoon. Glenburn Senior Citizens 362-7555 Center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Meals are served those days at the Glenburn Cafe. Reservations are required by calling 362-7555 or 362-7565. Business meetings are held every second Friday. Fourth Tuesday: Pancakes are served at the center. Foot clinic is held on the second Monday of the odd-numbered months. Birthday dinners are

Page 13

lub alendar

the first Sunday of the month at the center. Canasta, whist and marbles are played. The Renville Stage goes to Minot every Thursday. Call 362-7555 for more information.

Granville Senior Citizens 728-6888 Hot noon meals are served Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Meals can be delivered to shut-ins. Business meetings are held on the second Monday of each month. Afternoon activities include coffee, cards and puzzles. Social meetings are on the fourth Monday with bingo. Birthdays are celebrated on the third Tuesday of every odd month with a potluck evening meal at 4:30 p.m. Pedicures are available on the last Monday of every other month. The Rugby bus goes through Granville to Minot each Thursday. Kenmare Senior Citizens Club Potluck birthday supper first Friday of each month at 6 p.m. Quarterly meeting every third month followed by games and cards. Regular board meeting first week of each month. Meals on wheels are

served Monday through Friday at 11:45 a.m. Meals can be delivered. Foot care and health maintenance is first and third Wednesday of each month. Appointments are requested. Afternoon activities include pool, cards, games, puzzles, lunch.

Lakeside Senior Citizens New Town 627-2818 Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-4 p.m. Second Friday: Noon meal, followed by business meeting. Fourth Friday: Noon meal and birthday party. Foot care: Every other month. (Call for details.) Activities: Cards, puzzles, games, coffee and lunch. Lansford Hi Neighbor Club Meets first Wednesday of each month at the Lansford Mall following the noon meal which is served there Monday through Friday. Foot care is available the last Thursday every other month. Lignite Senior Center 933-2855 Noon meals available each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. First Monday: Business meeting following noon meal.

Second Monday: foot care at Christ Lutheran Church, Lignite. Third Friday: social at 6 p.m. Each Tuesday and Thursday: pinochle is played at 1 p.m. Coffee time is Monday through Friday at 3 p.m. Foot clinic is offered the second Wednesday of every “even” month. Potluck meals are held periodically. For information on bus service to Minot, call 8528008.

Max Senior Citizens 679-2265 Potlucks are held the fourth Friday of each month, followed by a business meeting. January through March potlucks start at noon; from April through September, potlucks begin at 6 p.m.; and from October through December potlucks are again at noon. Meals program: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Home deliveries are available on request.

Makoti Senior Citizens 726-5522 Second Wednesday of each month: Potluck supper at 6 p.m. followed by monthly business meeting at 7 p.m. Frozen meals can be ordered the first week of the month by calling 726-5757. RSVP+ exercises are held two times a week, except during the winter.

Mohall Friendly Neighbors 756-6670 First Friday: Potluck dinner at noon. Third Friday: Potluck dinner at noon followed by the monthly business meeting. Monday, Wednesday and Friday: “Bone Builders” exercise at 9:30 a.m. First Thursday: Foot care. Call 756-6383 for appointment.

Page 14

Senior Scene

Spring 2016

lub alendar

Newburg Senior Citizens 272-6204 Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. in the community center. There is a business meeting, games, cards and a potluck meal. Lunch meeting each Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Coffee Cup Cafe in Newburg. The foot care clinic is held the first Wednesday of odd-numbered months. Parker Senior Center 21 1st Ave. SE, Minot 852-0561 Meals are served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., except for holidays. Monday: Craft day, 9:30 a.m.; bingo at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday: Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; game day, second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday: Bible study, 9:45 a.m.; book exchange, 1 p.m.; birthday celebration, 12:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month. Thursday: Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; movie, 12:30 p.m., third Thursday of the month. Friday: bingo, 12:15 p.m. All senior activities are open to the public. Call 852-0561 for more information.

Parshall Golden Jet Set 862-3444 Center is open Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. for visiting, putting puzzles together, and playing dominoes. There is a business meeting on Wednessday at 11:45 a.m. with a home-cooked meal at noon. Tuesday at 3 p.m., the Center is open to play cards, visit, and put puzzles together. Foot Clinic is held the 4th Wednesday every even month. The Golden Jet Set is available for rent. For more information, call Karen at 862-3642; Pat at 862-3355 and/or Elaine at 862-4266. Powers Lake Senior Citizens Club Center is open six days a week from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Home-cooked meals are served Monday through Friday at noon. Home delivery is available on request. Frozen meals are also available. Birthdays and wedding anniversaries are celebrated the second Wednesday of each month with entertainment after the noon meal. Monthly business meetings are on third Saturday of the month. Executive meeting at 5:30 p.m., potluck supper at 6 p.m. and meeting at 7 p.m. Cards and games follow. Foot clinics on third

Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Souris Basin Bus, available to the public, goes to Minot every Thursday and makes trips to Williston, Stanley and Kenmare. Rolla Senior Citizens The club business meeting is held the second Friday of the month at 1 p.m., followed by entertainment or bingo. Meals are served daily at noon. Home delivered meals are available as are frozen meals for weekends. Foot care is available the third Thursday of each month. A van is available for rides to doctor appointments, grocery or other shopping and business appointments. Rugby Senior Citizens 776-2240 Center opens 9 a.m. daily. Senior meals available five days a week serving both congregate (in) and home-delivered (out) meals. Monthly meeting on second Monday of each month. Foot care first Tuesday a.m. and third Tuesday p.m. Call 776-6783 in advance. Cards: Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Bingo: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.

Senior Scene

Spring 2016

lub alendar

Ryder Happy Hours Club Club meetings are held the first Monday of the month. Walkers meet at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Foot care clinic is offered during the odd months. St. John Senior Center 477-3950 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: noon, lunch. Bingo after lunch on Thursday. Second Thursday of each month: 11 a.m., business meeting. Sawyer Senior Citizens 624-5256 Pool, exercising, cards and quilting are available daily. Potluck meals are planned periodically. Senior meals are served at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Sawyer Senior Center. Call 624-5256 for meal reservations. Pool and exercise are available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Members monthly birthdays are recognized the first Wednesday of every month at the dinner and birthday cake is served. Activity night and meetings are held the sec-

ond Thursday of each month. Foot clinic is offered the second Wednesday of every “even” month. Potluck meals are held periodically. For information on bus service to Minot, call 8528008. The club email address is sawyerseniorcitizens @srt.com. Sherwood Friendship Club Open every Tuesday and Friday at 1 p.m. for bone building exercise followed by activities and a snack at 3 p.m. First Wednesday: Food pantry from 2-3 p.m. Second Friday: Business meeting at 1:30 pm. Monthly potluck dinner: 6 p.m. last Wednesday of the month, except around holidays. Call 459-2462 to verify. Stanley Golden Age Club 628-2101 Open Monday and Wednesday afternoons: 1 p.m. for cards or games; lunch at 3 p.m. Open every Friday with home-cooked meals at noon. Anyone is welcome. Call 628-2239 or 628-2101 before Friday each week to sign up for the following week. Musical Jammin’ before and after dinner. Lunch at 3 p.m. Cards and games are played every Friday and

bingo is played two Fridays a month at 1:30 p.m. Members birthday party on fourth Friday of each month. Soup and sandwich dinner at noon with cake and ice cream at 3 p.m. Arthritis therapy/wellness classes: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m., Ina Mae Rude Aquatic Center in Stanley. Also low, medium, high aerobic classes Monday through Friday. For more information visit (www.stanleyaquaticcenter.org). Surrey Senior Citizens 839-8702 Senior meals are served at noon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call center for meal reservations. Home deliveries are available on request. Foot Clinic is available at the center. Call Lavonne at 240-2679 for an appointment. Game night is held every Thursday starting at 7 p.m. Snacks are provided. Bingo is played every Tuesday and Thursday at 1 p.m. Birthday cake and ice cream are served at 12:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. Board meetings are held on the Tuesday before the last Friday of each month beginning at 5 p.m. Potluck meals are held on the last Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment follows. The email is surreyse-

niors@srt.com. Tioga Senior Citizens Dinner Tuesday and Friday at noon. Business meeting: second Monday of the month, starting at 2 p.m. Potluck on third Monday at 6 p.m. in May through September and 12:30 p.m. during October through April, followed by music, cards or other games. Tolley S enior Citizens Monthly meetings are held every second Tuesday. From October through April, there is a potluck meal at noon, followed by the business meeting and games. From May through September, business meetings are held at 2 p.m. Lunch and games afterward. Foot care clinics the third Wednesday of the evennumbered months. Towner Senior Citizens 537-5155 Business meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Coffee and goodies are served Monday mornings for the ladies. Rolls and coffee are served at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of each month. The center is open the first and third Thursdays for bunco, cards, games, puzzles and art. Coffee and cookies are served. Exercise equipment is

Page 15 available for anyone who wants to use it. Health screenings and foot care are offered every other month on the fourth Wednesday. Call 537-5732 for an appointment. Bus service to Minot is available each Thursday. Call 852-8008 to make advance reservations. The senior center is open by request for other gatherings. Upham Senior Citizens Business meetings: first Monday of the month with a potluck meal at 5 p.m., followed by cards, pool and coffee. Social meeting the third Monday of the month at 1 p.m. with cards and lunch. Cards and pool are played or puzzles are put together every Wednesday. Lunch is served. Health screening and foot care is offered every other month. Call the McHenry County Nurses Office for an appointment. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday exercising starts at 9:30 a.m. Star City Senior Citizens Velva 338-2628 Senior meals are served Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon at the center on Main Street. Volunteers handle the serving of the meals which are catered from the

Souris Valley Care Center at Velva. A monthly birthday party is held on the second Wednesday at 2 p.m. Bingo is offered on Monday and Friday at 1:30 p.m. and pinochle on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. The exercise room is available to seniors with their membership dues. The public may use the room with a monthly donation. Health care is available on a monthly basis. Included are foot care, immunizations, etc. Westhope Senior Citizens 245-6401 Open Monday through Friday from 2-5 p.m. Cards are played every day. Peoples’ choice progressive cards every second and fourth Friday. Business meetings are held the third Monday monthly. Senior meals are served at M&D Pizza at 11:30 a.m. five days a week. Home-delivered meals are also available. Wildrose Senior Citizens Center is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. First Tuesday: Business meeting, 1 p.m. Third Tuesday: Birthday parties at 1 p.m. Senior meals are served Tuesdays at the center. You must be 60 years old to qualify for meals at reduced rate. The senior van goes to Crosby, Tioga or Williston every week for shopping, doctor appointments or meetings. The van is also available for other events.