Senior Scene Spring 2017 by MinotDailyNews

Senior Scene

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Spring 2017

Need help with your income taxes? companies. Emails can seek information related to refunds, filing status, or confirming personal information. When people click on links in LYLE these emails, they are taken to HALVORSON websites designed to imitate an official-looking website, such as AARP North Dakota IRS.gov. The sites ask for Social Security numbers and other perlike Social Security numbers and sonal information, which could hang up the phone. be used to file false tax returns. Callers claim to be employees bank account numbers. These fake sites can also carry If the phone isn’t answered, of the IRS. They sound convincmalware, which can infect your the scammers often leave an uring and use fake names and gent callback request. Just delete computer and allow criminals to bogus IRS identification badge the message. The IRS will never access your files or track your numbers. They usually alter the keystrokes to gain information. call to demand immediate paycaller ID to make it look like the Do not respond or click on ment or ask for credit card or call is coming from the IRS. any links in these emails. bank account numbers over the Victims are told they owe Be on your guard for scams money to the IRS and it must be phone. throughout the year. For more inpaid promptly through a preformation on tax and other Online Tax Scams loaded debit card or wire transfer. scams, sign up for the Fraud The IRS will also not email If the victim refuses to cooperate, Avoid Tax Scams they are threatened with arrest or you asking for personal informa- Watch Network at What would you do if you re- suspension of a business or drition. Scam emails are designed to www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. You’ll receive free email ceived a call from the IRS saying ver’s license. trick taxpayers into thinking alerts with tips and resources to you had a tax debt and needed to these are official communicaOther victims are told they help you spot and avoid identity pay up right now or be arrested? have a refund due to trick them tions from the IRS or others in The only thing you should do is the tax industry like tax software theft and fraud. into sharing private information

If you haven’t filed your income taxes yet, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site in Minot is ready to help middle- and low-income taxpayers complete their 2016 federal and state tax returns. You do not have to be an AARP member to take advantage of this free service. The Minot Tax-Aide site is located at the American Legion, 1949 N. Broadway. Hours are 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday by appointment only. Call 509-1446 to make an appointment. 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.

Feeding Grandma and Grandpa Locally, the Minot Commission on Aging is an agency that provides services to older adults in the seven counties of Region II. Their nutrition program is one of the programs provided through the Older Americans Act (OAA). The OAA has been the primary piece of federal legislation supporting social and nutrition services to Americans age 60 and older since 1965. OAA programs are vital for seniors who are at significant risk of hunger, isolation and of losing their ability to live independently. Title III of the OAA establishes a grant system to help fund programs that

MERRY GREEN

Minot Commission on Aging address the unique needs of vulnerable seniors. Here in North Dakota, close to 20,000 seniors are presently participating in local Meals on Wheels programs, which consist of two primary components: – Congregate Nutrition Services which provides nutritious meals for seniors in a social group setting – Home Delivered Nu-

trition Services which provides hot and frozen meals for homebound seniors, also known as Home Delivered Meals and Meals on Wheels The congregate and home delivered meals promote good health. Many of the chronic health conditions that result in frailty and disability, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life in older adults are preventable

through low-cost lifestyle interventions incorporating proper nutrition and physical activity. Nutritious meals, tailored to older adults, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and related disabilities, prevent nutritional deficiency, and improve health over the long term. A high percentage of North Dakota seniors who participate in the nutrition programs say that it helps them eat healthier; enables them to remain living at home, where they want to be; and makes them feel more safe and secure. Within Region II, nutrition services are available at 30 meal sites. These sites include senior cen-

ters, restaurants, senior living units and a school cafeteria. The meals follow nutritional guidelines for older adults and provide 1/3 of their daily nutrition requirements. The meal is provided to eligible participants on a confidential voluntary donation basis. The suggested donation is posted at each location. Participants will not be denied meals because of their inability or unwillingness to contribute. For more information on local senior nutrition programs and other services, contact the Minot Commission on Aging, located in the Parker Center, Minot, at 852-0561.

enior cene

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 M. Sasser, Editor Mandy N. Taniguchi Editorial Layout

Do you have story ideas? If you have story ideas, suggestions or comments about Senior Scene, please contact Kent Olson by phone at 857-1939 or via e-mail at kloson@minotdailynews.com.

Senior Scene is published quarterly by Minot Daily News. It is coordinated by Kent Olson.

Spring 2017

Senior Scene

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Fun events this spring at Somerset Court Although we have yet to escape the clutches of the wintry season, spring IS on its way. Like Father Time, I propose Mother Nature is also undefeated and that she will rise up eventually in all her beauty. The arrival of this glorious season will be accompanied by the resumption of external activities for all seniors around the Magic City, a few of which we’ll talk about today. The big date seniors should have circled on their calendars is the 21st annual Salute to Seniors, to be held on Tuesday, May 9, at the Minot Municipal Auditorium. This exciting event, themed “Salute to Mardi Gras in May,” will feature music, dancing and all sorts

will be serving pancakes, smoked sausage, orange juice and coffee in the dining room located in our north building at 1900 28th DAVE St SW in Minot. Tickets are CALDWELL $5 and are available at Milton Young Towers, The Lord’s Cupboard and SomDirector erset Court ahead of the Somerset Court event or at the door, no provided by the Minot of fun, plus information reservations needed. Nonfrom sponsors and vendors Camera Club. Cost is $15 perishable food items and such as Somerset Court. En- per person to attend and in- monetary donations are also cludes a noon meal catered welcome for this event. Tatertainment includes the by Homesteaders RestauMagic City Jazz Band, bles will be available at the Daniel Stark, Kay McLough- rant. Call 852-3398 to regis- event for food items to be ter between April 1 and lin, Somerset Court’s own dropped off, as well as a Ara Bruce, Judy Randle and May 4. Another fun event is Arlyce Nylander, Leonard and Betty Wald, and Dakota Somerset Court’s annual Drifters. Bingo, door prizes, benefit breakfast for Minot games, snacks and refresh- area food pantries. On Satments will also be featured, urday, April 1, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Somerset Court as well as a photo booth

container for monetary donations. All food, cash and ticket proceeds will be divided equally between the food pantries of Milton Young Towers and The Lord’s Cupboard. Please call 838-4500 with any questions about this event. The Catholic Daughters will also have bake sale items available for purchase in the Activity Garden. Also, in conjunction with National Volunteer Week, Somerset Court will also host a luncheon for all those who have volunteered

their time at Somerset throughout the year. Door prizes are handed out at the luncheon, scheduled for April 29 at 1 p.m., to be followed by a jam session in the auditorium that provides a chance for all of our volunteers to enjoy one another’s talents. Here’s hoping spring has already sprung by the time this reaches the readers’ eyes! (Dave Caldwell is a director at Somerset Court in Minot)

Secret to aging gracefully is something to think about Page 4

Senior Scene

Spring 2017

By JILL SCHRAMM Staff Writer jschramm@minotdailynews.com

Terry Ferebee Eckmann holds a copy of her book while standing next to a poster listing 101 tips for aging gracefully. Jill Schramm/MDN

The ability to age gracefully may depend in part on genetics and lifestyle, but there’s another crucial ingredient worth some thought. “The link is what you think,” said Minot author Terry Ferebee Eckmann, who has uncovered research indicating that positive thinking can go a long way in living well throughout life. Her book, “101 Ways to Age Gracefully,” published in May 2016. Eckmann is a professor in the department of teacher education and human performance at Minot State University. Although there’s many ways to age gracefully, some of the ways that stand out are matters of the mind, Eckmann said. “Our thought life really affects our lives in so many ways. It affects our health in so many ways,” she said. “Our thought life can interrupt our sleep. It can send negative hormones into our bodies and it can make us unhappy each and every day of our lives. Aging gracefully is really about the attitude with which we embrace the world.” There’s benefit to living the Serenity Prayer – changing the things we can and accepting the things we can’t change, she said. Fears and worries cause the body to produce cortisol and other stress hormones that take a toll on the body. A study that looked at journals written by a group of nuns found those nuns who practiced a positive attitude had better mental cognition into their 80s and 90s. People and events don’t create the stress, Eckmann added. “What you think about them does,” she said. “We can choose to let things bother us and take the joy out of our lives.” One of Eckmann’s 101 tips for aging gracefully is to choose your advisory board wisely. Our advisory boards are those voices in our heads that tell us what we should or shouldn’t do, she said. She explained there’s tendency to simply follow the patterns we’ve been taught and let those voices serve on our advisory board. Sometimes we need to introduce new voices when we learn there’s a better way, she said. Part of a positive attitude is gratitude. “There’s so much research out there that says those people who are grateful for things really have a happier life. Grateful people are happier people,” Eckmann said. Every evening, Eckmann writes down two or three things she was thankful for that day as a way to train herself to look for the good in each day. Another tool is to look for solutions rather than complain, she said. Celebrating birthdays is another way remain positive. Aging should be seen as something to celebrate rather than to regret or dread, Eckmann said. Having lost young people in her life, she values what birthdays represent. The human mind also needs the stimulation of new things, Eckmann said. A body’s aerobic capacity can actually decrease when See AGING — Page 5

Page 5 Senior Scene 88-year-old inspires others to stay active Top 10 financial

Spring 2017

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Surrounded by college boys 70 years younger than her, Betty Wilkins used weight machines on a dreary, overcast Monday morning. It wasn't even 9 a.m. Some students were likely still in bed during their day off for Presidents' Day. But the 88-year-old was already up and going, wearing a pink jacket, tight black workout pants and wide-rimmed glasses. Wilkins exercises at the College of Southern Idaho's Student Recreation Center in Twin Falls three times a week — usually for an hour each time — doing cardio and strength workouts. Plus, she participates in the college's "Over 60 & Getting Fit" program three times a week and Zumba classes twice a week. Wilkins is "an inspiration for many of us as she comes in to the gym on a regular basis," CSI recreation director John Twiss wrote in an email to the TimesNews. She has checked into the recreation center 760 times since September 2009, Twiss said. And that doesn't include more than 60 classes. Wilkins has lived in the Magic Valley for most of her life. She went to school in Castleford and Buhl. After getting married, she and her husband lived in California and Nevada. But they moved back to the Magic Valley in 1982 and set-

issues older adults should consider

AP Photo

Betty Wilkins, 88, works out Feb. 20, at CSI in Twin Falls, Idaho. Surrounded by college boys 70 years younger than her, Wilkins used weight machines on a dreary, overcast Monday morning. tled in Bliss. And in 1997, they moved to Twin Falls. After her husband died in 2000, Wilkins decided to start coming to CSI for workouts. "I've always been active," she said. Wilkins wanted to stay in shape, be able to take care of herself and stay in her own home. In January 2001, she started going to exercise classes through then-professor Jan Mittleider's "Over 60 & Getting Fit" program. Then, Wilkins started going to the student recreation center. "It was mostly young college guys," she said.

Aging Continued from Page 4

there’s no new challenge in a fitness routine, and the mind can lose its sharpness when it’s not being offered higher levels of engagement. Aging gracefully also is connected with a new term that’s getting attention – mindfulness. Eckmann and her daughter, who is trained in yoga, are together writing a book on “101 Practices of Mindfulness and Meditation.” Many times our nervous systems refuse to slow down, which can adversely affect sleep and stress level,

But she didn't mind. "It didn't bother me," Wilkins said, adding that she lets other exercisers "do their own things." And for 16 years, it has been part of her normal weekly schedule. She said she tries to exercise early in the day before she gets distracted by reading or other activities at home. Over the years, Wilkins has noticed a wider demographic of people exercising at CSI's recreation center, too. What keeps her going? "I know a lot of people here," Wilkins said Monday after finishing her workout. "It's social for me." Thanks to exercising,

Eckmann said. Practicing mindfulness helps to put aside the noisy thoughts of yesterday and tomorrow and focus on the now. Eckmann’s recent book evolved from her past work and presentations at conferences. Since publication, Eckmann has spoken on the topic of aging gracefully at various international conferences, including a major conference in Toronto, Ontario, for fitness instructors. She presented at the International Council on Active Aging in Florida and to the international Conference of the American College of Sports Medicine. She also has spoken around the state at events related to education, worksite

Wilkins said she doesn't seem to get sick. Plus, "I'm stronger than when I started (going to) the gym." When she's not at CSI, you can find Wilkins reading just about any book she can get her hands on. She also enjoys going out to lunch with friends, doing jigsaw puzzles, and catching up with out-of-town family members and friends via Facebook. She has also done international traveling, such as to Canada three times, Mexico and Peru. What's next for Wilkins? She plans to continue exercising. And she'll celebrate her 89th birthday in April.

wellness and active aging communities. Her book is available at Main Street Books and Home Sweet Home. “It’s a book really for all ages and stages of life because we start aging at birth,” she said. “There’s always things we can do to achieve a healthier lifestyle to make our brains and bodies better.” Many of Eckmann’s 101 tips for aging gracefully are simple – declutter, vaccinate, be hopeful – but they can be powerful when utilized. “It’s not what we know but it’s what we do with what we know – living intentionally,” Eckmann said.

We know the importance of planning for major events in our lives and sharing those plans with our loved ones. But when dealing with finances, sometimes people hesitate to discuss the issue with family members, often waiting until a crisis occurs – and then it may be too late. Even though money can be a particularly sensitive subject, it’s often at the center of many decisions in later life, such as on housing, health and long-term care. So for older adults, talking with their children about future financial arrangements is critical, even if the children are reluctant to do so. Now is the time to talk with your family members and help them learn needed information so they can assist you through any challenging times as you age. Here are 10 questions to answer that can help you start talking with family members: 1. Do you have a will? If so, where is it? 2. Do you have an advanced directive, such as a living will or health care durable power of attorney, and where is it? 3. Who has your power of attorney or is the executor of your estate, and how can he/she be contacted? 4. Have you selected a funeral home and planned or paid for a burial site? 5. What is the location of essential personal papers (birth and marriage certificates, dissolution of marriage documents, Social Security and military serv-

By JANE STROMMEN

NDSU Extension gerontology specialist ice records)? 6. Where do you keep life, health, property and long-term care insurance policies? 7. Where is your checkbook, and what bank do you use? 8. Do you have a safe deposit box? Where is it, and where is the key? Do you have a list of contents? 9. Have you made a list of investments (savings accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks and bonds, etc.)? What are the names and contact information of the financial advisers/institutions that have the investments? 10. Have you made a list of the personal and real property you own? Where is it? What else would you want your family to know in case of an emergency? Planning will not prevent all problems, but it will help avoid decision-making in times of crisis. Set a goal this year to review your financial arrangements and begin those family conversations. The North Dakota State University Extension Services has resources on its Aging Well website at www.ag.ndsu.edu/aging to help you. Jane Strommen, NDSU Extension gerontology specialist, 701-231-5948, jane.strommen@ndsu.edu

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Foods and Memory: Can foods we eat enhance our memory? Studies conducted at Rush University in Chicago have produced some interesting results. A new diet recommendation, the MIND diet, combines principles of a Mediterrranean diet (high in plantbased foods) and the DASH diet (dietary approaches to stop hypertension-consists of increased levels of fruit and vegetables) and combined the best of both, resulting in a MIND diet. The similarities of the previous diets are they both focus on fruits, vegetable, nuts, whole grains, beans, and oils. In their studies, it was found that the risk of developing Alzheimers was decreased by up to 53%. Even following the diet moderately, produced results of a 35% reduction in the risk of developing the disease. Powerful information! MIND goes one step further, and includes not

SANDRA HOROB, MEd, RDN

Director of Nutrition Trinity Health only mono-and poly saturated fats, but also indicates that leafy greens as well as berries play a significant role in brain health. In fact, the author of the study, Martha Clare Morris, a professor of nutritional epidemiology at Rush, suggested eating 2 servings of leafy greens per day may provide cognitive benefits to a significant degree. She suggests that folk consuming 2 servings daily were 11 years younger, cognitively, than those who ate less than that. In addition, the medical director of NeuroGrow

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Brain Fitness Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore agrees. Using plantbased foods, including leafy green vegetables, and berries can provide brainboosting benefits. Why not try some of these in your diet?

What Foods Are Best? 1. Olive oil, green tea, and leafy greens (broccoli, spinach, and kale). Each of these antioxidant superfoods helps fight inflammation. 2. Beets, tomatoes, and avocados. These three darkly-hued foods help ensure that your brain receives the blood it needs to stay sharp. 3. Nuts (especially walnuts), curcumin, and pomegranates. These foods work deep in the brain to fight amyloid plaques, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s. 4. Fish, blueberries, grapes, coffee, and dark chocolate. These nutrient powerhouses have been shown to increase a protein that supports the growth of new neurons Taken from AARP bulletin, Amy Paturel, author.

Senior Scene

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Social Security Matters: Ask Rusty - Restricted Application Dear Rusty: I am 66 years of age and have not yet claimed Social Security because I want to wait until I’m 70 and get the higher benefit. My wife, who is 68, is already collecting her benefits having started when she reached her full retirement age. One of my friends said that he had filed something called a Restricted Application a few years ago and was collecting spousal benefits now, but when I called my local Social Security office they said that the Restricted Application was no longer available. It just irks me that my friend can do this but I can’t. Have the rules actually changed? Signed: Unhappy about changing rules. Dear Unhappy: We get this question fairly often now since The Bipartisan Budget Act was signed into law in October of 2015. Under the old rules, if a person first filed for benefits on or after their full retirement age (FRA) and their spouse was already collecting benefits, they could file a Restricted Application for Spousal Benefits Only. That enabled a person whose partner was already collecting benefits to receive spousal benefits only, while allowing their own retirement benefit to accumulate Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs). DRCs accumulate up to age 70 when the filer can then collect up to 132% of their primary insurance amount, (or PIA - their benefit from their own work record at full retirement age). The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 broadened a rule called “deemed filing”, which states that whenever anyone applies for Social Security benefits they are deemed to be filing for all benefits they are entitled to, e.g., both their own retirement benefits and spousal benefits. The old rule said “deemed filing” applied only to those applying for benefits before their FRA; the new law broadened that rule to include all beneficiaries, effectively eliminating the Restricted Application for spousal benefits only. But there is an important exception, which applies to you. The new law broadening the “deemed filing” rule provided an exception for anyone who turned

By RUSSELL GLOOR

AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Association of Mature American Citizens 62 years of age by the end of 2015 (actually by January 1, 2016 since they consider anyone born on the first of the month to be eligible for benefits in the previous month). Since you are now 66 and were born before 1954, you qualify for that exception and are therefore entitled to file a Restricted Application for Spousal Benefits Only, collect only spousal benefits based on your wife’s work record, and at the same time let your personal benefit from your own work record earn Delayed Retirement Credits. You can continue to earn DRC’s up to the time you reach 70 years of age, at which time you can file for benefits on your own work record and receive about 132% of your primary insurance amount. Further, at that time your wife who is already collecting benefits would be entitled to switch from her own benefit to a spousal benefit equal to ¢ of your PIA, if that amount was higher than her own benefit. So you can see how, if you are still entitled to use it, the Restricted Application works well as a strategy for maximizing benefits. Used typically, the lower earning spouse files for retirement benefits first and the higher earning spouse files a restricted application for spousal benefits only. This allows the high-earning spouse’s benefit to grow as indicated, which would be especially important for your wife’s survivor’s benefits, should that be the case. So it would appear that whoever you spoke with at the Social Security office was not aware of the exception I’ve cited above, which is why we always recommend you seek a second opinion when deal-

ing with the Social Security Administration. Because you turned 62 before the end of 2015, you are definitely entitled to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only and allow your personal benefit to grow. If you don’t get that answer from someone in the Social Security office, ask to speak to a supervisor, or supervisors, until you find someone who knows about the exception. If you apply online, be sure to expressly state in your application that you are filing a “Restricted Application for Spousal Benefits Only”. Dear Rusty: A friend and I, both approaching 62 years old, were discussing Social Security the other day, and he said that they take the average of your highest 10 years of earnings to figure out what your benefit is. I told him I thought the formula is a lot more complicated than that, but he insisted he was right saying his cousin has a friend who works for Social Security. Is my friend correct? Signed: Skeptical Dear Skeptical: You are right to not take your friend’s opinion as correct, even when he claims to have a source who works for Social Security. Social Security rules are quite complicated, and are easily misinterpreted, even by some folks working for the Social Security Administration. Most of the time, the mistaken opinion about the 10 year factor is due to a misunderstanding of what that factor actually is used for by Social Security, which is to determine your eligibility to collect benefits in the first place. A worker must have earned wages for a total of 40 quarters, or at least 10 years, in order to receive Social Security benefits on their own work record. There are other ways to be entitled to Social Security benefits (e.g., spousal, survivor and disability benefits), but to claim on your own work record you must have earned at least 40 quarter credits (10 years times 4 quarters per year = 40 quarter credits). And the good news is that you only have to earn a certain dollar amount to get credit for a quarter;

you don’t have to work the entire calendar quarter. So how does Social Security actually figure your benefit amount? To determine that amount they first use the 35 highest earning years in your lifetime work record, but only earnings up to the amount you paid Social Security taxes on. They then adjust (index) each of those year’s earnings for inflation, add them up and divide the total by 420 (the number of months in 35 years) to arrive at something called your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). Note here that if you didn’t have at least 35 years of earnings, they will put zero’s in for the years you didn’t earn, which means that your AIME will be smaller if you didn’t work at least 35 years. Now your AIME isn’t the amount of your benefit either but it is used to calculate what Social Security calls your “Primary Insurance Amount” or “PIA” - the amount of benefit you will be entitled to at your “Full Retirement Age” or “FRA” (as you can tell, Social Security loves acronyms!). In true government fashion, the calculation of your PIA uses a formula which includes something called “bend points”, which are several points at which a different percentage of your AIME is used to figure the amount of benefit you would get if you took benefits at your full Social Security retirement age (age 66 for most people retiring today, but more if you were born after 1954). And that’s where it stops - if you start taking you benefit at your full retirement age. But if you retire earlier your benefit will be reduced. And if you retire later your benefit will be increased. How much of a reduction or increase? That’s a topic for another time. The information presented in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The opinions and interpretations expressed in this article are the viewpoints of the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory staff, trained and accredited under the National Social Security Advisors program of the National Social Security Association, LLC (NSSA).

NSSA, the AMAC Foundation, and the Foundation’s Social Security Advisors are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Government, the Social Security Administration, or any other state government. Furthermore, the AMAC Foundation and its staff do not provide legal or accounting services. http://www.amacfoundation.com/ Dear Rusty: I was married to my husband for 6 years when we divorced in May of 1996. Over the next year or so we felt we had resolved our differences and decided to re-marry in July of 1997. Although we both tried hard, we simply couldn’t make it work and so we divorced again for good in September 2000. I’ve never re-married, but I’m now nearly 62 years of age and wondering: since my exhusband always made much more money than me, can I collect Social Security as his divorced spouse or do I need to take Social Security based upon my own work record? Signed: Wondering Dear Wondering: Social Security’s rules state that a divorcee who wants to collect retirement benefits from their ex-spouse’s work record must have been married to that person for at least 10 years, must be divorced for at least 2 years (unless your ex-spouse is already collecting benefits), must not now be married, and both the divorcee and their exspouse must be at least 62 years old. Your ex-spouse need not already be actually receiving benefits, but he must at least be eligible to receive either Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Your situation is somewhat unique because you meet most of the criteria, but the total length of time you were actually married to your ex-spouse in your two marriages is only 9 years - 6 the first time and 3 the second time - leaving you apparently short of the 10years-married rule. But here’s some good news: Social Security’s rules for divorced spouses also say that if you and your ex-spouse reSee RUSTY — Page 11

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Senior Scene Spring 2017

Attorney General: Warn elderly relatives about scams before they get a call BISMARCK— In just the past month, several elderly North Dakotans have fallen victim to the “grandparent” scam, each losing thousands of dollars to scam artists who pretended to be a grandchild supposedly in a dire situation and in desperate need of money. The grandparent scam is one of the common “imposter” scams that have been circulating in the state for several years, along with the Fake IRS call and the phony Sweepstakes/Lottery win. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued numerous warnings about these scams. Unfortunately, the consumer protection division of his office receives reports of new victims every week. Stenehjem urged all North Dakota residents to talk to elderly parents and relatives about these scams. “The only way to beat the scammers is to make sure our elderly relatives know what to do before they get a call,” said Stenehjem. “These scam artists are ruthless professionals who will do whatever they can to convince their victims to part with their life savings,” he continued. Parrell Grossman, director of the Con-

sumer Protection division, said scam artists are known to target elderly individuals. “Don’t assume that elderly family members will recognize a scam call or know what to do when they get one. Get the conversation started by asking your family members if they have heard about the grandparent scam,” he said. Grossman said to remind family members of the following: – If the caller asks them not to tell mom or dad (or anyone), it is a giveaway that the call is a scam. – Confirm the whereabouts of your grandchild with another family member, before sending any money. – Scam artists like to have victims use alternative forms of payment, such as gift cards, iTunes cards, Walmart-to-Walmart transactions or wire transfers, because they can access the funds instantly and they cannot be tracked. For more information on how to talk to elderly parents and relatives about scams, contact the Consumer Protection division at (701) 328-3404, toll-free (800) 472-2600, or online at www.attorneygeneral.nd.gov.

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When will I get my Annual ‘Salute to Seniors’ event planned new Medicare card? You probably heard that new Medicare cards will be issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and are wondering when you will get your new card. Not for some time, but scammers are already taking advantage of any confusion beneficiaries might have about the new Medicare cards. Here are some facts: – If you look at your Medicare card now, you will see that the nine numbers on it are a Social Security number. – The Social Security number is usually your own, but could be your spouse’s or a parent if you are a person with a disability. – The Social Security number is the key for scammers to steal your identity. – A Social Security number can be used to take out loans or open credit cards. – Congress passed a law last year called the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) which requires that CMS develop a plan to give every Medicare beneficiary a new Medicare card with a new identifier that is NOT tied to the Social Security number. – This is a huge change and will not happen immediately. CMS and the many providers who accept Medicare need time to update systems to accept the new identifier. – Beneficiaries WILL NOT see new cards before April 2018. This will be the earliest that CMS will start mailing new cards to beneficiaries. – The new Medicare card will have a new and randomly assigned identifier that will mix both numbers and letters (11 characters in all).

The Minot Area Senior Coalition invites all seniors to attend their 21st annual “Salute to Seniors” event on May 9th at the Minot Auditorium. The theme for this year is “Salute to Mardi Gras in May,” so it will be a fun filled and colorful “party” for seniors. Musical entertainment will feature the “Magic City Campus JAZZ Band,” Daniel Stark, Kay McLoughlin, Ara Bruce, Leonard and Betty Wald Band, and Judy Randle and Arlyce Nylander. Dave Caldwell will give a LINDA presentation on “History of Mardi Gras.” MADSEN Homesteader’s Restaurant will cater the noon luncheon. ND SMP Project Director Afternoon activities will include Bingo, North Dakota Center for door prizes, games, snacks and refreshments Persons with Disabilities along with a dance with music by the “Dakota Drifters.” The Minot Camera Club will provide – FACT IS: Medicare al- a “Photo Booth” complete with props and How can a scammer use this change to get your per- ready has this information, in- photo opportunities. cluding your mailing address. sonal information? About 40 vendor booths will provide a va– This upcoming When CMS sends your new riety of information and services to those who change has already caused card, they will mail it to you. confusion for beneficiaries and They will NOT call asking for scammers love to take advan- identifying information. Report calls like this to the tage of confusion. – There are reports of ND SMP at ndsmp@minotstascammers identifying them- teu.edu or 1-800-233-1737, or selves as working for Medicare CMS at 1-800-633-4227. The information provided and are asking for your Medicare number in order to is intended to be a general send you a new card or that summary only. Source of inyou need to reapply for formation: AgeOptions SepMedicare or lose their benefits. tember 2016.

• State Licensed Memory Care Facility • Therapeutic Activity • Safeguard System for Wandering Patients • Pastoral & Spiritual Care • Private Rooms • Home Cooked Meals • Recreational Transportation

Personalized, Family Oriented Care Preserves Respect, Dignity & Independence www.emerald-court.com

701-858-9767 520 28th Ave SE • Minot ND (1 Block E of Menards)

MERRY GREEN

Minot Commission on Aging attend. Many local businesses and sponsors are contributing services, cash donations, door prizes and other resources toward this event. Ticket cost is $15 per person, and pre-registrations are required by May 4th. Call 852-3398 between April 1 and May 4, to register. Tickets may be purchased by contacting the Minot Senior Coalition, P.O. Box 326, Minot, ND 58702. The Minot Area Senior Coalition is an organization of individuals and agencies who work with the senior population in the Minot region.

Senior Scene

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Spring 2017

Retirement can be a drag. Here's how to fix that By DAYANA YOCHIM NerdWallet

We spend decades dreaming of the day when life won't be dictated by alarm clocks, commute times, meeting schedules and office politics. Then reality sets in: Retirement can be kind of a drag. And there may be 20-plus years of it ahead of you. While traditional retirement planning covers financial essentials — expected returns, inflation, withdrawal rates, portfolio rebalancing, tax planning — most plans won't prepare you for the emotional challenges of post-work life.

WHAT'S MISSING FROM RETIREMENT? WORK

You may dread the drudgery of employment, but there's something to be said for the structure it provides. Work is where many people derive their sense of purpose. It can also provide framework for your days (projects, meetings, deadlines) and a sense of community (thanks to water coolers, slow elevators and happy hours). Then one day you wake up and it's all gone. "I've had a number of clients who retire and feel a little adrift at sea, and it happens to people regardless of means," says Lisa Kirchenbauer, president of Omega Wealth Management in Arlington, Virginia. A good predictor of retirement dissatisfaction, she says, is if a person views retirement as an escape hatch. "It's better to be retiring to something and not from something," Kirchenbauer says. "Being intentional and having a game plan in place helps with the mental transition into retirement."

Here are steps you can take to help pro- health care and potential emergencies). tect your golden years from being tarnished Also think about which accounts you'll draw from (Roth or traditional IRA, taxby dissatisfaction. FIND A REASON TO SET YOUR able brokerage account, cash savings?) in order to minimize the tax hit when you ALARM start taking income from your investAfter you've taken those cruises, ments. spoiled the grandkids, organized the sock Kirchenbauer recommends simulating drawer and descaled the coffee maker, a paycheck-based cash-flow system in rewhat's going to inspire you to get out of tirement by setting up monthly transfers bed each morning in the decades ahead? from an IRA (or other retirement account) People who have pursuits outside of into a checking account. This also helps their professional life tend to fare better in prevent a retirement rookie error: blowing retirement. If you're not interested in tak- through your cash too quickly during the ing up a new hobby, consider ways to use initial stages of retirement. the professional expertise you've cultiDISCUSS THE TRANSITION vated over the years. It's even better for the WITH LOVED ONES psyche to apply your talents to serve a cause that you care about. Retirement can be a major relationship Don't wait until you retire to explore disruptor. All that "me time" you and your new pursuits. Test-drive volunteer oppor- partner had when one or both of you were tunities in your community before retire- at work is now potentially "we time." ment to plant seeds for future endeavors. Kirchenbauer says it's important to have a series of conversations with your PRETEND YOU'RE STILL spouse about whether you will retire at the LIVING OFF A PAYCHECK same time. Retirement can be especially The transition from building savings to stressful if one partner retires before the drawing from savings can be stressful. In- other. stead of receiving a regular paycheck, Expect that there will be an adjustment you're sitting on one giant paycheck — a period, and perhaps spats over household pile of money you've amassed by saving duties ("You were home all day; why diddiligently in your 401(k)s and IRAs — n't you mow the lawn?") and scheduling that's supposed to sustain you for the rest conflicts ("I can't take that week off work of your life. for a road trip"). But if you're prepared to "Psychologically it feels scary, even be flexible, respectful and understanding though you logically know that you've of the other person's perspective, you can saved so you can live off your invest- achieve peaceful coexistence in retirement. ments," Kirchenbauer says. This article was provided to The AssociPlanning can help you transition to ated Press by the personal finance website spend-down mode. Start by creating a NerdWallet. Email staff writer Dayana post-retirement budget around anticipated Yochim: dyochim@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: expenses (including quarterly taxes, @DayanaYochim.

Spring 2017

Senior Scene

Rusty Continued from Page 7

marry before the end of the year which follows the year you were first divorced, the period of time between marriages counts toward the 10-years-married requirement. Since you first divorced in May of 1996 and then remarried in July of 1997, the time between those dates counts as though you were still married during that time, so the 10-years-married rule is satisfied. In other words, having met all of the criteria, you will be eligible to collect reduced benefits as a divorced spouse when you apply at age 62. For information, the way Social Security will calculate the benefit you are entitled to will be to first determine what you’re entitled to on your own work record. Since you are also eligible for divorced spouse benefits, and if your own benefit is less than you are entitled to as a divorced spouse, you would be “deemed” to be filing for the divorced spouse benefit too, and your benefit amount will be raised (”boosted”) to that which you are entitled to on your ex-spouse’s record. When you apply, be sure to take with you proof of both marriages to, and divorces from, your ex-husband. And be aware that if you claim your benefit at age 62, it will be permanently reduced for the rest of your life. Dear Rusty: I’m 62 and still working but would like to get Social Security because we could sure use the extra money. I’ve heard that if I keep working that my Social Security benefit will be less, so now I don’t know if I should go ahead with my Social Security or just wait. I sure don’t want to lose money on my Social Security for the rest of my life. Signed: Perplexed Dear Perplexed: Social Security rules for when you continue to work after your benefits start can be confusing. Social Security calls this the “Annual Earnings Test.” The basic rule is that you can continue to work after you start collecting Social Security but, depending on how much you earn, they will reduce your benefit payments if you haven’t yet reached your “full retirement age.” But here’s a key point: You don’t actually lose the amount they will take away, because when you reach your full retirement age (in your case, 66) your Social Security benefit will be increased to account for what they withheld. Here’s how it works: If you’re working and collecting Social Security while you’re age 62 through 65, your benefit will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn over $16,920. In other words, they’ll take back half of anything you earn over $16,920. In the year that you become

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age 66, you can earn up to $44,880, after which they will reduce your benefit by $1 for every $3 you earn over $44,880 (one third). Note that these earnings limits are for 2017; they change annually. Once you reach your full retirement age of 66, you can earn as much as you want and there will be no benefit reduction. The way that Social Security gets back what you owe them is by withholding your benefit payments the following year, for as many months as needed for them to recover what you owe from over-earning the previous year. That means that you won’t receive any Social Security payments for one or more months the following year until they recover what’s due. Losing those payments can hurt, but don’t fret too much because when you finally reach your full retirement age your benefit amount will be recalculated eliminating those months when your benefit was withheld because you exceeded the earnings limit. You don’t actually get back the dollars that were withheld due to your over-earning, but rather a formula is used to recalculate your benefit when you reach your full retirement age. And here’s how that works: If you start collecting benefits at age 62, your benefit will be reduced to about 75% of what it would be if you waited until your full retirement age of 66. But because you didn’t actually collect benefits in some months you were paying back what you owed due to overearning, when you reach your full retirement age they will give you time credit for those months as though you didn’t begin collecting at age 62, but rather an age later than that - 62 plus the number of months they withheld your benefits due to overearning. So, if you need the money and want to start collecting at 62 but also want to continue working, you can do that. Just be aware that when you exceed those earnings limits, they will withhold your benefits the following year(s) until they get back what’s due them. But, when you reach your full retirement age, your benefit amount will be increased so that that you may eventually get back the money they withheld. And, that benefit increase at full retirement age will last for the rest of your life. The above article has been developed by the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory staff. The Foundation welcomes questions from readers regarding Social Security issues, and stands ready to respond to individual requests for information from readers. To submit a request, contact the Foundation at info@amacfoundation or via telephone at 1-888-750-2622Ask

Senior Scene

Page 12 Alamo Senior Center 528-4881 Business Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m. Social Activities: Birthdays, monthly, last Tuesday Cards: Tuesday p.m., following lunch Senior Meals: Tuesdays, noon Foot Clinic: Odd months, Divide County Health Nurse

monthly Cards & Dominoes: Every Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Anamoose Senior Citizens 465-3316 Business Meeting: 1st Monday with bingo & speaker Social Meeting: 3rd Friday of month Senior Meals: Every Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chair Exercise: Every Monday & Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Check: 1st Monday,

Berthold Senior Citizens 453-3680 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 3:45 p.m. Cards/Games/Lunch: Tuesdays & Fridays Bone Builders Exercise: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Foot Clinic: 2nd Wednesday, even months (First District Nurses)

lub alendar

Bottineau Senior Center 228-3339 Center is open, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m. Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Served daily at noon, Monday through Friday Sit & Be Fit Exercise: Wednesdays & Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Cards & Pool played daily Potluck Brunch: 1st & 3rd Sundays Birthday Celebrations: Every 3 months Souris Basin Transit service runs daily Monday through Friday, in town. Bus goes to Minot Thursdays. Call 2282061, for reservations Bowbells Senior Citizens 337-2376 Business Meeting: 1st Thursday, 2:30 p.m. Social Meetings: (Coffee) Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Thursdays, 2-4 p.m. Senior Meals: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:30 a.m. Foot Clinic: 2nd Thursday, monthly Cards: Monday

Spring 2017

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

evenings, 7 p.m. Bus Service to Kenmare and Minot is available. Burlington Friendly Seniors 838-3561 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Potluck Supper Social Meetings: Coffee, Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cards: Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, odd months, First District Health Nurse Pancake Breakfast: Last Saturday, monthlyJanuary to October, 8 a.m. to noon Butte Senior Center 626-7243 Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 2 p.m., monthly, followed by cards & games Social Meetings: Every Tuesday, cards, bingo, games and programs are planned Carpio Senior Citizens 468-5908 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 4 p.m. meeting followed by

potluck lunch, 6 p.m. Social Meeting: following business meeting with playing cards Senior Meals: Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 4685908 or 240-1150 for reservations, leave message. Foot Clinic: 2nd Wednesday morning, even months, First District Health Unit Pool: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Whist: Thursdays, 1 p.m. Crosby Senior Center 965-6964 Business Meeting: 1st Friday, monthly, 1:30 p.m., followed by cards and bingo Social Activities: Potluck meal and cards, 4th Friday, Noon Center is open every Friday for cards, games, and speakers Senior Meals: available through the local hospital program Deering Senior Citizens 728-6662 Business Meeting: 2nd Thursday, monthly at City Community Center

Meetings: Social Birthday Potluck, 3rd Monday, monthly (Winter - noon and Summer - 6 p.m.) Senior Meals: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in Country Store & Cafe Foot Clinic: 2nd Thursday, monthly Bus Trips to many events Douglas Nifty Fiftys 529-4431 Business Meeting: 4th Tuesday, monthly with potluck Foot Clinic: 4th Monday, even months, First District Health Nurse Social Events: Bingo and lots of visiting City meets regularly at the Center. Quilting Mission: Jan. through May, anyone is invited to help! Esmond Golden Age Club 249-3230 Business & Social Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 2 p.m. Activities: Potluck Meals, Bingo, and Readings Fessenden Senior Citizens 547-3403 Business Meeting: 3rd Tuesday, monthly, with speakers, programs and games Social Activities: Holiday meals and potlucks Senior Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays, catered by Wells & Sheridan Aging Council, (Home Delivered Meals available) Birthdays: 1st Monday, monthly

Senior Scene

Spring 2017 Flaxton Senior Citizens 596-3850 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly Foot Clinic: 4th Wednesday, odd months, First District Health Nurse Pincochle: Every Wednesday Annual Flu Shot Clinic: October Glenburn Senior Citizens 362-7555 glenburnseniors @gmail.com Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. supper & 6:30 p.m. meeting Social Meetings: Monday, Wednesday, Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays - Call TJ’s Diner, 784-5920, for reservations Foot Clinics: 2nd Monday, odd months, First District Health Nurse Pancake Brunch: 4th Tuesday, monthly, 11:30 a.m. Potluck & Fun Day: 4th Sunday, monthly, noon Pancake Breakfast/Fundraiser: 1st Sunday, monthly, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., freewill donation Granville Senior Citizens 728-6888 Business Meeting: 2nd Monday, monthly Social Meetings: 4th Monday, monthly

lub alendar

Bingo Afternoon Activities: Daily cards, puzzles and coffee Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, 11:30 a.m., at Memorial Diner Foot Clinic: 3rd Monday, even months, First District Health Nurse Birthdays: 3rd Tuesday, odd months, potluck meal at 4:30 p.m. Souris Basin Transit Service to Minot: Thursdays

Grenora Senior Center 694-2472 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 1 p.m. Social Activities: Annual Burger Fry and Membership Drive, October Cards: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, noon Foot Clinic: odd months, morning, Divide County Health Nurse Kenmare Senior Citizens Center 385-4551 Business Meeting: Quarterly, Jan., April,

July & Oct Social Meetings: Monday through Saturday, 1:30 p.m.- Games & 3 p.m.- Lunch Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m. Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, First District Health Nurse Exercise: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Birthday Potluck: November through April, Saturday, noon; May through October, Friday, 6 p.m., Games & Social follows Board members meet as needed. Lansford Hi Neighbors 362-7483 Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday, monthly, 5 p.m. dinner, Lansford Mall Social Meetings: Activities, Tours, Events as planned Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, TJ’s Diner in Lansford Mall Foot Clinic: 4th Thursday, odd months, Lansford Mall, First District Health Nurse Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Thursdays, to Minot Educational activi-

ties, tours, and videos throughout the year. Lignite Senior Citizens Club 933-2855 Business Meeting: 1st Friday, monthly Social Meetings: Card playing, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, Noon Foot Clinic: 2nd Monday, monthly, Christ Lutheran Church Makoti Senior Citizens 726-5757 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Social Meetings: Potluck Supper, 6 p.m., prior to business meeting Frozen Senior Meals: Order the 1st week of the month, 726-5757 Max Senior Citizens 679-2265 Business Meeting: 4th Friday, monthly Social Meetings: Potluck Meals, 4th Fridays, Jan. to March, noon; April to Sept., 6 p.m.; and Oct. to Dec., noon

Page 13 Newburg Senior Citizens 272-6204 Business Meeting: As needed Social Meetings: As scheduled Senior Meal: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Coffee Cup Cafe, Newburg Mall Foot Clinic: 1st Wednesday, odd months, Community Center, First District Health Nurse Parshall Golden Jet Set 862-3444 Business Meeting: Wednesdays, 11:45 a.m. Social Meetings: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Senior Meal: Wednesdays, noon, home-cooked meal Foot Clinic: 4th Wednesday, even months Activities: Tuesdays, 3 p.m., cards, visiting, puzzles Center is available for rent. Call: Judy, 8623852; Karen, 862-3642; Pat, 862-3642 Plaza Senior Center 497-3320 Business Meeting: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 3 p.m., followed by cards and potluck meal

Senior Meals: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, at 11:30 a.m., in Plaza Cafe; Monday and Wednesday, Breakfast, in Plaza Cafe Foot Clinic: Every other month, Mountrail County Health Nurse Yoga/Exercise: Three times each week Computer: available for members Powers Lake Senior Citizens 464-5630 Center is open, Mon. through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Business Meeting: 3rd Saturday, monthly, 5:30 p.m., followed by potluck supper Social Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 1:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, noon; reservations required. Catered by “The Food Barn” Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, First District Health Nurse Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Thursdays, to Minot Activities: Cards, puzzles, snooker and coffee with treats, anytime! Local papers available, books and TV

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Senior Scene

Spring 2017

lub alendar

C Ray Senior Center 568-3946 Business Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 12:30 p.m. Senior Meals: 2nd Tuesday, weekly, noon Special events and activities: as planned Rolla Senior Citizens 477-6421 Business Meeting: 2nd Friday, monthly, 12:45 p.m., followed by Bingo and entertainment Senior Meals: Daily, noon; home delivered and frozen meals available Foot Clinic: 3rd Thursday, monthly Exercise: Bone Builders program for seniors Transportation Van: available for rides to medical appointments, shopping and business appointments Rugby Senior Citizens 776-2240 Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Business Meeting: 2nd Monday, monthly, 1:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m., Reservations required by 1:30 p.m. day prior. Bingo: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Daily, in Rugby and Thursdays, to Minot Ryder Happy Hours Club 758-2404 Business Meeting: 1st Monday, monthly Breakfast: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 7:30-10 a.m. Foot Clinic: 1st Wednesday, odd months Surrey Senior Citizens Activity Center 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 night starting at 7 p.m. Snacks are provided. Game night is open to the public. Yoga class is held every Monday night beginning at 6 p.m.. Class is open to the public. Bingo is played every Thursday starting 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 n the last Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m.. Entertainment follows. Tioga Senior Citizens 664-3425 Business Meeting: 2nd Monday, monthly, 12:30 p.m.; Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m.

Senior Scene

Spring 2017 Social Activity: Bingo, following monthly meetings Cards: Tuesday and Fridays, 1:00 p.m. Towner Senior Citizens VIP Club 537-5155 Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Senior Meals: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, noon; Saturday, Brunch at Ranch House Restaurant Foot Clinic: 2nd Tuesday, even months, First District Health Unit Coffee Ladies: Monday Morning Rolls & Coffee: 3rd Wednesday, 10 a.m. Monthly Potluck & Birthdays: Last Wednesday Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Thursdays to Minot Upham 55+ Club 768-2581 Business Meeting: 1st Monday, alternate months Social Meetings: Cards - Wednesday and Saturday, 1 p.m.; both followed by coffee and snacks, 3 p.m. Foot Clinic: 1st Thursday, odd months; First District Health Nurse Velva Star City Senior Citizens 338-2628 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, 12

lub alendar

C noon, followed by birthday party, 2 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:30 a.m., catered by Souris Val-

ley Care Center. Volunteers serve meals and package meals for home delivery. Exercise room available for members

only. Facility is available for rental.

a living trust help me qualify for Q. Will Medicaid? Brad Stai

Trust Officer

the trust is revocable, the answer is no; if it is irrevocable, A. theIfanswer is maybe. Some people believe that if they transfer assets to a revocable living trust, it will help them qualify for Medicaid because the assets would no longer be titled in their individual names. However, since the trust is revocable, they still have full control and access to the trust assets at all times. Even though the assets have been gifted to a third-party trustee, the gift is technically not completed. Therefore, assets in a revocable living trust will be considered "countable" when either spouse applies for Medicaid. On the other hand, assets placed in an irrevocable living trust may constitute a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, provided certain terms and conditions are met. These types of trusts can be complex and require special drafting. It is recommended that persons contemplating an irrevocable trust for Medicaid planning purposes consult with an attorney specializing in elder law for appropriate advice.

Minotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only Local Trust Department

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

Page 15 Westhope Senior Citizens 245-6401 Business Meeting: 3rd Monday Center is open Monday through Friday, 25 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m. at Westhope Public School Cafeteria. Home delivered meals are available. Foot Clinic: 2nd Monday, monthly at Senior Center

Wildrose Senior Citizens 539-2169 Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m. Social Meetings: Birthdays, 3rd Tuesday, 1 p.m. Senior Meals: Every Tuesday, Noon Transportation: Wildrose Public Transportation, weekly trips to Crosby, Tioga, Williston and Minot, Call for reservations. Van is also available for special events.