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Spring 2009 - Print edition
Download the print edition of the Minnesota Senior News for Spring 2009. |
MnSF State Board Chair
For far too long, our membership committee has been inactive. But at long last, we’re going to put it back on track and start rolling along again. You can participate by phone, so there’s no need to travel to St. Paul. |
Letter to the Editor
Medicare Part D - How many seniors are aware that the donut hole starts when $2,510 at present retail pricing is spent between the insurance and the consumer? |
Market-based property tax system creates instability - isn’t it time for a solution?
If we are to allow the current property tax system to continue, a homeowner crisis, similar to the current mortgage crisis, will surely occur. |
Tax day is just around the corner: What you should know
It makes no sense to pay more in taxes than required. Here are some general tax ideas that may help.
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Deadlines that affect your property tax
Generally, in order for a homeowner to get their property taxes reduced, they must be successful in either getting their home’s valuation reduced and/or the tax jurisdiction tax rate reduced. There are separate time periods and deadlines that apply to each of these items. |
Take the MnSF property tax survey and help with tax reform
The MnSF tax committee asks for your help in collecting data we need to promote this legislation. |
Classes help enrollees navigate Medicare maze
Approaching your 65th birthday or over age 65 and getting ready to retire? If so, chances are that you are overwhelmed by Medicare Parts A, B and D as well as the many Medicare Supplement and health plan options available to you. |
Open enrollment in Advantage plans is now to March 31
Now, through March 31, 2009, anyone enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan may switch to a different Advantage plan or back to original Medicare Parts A & B (with or without a Medicare supplement). |
Understanding how Advantage plans work will help you decide which plan is best for you
Since the beginning of the year, open enrollment into and out of Medicare Advantage plans has been in full swing. The key to making a good choice is to understand how Advantage plans operate. |
Senior Partners Care expands asset and income eligibility limits
The program that helps moderate-income Medicare enrollees bridge the “Medicare gap,” announced an increase in maximum income and asset eligibility levels as of March 1. |
Federation offers talks on caring for caregivers
Our caregiving presentations give strategies to help. If you can’t get to a presentation, call for a copy of Caregiving Choices. |
My mother’s pack rat life left too many 'treasures'
In addition to OCD, there’s ADD, dementia, perfectionism, depression, eating disorders and traumatic brain injuries that may lead to hoarding. |
Volunteer Open House is April 22
Highlights will include updates on issues, work and programs of MnSF. |
Paint-A-Thon gives qualifying homeowners a free paint job
This year, volunteers from corporations, congregations, civic groups and schools will paint more than 130 homes the weekend of Aug. 1-2. Deadline to apply is May 8. |
Twenty years of service to the Federation
As my 21st year commences, I reflect on challenges facing us today. |
Federation accepts foundation challenge
The Katherine B. Andersen Fund will match dollar-for-dollar any new unrestricted gift...up to a maximum of $20,000 during 2009. If each of us signs up just one member, sponsors one member, or encourages just one person to make a new donation, we will meet this challenge |
Little Brothers matching seniors and volunteers
LBFE volunteers help meet the social, practical and emotional needs of seniors in many ways. Visiting volunteers are matched one-to-one with seniors, regularly visiting them in their homes and providing friendly companionship. |
55+ driver improvement program
Persons who complete the course qualify for a ten percent discount on auto insurance premiums for three years. The course is open to the public; however, pre-registration is requested. |
Federal stimulus plan has several incentives for Minnesotans
The money would go for infrastructure, health care and help for cash-starved state governments, among scores of programs. Some seniors will get a $250 bonus Social Security check. |
Senior Federation invites human resource administrators to breakfast
Attendees will learn more about the Federation’s ongoing workplace Retirement Planning Seminars (RPS), which have been provided on-site for more than 20 years to employees at companies. |
Notes on Social Security
Questions and Answers |
Social Security trumps a divorce
If you have never asked Social Security about receiving benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work, you should consider it, because some divorced people may get a higher benefit based on an ex’s work. |
Coming to your local theater of the budget: 'The Chainsaw Massacre'
In the not too distant past, state and local public officials attempted budget cuts with the precision of a surgeon. This year, there is no pretense of precision. It’s gas up the chainsaw and let them rip. |
Will your TV still work after June 12?
The Minnesota Senior Federation is working with a number of organizations to get the word out to seniors about the digital TV transition and what they can do so that their TV doesn’t go blank when the conversion takes place. |
Digital TV resources
Telephone and online resources concerning the Digital TV transition |
A Life Well Lived - Lucille Robinson
Lucy will be missed by everyone whose lives she touched in her gentle, caring way. |
What Senior News Readers are Reading
“People of the Book,” by Geraldine Brooks |
Donors for November-December, 2008 and January 2009
Donations, Memorials and Tributes |
Northwest Senior Federation
Myra Nesland, MnSF-Northwest financial secretary, states that it seems so different since she joined the Northwest Senior Federation in 1987, 21 years ago. |
South Metro to host Medicare programs speaker
On May 1, our retirement planning and outreach coordinator will give a presentation titled “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Medicare and Medicare Supplements. |
Kidder receives volunteer award
“D. has a dedication and passion for making things better if not perfect. She cares deeply about how organizations and ideas are presented to the public and devotes her training as a journalist to this endeavor with all her might.” |
Holiday Raffle Winners
Holiday raffle drawing was held Wednesday, January 7, 2009. |
Baby booomers add to the growing popularity of motorcoach travel
The motorcoaches have become more luxurious and spacious, offering a wide variety of amenities such as flat screen TVs, satellite, Internet and very comfortable seating in climate-controlled comfort. |
Press and Publications 