By Linda Zelig

MnSF Development Manager

There it was in the mail again - AARP letting me know that I haven't yet registered for the benefits of membership, "EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE FULLY ELIGIBLE." OK, the caps are mine. Yes, I'm that old, yikes! I have friends who've succumbed to the allure of AARP. Of course they're much older than I am...I think. Fred told me he had signed up, got his membership card. "Why," I asked, "how old are you?" Membership benefits was his reply - he forgot to tell me his age. Hmmh - benefits - maybe I need to pay more attention. So with a fresh reminder notice in my hands, I turned it over. Wow, 22 benefits! Yes, but do they measure up to membership benefits of the Minnesota Senior Federation? Let's take a look:

Important information you won't find elsewhere - MnSF offers publications specific to Minnesota and they, too, are free with membership: Minnesota Health Care Choices, Minnesota Senior News, the 2006 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Preview and Carpe Diem.

Travel the world - you can travel far and wide, probably get lost, too, on MnSF travel program discounts.

Standing up for your rights - yes, but can you sit down with your elected officials as part of a citizen's lobbyist network, give testimony and lead delegations in committee meetings at the state legislature? You can with MnSF.

Access financial resources - MnSF offers financial planning at special member rates, retirement planning, advocacy assistance on pension rights, and legal referral. Note to self: retirement planning would be a good idea.

Health-related benefits - hello, may I have three more pages? MnSF explained Medicare Part D better than most, including Medicare, or better yet, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We also offer Senior Partners Care, Health Plan Information Counseling Center, Prescription Drug Savings Program and the newest Best Buy Drugs Program that guides patients and doctors into prescription drug choices based on drug effectiveness, safety and cost. Watch for more information about this project.

Valuable programs in your community - in the last year MnSF hosted hundreds of presentations on Medicare Part D, affordable housing and financial planning. Who cares about you, baby?

Save on many products and services-MnSF has entered into arrangement with AAA to offer exclusive discounts on AAA Membership and AAA auto, homeowners and renters insurance. And don't overlook the Internet access program, which continues to be a frugal benefit to online computer users.

You know what this means - I have to go back to Fred and tell him to start saving his money and join the Minnesota Senior Federation. Hey, Fred!

Grant doubles your gift

Thanks to a generous challenge grant donor and with your help, the Minnesota Senior Federation can transform $20,000 into $40,000

Your donations designated for our "Top Ten Wish List" will be matched dollar for dollar - but only through Sept. 9 - so don't wait.

Top Ten Wish List

Items needed by MnSF

1. $15,000 - computer network server
2. $5,000 - State Fair exhibit
3. $4,000 - replenish MnSF brochures
4. $2,908 - four updated Dell computers
5. $2,500 - reception area furnishings
6. $2,000 - boardroom table
7. $1,200 - color printer
8. $500 - professional archival display of MnSF history
9. *$450 software for organizing volunteers and projects
10. 30 hours/month - webmaster

*item covered

Make your donation online at https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/161/donate.asp?formid=CONTRIB - be sure to designate your gift for the Wish List.