Buffalo Ridge to focus on home, community care

Plans are underway for MnSF-Buffalo Ridge issue work for 2007. We've put together a strategy chart using priorities set by the 2006 MnSF Convention. Property taxes will be our main focus, but home- and community-based care will also be a very important priority over the next year. Greater Minnesota has seen a drastic reduction in services that have forced some people into nursing homes, assisted living facilities or to another part of the state or even another state to get services they need. People have also been forced to move because of transportation issues. Members will be working on ways to inform the public and our legislators on this and other issues.

Southwest Region tried a membership drive experiment using a flyer inserted into two of their local newspapers. They have had some success, but are hoping to encourage more people to join during December and take advantage of a 10 percent discount. We welcome our newest members to Southwest Region: Emma Delanghe, Duane Hill, Willie and Bernadine Kunze, and Irene Westphal.

Thank you, too, to members who have donated to their region through the last appeal drive. Remember, all money donated stays in your region.

A very special thank you to the following members for their continuing support:

$101 or more: Jerome & Carol Loomis

$76-$100: Bernice Humann

$50-$75: Wabasso Senior Citizens

All others: Rodger and Dora Anderson, Clifford and Lois Andreen, Alice Binger, Lillian Ehlers, Paul and Mary Etzell, Stephen and Arden Granger, Lavanda Greve, Arline Grob, Ruth Nordmeyer, Bernard and Charlotte Rens, and David and Carol Slattery,

Sue Johnson, director

Senior advocate Don Frank will be sorely missed

Happy New Year to all from North Star Region! The holidays are over and time for a new year. With the new year comes a new season of Medicare Part D. Sign-up and any changes need to be accomplished before the end of December. Call the office if you have questions.

On a sad note, Don Frank, a staunch supporter of the Minnesota Senior Federation, died Dec. 1. He loved participating in the teleconference calls with the health action committee on a state level. When it became cost-prohibitive to fly because of the need for full-time oxygen, Don paved the way amongst the airlines for boarding with personal oxygen equipment. Don was a vice-president for the executive board of North Star Region. When his health declined, he resigned from that position. However, he kept on as area representative for Kooch County and International Falls areas. Don's voice will be greatly missed by those of us who have worked with you for so many years.

Apologies to Darlene Majkich for errors that appeared in her ad in our Northern Lights ad supplement in December. Darlene's correct phone number is 218/969-5065 and correct e-mail address is . Make sure you correct this information on the back page of last month's first section.

Our January meeting will be held at Hibbing Community Center on Jan. 12. Thank you to Julie Ann Pope and Hibbing Community Seniors for stepping forward when we were in need of a location. The general delegate assembly will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Attendance at monthly meetings has been steadily declining. In fact, we did not make a quorum at our November meeting in Babbitt. North Star Region needs your support by your attendance, your thoughts and your suggestions. We will be discussing proper etiquette for writing and proposing resolutions at the meeting in January.

The regional convention will be upon us before we know it and the resolutions form will go out with the meeting announcement this month. Join us for the discussion. Meetings last only a couple of hours and there is always coffee afterwards. 

Muriel Pehle, office manager

Heartland Region note

The monthly meeting of the Heartland Region Board and area reps will not take place in January. The next meeting is Feb. 12 at Lakes Area Senior Activity Center, Brainerd at 10 a.m.