Three Pastors in the south were having lunch in a diner. One said "Ya know, since summer started I've been having trouble with bats in my loft and attic at church. I've tried everything--noise, spray, cats--nothing seems to scare them away. Another said "Yea, me too. I've got hundreds living in my belfry and in the narthex attic. I've even had the place fumigated, and they won't go away." The third said, "I baptized all mine, and made them members of the church... Haven't seen one back since!!!"

God our Father,you are very pleasedwhen you see people living fully,developing their talents,living a balanced life,and being of service to others.We ask you to inspire usto live as you would have us liveand walk in your presence.Amen.

A Bit of Humor Morning Prayer

Fraud.org, a consumer protection group, reported recently that confusion over the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has created an opportunity for scammers and other criminals to take advantage of the public, particularly seniors. Obamacare scams are many and varied. Consumers have been contacted by mail, phone, fax, email and even in person as part of these scams. In a common version, con artists claim they are federal employees. They tell consumers they must purchase insurance cards to be eligible for ACA or Obamacare coverage. Criminals intimidate consumers into giving their bank account and Social Security numbers by saying that it is the law or the government now requires it. They then use this information to steal the identity of consumers. Protect yourself from Affordable Care Act scams by using the following information:

•Official registration begins October 1, 2013 and lasts through March 31, 2014. Anyone trying to register you before or after those dates is attempting a scam.

•Be informed how the ACA affects you. Go to www.HealthCare.gov or call the ministry office to learn about changes affecting you.

•Anyone asking you to wire transfer funds, send a prepaid debit card, or release social security, bank or credit card numbers is operating a scam. Actual “navigators” are paid by the federal government. You should never have to pay a fee for guidance in selecting insurance.

• If you receive an unsolicited communication of any type stating you must purchase or update Medicare or Social Security cards, this is a scam. Report such incidents to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.

•Some websites are made to look like official insurance exchange websites, even displaying the actual seal. These “phishing” sites exist to load malware onto your system or to collect your personal information. Make certain you are on an official website.

If you believe you have inadvertently divulged personal information to an ACA scammer, contact the Fraud Prevention Hotline at 314-612-1412 for assistance to preserve your identity.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

Obamacare Uncertainty Generates Scams

It’s  Open  Enrollment  Season  Again

Medicare open enrollment is here! Between October 15th and December 7th, you have the opportunity to change your Medicare Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. Comparing plans won’t cost you anything, and it could save you quite a bit.

Also, if your income is below $21,660/year for a single person or $29,140 for a couple, you may qualify for the MoRx program. This is a free, state funded program that will pay 50% of your drug co-payments and 50% of your yearly drug deductible. Enrollment is quick and easy.

If you would like to compare plans or check to see if you qualify for help with your Medicare drug costs, just call our office at (314) 664-9700.

A Visit with Abigail AdamsBack by popular demand, Eileen Hacker will inform and entertain us, as she brings Abigail Adams to SAJE. You might remember her past lunch and learns on Bess Truman and Mimi Eisenhower. Mark your calendar; you won’t want to miss this one.When: November 14 from 10:45 am – 1:00 pm.Where: Advent Episcopal 9373 Garber Rd. Crestwood, MO 63126

Holiday Party with the Eighth Notes Come join us, as we start the holiday season with music from the Eighth Notes. What better way to get in the holiday spirit than to lunch and listen with this women’s choral group.When: December 12 from 10:45 am to 1:00 pm.Where: Advent EpiscopalFree will offerings will be accepted.

EVENTS

Need a Little Direction?

Deb Goldfeder, the Crestwood parish nurse, works within a holistic context, incorporating physical, social and spiritual needs. She is available for consultation about blood pressure, weight, diet, home safety and other concerns. Deb can also attend doctor’s appointments, act as an advocate for patients, make referrals for services, and help with medication plans. Her care aims to keep people in a safe and supportive environment. She can be reached through her office at 314-843-0123, her cell at 314-484-9940 or through email at deb@crestwoodparishnurse.org.

Ongoing Events

Zumba GoldLow cost workouts that combine music and Latin inspired dance moves. Held in the St. Elizabeth gym on Tuesday and Friday at 11:30 am. Cost is $3.00 per class.

Exercise ClassesFree classes are held every Monday at St. Elizabeth from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, and every Thursday at Advent Episcopal from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

Lunch and LearnsThese monthly events combine a tasty lunch with information every older adult should know. Held every second Thursday of the month at Advent Episcopal at 10:45 am.

Table Cards and GamesHeld at Advent Episcopal every Thursday at 10:30 am.

http://www.facebook.com/seniorministrynetwork

On  Tuesday,  December  10,  Senior  Ministry  will  take  a  drive  out  to  Our  Lady  of  the  Snows  in  Belleville  for  its  Way  of  Lights  display.  We’ll  enjoy  a  buffet  dinner  in  Our  Lady  of  the  Snow’s  banquet  room,  stroll  through  the  giC  shop  and  Visitor’s  Center  to  look  at  Christmas  displays,  and  finish  with  a  drive  through  the  Way  of  Lights.    

The  cost  of  the  trip  will  be  $32  per  person.  The  bus  will  pick  up  at  St.  Mark  (8300  Morganford  Road,  63123)  at  2:30  pm  and  at  St.  Elizabeth  of  Hungary  (  1414  S.  Sappington  Road,  63126)  at  3:00  pm  (upper  lot).    Please  call  314-­‐664-­‐9700  to  RSVP  by  December  5th.

When temperatures drop, it is risky for everyone, but for the elderly, it can be fatal. Seniors are particularly susceptible to complications from winter weather, falls, influenza and hypothermia.

The Merrimack Police Department would like to provide the following tips and advice for the seniors in our community as to how they can protect themselves against the dangers of winter.

• When going outside, make sure you wear a warm coat, mittens and a hat. Mittens are warmer than gloves as your fingers touching will help to generate some heat. A hat is also very important as 30 percent to 50 percent of heat loss occurs through the head.

• Make sure that sidewalks and driveways are clear and sanded or salted to minimize the risk of slips and falls.

• Keep your house or apartment temperatures set at 70 degrees or warmer.

• Make sure you have plenty of blankets to keep warm while you sleep.

KEEP  WARM!

Read every letter from Social Security!!!!

If you get a letter in the mail from Social Security that you have just set up an online account with them, and you have not done this, go to the Social Security office immediately. Your account has most likely been compromised. Every day, people are falling prey to this scam. Crooks are getting online and changing retirees addresses and phone numbers and asking that the monthly Social Security payment no longer be direct deposited but put on a debit card. They then use these debit cards to steal your money. There are seniors who have not received their social security for several months while their case is being investigated and corrected by Social Security. These thieves are targeting the older adults that they feel are not opening their mail and who may not understand this notification letter from Social Security. If you ever have any questions about letters that you receive about your benefits, please feel free to call the ministry office, and we can help you. What used to be an isolated occurrence of this scam, according to Social Security, has been increasing rapidly so please spread to the word.

Our  Lady  of  the  Snows,  Way  of  Lights  Trip