JAN. ISSUE 2019

740 7th Ave. West • Durand, WI 54736

Durand Meal Site Activities:

Jan. 2: Birthday Party; Julie Fick/Elder Benefit Specialist visits Jan. 17: Speaker Ben Luer from Center for Independent Living - See Page 3 Jan. 23: *NEW* Adult Coloring; all supplies included

Pepin Meal Site Activities:

Jan. 2: Birthday Party and Fruit Bingo Jan. 7: Julie Fick/Elder Benefit Specialist visits Jan. 9: Nail Clinic at 9:00am; call 715-442-2289 to RSVP Jan. 21: Julie Fick / Elder Benefit Specialist visits

Volunteers Wanted! Please see Page 2 for more information.

Realistic Resolutions By Arnie Humphrey

We’re through the Holiday Season,

As we begin a brand new year.

Having made new resolutions,

We’re expecting achievements to appear.

After all, that’s the idea,

When we ponder future goals.

But stick to these resolutions,

As the new year rolls.

A resolution’s really wasted,

When it’s made, and then forgot.

Then the progress we had hoped for,

Was really all for naught.

But if we were realistic,

In resolutions we have made,

What we want, and what we get,

Should be a pretty even trade.

Jan. 1—New Year’s Day Jan 4—National Trivia Day

Jan. 5—National Bird Day Jan. 11—National Milk Day

Jan. 19—National Popcorn Day

Jan. 21—National Hug Day

Jan. 24—National Peanut Butter Day

Jan. 26—National Spouses Day

Page 2 PEPIN COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES

JOIN US! IN ALMA: IN MONDOVI: THE GATHERING CAFÉ THE MORNING CREW CAFÉ Second Thursday of the Month Third Monday of the Month on January 10th on January 21st 10:00 am—11:30 am 10:00 am—11:30 am Alma Lion’s Club Central Lutheran Church 110 N Main St., Alma 221 W Main St., Mondovi Susan Henry - ADRC Susan Henry - ADRC “What is the Aging and Disability Resource Center”

PEPIN: FOOD FOR THOUGHT CAFÉ Sponsored By:

Second Tuesday of the Month on January 8th 10:00 am—11:30 am Immanuel Lutheran Church 205 Pine St., Pepin Cammi Catt-DeWyre, Pepin County Aging Program Manager “Programs and Resources for Caregivers”

Enjoy speakers on topics of health and wellness, interesting activities, and light, positive conversation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: CHELSEY AT 608-685-4412

Tom Serene 1/02

Veronica Caturia 1/04

Lucyann Sabelko 1/04

Ruth Hayden 1/04

Juanita Bitter 1/05

Georgia Bauer 1/05

Linda Knapp 1/05

Verta Smith 1/06

Paul M. Bauer 1/06

Elizabeth Lauer 1/07

Joyce Haigh 1/07

Ed Fernholz 1/09

Marlys Serene 1/09

Norbert Weinzirl 1/09

Gail Barringer 1/12

Bethel Ebersold 1/12

Alice Brantner 1/12

Lorraine Zeilinger 1/12

Paul Gustafson 1/12

Maxine Johnson 1/13

Tammy Cornell 1/14

Deanna Johnson 1/15

Edward Robelia 1/15

Nancy Anderson 1/16

Renee Schuh 1/16

Diana Brantner 1/17

Wayne Boettcher 1/17

Alice Girard 1/20

Larry Glines 1/20

Evelyn A. Pichler 1/20

Wilhelmina Traun 1/21

Lois Ward 1/23

Lewis R. (Lud) Bauer 1/23

Barbara Merker 1/24

Joann Hubbard 1/27

Leona Weinzirl 1/28

Dave Drier 1/30

Donna Foster 1/30

Beatrice Schuh 1/30

James Gifford 1/31

Alice Olson 1/31

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO LEND A HAND!

Pepin County is looking for 1-3 volunteers to help out at the Pepin Meal Site on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:45am-12:45pm. Duties would include; setting the tables, greeting participants, serving lunch, cleaning up afterwards, and organ-izing activities. Please call Cammi/Aging Program Manager for more infor-mation at 715-672-8941 Ext. 115.

Military Operation Shoebox

Join Skull Cap making on the second Tuesday of each month, from 11:30am to 2:30pm. The group has shipped out 15,450 skull caps through the month of December. Nice job ladies!

Please donate any yarn you may have to SKULL CAPS FOR THE TROOPS! Call Joyce at 715-495-0268 or drop off at the Riverview Senior Center.

Join us on Thursday, January 17th at 9:30am for a presentation on:

Assistive Technology by Center for Independent Living for Western Wisconsin

HURLBURT’S HAVEN

1227 E Prospect St., Durand, WI

The 3rd

Thursday of the month from

9:30am-11am

Funding may be available for Respite Services,

please call Cammi for more information:

715/672-8941 ext #115

The Center for Independent Living for Western Wisconsin (CILWW) will be do-ing a short presentation about assistive technology at the Durand Meal Site on

Thursday, January 17th at 11:30am.

Speaker Ben Luer will demonstrate some of the devices used to increase inde-pendence, such as phones for hearing loss, assistive technology for helping with vision loss, eating and kitchen items, dressing and grooming aids and much more. Learn how devices may increase your independ-ence, and what resources are available to

help you purchase devices.

CILWW assists individu-als of all ages and disa-bilities, in maintaining and increasing their independ-

ence.

Greetings Friends and Neighbors, It’s 2019! Wow! Time does fly. May the new year bring you joy, and good health! Pepin County Council of Senior Citizens wishes to thank those of you that renewed your mem-bership. Memberships run from January 1 to December 31 of each year. Stop in and visit the office volunteers, and pay for the new year. The cost is $5.00, which gives you a voice in the council, and supports the Center. Membership also gives you a discount on an event you wish to rent the fa-cility for. Tuesday mornings, please come to the center for free coffee and goodies, and find out the newest things. After coffee, Farkle is played. Farkle is also played on Friday mornings. There will not be any activities on Thursdays during January and February. Please plan on coming back on Thursdays in March. We wish to congratulate Judy Norrish on her retirement, and welcome Julie Fick. Their office benefits each of us seniors. Need a nice place to hold a party or a business meeting? The Center is available for rent. We are handicap accessible and have a full kitchen available for your use. Also, off-street parking is available. Call to sched-ule your event at 715-672-4101. Thank you ~ Linda Knapp

Riverview Quilters of Durand meet every Monday from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Riverview Com-munity Center, 606 W Madison St., Durand.

Generally, everyone works on their own projects. Occasionally, they all work together on a group project for anyone who is interested.

This meeting is open to everyone at any level of expertise. Some bring crocheting or knitting and other crafts they are working on. There is no instructor, per se, but everyone is willing to share their knowledge if there are any questions. Our get-together is meant to encourage members of the community to share not only hobbies, but comradery. Please feel free to drop in with any questions you may have.

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WINTER WEATHER

The Pepin County Senior Nutrition Program is dedicated to making sure that home-delivered meal participants re-ceive their meal, even during winter weather. To ensure that our drivers are safe while out delivering meals, it is important that your driveway and sidewalk are cleared from snow and ice. If they are not, you are at risk of not receiving your home-delivered meal. Please help us keep our drivers safe as they brave the elements!

Also, please remember that meals may tend to arrive a little late in winter months because of uncertain road con-ditions. Your patience is greatly appreciated. If your meal is more than 45 minutes past its normal delivery time, please call the meal site at (715) 672-8936 or (715)442-2289.

Durand Meal Site: The Nutrition Program closes for snow days. If the Durand School District is closed for inclement weather, then NO meals will be served that day in Durand. This includes congregate and home-delivered meals.

Pepin Meal Site: The Nutrition Program closes for snow days. If the Pepin or Mondovi School District is closed due to inclement weather, then NO meals will be served that day in Pepin. This includes congregate and home-delivered meals.

Please stay tuned to local radio or TV stations for more information regarding closings.

Ring in the New Year with Good Health!

The New Year is here! Have you made your New Year’s Resolution? Have you followed your New Year’s Resolution? If you are like the majority of Americans, your resolutions have come and gone already. January and February are still an excellent time to evaluate your health and make improvements for the upcoming year.

Weight loss is often a common concern that many people address after the busy holiday season. Generally, January is a month when we are bombarded by diet and exercise advertisements. Many of us are looking for a quick fix to our health problems and may be tempted to try one of the many fad diets that are available. In gen-eral, crash diets result in a very rapid weight loss which often is not sustainable for a long period of time. These diets focus on fast weight loss perhaps at the risk of losing muscle mass loss and poor diet quality. The only safe, effective way to lose and maintain weight is to reduce your intake of calories or increase exercise.

Instead of choosing a crash diet, consider the following ideas to change your lifestyle, and not only lose weight but also create good health. Incorporate the following ideas from the Tuft’s University and Health Letter into your dieting plan to help maintain or lose weight:

1-Eat meals and snacks at regular times during the day to help reduce the temptation to grab unhealthy foods. 2-Plan your meals and snacks for the week. Make healthy choices instead of being tempted to grab quick, high calorie, high sugar, or high fat snacks. 3-Include fiber rich and high protein foods in your plan to help keep you satisfied. 4-Savor your foods, eat slowly and choose wisely. It is fine to try your favorite foods. However, only try a small portion and enjoy. 5-Inventory your pantry and remove foods which may be tempting and difficult to avoid. If the temptations are removed, it may be easier to choose a healthy alternative. 6-Choose fresh fruits and vegetables as a fiber packed satisfying snack. 7-Feeling hungry – before grabbing a snack, try redirecting and choose an activity which may fill the initial void. Exercise, hobbies, cleaning, gardening or completing a project are all ideas to try to change your hunger. If you are still hungry after the activity, then choose your favorite snack. 8-Are you an emotional eater? Identify your triggers and list ideas to avoid eating when you’re stressed. 9-Include exercise in your daily plan. Mindful eating and exercise compliment each other to promote weight con-trol.

Try to choose a couple of the above ideas to help kick off your new year and new you! The Pepin County Aging Unit designs menus with the senior in mind. We offer a delicious, high protein, fiber rich, nutrient packed meal eve-ryday. Join us for dinner with great friends and help to improve your health!

Have a great day! Robin Scharlau, Registered Dietician

LET US PICK YOU UP! JOIN US FOR SENIOR DINING AT CORRAL BAR & RIVERSIDE GRILL

Are you 60 years or older? Do you like to eat well-balanced nutritious meals? If so, Pepin County will provide round-trip transportation from your front door! Cost is $.50/day. Call 715-672-8936!

Durand Community Library By: Patti Blount – Durand Library: Director

This month, I would like to feature two great football books at the Library: 50 Years, 50 Moments:

The Most Unforgettable Plays In Super Bowl History by: Jerry Rice, and Gunslinger: The Re

markable, Improbable and Iconic Life of Brett Favre by: Jeff Perlman.

50 Years, 50 Moments is a book about the celebration of the biggest game in professional sports. Jerry Rice counts down

the fifty greatest moments from the grand, fifty-year history of the Super Bowl. Through scores of first-person accounts

from the players and coaches themselves, readers get new and intimate perspectives on unforgettable plays. 50 Years, 50

Moments presents an intimate chronicle of the plays and players that won championships, forged dynasties, and changed

the history of the NFL itself.

Gunslinger tells Brett Favre’s story, drawing on more than five hundred interviews, including many from the people clos-

est to Favre. Jeff Pearlman charts an unparalleled journey from his rough rural childhood and lackluster high school foot-

ball career to landing the last scholarship at Southern Mississippi. Favre got drafted into the NFL by the Atlanta Falcons,

then finding his way to Green Bay, where he restored the Packers to greatness and inspired a fan base as passionate as any

in the game. Yet he struggled with demons, the loss of his father, and a painfully prolonged exit from the game he loved, a

game he couldn’t bear to leave. Gunslinger is a sports biography of the highest order.

These two books are available for a three-week checkout.

Durand Library Winter Schedule: Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm / Saturday: 9am-12pm / Sunday: CLOSED.

This schedule is effective for the months of December, January, & February.

GOLDEN AGE NEWS January 2019 Page 6

PEPIN DINING MENU January

2019 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

All Meals Served With Milk ~ Butter Served w/ Breads & Rolls

Salad Options: Chef - Turkey - Chicken Taco

2

Beef Pot Roast Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Carrots Bread Peaches

3

Glazed Pork Loin Baked Beans Broccoli Bread Tropical Fruit Cocktail

4

Breaded Fish Macaroni & Cheese Coleslaw Beets Cinnamon Applesauce

1

Closed

7

Beef Stew over Mashed Potatoes Broccoli Coleslaw Peaches w/ Cottage Cheese

8

WI Cheese Soup Egg Salad Sandwich Lettuce Leaf & Tomato Slices Sunshine Carrots Bread Fruited Pie

9

Ham Calico Bean Bake Sweet Potatoes Bread Fruit Cocktail

10

Chicken Parmesan Over Pasta Tossed Salad w/ Dressing Peas Pears

11

Herb Baked Fish Parsley Buttered Potatoes Creamed Corn Bread Strawberries & Ice Cream

14

Chili Squash Dinner Roll Mandarin Orange Salad

15

Meatloaf Mini Baker Potatoes Cascade Blend Veggies Bread Blueberry Crisp

16

Baked Chicken Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Broccoli w/ Cheese Bread Pineapple Tidbits

17

Beef Stroganoff Noodles Carrots Dinner Roll Pudding w/ Bananas

18

Breaded Fish Parmesan Rice Peas Coleslaw Bread Fruited Gelatin

21

Ham Loaf Sweet Potatoes Brussel Sprouts Dinner Roll Pineapple Slices

22

Country Fried Steak Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Carrots Bread Berry Shortcake

23

Turkey Stuffing Broccoli Squash Bread Fruited Pie

24

Potato Soup Crackers Ham Salad Sandwich Corn Spiced Apple Rings Pears

25

Baked Fish Baked Potato Baked Beans Bread Mandarin Oranges

28

Salisbury Steak Loaded Mashed Potatoes Peas Dinner Roll Strawberries/ Bananas

29

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Green Beans Bread Cherry Oat Crisp

30

Beef Pot Roast Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Carrots Bread Peaches

31

Glazed Pork Loin Baked Beans Broccoli Bread Tropical Fruit Cocktail

Pepin Senior Dining Site

715-442-2289

GOLDEN AGE NEWS Page 7

DURAND DINING MENU January

2019 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Durand Senior Dining Site 715-672-8936

2

Chili Creamy Coleslaw Veggies/Dip Cornbread Applesauce

3

Pork Roast Scalloped Potatoes Squash Dinner Roll Plums Dessert

4

Baked Chicken Baked Potato w/ Sour Cream Peas Wheat Bread Tropical Fruit

1

CLOSED

8

Chicken Parmesan w/ Pasta Garden Salad w/ Ranch Dressing French Style Green Beans Wheat Bread Peaches

9

Lasagna Broccoli Garden Salad w/ French Dressing Garlic Bread Fruit Cocktail

10

Beef Roast Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Whole Kernel Corn Wheat Bread Pineapple

11

Fish Sandwich w/ Whole Grain Bun Tartar Sauce Potato Salad Baked Beans Apple

There will be no Congregate or Home Delivered Meals served on Mondays.

15

Swiss Steak Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Glazed Carrots Wheat Bread Banana

16

BBQ on Bun Bean Soup Creamy Coleslaw Baby Carrots w/ Ranch Dressing Tropical Fruit

17

Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce Broccoli Garden Salad w/ French Dressing Garlic Bread Mandarin Oranges

18

Baked Ham Scalloped Potatoes Peas & Carrots Wheat Bread Pears

Please call ahead to order your senior lunch at the Durand Senior Dining Site

22

Pulled Pork Sandwich on Bun Red Potatoes Baked Beans Applesauce Dessert

23

Beef Stew Garden Salad w/ Ranch Dressing Broccoli Salad Biscuit Plums

24

Sirloin Tips over Noodles Harvard Beets Creamy Coleslaw Wheat Bread Pineapple

25

Broasted Cod w/ Tartar Sauce Baked Potato w/ Sour Cream Peas Wheat Bread Peaches

Salad Options:

Taco, Chef, Seafood, Chicken Fiesta

29

Polish Sausage w/ Bun Sauerkraut Au Gratin Potatoes California Blend Vegetables Mandarin Oranges

30

Creamed Chicken On Biscuit Peas and Carrots Creamy Coleslaw Strawberries

31

Swedish Meatballs Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Green Beans Wheat Bread Pears

PEPIN COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES Page 8

PEPIN COUNTY AGING WISHES TO THANK OUR RECENT DONORS:

Joyce Haigh Shirley Lawrence Betty Lauer Dell Weisenbeck Cheryl Hovland Sandra Larson

John & Judy Bauer Steve and Kathy Dahl

RIVERVIEW COMMUNITY and SENIOR CENTER SAYS

THANK YOU!

Donations: Kathy Trusty Judy King Joyce Grochowski Char Byington Colleen Anderson Rose Prissel

Linda Mason All our fantastic bakers

Our annual Christmas Bazaar was held on December 1st and was well attended this year with lots of shoppers and lots of good cheer. The Christmas spirit was in the air with a little snow to help with that. It all fit into the season.

We have so much to be grateful for at our Community Center. There were many who donated items for the sale and/or who volunteered setting up for the event. It would not have hap-pened without you and for this, we ex-tend our thank you to: Joyce Grochowski , Deleda Keyes, Bonnie

Bock, Judy King, Char Byington, Linda Drier, Linda Knapp, Brenda Cole, myself and my patient husband, Floyd.

On Saturday morning, shoppers started arriving early, but we were ready with Judy King baking caramel and cinnamon rolls in the kitchen, Car-ol Orne and Bonnie at the helm in the baked goods room, Joyce Haigh and Rita Doverspike in the kitchen serving hot chili, barbeques, bars and cook-ies, Linda DeLong assisting in the sales, Dee Keyes and Linda Drier putting finishing touches on the tables, Char Byington and Kathy Swanson manning the check out table and selling raffle tickets for the beautiful wreath donated by Evergreen Landscaping. Thank-fully, yours truly was the winner of the wreath and I do appreciate it. Bauer Built donated the three lovely wreaths for our doors and Peggy Schlosser set up and decorated our tree.

Our blessed bakers filled the tables with delectable goodies. Their gener-ous contributions enabled us to make over a dozen plates of goodies to be delivered to shut-ins in Durand and Pepin. We also delivered baskets of bread and jams to members unable to come to the event. It was a pleasure to recognize those who have given so much in the past, and who need hope for the future.

Some of the craft items which were not sold, were donated to the Bingo group that meets on Thursdays, to be used as prizes.

Looking forward to the Holidays coming up, and a new and ex-citing year for Riverview Center. Since the building is aging, we will be looking at improvements to the structure to make it safe and secure for future generations.

The Riverview Quilters have completed their generous donation

of a beautiful quilt for our Spring fundraiser. Tickets will go on

sale in January. We hope to be able to display the quilt in partic-

ipating businesses for your viewing, and purchasing of tickets.

Marge Briggs

AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER

RECOMMENDATION AND REQUEST

To continue to provide efficient and prompt services to as many consumers as possible, the staff of the Aging and Disability Re-source Center of Buffalo and Pepin Counties encourage you to call us at 1-866-578-2372 or 715-672-8945, to make an appointment before coming into the office to see us. This will prevent you from having to wait if we are unavailable, meeting with another con-sumer, or we are out of the office. It will help us to assist you in a more confidential, respectful and timely manner. Thank you.

Here’s a photo from our Pepin Meal Site outing to McDonald’s on November 16th! Don Hetrick is model-ing a cozy hat and mit-ten ensemble! Thanks for the memorable moment Don! We all had a good time.

TIPS FOR DIFFUSING FAMILY CONFLICT

Providing care for a loved one through a debilitating illness or at life’s end can create stress on individuals and families alike. Each family member has his/her own response to the difficult situation, and will have varying levels of commit-ment to help. Each person handles stress, grief and change in their own way, and will also have different ideas of what is best for the loved one needing care.

Good communication is essential in keeping families strong through a difficult time. Disagreements are sure to arise, but the key to success is to diffuse the conflict before feelings are hurt and long-lasting damage is done. Here are some tips that will help you avoid conflict, and make your caregiving journey less stressful and more successful.

• Be honest. Say that you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, scared, sad, etc. Then work together to diminish these feelings.

• Use “I” statements to avoid blaming others.

• Value everyone’s ideas and opinions. Don’t judge. There is not just one right way to provide care for someone.

• Consider counseling. Caring for a loved one is stressful for even the healthiest families. Attend a support group with family members, or seek private counseling if you fear relationships are about to be torn apart.

• Share responsibility. When everyone has a task or responsibility (however small) a sense of teamwork is shared.

• When times get tough, remind each other that it is the disease that has caused the challenge. Blame the disease, not the person with the disease (or each other) for hard times.

• Step back and look at the larger picture. Sometimes we get hung up on a certain issue and lose sight of the more important goal (like happiness, safety and/or independence).

• If you are the main caregiver, get some respite! Taking a break from your daily duties can boost your spirits, and in turn, help you communicate better.

• LISTEN! Be an active listener by focusing on what is being said, including body language, without interrupting. We often miss much of what someone is saying because we are busy thinking about what we will say next. Or we “tune out” what is being said because we think we’ve already heard it.

• Never assume anything. When doling out tasks, be specific and clear to avoid misunderstandings. Write things down.

• Find a good time to communicate. If you need to talk to someone don’t do it while they’re in the middle of some-thing else. Always ask, “Is this a good time?” before diving in with a heavy topic.

• Steer away from emotions. If something you’ve said has sparked strong emotions in someone (anger, tears, sar-casm), apologize and try again at a different time, and in another way. If you are becoming emotional, ask to talk about it later after you’ve calmed down.

• Schedule regular family meetings, either in person, over the phone, or by e-mail, so everyone is kept updated on how things are going.

If you need help in your caregiving role, contact The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Buffalo and Pepin Coun-

ties by calling 715-672-8945.

Jane Mahoney, Older Americans Act Consultant, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources

PEPIN COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES Page 10

Hi! I am Sheri Peterson and I am the new Pepin County Veterans Service

Officer. I have been working here about two months, and I have to say eve-

rybody has been very nice and understanding, as I learn the position. I was

in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1992. During my tour, I was sta-

tioned at Carswell Air Force Base, Fort Worth, TX and Royal Air Force Base

in Lakenheath, England.

I am married with two daughters. My husband and I met in the Air Force.

We have moved around quite a bit and then we moved to Arkansaw in 2005. I am looking forward

to meeting and helping veterans and their families. You can find me on the second floor, Room #230.

My office hours are Monday and Thursday 8:30am to 4:30pm. My phone number is 715-672-8887.

If you have any questions or just want to stop and say hi, contact me at the above phone and office.

2019 Increase in Social Security Benefits Submitted by Julie Fick

Elderly Benefit Specialist

Social Security benefits will increase 2.8 percent in 2019, the largest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in seven years. This is great news!

The COLA, which was announced Thursday, Oct. 11, will increase the average Social Security retirement benefit by $39 a month or roughly $468 a year. The average single retired Social Security recipient is ex-pected to receive $1,422 in December 2018, before increasing to $1,461 a month later. The COLA affects household budgets for about 1 in 5 Americans, including Social Security beneficiaries, disabled veterans and federal retirees.

The 2.8 percent, COLA announced today, brings needed income security to those Social Security benefi-ciaries and their families who depend on their earned, modest benefits. The COLA is particularly im-portant for the tens of millions of families who depend on Social Security for all or most of their income, many of whom may have lost ground during the Great Recession. Unfortunately, the cost of living increase may not adequately cover their expenses that rise faster than inflation, including health, prescription drug, utility and housing costs. However, everyone should see an increase, because the increase will not be eat-en up by the rise of the Medicare Part B premium. The Part B premium will only raise slightly, from $134.00 in 2018 a month to $135.50 in 2019. The Part B premium is the amount deducted from your So-cial Security each month to cover physician and diagnostic services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, ambulance, emergency room, and durable medical equipment. Any questions, please contact Julie Fick at 715-672-8941 Ext 169.

SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! Submitted by Julie Fick

Elderly Benefit Specialist

Are you on Social Security? In the month of December, you may have received your award letter from Social Security showing your Social Security income for 2019, and in the month of January you will receive another letter from Social Security showing what your total Social Security payment was in 2018. It is very important that you save both these letters from Social Security. Also, you will receive 1099 forms from your bank, pension plans, IRA or Annuity companies. These are also very important papers, and should not be left scattered around the house. It would be in your best interest to create a central location to file your paperwork. Accordion style files are readily available at many stores and are an inexpensive way to jump start organizing your paperwork for the New Year. Each year, most all assistance programs, such as Senior Care, Food Share, Homestead Credit, Fuel Assis-tance, Medicaid, Medicare Savings (the program where the state pays your Medicare Part B premium) re-quires a yearly review, or a reapplication process. This is the main reason for keeping all those important papers filed in an easily accessible place. Please note that in most cases, a bank statement will NOT be an acceptable form of proof of income. However, do keep bank statements each month, as this would be proof of how much is in your bank ac-count for reporting assets when needed.

If you have any questions in regards to documents that need to be saved,

contact Julie Fick at 715-672-8941 Ext. 169.

GOLDEN AGE NEWS January 2019 Page 11

GOLDEN AGE NEWS Pepin Co. Human Services 740 7th Ave. West Durand, WI 54736 Address Service Requested

PRST STD US POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 9 DURAND, WI

COMMUNITY CONTACTS Pepin County Human Services: 715/672-8941 (if you do not know the extension, simply dial “0” to get the receptionist.) Pepin County Transportation Coordinator (Angie Schlosser): 715/672-8941 Ext 152 ADRC of Buffalo & Pepin Counties: 715-672-8945 Pepin County Council of Seniors (Riverview Community Center): 715/672-4101

Please add or remove my name to/from the mailing list for the Golden Age News. (Circle One)

Name: _______________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

City: _____________________________ State: __________ Zip_________

Add to Birthday List? Yes____ No____ Date of Birth: __________________

Spouse’s Name: _______________________ Date of Birth: _____________

Donation Amount: $____________________

Please return to: Pepin County Human Services 740 7th Ave. West PO Box 39 Durand, WI 54736