experience - january 2013

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JANUARY 2013

An introspective publication tailored to those mid-age and beyond

pool time!January Event Calendar

medicare options • dining menureaders’ travel tips • and more!

PLUS:

2 ░ EXPERIENCE ACTION PUBLICATIONS ● JANUARY 2013

Sometimes in the autumn of our lives, we are confronted with arthritis or another life-changing diagnosis or just aches

and pains. Some seniors have stiff joints and limited mobility. Others may have serious cardiac issues, or have had knee and or hip replacements.

Rather than sit home and brood, a very unique group of seniors have found a wonderful support group with others who may or may not have the very same issues. They have discovered the benefi ts of heading down to the Aquatic Center, located at 100 West 9th Street, where they congregate several times a week in the small (therapeutic) pool in what is referred to an open adult swim time.

According to Barbara Lukas, a frequent participant, she fi nds this group remarkable. She calls this time an “unorganized group setting,” explaining everybody comes and goes on their own schedule — no structured class.” Some come every day while others come twice or three times a week, whatever their schedule allows.

Barbara continues, “Everybody is so welcoming and friendly and we support each other in so many ways.” While most of those in

the small pool are women, several men fi t it very nicely, as well. Besides chatting with each other in the warm pool, some stretch their arms or legs, kick their feet, or just paddling or scooting around, others “water walk.” Everybody seems to enjoy the benefi ts of the warm water. It is not necessary that one know how to swim because the

Bill Emmer of Fond du Lac, works out in the pool at the Fond du Lac Aquatic center.

aquatic center

group fi nds comfort in pool time, friendship

small pool starts out at one and a half feet to four feet in depth, with a life guard on deck at all times. The pool can be entered by either a ramp or by way of steps.

According to Peggy Belongia, aquatic manager, explained the water temperature in the small pool is held between 88.5 and 91 degrees, and the air temperature in that area is two degrees warmer than the water.

She added, “The pool is 15 feet across and 25 feet long.

Barbara originally started to go to the Aquatic Center after she dislocated one of her ankles. She was receiving physical therapy for that in addition to back pain. When her sessions of therapy were fi nished, her therapist from Agnesian Sports and Spine suggested she continue with exercising in the warm water. Because Barbara was so comfortable in the warm water, she bought a membership. She had to put her attendance on hold for a while when she had a hip replacement in January 2012. She quipped, “Nobody tells how it feels to get old.” As soon as she was able, she was very happy to return to the Aquatic Center. By that time she had already made several friends there.

Another long time participant, LaVerne

By Lois A. Pfl um | Photos by Patrick Flood/The Reporter Media

EXPERIENCE ░ 3JANUARY 2013 ● ACTION PUBLICATIONS

Kabat explained her late husband came at 6 a.m. every morning to strengthen his muscles due to Parkinson’s. When she started attending, she found it was really good exercise, especially after she had knee surgery about four years ago. She commented, “It really made a difference and limbers up the body.”

LaVerne has nothing but praise for her friends at the Aquatic Center. “We have so much fun and we go out for breakfast at least once a month, sometimes even more frequently, attend movies together, and go out for a fi sh fry on Fridays, and even have Christmas parties. We just had one.” She added, “ It is a wonderful place for us to socialize and have fun. If one of us doesn’t show up for a day or two, we call to check up on that person. We look out for each other.” When her husband passed away recently, her group of friends were right there to support her.

Another participant, Marcia Wilhelms is another regular at the Aquatic Center open swim. After her husband was discharged from St. Agnes Hospital for a very serious condition in 1995, he started going to the Aquatic Center. Marcia attends six days a week and thoroughly enjoys the “wonderful, great bunch of people who soak up the warm water with her. “When my husband passed away, my friends from the Aquatic Center open swim group were right there. I don’t know what I

would have done without them. I know they will be there for me if I need them.”

Duane and Barb Stoegbauer are also familiar faces there. Barb had knee surgery in 1998 and Duane had two knee replacements. Sometimes he can be found at Aquatic Center every day. These are just a few of those who enjoy the socialization and benefi t from the warm water and socialization. Many have formed lasting friendships and have bonded with others thru their participation. Like Barbara joked, “I keep on keeping to try to maintain my mobility and health to enjoy the things I like to do. Others in the group inspire me.” ✦

Adult Swim TimeThe swim program is available through the Fond du Lac Recreation Department and the Fond du Lac School District. Peggy Belongia, aquatic manager, also recommends the Joint Efforts (AFAP Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program), a structured program taught by a certifi ed instructor. For more information about adult open swim or Joint Efforts, contact Peggy at 929-3536.

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2 • lectUre serIesHoricon Marsh Int’l Education Center, N7725 Highway 28 Horicon. 7 p.m. “Making Your Wood Duck Boxes Pro-duck-tive” presented by Wood Duck Society Member, Je� Bahls.

3 • BrIdAl fAIre 2013Holiday Inn, 625 W Rolling Meadows Dr.4 - 7:30 p.m. $6 in advance, $10 at the door. Fashions by Edith’s and Tuxedo Junction. Fashion show at 7 p.m. Music by Record Entertainment. Hair by Twist ‘N‘ Tease Salon. Advance tickets at Edith’s, Downtown Fond du Lac.

5 • foot of the lAke sYnchronIZed skAtInG clAssIcFDL Blue Line Family Ice Center, 550 Fond du Lac Ave. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $10, 10 years and under free. Nationally-competing synchronized skating teams perform in this day-long event. Concessions available.

5 • pUBlIc nAtUrAlIst proGrAmHoricon Marsh Int’l Education Center, N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon. 10 a.m. Snowshoe or hike the marsh with Naturalist Liz Herzmann. Experience how to track animals in the snow and discover what marsh animals were up to the night before. Explore areas of the marsh typically not accessible during other seasons and see the beauty of the marsh during the winter. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow ours! All hikes allow for easy walking and good access to the marsh. Most programs will run for about one hour.

5 • movIes At the mArshHoricon Marsh Int’l Education Center, N7725 Highway 28 Horicon. 6:30-8:30 p.m. “Happy Feet Two” (2011).Erik, son of the penguins Mumble and Gloria, is struggling to realize his talents in the Emperor Penguin world. Meanwhile, Mumble and his family and friends discover a new threat to their home — one that will take everyone working together to save them.

8 • Books Between BItesSalem United Methodist Church, 120 Sheboygan St. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Hear a book review on “Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope,” by Gabrielle Gi� ords and Mark Kelly. Bring a sack lunch. Co� ee and soda available.

8 • senIor dInInG GroUpSebastian’s, 770 S. Main St. Fond du Lac.Cocktails at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 p.m. The Fond du Lac Senior Dining Group invites all men and women over the age of 55 to join them on Tuesday nights. Call Max at 269-4180 or Mary Jo at 960-2532.

10 • An evenInG wIth nAtUre GenesIs of the kettle morAIneHenry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center, N2875 Hwy 67, Campbellsport. 7-8:30 p.m. The glaciers of the last Ice Age gave us the gi� of the Kettle Moraine. Learn what processes created these world renowned hills. Appropriate for ages 10 and older. Presenter: Dr. David Mickelson, Geology Professor Emeritus, UW-Madison.

12 • wAde hoUse heArthsIde dInnerWade House Historic Site, W7824 Center St., Greenbush. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. $45 per person. Enjoy a

delicious hearth-cooked meal, prepared with your own hands, in the historic Wade House stagecoach inn. Guests prepare 19th-century dishes on a wood-burning stove and over an open hearth fi re just as Mrs. Wade did more than 150 years ago. This participatory event culminates in a wonderful sit-down meal in the lovely Wade House dining room. Reservations required.

12 • trAvelInG on snowshoes throUGh the wonders of wInter eXplorInG nAtUre proGrAmHenry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center, N2875 Hwy 67, Campbellsport. 10-11:30 a.m. Snow permitting, we begin with an introduction to snowshoeing and then head outside along the trails, where we will keep our eyes and ears open for the wonders of winter and the active animals. To register call (920) 533-8322 by January 10. This program is best for people older than 8 years.

12-13 • 2013 wIsconsIn stAte BowlInG toUrnAmentLedgeview Lanes, 170 S. Prairie Rd., Fond du Lac. The WBSA and Fond du Lac welcomes you to the 2013 Wisconsin State Tournament! Karl Ray Lanes is located at 770 S. Military Road. 920-921-3430

15 • senIor dInInG GroUpOscar’s, 156 Western Ave., Fond du Lac. Cocktails at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 p.m. The Fond du Lac Senior Dining Group invites all men and women over the age of

January Calendar

55 to join them on Tuesday nights. Call Max at 269-4180 or Mary Jo at 960-2532.

18 • toUr the town Art wAlk130 S. Main St. , Downtown Fond du Lac. 5-8 p.m. Stroll historic downtown Fond du Lac during Tour the Town, a free event held the third Friday of every month. All manner of artists — from painters, jewelry makers, mixed media artists, to cheese artisans and every medium in between — with their wares available for purchase.

18-20 • pee wee A hockeY TOURNAMENTFDL Blue Line Family Ice Center, 550 Fond du Lac Ave., Fond du Lac.

19-20 • centrAl wIsconsIn GUn collectors showFDL County Fairgrounds Expo Center, 601 Martin Ave. Sat. 8-5 p.m., Sun. 8-3 p.m. $5. Buy, sell or trade old and modern guns and accessories at the largest gun show in Wisconsin, with more than 500 6-foot tables. Food and beverages available.

19-20 • 2013 wIsconsIn stAte BowlInG toUrnAmentLedgeview Lanes, 170 S. Prairie Rd. The WBSA and Fond du Lac welcomes you to the 2013 Wisconsin State Tournament! Karl Ray Lanes is located at 770 S. Military Road. The phone number is 920-921-3430.

22 • senIor dInInG GroUpSchreiner’s, 168 N. Pioneer Rd., Fond du Lac. Cocktails at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 p.m. The Fond du Lac Senior Dining Group invites all men and women over the age of 55 to join them on Tuesday nights. Call Max at 269-4180 or Mary Jo at 960-2532.

24-27 • don kohlmAn no check hockeY toUrnAmentFDL Blue Line Family Ice Center, 550 Fond du Lac Ave.

26-27 • 2013 wIsconsIn stAte BowlInG toUrnAmentLedgeview Lanes, 170 S. Prairie Rd. The WBSA and Fond du Lac welcomes you to the 2013 Wisconsin State Tournament! Karl Ray Lanes is located at 770 S. Military Road. The phone number is 920-921-3430

27 • concert of chAmBer mUsIcChurch of Our Saviour, 363 South Main St. 3 p.m. Selections by soloists and ensembles from the symphonic band, preceded by a recital on the church’s German-built tracker organ. fdlsyphonicband.org

27 • chocolAte fAntAsYMoraine Park Technical College, 235 N. National Ave. 11:30-3 p.m. $10. Chocolate Fantasy is a chocolate lover’s dream! featuring chocolate delights to sample, dozens of gi� baskets on silent auction, Festival Foods Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest, cooking demos from the MPTC Culinary Arts Dept, a ra� e drawing and a new hand-made jewelry show and sale.

29 • senIor dInInG GroUpColiseum, 91 S. Main St., Fond du LacCocktails at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 p.m. The Fond du Lac Senior Dining Group invites all men and women over the age of 55 to join them on Tuesday nights. Call Max at 269-4180 or Mary Jo at 960-2532.

31 • dUcks UnlImIted wInneBAGo flYwAY chApter BAnqUetHoliday Inn, 625 W Rolling Meadows Dr. 5-9:30 p.m. $70/per person. Reservations before January 24. Cocktails and ra� es 5 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m.

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Christmas FestivitiesGrancare Nursing & Rehab Center along with GranPark Terrace recently held a Christmas get-together for residents and families. It featured a bountiful bu� et, Santa souvenirs, and seasonal singing and accompaniment by guitar guru Gary Cross. Pictured enjoying the festivities with Santa are Arleen and Lew Dowler. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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trip tips from a someday travelerBy valerie and Wayne Graczyk

Last spring we led a great group of travelers to Italy. We traveled to several charming

Italian towns including Assisi, Bologna, Venice, Siena and of course, Rome. This tour was designed in such a way that every few days we moved to a new town.

It was on this particular trip that I met Cindy Warner. She had the lightest suitcase and her enthusiasm for a simplifi ed method of packing a suitcase just bubbled over. It was simply a delight to observe how she dressed and what she wore each day. In fact it got to be “What will she wear today?” She mixed and matched, wore wrinkle free skirts and also quickly became noticed as the trip’s shopping guru. When she shopped, she was a woman on a mission knowing exactly what she

was looking for and she would leave the bus fully determined to fi nd it. With her enthusiasm embedded in my mind, I invited Cindy to share some of her best packing and shopping tips with our readers.

“I was thrilled to join Valerie and Wayne on their tour to Italy in spring of 2012. The 9-day trip required that we take our luggage to various hotels, so one of my goals was to pack light, and by design, also save room for souvenirs while also providing me plenty of appropriate clothing options.

Here are some ideas that may be helpful to you:● Pick a three-color theme that

works together. Black, white and coral were my choices; others include navy, camel and red, or brown, green and yellow. Pick one bright color to

keep outfi ts from becoming boring. Add two or three light contrasting scarves — they can really make the outfi t using up very little space in your suitcase. ● Select three tops for every

bottom. In general make the bottoms a darker color. Choose light, low –wrinkle fabrics such as polyester-rayon or acetate-spandex. Crinkled gauze or seersucker hide wrinkles. I wore three “broomstick” skirts for most of my trip — just tie them in a knot and they fi t in corners of your suitcase. For footwear you really only need three types — walking shoes, fl ats or sandals, and dressy shoes. Pajamas, underwear, a hat for shade, one cross-body purse/bag, a small umbrella and raincoat and your camera round out the mix.● Layer! I packed several t-shirts,

sleeveless tops, cardigans and pullovers and switched them up for all types of events and weather.

● Consider packing items that you can throw away. I took some t-shirts that worked just fi ne under other items but were not worth keeping any longer, so I threw them away as I went along to make room for souvenirs. ● Think about wearing your

bulkiest items on the plane. Coat, jeans, etc. Also keep the eventual security check in mind when you pack. Avoid lace-up shoes, belts and heavy accessories. ● When packing, try rolling

instead of folding. It takes less room and causes fewer wrinkles. Try to put heavier stuff at the bottom of suitcase, near the wheels. Put small items, such as belts and scarves, around the outside of the “inner portion of the suitcase” and fi ll empty spaces with smaller items by snugly fi tting them into the corners.

Last month we mentioned having

some of our travelers share their experiences with our

readers, and they are really excited to share some of

their thoughts on traveling.

Cindy Warner poses for the camera while on a recent trip to Italy. SUBMITTEd PhOTO

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Souvenirs can be very personal, but after some serious thought, here are some tips that might prevent you from buying something you regret later:● Know what an area is

famous for. And what similar goods would cost at home. For example, Italy has wonderful leather, wool, and glass. I checked prices at home before I went so I would recognize a bargain when I saw it.● Buy things you will use. How

many t-shirts can anyone have? The gloves, purse, and boots that I bought are valuable additions to my wardrobe and have wonderful memories. ● You have nothing to lose to

ask the vendor to get the best price. I like to say “Is this your best price?” It has resulted in some good discounts, merely because I asked. If buying more than one of anything, ask for a quantity discount.● If you love it, buy it! You

may not get a second chance.

Hopefully these tips will make your adventure even more enjoyable!”

Thank you Cindy! It was amazing to witness how great these packing and shopping tips worked. For our next trip with our “Someday” travel group, I am definitely going to pack lighter and with more intent or purpose. Seeing how well packing can be accomplished is truly inspiring.

Once again I invite you to share your excitement or ideas about traveling with us and our readers. Where have you travelled? What did you enjoy and would you return? Share it with us and we will consider it for an upcoming article.

Send your ideas to [email protected] and be sure to include your contact information so we can give you credit. Happy New Year and may 2013 be your year of making a “Someday Travel dream come true.” ✦

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Jean Smith spent five days in the hospital with a fractured spine — lying in a hospital bed, wearing a hospital gown and ID bracelet,

eating hospital food, and receiving regular nursing care. But when she was discharged and needed to transfer to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation, her family learned that she had never been formally admitted as an inpatient to the hospital at all. Instead, she’d been classified as an outpatient under “observation” — a status that would cost her thousands of dollars.

Most patients would regard as meaningless the seemingly slight distinction between the two labels — after all, they’re getting exactly the same kind of care. But it can have costly consequences. Under the rules, Medicare picks up the whole tab for the first 20 days in an approved skilled nursing facility for rehab or other care, but only if someone has spent at least three full days in the hospital as an admitted patient. If instead a patient has been under observation — for all or part of that time — he or she is responsible for the entire cost of rehab. (This situation applies only to Medicare coverage in skilled nursing facilities — which are usually nursing homes — and not to rehabilitation hospitals or inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Such places have different rules to qualify for Medicare coverage, but coverage is not affected by previous observation status while in a regular hospital.)

Arnau, an 84-year-old widow from Narragansett, R.I., got hit with a large bill. The skilled nursing facility she went to charged her $3,900 for a two-week stay. And although she had a Medigap supplemental policy, this insurance does not pay the out-of-pocket costs of services that Medicare does not cover.

Unwelcome newsHer family only learned about the problem the

day Arnau left the hospital, says her daughter Mimi Auer, who is considering appealing the decision. At first she thought it was a mistake. But staff at the nursing facility told her they’d had four cases like her mother’s just the previous week. “Four cases of the same situation had to pay for the nursing home because they’d been on observation in the hospital,” Auer protests. “What’s going on here?”

Hospitals throughout the country have increasingly classified Medicare beneficiaries as observation patients instead of admitting them, according to researchers at Brown University, who recently published a nationwide analysis of Medicare claims in the journal Health Affairs.

The results showed that in just three years — 2007 through 2009 — the ratio of Medicare observation patients to those admitted as inpatients rose by 34 percent. Medicare tells hospitals that the decision to admit or discharge a patient who is under observation can most often be made in less than 24 hours. “In only rare and exceptional cases do reasonable and necessary outpatient observation services span more than 48 hours,” says the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual.

But the Brown University study found that more than 10 percent of patients in observation were kept there for more than 48 hours. And it identified more than 44,800 who were kept in observation

for 72 hours or longer in 2009 — an increase of 88 percent since 2007. This research confirms the longtime concerns of consumer advocates. Two years ago, for example, the federal Medicare agency held a “listening session” at which more than 2,200 hospital administrators, physicians, patient advocates, and others called in to discuss the topic of observation status. “Almost everyone who spoke felt the practice was harmful and should be ended,” says Judith Stein, founder and executive director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy. But nothing came of it and so last year the center filed a class action lawsuit against the federal government in an attempt to force change.

more oUt-of-pocket costsThe suit alleges that the practice of putting

patients in observation status not only denies them coverage for post-hospital rehab care in a skilled nursing facility, so they must either pay the full bill — more than $30,000 in the case of two plaintiffs — or forgo treatment. It also classifies them as outpatients while they’re in the hospital. Therefore, their Medicare coverage comes not under Part A (hospital insurance), but Part B (which normally covers doctors’ services and outpatient care). For some patients, this can mean paying more out of pocket.

The practice “doesn’t make any sense” because people only go into the hospital when they’re sick, Stein says. “They [go] either on orders of a doctor or because, having arrived at the emergency

Inpatient or outpatient?Staying in the hospital without being formally admitted can cost you thousands of dollars

Here’s what you can do to help avoid big bills, however, if you, or someone you’re looking out for, is placed under observation in the hospital:● Ask about your status each day

you are in the hospital. It can be changed (from inpatient to observa-tion, or vice versa) at any time.● Ask the hospital doctor to recon-

sider your case or refer it to the hospi-tal committee that decides status.● Ask your own doctor whether

observation status is justified. If not,

ask him or her to call the hospital to explain the medical reasons why you should be admitted as an inpatient.● If, after discharge, you need

rehab or other continuing care but Medicare won’t cover your stay in a skilled nursing facility, ask your doctor whether you qualify for similar care at home through Medicare’s home health care benefit, or for Medicare-covered care in a rehabilitation hospital.● If you go to a skilled nursing

facility and have to pay for it your-self, you can try formally appealing

Medicare’s decision. When you receive your quarterly Medicare Summary Notice, make a copy and highlight the facility’s charge. Send this to the address provided on the notice with a letter saying you want to appeal Medicare’s decision of noncoverage on the basis that you should have been classified as an inpatient during your hospital stay and not placed under observation. If this is denied, you can go to a higher level of appeal, following instructions on the denial letter.

Under Observation …

Medicare


department, they were told they should stay.” And yet, she adds, “those who ended up in the nursing home with no payment were not aware — and neither were their families — that they were in observation status until they were discharged from the hospital. And then they were informed.”

The lawsuit calls for observation status to be abolished — or at least for patients to be notified in a timely fashion of their status and given the opportunity to make a swift appeal against the decision. Some of the center’s clients reported stays of up to 14 days in observation, Stein says.

What determines whether a patient is classified as an inpatient or placed under observation? Usually the call is made by the hospital, which, in many cases, may overrule the patient’s own physician. But Medicare’s guidelines are not clear, and many experts suggest that hospitals are placing more and more patients under observation to protect themselves against new policies that penalize hospitals for unnecessary admissions and frequent readmissions of the same patient.

UnIntended conseqUences?In an effort to rein in spiraling

costs, Medicare is now taking a tougher line with hospitals, sending auditors to investigate not only fraud but also cases in which the agency thinks that “medically unnecessary” hospitalizations have occurred. Also, to improve the quality of care, Medicare will soon start penalizing hospitals that readmit patients in less than 30 days — raising the question of whether hospitals might label people as observation patients so that they cannot be counted as readmissions if they happen to

return. Cost-control measures are “perfectly understandable,” says Zhanlian Feng, the Brown University study’s lead author. “On the other hand, those policies may have unintended consequences.”

The American Hospital Association (AMA) says that hospitals are placed in an untenable position. On the one hand, they risk penalties if they admit patients for short stays. Yet they anger patients who are put under observation. “Hospitals cannot win no matter how they handle the situation,” the group argued in a friend-of-the-court brief.

The AMA says the observation policy has caused confusion for physicians, as well. “The AMA supports rescinding the three-day stay policy, as well as counting observation care toward the [stay] … for as long as this requirement remains in place,” it said in a letter to the Medicare agency.

Meanwhile, under the status quo, hospitals are allowed to place patients in observation at any time during their hospital stay — even retroactively. Hospital staff only are required to inform patients of their status before they leave the hospital.

AvoId the trApConsumer advocates advise

patients or their families to press the hospital for information and alert their own doctors. Many primary care physicians no longer look after their own patients in the hospital — that role often is now assumed by a hospital doctor — and they are not always aware of the implications of observation. After news of the lawsuit hit the headlines, the Center for Medicare Advocacy heard from a doctor in a prominent hospital who said that until then he hadn’t realized that the practice had caused any problems for patients. “He said he thought it was just a billing issue, so he hadn’t paid any attention to it,” Stein recalls. ✦

EXPERIENCE is published by Gannett Wisconsin Custom Publishing. Contents of the section are for Action Reporter Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of Gannett Wisconsin Custom Publishing. For information, contact Jen Memmel at 920-907-7901.

GENERAL MANAGER / RIChaRd RoESgEN | AdvERTISING dIRECTOR / LISa o’haLLoRaNAdvERTISING MANAGER / JEN MEMMEL | GRAPhIC ARTIST / JaMES hoSLET

WI-5001590775

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

*Estate-planning services are offered through EdwardJones Trust Company. Edward Jones Trust Company andEdward Jones are separate subsidiaries of the JonesFinancial Companies, L.L.L.P.

WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE?When it comes to meeting your financial goals, you really only need to see one person.At Edward Jones, we strive to meet all your financial services needs while providingexceptional personalized service.

Because we serve individual investors and business owners, all of our energy andresources are dedicated to helping you reach your long-term financial goals. That’s whywe live and work in your community. We meet with you face to face to discuss the keysteps to creating your financial strategy.

You talk, we listen, and we get to know you.

Estate Planning*

AnnuitiesOnline Account AccessIndividual Retirement Accounts

Mutual FundsInsuranceRetirement Plan Rollovers and Consolidation

Portfolio and Retirement Plan Reviews

For more information or toschedule a complimentaryfinancial review, call orstop by today.

Adam VandeSlunt, AAMS1003 W. Main St.Waupun,WI 53963(920) 324-2530888-324-2535

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Pam Tollefson68 North Main StreetFond du Lac,WI54935(920) 923-0970

Steven Millin, AAMS68 N. Main St.Fond du Lac,WI 54935(920) 923-0970800-743-2996

Doug Shireman, AAMS885Western Ave., Suite 300BFond du Lac,WI 54935(920) 923-4401888-923-4667

Ben Baertschy928 S. Main Street,Suite 600Fond du Lac,WI54935(920) 923-1020

Dan Sprader, AAMS976 E. Johnson St.,Suite 700Fond du Lac,WI 54935(920) 923-3934877-923-3934

Joe Heeringa14 W. Main StreetWaupun,WI 53963(920) 324-2188

WI-5001552523

2012 Transportation ServicesFond du Lac County Department of Senior Services

1-800-215-5494

Service Type Priorities CostElderly

Walk-on vans Medical, Employment, Nutrition $2.50 each way60+ years of age Personal Business, $2.50 each way

Education/Training, $2.50 each waySocial/Recreation $2.50 each way

EscortFrail; physician certified Medical, Therapy, Dental Within FdL County $2.50 each way

Outside FdL County $6.00 each way

Handi-VanWheelchair use or No prioritiesmobility impaired 6:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri) Fee $3.00 each wayNo age restrictions

Senior Service Transportation Service Phone Numbers

ELDERLY VAN: 60+ years of age ......................................................... 929-3936HANDI-VAN: Wheelchair or mobility impaired, no age restriction....... 929-3110ESCORT: Frail, no age restriction ......................................................... 929-3936

Senior Dining & Mobile Meals (60+ years of age) 929-3937


FoNd dU LaC ● Riverview Apartments, 101 Western Ave. (Mon.-Fri.) – 11:45 a.m. ● Westnor Apartments, 653 W. Arndt St. – noon● Portland Square Apartments, 55 N. Portland – 11:45 a.m.● Senior Center, 151 E. First St. (Mon.-Thurs.) – 11:45 a.m.

NoRTh FoNd dU LaC ● Northgate, 350 Winnebago St. noon

RIPoN● Russell Manor, 504 Russell Dr. – 11:45 a.m. ● Willowbrook Apartments, 615 W. Oshkosh St. – noon

WaUPUN● Senior Center, 301 E. Main St. – noon

ELIgIBILITYAll persons 60 years or older, or married to someone 60 years of age or older are eligible for the Fond du Lac County Elderly Nutrition Program. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefi ts of, or be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of: race, color, creed, sex, national origin, or their ability to pay.

NUTRITIoNEach meal contains 1/3 of the current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences: ● Meat or alternative – 3 oz. cooked● Vegetable and fruit – 2 half cups● Bread or alternative – 1 serving● Butter/fortifi ed margarine – 1 teaspoon● Dessert – half cup● Milk – half pint.

REgISTRaTIoNThose attending are required to preregister at least one day in advance by 1 p.m., either by signing up at a meal site or by calling: ● Fond du Lac Courthouse — 929-3937● Waupun Senior Center — 324-7930.

doNaTIoNSThere is a suggested donation of $3 for those 60 years of age or older or married to someone 60+. Meals on Wheels suggested donation of $3.50.

CaNCELLaTIoNSOnce an individual has registered for a meal, they are expected to attend. If they must cancel due to illness or emergency, they should call the Senior Services Offi ce (929-3937). Those on Meals on Wheels may cancel by calling the Senior Services Offi ce before 8:30 a.m.

VoLUNTEERSVolunteers are needed for the Senior Dining Program of the Fond du Lac County Dept. of Senior Services. Call 929-3114 for more information.

*Menus are subject to change • *2% milk, and margarine. Esther Mukand-Cerro, R.D, C.D.• Alyson Koehn F.S.D.Fond du Lac County Senior Services Department – 929-3937

senior dining menuMeal SitesTUESDAY, JAN. 1

No Meals Served

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 2Pork Chop SueyFlu� y RiceSoy SauceJapanese Blend VegetablesChow Mein NoodlesLime CC SaladStrawberry Shortcake w/Whipped ToppingWhite Bread

THURSDAY, JAN. 3Roast BeefMashed PotatoesHomemade GravyBroccoliSunshine SaladRanger CookieWhole Wheat Dinner Roll

FRIDAY, JAN. 4Meatloaf w/KetchupBaked PotatoesMargarine/Sour CreamRivera Blend VegetablesApple RingsBlueberry TorteWheat Bread MONDAY, JAN. 7Pork Chop in GravyRed Jacket PotatoesMargarine PatSquashColeslawBanana CakeMarble Rye

TUESDAY, JAN. 8Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy over RiceCarrot CoinsPickled Beet SaladPeach CobblerSourdough Bread

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9Salisbury SteakWhipped PotatoesGravyZucchini & TomatoesMandarin OrangesPumpkin TorteWheat Bread

THURSDAY, JAN. 10Spaghetti and Meat SauceItalian Green BeansParmesan CheeseTossed Salad w/Italian DressingIce CreamItalian Bread

FRIDAY, JAN. 11BBQ Chicken Sweet PotatoesMixed VegetableMacaroni SaladMolasses CookieWhite Bread

MONDAY, JAN. 14Ring BolognaKetchup & MustardGerman Potato SaladWhole Kernel CornUnder the Sea SaladPineapple Upside Down CakeWhite Bread

TUESDAY, JAN. 15Sliced TurkeyBread DressingGravyBaby Whole CarrotsCranberry SauceLazy Dazy CakeVienna Bread

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16Tuna Noodle CasserolePeasAmbrosia SaladCarrot Cake w/Cream Cheese FrostingWheat Bread

THURSDAY, JAN. 17Roast LoinMashed PotatoesGravyBrussels SproutsApplesauceOatmeal Raisin CookieSourdough Bread

FRIDAY, JAN. 18Beef Stew over DumplingGarden Blend VegetablesChilled PlumsChocolate PuddingWheat Bread

MONDAY, JAN. 21Hungarian Goulash over PastaHarvard BeetsCarrot Raisin SaladGerman Apple CakeWheat Bread

TUESDAY, JAN. 22Ham in a Pineapple Sauce Scalloped PotatoesWax BeansPerfection SaladSherbetRussian Rye

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23BBQ RibO’Brien PotatoesSpinach/Lemon JuiceTossed Salad w/Ranch DressingButterscotch PuddingRye Bread

THURSDAY, JAN. 24Tender Beef Steaks in GravyParsley PotatoesCream Style CornChilled PeachesPeanut Butter CookieWhite Bread

FRIDAY, JAN. 25Macaroni & CheeseStewed TomatoesFruit Cocktail Flu� Apple CrispCorn Bread Mu� n

MONDAY, JAN. 28Ham LoafAu Gratin PotatoesWisconsin Blend VegetablesCopper Penny SaladFresh FruitMarble Rye

TUESDAY, JAN. 29Chili Winter Blend VegetablesCheese SliceCrackersApricotsHunter’s PuddingRussian Rye

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30Southern Fried ChickenMashed PotatoesGravyRed CabbagePea & Cheese SaladIce CreamDinner Roll

THURSDAY, JAN. 31Pizza CasseroleFrench Cut Green BeansLettuce Salad w/French DressingVanilla Pudding w/CherriesVienna Bread

WI-5001591200

Lincoln House

• Medication management• Care call system in eachbedroom & bathroom• 24-hour supervision• Family-oriented home setting• Caring & trained staff• Home-cooked meals• Community & home activities• And more...

LINCOLN HOUSE: 342 Forest Ave.FRANKLIN HOUSE: 349 W. 11th St.For more information or a tourcall 922-7072 • www.rsifdl.org

Serving the people of Fond du Lac since 1971

The Lincoln House offers affordablehousing for older adults whocannot or choose not to live alone.Overlooking beautiful Taylor Park, ourhome offers all the comforts of homealong with the following amenities:

ASSISTEDLIVING FOROLDERADULTS

CALVARY CEMETERY • 686 Fond du Lac Ave • (920) 923-2202www.calvarycemeteryfdl.com

CHAPEL OF THE RISENCHRIST MAUSOLEUM

We can provide a permanent lasting memorial for your loved one.Your final statement … an eternal affirmation of love.

Crypts, Niches for cremation, our new beautiful Cross of CalvaryCremation Garden, Graves, Monuments and Headstones.

Office: 8am-3:30pm Monday-Friday or by appointment

Call for a no-obligation tourand free information folder

Darlene HoffmannGeneral Manager

Family visitation 7am - 6:30pm

New Chapel Cross Nichesfor Cremation from $1697

WI-5001590766


Social Security announces 1.7 percent benefit increase in 2013

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 62 million Americans will increase 1.7 percent in 2013, the Social Security Administration announced.

The 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that more than 56 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2013. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on Dec. 31, 2012.

Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $113,700 from $110,100. Of the estimated 163 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2013, nearly 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.

Information about Medicare changes for 2013, when announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola

WI-5001591196

• PRIVATE ROOMS• HOME-COOKED MEALS• MEDICATION SUPERVISION

• STAFF ON DUTY 24 HOURS• PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANCE• ON STAFF ACTIVITIES PERSON

Liberty House701 S. MAIN ST., FOND DU LAC • 922-5445

A State Licensed Class C – Community-Based Residential FacilityJudith Jones, Administrator

Tours available by appointment.

Liberty House offers you an affordable alternative: Thoughtful,personalized assistance that respects each individual’s privacy and pride.

Family-style assisted living in a clean,safe environment with a range of services.

“Liberty House goesabove and beyond theircall of duty to help the

residents and their families.”

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

WI-5001591200

Lincoln House

• Medication management• Care call system in eachbedroom & bathroom• 24-hour supervision• Family-oriented home setting• Caring & trained staff• Home-cooked meals• Community & home activities• And more...

LINCOLN HOUSE: 342 Forest Ave.FRANKLIN HOUSE: 349 W. 11th St.For more information or a tourcall 922-7072 • www.rsifdl.org

Serving the people of Fond du Lac since 1971

The Lincoln House offers affordablehousing for older adults whocannot or choose not to live alone.Overlooking beautiful Taylor Park, ourhome offers all the comforts of homealong with the following amenities:

ASSISTEDLIVING FOROLDERADULTS

CALVARY CEMETERY • 686 Fond du Lac Ave • (920) 923-2202www.calvarycemeteryfdl.com

CHAPEL OF THE RISENCHRIST MAUSOLEUM

We can provide a permanent lasting memorial for your loved one.Your final statement … an eternal affirmation of love.

Crypts, Niches for cremation, our new beautiful Cross of CalvaryCremation Garden, Graves, Monuments and Headstones.

Office: 8am-3:30pm Monday-Friday or by appointment

Call for a no-obligation tourand free information folder

Darlene HoffmannGeneral Manager

Family visitation 7am - 6:30pm

New Chapel Cross Nichesfor Cremation from $1697

WI-5001590766


MAYVILLE NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTERProviding a

PersonalizedApproach toRecovery

At Mayville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, our goal is to ensure your return home and improveyour quality of life. Our therapy team will develop a customized treatment plan to address your

unique recovery needs with the objective of a safe return home following your surgery.

Call 920.387.0354 to schedule a free pre-surgery consultation.305 S. Clark Street . Mayville, WI 53050 . www.mayvilleskillednursing.com

During your visit, you can expect the following:• A tour of our 26 bed Audubon Rehabilitation Unit with separate dining, nurses station and entrance.

• An interview to identify your specific needs.• An introduction to your Therapy Team while touring our state-of-the-art rehabilitation department.

• An introduction to the facility’s key associates.• Meet with the Director of Social Services to begin planning your successful discharge home.

• Assistance from the Admissions Team to help you complete the pre-admission paperwork, ensuring your easy transitionfrom the hospital.

• Our Business Office Manager is here to answer any insurance questions pertaining to your stay with us. (Pleasebring your insurance cards to your appointment).

• Our Admissions Department will notify the appropriate staff at the hospital that you have pre-registered atMayville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

WI-5001591205

30 YearsHelping the Hearing Impaired of Fond du Lac

The Audiology Center

Promise· I Will Not…Inflate prices to MSRP or above just tooffer a large percentage off or unrealistic discounts.

· I Will Not…Nearly double the price of a stock(one size fits all) canal hearing aid just to offer“Buy One, Get One Free.”

· I Will…Offer fully digital hearing aids that are customfit and programmed for your specific loss.

· I Will…Provide personalized service and diagnostictesting, as a nationally certified audiologist with over30 years experience.

· I Will…Be convenient and accessible with officehours Monday thru Friday - not just a few days a week.

Greg Wiersema, MST-CCC/AClinical Audiologist

AUDIOLOGY CENTERof FOND DU LAC

221 Fond du Lac Ave, FDL(920) 923-4678

Not just a HearingInstrument Specialist,but a MastersDegreed Audiologistspecializing indiagnosis andtreatment of hearingloss for all ages. W

I-500

1596

867

Advanced, short-term care.

(920) ��

��

��

�� 24-Hour Rehabilitative Nursing Care

One-on-One Treatment TimesPhysical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy

�� Nondenominational Pastoral Care

WI-5001597263

experience - january 2013

Documents

warm pool

friendshipsmall pool

warm water

small therapeutic pool

lac aquatic center

water temperature

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