STAFFORD — The meeting with Jennifer Gleason K-State Extension on Smart Tools available to improve our health and activity, was very informative. A big thing I learned was, some smart watches have the ability to sense if you have fallen and then call the numbers to alert the people of your choice. Jennifer made great information sheets on the different smart tools, their abilities and price. If you are thinking of technology gifts for Christmas we have some of Jennifer’s handouts to help you in your shopping.
Take aways from our appointments with Medicare Plan D:
• Almost every plan examined had major changes since the year before including price and coverage.
• If you are just signing up for Medicare and need to choose your co-insurance (Plan G, I believe it is called), be careful what plan you choose. For the first (I believe 60 days) any company has to accept you without questioning your health status. After that any previous health conditions will affect your price and coverage. Kristiana from Southwest Services on Aging says to look for the cheapest that is accepted in network, because they all have to provide the same service. In other words, if you have previous health conditions you will effectively “Be Married for life” to the plan you choose in those first 60 days.
• One individual that had an appointment, found there had been fraud involved with their number and Kristina from Southwest Services on Aging, is looking into it further.
In summary, if you or a loved one is nearing Medicare age, please consult a professional to select the best options. Then re-examine your Plans with a professional every year. There are many free – not connected to any company, groups out there to help you. I have the contacts for Southwest Services on Aging that has been doing our clinics for years and seem very informed. I know they have saved me hundreds a month!
This week’s “CBS Sunday Morning” featured food. It reminded me of the great program Meta Newell West gave at the Library this spring. An eye-opener for me was that there are many gravestones that have the favorite family recipe engraved on them! Wow! How would you choose?
Many “ from scratch” recipes aren’t written down, you just have to be with your loved one and see how they put it together and hopefully take notes for future generations. Cooking together makes for great family times and memories.
Recipes on tombstones makes me think (and I think I have heard of this) maybe we need to put a QR code on our tombstones that sends you to a website with family history, recipes and pictures on it. Believe me, if I see a tombstone with a recipe on it, I’m taking a picture and doing some cooking.
We are seeking a Maintenance Person to work at the library about four hours a week. Application and Job Description are available at the City Office and the Library. Information has also been posted on our Facebook page.
Recently Read will gather Tuesday the 25th at 5:30. It’s a very fun hour or so. We all leave with smiles and laughter!
Please remember to bring in hygiene items for the school. We will continue this into December. Items needed:
• Deodorant
• Shower gel and/or soap
• Shampoo
• Leggings for MS/HS girls sizes XSmall to XXXLarge
• Underwear for lower elementary
• Boxes of Kleenex for classrooms
We will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday. Have a great Thanksgiving with your family and safe travels! Remember everyday is a day to be mindful of our blessings.
Gerry Hildebrand is the head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library, 108 N. Union St. in Stafford. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library.
