Silver QuillValley Senior Services of Ransom & Sargent Counties

FEBRUARY2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Meal Cost Increase 2

Chair Yoga 2

Nutrition 3

Rent Refunds 4

Menu 5

Sargent County Info 6

Ransom County Info 7

Giving BackHearts Day Page

See contact information on

page 2.

Free - Take One!

INFORMATION & REFERRALS

ALWAYS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING OUR LISBON

OFFICE - 683-3131 OR

Toll free: 877-857-3743

When will I get my new Medicare card?You probably heard that new Medicare cards will be issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and wonder when you will get your new card. Not for some time, but scammers are already taking advantage of any confu-sion about the new Medicare cards. Here are some facts:

If you look at your Medicare card now, you will see that the nine numbers on it are a Social Security number.• The Social Security number is usually your own, but could be your spouse’s

or a parent if you are a person with a disability.• The Social Security number is the key for scammers to steal your identity.

A Social Security number can be used to take out loans or open credit cards.

Congress passed a law last year called the Medicare Access and CHIP Reau-thorization Act (MACRA) which requires that CMS develop a plan to give everyMedicare beneficiary a newMedicare cardwith a new identifier thatis NOT tied to the Social Security number. This change will not happen im-mediately. This is a huge change so CMS and the many providers who accept Medicareneedtimetoupdatesystemstoacceptthenewidentifier.

Beneficiaries WILL NOT see new cards before April 2018. This will be theearliestthatCMSwillstartmailingnewcardstobeneficiaries.ThenewMedicarecardwillhaveanewandrandomlyassignedidentifierthatwillmixboth numbers and letters (11 characters in all).

How can a scammer use this change to get your personal information?

This upcoming change has already caused confusion for beneficiaries andscammers love to take advantage of confusion. There are reports of scam-mers identifying themselves as working for Medicare and are asking for your Medicare number in order to send you a new card or that you need to reapply forMedicareorlosetheirbenefits.

THE FACT IS: Medicare already has this information, including your mailing address. When CMS sends you your new card, they will mail it to you.

You have the facts now if you get a call like this. Do not give out your information. Report calls like this to the ND SMP office or CMS at 1-800-633-4227.

ValleySenior Services

PO Box 387Lisbon, ND 58054

Office phone: 683-3131Toll free: 877-857-3743Fax: 701-683-0352

For meals or transportation:

701-683-3131 or 877-857-3743Executive Director: Brian ArettValley Senior Services 701-293-1440 or 877-827-1916Resource Specialist:Karleen Wyum (701) 683-3131Administrative Assistant:Shan MeyerRansom Kitchen Staff:Angela Cavett; Cathy Wunderlich; Kendall Groettum; Darlene Dahl; Elise Nylander; Vee Rohn; Nita KitchenSargent Kitchen Staff:Gwen Anderson; Rita Preble; Cheryl Roder; Janet KieferSargent Kitchen Subs:Carolyn Harrison; Marie Colemer; Lois Keifer, Sandra Hanson; Delores Lysne; Sarah HernandezTransportation:Kevin Brummond;Cheryl Holmstrom; Lyle Milbrandt; Judy Milbrandt; Charlie Orn; Marlene Hogness; Wilfred Anderson; Bryan Stotts

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Statement of Identification - Silver QuillPublished Monthly by: Valley Senior Services

280132ndAve.S,P.O.Box2217,Fargo,ND58108To receive the Silver Quill call 683-3131 or toll free 1-877-857-3743

or e-mail us at: smeyer@valleyseniors.org

If you are qualified, your rights to receive the services provided by this organization without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or handicap are protected by Federal Law.

If you believe you have been discriminated against, please contact:

Brian Arett, Valley Senior Services,

P.O. Box 2217, Fargo, ND 58108. (701) 293-1440.

Chair YogaStarting Feb. 6 - Everyone of all ages welcome!

Sit, Stretch, Breath & relax.

Mondays at 10:00 a.m.Forman, Cogswell, Rutland, Enderlin &

Lisbon (already in progress)Wednesdays at 10:00

Milnor

To Meal Program Participants:During the last several years we have seen the cost for our meals con-tinue to increase, particularly with respect to food costs. Because we feel this program is a vital service assisting seniors to remain in their homes, we are asking people who have meals at our centers and who receive home delivered meals to increase their donation for this meal to $4.00.

This increase to the suggested donation will take effect January 1st, 2017andisthefirstincreasewehavehadsinceJulyof2012.Wereal-ize,forfinancialreasons,thatsomeofyoumaynotbeabletodonate$4.00 a meal. We certainly understand and encourage you to contribute whatever your budget allows.

We thank you for your understanding and support of this request and appreciate your help in achieving our mission of assisting senior citizens in maintaining independence through better nutrition and supportive services. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions re-garding this matter.

BrianArett,ExecutiveDirector

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A Plate for the AgesJanet Brown, RD, LRD

Dietitian for Valley Senior Services

The US Department of Agriculture provides a wonder-ful resource for nutrition tips and information called MY PLATE (website: choosemyplate.gov). My Plate, for-merly known as My Pyramid, is an ever-evolving website that gives easy-to-follow practical tips for all age groups. The following is a summary of MyPlate’s “10 tips” series, “Choosing healthy meals as you get older”:

1. Drink plenty of fluids: especially water and low-fat milk; limit beverages with added sugars and caution with alcohol.

2. Make eating a social event: Many of you are already participating by eating at one of our many senior centers or congregate sites. Other times possibly invite a friend, neighbor or loved one over to share a meal. Consider taking part in a potluck weekly or regularly.

3. Plan healthy meals: Using a tool like choosemyplate.gov where the site offers “What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl” – makes searching for recipes easy. Tons of recipes are available and you can search by ‘increasing your fruits and vegetables’ to ‘whole grains’ to ‘reducing sodium or limiting saturated fats’.

4. Know how much to eat: portion control; divide your plate into protein, grains, fruits and vegetables. Consider using a smaller plate. When dining out, share or take half of the meal home.

5. Vary your vegetables: Color your plate! A variety of vegetables offer more nutrients, are low-calorie and add fiber.

6. Eat for your teeth and gums: As we age, our teeth and gums change. If softer foods are needed, make sure nutritious foods are included. Cooked and canned fruit, vegetables and meats (fish, tuna) are healthy soft examples of soft options.

7. Use herbs and spices: altered taste can happen as we age (possibly from medications). Consider adding herbs and spices to ‘spice up’ your plate and palate (caution with the salt shaker or other salts).

8. Keep food safe: Getting food poisoning can be dangerous as we age. Store food properly – refrigerated or frozen – consume within 3-4 days. Throw away food older than that or with mold. Do not rely on smell/taste – they may be altered.

9. Read the Nutrition Facts Labels: Zone in on important nutrients – like calories, fats and sodium. Keep these numbers low.

10. Ask your doctor about vitamins and supplements: Sometimes additional nutrition is needed. This may be due to medications or vitamin and mineral deficiencies or may need to prevent a deficiency.

Always attempt to obtain your nutrients through food and make a Plate for the Ages!

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Ransom Sargent Senior Services,abranchofValleySeniorServices,isanon-profitorganizationservingseniorcitizensinRansom and Sargent Counties. Our services include: Home Delivered Meals, Frozen Meals, Community Dining, Transpor-tation, Senior Centers, Outreach Assistance and Medicare Part D assistance. In addition, we distribute a monthly publication - The Silver Quill - detailing current and upcoming events of interest to the senior community. If you would like additional informationonourservicespleasecontactourofficeat683-3131or1-877-857-3743.

YourtaxdeductiblecontributiontoValleySeniorServicesofRansomandSargentwillhelpustocontinuetomeetthein-creasingdemandforservices.YourgiftcanbemailedtoVSS,P.O.Box387,Lisbon,ND58054.

Your gift can be designated to *Home Delivered Meals *Congregate Dining * Outreach Assistance *Transportation *Medicare Part D Assistance

Rent Refunds and Property Tax Credits Available

If you are 65 years old, or totally and perma-nently disabled, you may be eligible for a rent refund or property tax credit.

Rent Refunds

You may be eligible to receive a rent refund if 20% of your annual rent exceeds 4% of your annual income. your income cannot exceed $42,000 for the year 2016. A refund cannot exceed $400. For a husband and wife living together, only one can apply for the refund. Only the spouse applying for the refund needs to be 65 years of age. A refund may not be made to a person who pays rent for any living quarters that are exempt from property taxation and for which payment in lieu of property taxes is not made. (You may have to check with your local assessor about the tax exempt properties in your area).

For more information or to request an applica-tion, call the State Tax Commissioner at 1-877-328-7088 ext. 6. The applications must be filed with the State Tax Commissioner by May 31st, 2017.

Property Tax Credit

The property tax credit will reduce the home-owner’s taxable value according to your income. In order to qualify for a property tax credit, your income must not exceed $42,000 and your as-sets may not exceed $500,000 (including the value of your homestead).

If you believe you are eligible for a property tax credit, you can file an application with your local assessor by February 1 (or soon thereafter) in the year your property is assessed and for which you request a property tax credit.

When considering income for both rent refunds and property tax credits, all sources must be considered including but not limited to Social Security benefits, pensions, salaries, unemploy-ment benefits, dividends, interest, profits, etc. Life insurance proceeds are not included in the act. Medical expenses are deductible from in-come if not compensated by insurance or other forms of compensation.

For additional information on rent refunds or property tax credits, please call the State Tax Commissioner at 1-877-328-7088 ext. 6 or our office at

683-3131 or toll-free at 1-877-857-3743.

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Sargent County Transportation--Open to the public

Rides provided Tuesday through Thursday on request.

Rides provided within the county and surrounding areas - Oakes, Lisbon, Wahpeton, Fargo.

CENTER HIGHLIGHTS

SARGENT COUNTY

Open: Monday-ThursdayMeals:

Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs

Every Monday @ 10:00 - Chair YogaForman Center724-3928

Open: Mon-Thur Meals:

Mon, Tues, Wed, ThursInternet available

Every Monday @ 10:00 - Chair YogaEvery Tuesday & Thursday @ 10:30 - Bone Builders Exercise Program

Gwinner

Call for information about home de-livered meals in the city of Gwinner. Please call if you have a home deliv-ery interest. 683-3131

Rutland Center724-4074

Open Monday-ThursdayMeals:

Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs

Daily - Cards & puzzlesEvery Monday @ 10:00 - Chair YogaClub meets 2nd Tuesday @ 1:00

Milnor Center427-9327

Open Tuesday-FridayMeals:

Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri

Cards every Tuesday & Thurs-day; Club meets 3rd Wednesday every other month at 12:30 p.m. Internet available.

Every Tuesday & Thursday - @ 10:30 - Bone Builders Exercise Program; Pinochle (call Kathy Rasmussen @ 427-9486)Every Tuesday - Bridge (call Janice at 427-9462)Every Wed. @ 10:00 - Chair Yoga

Cogswell Center724-3024

Sargent County Foot Care

724-3725

Sargent County Food Pantry

680-7049Tuesdays 1:00-3:00Sargent County

VSS Resource Specialist 683-3131

VSS Resource Specialist Karleen Wyum will help link you to programs including home delivered meals and transportation to maintain your inde-pendence in your own home.

* Please call ahead to sign up for dinner - All meal sites serve noon meal at 12:00*

Call Karleen or Shan for details - 1-877-857-3743 or

683-3131 - leave a message - Please do not call the driver at

homeSchedule appointments from

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

MemorialsJohn Schreiner, Jr.

Open Monday-FridayMeals:

Monday through Friday

Every Monday @ 10:00 - Chair YogaEvery Tuesday - 1:00 Hand & Foot plus Whist cards Every Thursday - van to Lisbon (call Lisbon office to schedule a ride)2nd Wednesday of month - 1:00 Bingo hosted by HEART programEvery Tuesday & Thursday @ 10:30 - Bone Builders Exercise ProgramRegular meetings every other month.

Enderlin Center 437-2669

Meals:No meals being served at this time. Anyone needing frozen

meals should call the Lisbon site at 683-3131

Every Wednesday - van to Lisbon (call 877-857-3743 or 683-3131)

Lisbon Center683-4295

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Open Monday-FridayMeals:

Monday-Friday @ 12:00 Noon

CHI Home Health offers foot care 1st Wednesday of

every month at Lisbon Senior Center.

Thursday night pinochle—call Shirley Hanson 683-5639.

Feb. 3 - Birthday club @noon Feb. 4- Golden Rule/Club meeting Feb. 14 - 2:00 Ransom County Senior Council meetingEvery Monday - 10:00 Chair Yoga; 1:00 BingoEvery Tuesday - 1:30 Hand & FootEvery Friday - 1:00 RummyEvery Tuesday & Thursday @ 10:30 - Bone Builders Exercise Program

CENTER HIGHLIGHTS

Ransom County Transportation Open to the public

Call 683-3131 or 1-877-857-3743 and talk to or leave a message for Karleen or Shan

Schedule appointments from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please do not call the driver at home to schedule rides.

Sheldon Seniors

No Meals - Call the Lisbon office for frozen meals at

683-3131Potluck 2nd & 4th

Friday of the month Every Monday @ 9:00- Bone Builders Exercise Program

Fort Ransom

Foot Care Ransom County Public Health -

Call 683-6140 for an appointment;CHI Home Health - 1st Wed. of the

month- sign up at Lisbon Center Ransom County

Food Pantry701-308-0905

Call Wednesday to order a basket; Thursday basket pick up 1:00-3:00

Ransom County VSS Resource Specialist

683-3131 Resource Specialist Karleen Wyum will help link you to programs (such as home delivered meals and trans-portation) to maintain your indepen-dence in your own home.

RANSOM COUNTY

Ransom County Van ScheduleHours: Monday -Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday 8:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Monday-Friday: rides within the city of LisbonWednesdays: rides from Fort Ransom & back

Thursdays: rides from Enderlin & backBus Schedule

2nd & 4th Tuesday and every Thursday to Fargo*Schedule appointment between 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

*Reserve bus ride by 3:00 p.m. the day before riding

Ransom County Senior Councils has been re-scheduled to February 14 at 2 p.m. at Lisbon

Senior Center

Valley Senior Services, Inc.P.O. Box 2217Fargo, ND 58108

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAIDFARGO, ND 58102PERMIT NO. 1123

Storm Policy - Storm Closing Notice

There will be not congregate or home delivered meals on days that schools are closed due to storm conditions.Themenulistedforthatdaywillbemovedtothenextday.ListentoKQLXofLisbonforannouncements of services for storm days.