Bilingual Bingo

Elizabeth Mensing

Every first Friday of the month from 10:30 to 11:30 NESCO holds Bilingual Bingo. This is a multicultural event that allows individuals who speak both English and Spanish to come together and play bingo.

Bilingual Bingo usually draws about 75 people and is followed by a hot lunch. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be found at any other Dane County senior center or coalition. Since NESCO is the only senior focal point in Dane County that has a cultural diversity program we are the only one that can offer unique multicultural programming such as Bilingual Bingo.

If you are interested in joining us for a fun and lively hour of Bilingual Bingo please contact NESCO for more information about the next Bilingual Bingo event and how to sign up. Also, if you have the ability to speak both English and Spanish and are interested in calling bingo for one of our fabulous Bilingual Bingo events, please contact NESCO to sign up. We look forward to seeing you there!

Medicare Cost Assistance

Cortney Doescher-Hino

A new federal law is increasing access to a special program that helps Medicare beneficiaries with their Medicare costs. Some beneficiaries will be eligible for assistance with both their Medicare Part B premiums and their Medicare copayments and deductibles. Other beneficiaries may be eligible for assistance with their Medicare Part B premiums. This program is called the Medicare Savings Program and eligibility is based on a Medicare beneficiary’s income and assets.

Beginning in January 2010 for all the Medicare Savings Programs, beneficiaries can have assets up to $6,600 for an individual and $9,910 for a couple. Beneficiaries can also have $1500 per person for a burial fund in addition to the asset limits. The asset limits

included are based on the asset limits for the Medicare Part D low income subsidy and they may go up for 2010. Medicare beneficiaries with monthly income below $902.50 per month for an individual and $1,214.17 per month for a couple may be eligible for assistance with Medicare premiums and copayments.

Beneficiaries with income below $1,218.38 per month for an individual and $1,639.13 per month for couples may be eligible for assistance with their Medicare Part B premiums. Anyone who is eligible for the Medicare Savings Programs is automatically eligible for assistance with their Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. Medicare beneficiaries who think they are eligible for these programs can check their eligibility at https://access.wisconsin.gov/access/ or by contacting the county human services department.

National Accreditation Reception

Cheryl Batterman

On behalf of the North/Eastside Senior Coalition’s Board of Directors, volunteers, members, clients, participants, and “rockin” staff, thank you for the emails, cards, and “pats on the back” we received in recognition of our National Accreditation (awarded by the National Institute of Senior Centers) and 35 years of service—providing quality programs and vital services to over 8,000 senior adults and their families each year.

Over 140 community members joined First Lady Jessica Doyle as she presented the national accreditation plaque to our agency at a reception last evening at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center. We were also honored to receive congratulatory remarks from representatives from Senators Feingold & Kohl’s offices, State Representative Kelda Helen Roys & Senator Jon Erpenbach, and United Way’s Senior VP of Community Impact Deedra Atkinson. Proclamations were also presented by Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. Two local TV news stations documented the program; WKOW aired a segment several times last night and this morning (click on the following link to view: http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11812627).

As I stated, my heart is deeply touched by the generous support offered to NESCO by our funders, community partners, local agencies, former staff members, family, and friends. I’m extremely proud to be NESCO’s “Boss Lady!”

Thanks-for-Giving Social

Cheryl Batterman

Last night was another memorable event at the office… our traditional Thanks-for-Giving Social was held in the beautiful Warner Park Community Recreation Center. It’s one of my favorite programs of the year—an opportunity to say thanks to our awesome volunteers while also wishing them a happy holiday season. Over 60 volunteers enjoyed delicious hot appetizers and coffee, cold apple cider, veggies n’ dip, “Thanks-A-Lot” Girl Scout cookies, and a beautifully decorated spice cake. They were also entertained by the Gilda’s Club Show Choir—a new touch to this year’s event. This is just one way the NESCO staff recognizes our deeply appreciated volunteers! (To view more pictures of the event, see our website.)

2009 NESCO Team

I love humor…

I love humor… in most forms. I especially love laughing at myself. I can trip over a penny and laugh at my clumsiness for hours. What else is there to do—lament over my inability to pick up my feet or recognize I can and will be awkward. I refuse to be surrounded by negativity… in any form. My mantra has always been “Life is short—make it count!”

I recently attended the Wisconsin Association of Senior Center’s Annual Fall Conference; the theme this year was “Explore–Empower–Engage.” It was two days of networking with colleagues from throughout the state, with workshops and training sessions. During my drive home, it occurred to me how different this year’s conference was compared to last year’s “Baby Boomers” theme. This year’s hallway conversations centered on funding challenges… in every shape and size. Many senior center directors have already cut their budgets to the nubs and are deeply concerned what will need to be slashed to meet next year’s budget. Rather than looking for positive ways to improve their programs and services, their energy is being drained by writing analytical reports to their funders justifying the center’s existence.

Perhaps that’s why the conference organizers focused two major sessions on humor—that’s right, laughter. Both keynote speakers valiantly attempted to brush off the doom and gloom waiting each senior center director by reminding us all how powerful humor is to our jobs and lives. Amid the jokes and gags used during their presentations, were inspiring concepts; “Characteristics of a Great Leader” is just one example:

Willingness to take risks

• Passionate about your job
• A deep sense of empathy for human beings
• Can motivate and inspire
• Understands the importance of humor in work and life

With this renewed energy, I vow to GOMO (Get Over it & Move On) and be positive as we resolve our budget challenges. Life is short—so I’ll be wearing a clown nose while balancing the columns and searching for humorous cracks in my life. Like me constantly tripping over those darn pennies… wishing they were silver dollars!

Betty Lou Cruisin’

Boarding the Betty Lou

On Friday, June 25, we boarded the Betty Lou and hit Lake Monona for an afternoon of great weather, delicious lunch, and fantastic views of the Madison skyline. This was one of the various trips that we offer each year for senior adults – if you’re interested in learning about other travel opportunities, contact NESCO at (608) 243-5252 or info@nescoinc.org. To view more photos from the Betty Lou Cruise, click here: http://nescoinc.org/Betty%20Lou%20Cruise%202009/index.html

View of Madison from Lake Monona

Blog revived! Summer Concerts in full swing.

It’s been a while since this blog has been updated, but we’re dusting it off and getting it ready for Round Two, just in time for our summer programs. Check back regularly for new content, concerning NESCO programs, services, and events, as well as topics relevent to senior adults!

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Summer Concerts are back! We’ve already enjoyed the sounds of The Midwesterners, and we’ve got a great lineup of bands still to come. If you can think of a better way to enjoy a summer evening than sitting in a beautiful park, snacking on a bratwurst and rootbeer float, and enjoying some great FREE music, we’d love to hear it. As it is, we think the Summer Concerts at Warner Park are the best deal in town! So come check it out:

22 June – Ladies Must Swing (Swing)

29 June – Waunakee Community Band (Patriotic)

13 July – Davis Family Band (R&B)

20 July – Grupo Candela (Merenga & Salsa)

27 July – North Country Drifters (Waltzes & Polkas)

All concerts are Monday evenings at 6pm (except June 29 concert, at 6:30pm) at the Warner Park shelter. 1625 Northport Drive, Madison, WI 53704. Transportation is available for seniors, call 243-5252 to arrange ride.

The Summer Concert Series is sponsored by Alliant Energy Foundation, Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission with additional funds from the Overture Foundation and Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, M&I Bank, Madison Arts Commission and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts, Madison Mallards, Target, and Dennis Tiziani.

Medicare and Diabetes

Cortney

Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes know that it is not always easy to figure out what parts of Medicare are covering their diabetic supplies and prescriptions related to treatment of diabetes. Medicare beneficiaries who are receiving prescription drug coverage through enrollment in a Medicare Part D plan or through enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage will have their insulin and supplies related to the injection of insulin covered by their Medicare prescription drug coverage. Supplies related to injection of insulin include:

• Syringes;

• Needles;

• Alcohol swabs;

• and gauze.

In contrast, testing supplies like lancets and test strips continue to be covered under Medicare Part B for those with Original Medicare or through the Part B benefits included as part of a Medicare Advantage plan for those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

For Medicare beneficiaries who receive prescription drug coverage through Wisconsin SeniorCare, SeniorCare covers some insulin and Medicare Part B covers testing supplies. SeniorCare does not provide coverage for syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, and gauze.

Medicare beneficiaries who receive prescription or supplemental health insurance benefits through employment, retiree health coverage, or other sources should consult with the administrators of those plans to determine benefits related to coverage of diabetic treatment and testing supplies.

If you have questions about Medicare coverage of your diabetic prescriptions or testing supplies, contact the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups at (608) 224-0606 and ask to speak with a Dane County Elderly Benefit Specialist.

Golden Times Advertising

Drew

Do you have a business that people need to know about? Can you provide seniors with information that they have to have? Would you like to get the word out on the North side of Madison? If so, you might be interested in advertising in our monthly Golden Times newsletter.

Every month, our company creates a newsletter for senior citizens called the Golden Times. It highlights educational and social programs, services, and resources available for senior adults and their families. Complimentary copies are mailed to Coalition members and local businesses and distributed throughout the community. Our newsletter is also posted on our website so that it can reach more people. Many different companies have advertised in our newsletter. Whether you have a repair business, health business, or hair style business, any company is welcome to advertise with us.

Reach over 30,000 Madison households and businesses each year while supporting the North/Eastside Senior Coalition. Here are the rates and policies for ads in the Golden Times:

Ad Size |  Dimension |  Rates
Business Card (horizontal) |  3½” X 2¼” |  $30
Quarter Page |  3½” X 4¾” | $50
Half Page (vertical) | 3½” X 10” | $95
Half Page (horizontal) | 7½” X 4¾” | $95
Full Page | 7½” X 10” | $170

Deadlines: Due by the 2nd of the previous month.

Copy: Must be camera ready, e-mailed, or provided on a disk.

Payment: Due by the 25th of the month following publication; invoices are mailed for your convenience.

If you wish to put an ad in our newsletter, please contact Drew Simonsen at (608) 243-5252 or dsimonsen@nescoinc.org.

Carta de una persona de la tercera edad para el Programa Latino de la North/Eastside Senior Coalition.

Yolanda

Hola señora Yolanda. Esta carta es para despedirme pues no quiero decirles Adios a mis amigas del Grupo, ya que me siento muy triste de irme, pero estoy enferma y el clima de Madison es terrible para mi y mis enfermedades. Quiero que les diga a mis compañeras que las quiero y que han sido una gran compañía para mi cuando me he sentido sola y el poder llamarles por teléfono o compartir las actividades de nuestro grupo me ayudaron mucho. Gracias por su programa por que pude conocer tantas buenas personas. Por favor dígale a las personas que trabajan en su agencia que les doy las gracias por ayudarnos y especialmente a usted quien con su entusiasmo siempre estuvo para mi en cada momento en que necesité, para ayudarme y apoyarme. También quiero darle las gracias a Aaron y a Rachel por todo lo que hicieron por mi. Sin ustedes no hubiera podido sobrevivir todos estos años. Yo siempre la voy a recordar con cariño al igual que a mis amigas. Las llevo en mi corazón. Espero que su oficina siga con este programa para que puedan ayudar a personas que como yo necesitan tanta ayuda.

Hasta luego y que Dios la bendiga.