Greetings from the Heritage Center. As the month of October wanes, we look to the last day of the month for our Halloween celebration. Come for our congregate meal at 11:30 a.m. and dress up, either in costume, or black and orange to celebrate the day. There will be live music before and after the meal and it promises to be a fun event. Be sure to call in your meal reservation by Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 30.

According to the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, Medicare's fall open enrollment is from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2007. Now is the time for people with Medicare to enroll in a drug plan, review their health care and drug coverage, and make changes. There's even extra help available for people with limited income and resources. The extra help is worth up to $3,600 for some people to help pay for their drug coverage.

It's important for all people with Medicare to complete their yearly Medicare Enrollment Review. They can follow these three important steps:

1. Prepare - Take time to gather information they'll need to make a decision about their health and prescription drug coverage (medication list, provider list, any notice they received from Medicare, Social Security or their plan about changes to their plan)

2. Compare - Compare plans in their area on cost, coverage, and customer service. 3. Decide - Decide which plan is best for them.

You'll find helpful Medicare tools and information at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/openenrollment.asp . Use these resources to compare the cost or benefits of Medicare health or prescription drug plans in your area. Get answers to your Medicare questions. Learn how to lower health care costs and stay healthy. Find out about Medicare events in your community. By working together for better health, we can reach those who are unaware, unsure, or unable to make their health plan decisions and apply for the extra help.

If you are new to Medicare or if the process seems overwhelming please contact our Outreach Office for guidance about your questions. Our outreach workers receive special training to be able to give you the answers you need to make an informed decision. They are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Now is also the time to mark your calendars for Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007. The Senior Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC) Program will have a Part D open enrollment event in Williston at the new armory. If you are new to the Medicare program and have questions about Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage plans, or if you want to switch plans and need assistance, this is the day to do it.

See you at the center.

Meals

Oct. 26 - Oct. 31

Friday - Cod squares, tartar sauce, stewed tomatoes, oven potatoes, Jell-o, fruit.

Monday - Chicken Alfredo, Italian vegetables, cooked apples, tomato juice.

Tuesday - Chili with meat, cheese slice, lettuce and tomato salad, apple juice, fruit cup.

Wednesday - Turkey with rice casserole, cranberry salad, peas and onions, dessert.

Thursday - Beef stroganoff, mashed potatoes, butter carrots, pumpkin pudding.

Activities

Oct. 26 - Oct. 31

Friday - Aerobics 9 a.m., Computers 10 a.m.- noon, Bingo/ Pool Tourney 12:30 p.m.,

Monday - Aerobics 9 a.m., Computers 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Pool/T.V. 12: 30 p.m.

Tuesday - Aerobics 9 a.m., Computers 10 a.m.- noon, Whist and Pinochle 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Aerobics 9 a.m., Arts/ Crafts 10 a.m., Pool /TV 12:30 p.m., Computers noon.

Thursday - Aerobics 9 a.m., Card Making 10 a.m., Computers 10-11:30 a.m., Pinochle Club noon-3 p.m., T.V. 12:30 p.m.

All services provided by the Williston Council for the Aging are available to eligible persons regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, or handicap.