It is not too late to make an appointment to have RSVP volunteers assist you with Medicare Part D during the open enrollment period that lasts to Dec. 7th. So far we have been able to identify plans that were less expensive for most of the Medicare beneficiaries that we have helped. The savings have varied from $200 to $2,100 annually depending on individual circumstances. Even if you have been satisfied with your current plan, you owe it to yourself to check out the options. Your plan may still be the best one for you but you could also find a plan that is just as good but more cost effective. Call 792-1614 to make an appointment.
There will only be two more ASK (Answers for Senior Kansans) sessions in the six seminar series. On Nov. 7, Donita Wolfe with Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice and Jan Westfall with Hospice Care of Kansas will discuss all the services available through hospice. On Nov. 28, Randy Clinkscale, attorney from Hays, will provide information on how to pay for long term care services when needed; he’ll provide information on Medicaid and long term care insurance from a layman’s perspective. Both sessions will be held at 9 a.m. at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas. Call 792-1614 for more information.
RSVP will be working with the American Legion’s Fort Dodge Christmas project this year. We still need more lap robes and can also use adult size knitted or crocheted caps. Because of the United Way Stuff the Bus Campaign, we have tons of yarn available here at the office, 1025 Main; come by soon to select your favorite colors and help us say thank you to the veterans living in the Fort Dodge State Veterans Home.
The American Legion’s Military Moms Project is gearing up to send Christmas care packages to military men and women serving in war zones all over the world. Leslie Halbower Barrett has been the driving force behind this worthwhile project for more than nine years which is run completely by volunteers with donations from the individuals and corporations. Please call Leslie at 792-2838 if you would like to donate time or money to help send a little bit of home with heartfelt thanks to these active duty military men and women.   
RSVP is looking for volunteers to help with the AARP TAX Aide program in 2013. You don’t have to be an accountant to volunteer with this program. You need to be comfortable on a computer, like to work with numbers, and like to help people. You will be trained to use income tax software for federal and state income taxes. After training, you will work with other RSVP volunteers one day a week from February through April 15 preparing basic federal and state income tax returns for low to moderate income seniors and persons with disabilities.  Call 792-1614 for more information.
The holiday season is fast approaching and looks to be really festive this year with lots of city-wide events. RSVP volunteers will man the “Santas Around the World” exhibit in a new location at 1223 Main Street; the presence of the real Santa to hear Christmas wishes will be a great addition to this holiday tradition. The City of Great Bend uses volunteers to help with the Trail of Lights and the Shafer Gallery at Barton Community College utilizes volunteer docents to assist with the annual Christmas tree exhibit. Call 792-1614 for more information about these fun holiday volunteer opportunities.