Friday, December 8, 2017

December 8, 2017

        The bright and joyous season is upon us.  I have read that Christ was not born in December, but because of the long nights in that month, the date was chosen to bring some light and celebration to what otherwise was a gloomy time of year.  Imagine how dark December must have been when there was no electricity or even the gaslight of later years.  I don't know if that information is "fake news" or the truth, but it doesn't really matter to me.  I enjoy the season with its good thoughts, kindness to strangers, gleeful children, and colorful decorations.  And Christmas music gladdens my heart whether it be "Rudolph" with Gene Autry or the Choir of Westminster Abbey.  I wish you a Merry Christmas too and a respite from all the worries and fears prevalent in this December of 2017.








    We had turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy at our November lunch.  The turkey was moist and tender, like I can never achieve.  Although we are going to miss this wonderful facility with all its lovely parking and other amenities, we will not be losing the chef who will continue to cater our meals at our new location.  I don't know where that will be yet, but I know President Omilak will have some news on December 21.

    Yesterday's Bradenton Herald ran an obituary for Walter Kerce.  Many of us know Joyce, a longtime middle school science teacher, now retired.  His funeral is on Saturday.

    Our Handbooks will be available at this month's meeting.  I hope you will be there to pick yours up.  Otherwise, they will be available again in January. 

    Applications for the FREF Scholarships have been sent out to the high schools.  If you know a senior who is planning a career in education, please see Diana Buell, Scholarship Chair, to pick one up.  The MCREA Scholarship applications will be sent out later in the spring.  Again, please ask for one of them if you have a high school senior in mind.

    Michael Kovaks, a financial advisor who is prepared to help FREA members with their financial matters, spoke at the November meeting.  He has aided some of our members in choosing their Medicare Supplemental Insurance providers and their Medicare Part D Insurance if they are on Medicare and not with a Medicare Advantage provider. He has guided me in the last two years in choosing the Part D program which covers my prescriptions. 

    This year, Michael brought us information on a new Long Term Care Insurance Program.  This is a  hybrid of the old long term care insurance plan and this new plan.  Instead of paying out monthly premiums which a client may never use and will not be able to get back if he or she doesn't use the service, a client can reposition a portion of existing retirement funds.  A death benefit is paid out if the contract was never used.  Michael can be reached at 800-595-8891, or at www.TheFRAgroup.com Michael's company, FRA, is endorsed by FREA.

    Program Chair, Brenda Osborne, has arranged a Christmas program for us which features a young singer from Palmetto High School. 

    Remember the Food Bank, the Salvation Army with small items for their clients, and the children who need to read some great books which we donate to them.

    If you haven't heard from your caller by the 15th, call Phyllis Omilak at 723-1360 or me at 794-1646, and we will see that you are listed.

Merry Getting Ready for Christmas.
Ellen