Showing posts with label Seniors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seniors. Show all posts

Friday, March 18, 2011

Tuesday, March 22: Medicare and You

A representative from Physicians Mutual will visit the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., to present an unbiased view of Medicare including changes for 2011, common misconceptions, and a general overview of how the program functions. The free presentation will be held on Tuesday, March 22 from 6:30-7:30pm. Registration is requested; call 262.636.9217 or register at www.racinelibrary.info.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Library Offers Free Computer Training Classes

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is taking registration for its next series of Introductory Computer classes. The library offers free, six-week training classes that cover Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Internet Searching, Email Basics, Word 2007, and Excel 2007. Classes meet once a week for two hours in the Library's computer lab. Classes are limited to 7 students, so registration is required. To reserve a spot in the free program, or for more information, contact the Library at 262.636.9217.

Three six-week sessions are being offered. Participants may register for one of the following programs:
Tuesdays, March 30-May4 from 9:30-11:30 am
Tuesdays, May 25-June 29 from 5:30-7:30 pm
Wednesdays, March 31-May 5 from 9:30-11:30 am

Classes are taught by a reference librarian and other library staff from the Adult Services Department and are open to people of all ages. No previous computer experience is necessary. These hands-on workshops use computers obtained through grants provided by the Racine Community Foundation, the Colonel L.C. Christensen Charitable and Religious Foundation, and the Friends of the Racine Public Library.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Wednesday, March 17: Reverse Mortgage Information Available at the Library

If you are a homeowner age 62 years or older, the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., has an opportunity for you to meet with a trained and certified reverse mortgage consultant to learn how to convert the equity in your home into tax-free proceeds. The Library will host a seminar on Wednesday, March 17, at 10:30 am in the Library's Lee room. The program will be presented by Dan Scerpella, a Reverse Mortgage Consultant for MetLife Bank.

Reverse Mortgages are a relatively new financial planning tool and many people have questions about the advantages and disadvantages, associated costs, and how the process works. Your reverse mortgage proceeds can be used to eliminate your existing mortgage, meet daily or monthly expenses, cover healthcare expenses, remodel or repair your home, and reduce credit card debt, among others. This educational talk will answer many common questions and can help you determine if this tool is right for you.

Dan Scerpella is the MetLife Reverse Mortgage Consultant for Southeastern Wisconsin. He is a lifelong resident of Wisconsin and has been involved in banking and lending for 18 years. The program is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is appreciated. Call 262.636.9217 to reserve a spot.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Monday, September 14: Library Offers Free Reverse Mortgage Seminar

If you are a homeowner, age 62 years or older, don't miss this opportunity to meet with a trained and certified reverse mortgage consultant to learn how to convert the equity in your home into tax-free proceeds. The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host a seminar on Monday, Sept 14 at 10:30 am in the Library's Lee room. The program will be facilitated by Ron Goforth a Reverse Mortgage Consultant for Wells Fargo. Space is limited; registration is recommended. Contact the Library at 262.636.9245 or Ron Goforth at 262.631.1398 to reserve a spot.

Your reverse mortgage proceeds can be used for eliminating your existing mortgage, meeting daily or monthly expenses, covering healthcare expenses, remodeling or home repairs, reducing credit card debt, and many other ways. Let us show you how your home can work for you.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Library Offers Free Reverse Mortgage Seminars

If you are a homeowner, age 62 years or older, don't miss this opportunity to meet with a trained and certified reverse mortgage consultant to learn how to convert the equity in your home into tax-free proceeds. The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host two free seminars on Tuesdays, Sept 8 and Sept. 14 at 10:30 am in the Library's Lee room. The programs will be facilitated by Ron Goforth a Reverse Mortgage Consultant for Wells Fargo. Space is limited; registration is recommended. Contact the Library at 262.636.9245 or Ron Goforth at 262.631.1398 to reserve a spot.

Your reverse mortgage proceeds can be used for eliminating your existing mortgage, meeting daily or monthly expenses, covering healthcare expenses, remodeling or home repairs, reducing credit card debt, and many other ways. Let us show you how your home can work for you.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

MEDICARE ENROLLMENT HELP

With the economy still causing concern for seniors and both candidates for President calling for change, maybe more Medicare recipients will be looking at changes in their coverage also. Some will need to either because their retiree health insurance is going away or their Medicare Part D or Advantage Plan has done so. In Racine, retirees of General Motors and Modine face this challenge, as do members enrolled in some Anthem and Wellcare Medicare replacement
plans.

Even beneficiaries on a free-standing Part D Plan have greater need to reevaluate things for 2009, given some steep increases in premiums and some reductions in coverage in the gap. Higher premiums for more than 30 plans may cause some seniors to take another look at Medicare Advantage Plans that also include drug coverage in their lower or no premium options.

Some of the neediest people on Medicare, those who qualify for the Low Income Subsidy (or Extra Help), could face surprises if they don't watch their mail closely and know the changes ahead. More of them are facing re-assignment into different plans for next year than ever before, especially because two of the larger subsidized drug plans for 2008 will not qualify as fully covered plans in 2009.

If members of these plans have chosen either of these plans on purpose, though, they will not be auto-enrolled into a different plan. Instead, they could be billed between $5.65 and $25.85 per month next year. This is the amount their new premium exceeds the Extra Help benchmark of 38.15.

Before you change, or before you stay put, it's good to get all the facts. Several options are available for help.

First, attend a presentation explaining your choices and challenges related to Medicare C & D sponsored by the Racine County Aging and Disability Resource Center and the Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging. All presentations will run from 9:30 – 10:30 am, with a chance to have one-to-one appointments later in the day if you have made an appointment beforehand by calling 877-333-0202. The dates and locations are:

Help Yourself, Help Others: Tips for Drug Coverage Decisions This Fall
9:30 – 10:30 am
Wednesday, November 12th, Racine Library
Wednesday, November 26th, Aurora Wellness Center in Burlington
Tuesday, December 2nd, Wheaton Franciscan All Saints in Racine
Tuesday, December 9th, Aurora Wellness Center in Burlington

Can't make a meeting? Then watch for a special opportunity after November 17th to use a unique program called Generations on Line at some local libraries to help you learn to check on drug plans for yourself. Friendly coaches will be on hand to introduce elders to the many benefits of using the internet through this senior-friendly way to get to the Medicare tool with three simple clicks. A tip book will then guide you step by step through putting in the drugs you need and
finding the right plan. You'll also see how easy it can be to use the computer in this way – maybe even to send an email to your grandkids!

What if you do best by phone? If you are looking at Advantage Plans, consider calling the Medigap Helpline at 1-800-242-1060 to make sure you understand your options. To explore which Part D Plans is best for you this year, and whether SeniorCare could be a good alternative or else an addition to fill the "donut hole" – call the State Prescription Drug Helpline at 1-800-456-8211. If you are under 60 and disabled, you can get help at 1-800-926-4862.

For a personal touch, or to see whether you qualify for other benefits that can help you make ends meet, call the Racine County Aging and Disability Resource Center at 262-638-6800. Also – be aware that new marketing laws forbid any agents from knocking at your door or calling you without your invitation. If in doubt, just say "No" and check it out with one of the resources listed above.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

MEDICARE ENROLLMENT HELP @ THE LIBRARY

With the economy still causing concern for seniors and both candidates for President calling for change, maybe more Medicare recipients will be looking at changes in their coverage also.

Some will need to either because their retiree health insurance is going away or their Medicare Part D or Advantage Plan has done so. In Racine, retirees of General Motors and Modine face this challenge, as do members enrolled in some Anthem and Wellcare Medicare replacement plans.

Even beneficiaries on a free-standing Part D Plan have greater need to reevaluate things for 2009, given some steep increases in premiums and some reductions in coverage in the gap. Higher premiums for more than 30 plans may cause some seniors to take another look at Medicare Advantage Plans that also include drug coverage in their lower or no premium options.

Some of the neediest people on Medicare, those who qualify for the Low Income Subsidy (or Extra Help), could face surprises if they don't watch their mail closely and know the changes ahead. More of them are facing re-assignment into different plans for next year than ever before, especially because two of the larger subsidized drug plans for 2008 will not qualify as fully covered plans in 2009.

If members of these plans have chosen either of these plans on purpose, though, they will not be auto-enrolled into a different plan. Instead, they could be billed between $5.65 and $25.85 per month next year. This is the amount their new premium exceeds the Extra Help benchmark of 38.15.

Before you change, or before you stay put, it's good to get all the facts. Several options are available for help.

First, attend a presentation explaining your choices and challenges related to Medicare C & D sponsored by the Racine County Aging and Disability Resource Center and the Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging. All presentations will run from 9:30 – 10:30 am, with a chance to have one-to-one appointments later in the day if you have made an appointment beforehand by calling 877-333-0202. The dates and locations are:

Help Yourself, Help Others: Tips for Drug Coverage Decisions This Fall
9:30 – 10:30 am
Monday, November 3rd, Racine Library
Wednesday, November 12th, Racine Library
Wednesday, November 26th, Aurora Wellness Center in Burlington
Tuesday, December 2nd, Wheaton Franciscan All Saints in Racine
Tuesday, December 9th, Aurora Wellness Center in Burlington

Can't make a meeting? Then watch for a special opportunity after November 17th to use a unique program called Generations on Line at some local libraries to help you learn to check on drug plans for yourself. Friendly coaches will be on hand to introduce elders to the many benefits of using the internet through this senior-friendly way to get to the Medicare tool with three simple clicks. A tip book will then guide you step by step through putting in the drugs you need and finding the right plan. You'll also see how easy it can be to use the computer in this way – maybe even to send an email to your grandkids!

What if you do best by phone? If you are looking at Advantage Plans, consider calling the Medigap Helpline at 1-800-242-1060 to make sure you understand your options. To explore which Part D Plans is best for you this year, and whether SeniorCare could be a good alternative or else an addition to fill the "donut hole" – call the State Prescription Drug Helpline at 1-800-456-8211. If you are under 60 and disabled, you can get help at 1-800-926-4862.

For a personal touch, or to see whether you qualify for other benefits that can help you make ends meet, call the Racine County Aging and Disability Resource Center at 262-638-6800. Also – be aware that new marketing laws forbid any agents from knocking at your door or calling you without your invitation. If in doubt, just say "No" and check it out with one of the resources listed above.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

NATURAL HEALTH TOPICS FEATURED IN LIBRARY LECTURES

Racine – The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a series of lectures on general health topics and natural health solutions. The one hour lectures will be facilitated by Dr. Scott T. Sheriff of Tiferet Family Chiropractic. The programs are limited to 25 participants, so registration is recommended. The following programs will be offered:

Natural Solutions to Sleep Problems
Tuesday, Oct. 14
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Participants will learn why sleep is so important to general health, what things interfere with a good night’s sleep, and how to improve sleep habits naturally.

Osteoporosis – An Alternative Viewpoint
Tuesday, Oct. 28
10-11 a.m.
Participants will learn the causes of bone loss, how osteoporosis is diagnosed, and natural treatment options.

Natural Approaches to Preventing and Handling Arthritic Pain
Tuesday, Nov. 11
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Participants will learn the signs of arthritic development, how to prevent further degeneration, and natural methods to relieve pain.

The Best Vitamins and Supplements: Cost and Effectiveness
Tuesday, Nov. 25
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Participants will learn about key vitamins and supplements, how each works to improve general health, and which have been experimentally proven to be effective.

To register for any or all of the above programs, call the library at 262.636.9217.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Wii Gaming at the Racine Public Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., invites adults and teens ages 11-17 to the bi-monthly Wii gaming days offered for free.

Adult game days are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 10 am to 12 pm. These free events are for players of all levels and beginners are encouraged to attend. Library staff is on hand to help participants become acquainted with the Wii console, controllers and games. Participants will have the chance to try their hand at Wii Sport games like bowling, tennis, golf and more. Drop-in visitors are welcome.

Teen Wii game days are being held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays in September from 1:30-4:30 pm. Youth ages 11-17 may participate in open gaming or tournament play. Participants in tournament play are competing to represent the library in a regional library tournament to be held in November. Gaming is available in Wii Play, Wii Sport, Super Smash Brothers, and Guitar Hero. Library staff will be on hand to help players navigate the system and learn gaming techniques if needed. PSII open gaming is available as well. Time slots for gaming are available on a first come/first served basis. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. Wii gaming events are free.

For questions about the Wii gaming participants should call the library at 262.636.9245. The purchase of the Wii Gaming equipment was made possible through a Library Services and Technology Act grant awarded to several Southeastern Wisconsin Library systems.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Wii Gaming at the Racine Public Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., offers monthly Wii gaming days for adults over age 55 and for teens ages 11-17.

Adult Over-55 game days are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 10 am to 12 pm. These free events are for players of all levels and beginners are encouraged to attend. Library staff is on hand to help participants become acquainted with the Wii console, controllers and games. Participants will have the chance to try their hand at Wii Sport games like bowling, tennis, golf and more. Drop-in visitors are welcome.

Teen Wii game days are being held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays in September from 1:30-4:30 pm. Youth ages 11-17 may participate in open gaming or tournament play. Participants in tournament play are competing to represent the library in a regional library tournament to be held in November. Gaming is available in Wii Play, Wii Sport, Super Smash Brothers, and Guitar Hero. Library staff will be on hand to help players navigate the system and learn gaming techniques if needed. PSII open gaming is available as well. Time slots for gaming are available on a first come/first served basis. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. Wii gaming events are free.

For questions about the Wii gaming participants should call the library at 262.636.9245. The purchase of the Wii Gaming equipment was made possible through a Library Services and Technology Act grant awarded to several Southeastern Wisconsin Library systems.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Wii Gaming @ the Library

The Racine Public Library's Wii Gaming Days for teens and senior adults continues in July with adults 55 and older meeting on Wednesday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to noon, and teens ages 11-17 meeting on Saturday, July 19 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. All gaming events are free and take place in the library's Lee Room. Time slots for gaming are available on a first come/first served basis. Registration is taken at the beginning of each gaming session.

Wii game play is available in Wii Play, Wii Sport, Super Smash Brothers, and Guitar Hero. Beginners are welcome. Library staff will be on hand to help players navigate the system and learn gaming techniques. Teen participants will have the opportunity to begin tournament scoring in various games. More information will be available at the event.

For questions about the Wii gaming events, participants should call the library at 262.636.9245. The purchase of the Wii Gaming equipment was made possible through a Library Services and Technology Act grant awarded to several Southeastern Wisconsin Library systems.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Wii Gaming for the "Over 55" Crowd

You've probably heard about the recent surge in popularity of Wii video-gaming among players of all ages. As an adult, you may have wished you could try it out without actually having to make a major purchase. Now you'll have a chance to do so in a non-threatening and stress-free atmosphere.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting Wii Game Days for adults over the age of 55 throughout the summer. The next game day will be held on Wednesday, July 2 from 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. in the library's Lee Room. This free event is designed with the beginner in mind. Staff will be on hand to help participants become acquainted with the console, controllers, and games. Participants will have the chance to try their hand at Wii Sport games like bowling, tennis, golf and more. Wii Play and Guitar Hero games will also be available for those interested.

Although drop-in participants are always welcome, space is limited and registration is recommended. Call the library at 262.636.9245 to reserve a spot.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Tuesday, June 10 & Wednesday, June 11: Housing Resources Seminars at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host two free seminars presented by Housing Resources, Inc. introducing attendees to programs available to them for assistance in home buying. The first seminar, First Time Homebuyer Education, will be held on Tuesday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m in the Library's Lee Room. The second seminar, The Benefits of Reverse Mortgage, will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m. in the Library's Lee Room. Although drop-ins are welcome, registration is recommended for these free programs and may be made by contacting the Adult Services Dept. at 262.636.9217.

Homebuyer education is required for first-time home buyers to access many special loan programs and grants. In the first seminar, Mark Schultz of Housing Resources, Inc. will give an overview of First-time Home Buyer education classes offered through this organization.

If you are a senior (62 or older), a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or reverse mortgage can provide you with one option to improve your financial situation. This second seminar will define reverse equity mortgage and give an overview of eligibility requirements, financial implications, and other alternatives to obtaining this type of mortgage.

Housing Resources, Inc. is a locally based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families purchase their own homes. They have earned a proven track record of providing quality home counseling services to prospective low and moderate-income home buyers and have become a trusted leader in the assisting hundreds of buyers in purchasing each year. They strive to reach out to the community to expand home ownership opportunities through education, credit counseling, home purchase, maintenance and wealth building.

To register for these seminars, contact the library at 262.636.9217. For more information about the content of the classes offered by Housing Resources, Inc. please contact Mark Schultz at 262-636-8271.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Wednesday, June 4: Wii Gaming for the "Over 55" Crowd

You've probably heard about the recent surge in popularity of Wii video-gaming among players of all ages. As an adult, you may have wished you could try it out without actually having to make a major purchase. Now you'll have a chance to do so in a non-threatening and stress-free atmosphere.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting Wii Game Days for adults over the age of 55 throughout the spring and summer. The next game day will be held on Wednesday, June 4 from 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. in the library's Lee Room. This free event is designed with the beginner in mind. Staff will be on hand to help participants become acquainted with the console, controllers, and games. Participants will have the chance to try their hand at Wii Sport games like bowling, tennis, golf and more. Wii Play and Guitar Hero games will also be available for those interested.

Although drop-in participants are always welcome, space is limited and registration is recommended. Call the library at 262.636.9245 to reserve a spot.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Wednesday, May 21: Wii Gaming for the "Over 55" Crowd

You've probably heard about the recent surge in popularity of Wii video-gaming among adults of all ages. Have you also wished you could try it out on your own? Now you'll have a chance to do so in a non-threatening and stress-free atmosphere.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a series of Wii Game Days for adults over the age of 55 throughout the spring and summer. The next game day will be held on Wednesday, May 21 from 10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. in the library's Lee Room. This free event is designed with the beginner in mind. Staff will be on hand to help participants become acquainted with the console, controllers, and games. Participants will have the chance to try their hand at Wii Sport games like bowling, tennis, golf and more. Wii Play and Guitar Hero games will also be available for those interested.

Although drop-in participants are always welcome, space is limited and registration is recommended. Call the library at 262.636.9245 to reserve a spot.

Tuesday, May 20: Surfing Medicare

May is "Managing with Medicare Month" at the Racine Public Library! Peg Nugent, Information Services Coordinator for the Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging will present, "Surfing Lessons for Medicare Users and Caregivers", the final program in this series, on Tuesday, May 20 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Medicare has many marvelous internet tools available for checking benefits, claims, drug plans, and hospital services. This program will introduce beneficiaries, their caregivers and/or family members to the various tools on Medicare.gov as well as the personal portal on MyMedicare.gov. "Hands on" experience will be offered for any interested participants.

The class will be held in the Lee Room at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. Registration is recommended as space is limited. Call 262.636.9217 to reserve a spot. Specific questions about the program content may be directed to Peg Nugent at 262-821-4444.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Tuesday, May 6: Medicare Series @ the Library

May is "Managing with Medicare Month" at the Racine Public Library! Peg Nugent, Information Services Coordinator for the Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging will be presenting a series of programs and discussions on the following Medicare topics:

  • Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage Policies: What is right for me? Tuesday May 6th: 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Peg Nugent will explain the different methods of obtaining Medicare coverage and will address how to coordinate drug coverage with options such as SeniorCare or Part D. This program is good for those soon to be 65, facing the many enrollment choices in Medicare coverage. This may also appeal to those who have recently made a change or who are feeling pinched by high insurance premiums.

  • Getting Muddled by Medicare?
    Wednesday, May 14th 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. This program will cover the ABC's to understanding your likely health insurance coverage after age 65. Topics will include an explanation of the basic choices for Medicare; additional coverage for hospitalization, medical care, and drug coverage; and where you can go for honest and unbiased help in understand options, coverage, and claims. This information will be especially helpful for those nearing 65 or for family members who want to help them through the critical health care decisions to be made.

  • Surfing Lessons for Medicare Users and Caregivers
    Tuesday May 20th 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Medicare has many marvelous internet tools available for checking benefits, claims, drug plans, and hospital services. This program will introduce beneficiaries, their caregivers and/or family members to the various tools on Medicare.gov as well as the personal portal on MyMedicare.gov. "Hands on" experience wil be offered for any interested seniors.
All classes will be held in the Lee Room at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. Registration is recommended as space is limited. Call 262.636.9217 to reserve a spot. Specific questions about the program content may be directed to Peg Nugent at 262-821-4444.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Estate Planning Seminar

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., in partnership with the Racine/Kenosha Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (RKAIFA) will host a program on Estate planning as the next segment in a series of seminars designed to answer common questions about financial planning topics. The programs are held the third week of each month on Monday mornings and Tuesday evenings. The Estate Planning seminar will be held on March 18 at 10:30 and on March 19 at 7 p.m. The final segment of the series will feature "Financial Planning – The Big Picture" as its topic and will be held on April 21 at 10:30 a.m. and on April 22 at 7 p.m. Registration is required for all programs and may be done by calling the library at 262.636.9217.

All seminars, presented by representatives from RKAIFA, are designed for informational purposes only and are not used to promote product sales.

Thursday, March 13: WWII Midwest POW Traveling Exhibit @ the Library

It's not widely known that the first U.S. troops sent to fight in WWII came from the Upper Midwest, or that the region's 34th "Red Bull" Division served the longest uninterrupted duty in U.S. military history. Even fewer know that most U.S. prisoners of war (POW's) in Nazi-German camps came, per capita, from the same region.

On Thursday, March 13 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host the BUS-eum traveling WWII exhibit, "Behind Barbed Wire." This exhibit explores the experiences of Midwest POW's imprisoned in Hitler's Third Reich, and the human context in which their experiences took place. The St. Paul-based, non-profit educational organization TRACES created this exhibit. The exhibit, housed in a converted school bus, will reach nearly 120 schools, libraries, and historical societies during its spring tour throughout the Midwest.
"Behind Barbed Wire" poses five primary questions:

  • Why did some Midwest POWs survive certain conditions or experiences, while others did not?
  • What roles did art, free time and religion play in helping those who did survive?
  • Why did some Germans or Austrians assist Midwest POWs, while others did not?
  • How did the liberated POWs later come to terms with their own experiences?
  • How do countries once in armed conflict reconcile with each other?
As the exhibit explains, "There were three main waves of Midwest POWs: those captured in North Africa in 1943, those pilots shot out of the sky during the air war over Europe, and those soldiers captured at the Battle of the Bulge, near the war's end. Each wave of Midwest POWs in Nazi Germany had its own experiences. All of the men who survived them, however, left a provocative legacy for those alive today…"

More information about the exhibit may be obtained from the TRACES website at traces.org. Questions about the exhibit's visit to Racine may be directed to Becky Spika at 262.619.2571 or becky.spika@racinelibrary.info.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Monday, February 11: AARP Fraud Fighters @ the Library

Maybe you've heard the pitch…the one with the urgent voice on the other end of the line often sounding legitimate.

"I'm calling from your bank. Someone is trying to withdraw funds from your account. I'll need to verify your account number and mother's maiden name to confirm that I'm speaking to the rightful owner of the account."

You are, in fact, probably on the line with a criminal. Consumers lose billions of dollars every year to various kinds of consumer fraud. According to a study conducted by AARP, people over 50 years of age are especially vulnerable and account for more than half of all victims.

Now you can fight back. A dedicated group of trained AARP volunteers calling themselves the "Fraud Fighters" are reaching out to consumers across the nation with the tips, resources and information they need to protect themselves from financial fraud.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host a presentation by AARP Fraud Fighter volunteer Wayne Masnica on Monday, February 11 at 10 a.m. Space is limited for this free program and registration is required by Feb. 9. Visit the Adult Services Dept. to register or call
262.636.9217.

In this one-hour program, you will learn ways to protect yourself from identity theft, and how to identify and avoid financial fraud. As well as providing tips for smart investing, Masnica will touch on how identity theft occurs, how you can tell if you are a victim, and how to manage your personal information. Consumer education can lower a victim's willingness to respond to fraudulent pitches by over 50 percent. Attend this program and take a step to become one of the protected.