Life

Insurance Options When You Work Longer Than Planned

Senior News June 16, 2025

Question: I was planning on retiring, so I signed up for Medicare Part A & B. Now I have decided to keep working. Since I don’t need Medicare anymore, can I cancel it? What about the premiums I’ve already paid? Answer: We all look forward to retirement, and then when it gets close, we sometimes have a difficult time deciding on the right time to retire. Changing your mind about the timing is common. The answer is different when we talk about the different parts of Medicare: Parts A, B, and D. For Medicare Part A, if you choose to end your coverage you must repay any benefits ...

Senses And Nature

Nature June 15, 2025

The emphasis we as humans place on sight bleeds into how we describe our experiences with the natural world. We will often talk about what we see; whether it’s spotting the movement of wildlife or the colors in a field of flowers. We may use descriptors like colors and patterns or compare ...

Understanding Medicare’s Parts, Rules

Senior News June 9, 2025

Question: I’m 54 years old and I’ve been disabled for almost two years so I think I’m eligible for Medicare. Do I need to sign up for any parts of Medicare, including drug coverage? Answer: I am thrilled that you qualify for Medicare! You will now have comprehensive insurance to help cover your medical costs. It’s important to understand that there are many rules regarding Medicare and all its parts, and those rules apply when you qualify due to disability or age, though they differ slightly. Anyone who has been approved to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) qualifies ...

Small, Slow Wonders In Snails

Nature June 8, 2025

Of all the flora and fauna in the region, snails are not one I think about very often. On hikes, they fall into the “just” category. Oh, it’s just a snail. Oh, it’s just a crow. Oh, it’s just a dandelion. They are so easy to overlook because they are commonplace. But there are ...

Mr & Mrs Luke Risley

Weddings June 7, 2025

Holly Kaltenbach and Luke Risley exchanged wedding vows outdoors on a beautiful fall day, November 9, 2024, at The Girl Scout Camp Timbercrest in Randolph, N.Y. Chanel Whitacre performed the beautiful outdoor waterfront ceremony. Music was provided for the ceremony & reception by DJ Payne - ...

Explaining How CHAMPVA, Medicare Work Together

Senior News June 2, 2025

Question: I have Medicare Part A & B and I was just notified I qualify for CHAMPVA. My husband was a veteran and is 100% disabled. What should I do now? Answer: Thank Your husband for his service! His military service gives him the title of veteran and that is something to be proud of. His service also means you can now get your health insurance from Medicare and CHAMPVA. Not all veterans sign up for additional benefits upon discharge. When you are a veteran, you could be eligible for medical care through the VA clinics and hospitals or eligible for a veteran pension. As the spouse ...