Columbus Division of Police
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Citizen Alert |
Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
The holiday shopping season has officially started! The Columbus Division of Police is offering the following safety tips:
· Carry no more cash than absolutely necessary. If you are carrying cash, safeguard your money by carrying it in your front pocket. Never display a large amount of cash. If possible, pay by check, credit card or debit card.
· Take an inventory of your purse or wallet. Write down the phone numbers of your credit card providers. Carry the phone numbers separate from your purse or wallet. Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused. Keep a record of all your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
· Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
· Try to avoid carrying a purse or wallet. If you must carry a wallet, place it in your front pocket. If you are carrying a purse, carry it securely across your body. Never leave your purse unattended, open in a shopping cart, or on a counter.
· Always carry your driver’s license or identification card with you. Do not carry anything with you that you will not need. (I.e. social security card or extra credit cards you do not plan on using.)
· Shop in pairs or with a group.
· Don’t leave cell phones, purses, CD cases or other items of value in your vehicle where they can be seen. Always conceal items of value.
· Lock purchased merchandise in the trunk of your vehicle.
· Park in a well lit area and lock your vehicle. If you valet park, only leave the ignition key. Take your other keys with you.
· If you place your packages in the trunk and plan on more shopping, consider moving your vehicle to another location.
· Stay alert to your surroundings. Criminals step up their activities during the holidays. If you are approached by a stranger with a deal that sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Report any suspicious activity to the police at 645-4545.
· Report thefts immediately, no matter how insignificant. Police use crime reports to determine how to better serve the public.
Subscribe to Citizen Alert posted 12/3/2008
Added 10/16/2008
SENIOR PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Senior Partners Program provides medical students at The Ohio State University with the opportunity to learn more about successful aging and the role of physicians in caring for older adults. In addition to providing you with the opportunity to teach this important information , you will be able to learn more about health, wellness, and other important medical topics.
This is a required component of each student's medical education. And as such they are responsible for successfully completing all aspects of the program. They will arrange the time and dates and location for your meetings.
If you are interested in contributing to the education and training of future physicians, you may contact Millie Becker, 311 E Walnut St, Westerville, OH, 43081; email: mbec76@aol.com; or go directly to the Course Coordinator, Michelle Myers at 292-2936. Thanks for caring.
Millie Becker, IPS Committee Member
Millie told the committee that she thoroughly enjoys her sessions with the medical students. The students come to your home if you wish. You can count your sessions in this program as your FCRTA Volunteer Hours.
Katherine D. Wheeler, Chairman (614)267-7478
Added 16 Oct 2008
MEDICARE for those turning 65:
Make an appointment to go in to the nearest Social Security Office to sign up 3 months ahead of your birthday.
You must take ID and your Birth Certificate with you.
You may sign up by phone, BUT you still must send in your Birth Certificate.
STRS HEALTH PLAN
Carefully review your plan and make changes, if necessary, well before the 25 Nov 2008 deadline.
Consider ORTA sponsored health Plans for dental and eye coverage.
Compare with STRS plans, and make a decision.
FLU SHOTS
For those age 65+
For anyone with a chronic disease, regardless of age
For anyone caring for children
For anyone who is a caregiver for an older adult
Katherine Wheeler, Chairman
INFO HIGHLIGHTS (added Aug. 2008)
Looking for a bargain! Well you are not alone. . .what with a tank of gas making a dent in your life's savings. However, ORTA is providing a little ray of sunshine. They have endorsed the Association Member Benefits Advisors to provide an array of benefits. These benefits are available to FCRTA members whom are also ORTA members.
For information about any of the following benefits call AMBA at 800-268-7041 or visit the website www.orta.org.
* Long Term Care/Home Health Care
* First Diagnosis Cancer
* Medicate Supplement Insurance Plans
* Final Expense Whole Life Policy
* Tax-Deferred Annuity
* Medical Air Services Association
* Ameritas Dental Insurance
* Astrum Vision Care
* Government Employee Travel Opportunities (Geto)
* Geto Hotel
* Grand Circle Corporation Travel
* Vacations to go Cruises
* La Quinta In and Suites Discount
* Advantage and Budget Rent-A-Car Discounts
* Dell Computer
* Costco
* CsIDentity Protector
* Apple Computer Discount
Phil Courtad, Informative and Protective Service Committee
Resources for Information
09 Apr 2008
Office of the Ohio Consumers' Council (your advocate in dealing with utility concerns)
10 W Broad St, Ste 1800
Columbus, OH 43215-3485
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Bimonthly Newsletter with information on Utilities - rates, legislation, energy
Receive by Email: Send message to receive to info-subscribe@occ.state.oh.us
Receive by US Mail: Call 614-466-8574 or 877-742-5622
Legislative Information - Pension, Health Care
FCRTA Newsletters - 4 times per year
Website: www.geocities.com/fcrtaoh
ORTA Newsletters - 4 times per year
Website: www.orta.org
STRS Newsletters
Phone: 888- 227-7877
Website: www.strsoh.org
Franklin County Office on Aging
280 E Broad St, Rm 300
Columbus, OH 43215-4527
Phone: 614-462-5230
Call to receive Sr. Citizen Information Handbook
Programs and Services: Senior Options 462-6200
Adult Protective Services 462-4348
Property Tax Assistance Program and Special Events 462-5230
Katherine Wheeler, Chairman 267-7478
Utility Line Warranty Programs 09 Apr 2008
Consumers are responsible for repairs from the curb to the house. There may be repairs necessary every 20 to 30 years. Also, consumers are responsible for repairs to inside lines. Most of the time the repair needed is outside the home. Telephone wires outside the home are not squirrel proof or bird and bee nest proof where phone problems are likely to happen.
A warranty for inside lines is most likely not necessary.
Warranty programs help to defray the cost, but do not always cover the full cost. In addition, already damaged lines will not be covered.
Call Ohio Consumers' Counsel - your advocate in dealing with utility concerns
1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free
Website: www.pickocc.org
Resource:
Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel
Consumers' Corner - bi-monthly publication
Nov/Dec 2007 Issue, p. 2
Katherine Wheeler, Chairman
(614)267-7478
10Oct2007 Analog vs Digital TV
Analog TV: those TV's that pick up an air wave signal using "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna. (Free TV)
Digital TV: those TV's that receive a digital signal from a cable TV or satellite company. (Pay TV)
Only those who use "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna, will be affected by the change over from Analog to Digital TV.
The change over will be 17Feb2009.
Those who have a digital TV and most cable service users already have a digital signal to their present "Analog" TV. Check with your cable or satellite company to confirm the digital service.
Those who use "rabbit ears" do have options. *See pg. 2*
You have until 2009 to make a final decision.
Converter Boxes will become available in 2008. Coupons worth $40.00 to help pay for the converter boxes will be available Jan2008, BUT are only good for 90 days after issue. Consumer electronics makers plan to produce the converter boxes, prices not yet known but estimated to be between $50.00 and $75.00.
Call 1-888-DTV-2009 in Jan2008 or visit www.dtv.gov (website)
Options: Keep your TV and buy a converter.
Buy a digital television
Hook up your television to cable, satellite or other pay television service.
Buy a converter with enhanced features, such as one with a DVD recorder (not eligible for Coupon Program).
Elderhostel - Adventures in Lifelong Learning
If you like to travel; if you like to learn about areas outside Ohio; if you would like to explore the Canadian Provinces; then Elderhostel Educational Travel is for you. For Age 50+.
A new brochure is available for June through Dec. 2008
Website: www.elderhostel.org
Local contact for general information:
Mildred Becker, Informative Protective Services Committee
(614) 882-2929
