Senior Center to host pair of Medicare open enrollment sessions

SPECIAL SERVICE: Madeline Ravenelle, social services director at the Johnston Senior Center, will be helping people with their Medicare coverage questions during the open enrollment period that begins Oct. 15.

(Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine)

Johnston Sun Rise · Thursday, October 13, 2016 1:14 pm

By Pete Fontaine

“It time for a new season,” Tony Zompa, the Johnston Senior Center’s executive director, noted last Friday morning. “We’re looking forward to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and other events, but there’s an important date that everyone should know about.”

Zompa was speaking of Medicare open enrollment, which begins this Saturday, Oct. 15, and runs though Dec. 7.

And with that, Zompa announced the center has scheduled two open enrollments events. The first is set for Friday, Nov. 11, and the second will be held Friday, Dec. 2. Both will be held at the center, located at 1291 Hartford Ave.

To participate in the open enrollment events, call the center at 401-944-3343 during regular business hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Zompa also issued a reminder that it’s still hurricane season, and the center’s recommended emergency supply kit checklist includes water, food, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, a first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, moist towelettes for sanitation, and a can openers.

UPCOMING

TRIPS

The center is offering five more trips in October, and will also have three trips in November and December – including the always-popular trek to Turning Stone Resort Casino in New York, scheduled for Nov. 1-3.

The next October offering is set for Oct. 18 at the Newport Playhouse and features the production “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” and Lobster Fest. The trip is priced at $70 per person. The motor coach will leave the center at 10:15 a.m. To make a reservation, call 401-944-3343.

Other trips are Oct. 22, Newport Grand; Oct. 25, Foxwoods Resort & Casino; Oct. 26, Sturbridge Village “Festival of Music Comedy”; and Oct. 28, Mystery Lunch.

On Dec. 8 will be a trip to La Salette Shrine to view the Festival of Lights. Also on Dec. 8 will be a trip to Foxwoods Casino for the Tribute to Frank & Barbara Holiday Show.

WHERE’S THE BEEF

Center officials also issued a reminder and announced the annual Meat Raffle, which is always a huge hit and features 40 different prizes of either five-pound meat packages or 20 turkeys. It will be held on Sunday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $20 each and entitle the holder to win as many as 40 prizes.