QUESTION:  I just heard that a new area code will be added to our area and this will result in our having to change the way we dial our friends and neighbors.  Is this correct?   ANSWER:  Yes.  Beginning June 30, 2018 new telephone lines or services in the 805 area may be given numbers [...]

QUESTION:  Is this the month that the new Medicare cards will start being mailed to those who are currently receiving Medicare benefits?   ANSWER:  Yes.  The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 required the Agency to remove Social Security numbers from all Medicare cards by April 2019.  The process of delivering these new [...]

QUESTION:  Just recently a friend of mine was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  I am at a loss of exactly what Parkinson’s disease is and what I can do to help my friend.  Is there somewhere that I can go to learn more?   ANSWER:  I am sorry to hear about your friend but glad to [...]

QUESTION:  I recently met with a group of retired friends and we all spoke about having time on our hands.  Someone suggested volunteering.  Do you have any suggestions?   ANSWER:  Your question is not only a good one but also very timely as April is “Volunteer Appreciation Month.”   Volunteering is a wonderful way to [...]

  QUESTION:  I am interested in taking a Tai Chi class.  Can you tell me where I can get information about where and when these classes are offered?   ANSWER:  Tai Chi classes are very popular and offered at most senior centers.  Since you didn’t say what city you lived in I checked with several [...]

QUESTION:  Each spring the Goebel Center has had a Community Garage Sale.  Do you know when it is scheduled for this year?   ANSWER:  You can mark your calendar for Sunday April 8th.  As usual it will be from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in [...]

QUESTION:  I am about to retire and have mixed emotions about it.  While I hope to enjoy some free time I’m concerned about missing intellectual stimulation and social interaction that you have while working.  Do you have any suggestions for filling this gap?   ANSWER:  As we enter new phases in our lives there will [...]

QUESTION:  I have never been one to exercise but I know that I should.  I’ve attempted several times but always find some excuse to postpone it.  Any suggestions on how I might get myself in the habit.”   ANSWER:  There are many reasons why some people find exercise a chore while others find it fun. [...]

QUESTION: I have never been one to exercise, but I know I should. I’ve attempted several times but always find some excuse to postpone it. Any suggestions on how I might get myself "in the habit?” ANSWER: There are many reasons why some people find exercise a chore while others find it fun. As we [...]

QUESTION:  I am a believer in sharing and give to a number of charities.  However, lately I am beginning to question how much of the donation, if any, is actually going to those that the charity claims they are helping.  Any suggestions?   ANSWER:  My first thought is give to a charity that you are [...]