Medicare checkup looks at options

Medicare checkup looks at options

GIRARD

The Ohio Department of Insurance’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is offering a free Medicare Checkup event at the Girard Multigenerational Center, 443 Trumbull Ave., on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

The event, intended to help people review changes to Medicare and determine their best coverage option for 2012, coincides with Medicare’s annual election period, which runs through Dec. 7. Counseling is available by appointment only. Call Jude Signoriello at 330-545-6596.

In addition to the Medicare Checkup events, people can call OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578 with questions and for enrollment assistance, and visit www.insurance.ohio.gov for a list of plans, answers to frequently asked questions, financial assistance information, and checkup events organized by county.

From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries can select one of several health coverage options: original Medicare paired with a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan and/or a Medicare Supplement plan; a Medicare Advantage Plan, which provides comprehensive health benefits including drug coverage; or, determine if their existing coverage will meet their health insurance needs for the upcoming year.

Vendors needed for craft show in Niles

NILES

Shepherd of the Valley of Niles, 1500 McKinley Ave., is seeking vendors for its annual Craft Show on Nov. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tables are $20. For more information, contact Kim Osborn at 330- 544-0771, ext. 2814. Funds raised support resident activities.

Vendors are asked to bring an item for the USO Holiday Boxes program which sends boxes to military personnel stationed overseas and at remote stations. Suggestions include treats, greeting cards, holiday decorations, DVDs and CDs, and hand and feet warmers.

Youth conference

YOUNGSTOWN

The second annual Innovations Conference: Evolving Approaches to Youth Development is Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center, Fellows Riverside Gardens, at Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave.

The conference is sponsored by the William Swanston Charitable Fund, a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Participants will explore creative options to impact vulnerable children in Mahoning County; and through the keynote address, panel presentation, and table discussions, investigate what challenges and opportunities exist. Register online at www.rjweanfdn.org.

Food Bank awarded $15,000 toward truck

Youngstown

The Youngstown Foundation has awarded Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley $15,000 toward the purchase of a new truck. The vehicle will be used to deliver food to Food Bank member agencies that do not have vehicles that can accommodate the amount of food needed.

“We are extremely grateful to The Youngstown Foundation for this generous gift and its continued support,” said Michael Iberis, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank.

Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley distributes food to 153 hunger-relief organizations in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank, call 330-792-5522.

Area charities sought for charitable giving

YOUNGSTOWN

The Italian Heritage Foundation of Youngstown Inc., is soliciting local charities that would like to be included in the next round of charitable giving from the proceeds of the 2011 Greater Youngstown Italian Fest. Organizations must be a current 501(c)(3) charity. For more information, call 330-793-9602.