Most of the time, living in a town as small as Newfield is a joy. Sometimes, however, it is not. One of those times is playing out right now and it concerns how the Mayor and Council Members interact with the volunteer organizations that provide services that benefit the residents without a large tax burden.
Newfield's 1.7 square miles and less than 2000 persons are nestled in the southeasternmost corner of Gloucester County in New Jersey. People having been living in the area and considering it a town since the mid-1800's, as it was a depot for the railroad where local farmers and manufacturers of items such as baskets brought their goods to be shipped. I don't know when it reached sufficient size to get a federal post office of its own but by 1908 it was large enough for a volunteer fire company to be formed.
Unincorporated population centers in a NJ county were often assigned to the nearest township. For Newfield that was Franklin Township, which still exists today. By 1924, the residents of Newfield were very unhappy with the services being provided them through Franklin Township in exchange for local real estate taxes so they petitioned to become a NJ Borough with an elected mayor and six member council, and the state government granted that request.
The residents of Newfield, which had its own bank, school, fire company, grocery stores, carnegie library, etc, felt least government was best. I smile and think of them as Libertarians long before such a movement existed. This was, of course, a bargain the town was making with itself to provide public services with minimal taxes through promotion of volunteerism.
This attitude and tradition has worked well. The School Board, the Ambulance Corps, the Cemetery Board, the Library Board, and the fire company are all staffed with unpaid volunteers. For the essential services of EMS and fire-fighting, these unpaid volunteers also undergo many hours of training to remain certified. In consequence, those essential service organizations are backups for other EMS and fire-fighting services in surrounding towns.
Some of the volunteer organizations use Borough-owned resources - the Library building, the fire trucks - and may also get tax payer funding. However, all of these organizations also raise operating expenses through donations and fund raising events such as chicken bbqs and chocolate festivals. Businesses such as Newfield National Bank and Bondy Oil permit their employees to respond immediately to emergency calls, which is another valuable form of donation since the number of able-bodied persons in town on work days is very small.
This tradition had had its ups and downs and certainly the path from 1924 to today was rarely smooth. Personal feelings and widely divergent opinions always provided bumps in the road. Compromises were reached, however, behind the scenes through long into the night discussions, sometimes over cards and beers, sometimes not. Some of the "heads" were cooler than others and talked and eased ruffled egos. Everyone, in the end, wanted to do what was best for the town, and they did, even if that meant they had to give up their favorite idea or find a different way to make it happen that didn't involve taxpayers. The Newfield Swim Club, which has provided a members-only outdoor swimming pool since the 1950's polio scares, is but one example.
But, as our congress critters seem to also believe, compromise has become a dirty word. Also, I feel the end goal of doing what is best for the town has been forgotten. Interpersonal feelings and desire for control have pushed up a huge bump in the road between the volunteer fire company and the town council/mayor.
What started out as an useful ordinance for the Council to pass - an ordinance to recognize the volunteer fire company as providing the essential fire fighting service for the Borough of Newfield - got perverted along the way with extra clauses that state the Mayor and Council gets to choose the company's (unpaid) fire chief and, oh, by the way, please provide monthly reports of fire calls. So, from 1924 to December of 2011, it was quite alright for the company to choose its own chief, but not now. For Mayor and Council to pick the police chief makes sense since the Police Department is a paid position. But for a volunteer organization to cede its right to choose its own head - especially a fire company where on a fire call, the chief has to have to confidence of each fireman - is ludicrous. Besides, at least here in NJ, even volunteer fire chiefs undergo extra training.
Now, let's chat about the monthly reports. The fire company makes yearly and monthly reports about more than fire calls to the appropriate state and county agencies as required by state law. These include information about who drives the fire trucks, do they have the valid CDLs, what training courses have the members taken, what certifications have been achieved and when, timing and results for testing of equipments, etc. Everything necessary, in other words. (Other volunteer organizations in town do the same as law requires.) The fire company has put up a web site and lo and behold, it lists the fire call activity. So, if the Council requires a monthly report of activity and results, all they have to do is 'click' and if they don't know how, or don't have internet access, the Newfield Library staff can assist them.
The ordinance requests they also report the number of runs other than to a fire. As you will see from the fire company web site, they do other emergency services for the town such as assisting the EMTs, pumping water out of flooded basements etc. They also take the fire trucks to parades, funerals to honor former volunteers, and other town activities such as the local "Night Out".
Unfortunately, one of the firemen who opened a local restaurant and named it in honor of the fire company, took the fire truck and photographed it in front of his restaurant, which is at most two blocks from where the fire trucks are garaged. He further made the mistake of putting the photograph in the local daily paper. Some people in town were incensed that he used town equipment to promote his restaurant. Please note before you judge, this was not a continuing advertisement but a one time deal to say the restaurant was open. Did he use poor judgement? Yes. Is he proud of the fire company? Yes. Did this little jaunt jeopardize any person or property? No. Are fire trucks routinely run out to ensure they are in working order? Yes.
It always amused me to see the fire truck idling at the local grocery store in my Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle while the firemen shopped for the firehouse kitchen. Was this an endorsement of that grocery store? No. Did this influence me to shop at that particular grocery store? No. Did they need to run the fire truck out to test it? Yes.
It was reported in two local papers by the town lawyer that repeated attempts to get the report were ignored and that other information "required" was not provided by the fire company. I contacted the lawyer myself to find out what information was requested. I asked for a copy of the requests and if that was not legally available to me, would he please reply with what types of information was being requested. The lawyer never responded but at the open town meeting last Thursday again said the monthly report was not provided nor were the driving records for the fire truck operators. The driving records were to be provided for insurance purposes. [A snide aside: The web site for the fire company is kept current while the web site for the Borough is not as you will notice it lists information for 2010.]
I can see an insurance company asking for the names and license ids for the drivers of the fire trucks so they can run whatever further information they want and is legal for them to obtain. But asking for copies of driving records, particularly when the state has okay'ed the drivers sounds beyond the scope of what an insurance company would ask.
Further, on this issue of not responding to request for information that the lawyer went into a great length at the town meeting, it turns out the majority of the requests were sent by a Council member from his business email account and ended up caught by a spam filter and never seen by the intended recipient. Is it unreasonable to call when you don't get an answer and make sure the email got there if it so important? I would but I'm not the Council member.
These are all bumps in the road that in the past would have been smoothed out by personal communication and discussion. Instead, the Mayor and Council had a town meeting where they amended the fire department ordinance to stand up an Advisory Board to help them establish a different fire company. At the open forum before this vote, town residents gave from the heart personal testimony about the effectiveness and caring acts of the current Fire Company. It was clear that the residents didn't want a different one. The Mayor and Council voted it in anyway. Further, a Council member motioned that the current fire company be "locked out" from that moment on, with coverage to come from surrounding towns, which would have put the response time from less than 5 minutes to more likely 25 minutes. At first, that motion passed! One brave Council member asked for a recount and it was ultimately defeated. Whew!
All I can think about is that this mess marks the passing of the two important groups - those responsible for the original Borough bargain of lower taxes thru volunteerism and the Great Generation that Ever Was. Political/social decision making has passed into the hands of the baby boomers and we are not prioritizing the welfare of the town, state, nation, world above our own petty egos. This is not the legacy past generations wanted us to embrace.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Friday, March 1, 2013
No more heels higher than 1 inch
Yes, it's true. I fell off my shoes in January. It was one of those nice days and I put on my clogs to enjoy the weather as I took out the trash. I was watching the turkeys peck at bugs across the street and slipped on a twig. Rather than hit head first on the concrete I twisted to land on my butt but my shoe didn't twirl and my ankle snapped instead.
Fortunately, a neighbor woman was driving by and another neighbor was raking up leaves. Both came to my rescue, and I had a short ride in the ambulance to the hospital. After a few hours - it was a busy Tuesday in the ER - it was confirmed that I had a spiral fracture of the right distal fibula, which is a classic break when someone falls off their shoes.
I went home with a splint and crutches, which I could not get the hang of at all. They are fine if you have upper body strength and good balance but that is not me. So I got around poorly by sitting backward on my mother's walker, which has a seat. I tried kneeling on the seat but it was just several inches too high off the floor. Luckily for me, my cousin lent me a knee walker from when she broke her ankle falling after the derecho in the summer.
One week later the orthopedic surgeon put in a plate and two screws and re-bandaged/splinted my ankle. Two weeks after that, the bandage was replaced by a protective boot, but I still could not stand or put any pressure on the foot. Pain was handled by reducing swelling with Advil and ice.
I had not realized how awkward it was to try to do ordinary things like get dressed or take a shower when you can not put your foot down. Yes, I could get around with the knee walker but carrying liquid in a cup, glass, or bowl was a precarious proposition, so I didn't. My sister has been a peach during this whole ordeal doing all the household chores, buying food, picking up the mail, and waiting on me while fitting all that in between working and taking care of my Mom.
We have had help from friends and relatives, which is invaluable. My cousin has taken my Mom to several hemotologist appointments and blood transfusions. A friend since elementary school has taken me to orthopedic appointments. Others have provided meals and morale support. One of my daughter's friends even made sure I made it to my grandson's sixth birthday party.
At my last appointment, the x-ray showed that the bone is healing well and I was given permission, actually urged to walk on the foot again. It felt like a party. Walking again hurts and causes swelling but advil and foot elevation reduce those side effects. I actually cooked dinner last night, just some simple chili but I felt more like a person. Carrying stuff is still a problem because it is awkward using a cane or the walker as one leaves only one hand or the other tips as you go over sills in the floor.
I will be starting physical therapy soon and hopefully at my next appointment I will be able to drive my car again. I am not too bothered by cabin fever since I escape into the world of books every day anyway, but enjoying the spring flowers will be a special privilege this year.
Fortunately, a neighbor woman was driving by and another neighbor was raking up leaves. Both came to my rescue, and I had a short ride in the ambulance to the hospital. After a few hours - it was a busy Tuesday in the ER - it was confirmed that I had a spiral fracture of the right distal fibula, which is a classic break when someone falls off their shoes.
I went home with a splint and crutches, which I could not get the hang of at all. They are fine if you have upper body strength and good balance but that is not me. So I got around poorly by sitting backward on my mother's walker, which has a seat. I tried kneeling on the seat but it was just several inches too high off the floor. Luckily for me, my cousin lent me a knee walker from when she broke her ankle falling after the derecho in the summer.
One week later the orthopedic surgeon put in a plate and two screws and re-bandaged/splinted my ankle. Two weeks after that, the bandage was replaced by a protective boot, but I still could not stand or put any pressure on the foot. Pain was handled by reducing swelling with Advil and ice.
I had not realized how awkward it was to try to do ordinary things like get dressed or take a shower when you can not put your foot down. Yes, I could get around with the knee walker but carrying liquid in a cup, glass, or bowl was a precarious proposition, so I didn't. My sister has been a peach during this whole ordeal doing all the household chores, buying food, picking up the mail, and waiting on me while fitting all that in between working and taking care of my Mom.
We have had help from friends and relatives, which is invaluable. My cousin has taken my Mom to several hemotologist appointments and blood transfusions. A friend since elementary school has taken me to orthopedic appointments. Others have provided meals and morale support. One of my daughter's friends even made sure I made it to my grandson's sixth birthday party.
At my last appointment, the x-ray showed that the bone is healing well and I was given permission, actually urged to walk on the foot again. It felt like a party. Walking again hurts and causes swelling but advil and foot elevation reduce those side effects. I actually cooked dinner last night, just some simple chili but I felt more like a person. Carrying stuff is still a problem because it is awkward using a cane or the walker as one leaves only one hand or the other tips as you go over sills in the floor.
I will be starting physical therapy soon and hopefully at my next appointment I will be able to drive my car again. I am not too bothered by cabin fever since I escape into the world of books every day anyway, but enjoying the spring flowers will be a special privilege this year.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Love sent out into the world really does rebound multiple times
Immediately after the dedication ceremony last Sunday, the family received many compliments on the garden and the ceremony. And, my Mom, received many compliments and heartfelt remarks on her speech. "... the garden is the last physical gift Dick gave Newfield but not the last spiritual one.." These reactions made all the efforts worthwhile and provided a glow to our individual souls as well as smiles on our faces.
But one reaction really did prove that my father's brand of encouragement lives on in others. A few days after the ceremony, we opened a card and it was a thank you note. The words inside were so sweet and thoughtful. The note had been sent by a couple that knew/know my father and mother from church. To receive validation that we "had done the right thing" for the town by donating the garden was just icing on the cake.
But one reaction really did prove that my father's brand of encouragement lives on in others. A few days after the ceremony, we opened a card and it was a thank you note. The words inside were so sweet and thoughtful. The note had been sent by a couple that knew/know my father and mother from church. To receive validation that we "had done the right thing" for the town by donating the garden was just icing on the cake.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Dedication Ceremony for Meditation Garden Held Sunday Sep 16 2012
The garden now includes 4 trees - 2 maples and 2 thundercloud plums - to frame up the hardscape, shrubs, and flowers.
The day was bright and sunny as this photos appear. The ceremony was brief: the President of the Rose Hill Cemetery Association, Harold Down, welcomed all who turned out and introduced my Mom, Betty Jane Davis; my Mom read the speech that had been written by her, myself, and my two children (Melissa Hayman and Brent Simmons); the Newfield United Methodist Church pastor, Rev. Howard Marshall, gave a dedication prayer; Harold handed my Mom a dozen yellow roses; Harold cut the ribbon and announced the garden was officially open; and finally, Father John Tomossa, who before he retired was priest at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, gave a benediction.
Lots of family and friends turned out and many compliments to the look of the garden were spoken. I want to thank Cutting Edge Lawn Services for all their work in helping design and then in implementing the garden. I provided some some directions and Brian Saccomanno made all the right choices. I also want to thank Birchwood Design for the beautiful hardscape and the last minute addition of a small ramp from the lane to the pavers. That little touch got many a work out on Sunday.
My Mom also received many positive reviews for her steady, clear speaking audible to all the crowd and the speech itself. The speaking part was helped along by an ION Audio IPA16 Block Rocker AM/FM Portable Speaker System. The text of her speech follows below:
Welcome, friends. Thanks to each of you for coming out today -- this last Sunday of the summer -- to dedicate this garden with us.
My husband, Richard Davis (or Dick Davis -- as so many of you knew him), was born here in Newfield in a house on Church Street — and he lived here his entire life.
He gave so much of his time to this town he loved. He worked to keep Newfield the peaceful and pleasant town we all love. He grew up here, raised his kids, and grew old, and always served this town.
From the time he was old enough to volunteer until his passing in 2009, Dick was a member of the Newfield Fire Company. Year after year, you would find him turning the chickens in the pit for the Annual Chicken BBQ. Those were some hot days! And yet Dick would stand right by the fire and wipe away the sweat — and make sure the chicken was cooked just right, and make sure everyone got some delicious chicken. Dick could always stand the heat.
An explosion at Fox’s Grain Elevator in the 1950’s showed the Fire Company that it needed more equipment, and the "chicken bbqs" were started as a way to raise money to buy what the company needed. If Dick was with us today, he would want me to mention other Newfield residents who contributed so much to the Fire Company, friends such as G.B. Saul, George Kohler, and Pat Marshall -- to name just a few.
Dick was on Borough Council, chairing the "Street and Road Department.” But he was more interested in solving problems and helping people than in politics. Too bad for politics!
Some of our younger and newer residents might not know this, but once upon a time Newfield had a thriving squab farm called Dyer & Davis. When the founders retired, Dick took over the business. And when the squab industry shrunk, he kept a bit of the farm going, first as part of a catering business, and later to feed his extended family on special occasions. We still miss those roasted squab dinners. And we miss the corn and tomatoes he grew in his garden.
In the 1950’s, Dick took on the job of Secretary of the Edgarton School Board, at a time when new county and state regulations turned a relatively straightforward job into a giant knot. So many years later, just this month, Dick’s great grandson and great granddaughter started attending Edgarton, the same school he, his daughters, and some of his grandchildren attended. I know he would be pleased that he contributed to a school where two of our great grandchildren are now enrolled.
I wonder if some of you know why the Newfield Swim Club was built. At a time when children were still contracting the dreadful disease Polio, swimming was closed at local lakes, because people believed this would help prevent the spread of the disease. With lakes like Malaga, Willow Grove, and Palatine closed, where was a kid to go during those hot summer days? Happily for the Davis girls, Dick helped get the Newfield Swim Club built and served as director to ensure the pool was maintained properly. Four generations of his family have enjoyed swimming in that pool.
Newfield United Methodist Church enjoyed the benefits of Dick’s time, and he enjoyed the benefits of membership in the congregation. Dick was a trustee of the church from the 1950’s until his passing. Initially, he prepared Easter Sunday Breakfasts and annual Pot Roast dinners; later, he offered wise and gentle counsel to members of the congregation.
Dick’s father, Harry, had been a director of the Newfield Savings and Loan and treasurer of the Rose Hill Cemetery Association. When Harry passed away in 1965, Dick took over some of those responsibilities. Today, the savings and loan is long gone. But Dick was there to help shepherd its takeover during the deregulation of the 1980s, a responsibility he took very seriously.
Clearly the Rose Hill Cemetery didn’t disappear! Dick remained treasurer of Rose Hill Cemetery Association for more than 40 years. I think he would be pleased to see this meditation garden in a place he and his father both contributed, and in a place where he now rests in peace.
Inspired by the volunteer efforts of my husband and myself, the next generations of our family continue that tradition of service to Newfield - grandson Jake Moncrief is a volunteer fireman; daughter Arlene is a trustee for the Methodist Church and is a member of the library board; daughter Maggie is treasurer of Rose Hill Cemetery Association.
Besides all his official duties, Dick also served as a problem-solver — so many people over so many years came to him for help and advice. Dick knew that some problems were just puzzles — they were solvable if you kept a clear mind and thought them through.
But other problems aren't puzzles at all — people already know what the right thing to do is. Sometimes people just needed to hear it from somebody else, to help them get the courage to do the right thing. Dick would help them that way too.
And so I can only imagine how differently will people use this meditation garden. Some people will remember loved ones. Some people will sit for a minute and just enjoy the peace, and listen to birdsong, or listen to children playing in the distance.
But if anyone ever sits here and wonders how they'll get that courage to do the right thing, I hope that somehow, through the power of grace, the spirit of my husband might be able to help them.
In this way my husband will continue to serve the town and people he loved.
My husband was not unusual in serving his community. Others volunteer in the community, too; volunteering is a valuable and important part of what makes Newfield great. With that in mind, we dedicate this meditation garden as Dick’s last gift to Newfield, in memory of and to honor all those who work to make Newfield a special place to live.
Thank you, so much, my husband -- and all of you for being here. Thank you, and God bless you and God bless this garden.
 | ||
| The small sign says "SIT Remember" |
Lots of family and friends turned out and many compliments to the look of the garden were spoken. I want to thank Cutting Edge Lawn Services for all their work in helping design and then in implementing the garden. I provided some some directions and Brian Saccomanno made all the right choices. I also want to thank Birchwood Design for the beautiful hardscape and the last minute addition of a small ramp from the lane to the pavers. That little touch got many a work out on Sunday.
My Mom also received many positive reviews for her steady, clear speaking audible to all the crowd and the speech itself. The speaking part was helped along by an ION Audio IPA16 Block Rocker AM/FM Portable Speaker System. The text of her speech follows below:
Welcome, friends. Thanks to each of you for coming out today -- this last Sunday of the summer -- to dedicate this garden with us.
My husband, Richard Davis (or Dick Davis -- as so many of you knew him), was born here in Newfield in a house on Church Street — and he lived here his entire life.
He gave so much of his time to this town he loved. He worked to keep Newfield the peaceful and pleasant town we all love. He grew up here, raised his kids, and grew old, and always served this town.
From the time he was old enough to volunteer until his passing in 2009, Dick was a member of the Newfield Fire Company. Year after year, you would find him turning the chickens in the pit for the Annual Chicken BBQ. Those were some hot days! And yet Dick would stand right by the fire and wipe away the sweat — and make sure the chicken was cooked just right, and make sure everyone got some delicious chicken. Dick could always stand the heat.
An explosion at Fox’s Grain Elevator in the 1950’s showed the Fire Company that it needed more equipment, and the "chicken bbqs" were started as a way to raise money to buy what the company needed. If Dick was with us today, he would want me to mention other Newfield residents who contributed so much to the Fire Company, friends such as G.B. Saul, George Kohler, and Pat Marshall -- to name just a few.
Dick was on Borough Council, chairing the "Street and Road Department.” But he was more interested in solving problems and helping people than in politics. Too bad for politics!
Some of our younger and newer residents might not know this, but once upon a time Newfield had a thriving squab farm called Dyer & Davis. When the founders retired, Dick took over the business. And when the squab industry shrunk, he kept a bit of the farm going, first as part of a catering business, and later to feed his extended family on special occasions. We still miss those roasted squab dinners. And we miss the corn and tomatoes he grew in his garden.
In the 1950’s, Dick took on the job of Secretary of the Edgarton School Board, at a time when new county and state regulations turned a relatively straightforward job into a giant knot. So many years later, just this month, Dick’s great grandson and great granddaughter started attending Edgarton, the same school he, his daughters, and some of his grandchildren attended. I know he would be pleased that he contributed to a school where two of our great grandchildren are now enrolled.
I wonder if some of you know why the Newfield Swim Club was built. At a time when children were still contracting the dreadful disease Polio, swimming was closed at local lakes, because people believed this would help prevent the spread of the disease. With lakes like Malaga, Willow Grove, and Palatine closed, where was a kid to go during those hot summer days? Happily for the Davis girls, Dick helped get the Newfield Swim Club built and served as director to ensure the pool was maintained properly. Four generations of his family have enjoyed swimming in that pool.
Newfield United Methodist Church enjoyed the benefits of Dick’s time, and he enjoyed the benefits of membership in the congregation. Dick was a trustee of the church from the 1950’s until his passing. Initially, he prepared Easter Sunday Breakfasts and annual Pot Roast dinners; later, he offered wise and gentle counsel to members of the congregation.
Dick’s father, Harry, had been a director of the Newfield Savings and Loan and treasurer of the Rose Hill Cemetery Association. When Harry passed away in 1965, Dick took over some of those responsibilities. Today, the savings and loan is long gone. But Dick was there to help shepherd its takeover during the deregulation of the 1980s, a responsibility he took very seriously.
Clearly the Rose Hill Cemetery didn’t disappear! Dick remained treasurer of Rose Hill Cemetery Association for more than 40 years. I think he would be pleased to see this meditation garden in a place he and his father both contributed, and in a place where he now rests in peace.
Inspired by the volunteer efforts of my husband and myself, the next generations of our family continue that tradition of service to Newfield - grandson Jake Moncrief is a volunteer fireman; daughter Arlene is a trustee for the Methodist Church and is a member of the library board; daughter Maggie is treasurer of Rose Hill Cemetery Association.
Besides all his official duties, Dick also served as a problem-solver — so many people over so many years came to him for help and advice. Dick knew that some problems were just puzzles — they were solvable if you kept a clear mind and thought them through.
But other problems aren't puzzles at all — people already know what the right thing to do is. Sometimes people just needed to hear it from somebody else, to help them get the courage to do the right thing. Dick would help them that way too.
And so I can only imagine how differently will people use this meditation garden. Some people will remember loved ones. Some people will sit for a minute and just enjoy the peace, and listen to birdsong, or listen to children playing in the distance.
But if anyone ever sits here and wonders how they'll get that courage to do the right thing, I hope that somehow, through the power of grace, the spirit of my husband might be able to help them.
In this way my husband will continue to serve the town and people he loved.
My husband was not unusual in serving his community. Others volunteer in the community, too; volunteering is a valuable and important part of what makes Newfield great. With that in mind, we dedicate this meditation garden as Dick’s last gift to Newfield, in memory of and to honor all those who work to make Newfield a special place to live.
Thank you, so much, my husband -- and all of you for being here. Thank you, and God bless you and God bless this garden.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Medicare is not a benefit - it's a punishment
I retired from Boeing 4 years ago with a decent pension and the ability to get health, vision, and drug coverage at a reduced group rate for pre-Medicare retirees. The coverage was not free because I had what Boeing terms a "break in service" and I call it my sabbatical but the price was reasonable and rose pretty much with inflation (even though my pension does not). Boeing exercises its buying power to get that price and I appreciate that I could not do better as an individual.
Well, as of today, because I become 65 on September 30th, I am on Medicare, whether I want to be or not. The government requires it because I have taken my social security benefits. I thought it would be no big deal - I would transfer over to the Boeing Medicare health plan and it might show a little rise in cost. Hah was I wrong! First off, the Boeing Medicare is a supplemental plan that reduces what coverage I already have (even taking into account Medicare coverage) and costs about $100 more a month.
Then I start getting the bad news from Medicare itself. I knew I would be paying about $99 a month because I was taking the supplement coverage but I didn't know about the IRMAA surcharges. They look back at your federal taxes from 2 years ago (2010) and place a surcharge if your income level is above a certain amount. Well in 2010 I took some 401K money out to pay off some of the costs of the house renovation so I have to pay a monthly surcharge. Yikes. My income today is not enough close to that level.
And just to pile on the indignities, today I find out that because I have chosen a medicare supplement plan which helps with prescription costs, I have another surcharge to pay.
Oh, and, of course, I feel better because the Social Security website says this only affects about five percent of those receiving Medicare. [BLEEP].
I know that those individuals who hit the prescription cost "donut" hole have it much worse. I just didn't expect that going on Medicare would double my health insurance costs and leave me with worse coverage. I feel punished for being sensible with my money.
Well, as of today, because I become 65 on September 30th, I am on Medicare, whether I want to be or not. The government requires it because I have taken my social security benefits. I thought it would be no big deal - I would transfer over to the Boeing Medicare health plan and it might show a little rise in cost. Hah was I wrong! First off, the Boeing Medicare is a supplemental plan that reduces what coverage I already have (even taking into account Medicare coverage) and costs about $100 more a month.
Then I start getting the bad news from Medicare itself. I knew I would be paying about $99 a month because I was taking the supplement coverage but I didn't know about the IRMAA surcharges. They look back at your federal taxes from 2 years ago (2010) and place a surcharge if your income level is above a certain amount. Well in 2010 I took some 401K money out to pay off some of the costs of the house renovation so I have to pay a monthly surcharge. Yikes. My income today is not enough close to that level.
And just to pile on the indignities, today I find out that because I have chosen a medicare supplement plan which helps with prescription costs, I have another surcharge to pay.
Oh, and, of course, I feel better because the Social Security website says this only affects about five percent of those receiving Medicare. [BLEEP].
I know that those individuals who hit the prescription cost "donut" hole have it much worse. I just didn't expect that going on Medicare would double my health insurance costs and leave me with worse coverage. I feel punished for being sensible with my money.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Plants and benches
In between the 4 downpours yesterday, the landscapers installed most of the plants and the benches for the meditation garden in memory of my father. Still need the memorial stone to be mounted in concrete and two thundercloud plum trees to be planted off to the side. These will be small but balance off the 300 year old white oak tree providing shade.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Meditation Garden in progress
The process for a freestanding paved area is to dig out a space, lay down heavy landscape fabric, apply crushed rock or concrete, apply decomposed granite, tamp those layers down well, lay down the pavers in the shape and pattern you want, apply concrete around the outside edge to keep the pavers from shifting, brush in sand between the pavers, and then tamp down the pavers. The finishing touch is to water down the pavers and see the colors all reappear. We also made sure to create a concrete ramp to bridge from the height of the ground to the paver top, which will make it easier access for a wheel chair or walker.
The hardscape work was down by Birchwood Design. Next up is plants, trees, bulbs, and benches.
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