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SEPTEMBER 5 - 18, 2025
         PAGE 6 |  LOCAL NEWS                                                                                           HEALTH & WELLNESS
        Frazeysburg Lions Club hosts 31st Annual Car                                                                  Hosting the

        Show furthering mission to collect eyeglasses                                                                 Perfect Fall Party:

        for underprivileged countries                                        by Lynette Dotson                        A Seasonal
                                                                                                                      Celebration Guide


                                                                                                                      by Alexus Masterson, MPH,
                                                                                                                      Family & Consumer Sciences Educator
                                                                                                                      Ohio State University Extension,
                                                                                                                      Muskingum County




                                                                                                                         Fall  is  fast  approaching  and  is  the
                                                                                                                      season for cozy gatherings, crisp air, and
                                                                                                                      vibrant colors. Whether you’re planning
                                                                                                                      a  backyard  bonfire,  a  harvest-themed
                                                                                                                      dinner, or  a  festive community  event,
                                                                                                                      hosting a fall party is a wonderful way
                                                                                                                      to bring people together. Here’s a com-
                                                                                                                      plete guide to help you plan and execute
                                                                                                                      a memorable autumn celebration. Your
                                                                                                                      first step includes choosing a theme that
                                                                                                                      is right for your party and activities. One
                                                                                                                      example would be Harvest Festival with
                                                                                                                      hay  bales,  pumpkins,  and  apple  cider
                                                                                                                      a classic fall layout. If you are more of
                                                                                                                      an outdoors person a Fall Foliage Picnic
                                                                                                                      theme would be better by incorporating
                                                                                                                      nature walks, leaf crafts, and seasonal
                                                                                                                      snacks. Two other ideas are Halloween
                                                                                                                      and Bonfire Bash to set the tone for your
                                                                                                                      party.
                                                                                                                         In  Ohio,  fall  weather can be  ques-
                                                                                                                      tionable so picking a day that has mild
                                                                                                                      weather predicted will be key, especially
                                                                                                                      if you are planning  outdoor  activities.
           Lynette Dotson                                                                                             Use digital invites, like Canva, to create a
                                                                                                                      fall inspired invite if you are feeling fan-
          Over 100  vehicles surrounded  the  and low-income countries who have that    “It’s a beautiful day, and I like the turn-  cy. Make sure to include elements like
        Township  Hall  in  Frazeysburg for  the  lack access to basic eye care services.  out,” said Lion Dan Osborn. We’ve had a   date and time, location RSVP details (if
        31st Annual Lions Club Car Show on La-    This year, to increase  the  incentive  good week, so I think everybody’s ready   applicable), and what to bring whether
        bor Day.                             to  donate  eyewear,  extra  raffle  tickets  to get out, enjoy the beautiful weather,   it is food or supplies. Décor and atmo-
          The  event allows classic  car owners  were given to car show participants who  take a drive, that kind of thing.”  sphere help to set the  tone, making  a
        to show their rides, provides a fun Labor  made a donation.                If you would like to donate used eye-  space inviting by using seasonal colors
        Day outing for families to enjoy, and is    A wide array of vehicles spanned the  glasses, you can do so by bringing them   and  objects  that are on theme. Décor
        also a huge collection day for used eye-  event grounds,  including  muscle  cars,  to the Frazeysburg Post Office and plac-  ideas  include  pumpkins,  gourds,  string
        glasses for the Lions.               buggies,  motorcycles, trucks, sports  ing them in the collection box.   lights, DIY leaf garlands or center piec-
          Lions  clubs  throughout  the  nation  cars, Model Ts, classic sedans, and there                            es, or a craft that will be made during
        have been collecting eyeglasses as part  was even a visit from a biplane that cir-                            the  party for display. Use  local  foliage
        of the Lions Recycle For Sight Program  cled overhead mid-day during the show.                                and produce to decorate sustainably by
        that provides corrective lenses to middle                                                                     supporting local farms.
                                                                                                                         Food and drinks should be as simple
                                                                                                                      as possible as to not overwhelm you or
        The Checkup Many Seniors Forget: Why                                                                          your guests. Menu structure can include
                                                                                                                      appetizers, a main dish or two, dessert,
                                                                                                                      and drinks. Be mindful of allergies and
        Reviewing Medicare Advantage Plans Matters                                                                    dietary restrictions when planning. Hav-
                                                                                                                      ing a variety of items for people to vote
                                                                                                                      on  via mobile  device before the  event
        submitted by Williamson Insurance                                                                             can be helpful when planning. Now that
                                                                                                                      logistics have been worked out, it’s time
          For millions  of Americans  enrolled  Evolving Needs, Evolving         person’s doctors, medications, and care   to think about what activities and enter-
        in  Medicare  Advantage,  fall  isn’t  just  Coverage                    needs often makes  all  the  difference.   tainment will be offered. Nature walks,
        about cooler weather and holiday plan-  It’s not only  the  plans  that change—  The ability to ask questions at one’s own   movies, having a bonfire, or telling sto-
        ning—it’s  decision  season. Every year,  people do too. As individuals age, new  pace and hear plain-language explana-  ries that bring back good memories are
        these health plans change, sometimes  prescriptions  may be added,  chronic  tions  can  transform  what  feels like a   all great ways to entertain guests! Take
        in small ways, sometimes in ways that  conditions  may develop,  or  mobility  confusing  process into a  manageable   photos to remember this successful
        can  significantly  affect  care  and  cost.  challenges  may increase  the need for  decision.               party in  the moment while  people  are
        Yet many seniors stick with the  same  ongoing  care.  Even  finances  can  shift,    For Elena and Robert, a couple in their   laughing and enjoying the moment and
        plan without looking under the hood.  making predictability in costs more im-  early  80s, this kind  of review helped   not “posed”. Here’s to a season of host-
                                             portant than ever.                  them realize their longtime doctor was   ing great gatherings with those we care
        Plans Aren’t Static                    For James, a 78-year-old widower, last  no longer in their plan’s network. “We al-  about!
          Medicare  Advantage  plans  are  up-  year’s plan  suddenly  felt  inadequate.  most missed it,” Elena admitted. “If we
        dated annually, and  the  changes can  After a  knee replacement,  his  rehab  hadn’t checked, we could have lost the
        touch nearly  every corner  of coverage.  and physical therapy sessions added up  doctor who knows us best.”
        Prescription  drug lists may be revised.  quickly. “The co-pays just kept stacking,”                             ADVERTISE IN THE DRESDEN BUZZ.
        Premiums, co-pays, and deductibles can  he recalled. “I realized the plan I’d cho-  Peace of Mind in Preparation          740-270-2408
        shift. Hospital and doctor networks may  sen when I was healthier wasn’t built for    Ultimately, an annual Medicare Advan-
        expand—or  shrink.  Even  extra  benefits  the care I needed now.”       tage review is more than  a  paperwork
        like  dental,  vision,  or  fitness  member-    “The plan that worked last year may  chore. It’s a way to safeguard health, fi-
        ships are subject to change.         not be the right one this year,” notes one  nances, and peace of mind. Taking time
          Without a careful review, beneficiaries  health policy expert. “It’s like clothes—it  to compare plans and ensure coverage
        risk surprises. Just ask Mary, a 72-year-  has to fit where you are right now, not  aligns  with  current  needs helps  avoid
        old retired teacher. Last fall, she discov-  where you were a year ago.”  surprises and ensures the right support
        ered at the pharmacy counter that her                                    is in place for the year ahead.
        new heart  medication  wasn’t  covered  The Human Side of the Process      For beneficiaries, it’s one of the most   New Puzzles
        under her old plan’s updated drug list.  While brochures and  phone  calls  may  important checkups of all—done not in a
        “I had  no  idea  things like  that could  provide  the  basics,  many  seniors  find  doctor’s office, but at the kitchen table.
        change year to year,” she said. “It was a  the details overwhelming. Sitting down                                   on page 18!
        shock—and an expensive one.”         with someone who can walk through a
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