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Seniors often the target of investment-related scams
Published 2/8/2012 in Features : Columns
The past couple of weeks this column has covered several kinds of scams out there. Here are a couple more.
Investment schemes often target seniors who find themselves planning for retirement and managing their savings once they finish working. A number of investment schemes have targeted seniors looking to safeguard their cash for their later years. From pyramid schemes like Bernie Madoff's (which had a number of senior citizens among its victims), to fables of a Nigerian prince looking for a partner to claim inheritance money, to complex financial products that many economists don't even understand, investment schemes have long been a successful way to take advantage of older people.
* Homeowner/reverse mortgage scams. While legitimate reverse mortgages can be a good opportunity for older persons with equity in their home, they can also be a scam opportunity. Unsecured reverse mortgages can lead property owners to lose their homes when the perpetrators offer money or a free house somewhere else in exchange for the title to the property. One elaborate property tax scam in California saw fraudsters sending personalized letters to different properties apparently on behalf of the County Assessor's Office. The letter, made to look official but displaying only public information, would identify the property's assessed value and offer the homeowner, for a fee of course, to arrange for a reassessment of the property's value and therefore the tax burden associated with it.
Beth Tedrow
Continuing with the series about our board members at the senior center, today we feature Beth Tedrow. Beth was dean of student services, director of admissions, counselor and adjunct mathematics instructor at Garden City Community College. She retired in 2009.
Beth remains active at GCCC by volunteering with the Endowment Association. You will see Beth each week during the summer at the Municipal Band concerts leading the children's march. Beth has two daughters and two grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, music, reading, sporting events and other community events.
When asked why she volunteers, Beth stated, "Garden City has been very good to me and my family through the years. Serving on boards is my commitment to thank the community and to 'pay it forward' to help others."
Thank you, Beth, for all you do at the senior center and Finney County Transit.
Thanks for help
Many thanks to the Southern Baptist Church volunteers, Vern Pfeifer and Duane Riley who delivered Meals on Wheels last week.
Are you interested in helping with Meals on Wheels? Substitute drivers are always needed. If you would like to help, call Patti at 272-3620 or 260-6282.
Mardi Gras
Save this date: Tuesday, Feb. 21, is our annual Mardi Gras celebration. Join us for Bingo at 3:30 p.m., followed by Pancake Games at 4:30 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., we begin serving pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, applesauce and King's Cake.
The public is invited.
Scheduled activities
Thursday begins with TOPS at 9 a.m., followed by art class at 10 a.m. Gentle exercises begin at 11 a.m. The Ambassador Singers practice at 1 p.m. The monthly Domino Tournament begins at 1 p.m.
Friday has line dancing at 8:30 a.m. A nurse from St. Catherine Hospital will be here from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Bridge starts at 12:45 p.m.
Saturday, the pool room is open from 1 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, duplicate bridge begins at 2 p.m.
Monday starts with walking at 8:30 a.m. The Humdinger Band practices at 12:30 p.m. Double pinochle begins at 12:30 p.m. The Upbeats Band practices at 3 p.m. Zumba begins at 5:30 p.m. Duplicate bridge starts at 7 p.m.
Tuesday has gentle exercises at 11 a.m. Pitch starts at 12:30 p.m. Bridge begins at 1:15 p.m. The FCCA meets at 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 begins with line dancing at 8:30 a.m. The Meals on Wheels committee meets at 9 a.m. Legal aid appointments begin at 10 a.m. Call 272-3620 for an appointment with an attorney. Library outreach is at 11 a.m. Pinochle begins at 12:30 p.m. Life Writing is at 1 p.m. The dance at 7:30 p.m. will feature "The Blue Notes." The recommended donation is $5 per person. Bring finger food for the break.
Lunch menus
Lunch is served at noon.
Thursday: Oven-fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, tossed salad, roll, fruit crisp.
Friday: Hot beef sandwich, broccoli soup, potatoes and gravy, pineapple tidbits.
Monday: Chicken pot pie, cauliflower, stewed tomatoes, wheat roll, apricots.
Tuesday: Swiss steak with tomatoes, baked potato, carrots, muffin, tropical fruit.
Feb. 15: Beef stew or ham and beans, steamed cabbage, corn bread, rosy pears.
Visit our website at www.seniorcenterfc.com.
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