Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-11-29, Page 30PAGE 30. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29. 2000. Snowbird Checklist: What to do before you head south From Anne Dimon • Travel Arrangements & Accommodations - Booking your travel arrangements and accommodations well in advance will enable you to plan the most cost effective trip. Check out the variety of travel magazines, the travel section of your local newspaper and web sites to research your des­ tination, airfare, hotel, rental cars and local attractions. • Health Insurance - Make sure you have out-of-country health insurance coverage. You may require supplementary coverage to your existing poli­ cy, so it's important to research different travel health plans in advance of your trip, as many vary in price and coverage. An accident or illness can become very expensive for anyone without sufficient coverage. • Paying Bills - Pay all outstanding bills in advance and arrange to have all incoming bills forwarded to you or paid by . omeone else. The internet and automated banking have also made paying bills last and efficient. For other financial issues, speak with your financial advisor to determine the best way to manage your money and investments while away. • Cash - Take traveller’s cheques in case of emergency, but automated teller machines (ATMs) are widely available and eliminate the need to carry excess cash. Also, ATMs tend to provide a better currency exchange rate. • Prescriptions and Identification - Bring copies of any prescriptions, such as eyeglasses and medications as well as passports, credit cards and any other important documents. Be sure to keep them in a different loca­ tion from your actual prescriptions and identifications, in case of lost or stolen luggage. It’s also wise for a family member back home to have a copy of important documents, including your power of attorney, will and travel arrangements. • Housekeeping - Cancel your newspapers and have someone pick up your mail on a regular basis. In case of emergency, leave a set of your house keys with a family member or neighbour. In addition, lower the heat and turn off the water heaters to save energy, and be sure to make snow removal arrangements. Tips for Buying Travel Insurance • Make certain that you’re not already covered. Some work-related group policies and credit cards include provisions for out-of-country travel coverage. If you are not already covered, take the time to shop around and make sure that your coverage is adequate for your needs and covers your trip duration. Take the time to compare, ask questions and fully understand the coverage you are purchasing. Consider the protection offered, the guar­ antees and quality of service, as well as the reputation of the company you are dealing with. • Know what you’re getting in terms of coverage limit. A low cost poli­ cy may seem attractive until you realize that it limits the cost of medical emergencies to $25,000 or $50,000. That may not go far when you consid­ er that American hospitals can cost up to $10,000 U.S. for a single day of intensive care. • Consider the deductible. While a low deductible may seem desirable to cost-conscious travellers at the time of purchase, seniors should consider the financial impact of any deductibles should a claim arise. Snowbirds may wish to consider paying extra at the outset to eliminate this risk and ensure complete and full coverage. Be aware that restrictions on pre-existing health conditions and eligi­ bility requirements will vary from one company to the next. Some poli­ cies may exclude those with pre-existing conditions for a specified period of lime and others will consider waiving such exclusions upon completion of a medical questionnaire. • Be upfront with your insurer about your medical status. This is impor­ tant because otherwise you risk a contract becoming null and void should a med.cal emergency result in a claim and the insurer discovers that you withheld relevant information. • Emergency Medical Assistance. Make sure the insurer you choose offers high-quality emergency medical assistance, including a toll-free 24-hour help line. This service can be your best friend in the event of a medical emergency. • Repatriation Provision. Be sure your policy offers a repatnation to Canada benefit service in the event of serious illness or accident. • Don’t make a decision based solely on cost. Determine what you are giving up in order to secure a lower premium. Paying a higher premium for important benefits and coverage may be your best investment. Also look for “extras” such as discounts or access to travel services and health infor­ mation. • And finally, don’t make any buying decisions until you are fully aware of how a policy stipulation might apply to you. This is particular­ ly important if you have a pre-existing condition. A little exercise on go a long way! Sharing a Healthier Future'^^ - - - - ^ panTicipacTion Walking 3 km in 35 minutes can do wonders for your health. It's that simple. ▲ A Birthday Tea for AUDREY THOMPSON’S "80th ” Sunday, December 3, 2000 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Londesboro Hall Silver donation for charity in lieu of gifts ‘Chicago ’ roaring onto Centre in the Square stage The ’20s come roaring back with a vengeance when the hit musical Chicago comes to town on Nov. 28 and 29 at The Centre In The Square. Kitchener for two performances. Basqd on the 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins (which was based on the real events). Chicago is. as we are told in the show's open lines, “a story of murder, greed, cor­ ruption, violence, exploitation, adul­ tery and treachery - all the things we hold near and dear to our hearts.” The story revolves around Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer who dreams of starring in vaudeville. She kills her lover, nightclub regular Fred Casely, and convinces her husband to front the money to hire Chicago's shrewdest defense lawyer. The lawyer, Billy Flynn, turns her crime of passion into celebrity headlines and Roxie becomes the toast of Chicago - until other crimes pull the limelight away from her. Chicago was created by John Kander and Fred Ebb (known for their hit musicals Cabaret and Kiss . of the Spider Woman) and Bob Fosse. Fosse was co-author, original director and choreographer for Chicago. Although he excelled as a director, choreography, dancer and actor, he was perhaps best known and loved for his innovative and breathtaking staging, specifically his dance sequences. Chicago first opened on Broadway on June 3, 1975 and ran for 898 performances. The current Retiring officers receive recognition at Area convention Continued from page 7 The FWIO 90th Anniversary Award was presented to Donna Willows. Men of Accord a vocal group from London entertained the members in song Gifts were gixen to retiring offi­ cers, President Lindsay, Provincial board director Donna Willows and PAC Donna MacPherson. Pauline presented the gavel and pin to incoming president. Fran Hyatt. The flags were retired bringing the convention to a close. The 2000-2001 executive is: past president, Pauline Lindsay; presi­ dent, Fran Hyatt; first vice-presi­ dent, Eleanor Williams, second vice- president, Glenna Ladell; secretary, Dorothy Sutherland; assistant secre­ tary, Mary Nicklas; treasurer, Chris Wiffen; public relations, Margaret Armstrong; education co-ordinator, Jean Roberts; lobbying co-ordinator, Pauline Lindsay; provincial board director for Southern, Donna Willows, Ruth Crump; PAC Subdivision 18, Glenna Ladell; Alternate PAC, Ruth Axford. PAC Subdivision 19, is still to be filled. Daniel Scott Pennington-Fritz Happy 1st Birthday - December 1 Little monkey • boo how we love you so from your head to your toes your tender smile your laugh so sweet your wiggly feet _ the added joy you have brought, you are our dream come true how we love to watch you grow...what you will do only you know! Will you show a funny face, or give a toothless smile, a deep belly laugh, or show your charm ? Every day brings new delight and surprise happy birthday Baby!nLove always m r,, ,. . Mommy, Daddy & Pheonix __ SESE3ESEHE3ESE8ESE3ESE3£HESE8E3£SEHESSi The Bly th Festival presents... (Dnta.'ii.o StSaifct 'fJfi 'JC Dec. 7 8 p.m. Adults $25 16 & Under $15 For tickets call 523-9300 • Broadway revival (on which this tour is based) opened Nov. 14, 1996. and is still running1*'' Tickets are $39 and $59 each and can be obtained at The Centre Box office. Call (519) 578-1570 or toll- free 1-800-265-8977. Stappy 1“ ffiiitAday. Slaniet You have made this year a special one. Love & Kisses Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle Mark (1AI EASTMVI To FIRE! Smoke can kill. Never enter a smoky or stairway. Always yourself from smoke Happy 60th Anniversary Jack & Georgina Bosman December 27, 2000 Love, Shirley, John and Jim, Ann and families I Gwen, Roy and families J ib_________—------ -----------rft