FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
5,000 volunteer hours and counting Ruth Collete volunteered with RSVP since 1990, logging more than 5,000 volunteer hours By MATT PETERSON newsroom@austindailyherald.com
Her dad and husband always said she was a people person. And for the last 20 years, Ruth Collette of Austin has been meeting new people and helping them in numerous ways. Since 1973, South East Minnesota Citizens Action Council’s (SEMCAC) RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) has been around to bring volunteers together in the community and help those in need. Now, perhaps none are as involved in the community as Collette. She has been involved with RSVP since 1990 and is active in many of the program’s 31 stations in Mower County. The JC Hormel Nature Center, KSMQ, U of M extension, senior center, transit, United Way, DAVA (Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary), Oak Park Mall caring tree, Parenting Resource Center and Historical Society are some of the stations she has given her time to
this year alone. According to Mona McMartin, coordinator of RSVP, Collette has logged more than 5,000 volunteer hours within the program, among other personal volunteering and undocumented hours. One of Collette’s favorite things to do is to help the DAVA. “It’s a passion of mine,” she said. Recently, she had an estate sale at her home to help a family out and donate proceeds to the DAVA. “We knew we’d get some good money, but people would actually hand us a twenty and say, ‘keep the change’,” Collette said. She added that the sale raised several thousand dollars for the DAVA, which she hoped would help the program for awhile. Furthermore, Collette handmakes designs on rugs and blankets for the DAVA and collects blankets for the Vets when she comes across them.
Matt Peterson/newsroom@austindailyherald.com
> RSVP continues on8
Volunteer Ruth Collette, right, along with Mona McMartin, shows one of the many designs she has made for the children at the Ronald McDonald House. McMartin, is coordinator of RSVP for Dodge, Mower and Steel counties.
Two flu deaths already reported in Minnesota By Christopher Snowbeck McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
State officials say this could be a tough flu season for elderly people in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed Monday that a woman in her 80s from southeastern Minnesota died last week from complications due to influenza. The woman had a strain of influenza virus called A/H3, which has caused sporadic outbreaks in Minnesota and elsewhere this summer and fall. Earlier this month, another woman in her 80s from the metro area died more than a month after contracting the A/H3 strain of the virus, the Health Department said.
Both women had been residents of particularly in the elderly.” Public health officials in Minlong-term care facilities, and the nesota don’t typically woman in the metro see confirmed flu area was part of a cluster of three flu cases that “This may be a deaths until December, the Health Department difficult year in said Dough Schultz, a for the announced last month. terms of severe spokesman Health Department. Health officials said they have not seen in- influenza in the But it’s difficult to compare reports this year creased flu activity elderly.” with those from previamong the general population. -Dr. Ruth Lynfield ous years, Schultz said, “This may be a diffiEpidemiologist because public health officials have significult year in terms of severe influenza infections in the cantly increased resources for deelderly,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state tecting flu cases and deaths due to epidemiologist, in a statement. “In last year’s troubles with the H1N1 years when there has been primarily virus. Officials said it is not unusual to H3 influenza A circulating, we’ve seen higher rates of serious illness, see sporadic cases and outbreaks in
institutional settings in early fall. That’s why they stress the importance of flu shots for nursing home residents and for those who come into frequent contact with people in long-term care centers. A cluster of A/H3 cases was reported in July at a day care and at a college in Iowa. But it is not clear if that type of flu virus will be the dominant strain, Schultz said. Public health officials won’t know for another week or so how well this year’s vaccine protects against A/H3, Schultz said. But this year’s vaccine contains an A/H3N2 strain, so “even if it’s not an exact match, there should be some cross-protection,” Schultz said.
Health screenings are an easy way to avoid costly illnesses (ARA) — Chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes, are among the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fortunately, health screening tests are an easy way to detect these conditions early, so you can prevent symptoms from worsening. And, if you’re diagnosed with a condition, regular testing can help determine how well you’re managing the disease. Knowing your healthy range is key. Strive for these numbers: •For total cholesterol, the CDC identifies healthy levels as below 200 mg/dL. When levels reach 240 mg/dL or higher, you become at high risk for heart disease. •For blood pressure, look for anything less than 120 over less than 80 mmHg, says the CDC. Levels above indicate prehypertension, which can lead to chronic high blood pressure. Blood glucose levels also should be checked if you are determined to be at risk for diabetes. Risk factors for diabetes include: •Age 45 or older •Overweight •Family history of the disease 2 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010
•High blood pressure •Abnormal cholesterol readings “Both high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,” says CVS Pharmacist Susan Gordon. “For people who’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, consistent blood glucose monitoring is critical to keeping diabetes in control and preventing further complications.” According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the basic goal for people with diabetes is a reading between 70 and 130 on an empty stomach, and less than 180 two hours after the start of a meal. If your blood sugar is too high for too long, you could be at risk for long-term complications. Fortunately, at-home testing kits make it easier for people to know their healthy ranges, and some products are covered by insurance if you have to manage a chronic condition like diabetes. “There are dozens of brands and styles to choose from when it comes to at-home testing kits,” adds Gordon. “Your doctor or pharmacist can help determine the one that’s best for you. If you have trouble reading small numbers, for example, you’ll need a
meter with a large display. Your pharmacist also can identify ways to save
on testing products, such as by using generic test strips.”
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Five things to know about flu season (ARA) — Last year’s flu season turned out to be less severe than initially feared, perhaps because the H1N1 scare made people more vigilant about flu vaccinations. Still, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 24,000 people in the U.S. die from the flu each year, and more than 275,000 were hospitalized from just the H1N1 virus last season. Now another flu season is upon us. And while the World Health Organization has declared an end to the H1N1 pandemic, the organization expects the virus to circulate for years to come and to continue affecting young people most severely. That means getting vaccinated against the flu is just as important as ever. It’s never been easier to get a flu shot when it’s most convenient for you. Here are five new things you should know about this year’s flu vaccine that could help keep you and your family healthy throughout the season: 1. One shot — Last season, millions of people were vaccinated twice - first for seasonal flu starting in September and later for the H1N1 virus. This year, only one shot is needed for protection against both seasonal flu and H1N1. 2. Everyone 6 months and older — For the first time, the CDC is recommending universal flu vac-
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Flu shots are an important way for senior citizens to take preventative measures this flu season, especially with health officials stating the elderly could be the hardest hit this flu season.
cination — with everyone older than 6 months recommended to get a shot, including pregnant women. 3. Never too early (or too late) — Flu shots were available early this year, with some retailers offering them in early August. A shot now will protect you all season long. Most retailers will offer shots through the spring or while supplies last. Health experts agree: It’s
best to get the shot early and be protected for the duration of the flu season, especially because flu season is unpredictable and no one knows when viruses will begin to circulate or when flu activity will peak. 4. More convenient than you think — Many local pharmacies offer flu shots. In fact, Walgreens, the nation’s largest retail provider
of flu shots, offers immunizations at every one of its 7,500 pharmacies and all of its Take Care Clinics nationwide every day, during nearly all pharmacy and clinic hours and without an appointment. Walgreens even offers flu shot gift cards that make it easy for those you care about to get a flu shot (especially kids away at school and distant relatives). The cost of $29.99 is covered under a number of medical plans. Walgreens is able to bill a number of national providers directly. 5. Plentiful supply — According to the CDC, more than 160 million doses of flu vaccine have been produced. That’s more than ever before and a 40 percent increase over last year’s vaccine production, when shortages made it challenging for many to get a flu shot. “Whether you’re among the more than 100 million Americans who get a flu shot every year or are on the fence about whether to get one, it’s as important this season as it’s ever been and now as easy as a trip to your neighborhood drugstore,” says Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president of pharmacy services. “Pharmacies have become one of the fastest-growing and most-trusted resources for flu shots in recent years, offering convenient, accessible and affordable flu prevention and health care services in thousands of communities nationwide.”
The National Council on the Aging did a study in 1999 that showed the Consequences of NOT Treating Hearing Loss Older people with untreated hearing impairments suffer many negative effects when compared to older, hearing-impaired people who use hearing aids, including:
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• Sadness and Depression • Paranoia • Emotional turmoil and insecurity • Worry and anxiety • Less social activity
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010 3
Health care reform may pose Medicare challenges (ARA) — Health care legislation passed earlier this year may make Medicare annual enrollment season particularly challenging for the millions of baby boomers aging into Medicare and for seniors already enrolled who are considering different coverage for 2011. Annual enrollment runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, allowing people to select their Medicare coverage for 2011. “Choosing a Medicare plan can be overwhelming in any year,” says Adrienne Muralidharan, senior Medicare specialist for the Allsup Medicare Advisor, a Medicare plan selection service for people with disabilities and those 65 and older. “However, this year there are not only the usual changes, such as premium and coverage changes, you also need to understand how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may affect your 2011 Medicare coverage.” According to Muralidharan, the most important ways the new health care legislation will affect Medicare beneficiaries for 2011 include: •Prescription drug costs should be lower in the “doughnut hole.” For 2011, Medicare beneficiaries will receive a 50 percent discount for the cost of brand-name prescription drugs and a 7 percent discount for generic drugs they are taking while in the prescription drug doughnut hole. •Medicare Part B (medical insurance) will fully cover preventive care. Beginning in 2011, Medicare beneficiaries will no longer have to pay deductibles or co-pays for preventive services that fall under U.S. Preventive Service Task Force guidelines, such as
choosing an annual wellness from “like to exam. like” op•More beneficitions. aries may have Now, open higher costs for enrollment Medicare Part B has been reand Part D (preplaced with scription drug) a shorter ancoverage. The Part nual disenB income threshrollment old freezes at the p e r i o d , 2010 levels through which runs 2019. As a result, from Jan. 1 individuals with through Feb. modified adjusted 14. During gross income exthis period, ceeding $85,000 the only and married couchange that ples with income can be made exceeding $170,000 is to disenwill have to pay roll from a higher premiums. Medicare Because this will Advanta g e not adjust with inplan in order flation, it’s likely to enroll in more people over traditional time will be subARA Photo Medicare ject to higher preBaby boomers and seniors already enrolled in and join a miums. In Medicare may face difficulties as they adapt to Medicare addition, the law changes stemming from health care reform. Part D plan. reduces the Other selecMedicare Part D premium subsidy for individuals with tions will not be available to consumers. incomes above these levels. “It’s easy to get confused over the •Opportunities to change coverage after the annual enrollment period various Medicare enrollment periwill be more limited. Historically, an ods,” Muralidharan says. “However, open enrollment period ran from Jan. it’s now more important than ever 1 through March 31, immediately after to look at annual enrollment as your annual enrollment ended. During main opportunity to choose your open enrollment, people were able to coverage.” Reasons to review your medicare switch from their existing Medicare plans to similar Medicare coverage, coverage:
Changes brought on by health care reform are just one reason people should evaluate their Medicare coverage. Each year, individuals with Medicare should consider different health care coverage if they experience any of the following: •Your health situation has changed in the past year. •Your provider situation has changed (for example, you hospital or physician left your plan). •Your coverage has changed (for example, certain drugs, procedures or conditions are no longer covered). •Your plan premiums and/or copayments have increased. •You have moved to a new location. •Your current plan no longer will be available. Additionally, people now turning 65 and becoming Medicare-eligible for the first time should carefully review their options — and make certain they follow the enrollment guidelines. Failing to do so can trigger costly penalties and may mean certain coverage is unavailable in the future. “The choices you make about your Medicare coverage can have a significant effect on your health care and your finances,” says Muralidharan. “If you are uncertain about which Medicare plans are available to you, or which would best meet your needs, seek help before enrolling.” More information on Medicare plan selection assistance is available at Medicare.Allsup.com.
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Get moving to treat and prevent arthritis (ARA) — More than just aches and •Move with others. Enjoy exercise pains, arthritis is a chronic disease that more by making it a social activity you damages joints and can lead to loss of can enjoy with your friends. The Arthrifunction or disability. In fact, it is the tis Foundation organizes events yearmost common cause of disability in the round to keep people moving, including United States, affecting 50 million Amerthe Jingle Bell Run/Walk and Arthritis icans or 22 percent of the total populaWalk, which also raise money for importion. tant arthritis research and community For years it was believed that people services. You can get started today by regwith arthritis should not exercise beistering for an event near you. cause movement could cause further •Take a walk. A stroll around your damage to joints. Now, physical activity neighborhood or on a walking path will is recognized as playing an integral role not only leave you with a trimmer in the prevention and treatment of physique and less joint pain, but can also arthritis. According to the Arthritis improve your mood and overall sense of Foundation, exercise provides relief well-being. When it’s too cold or hot outfrom pain, improves physical function side, move indoors by using a treadmill or and quality of life, and delays the onset walking in place. For a walking program of disability without worsening sympthat is specifically designed to reduce toms or the progression of the disease. arthritis discomfort and improve overall Unfortunately, the already staggering health, try the Arthritis Foundation’s social and economic impact of arthritis Walk with Ease program. ARA Photo in the United States is set to explode in In a recent change of thought, many believe exercise can help releive pain caused by •Try Tai Chi. Tai Chi is an ancient coming decades. A new government re- arthritis. Chinese exercise with a variety of proven port found that the number of adults health benefits, such as reducing stress with arthritis has increased by almost 1 million knee,” says Dr. Patience H. White, the Arthritis and relieving arthritis pain. Because its gentle since 2003 to 2005 and it’s estimated that arthritis Foundation’s vice president of public health. In ad- movements are easy to learn and do not require undition, losing as little as 11 pounds can reduce your comfortable bending or squatting, Tai Chi is a great will affect 67 million Americans in 2030. The effects of arthritis can be devastating, but risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent. way to move all year. Check with your local ArthriIt is important for Americans to make daily tis Foundation office to find a class near you. self-management strategies such as weight loss and increasing physical activity can lessen pain and im- movement a year-round goal. While it may seem To find out about more ways you can move yearprove function, and may prevent or limit the impact hard to get started, there are plenty of opportunities round, visit www.letsmovetogether.org. of arthritis on daily activities. “For every one pound for you to move year-round, no matter where you are you lose, that’s four pounds of pressure off each or what the season:
Proton therapy lets cancer patients avoid side effects (ARA) — Hearing the word cancer from a doctor can change a patient’s life. While cancer treatments such as radiation therapy save millions of lives each year, those who undergo these widely used therapies can suffer serious short- and long-term side effects. For many cancer patients, there is an alternative to radiation therapy — one that has few, if any side effects and allows most patients to go on with their day-to-day activities and lead a normal life while undergoing treatment. Proton therapy has been successfully used to treat cancer for decades, but because there are only a handful of centers in the U.S. offering AUSTIN DAILY HERALD Senior Living
the therapy, many doctors remain unaware of the treatment and its benefits Studies have shown proton therapy to be effective in treating a number of types of cancer, including prostate, brain, head and neck, central nervous system and lung, as well as those that cannot be completely removed by surgery. It is particularly useful in treating childhood cancers because proton therapy causes less damage to young, healthy, developing tissue than other forms of radiation therapy. Like standard radiation therapy that uses X-ray radiation, proton therapy kills cancer tumor cells by preventing them from dividing and
growing. Unlike X-ray radiation, protons deposit most of their energy directly in the cancer tumor, meaning patients can receive higher, more effective doses, with less damage to healthy tissues near the tumor. “My treatments would start at 8 a.m. I would be done by 8:30 and in the office, going about my regular day by 9,” Gordon says. “I felt like a healthy person while I was going through proton therapy.” To learn more about the advantages of proton therapy, visit www.procure.com.or the home page of National Association for Proton Therapy at www.proton-therapy.org. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010 5
Don’t surrender to macular degeneration (ARA) — Aging gracefully can require you to accept certain changes in your body, from gray or thinning hair to skin that’s less firm than it was in your youth. But loss of vision shouldn’t be on your short list of changes that are an inevitable part of growing older. If you’re older than 50, you should know about your eye health and what you can do to prevent or slow vision loss. Age-related macular degeneration, commonly known as AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. AMD affects about 10 million people in the U.S., and that number is projected to double by 2020, according to the National Institutes of Health. “AMD is a disease that we can prevent and manage,” says Dr. Alan Cruess, Chairman of AMD Alliance International’s Scientific Advisory Panel. “We have the ability to save the sight of many Americans each year.” AMD is a degenerative disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina (think of it as your eye’s internal projection screen) responsible for clear central vision. There are two types of AMD — “dry” and “wet.” The dry form affects 85 to 90 percent of people with AMD and causes varying degrees of vision loss, characterized by a collection of deposits in the macula called drusen. Far less common, but much more serious, wet AMD causes severe vision loss, as abnormal blood vessels grow and leak blood and fluid into the eye. If you take certain measures to keep your eyes healthy, you can prevent AMD or slow its progress. AMD Alliance International suggests taking the following three steps to help prevent and manage AMD.
1. Get regular eye exams Everyone older than 50 should get regular eye exams. Most people believe they receive eye exams as 6 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010
3. Ask questions and know your treatment options
ARA photo
Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that can be slowed or even prevented by taking precautions.
often as they should. However, ac- diet, obesity, and having high blood cording to a recent AMD Alliance pressure, that are controllable. Quitting smoking reduces your International study, only 63 percent of those at risk and 56 percent of risk for AMD. Numerous studies those at high risk for AMD have have demonstrated that people who smoke are between two and five and their eyes checked ana half times more nually. Routine exams likely to develop can help identify AMD and other eye prob- “AMD is a disease AMD than people lems in their early we can prevent who do not smoke. Studies also sugstages, when many disand manage.” gest that AMD is eases are more easily linked to diets high treatable. -Dr. Alan Cruess in saturated fat. ReChairman of AMD Alliance International’s Scientific ducing saturated fat 2. Understand the and Advisory Panel consumption risk factors for eating more fresh AMD fruits and dark By knowing the risk factors, you green, leafy vegetables — all foods can take steps to reduce the chance that are rich in vitamins C and E, of getting AMD. Age is the greatest selenium and carotenoids — may risk factor for AMD — if you are 50 delay the onset or reduce the severor older, you’re at risk of develop- ity of AMD. Fish rich in omega-3 ing the disease. Having a family fats, like salmon, tuna or mackerel, member with AMD can also in- may also slow the progress of AMD crease your risk. when eaten two to three times a While you cannot control your week, according to a study pubage or genes, there are other risk lished in the British Journal of factors, including smoking, poor Ophthalmology.
If you have been diagnosed with AMD, your ability to ask the right questions and receive accurate information is crucial. Review “Questions to Ask Your Eye Care Professional” at www.amdalliance.org to help guide the conversation at your next eye exam. Be sure you know your exact diagnosis and all available treatment options. Specially formulated vitamins can reduce the risk of advanced AMD for some patients. Effective, clinically approved treatments are also available for the most severe form of AMD, which may reverse some vision loss. Make sure you ask your doctor about your options and understand what treatment you are receiving. People living with macular disease should be able to fully participate in choosing their treatment and healthcare options. Know your rights and download the Patient Charter. Also, if you’re diagnosed with AMD, a low vision rehabilitation specialist can help you use your remaining sight to its full potential through special techniques and low vision aids. Age-related macular degeneration and the loss of vision can be prevented and slowed down. By learning about the disease and making healthy lifestyle choices, many Americans will be able to enjoy healthy vision well into their golden years.
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Living independently and safely can be a cynch (ARA) — Retirement is a great time to enjoy life — especially in your own home. But if you — or your parents — are starting to slow down, suffering from occasional imbalance or are having difficulty living safely in your home, it could limit your independence, and potentially cause you harm. Falling is the leading cause of injury and death among people 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And if you look around your home, or your loved-one’s home, you probably can find many tripping hazards, increasing the risk of a fall. Here are some tips you can follow to help yourself or your loved one continue to live independently in their own home and age in place safely: •Incorporate walk-in showers in your bathrooms, so you don’t have to climb over the edge of a tub. Premier Care in Bathing Inspire Walk-in
are versatile enough for any member of the family to use, but provide the safety equipment needed to help keep older members protected from falls. Visit www.premier-bathrooms.com or call (800) 925-0865 and ask for more information about walk-in baths or showers. •Install telephones in every room, and have a cell phone always charged and accessible. Communication is important, and ARA Photo having a phone easily accessible Arranging your home and purchasing some help- can determine how swiftly help arful items can you allow you to stay in your house rives in an emergency like a fall. •Switch under-counter longer. shelves into pull-out drawers, Shower or Refresh Walk-in Shower so you or your loved one don’t have Delta brand shower heads, have to get down on your hands shower chairs in case you need to sit and knees to find something at down, secure hand rails and leak-free the rear of the cabinet. This not construction. only helps prevent falls, but also preAlternatively, Premier also has a vents strains on the body from bendbroad range of walk-in baths, which ing over.
•Install as much extra lighting as you can around the house. This includes nightlights and extra light switches at all door entrances so nobody ends up stumbling around in the dark. •Create safe walking passages. If loose rugs are lying around, consider removing them. Check to see if any of the flooring in your house is slippery. You might want to consider installing carpet — not only to get rid of the slippery floor, but also to keep feet warmer as well. Also, review the layout of each room. Keep entrances clear of lamps or furniture so someone doesn’t accidently become bruised from bumping into them, or tripping and falling to the floor. Aging in place isn’t overly difficult, and you can keep yourself or your loved one safe at home, and living in comfort with some of these tips.
Chronic illnesses can be treated outside nursing homes (ARA) — Many baby boomers assume they will end up in a nursing home if they develop a chronic illness. But that’s not true for most of us. The vast majority of people who become chronically ill are cared for in their own home by a loved one or a friend. That includes more than two-thirds of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. So why do most chronically ill people move into a nursing home? It may surprise you to learn that it’s not because their health worsens. It’s because their primary caregiver is too exhausted or sick to continue. There are, however, steps baby boomers can take to ensure that they can pay for the kind of care they want to receive in their own home, and also provide for the financial needs and limitations of their caregiver. The most important thing you can do to ensure that things go according to plan is to have a conversation with your loved ones. It is better, after all, to ask some tough questions now than to delay them until you are struggling AUSTIN DAILY HERALD Senior Living
with an illness. Here are some of the questions you should ask: •Would you be willing to help care for me at home if I become chronically ill one day? •If so, would you be willing to share the responsibilities of caring for me with someone else who has been hired to care for me? •What concerns would you have about taking care of me in my home? •Would you allow me to compensate you for taking care of me?
It’s critically important to avoid caregiver burnout, and both you and your potential caregiver need to be aware of the pitfalls. Plenty of good information can be found at www.caregiver.org. Once you have the answers to those questions, you’ll want to tally up how much it is likely to cost you to get the care you may need. A good way to do this is research your chronic care insurance options and then talk with an insurance agent you trust.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010 7
RSVP: ‘I thank God that I’m healthy enough to do it’ From Page 1
The bulk of her hand-made rugs go to the Ronald McDonald House, for which she has made many in the last nine years. The kids often hang them on their walls or use them just to lay down on because they are very thick and soft. She said that she makes about 12 to 13 of them a year; and when she is done volunteering during the day, she can spend several hours per night work-
ing on one. “I can’t stand doing nothing; I have to be doing something,” Collette said about all of her activities. “I thank God that I’m healthy enough to do it.” Collette has done a little bit of everything, from writing thank you letters for KSMQ, helping kids at the JC Hormel Halloween event, assisting the Mower County Historical Society at the fair and giving rides to those at the senior center. Collette said that offering rides to members at the senior center has
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lette said. “Volunteering can enrich so many lives in the community,” McMartin said. “You will meet other volunteers and build lifetime friendships while giving your time, talents and skills.” RSVP encompasses many counties across the state and currently has 165 volunteers in Mower County alone. If interested in volunteering, call 507-351-2474 or e-mail m.m@deskmedia.com.
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given her the opportunity to learn a lot about people. “You can meet so many people that way,” she said. “I enjoy meeting people.” Collette enjoys working with all age groups of people and is readily available for McMartin when she calls. “It’s been a joy to work with Ruth,” McMartin said. McMartin has been an RSVP coordinator for a little more than three years and is in charge of Dodge, Mower and Steele counties. “She does her job very well,” Col-
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