Generations – Nov. 2021

November 2021

Air Corps weatherman was one of four brothers who served HHHHHHHHHHH

ROBIN FISH/ENTERPRISE

Roy Nelson, today and at a VFW event approximately 10 years ago.

By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise A resident of Greenwood Connections in Menahga was one of four brothers who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Roy Nelson, 94, recalled being a weatherman in the Army Air Corps during the late 1940s.

Nelson is one of seven siblings born and raised on a farm a mile south of Hillview, 10 miles west of Sebeka.

“We did a lot of sliding down that hill with sleds in the wintertime,” he said, recalling the siblings’ halfmile walk to the country school between their farm and Hillview.

“Right up to the schoolhouse when the bell rang. It was fun.”

Of his four brothers – Cy (short for Cyrus), Vernon, Harold and Sid – all but Sid were in the uniformed service. With Sid’s recent death, Roy and Harold are the last two brothers still living.

Inside this issue...

Roy Nelson crossed paths with his older brother, Cyrus, while both were

BROTHERS: Page 2 serving in the U.S. armed forces in Germany.

2 V eterans at higher risk for dementia 3 Grandma regrets providing home for extended family 4 Turkey Chili 5 Author Gary Paulsen dies at 82 6 Tracking down an unclaimed life insurance policy 7 Leave the leaves 8 Protecting your identity

N o ve mbe r 2 02 1

2 BROTHERS From Page 1

Veterans at higher risk for dementia Is there a difference in how a person lives with dementia if they are a veteran?

According to “Dementia risk factors in veterans” by Dr. Clifford M. Singer in the “Journal of Aging Life Care,” there is a dramatic increase in the prevalence of dementia among veterans. It is estimated that there will be 423,000 new cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias among military veterans in the decade ending in 2020.

Over 25% of these new cases of dementia will be associated with specific military factors, especially traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Progressive dementia after TBI Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a condition applied to the chronic of progressive cognitive decline. Three stages of CTE symptoms were initially described in boxers: ► Stage One – mood and perception disturbances ► Stage Two – more pronounced emotional liability, impulsivity, poor judgement, memory impairment, slowed thinking, and early neuromuscular symptoms (Parkinsonism) ► Stage Three – cognitive impairment severe enough to be called dementia, along with more pronounced Parkinsonism (tremor, muscle rigidity and slowing of gait and movement).

The Family Circle

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LSW GCM, works for Security First, SBC Adult Care Management Services

death or violence.

It has been diagnosed in 22% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans entering the VA health care system.

PTSD increases vascular risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension. POWs are at high risk for PTSD as well as dementia in later life.

Depression may increase the risk of dementia in older adults.

This is true for veterans as well.

When I became a social worker my first job was in a nursing home. We had a gentleman that was in a wheelchair and was generally easy going and fun to visit with.

During the Christmas holiday season, we had extra decorations, etc. set up along the walls in the hallway.

One evening this gentleman became very agitated and couldn’t understand what we were trying to say to him. Suddenly, he was going up and down the hallways hitting at and knocking over the decorations. When we were finally able to understand what he was trying to say we realized that he was “sundowning” as well as

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Three of the five Nelson brothers were featured in a newspaper story while serving in the armed forces.

Not pictured are Roy and Sid. “Forecasters were officers, as a rule,” he added.

After his discharge, Nelson returned to the family farm for a while. “My dad let me have 10 acres,” he said. “I raised 1,000 turkeys. Got the chicks and all, put them in a brooder and went from there.”

After that stint as a turkey grower, he moved to Clovis, California and worked as a weatherman at a commercial airport.

He married a girl from Washington state and the couple had two children, a boy and a girl.

He remains attuned to the weather to this day. “I look out the window all the time, in the morning,” he said. “I see cumulus clouds and cirrus clouds and blue sky.

It still interests me.”

Unfortunately, his marriage broke up and his family moved back to Washington. Nelson never remarried and he lost contact with his kids, but he later adopted a son who still lives nearby.

Nelson participated for many years in the Menahga VFW and became a well-known face in town. “Just about everybody I meet says, ‘Hello, Roy!’” he said.

“It’s a good experience,” Nelson said of serving in uniform. “Three years of your life. It doesn’t cost you anything. In fact, you get paid for it. Probably the best education you could get. It covers a lot of areas … more than you’d think it might.”

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PTSD and dementia This is a chronic and severe anxiety disorder that can occur in people exposed to serious injury, violence or threat of

reliving his war years and he saw all of these objects as the “enemy” and he was trying to get rid of them.

These things were very real to him, and this is a perfect example of why we want to better understand who the person is today and when they were younger, when they come to live in facilities. Having that background can be so helpful in knowing how to help them, especially when they are experiencing what this gentleman was that evening.

Teepa Snow (www.

TeepaSnow.com) lists five things to never do to a veteran living with dementia, in her “Positive Approach to Care Blog:” 1. Avoid war scenes on TV. 2. Avoid loud sudden noises.

3. Don’t approach a person from behind.

4. Don’t quietly sneak into their room.

5.Don’t back them into a corner.

Roy’s service took him to the Azores, an island group in the Atlantic, and Wiesbaden, Germany. While in Germany, he actually worked for a while with his brother Cy, who had re-enlisted.

Newspaper clippings in Roy’s scrapbook include photos of the Nelson brothers together in uniform – one of Roy and Cy; another of Cy, Harold and Vernon.

He said he learned early not to complain about anything “because you have it tough. Work is hard on the farm. It’s good to get away from it for a while.”

Get away from it he did, when he talked his father into letting him enlist after the end of World War II. “I chose the Air Corps because I wanted to get where there were airplanes,” he said. “I always wanted to fly.”

Although he trained and served as an airstrip weatherman, he did end up taking flying lessons and flew two-seater and four-seater airplanes.

“I enjoyed the service,” he said. “I wasn’t afraid of work.”

He added that it gave him experience and a chance to mix with different people and cultures.

He recalls the Portuguese-speaking people in the Azores as being friendly, and being invited out for supper by a German family.

“It was very interesting,” he said. “They told me a little bit about what they’d been through, how they hid in the basement and all that stuff, because (the Germans) were killing their own people and fighting other countries, too.”

As an enlisted weatherman, Nelson spent a lot of time plotting reported weather conditions on a map, which the forecaster would use to draw the lines showing the movements of fronts and storms.

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November 2021

Grandma regrets providing home for extended family D

ear Carol: I realize that this is the reverse of your usual column questions, but I wanted to warn others not to make the mistake I made. My son lost his job during the pandemic, so I bought a house with my life savings to provide myself and the family a place to live. I’m seeing that I made a huge mistake.

Both my son and his wife have jobs now and can support themselves. I want to move out, but it would be a physical and financial challenge for me. I’m afraid, too, that ending this arrangement would also end the relationship I have with my daughter-in-law, which affects my ability to see the grandchildren. I’m working with an attorney, so I’ll figure this out, but I want to warn others to be careful what they wish for. — RT Dear RT: You were exceptionally generous to buy this home to help your son and his family, so don’t fault yourself.

If it helps to know this, many other well-meaning families have tried to cohabitate, and the result is often similar.

That’s not to say that intergenerational living doesn’t work for some.

In fact, there are families that thrive in this setting. Still, it’s not a viable arrangement for all families, no matter how much they love one another.

4.

Even if the whole expectations are clearly hoping by now that you family initially likes the communicated. For adult have found a reasonable idea, specifics need to children, consider that solution so that you can be addressed ahead of the day may come when live with some serenity. time. Is this arrange- your elder needs more Carol Bradley Bursack is a

BY CAROL ment meant to be tem- care than you can pro- veteran caregiver and an BRADLEY BURSACK porary or permanent? Is vide. Discussing these established columnist. She is Columnist the elder going to have things can be difficult, also a blogger, and the author private quarters (rec- but it will ensure that of “Minding Our Elders: I won’t try to advise make everyone’s money ommended when pos- everyone is prepared and Caregivers Share Their Personal you about how to untan- go further, but it also sible)? What happens if on the same page from Stories.” Bradley Bursack gle your situation. You’ve means that more peo- the arrangement doesn’t the start. hosts a website supporting My suggestions for caregivers and elders at www. taken the correct first ple must agree on how work out?

5. Consider every others won’t help you, mindingourelders.com. step by seeing an attor- money is spent. This can She ney and this person will be tricky even for the possibility you can think RT, but your letter will can be reached through the of and make sure that all help many readers. I’m contact form on her website. guide you forward. What closest families.

I will do is make suggestions for others who might be considering intergenerational living.

1. It’s crucial to Glaucoma offers no warning, symptoms or cure have realistic expectaIt can come with no warning and no noticeable symptoms. tions. Even if you’ve had It is the second most common cause of blindness in the a good relationship in United States. “It” is glaucoma, the silent thief of sight. the past, living together could be a challenge. Do January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and we Jen Keller you expect completely encourage all people, especially those at higher risk for O.D. smooth sailing? That’s this disease, to familiarize themselves with the potential unlikely. So, think caresymptoms and need for regular eye examinations. A regular fully and plan for some eye examination is especially critical since a person with early-stage glaucoma may not notice any symptoms at all. bumpy times.

2.

Is the older genWhile the early-stage symptoms may not be noticeable, eration expected to proa person with more advanced glaucoma may notice vide care and/or superblurred vision, the presence of halos around lights, loss of vision for children? Does peripheral vision and difficulty focusing on objects. everyone agree that is the plan?

Glaucoma affects an estimated four million Americans.

3.

Financial impact.

Some people are more at risk than others.

Combining households has the potential to Those at higher risk include:

Minding Our Elders

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First and foremost in the process is a comprehensive eye health exam by your family eye doctor.

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4

F A L into comfort L

If you should find yourself in the mood for a bowl of comfort this fall, look no further than my family-favorite Sarah’s Turkey Chili.

I developed this recipe about two years ago when I was looking for a lighter chili option, and it is now more popular with my men at home than any other chili I make. Warmly spiced and flavorful with just the right touch of heat, this chili is anything but ordinary.

Featuring ground turkey and red kidney beans, this hearty chili packs a double punch of lean protein and nutrition in every spoonful.

Even better, a host of aromatics and spices are added throughout the cooking process to create layers of flavor.

In addition to the usual suspects (onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper), this list also includes poblano pepper, crushed red pepper, bay leaves, oregano and thyme. Acid is a wonderful tool to employ when building

SARAH NASELLO / THE FORUM

Hearty, delicious, easy to make and condiment-friendly, Sarah's Turkey Chili is the perfect comfort food for fall and winter.

Sarah’s Turkey Chili packs a double punch of lean protein

Home with the Lost Italian

BY SARAH & TONY NASELLO

Columnist

flavor, and a couple teaspoons of cider vinegar help to pull all the flavors together into one delicious dish.

The spice measurements are for a mildly spicy chili, as both my husband and son are lightweights when it comes to peppery heat. If you’re looking for something beyond a gentle heat, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper. But be careful not to confuse the two — cayenne pepper is about eight to 10 times more potent than chili powder and should be added in small doses.

If you find that you’ve

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made your chili too spicy, there are ways to mitigate that problem and temper the heat. My favorite is to add a bit of dairy to the chili as it cooks, like sour cream, cheese or milk, and/or another teaspoon or two of vinegar. Something sweet can also be used, and many people will add a touch of sugar or honey to a dish that is too spicy.

Making chili is a “taste-as-you-go” process. I know this recipe well, but I still stop and taste the chili several times as it cooks to ensure that the end result is balanced and flavorful. A little salt

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here, a little more chili cious Turkey Chili is the 1/4 cup water powder or cumin there… perfect comfort food for 2 teaspoons cider tasting the food along the season. vinegar the way is an essential 2 bay leaves (and marvelous) part of Sarah’s Turkey Chili 1 Tbsp. chili powder cooking.

1 tsp. ground cumin 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil I have tried a wide 1 tsp. paprika 1 medium-large variety of ground tur 1/4 tsp. cayenne yellow onion, medium key and my go-to brand pepper diced is Butterball. Each pack 1 tsp. dried oregano 4 cloves garlic, equals 1.7 pounds of tur1 tsp. dried thyme minced key, and I use two packs 2 tsp. salt 1 poblano pepper, for this recipe. This 1/2 tsp. black pepper small diced yields a batch of chili 1 can red kidney 1 jalapeno, finely large enough to feed at beans, drained and chopped least eight to 10 people, rinsed 1/4 tsp. crushed red and the recipe can be In a large pot or Dutch pepper flakes easily doubled or halved oven, heat the oil over 3.5 pounds ground as needed. medium heat until hot. turkey (if using This Turkey Chili Reduce heat to mediCostco brand, it is 2 is versatile and can be um-low and add the packs) served in myriad ways onion. Cook until soft 1 (14.5-oz.) can — as a hearty chili with and translucent, stirring chicken broth shredded cheese, sour 1 (28-oz.) can crushed occasionally, about 5 to 7 cream and onion, as a minutes. tomatoes topping for nachos, or 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced CHILI: Page 5 even in a taco or atop a tomatoes hotdog. It can be made several days in advance Louis "Joe" Courneya Are you and also freezes well.

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5

November 2021

Former BSU student, bestselling author Gary Paulsen dies at 82

By Mary Ann Grossman St. Paul Pioneer Press Paulsen, who was born in Minneapolis and attended Bemidji State, was 82 when he died Oct. 13.

Those in the local book community knew something was wrong when his Oct. 9 virtual Book Festival appearance was canceled. He was to have read from his newest book, “How to Train Your Dad.” His memoir for middle-grade readers, “Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood,” was published in January. It told of how the author coped with his parents’ alcoholism by going to the woods and the library.

Paulsen was one of the most honored writers of contemporary literature for young people, praised for his clear prose and exciting tales of adventure such as “Hatchet,” a 1986 novel about a boy who survives a plane crash and learns to survive challenges of nature. It has sold more than 4.5 million copies.

Author of more than 200 books for adults and young people, Paulsen won the American Library Association’s prestigious Newbery Honors for “Dogsong,” “Hatchet” and “The Winter Room.” In 1997 he won the ALA’s Margaret Edwards Award for a body of work that made a “significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.”

It’s safe to say that there

resume), and finally returned to Minnesota to “hole up in a cabin” and write his first published book, “Some Birds Don’t Fly.” But alcohol took precedence overwriting, and he spent much of the early 1970s drunk in New Mexico.

When he found sobriety in the 1970s he was broke, so he moved back to northern Minnesota with his wife, artist Ruth Wright Paulsen, and their son Jim. They lived in an unheated former bus garage with no plumbing and a door so loose snow drifted in.

Using an old sled and four borrowed dogs, Paulsen began running a 20-mile trap line. “I’d be out on seven-day runs, sleeping on the CONTRIBUTED VIA ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS sled,” he recalled in a 1992 Young-adult author and Minneapolis native Gary Paulsen died Oct. 13, 2021. He was 82. The interview. “I became less three-time Newbery Honor winner’s titles include “Dogsong,” “Woodsong,” “The Voyage of the and less enamored of trapFrog” and “Masters of Disaster.” Paulsen fled a difficult home life at age 14 and ran away with the ping and killing. My dogs had circus, according to his publisher, Random House. Perhaps his biggest message to his fans is lives, and so did the animals “Read like a wolf eats.”

I trapped. I quit, but I told everybody I was still trapwould not have been “Hatch- and fashioning a flint-tipped with kids. I’ve found they’re ping.”

Paulsen and his dogs twice smarter than lots of adults, et” and Paulsen’s other young spear to protect himself. ran the grueling, 1,100-mile “Oh, I’ve seen a lot of win- and they’re honest.” adult books if he had not lived Paulsen’s own childhood Iditarod race across Alaska. in northern Minnesota. That ter,” said Paulsen, who ran was obvious during a 1996 15 sled dogs when he lived was hard, he admitted. His During the second race, he interview he did with the Pio- in Becida, south of Bemi- parents were alcoholics so he and his team were caught on neer Press from his ranch in dji. “Like Brian, I’ve hunted spent much of the time liv- the Bering Sea in winds so New Mexico when “Brian’s with a bow, been attacked ing with his uncles in north- strong the dogs were blown Winter,” a sequel to “Hatch- by moose, dealt with cold ern Minnesota where he joked right into the air. A plane had so severe the trees explod- “everybody north of Bemidji is to lift them off the ice, and et,” was published. they didn’t finish the course.

For “Brian’s Winter,” he ed. Because I write about real related to me.”

After a severe heart attack in After barely graduating drew on his own wilderness things, people sense truth in experiences in Minnesota my work. I just tell the story. from Thief River Falls high 1989, Paulsen sold the beloved and Canada to describe how I don’t try to put in hidden school, he attended Bemidji sled dogs he’d worked with 13-year-old Brian copes with meanings or crank it up with State College, served in the for 11 years, and he and Ruth a savage winter after surviv- messages. … A lot of young- Army, worked for a men’s moved to New Mexico, where ing a plane crash by sew- adult books talk down to magazine in California (a job he hoped to live as simply as ing a tunic from rabbit fur kids. I go to schools and meet he got by concocting a false possible.

CHILI From Page 4

SARAH NASELLO / THE FORUM

A blend of dried herbs and warm spices give Sarah's Turkey Chili terrific depth of flavor with a modest heat profile.

Add the garlic, peppers and crushed red pepper and cook over medium-low heat for 2 minutes, stirring often.

Add the turkey and increase to medium-high heat. Cook until brown and fully cooked, stirring occasionally, about 12 to 14 minutes.

Add the remaining ingredients, except the kidney beans, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a low simmer and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and add more seasoning as desired.

Add the kidney beans and continue to simmer until they are heated through, about 10 min-

utes. Serve immediately with your favorite garnishes. To store: Transfer chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze for 3 months (even longer in a deep freeze). Serves 8 to 10.

“Home with the Lost Italian” is a weekly column written by Sarah Nasello featuring recipes by her husband, Tony Nasello.

The couple owned Sarello’s in Moorhead and lives in Fargo with their son, Giovanni.

Readers can reach them at sarahnasello@gmail.com.

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6

How to track down an unclaimed life insurance policy D

ear Savvy Senior, When my dad died, we thought he had a life insurance policy, but we have no idea how to track it down. Any suggestions? ~ Searching Son Dear Searching, Lost or forgotten life insurance policies are very common in the U.S. According to a study by Consumer Reports, 1 out of every 600 people is the beneficiary of an unclaimed life insurance policy with an average benefit of $2,000. It could be like finding out you have a secret savings account.

While unfortunately, there isn’t a national database for tracking down these policies, there are a number of strategies and a few new resources that can help your search. Here are several to get you started.

Search his records: Check your dad’s financial records or areas where he kept his important papers for a policy, records of premium payments, or bills from an insurer. Also contact his employer or former employer benefits administrator, insurance agents, financial planner, accountant, attorney or other adviser and ask if they know about a life insurance policy. Also check safe-deposit boxes, monitor the mail for premium invoices or whole-life dividend notices, and review old income-tax returns, looking for interest income from, and interest expenses paid, to life insurance companies.

Get help: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a policy locator service (see NAIC.org and click on “Consumer” then on “Life Insurance Policy Locator”) that lets you run a nationwide search for insurance policies or annuities in the names of people who have died. There are also six state insurance departments (Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, North Carolina and Oregon) that have free policy locator service programs that can help you search. To find direct access to these state resources visit the American Council of Life Insurers website at ACLI.com – click on “Missing Policy Tips.”

D LI

MissingMoney.com, a website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, to search records from 39 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Or, to find links to each state’s unclaimed-property division use Unclaimed.org.

If your dad’s name or a potential benefactor’s

BY JIM MILLER name produces a hit, you’ll need to prove your Columnist claim. Required documentation, which can vary by state, is detailed in claim forms, and a death certifContact the insurer: If you suspect that a par- icate might be necessary.

Search fee-based services: There are several busiticular insurer underwrote the policy, contact that carrier’s claim office and ask. The more information nesses that offer policy locator services for a fee. you have, like your dad’s date of birth and death, The MIB Group, for example, which is a data-sharSocial Security number and address, the easier it ing service for life and health insurance companies, will be to track down. Contact information for some offers a policy locator service at MIB.com for $75. big insurers include: Prudential 800-778-2255; But it only tracks applications for individual policies MetLife Metlife.com/policyfinder; AIG 800-888- made since 1996.

You can also get assistance at Policy Inspector 2452; Nationwide 800-848-6331; John Hancock JohnHancock.com – click on “Lost or unclaimed (PolicyInspector.com) for $99, and L-LIFE (LostLipolicy form” at the bottom of the page under “Quick feIns.com) for $108.50, who will do the searching for you.

Links.”

Search unclaimed property: If your dad died more Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, than a few years ago, benefits may have already Norman, OK 73070 or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a been turned over to the unclaimed property office contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy of the state where the policy was purchased. Go to Senior” book.

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7

November 2021

Leave the leaves FORUM FILE PHOTO

Mulching lets pulverized leaves filter into the lawn, adding nutrients, conserving moisture and reducing weeds.

I

Mow them over for a healthier lawn

for what has become the recommended norm from turf researchers and lawn care professionals for the past 20 years.

BY DON KINZLER The extensive study by Gardening Columnist MSU showed that leaves pulverized back into the case for not raking at all little need to meticu- lawn with a mower cre— instead, simply mow lously sweep them from ated a healthier lawn the leaves back into the our lawn and landscape. versus removing the The concept is simple. leaves. Time has proven lawn.

Have you ever walked Lawns become healthi- the research correct.

Lawn areas where through a forest and er if leaves are mulched noticed the richness of back into the lawn with leaves were mulched the forest floor, as fall- the mower, instead of were healthier than lawn areas receiving no en leaves over time have raking them away.

Research initiated by pulverized leaves. MSU decomposed into a compost-rich soil? Leaves Michigan State Univer- concluded, “Research can similarly benefit our sity (MSU) in the late clearly indicates that own yards, and there’s 1990s set the pattern mulching leaf litter into existing turf grass provides benefits for the soil and turf grass plants by adding nutrients, retaining soil moisture, loosening compaction and reducing weed growth.”

MSU’s findings made great impact on autumn lawn care. Their studies showed that homeowners can achieve a remarkable decrease in dandelions and crabgrass by mulching autumn leaves for three years, as the shredded leaves cover up MICHAEL VOSBURG / FORUM PHOTO EDITOR bare, weed-prone spots Leaves chopped into small pieces filter back into the lawn. between grass plants.

t’s easy to be nostalgic about autumn with its crisp clear skies, colorful trees and the unforgettable aroma of raked leaves burning in a neatly mounded pile.

Norman Rockwell even immortalized the scene in his artwork.

Do you spot a problem in this walk down memory lane?

First, most cities today would frown on lighting a match to a pile of leaves in the back alley, as we once did.

Second, a beneficial natural resource, leaves, is going up in smoke.

Third, there’s a good

Growing Together

Mulched leaves keep the turf’s soil warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Mulched lawns even green up faster in spring, with less fertilizer needed.

Researchers at MSU suggested using a rotary mower that pulverizes leaves well, such as a mulching mower

or a mower with the discharge opening covered, and with the mower height adjusted to a high setting.

Leaves should be dry or only barely moist, and mowed slowly with a sharp blade to grind leaves fine.

New Tr a

LEAVES: Page 8

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8

SSA wants to protect your identity Social Security

BY DAWN BYSTRY

Deputy associate commissioner, Social Security Administration’s Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

W

e’re committed to protecting your identity.

It’s an unfortunate reality that guarding against the release of your personal information sometimes becomes a necessity. We can help.

In certain instances – like for victims of domestic violence – you may want to block access to your electronic Social Security record. You can request a block by calling us toll-free 1-800-7721213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778, if you’re deaf or hard of hearing.

Once you request it, we’ll block any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record. No one, including you, will be able to see or change your personal information on our website or through our automated telephone service. If you change your mind in the future, you can call us

LEAVES From Page 7

If leaves are still in large pieces, go over the lawn again at right angles to the first pass.

The optimum time to mulch the leaves is when you can still see some green grass through the fallen leaves, rather than letting the leaves gather too thickly.

Pulverized leaves should settle into the turf within a few days, and remaining leaf lit-

and ask us to unblock it after you prove your identity.

In most cases, your Social Security number stays the same for your lifetime. When you show evidence of being harassed, abused or your life is endangered, we can assign you a new one.

For more information, read our publication “ New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims” at https://www.ssa.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10093.pdf.

You can also check out our post, “10 Ways to Protect Your Personal Information,” at https://blog. ssa.gov/10-ways-to-protect-your-personal-information for ways to help us safeguard your information.

ADOBE STOCK

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022.

Federal benefit rates increase when the costof-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).

The CPI-W rises when inflation increases, leading to a higher costof-living. This change Social Security benefits increase in means prices for goods and services, on average, 2022 Approximately 70 mil- are a little more expenlion Americans will see sive, so the cost-of-liva 5.9% increase in their ing adjustment (COLA)

helps to offset these costs.

We will mail COLA notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees.

But, if you want to know your new benefit amount sooner, you can securely obtain your Social Security COLA notice online using the Message Center in “my Social Security account.” You can access this information in early December prior

to the mailed notice.

If you prefer to access your COLA notice online and not receive the mailed notice, you can log in to your personal Social Security account to opt out of a mailed COLA notice and any other notices that are available online by updating your Preferences in the Message Center. Did you know you can receive a text or email alert when there is a new message waiting for you? That way, you always know when we have something

important for you – like your COLA notice. If you don’t have an account yet, you must create one

by Nov. 17 to receive the 2022 COLA notice online.

January 2022 marks other changes that will happen based on the increase in the national average wage index.

For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax in 2022 will be higher. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also change in 2022.

Minnesota, North Dakota State University, Consumer Reports and even Bob Vila.

The Scotts Co., known for their lawn products, advocates the process also. “Take the grass catcher off your mower and mow over the leaves on your lawn. You want to reduce your leaf clut-

ter to dime-size pieces. You’ll know you’re done mowing leaves when about half an inch of grass can be seen through the mulched leaf layer. Once the leaf bits settle in, microbes and worms get to work recycling them. When spring arrives, the leaf litter you mulched up in

the fall will have disappeared.”

Don’t let unmulched leaves lay on the lawn over winter, as they can smother grass. If your yard has too many leaves to mulch into the lawn, you can put the bagger attachment on, collect the leaves and spread the mulch on flower beds and

gardens, incorporating it into the soil. Microorganisms will break down the organic materials, improve soil health and release nutrients.

ter shouldn’t be allowed to cover grass blades entirely. If leaves accumulate in a layer too thick to mulch, an option is to rotate by raking or bagging one week, then mulching the next.

The beneficial effects of mulching leaves back into the lawn are most noticeable after following the practice for several years. Leaves are a natural soil-builder as they decompose. Besides MSU, mulching leaves is advocated by Purdue University, University of

Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.

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Mulch leaves by removing the mower's side discharge chute.

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