HOME BURGLARY PREVENTION DISCUSSED DURING SENIOR-WISE

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                (Casper, WY) -- Protecting your home against break-ins and burglaries is mostly common sense. That was the message from Sgt. Joe Nickerson of the Casper Police Department during Senior-Wise, the weekly information and discussion program held at the Casper Senior Center. "We tend to take things for granted because people feel safe here in Casper," he said, "and I'm glad of that. But as our population grows that means the number of criminals grows too." He told the audience that 70% of burglaries happen during the day because that's when criminals assume the homeowner is at work.

                Casper is a safe community, he noted. We don't have a problem with violent person crimes against strangers and we don't have many muggings or home invasions. "However," he said, "the cases like that we DO have are what we call doper on doper crime, where someone breaks into a house to settle a drug debt." Sgt. Nickerson said homicides and other violent crimes in Casper are usually domestic related or drug and alcohol related. "So in that sense," he said,  "we are a pretty safe city." 

                He cautioned that the houses that ARE broken into usually have unlocked doors and unlocked windows. "Again, it's common sense," he reminded. "Keep your house locked, even when you're home. Criminals are like cockroaches -- they don't like the light and they don't like being seen. Casper criminals aren't professional, they're looking for quick opportunities to score some easy money."

                Being protected isn't just a matter of keeping your doors and windows locked. He said homeowners also need to pay attention to landscaping, suggesting trees and bushes are kept trimmed back.  "Criminals don't like being seen from the street so you should trim trees so the branches are at least seven feet higher than the ground. And trim bushes and shrubs below the windows on your house," he said.

                Home security alarms are good a good way to protect your belongings but Sgt. Nickerson issued the reminder that if you have them installed in your home you'll need to get a city permit, at a cost of about $15 per year. "And I like audible alarms rather than silent alarms," he said. "Audible alarms are more likely to scare the bad guys away. It makes it harder for us to catch them but they're more likely to keep your home safe." He said the Casper police department's average response to top priority emergency calls is between three and four minutes.

                Unfortunately, if your belongings are stolen the odds of getting them back are not very good. "That's because people fail to mark their belongings or write down serial numbers," he said. "That's especially true for items like cameras, TVs, and computer equipment. "The number one way of getting your stuff back," he noted, "is through recording serial numbers. Also, take photos of unique items without serial numbers, like jewelry."

                Finally, Sgt. Nickerson said if you ever feel threatened in your home call 9-1-1 even if you're too scared to speak. Leave the line open and the operator can hear what's going on in the background.

                Senior-Wise is held Tuesday afternoons at 12:30 at the Casper Senior Center.

CONSUMER FRAUD PROTECTION DISCUSSED DURING SENIOR-WISE

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                (Casper, WY) -- Fraud is a fairly big problem in the Casper community and seniors are the demographic targeted most often. That was the message from Sgt. Joe Nickerson of the Casper Police Department during Senior-Wise, the weekly information and discussion program at the Casper Senior Center. "You all must be filthy rich," he joked with the group, "because these scammers seem to like you best. And the most common fraud -- the one we get the most complaints about -- is telephone fraud."

                He said these telephone scammers have several different approaches. "Sometimes they'll tell  you you've won a contest," he explained, "but to collect your million dollar prize they say you first need to send them a few hundred or a few thousand dollars." He also cautioned that some of these crooks will call posing as a grandchild needing money and ask you to send it to them. "Never give anyone cash over the phone," Sgt. Nickerson warned. Additionally, he said the scams can come to you on line. Some are so advanced they send you an email that appears to be from a friend, usually saying they're in a foreign country and need emergency cash.

                "The only 100% safe way to protect yourself -- other than using cash or personally watching as your card is swiped each time you make a transaction -- is to personally monitor your financial accounts," he said, adding that it's a good idea to check your accounts and account balances at least weekly. Check each entry to make sure the purchases listed are familiar to you. "If you get a call from your bank and they want to discuss your accounts, tell them you'll call them back," he recommended. "They won't be offended, and by calling them back you're assured you're actually speaking with your financial institution."

                Sometimes the crooks try going door-to-door to work their schemes, he said. "A good way to deal with someone who comes to your door is to ask to see their city business license," he advised, because every solicitor going door-to-door is required to carry a city business license. "And don't let them tell you their boss has the paperwork; they're required to have it with them when they knock on your door."

                To report a suspected scam or if you believe you've been a victim, call the non-emergency phone number of the Casper Police Department at 307-235-7598. Senior-Wise is a weekly program presented Tuesdays at 12:30pm at the Casper Senior Center.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING HIGHLIGHTS "SENIOR-WISE" DISCUSSION AT CASPER SENIOR CENTER

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           (Casper, WY) -- There are many good ways -- and many simple ways -- to eat healthy over the holidays. That was the message shared by nutritionist Karla Case of the University of Wyoming Extension Office during "Senior-Wise", the weekly informational and discussion program at the Casper Senior Center. "It's not unusual to take in 3000 calories a day during the holidays," she said, "and if you do that every other day between Thanksgiving and New Year's you can see how easy it is to put on those holiday pounds."

                She suggested a number of steps we all can take to keep from over indulging during the last several weeks of the year. We can start by doing something as easy as using smaller plates at meals, since we usually stop eating when our plate is empty. "It's also important to eat slowly," she noted, "because it takes about twenty minutes for our brain to register that our stomach is full." She also urged eating with the non-dominant hand. "I'm right handed but I find if I eat with my left hand I eat more slowly," she said.

                If you're headed to a holiday party, Case said you can keep your appetite under control by planning ahead and eating a healthy snack before you leave home. A healthy muffin, fruit dish or yogurt parfait can help you from being overly hungry when it's time to eat. Once at the party, keep in mind that liquid calories also count. "A single holiday drink can have as much as 400 calories," she warned, "and for some people that can represent 20% of their daily intake."

                She also pointed out several ways to prepare holiday meals that are lower in calories and healthier without affecting the taste. "Instead of sugar, try using honey or pure maple syrup on a 1:1 ratio," she said. "Instead of salt, you can substitute herbs like basil, thyme and Italian seasoning," she said. "And you can cut down on the fat is many dishes by using yogurt or apple sauce on a half-and-half basis with vegetable oil."

                More holiday nutritional information is available by contacting Karla Case at the University of Wyoming Extension Office. Senior-Wise is held Tuesdays at 12:30 at the Casper Senior Center.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PRESENTS PROGRAM DURING SENIOR-WISE

 
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                (Casper, WY) -- The League of Women Voters presented the October 21, 2014 program at Senior-Wise, the weekly informational gathering at the Casper Senior Center. Led by league member Dan Grace (pictured above), this was a follow-up program to the one the League presented two weeks earlier that included comments from Natrona County Clerk Renae Vitto.

                The video of this program can be viewed by clicking on the link above. The story of that earlier visit is available on this Casper Senior Center Blog by clicking the link below. Senior-Wise is presented Tuesdays at 12:30 at the Casper Senior Center.

Click this link to read more about issues on the November Election Ballot

HEALTHY SNACKS DISCUSSED DURING "SENIOR-WISE" AT CASPER SENIOR CENTER

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                (Casper, WY) -- Local seniors were provided important nutritional advice during the latest edition of "Senior-Wise", the weekly informational program held Tuesdays at 12:30pm at the Casper Senior Center. Nutritionist Karla Case of the Natrona County Extension Office was the guest speaker and she offered many tips on healthy snacks. "Snacks are an important part of a healthy diet," she said. "For instance, they fill you up so you don't overeat at your next meal. In fact, they're just as important as a healthy meal itself." 

                She said snacks fill the nutrition gaps that are in most diets and they provide the important nutrients throughout the day that our bodies need. They give our bodies energy so we don't get sick as often, they help prevent us from overeating and keep us more alert, and they help keep our blood sugar levels constant. "Whether you're 5 or 95, your body still needs nutrients, " she added, "and once we reach the age of 55 to 60 our bodies don't need as many calories so eating properly becomes even more important." She pointed out that we all need vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates -- but in smaller caloric amounts.

                According to Case, fruits and nuts and cheese (mozzarella is a healthy choice because it is lower in fat) are examples of healthy snacks. She suggested apples, strawberries, grapes and almonds. "Sweet peppers are also excellent snacks," she said. "They're colorful and easy to prepare; just wash them and eat raw or with dips." Even popcorn is a good snack food because it's a whole grain and is high in fiber. "Just make sure you watch what you add to the popcorn, like butter and salt."

                Snacking doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, she said. "People want healthy snacks that are inexpensive and simple to make. Making your own snacks is actually healthier than buying prepackaged foods and it's a lot cheaper, too." She suggested that buying health snack foods in bulk helps cut costs, and also can help with portion control as well. For example, trail mix is an easy, convenient inexpensive snack food. "I like to make my trail mix with Chex cereal or Cheerios, and then add raisins, some nuts and dried fruit, and even some M-and-M's. The M-and-Ms add some color and the chocolate is all right too, as long as you don't overdo it."

                Senior-Wise is held Tuesdays at 12:30 at the Casper Senior Center. A different guest speaker presents the program each week.

BALLOT ISSUES, VOTING PROCEDURES DISCUSSED DURING SENIOR-WISE

               (Casper, WY) -- Natrona County voters will decide three ballot issues in the November general election, in addition to choosing from a ballot full of candidates for local, state and national office. That was the message from Natrona County Clerk Renea Vitto, speaking Tuesday, October 7 at Senior-Wise, the weekly informational program held at the Casper Senior Center. The League of Women Voters presented this week's program; the group was represented by member Dan Grace. (The two are pictured above.) During the program Vitto also brought attendees up to date on several voting procedures, including registration and absentee balloting. Polls will be open 7:00am until 7:00pm on election day.

                One of the issues to be decided is the Natrona County Optional One-Cent Sales Tax. This sales tax, which is voted on every four years, has already brought more than $40 million to the county and has helped fund new roads and fire trucks, and the new fire house west of Casper. The revenue from this sales tax may not be used for operational expenses, such as county employee salaries, explained Vitto, and it will expire at the end of the year if not renewed. It requires a simple majority for approval.

                Another issue voters will decide November 4 is a one percent increase in the county lodging tax on hotels and motels. Currently set at 3%, this issue would bring the lodging tax to 4%; however, the entire tax would expire if the issue is not approved November 4. The lodging tax benefits tourism efforts for Natrona County and requires a simple majority for approval.

                All voters in Wyoming will have the chance to decide a constitutional amendment affecting the University of Wyoming. Presently, the governor selects university trustees subject to approval by the state legislature. This proposed change would allow up to 20% of the trustees to be out of state residents. 

                Vitto reminded attendees that Wyoming has same-day voter registration but she noted that October 20 is the final day to vote absentee in the county clerk's office. If your address has changed you have a couple of options: you can notify the county clerk's office by phone or on election day you can report to your old polling place, tell them of your change, learn your new polling place and then report there and vote. If your name has changed or you want to change your party affiliation, that also can be updated at the polls on election day. 

                The entire presentation is available for viewing on the Casper Senior Center You Tube page by clicking here League of Women Voters Presentation

 

                Senior-Wise is a series of programs held Tuesdays at 12:30pm at the Casper Senior Center, 1831 East 4th Street, Casper. For more information call 307-265-4678 or visit on line at casperseniorcenter.com.

SENIOR-WISE KICKS OFF WITH HIGHWAY PATROL WINTER DRIVING TIPS

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               (Casper, WY) -- Now is the time to get your vehicles ready for winter weather. That's the advice from Trooper Adam Bruning of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, who was the initial guest speaker for Senior-Wise, the new program which began Tuesday, September 30, at the Casper Senior Center. He shared five key areas to check before the bad weather begins.

                "Check your tires," Trooper Bruning advised. "Make sure they're in good shape; they're only the width of your hand but they keep your vehicle secure on the road. They need to be properly inflated and there needs to be adequate tread." The next four on the list of items to check -- wiper blades, defroster, headlights and windows -- concern visibility. "Look at your wiper blades to see that they're able to remove snow and slush from your windshield and rear windows," said Trooper Bruning, "and make sure your front and rear defrosters work properly. Finally, before you begin driving, clear snow away from your headlights. You need to be able to see but you also need to make sure other drivers can see you."

                Trooper Bruning also stressed the importance of making sure your vehicle's fluids are topped off, especially the antifreeze and gas. "Antifreeze keeps your vehicle functioning properly," he said, "and if you let your gas gauge fall below half a tank you're looking for trouble."

                He also suggested keeping a survival kit in the trunk and keep it stocked with non-perishable foods, matches, candles, blankets, a first aid kit and shovel. "These are good items to keep in your vehicle all year," he said, "because you can have a break down in July just as easily as you can in January."

                Now that your vehicle is in good working order and you're prepared for emergencies, Trooper Bruning shared several safe driving tips. Under ideal driving conditions -- which include daylight driving with good visibility and dry pavement -- he said you should allow a three second following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. But during night driving or poor visibility, or for snow and ice you need to add one second to your following distance for each of those. Turning off cruise-control will help you maintain control of your vehicle during bad weather driving conditions.

                "98% of all accidents could be avoided by reducing speed," he cautioned. "With the new 80 mph highway speed limit in Wyoming your vehicle is traveling 119 feet per second -- that's the length of a football field in two and a half seconds." He also told local seniors that there's no minimum speed limit on Wyoming highways. "If you're not comfortable driving faster than 65 or even 55, it perfectly okay to keep your speed down."

                Trooper Bruning concluded by noting that Wyoming driving conditions are always available on line at wyoroad.info. Web cams posted on highways and interstates give motorists immediate information on area driving conditions.

                Senior-Wise is held Tuesday afternoons at 12:30 at the Casper Senior Center, 1831 East 4th Street in Casper.