(NAPSM)-Many Medicare Part D enrollees are concerned about the “doughnut hole,” a term coined to describe the gap in prescription coverage. According to the Kaiser Foundation, as many as 14 percent of enrollees fall into the gap, which occurs when a person’s prescription costs reach $2,830. Coverage resumes when out of pocket spending reaches $4,550. This gap puts a financial strain on seniors who typically take numerous medications. However, by reviewing medications and plans each year, there may be opportunities to avoid the doughnut hole. 

I was delighted to hear the Rev. Al Sharpton finally make a call for a new March on Washington, DC. Some weeks ago, I made the request of him and others to consider coordinating and spearheading the event sometime this year.  It was good news to know that so many others were requesting the same when he mentioned that many had called.
August 28th of this year marks the 47th Anniversary of the great March on Washington in 1963. The March on Washington, led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was historical in that it was probably the first time so many American citizens joined the African-American cause for equality and Civil Rights. This was a time when a great leader, joined by so many other leaders lead the need for African-Americans to “show up.” That’s right! “Show up!” And the people of our communities did. And the greatest social coalition came together for a common cause that greatly benefitted not only African-Americans – but this country. Actually, this should be the slogan for this year’s march – “Show up!” For you see, this is the major problem in the African American community, we need to remember how to show up!

You might say that it is the never ending teacher in me that compels me to assign home work to someone during the summer.  No, I am compelled to give these “assignments” for another reason.   I am a concerned citizen with a passionate concern for the success of youth as they grow into adulthood.   It is for this reason that I present these suggestions to parents and other caring adults for the benefit of their youth.
First I ask parents and other concerned citizens to PLEASE VOTE in the upcoming elections, beginning with the state primary.  If there is a run-off, then go back to the polls.  Continue to be vigilant for the mid-term election in November.  All elections are important.  Consider the issues that are important to you.  Read about the candidates.  Talk with them and others as you decide for whom you will vote; then find ways to support your candidate. As an educator I will support those candidates who support education.  I hope this will be one of your top concerns as a parent or any caring adult with a vision for positive youth development. If you are an eligible unregistered citizen, then register to vote now!  All eligible citizens need to be voters.

Aiken County Democratic Party is  ready  for the races. Pictured is the  Party’s Board of Directors: Back Row: John Brecht, Jerry Sundt, Rosa Maria DiStefano, Joe Lewis Norman, Harold Crawford, Peggy Franklin. Front Row: Karen Mohammad, Teresa Harper, Ann Willbrand, Goldie Randle. Not present: Richard Johnson, Jr., Gloria Pierce, Laura Storey

Tony Stepney (Left), Strom Thurmond High School Senior shown here with his mother, Christine Stepney has joined The Informer staff as an intern. As part of his duties, Toney will train in distribution, marketing, and will do some reporting for the Edgefield community. He is a MERGE Program graduate, Upward Bound LENS student, All Region Linebacker, 1150 Club member, All Area Discus & Shot Put thrower, State Bronze Medalist, Gifted and Talented, Jane Riley Drama Award Winner and maintains a 3.4 GPA. WE WELCOME TONEY TO OUR TEAM!

Washington, June 2, 2010 -- A delegation of the National Council of Churches met with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and other officials Monday to express concerns about the Education Department’s “Race to the Top” initiative and the Obama Administration’s “blueprint” for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright (Left) visited Aiken on last. The illustrious servant and speaker preached a three night revival at Second Baptist Church where the Rev. Douglas Slaughter (Above Right) is Pastor. Rev. Wright lectured and preached on the life of King David. On Wednesday night, Rev. Wright spoke to the importance of preaching and teaching the pure Gospel while being mindful of preaching what we learn from others.   Photo by Gary Meadows

More Than 1 Million Invitations Anticipated for National ‘Back To Church Sunday,’ Set for Sept. 12

VISTA, Calif.—Following the huge turnout in churches across America last year for national “Back To Church Sunday,” expectations are even higher for the 2010 event, set for Sept. 12.
National “Back To Church Sunday” (http://backtochurch.com) is a movement that seeks to reach the “un-churched” and “de-churched”—people who once attended church, but don’t any more—and invite them to return for a special Sunday. During the first event last year, hundreds of churches across the country participated, with members inviting more than 700,000 of their friends and family. According to a survey of participants by Outreach, Inc., a Southern California church marketing company, churches that took part saw a 19 percent average increase in their weekend attendance.