BOUNTIFUL -- When the South Davis Chapter of AARP met at the Golden Years Center on Tuesday, they were in store for a special treat. Rob Rence, State Director of AARP, Utah, presented the chapter with a plaque honoring their 25-year anniversary and talked about senior issues. "I just want to pay tribute to this chapter," said Rence, as he presented the plaque to the chapter leadership. "Congratu-lations, and all the best for a very healthy and successful future." As one of six active chapters in the state, South Davis president Devirl Stewart makes sure that members who attend the meetings leave with information pertinent to seniors. Subjects have included the Medicare drug program and identity theft.

After presenting the plaque, Rence talked to members about the various issues AARP is addressing. He cautioned seniors to not get confused about the Medicare drug program.

Some seniors may have received information from some of four companies who have been sending out Medicare Advantage information. That is what replaces old Medicare Part C. The Advantage plans have some form of drug benefits, but do not have the Part D benefits. That's a separate enrollment.

The problem with these mailings is that the companies who will be administering the new drug program haven't even been announced yet. Rence encouraged seniors to take a wait-and-see attitude, to take their time signing up for the new program, and to know what their options are.

"The companies who are authorized to deal with Part D will not even be announced until after September 15," said Rence. "Then enrollment into the Part D program, if you choose to, starts November 15. The important thing there is that if decisions aren't made and you're currently participating in Medicare A or B, then you have to make a decision by May 15, 2006. If you enroll late, penalties will be attached."

People with questions about the drug program can call the State AARP office and get help through the Utah Medicare Outreach Coalition. This is the official group of partners, which participate in the education outreach. There is time to make the decision and seniors do not have to hire somebody to tell them what to do. There is a lot of free information available.

Another area of serious interest for seniors is identity theft. Rence talked about "phishing," anonymous e-mails or even e-mails that look as if they're from a real bank or company, which are "fishing" for personal information. He cautioned seniors to not give out any personal information, either over the phone or over the Internet, which could be used by unsavory people.

Rence urged seniors to not put their Social Security number or even their telephone number on checks. By law, people cannot be required to write their phone number on a credit card receipt.

The state AARP is sponsoring a "Staying Sharp" seminar at the Marriott on West Temple Sept. 17. This free seminar includes lunch. After lunch, there will be a session on avoiding identity theft.