It is already the middle of October. This time of year is fraught with decision making – what Halloween candy to buy, what to make for Thanksgiving, and of course, what to get friends and family for Christmas.

This year, however, there is an even bigger choice to ponder. Beginning Nov. 15, everyone who is covered by Medicare can take advantage of the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, or Medicare Part D. Choices will have to be made. This is a voluntary program, so you need to decide if you want to participate at all – and if you do, which drug plan to pick.

While you are basically on your own with the seasonal decisions, not so with the new Medicare drug benefit.

Mark your calendar. There are three free informational sessions being held at the Bangor Civic Center on Wednesday, Oct. 19. You may come at 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. Each session will have:

. A speaker to explain the ins and outs of the new Medicare benefit.

. Expert advice on the variety of plan options.

. Question-and-answer periods.

. Tips on the right questions to ask of your physician and pharmacist.

. Information on how MaineCare factors into your decision.

. One-on-one time for counseling.

. Handouts to help you make a sound decision on the right drug plan for you.

These sessions are sponsored by Eastern Maine Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital and Eastern Agency on Aging. We want to be sure you have the information you need to make an informed decision regarding prescription drug coverage.

The session is not to be missed. It is the very best way to get all the information you need about Medicare Part D. Every effort will be made at the sessions to answer your questions and concerns. Again, the sessions are free and open to the public.

Call Eastern Agency on Aging at 941-2865, or EMMC at 973-7818, to reserve your space.

Have you felt a chill in the air? Are you noticing that the chill is actually in your house? With the price of heating a home these days, staying warm cheaply is of utmost concern.

Eastern Agency on Aging is ready to help. We’re offering two free Weatherization and Energy Conservation seminars that will show you how to keep the heat inside your house instead of escaping to the great outdoors.

“The simple question you have to ask yourself is, ‘Where is the heat leaving my house?'” said Mike Curtis, instructor for the class. “I will show people the basics of how to weatherize – for example, how to use caulking, not just where to put it.” A few simple steps have the potential of saving hundreds of dollars in heating costs, he added.

Call Eastern Agency on Aging to sign up for the session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, or on Monday, Oct. 24. Each session is held at EAA, 450 Essex St., Bangor, and will last about an hour.

Ever wish you could help make real changes for seniors? Here is a unique opportunity to do just that.

A free Caregiver Advocacy Training, to be held 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer, is aimed at helping caregivers gain skills in communicating with lawmakers and legislators.

“Programs like this have helped hundreds of caregivers strengthen their collective voice on behalf of older citizens in the public policy arena,” said Noelle Merrill, executive director at EAA. “We promise a meaningful, inspirational day and hope recent, present and future caregivers will join us.”

Call EAA to register for the free training. Lunch will be provided.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit www.eaaa.org.