The Star-Democrat from Easton, Maryland • Page 11

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) Millions of Medicare patients would be spared monthly premium increases next year under a bill passed by the House Thursday. The House voted 406 to 18 to eliminate all premium increases for Medicare Part patients. The bill now goes to the Senate. Medicare Part provides coverage for visits. Lawmakers said older Americans have to pay higher Medicare Part premiums because they are not expected to get a cost of living increase from Social Security.

Most seniors have their Medicare premiums deducted from their Social Security payments. Under the law, the vast majority of Medicare recipients already are exempt from Part premium increases whenever there is no increase in Social Security payments. Still, without congressional action, several million would face monthly premium increases of $8 to $23. The standard monthly premium is $96.40 this year. seniors are already experiencing difficult financial said Rep.

Charles Rangel, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees Medicare. prospect that some may face a disproportionate increase in their Medicare premiums is inherently The bill would not affect scheduled increases in premiums for the Medicare prescription drug program, known as Part D. Average monthly premiums for the drug program will increase slightly, from $28 this year to $30 in 2010. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, in a rare break with fellow Democrats, voted against the measure, saying it would mainly help wealthy Medicare recipients. we take care of everybody, we be able to take care of those who need us Hoyer said.

About 42 million seniors and people with disabilities are enrolled in Medicare Part B. By law, about three-fourths are exempt from premium increases when there is no increase in Social Security payments. The Social Security Administration projects no cost- of-living increases for the next two years because the adjustments are pegged to inflation, which has been negative this year, largely because energy prices are below 2008 levels. Most of the 11 million or so patients who are not exempt from premium increases are low-income people who also qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for the poor, pays their Medicare premiums, meaning states would bear some of the costs.

Among the rest who are not exempt, a little more than 2 million are high-income seniors singles making more than $85,000 a year and couples making more than $170,000. Also, about 1.3 million new enrollees would not be exempt. Without congressional action, the Medicare trustees have projected that standard Medicare Part premiums would go from $96.40 a month this year to $104.20 a month in 2010. The Congressional Budget Office projects premiums could go to $119.40. The House bill would eliminate all Part premium increases, using $2.8 billion in other Medicare funding.

Medicare beneficiaries should be are treated fairly and one group should not bear an excessive burden, particularly in these difficult economic said Rep. Henry Waxman, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which also oversees Medicare. Democrats said they had to act on a bill quickly so the administration could set premium rates for next year and inform seniors this fall. REGIONAL A11 THE STAR DEMOCRAT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25,2009 The Star Democrat offers 10 lines of an obituary free of charge for the first day it runs in The Star Democrat Families who wish to include more information than can be presented in 10 lines may do so for a nominal fee. For more information about placing an obituary in The Star Democrat please consult your funeral director.

OBITUARIES OBITUARY POLICY 10142 Old Cordova Rd. Easton, MD 21601 (410) 822-6079 Glow in the Dark Golf Glowing Golf Event! Sign Up Call the golf shop to register! 410.822.6079 Likenothingwe veever Friday, October 2, 2009 Registration Cocktails and Appetizers by Scossa Restaurant DJ playing some awesome tunes Preston Automotive here to display the latest vehicles and take you for a test drive! 9HoleScrambleEvent Sign up as Individual or 4some Limited to the first 48 players This will be one event you won want to 410.822.6079 Goss Associates is proud to endorse a new breed of insurance for classic, antique, exotic, special interest, or limited edition cars designed exclusively for collectors like you. Whether you own the classic car of your dreams or a collection of rare beauties, get unequalled insurance coverage from those who realize your car is more than a possession Goss 1-888-811-2592 ADelp.Co.Affiliate DENTON Mildred Smith Bowen of Denton died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at Homestead Manor in Denton. She was 88.

Born Sept. 9, 1921, in Riva, she was the daughter of the late Henry Woodfield and Emma Jane Ward Smith. Mrs. Bowen was a 1939 graduate of Annapolis High School. After graduation, she commuted to Washington, D.C., to attend the Woods Business College.

She started a career with the federal government, first working in Washington, D.C., then for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. She moved to the Eastern Shore in 1970 and transferred to Dover Air Force Base, retiring in 1981. She went on to purchase and operate the Colonial Florist of Denton for several years. She retired once again moving to Ft.

Myers, and then returned to Maryland in 1998. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Denton and the Red Hatters Club. She is survived by two daughters, Emily Gray of Greensboro and Leslie Bowen of Ridgely; one son, Lester Bowen Jr. of North Carolina; and five grandchildren, Hannibal Lake Hesson, Rogue Hesson, Daniel Bowen, Gabriel Gray and Benjamin Gray. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lester B.

Bowen Sr. in 2003; and one daughter, Brenda Hesson. Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Calvary Baptist Church in Denton.

Interment in the Eastern Shore Veteran Cemetery in Hurlock. Arrangements by Fleegle Helfenbein Funeral Home P.A., Greensboro. www.flee gleandhelfenbein.com. Mildred S. Bowen MILDRED S.

BOWEN WORTON Hazel Elizabeth Mason Haddaway, 88, of Worton, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at Chester River Manor in Chestertown. She was the daughter of the late James Arthur and Rose Fogwell Mason. Her husband, Thomas A. Haddaway preceded her in death in 1991.

She is survived by her stepdaughter, Carol Lee Flannery and her husband James of Bowie; her sister, Hilda Mason Dukes of Worton; and a brother, Franklin Mason and his wife Gwynne of Worton. Two step granddaughters and two step great-grandsons also survive. Mrs. Haddaway was born near Worton in 1921. She was a 1938 graduate of Chestertown High School.

After graduation, she went to work for the Glen Martin Company in Baltimore. Upon returning home, she worked for Store on High Street in Chestertown. In the late 1940s, she married Thomas Haddaway, and they later owned and operated Auto Dealership in Chestertown. A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, Sept. 26, at Fellows, Helfenbein Newnam Funeral Home P.A.

in Chestertown, where friends may call one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Chester Cemetery. The Rev. Kenneth Hickman of Worton Methodist Church will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations to Worton Methodist Church, Cathi Blakeney, 120 Pine Chestertown, MD 21620 would be appreciated.

Arrangements by Marvin V. Williams Funeral Director, Chestertown. Hazel M. Haddaway EAST NEW MARKET Theodore Newberg, 77, of East New Market lost his battle with leukemia on Sept. 23, 2009.

Ted was born Aug. 6, 1932, in Providence, R.I., to Axel George Newberg and Roseanna Newberg. He attended school in Warwick, R.I., and received a machine design degree from Rhode Island School of Design in 1955. Ted served in the Naval Reserve from 1952 to 1955 and on active duty from 1955 to 1958 in the Washington, D.C., area and at Fort George Gordon Meade. He worked for the National Security Agency for 31 years, retiring after a three-year tour in North Yorkshire, England, where he and his wife bought in Masham and spent six years exploring the countryside in their MG Midget.

On Nov. 30, 1957, he married the love of his life, Leila Pedersen. They made their first home in Silver Spring and moved shortly thereafter to West River, where they raised their family of six children. In 1990, they moved to East New Market. Ted loved sailing and spending time on the Chesapeake Bay with his family, and believed that is too short to own an ugly He was passionate about the Eastern Shore and preserving its history.

He took great pride in building boats and furniture, and loved helping his kids with their home projects. Surviving is his wife of nearly 52 years, Leila Katherine of East New Market; three sons, Matthew and his wife Jane of Murfreesboro, Mark and his wife Eugenia of Easton, and Leo and his wife Colleen of Owings; and three daughters, Peggy Young and her husband Jeff of Centreville, Cathleen Newburg and her special friend Thom of Berkley Springs, W.Va., and Patricia Newberg of Mt. Rainier. He is also survived by a sister, Janet Newberg and her special friend Tommy Flately of East Greenwich, R.I.; and seven grandchildren, Jens, Sam, Christopher, William, Caroline, Claire and Sequoia. He also leaves behind many friends, including the L5 Luncheon Group, on the Shore, across the country, and in England.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Zeller Funeral Home in East New Market, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Maryland Veterans Cemetery near Beulah where Ted will receive military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 11350 McCormick Road, Executive Plaza III, Suite 100, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.

Theodore Newberg EASTON Ann Marie Recchia, 89, of Easton, died Sept. 24, 2009. She was the beloved wife of the late Mario Recchia, mother of Connie Ann Webster, Joseph Recchia, and Mario Recchia, grandmother of six and great- grandmother of four. A visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept.

27, at Maxwell Funeral Home in Manahawkin, N.J. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at St. Catholic Church in Barnegat, N.J.

Burial will follow at St. Cemetery in Barnegat, N.J. Memorial contributions may be sent to Sts. Peter Paul Elementary School, 900 High Easton, MD 21601. www.fhnfuneralhome.com Ann Marie Recchia SHERWOOD Peggy Shaw Rosato, who left this life Sept.

10, 2009, will be honored at a celebration of life. It will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Tilghman Island Inn, 410-886-2141. Peggy Shaw Rosato DENTON Debra Parenteau Todd of Denton died Wednesday, Sept.

23, 2009, as the result of an automobile accident. She was 47. Born in Easton, Ms. Todd was the daughter of Wilfred A. and Marion L.

Hall Parenteau of Denton. She was a 1980 graduate of North Caroline High School. She was a homemaker. In addition to her parents, Ms. Todd is survived by the love of her life, her two beautiful daughters, Lauren M.

Todd and Logan Todd, both of Denton; four brothers, Rick Parenteau and his wife Sue of Denton, Marty Parenteau and his wife Linda of Henderson, Jeff Parenteau and his wife Bernice of Denton, and Tom Parenteau of Denton; nine nieces and nephews, Brent Parenteau, Brittany Parenteau, Drew Parenteau, Justin Parenteau, Michele Schaberl, Melanie Parenteau, Shelby Parenteau, Danny Gray and Meagan Andrade; a sister-in-law, Pam Parenteau; and two special friends, Bev and Sis. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Gary Parenteau. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Moore Funeral Home P.A.

in Denton, where friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Interment will be in the Denton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests for friends to send memorial donations to the Moore Funeral Home P.A., 12 S.

Second Denton, MD 21629. Debra P. Todd Call 410-770-4005 to subscribe to The Star Democrat. EASTON Janet Louise Auman of Easton died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at the Memorial Hospital at Easton.

She was 62. Born June 20, 1947, in Lewiston, Idaho, she was the daughter of Thorton and Margaret Carroll Moxley. Mrs. Auman was a 1965 graduate of Wendall High School in Wendall, Idaho. For the majority of her life, Janet was a homemaker.

She also worked briefly as a lifeguard for a YMCA in North Carolina. After moving to the Eastern Shore, she attended Chesapeake College where she was a 1989 graduate. She was a member of St. Marks United Methodist Church where she loved being a part of the choir and the United Methodist group. She also created a transplant support group for the Eastern Shore.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Auman is survived by her husband, Harry Auman of Easton; a son, Mark Auman and his wife Dawn of Denton; a daughter, Rebecca Auman of Easton; a grandson, Jacob Auman of Denton; and a stepbrother, John Kline of Lewistown, Idaho. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Fellows, Helfenbein Newnam Funeral Home P.A.

in Easton, where friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St.

United Methodist Church Capital Campaign, 100 Peachblossom Road, Easton, MD 21601 to support their building fund. www.fhnfuneralhome.com Janet L. Auman House passes bill stopping Medicare premium hikes STEVENSVILLE Mary Evelyn Harrison (nee Ewing) passed away Sept. 23, 2009. She is survived by several family members.

A viewing will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Gary Kaufman Funeral Home, 7250 Washington Elkridge, where a service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28.

Mary E. Harrison DEATHS IN THE NEWS U.S. Rep. Frank Kratovil, D- voted Thursday in favor of legislation to protect seniors from increases in their 2010 Medicare Part premiums. Kratovil joined a bipartisan majority in supporting H.R.

3631, the Medicare Premium Fairness Act, which is aimed at protecting seniors in Maryland and across the country from seeing their Social Security checks shrink. me, it is a moral imperative that seniors have access to affordable quality health care and prescription Kratovil said. seniors rely on a fixed income for both their daily and long-term medical needs, any change to their premium could mean missing a meal, skipping a payment, or forgoing a necessary prescription that is not Without Congressional action, premiums for unprotected enrollees would have been increased to $110 to $120 per month. This bill would extend the protection to all Medicare enrollees, meaning that no seniors will see a decrease in their Social Security checks due to Medicare Part premiums. Kratovil votes in favor of bill Max C.

Page, a top executive at the Newseum and a former broadcast journalist, has died. Page oversaw design and construction of the journalism new building in downtown Washington. He died on Sept. 15, his 60th birthday, at his home in Vienna, Va. He suffered a heart attack.

Page was a deputy director and vice president of the Newseum. Max C. executive at Newseum.