LETTERS: Mother Teresa, doughnut-hole checks and more

Honor Mother Teresa by emulating her

The very best way to honor the memory of a peacemaker, advocate and humanitarian such as Mother Teresa is to emulate her .

Paying tribute to her on her 100th birthday by ministering to the poor and sick as she did seems more appropriate than investing time protesting a decision not to light up a building in her honor. I would not consider the emulation a rebuke to the decision made by Empire State Building owner Anthony Malkin, as stated in the article. It's a greater honor to light up humanity with acts of compassion.

Marie Finnegan

Wantagh

'Doughnut-holers': Be wary of scams

Seniors who face prescription drug affordability problems when they hit the Medicare Part D "doughnut hole" are getting some relief from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . The government has begun mailing rebate checks of $250 to seniors who fall into the doughnut hole. These checks will provide much-needed relief, but also leave people open to falling prey to scam artists.

AARP cautions people to be wary of scams and guard their personal information. They should not pay anyone to help them receive their benefit. There is no application required to receive a check; the checks are mailed automatically. Government officials do not solicit door to door, over the phone or by e-mail.

The same tools used to protect people from identity theft can protect them from scams. People should not reveal personal information such as full name, date of birth, or Social Security number. If someone suspects they are the target of a scam, they should report it to the police or the attorney general.

Prescription drug costs continue to rise and this benefit is too important to be taken advantage of. Unfortunately, scam artists are everywhere these days, and people need to remain vigilant and protect themselves.

Peter Hanson

Nesconset

Editor's note: The writer is an AARP legislative delegate.

Soccer horns sound like killer bees

I've decided that the vuvuzela, the instrument played continuously by fans at the World Cup matches, is the most annoying instrument in the world . To me, the constant drone sounds like thousands of killer bees ready to strike. I can't wait until the Brazil fans, with their constant drum beating, meet the "killer bees." The mute button will be a definite option.

Art Kaplan

Merrick