☕ Front Porch Morning: Fog Until 8, Chair Dancing at 1, the Indians Play at 6 Central and Your Medicare Plan Check Before Dec. 7

Or: Why Your Medicare Plan Might Be Going Away, How to Spot an Open-Enrollment Scam Call and What Time to Leave for Friday Night’s Playoff Game

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Friday, November 6, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Today, Friday, Nov. 6, starts foggy and turns sunny. Yesterday brought a few things worth knowing: a health research group says more than 4 million Medicare members across the country will see their plans discontinued for 2027, a state group reminded folks how to spot Medicare scam calls, and Social Security’s next payment date is Tuesday, Nov. 10 for birthdays on the 1st through 10th.

Today, the library has free Chair Dancing at 1 p.m., and the Sequatchie County Indians play a playoff game tonight. Nothing here needs worry. Just a few things to jot down.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: Check that your Medicare plan is still offered for 2027. Open enrollment ends Monday, Dec. 7.
• Today: Chair Dancing, 1 p.m. Central, Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., Dunlap. Free.
• Weather: A Dense Fog Advisory until 8 a.m. Central. Then the National Weather Service says sunny, high near 67°F. Tonight, low around 39°F.

📝 Jot This Down: today’s 3 things to remember

1. Fog until 8 a.m. If you can, wait to drive until it lifts. If you must go, use low-beam headlights and go slow.
2. Chair Dancing at 1 p.m. Central, library, 227 Cherry St. Stop at the front desk first. No sign-up needed.
3. Medicare plan check: deadline Monday, Dec. 7. Free help: TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Saturday, Nov. 7, is sunny, near 60°F, with a low near 34°F that night. The Veterans Breakfast is 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at The Vine, 79 Cherry St., Dunlap. Bring in tender plants.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Thursday, Nov. 5)

💊 Is Your Medicare Plan Going Away? Check Before Dec. 7

A news report on Thursday, citing a KFF analysis, says more than 4 million Medicare Advantage and stand-alone drug plan members across the country will see their plans discontinued in 2027. Plans that stay may change their premiums, deductibles, covered medicines and doctor networks. Advocates say to review your coverage even if you’re happy with it. Changes take effect Jan. 1.

What it means for you: Look for the Annual Notice of Change your plan mails you, and read it. Have your list of medicines handy and compare on Medicare’s Plan Finder, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Free, unbiased help: TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044. Open enrollment ends Monday, Dec. 7. (The story was written about North Carolina; the national numbers apply here too.)

👉 Read more (WUNC / NC Health News: Medicare Enrollees Need to Know)

📞 A Hang-Up Is the Best Protection: Medicare Scam Calls

Iowa’s Senior Medicare Patrol put out a reminder Thursday that scammers call during open enrollment, offering a “new Medicare card,” threatening to cancel your coverage, or promising free gifts for your Medicare number. Medicare cards do not expire and are not being replaced. Medicare will never cold-call, text or email asking for your personal details.

What it means for you: Treat your Medicare number like a credit card. If a caller pushes you, hang up, then call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself. Don’t click links in texts. You haven’t done anything wrong by hanging up on a stranger.

👉 Read more (Iowa Insurance Division: Medicare Scam Warning)

🗳️ Valley Vote Counts Are In, and Nothing Changes on Your Bills

Final unofficial results for Sequatchie County were posted Thursday by SValleyNow. Andy Swafford of Pikeville won the Tennessee House District 31 seat, and all three state amendments passed. Counties certify results by Monday, Nov. 23.

What it means for you: Nothing to do. Dunlap.Today reported earlier that the property-tax amendment does not change your county or city property tax bill.

👉 Read more (SValleyNow: Results from Sequatchie County Election)

🇺🇸 Mark the Calendar: Dunlap’s Veterans Day Parade, Wednesday, Nov. 11

The Dunlap-Tribune reports the Veterans Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Sequatchie County Courthouse and ends around 10:30. A program follows at 11 a.m. at the Sequatchie County Veterans Memorial Park. All county veterans are invited to take part.

What it means for you: Bring a folding chair and a light jacket. Also, Social Security moves a day early that week: Tuesday, Nov. 10 for birthdays on the 1st to 10th.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Veterans Day Parade)

📅 Today in the Valley (Friday, Nov. 6)

🌫️ Foggy Start, Sunny Afternoon, Cool Weekend

The National Weather Service has a Dense Fog Advisory until 8 a.m. Central. After that, Dunlap is sunny, high near 67°F, with a light northwest wind of 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Tonight: low around 39°F. Saturday: sunny, near 60°F, low near 34°F. Sunday: sunny, near 66°F, low near 34°F. Monday: sunny, near 71°F.

What it means for you: Wait for the fog to lift before errands. In fog, use low beams and leave extra room. Tonight and Saturday night get chilly, so bring in plants and pets.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

🪑 Free Chair Dancing at the Library, 1 p.m. Central

The Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., Dunlap, holds Chair Dancing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. It’s a 45-minute, gentle seated workout in the upstairs conference room. It’s free, with no sign-up. First-timers sign a waiver, and you stop at the front desk before going upstairs. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes.

What it means for you: A friendly, easy way to move and see neighbors. Also today at 8 a.m., library staff will be on AM 1190 WSDO with a quick update. The library is closed Thursdays.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library)

🍖 BBQ Plate Benefit, Starting 10:30 a.m. Central

A BBQ benefit for neighbors Becky and Jay Frizzell is today at Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine St., Dunlap, starting 10:30 a.m. until the food runs out. A plate is $10 (BBQ, bun, slaw, chips, water and dessert). Pre-orders closed Oct. 26, but walk-up plates are available while supplies last, with dine-in seating. Questions: text (423) 834-2229.

What it means for you: A good lunch for a good cause. Bring cash, and go early. Call ahead to confirm it’s still on.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: BBQ Benefit)

🏈 Tonight: Indians Playoff Game, 6 p.m. Central (7 p.m. Eastern)

The Sequatchie County Indians (5-5) play Chattanooga Prep (4-6) in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs at Reggie White Field, The Howard School, Chattanooga. Tickets are $8 on GoFan (phone only) or $10 cash at the gate. Clear bags only. No re-entry.

What it means for you: Chattanooga is on Eastern time, so kickoff is 6 p.m. our time. Wear layers; it will be near 39°F late. Check the school’s posts to confirm the field.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Playoff Road-Trip Tips)

🍽️ Lunch and Company at the Senior Center

The Sequatchie County Senior Citizens Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap, offers meals, rides and activities. Call (423) 949-2228 to ask about today’s menu. In Pikeville, the Bledsoe County Senior Citizens Center is at (423) 447-6111. We found no posted menu for today, so call ahead to confirm. If you need a ride, SETHRA Transit: (423) 478-1396.

What it means for you: Fridays are often shorter days at county offices, so call before you go.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County: Senior Citizens Center)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: The Days Ahead

• Friday, Nov. 6 (today): Fog until 8 a.m., then sunny, near 67°F. Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Indians game 6 p.m. Central (7 p.m. Eastern). Last day to RSVP for Van Buren County’s veterans breakfast: 931-946-2242.
• Saturday, Nov. 7: Veterans Breakfast, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., The Vine, 79 Cherry St., Dunlap. Families welcome. Cost not listed; call ahead to confirm. Sunny, near 60°F.
• Tuesday, Nov. 10: Social Security for birthdays on the 1st–10th (a day early).
• Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day. Dunlap parade 10 a.m., program 11 a.m. Van Buren veterans breakfast 8 a.m., high school cafeteria. Library closed.
• Saturday, Nov. 14: Cowboy Church of Sequatchie Valley, 5:15 p.m. fellowship, service 6 p.m. Call or text 423-903-7433.
• Wednesday, Nov. 18: Social Security for birthdays on the 11th–20th.
• Wednesday, Nov. 25: Social Security for birthdays on the 21st–31st.
• Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends.

✅ Your Calm Morning Checklist

• ✅ Wait for the fog to lift, about 8 a.m. Low beams if you must drive.
• ✅ Chair Dancing today at 1 p.m. Central. Stop at the front desk first.
• ✅ Look for your plan’s Annual Notice of Change, then compare before Dec. 7.
• ✅ Hang up on any “Medicare” caller you didn’t expect.
• ✅ Call the Senior Center for today’s lunch: (423) 949-2228.
• ✅ Going to the game? 6 p.m. our time. Clear bag, warm layers.

Practical rule: You don’t have to remember it all. Just keep this page handy, and check back tomorrow morning.

— Dunlap.Today

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Medicare plan still be there next year?

Maybe not. KFF found more than 4 million members nationwide will see plans discontinued for 2027. Check your Annual Notice of Change and compare before Monday, Dec. 7. TN SHIP gives free help at 1-877-801-0044.

How do I tell if a Medicare call is a scam?

Medicare will never cold-call, text or email asking for your number or threatening to cancel coverage. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.

Do I need to sign up for Chair Dancing?

No. It’s free. First-timers sign a waiver, and you stop at the library front desk before going upstairs. It’s Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m.

When is my Social Security payment this month?

Birthdays on the 1st–10th: Tuesday, Nov. 10. Birthdays on the 11th–20th: Wednesday, Nov. 18. Birthdays on the 21st–31st: Wednesday, Nov. 25. If you started benefits before May 1997, it was Nov. 3.

How should I drive in fog?

Slow down, use low-beam headlights, leave lots of room and watch the right edge line. If you can wait until about 8 a.m., that’s best.

🔗 Helpful Numbers & Resources

• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) · TN SHIP free Medicare counseling: 1-877-801-0044
• Medicare Plan Finder: medicare.gov/plan-compare
• Senior Medicare Patrol (Tennessee): 877-808-2468
• Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 · Report a scam: ssa.gov/scam
• Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2228
• Bledsoe County Senior Citizens Center, Pikeville: (423) 447-6111
• SETHRA Transit rides: (423) 478-1396
• Sequatchie County Food Bank, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-7716 (Mon 9–noon, Wed 1–4, Thu 4–6 p.m.)
• Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., Dunlap
• Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability: 1-866-836-6678
• Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency: (423) 949-9912. For an emergency, call 911.
• AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
• TDOT road conditions: SmartWay.tn.gov or dial 511
• National Weather Service Dunlap forecast: weather.gov point forecast

🌅 Let the Fog Lift, Then Enjoy the Sunshine

Here’s the whole day in one breath. Take the morning slow and let the fog burn off by 8 o’clock. Enjoy a sunny afternoon near 67, maybe with Chair Dancing at 1 p.m. Central. Look at your Medicare plan notice before Dec. 7, and hang up on surprise callers. Nothing today needs hurrying, and nothing needs worrying over. Read Dunlap.Today every morning for plain-English Valley news, and find local businesses on Dunlap.Directory.

— Dunlap.Today