August Newsletter

NOTICE
The Post Office charges AARP for all returned mail. If you have your mail forwarded to an alternate address during the year, and you want to receive your copy of Perspectives at that address, send your new/temporary address to Carla at cpw_low@yahoo.com or call 972-3436. Give the months you will be away and Carla will restart your Perspectives at the LOW address.
We mail during the first two weeks of the month.

President's letter

“She Dun Us Proud”
Bobbie Prees “brought home the bacon” for Chapter 5239 in the Cardboard Boat Regatta July 24. She paddled “Pingu III - AARP” to a run-away First Place in the Category 5 segment of the races, easily beating USS LOW Veterans and Luau (Fun Bunch) entries.
Bobbie built the cardboard boat herself, with some design and construction help from several other AARP members. This was her third entry in the annual races and her first win.
Congratulations, Bobbie! And you did it in record time…in scorching 103-degree heat! We’re all very proud of you.
Our Chapter’s next “Volunteer Event” will be the Saturday, September 11, Special Food Drive. This is the Second Annual Food Drive to help stock local food pantries, sponsored by AARP and Ruritan Clubs. Food Bank Chairperson Kathi Martin and her assistant, Pat Berry, will be asking for volunteers to help out, for special food donations, and for cash donations at the August 16 regular monthly meeting.
Cash donations are needed by the Food Banks we serve to purchase meats and other supplies as needed from their suppliers. It’s important that you make the checks out to the Wilderness Food Pantry or Sheltering Arms or whichever group you prefer—but then give our AARP Food Committee the checks for distribution. This will give our Chapter a September 11 “Cash Donation Total” which could help us win even more money for charity from sponsors AARP/Ruritan.
Our August meeting (Monday, July 19) will be another “Don’t Miss” event. Guest Speaker is Jim Foote, the founder of Lake of the Woods. Foote is a very humorous and factually-informed speaker about how he put together the idea for Lake of the Woods and how it developed during the early development days of the late 1960’s and ‘70’s. Read the speaker article which follows for more details.
Finally, Old Age is when you still have something on the ball, but you’re just too tired to bounce it!
Dick Martin, President

Searching for LOW’s Roots
by Ruth Hood, Editor, Perspectives
If you have ever wondered how a community the size of LOW came to life in the midst of the Wilderness of Orange County, you won’t want to miss the August meeting. Jim Foote, the point man in 1966 for U. S. Land, Inc., will be speaking about the development of Lake of the Woods. He researched both Spotsylvania and Orange Counties for an area of natural valleys, which also had a stream that could be dammed up to create a lake, providing a valuable recreation area. He ultimately selected Orange County, and the rest is history.
Mr. Foote had already created a recreational lake property, when a chance meeting at a Cadillac dealership in the Midwest with 35-year-old Thomas A. Perine, Board Chairman of U. S. Land, Inc., led to his involvement with the founding of Lake of the Woods. Mr. Foote went on to purchase the 15 properties comprising Lake of the Woods and oversaw the early years of intense construction to provide roads, the Clubhouse, the Pro Shop, pools, and other amenities. Mr. Foote’s sense of humor and storytelling ability will make this program memorable.
Join us in the Great Hall of the Clubhouse on Monday, August 16, to hear Mr. Foote’s presentation about the history of LOW at 10 AM. Everyone is invited to attend.

THIS MONTH’S BIRTHDAYS
(Leo and Virgo)
Marie Barrett, Pat Berry, Al Bisset, Gerlinde Carmona, Kasee Charest,
Jim Danoy, Philip DeSimone, Larry Ervin, Lee Frame, Mary Hadley,
Carroll Hamilton, Lynn Hein, Betty Hughes, Robert Johnson,
Connie LeMay, Ruth Lenwell, Virginia Lynch, Eileen McFarland,
Marilyn McKay, Vera Moody, Dorothy Mosso, Gerald Mueller,
Margaret Ostlund, Joan Parnell, Larry Petersen, Mike Pulice,
John Rueckert, Ralph Scheuermann, Sarlene Seyler, Marcia Shorten,
Emily Slunt, Charles Taylor, Harold Thompson, and Patricia Watterworth

NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to new members: Joann Batten and Ruth Wallace.

SUNSHINE REPORT
Get-well cards were sent to Carolyn Lewis, George Lenwell, and John Hughes. A card was sent to the Beardens on the death of Bill’s dad.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.

FALL FOOD DRIVE PLANNED
by Kathy Martin and Pat Berry
AARP Chapter 5239 is partnering with local Ruritan clubs to sponsor a community food drive on Saturday, September 11, in support of the Wilderness Food Pantry. This project is part of an AARP initiative entitled “Create the Good,” helping improve peoples’ lives in as little as five minutes, five hours, or five days. Chapter members will be collecting contributions for those families in Orange County who rely on the services provided by the Food Pantry. If you prefer to donate money, please make checks payable to “Low Lions/Lioness Wilderness Food Pantry.” These will be collected and delivered to a Lions representative.
On Monday, July 19, individual members took home a grocery bag with the suggestion it could be gradually filled with non-perishable items in time to be returned at the September meeting. Volunteers will also make the bags available to shoppers at Bloom on September 11 for additional donations. A clip board will be sent around at the meeting on August 16 asking people to sign up for a one-hour shift on that day from 10 AM to 2 PM. If you weren’t able to attend the meeting on July 19, look for Kathi Martin or Pat Berry in August and get your very own plain brown wrapper. Questions? Call Kathi at 972-5242 or Pat at 972-3763.

NOTES, BITS AND PIECES

BBQ Tickets Coming Soon
by Jim Moore, BBQ Ticket Chair
Election Day is just around the corner on November 2. Once again AARP members will be asked to sell four tickets for our Chicken BBQ Dinner. Since this is our club’s biggest fundraiser, everyone needs to pitch in and help get all 800 tickets sold. Selling tickets should be easy, since most residents know what a good dinner they will be getting. All pertinent information is included on the tickets, which will arrive by mail in early September. If you need more than four tickets, they will be available at the September 20 meeting. For information contact Jim at 972-9355,


Donate School Supplies for OC Kids
by Ruth Hood
Orange County schools will be opening September 7, so what could be a more perfect time to donate school supplies so all our local students have everything they need to further their education? This is the time to shop—the stores are having “Back to School” sales right now, and many things are available at reduced prices. The supply lists for OC Schools are available at http://www.ocss-va.org/, click on supply lists on right. Guidance Counselors distribute donated items using the free-and-reduced lunch list to identify appropriate students.
You could supply needed items for one elementary student: a plastic school box containing a glue stick, scissors, a pink eraser, a box of 24-count Crayola crayons, and two #2 pencils.
Or you can supply multiples of those items or other things needed in bulk by either elementary or middle school students: black “marble” notebooks (stitched); large glue sticks; 3x5 cards; colored pencils; handheld pencil sharpeners; yellow highlighters; pocket folders with fasteners; 1” three-ring binders; packages of loose leaf paper (wide ruled, three-hole punch).
Supplies can be brought to the August 16 meeting and will be distributed to OC schools. If you need more information, contact Ruth Hood at 972-3249 or email rhhood@verizon.net.

Monthly Silent Auction
We are accepting any donations that you may have for the auction. Please remember to donate your new and gently-used items in great shape: NO missing parts, clean (no dirt or grease), and no tears or ragged edges. Call Patti at 972-1370, Carla at 972-3436, or Roxanne at 972-8364 for pickup, or bring your donations to the meeting. Many, many thanks. Proceeds from July auction $119.

Legislative News—“Webinar”
by Pat Berry
Do you say that you’ve never sent a text message? Do you say that “tweeting” is for the birds? What would you say if I asked if you would be interested in attending a “webinar” on what you need to know about the new Health Care Law? AARP will be hosting 60-minute webinars through December 1 to provide information about the law and resource materials you might need for making personal decisions. Here is the up-coming schedule for programs of interest—and all you need is a computer with Internet access, a mouse and a little confidence.
· Things You Need to Know About the Health Care Law
· Getting Coverage Through High-Risk Pools
· Deciding What to Do This Medicare Open Season
· Improvements to Long-Term Care
Pre-registration is required for participation and you begin that process by going to http://www.aarp.org/. Click on “Health,” then “Health Care Reform,” and scroll down to “Health Care Law Resources – Webinars.” Each webinar will include a question-and-answer period with experts. In addition, you can download resource materials and take online polls. Won’t your family be impressed?

Medical News
by Sandie Frame
Strengthening your foot muscles can lessen foot pain. A podiatrist offered these suggestions for simple stretching and flexing.
1. Sit on a chair with bare feet flat on floor. Raise the front of your feet off the floor with toes high, then move your toes to the right dropping them back to the floor. Now raise your heels up and swing them to the right dropping them back to the floor even with your toes. Next repeat those actions moving to the middle then to left. Repeat five times ending with your feet back at the middle.
2. Place a washcloth flat on the floor with you feet on it. Pull the cloth up by curling your toes. Release the cloth and spread your toes as wide as you can. Repeat five times.
3. Lay on your back and loop a towel under one foot. Keeping your knee straight, pull your toes toward your head, hold for five seconds. Now push you toes against the towel and hold for five seconds. Relax. Next pull the side of the cloth on the outside of your foot so your foot bends inward; hold for five seconds. Then, pull the cloth on the inside of your foot and bend your foot in that direction; hold for five seconds. Repeat five times. Repeat all actions with the other foot.

Highlights of the July 19, 2010, Meeting
by Pam Nalls, Secretary
· Volunteers are needed for AARP’s annual November 2 Election Day BBQ Chicken dinner. Dick Martin has a sign-up sheet.
· The Chapter received a thank you note from Sheltering Arms thanking our members for their continuing support to the Wilderness Food Pantry. Lee Frame announced later in the meeting that Sheltering Arms grants are significantly down this year; continuing support for their activities is greatly needed.
· Thank you to Sandie Frame for providing handouts on the new Health Care Program.
· The Cardboard Boat Race is scheduled for July 24 at 1 PM. Roberta “Bobbie” Prees is leading the way for this year’s AARP entry – it’s a Penguin boat!
· September 11 is the date for the AARP/Ruritan Wilderness Food Pantry event. Kathi Martin and Pat Berry are spearheading our efforts.
· Nola Davidson appealed for scrap book pictures of AARP activities. She reminded us that this will provided a historical record of our Chapter. Dick Martin advised that the Chapter continues to need a photographer. If interested, please contact Dick.
· Carolyn Durphy announced two chairs (one red, one blue) were left behind at the June AARP picnic. Contact Carolyn if they belong to you.
· The next meeting is Monday, August 16, 2010.

July Newsletter

President's Letter

In the Good Old Summer Time

It seems like “last week” that we were all suffering through record snowfall and low temperatures. And now we’re huffing and puffing our way through record high temperatures! It just doesn’t seem fair…
The 90-degree heat didn’t dampen member spirits at the June Annual Picnic. Our thanks go to Gil and Lucy Churchill and their many, many volunteer-helpers for putting on such a relaxed, enjoyable, and tasty Chapter picnic.
Although July and August are traditional “Summer Vacation” months, we’ve got to keep up our meeting schedule for those members who are still around and to continue planning for Chapter 5239 activities coming up later this year.
· The AARP Board Meeting will be held Monday, July 12, starting at 10 AM at the Wilderness Library. Chapter Officers, Directors and Committee Heads are encouraged to attend these Board Meetings. The meetings are also open for any members who may want to bring problems or service opportunities to the attention of the Board for possible action.
· And our July meeting will be held Monday, July 19, at the LOW Clubhouse, starting as usual with coffee and sweets fellowship at 9:30 AM.
· Then plan to come to the Sailboat Beach by the Clubhouse on Saturday, July 24, to watch Bobbie Prees represent AARP Chapter 5239 in the Lake Youth Foundation’s annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. The fun starts at 11:30 AM. Let’s cheer Bobbie on to a watery victory.
Finally, summer is also the traditional time for going on diets in order to look better in a swimming suit. Wanting to lose weight, one woman placed a picture of a shapely and very attractive pinup model inside her refrigerator to remind her of her goal. The reminder worked so well, she lost 10 pounds during the first month.
Unfortunately, her husband spent so much time going into the fridge to look at the picture that he gained 15 pounds!
Dick Martin, President

Sing-Along with Ralph Scheuermann
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP, Chapter 5239
Ralph Scheuermann, a resident of Lake of the Woods, will be the guest speaker at the Monday, July 19, AARP, Chapter 5239 meeting. This will be a fun and relaxing program that all will enjoy. We may not have Mitch Miller and his bouncing ball, but we do have the talented Ralph Scheuermann, who will provide music and words, and we will sing along with him. Mr. Scheuermann is a retired printer from New York.
He has entertained at the New York picnics
and also plays with a local group of musicians.
The meeting will begin with sweets and coffee at 9:30 AM. The program will begin at 10 AM. Come and join us for a fun and relaxing program. Everyone is invited. This is summer, and the living is easy.

Call For BBQ Volunteers
by Dwight Mottet, Chicken Dinner Project Chairman
The planning for our 2010 Election Day annual Chicken BBQ Dinner event has begun. Many of our Chicken BBQ chairs feel the need to have backup for the work that they have been doing. To ensure another very successful event for charity, we need one or two volunteers to learn how one facet of the planning is done and to share in the early organization of the following activities:
· Selling Tickets—Jim Moore, -9355;
· Cooking Chickens—Mike Pulice, -0814;
· Cooking Beans—George Lenwell, -0326;
· Serving Dinners, Joyce Bowers, -9325;
· Brownie Bakers, Carla Wascalus, -3436;
· Table Decorators Replacement needed for
Rosemary Walker -1375.
Last year's event served 720 dinners which gained $ 2,375 for thirteen local charities. We would greatly appreciate your assistance this year. If you want to volunteer, please sign up at the July 19 meeting. It is not just work, it is a social event—another way of interacting with your LOW neighbors and friends.

NOTICE
The Post Office charges AARP for all returned mail. If you are planning to be out of the area for a long vacation or move, please notify Carla at -3436 or at CPW_LOW@yahoo.com, and she will send the notice to your alternate/new address.

THIS MONTH’S BIRTHDAYS
(Cancer and Leo)
Tony Aris, Bernie Arnold,
Julia Barnes, Bonnie Boelke,
Richard Costanzo, Judy Curnow,
Gayle Fargo, Sandra Frame,
Carol Greeney, Gene Jacobs,
Janet Jacobs, Bob Jenks,
Rima Laviano, Ursula Medwid,
Carol Moffa, Bernie Palowitch,
Ruth Pavlik, Delma Roessler,
Patrick Rowland, Doris Schluter,
Elizabeth Tabor, Sharon Webb,
Diane Weller, Verna Wescott,
Henry Wright, Margaret Thode, and
Len Weeder

NEW MEMBERS:
Welcome to new members: Joanne Hewitson, Linda Reed, and James Taylor

SUNSHINE REPORT
Get-well cards were sent to Dwight Mottet,Joe Nolan, George Lenwell, Charles Taylor. If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306

NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Monthly Silent Auction
We are accepting any donations that you may have for the auction in July.
Please remember to donate your new and gently-used items in great shape: NO missing parts, clean (no dirt or grease), and no tears or ragged edges. Call Patti at 972-1370, Carla at 972-3436, or Roxanne at 972-8364 for pickup, or bring your donations to the meeting. Many, many thanks
There was no auction in June.

What is Woods Cares?
by Janet Terry, Co-Chair of AARP’s Woods Cares
Woods Cares is a group of AARP volunteers helping individuals within the Lake of the Woods who are shut-ins, caregivers of shut-ins, or those in need for some other reason. We have been serving our community members for the past 10 years. There are approximately 45 AARP members who have volunteered their time and/or talents. These individuals are all over the age of 50. Most of them are 60-, 70-, and 80-year-olds, who continue to be of service to their neighbors.
Services provided in the past have consisted of transporting people to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, taking people to beauty appointments, picking up prescriptions, or running other errands. Other helpful tasks have included simple plumbing repairs, small appliance repairs, raking leaves, and transporting trash to the compactor. We have also visited with shut-ins to give their caregivers a break. This list represents a sample of what you may need us to do for you. Remember, this is a free service.
If you would like to be a volunteer or know of someone has need of our services, please contact one of our committee chairpersons, and they will endeavor to find a person to help. For information call: Marion at 972-4085, Janet at 972-1957, or Jeanette at 972-0726.
Our AARP motto is, “The Power to Make it Better.”

Legislative News
by Pat Berry
On March 25, 2010, the 111th Congress approved Public Law 111-152, the “Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.” Affectionately known as the “Doughnut Hole Closure” law, H.R. 4872 improved the Medicare drug benefit by closing the coverage gap that forces million of seniors to pay thousands of dollars out of their own pockets for their prescriptions. It also included provisions to strengthen Medicare for current seniors and future generations by cracking down on waste, fraud and abuse in our health system.
Want to know more about how Virginia Senators and House members voted on this bill and how they are representing you in Washington? One suggestion is to try the website at http://aarp.org/politics-society. AARP puts you into a front row seat for tracking voting in both the Senate and the House, along with the option of voicing your opinion on major National and State issues. After connecting to the AARP site, scroll down, keeping your eyes on the left side of the screen, and choose either “Key Vote Summary” or “Legislative Action Center” for access to further information on what’s happening just up I95. The first link provides access to elected state and national officials via email so you can make your opinions known. The second link will take you to a state map where you can follow voting around the country, including Virginia.
And by scrolling down just a little further on the politics and society site, you can find a link to “Government Watch” which takes you directly to information on other current legislation, such as H.R. 4173, a bill that will put in place new financial rules to protect consumers. All of this can make you a more formidable voter next November.
Oh, and by the way, the two Senators from Virginia and four of the Representatives voted for Public Law 111-152; seven of the state Representatives voted against it.

Medical News
by Sandie Frame
This is the first medical report from our new contributor, Sandie Frame. If you would like information on a specific topic, please let Sandie know.
I have been trying to cut down on salted foods, so I have been really reading the labels more carefully. I was surprised to see how much salt was contained in 1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Labels listed any where from 60 to 300 mg. Bloom’s peanut spread had the most, and heaven only knows what the “spread” actually contained besides sugar products, peanuts and salt.
This month’s Diabetes Forecast let me know that I could make my own peanut butter with a little bit of patience and a food processor.
· Take one cup of unsalted roasted peanuts with or without skins (also works with almonds, hazel nuts or other nuts),
· Grind them to a fine powder.
· Add 1 Tbsp. of peanut oil (canola oil will work just fine)
· Add up to 1 Tbsp. of honey if you absolutely have to have more sweetness.
· Store in the refrigerator in a clean jar.
This does not make a lot, but home-made peanut butter should be used in about two weeks. For an added flavor try toasting the nuts in a fry pan until golden brown before grinding. Happy salt-free eating.

Did You Know...
Peel a banana from the bottom and you won’t have to pick the little ‘stringy things’ off of it. That’s how the primates do it. Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.
Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!
Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.
Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.
To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.
For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.
Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if you want a stronger taste of garlic.
Reheat Pizza—Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.
Easy Deviled Eggs—Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.
Expanding Frosting—When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.
Reheating refrigerated bread—To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
No More Mosquitoes—Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
Squirrel Away! To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn’t hurt the plant and the squirrels won’t come near it.
Goodbye Fruit Flies—To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it ½’ with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid.

June Newsletter

President's Message
June…June…June

AARP Chapter 5239 enters the warmth and sunshine of “the wonderful month of June” with some significant advancements notched during the past month.
First, what a sensational “Day of Service” our Chapter turned in on May 19 and 20! Some 69 Chapter members volunteered to give up a day or more of their time to help needy people and charitable organizations in our area. This year, organized and guided by “Day of Service” Director Bob Johnson, we had groups of volunteer-helpers at eleven different locations throughout Orange County and in Fredericksburg and Culpeper.
Bob is sending a detailed report packet on the event to Amber Nightingale, our Chapter’s AARP Virginia coordinator in Richmond. Bob’s truly impressive report packet is an instruction manual on how to organize and put together such an event.
Our congratulations to Bob for his outstanding work—and our sincere thanks to all the volunteers for their efforts and dedication.
Second, a crew of volunteers handled the May 17 meeting setup and takedown work with only a minor hic-cup here and there. Hopefully, we’re now back in our meeting routine and won’t have any more problems and complaints with the Association.
Looking to the future—Saturday, July 24, to be exact—we need some volunteers to put together our Chapter’s cardboard boat for the Lake Youth Foundation’s 6th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. Construction materials can only be cardboard, duct or sealing tape, and paint. A challenge? Sure—but interesting and fun. (Remember Carla dragging the AARP boat back to shore in last year’s Regatta?) If you’re interested in giving something different a try, get on the “Titanic Construction List” at Doodoo1066@ Verizon.net, and we’ll call an idea-and-action meeting to get started.
Finally, Why do AARP members always use valet parking?
Because the valets don’t forget where they parked the car.
Dick Martin, President

AARP Prepares for Annual Picnic
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity Chairman

LOW AARP Chapter 5239 of will hold its annual picnic on Monday, June 21, rain or shine, at the Lion George Lewis Pavilion in Sweetbriar Park. This popular event will start at 11:30 AM. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages, paper goods and utensils, will be provided by the AARP. Members are requested to bring their favorite potluck dishes, casseroles, salads or desserts by 11:15 AM to share with everyone.
This is a very special social event for all to enjoy—meeting and greeting old friends and meeting new ones. It is fun to share stories and jokes and to enjoy good food. Come and join us.

THIS MONTH’S BIRTHDAYS

(Gemini and Cancer)
Margaret Thode, Len Weeder
Sal Buccola, Connie Buttimer
Ida Cangelosi, Philip Carmona
Lucy Churchill, Robert Cooke
Marva Culp, Ralph Daehnke
Richard Durphy, Nell Grimley
Marian Hamilton, Sibyle Jenks
Roxanne Kessler, Chuck King
Rina Lacey, Marilyn Lucero
Nancy Miller, Jan Moore
Eugene Ostlund, June Pataky
John Purificato, June. Romedy
Bonnie Rowan, Judy Schrage
Bob Simpson, Sheila Souther
Donna Stanford, Shirley Thompson Ginny Thoms, John Trach
Sandy Wemmerus, Carolyn Wray

SUNSHINE REPORT
A get-well card was sent in May to Delma Roessler. If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.

Day of Service Report
by Bob Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator
Chapter 5239 designated Wednesday May 19 and Thursday, May 20, 2010 as “Volunteer Service Days.” Members and other citizens worked at eleven locations in Orange, Fredericksburg, and Culpeper. Sixty nine person-days racked up 295 hours of service. Here are some of the things we did:
· Orange County Nursing Home (Dogwood). We visited residents and helped them plant flowers in their outside flower beds.
· Carriage Hill nursing home (Fredericksburg). We went in the morning as the recreation supervisor suggested, but they were not ready with the planned bingo game. Some went back in the afternoon to assist with the game and provide prizes the team had accumulated.
· Orange County Homeless Shelter (Sheltering Arms). We painted, cleaned and reorganized a detached garage and laid carpet/rugs.
· Orange County Animal Shelter. About half the team worked at the shelter and the other half prepared fund-raising/raffle mailings. These tasks should substantially assist the Animal Shelter take care of its animals.
· Wilderness Food Pantry. We set up shelves and prepared for the Thursday distribution day.
· Orange County Historical Society. We worked on the areas around the building by pulling weeds and trimming the yard areas.
· TRIAD. We assembled TRIAD material including the File of Life which has been given to over 4,000 residents of the county and has saved lives because it lists medications and medical information for emergency response personnel.
· National Park Service, Wilderness Exhibition Shelter. We trimmed trail pathways in Saunders Field removing vines, and cutting small trees.
· Services to Abused Families (SAFE). We cleaned the carpet on two floors of the shelter and repaired screens on several windows.
· Mary Washington Hospital. We assisting with duties for patients during the week with certified volunteers.
· Photography. We transported the lunches and took pictures of the activities. Look for a group of photos at the picnic.
· Lunch preparation. We provided life-saving water and delicious bag lunches for all participants.
· Wilbur Gardens Assisted living. We performed Dulcimer concert for residents.
Remember, if you liked to volunteer at these facilities, keep on doing it! Thanks for all you do.

Protective Money Management Volunteers Needed
by Carla Wascalus
Volunteers are needed to help low-income persons manage their money. AARP’s Protective Money Management Program is in partnership with RRCSB in conjunction with the Social Security Administration. The Protective Money Management Program helps older people with limited income who are having difficulty paying their bills or managing their money. The program is sponsored by AARP, which insures funds in the client’s bank account up to $35,000.
As a volunteer you will receive a direct deposit from Social Security into a bank account, which is set up for the client, and use this money to pay the client’s bills, manage their daily expenses, etc. This may require one or two visits a month with the client. This is an ongoing commitment, not a one time volunteering opportunity, but one that will be very satisfying.
For information go to www.rrcsb.org. Click on Protective Money Management link, then on the last paragraph for volunteer details. Or contact Doug Schiffman, Coordinator for PMMP, at (540) 825-3100 x3159, on his cell (301) 370-4210 or by email at dschiffman@ rrcsb.org. He will come to LOW to do the two-hour training that is required.

NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
New Chapter Medical Chair
Sandie Frame is the new Chapter Medical Chairperson, replacing Frank Jacobeen. Sandie is a retired nurse with extensive experience in both clinical hospital and medical insurance company operations. She will keep Chapter members aware of new developments in the medical and general health fields.

Monthly Silent Auction
There will not be a silent auction at our June meeting. We will, however, accept any donations that you may care to bring to the June picnic meeting, and they can be put up for auction in July.
Please remember to donate your new and gently-used items in great shape: NO missing parts, clean (no dirt or grease), and no tears or ragged edges. Call Patti at 972-1370, Carla at 972-3436, or Roxanne at 972-8364 for pickup, or bring your donations to the meeting. Many, many thanks
We raised $116 at the May silent auction.

Legislative Report
by Pat Berry
A new rule proposed by the Treasury Department would close loopholes to protect social security benefits from illegal bank freezes. One case that came to light involved a 59-year-old woman who added her son to her checking account when her husband died so there would be someone to pay her bills if she fell ill. Funny thing. Recently she was notified that her account was frozen and all money in it was being sent to pay an old debt of that son even though he had never used the account. What followed was a lengthy process to hire a lawyer and file legal papers to get her money back.
The “Garnishment of Accounts Containing Federal Benefit Payments” would require banks to review the deposits in an account before freezing it in response to a court order. According to current law, Social Security retirement and disability benefits and veterans benefits are exempt from seizure by private debt collectors. But banks, if presented with a court order, can freeze accounts containing these benefits if a court order is issued to pay an outstanding claim. One attorney who was involved in a similar case feels that judgments that sat dormant for years are now being collected on as a way for banks and other creditors to offset other losses they had over the last few years.
If you are interested in the future of this rule, please send comments to the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the heading “Garnishment of Accounts Containing Federal Benefit Payments.” Send to the attention of Gary Grippo, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fiscal Operations and Policy, U.S. Dept. of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 2112, Washington, D.C. 20220.


Highlights of March 15, 2010, Meeting
by Pam Nalls
· The goal for the second annual AARP/Ruritan Food Drive on September 11 is to collect 20 bags of food for donation to local food pantries. POC: Kathi Martin, 972-5242
· The Saturday, July 24 Cardboard Boat Regatta event is quickly approaching. Volunteers are needed to create the AARP boat and participate in the event. COMCAST CH18 will be broadcasting instructions on how to build a cardboard boat during the month of June.
· The LOWA Honor Awards Committee is accepting nominations for their awards program. Dick Martin requests that if AARP nominees are submitted, please let him know. Nominations are due by June 28 and forms can be found at the www.lowa.org website.
· Reminder: Help is needed to set up/take down chairs/tables for the monthly AARP meetings. Hank Lewis has sign-up sheets available at the monthly meetings.
· Bob Johnson, coordinator for AARP’s Day of Service on 19/20 May, provided a final update and advised sign-up sheets were still available for those interested in this worthy cause.
· Roxanne Kessler announced the Silent Auction winners. The amount raised at May’s auction was $116. Roxanne advises there will be no Silent Auction at the June meeting. You may bring donations to the June picnic for the July auction. Give donations to Patti, Carla or Roxanne.
· Paul Tobin announced the results of the 50/50 drawing which netted $41.50. The winner was Millie Wieser, who was visiting from the Culpeper AARP chapter.
· Next month’s meeting on Monday, June 21, will be the annual AARP picnic. See you at the Sweetbriar Pavilion at 11:30AM. Everyone is asked to bring a potluck dish to go with the hot dogs and hamburgers. Also, more folks are needed to serve on the clean-up committee for this event.

May Newsletter

President's Letter

May Blooms With Volunteer Opportunities
May is blossoming with all kinds of projects and activities that demand the full participation of our AARP Chapter 5239 membership to truly succeed. For example:
· Monthly meeting “setup/takedown” crews—We goofed at the April 19 meeting. We have promised the Clubhouse we would return the Ballroom and President Room that we use for our meetings to exactly how we found them. Well, through a combination of missteps and oversights, we didn’t. We’ve got to plan and make advance arrangements so this doesn’t happen again—or we could well lose our Clubhouse meeting privileges.
The obvious first step is to create a group of volunteers to be at the Clubhouse by 8:30 AM the morning of the monthly meeting, to set up the necessary chairs and tables, and then return them all to storage after the meeting. The work isn’t too hard and demanding; it just needs member commitment and consistency.
Bill Walker is our Meeting Committee Chairman (972-1375 phone or email wowrewLOW@AOL.com). Sign up with Bill for the months you can help. It doesn’t have to be every month, just the months you think you’ll be free—once a quarter, twice a year, whatever. If we can get 6-8 volunteers each month, we’ll be on our way to solving this problem. Please help. Don’t just dismiss this as “let somebody else do it.”
· Wednesday and Thursday, May 19, 20, “Day of Service”—Bob Johnson, our Chapter’s new Director of Day of Service activities, is doing a bang-up job. He’s lined up about a dozen charitable groups that will welcome help from our volunteers on May 19 and 20. The list and sign-up sheets will again be circulated at May’s meeting. The duties run a wide gamut, from inside paperwork to outside light exercise.
Our goal is to have at least a total of 50 member-volunteers work at the charity of their choice for the day. See Bob’s article on page 2 for further details.
· And long-term, we have the AARP/Ruritan/Food Pantries “Day of Giving” on Saturday, September 11. This is the Second Annual such day of donating food to local food pantries, to help the poor and unemployed in our local and surrounding area. Last year, Chapter 5239 donated 10 bags of food to the Wilderness Food Pantry. This year, we hope to at least double that number to 20 bags.
Chapter Food Chair Kathi Martin is developing a work-committee, which will solicit and gather appropriate food items and cash donations especially for September 11. To serve on this special food-gathering committee, volunteer to Kathi Martin at 972-5242 or email kak1066@Verizon.net.
Dick Martin, President

The Subject: Challenges of Aging
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP Chapter 5239
Chris Miller, Aging Together Resource Project Manager, will be the speaker at the May 17 AARP meeting in the Clubhouse. Ms. Miller has 25 years of experience in community services for adults and children with disabilities. She is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the partnership’s locally-based county teams, and regional workgroups, and for supporting the efforts of individual partners working to enhance or expand services for older adults in the region
By 2020 one in every four persons will be over the age of 60 and will face both benefits and challenges. Older adults have a wealth of experience, skills, talents, resources, and good common sense, which can benefit the entire community. There are challenges to address as we consider what will make our communities supported and nurturing places as we grow older. Orange County is taking the time to get feedback from a broad sampling of local citizens and organizations to help in planning for 2010 and onward.
Not only are we in LOW aging together, but we have grown children who will be entering this group soon.

THIS MONTH’S BIRTHDAYS
(Taurus and Gemini)
Patricia Batten, Pat Bisset, William Bradford, James Buongiovanni, Evadine Cooper,
Joe Diamonstein, Larry Eiben, Robin Farrell,
Linda Fisher-Kavanagh, John Gamble,
Alice Grgas, Gloria Hutt, Ramona Lamon, Arthur Lieb, Clive Louden, Rani Manhard,
Harvey Miller, Linda Ogletree,Pierre Payette, Val Protiva, Edwin Roessler, Barbara Rueckert, Kathy Saladino, Albert Sanborn,
Doris Scoon, Michele Smith, Bob Spencer, Lillian Thompson, Lucille Tompkins, and Susan Wright.

NEW MEMBERS
Welcome new member Kathy Saladino, who joined in March:

SUNSHINE REPORT
Get-well cards were sent to get wells: Barbara Rueckert, Thomas Curry, Noah Rakes, Helen Markart and Rose Bianco
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.

Day of Service Plans for May 20
by Bob Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator
The American Association of Retired People (AARP) has designated Thursday, May 20, 2010 as “Volunteer Service Day.” Members of LOW Chapter 5239 will participate, but we invite others to join us.
This year we will have two days of service. Wednesday May 19:
· Services to Abused Families (Culpeper), Chair Bob Johnson. Volunteers will help with yard work, replace screens in windows and doors, and clean carpets with a steam cleaner (supplied). We need several volunteers with “tool belts.”
· Wilderness Food Pantry, Chair Betty Beck,
Thursday, May 20
· Dogwood Village (OC Nursing Home), Chair Barbara Ehlen. Volunteers will assist residents with normal tasks and plant flowers in raised flower beds. It would be nice for us to bring annuals or perennials to plant.
· OC Animal Shelter, Chair Betty Hughes. Volunteers will wash bowls and towels, walk dogs, try to convince cats they are not in charge. The shelter is closed to the public on Thursdays but there still is work to be done. Volunteers are still needed.
· OC Historical Society, Chair Paul Carter. Volunteers will tend the yard by pulling weeds and trimming. One or two more volunteers would be nice.
· Sheltering Arms, Chair Marion Jacobeen. Volunteers are needed for light tasks (wash windows, organize tool shed, organize pantry), medium tasks (paint two rooms and heavy duty tasks (Carpet installed in basement (carpet is there), fix lawn mower (broken). We need many more volunteers—with “tool belts”.
· Carriage Hill Nursing Home, Chair Ann Howard. Volunteers will coordinate Bingo for residents. We need to be there 9-11:30 AM. Bring small things for the residents to win (stuffed toys, etc.).
· Wilderness Battlefield Shelter, Chair Bob Johnson. Volunteers will be cutting and pulling vines and brush around the Wilderness shelter and Saunders field. Gloves and eye protection are required but will be provided if needed. Wear heavy shoes (no flip-flops) and long pants (and shirt if cool).
· We have ample volunteers for TRIAD, Chair Bradies; photographers; and lunch preparation Chair Carla Wascalus.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer, contact Bob Johnson at 972 4358 or email bjohn913@comcast.net

Monthly Silent Auction
Please remember to donate your new and gently-used items in great shape: NO missing parts, clean (no dirt or grease), and no tears or ragged edges. Call Patti at 972-1370, Carla at 972-3436, or Roxanne at 972-8364 for pickup, or bring your donations to the meeting. Many, many thanks!

OC TRIAD 9th Art of Aging Expo
by Dick Bradie, Orange County TRIAD
Be sure to head out on Tuesday, May 18, to the Orange Assembly of God Church on Route 15, just south of Orange for the 2010 Expo! There will be exhibitors from all over our area, who will be able to answer your questions about senior issues and to supply you with literature and give-aways. There will be door prizes, and a free lunch. The doors open at 9:30 AM; festivities begin at 10 AM, and the EXPO ends at 1 PM.
At 1 PM the Community Conversation begins and goes until all senior issues have been discussed and noted. Remember that the conversation is for older adults to let their voices be heard. It’s all free and open to the public!

Legislative Report
by Pat Berry
I know most of us have just finished sending off tax documents for 2009 and are breathing a sigh of relief that the process is over for the fiscal year. However, it’s never too early to be thinking about how to be smarter for next year’s exercise. The U.S. Department of Energy has a great website for you to explore at http://www.energy savers.gov/ with information on how to save money and energy at home. There are a lot of general money-saving information on appliances, lighting, and water heating, and also a link to residential incentives specifically in Virginia. Go to the DOE website and click on the box that shows a map of the USA with the legend “Rebates for Energy Star Appliances.” Proceed to click on the state of Virginia. There you’ll find information on the state plan to implement a mail-in rebate program to help residents replace old, inefficient appliances with new, efficient ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances.
Another valuable site is http://www.dsireusa,org. Again you select the state of Virginia from the map on the screen to find information on other state programs. For example:
“Virginia allows a four-day sales tax exemption on Energy Star products of $2,500 or less per product, purchased for non-commercial home or personal use. Beginning in 2007, this exemption—a 100% exemption from the state sales and use tax—applies to sales occurring during the four-day period that begins each year on the Friday before the second Monday in October and ends at midnight on the second Monday in October. “
A little knowledge can lead to additional savings next tax season.

Highlights of March 15, 2010, Meeting
by Pam Nalls
· Carla Wascalus provided the following:
--details on the DAR May 22nd Ft. McHenry trip
--if your monthly Perspectives arrived with a red address label, then your yearly local AARP dues have not been paid
--presented Ruth Hood the AARP 2009 Volunteer of the Year award for her service to the AARP as editor of Perspectives.
· Hank Lewis has a sign-up sheet for those able to help in setting up/taking down chairs/tables for the monthly AARP meetings.
· Gil and Lucille Churchill led a discussion regarding the AARP’s June picnic.
· Bob Johnson, coordinator for AARP’s Day of Service, provided an update. Sign-up sheets are available for volunteers to work on May 19 or May 20.
· The goal for the second annual AARP Ruritan Food Drive on September 11 is to collect 20 bags of food for donation to local food pantries.
· Paul Tobin announced that Marie Barrett won $48.50 in the 50/50 drawing.
· Roxanne Kessler announced the silent auction produced $118 for charity.
· Next month’s AARP meeting will be held on Monday, May 17.

April Newsletter

President's Letter

LOW AARP Needs YOU

We “spring” into April with two member-volunteers stepping forward to fill two key Chapter 5239 openings:
Bob Johnson is the new Director of our Day of Service activities. He is working now with former-Director Joe Wascalus to map our Chapter plans for the Thursday, May 20, Day of Service. We’ll be back to you-all shortly with full details of what charity groups we’ll be working for that day and whom to contact to sign up.
Pam Nalls is the new Chapter Secretary charged with taking the Minutes of Board Meetings and preparing short reviews of the monthly meeting business sessions for Perspectives.
Thank You!, Bob and Pam, for volunteering to help our Chapter move forward in its goal of doing what we can for those in our area who need assistance.
What this volunteer spirit means, of course, is that all our members should become active and participate in every-day Chapter activities and special events. AARP means “volunteering.” Our AARP motto is “To Serve, not to be Served.” Our aim is to have every Chapter 5239 member active and participating on at least one Committee or in some event. We want to take advantage of each member’s particular talents, abilities, and life-experience by having each person serve in some group of mutual-interest.
An accompanying table lists some of the “Volunteer Opportunities” available for our members. If some activity on the list sparks your interest, let us know at Doodoo1066@Verizon.net or 972-5242, and we’ll have the appropriate committee head contact you to discuss your participation.
Meanwhile, let’s keep in mind the importance of humor in life. If you come across a good, funny joke, plan to share it with other members at the monthly meeting.
For example, John totally forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was furious. She told him, “tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift on the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in less than 10 seconds.”
The next morning, after John left for work, his wife looked out the window and saw a gift-wrapped box on the driveway. She got the box and brought it back into the house to open it.
She found a brand-new bathroom scale!
Let’s hear your best joke at the April 19 meeting.
Dick Martin, President

Monroe Museum Head to Speak
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP, Chapter 5239

The next meeting of AARP Chapter 5239 will take place at 9:30 AM on Monday, April 19, at the LOW Clubhouse. The featured speaker will be John Pearce, Director of the James Monroe Museum in Fredericksburg.
Mr. Pearce has 50 years of education and experience in museum work, historic preservation, and related fields. He has been director of the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, under the University of Mary Washington for 17 years. He will provide information about his more than 50 years of service and will appoint you “ambassadors for Monroe.” James Monroe was the fifth president and served from 1817-1825. There is a special exhibit entitled, “Our Face to the World, Clothing of James and Elizabeth Monroe” at the Museum. This is a first-time exhibit for most of these items. It has been extended through April 30, 2010, after which the items must be returned to protective “rest” to conserve them. He will encourage you to go see the exhibit and learn more about President James Monroe.
Everyone is invited to come to hear this most interesting program at 9:30 AM on Monday, April 19, at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse.

APRIL BIRTHDAYS
(Aries and Taurus )
Ginny Bayer, Betty Danley, Josephine Danziger, Peggy Dowd, Nancy Downie,
Bob Fahy, Flo Hanlin, Joyce Hardman, Gia Heffernan, Mary Lee Hensel, Paula Hornaday, Frank Jacobeen, Terri Kalbacher, David LeMay, Carolyn Lewis, Maynard Matthies, Joseph McEuen, Bob McFarland, Marge Meskunas, Dwight Mottet, Billie Patterson, Sheri Petersen, Noah Rakes, Joyce Richter, Sue Silliman, Jane Tobin, David Witmer, Jennifer Zukowski, and Alfred Grella

NEW MEMBERS
Welcome the following new members who joined in March: Barbara R. Ehlen, Thomas Curry, and Helen "Carol" Curry

SUNSHINE REPORT
A sympathy card was sent to Bill Rauch who had hip surgery.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.

AARP Plans Day of Service
by Bob Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator
Thursday, May 20, 2010 is our “Volunteer Service Day.” First, thanks to all of you who volunteered over the past few years. You have made a big, positive impact on our community.
Our goal is 10% of over 430 members in the chapter. Consider giving anywhere from two to six hours of your life to help with the project. For those projects that will span the lunch hour, the chapter will provide a sack lunch (just like good old Mom made when you were in school) and bottled water.
The projects are designed so everyone can participate. Some are inside and provide much-needed assistance for those jobs that don’t seem to ever get done. Some require skills (painting, plumbing, minor carpenter work, etc.). Some require physical exercise such as yard work etc. We also have a pressing need for photographers.
I will have sign-up sheets at the April 19 and May 17 meetings. If you can’t make a meeting to sign up, contact Bob Johnson at 972 4358 or email at bjohn913@comcast.net.

OC TRIAD 9th Art of Aging Expo
by Dick Bradie, Orange County TRIAD
It’s time again for seniors and older adults to head out on Tuesday, May 18, to the Orange Assembly of God Church on Route 15, just south of Orange for the 2010 Expo! There will be exhibitors from all over our area, who will be able to answer your questions about senior issues and to supply you with literature and give-aways. There will be door prizes, and a free lunch. The doors open at 9:30 AM; festivities begin at 10 AM, and the EXPO ends at 1 PM.
At 1 PM the Community Conversation begins and goes until all senior issues have been discussed and noted. Remember that the conversation is for older adults to let their voices be heard. It’s all free and open to the public!
Also, keep in mind that TRIAD’s main goal in its everyday function is to get information to seniors on issues to protect them from crimes of all sorts and to keep them safe and comfortable in their natural environment—their homes. TRIAD works closely with law enforcement to insure these goals are met.

Legislative Report
by Pat Berry
As an update on the Legislative column in the last issue of Perspectives, three of the five bills that were “in play” in the Virginia General Assemble at that time have been signed by both the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. Overall budget cuts were significant, but these bills are of note to homeowners.
House Bill 552: Prevents local governments from changing their minds about zoning by strengthening “vested rights” laws.
House Bill 430: Requires additional education for real estate assessors and ensure that members of the board that hears an appeal have expertise in appraisal and home valuation. Upon request, the assessor must disclose information about the assessment, and the homeowner's standard of proof will be lowered.
House Bill 191: Allows the ombudsman for the Common Interest Community board to set a single procedure for all home- and property-owners associations in order to standardize complaint procedures.
House Bills 570 (assessors) and 205 (insurers) were referred to their respective committees. Senate Bill 164 for transportation funding was also referred to committee. This bill, as introduced, would have created additional sources of revenue for transportation by increasing the motor vehicle sales and use tax by one-half percent and the motor vehicle rental tax by one percent, and by imposing a five-percent tax on the wholesale price of gasoline. The budget wars continue.