President’s Message
July was disappointing in the fact that the Cardboard Board Race was cancelled. I was ready! The AARP boat was in my living room waiting for my final touches of decoration when we received word that the race was cancelled because of bacteria in the water. BUT GOOD NEWS! The race has been rescheduled for August 15. Remember same time, same place, so I expect everyone to come and support the Chapter and me. Remember this is a fun time, and you get to laugh at and with me as I sink and swim!!
Help! Help! We are in need of a new Membership Chair. Bob Pfile, who has been doing a great job since January, has resigned, and I have again taken over the job. If you are good with Excel and are interested, but not sure, contact me and I will explain the duties. Some f the duties are currently being handled by others, and it is possible to have the sign-in at the meeting given to someone other than the Membership Chair.
Another area that is in desperate need is Woods Cares. All but two of our volunteers who receive requests and arrange for a volunteer to drive or help in the home have resigned. This now puts a great burden on the two people who are left. All the skill you need is the ability to receive and make phone calls. Without some more volunteers, this program cannot function properly. You do not need to sit at home by the telephone as long as you have an answering machine. You can return calls and set up appointments when you come back home. So please, please consider helping. The more volunteers the better. Contact Jeanette Embrey at 972-0726 or Janet Terry at 972-1957.
On a lighter note, the Players are looking for carpenters to help build the sets for their next production,-Mame. If you can use a hammer or saw, contact Bob McFarland at 972 5928.
Again I hope to see all of you at the Cardboard Races on Saturday, August 15. I want to win the “Peoples Choice Award.”
Carla Wascalus, President
Local Fitness Trainer to Provide Exercise Tips
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity
The August meeting of AARP Chapter 5239 will take place on August 17 at the Clubhouse and will feature Jennifer Zukowski, personal and group fitness trainer in Lake of the Woods. She will show the benefits of an active lifestyle and give examples of exercises to do at home.
Her past experiences include being a personal trainer for Justice Ginsburg and Judges Kessler, Kotelly and Sullivan, as well as several members of their staffs. She is well-known here and many residents have benefited from having her as their personal trainer.
The meeting begins at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee, followed by the program at 10 AM. Everyone is invited to come to this interesting program.
Time for Changing of the Guard!
The nominating committee is hard at work and in October will announce the candidates. If you are interested in or would like to suggest someone for an office, please contact one of the committee members. They are Dwight Mottet 972-3204; Pierre Payette 972-0519; Carolyn Durphy 972-3306, Carolyn Wray, 972-776; or Kathleen Bradie 8008-5507.
August BIRTHDAYS (Leo and Virgo)
Marie Barrett—Pat Berry—Al Bisset—Kasee Charest—Jim Danoy—Philip DeSimone—Larry Ervin—Lee Frame—Helen Gaul—Mary Hadley—Lynn Hein—Betty Hughes—Robert Johnson—Connie LeMay—Ruth Lenwell—Virginia Lynch—Eileen McFarland—Marilyn McKay—Vera Moody—Gerald Mueller—Margaret Ostlund—Joan Parnell—Larry Petersen—Mike Pulice—Merilyn Reitnauer—John Rueckert—Ralph Scheuermann—James Shorten—Emily Slunt—Charles Taylor—Kathryn Van Leer—Patricia Watterworth—and Beverly Zabka
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to the following new members:
Betty Tabor, Henry and Susan Wright
SUNSHINE REPORT
Get-well cards were sent to: Patty Batten, Boyd Boewers, Bob Pfile, Pat Berry, and Betty Scheuermann.
A sympathy card was sent to: Mr. & Mrs. Clifton Wilks on the death of Clifton’s mother Sara
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
Sheltering Arms in Need of Money
by Carla Wascalus
Sheltering Arms Emergency Shelter and Rising Son Transitional Housing have sent out a letter asking for donations. They have been serving more people, with the average rising from 20 to 33 residents. They are having trouble making their financial obligations and have had to lay off two of their employees.
They know that these economic times are hard on everyone, but are asking those who can to please send a donation. I know that any amount, small or large, will help. If you are so inclined, you can send a check to Mary Lee Hensel, Executive Director, Sheltering Arms, 454 Madison Road, Orange VA 22960, or if you want more information or to be on their email list for the newsletter the email address is shelteringarms@verizon.net.
HELP!
AARP Volunteers Needed!
Our Membership Chair has had to resign, and we are looking for a volunteer who is able to keep our records on Excel. The job has traditionally included taking attendance at meetings. If necessary, the job can be split between several volunteers. Written procedures and, if needed, personal instruction are available.
Woods Cares is in desperate need of people to receive calls and to schedule helpers since four of our volunteers cannot do it any longer. That leaves only Janet Terry and Jeanette Embrey, both of whom have other commitments. All you need is a phone and an answering machine. Most people requesting help call several days, if not a week, ahead of time. The more people who sign up, the less work any one person has to do. You will be given a list of volunteers and what they are willing to do. This is one way to give to the community and without leaving home. So please, consider helping. Info: Jeanette Embrey at 972-0726 or Janet Terry at 972-1957.
Thank you in advance, because I know that many of you will step up to the plate.
Get Your Tickets, Empire Staters
by Frank Gatt, Member, New York Club
The New York Club Picnic is scheduled from Noon to 4 PM on September 12, at the Lion George Lewis Pavilion in Sweetbriar Park. There will be a catered lunch with two hot entrees, salad, bread and two sides at a cost of $12 pp. BYOD. Our caterer needs a final count by the middle of August; so come on and buy your tickets. Tickets: Frank Gatt, 972-9216; or Ed Roessler, 972-0436. Please get your tickets as soon as possible. Call John Trach at 972-4883; Ed Roessler at 972-0436; or Frank Gatt at 661-6141 to offer help in set-up and tear down.
Book Review
by Bonny Boelke
We have a newly published author in Lake of the Woods, who has written a book titled Future Spy. Author William J. Logan (Jim) has written a fast -paced story, which is an easy read, and the perfect summertime companion. If you are planning a trip, pack it. If you just want to “veg” out on the beach, take it with you. I am sure you will enjoy every moment spent reading Future Spy.
Future Spy can be ordered from Barnes&Noble.com or Amazon.com in either a hard cover or pocketbook edition. Check out the cover on Barnes & Noble.com. It will give you a hint of the story line. The best news for readers of Future Spy is that another book is coming out soon.
Health Care News
by Patti Batten
Affordable Health Choices Act
The Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee passed the Affordable Health Choices Act on July 15. This legislation will allow an individual who likes their health insurance to keep it. The bill also provides better choices for those with no coverage now, and for whom the coverage is unaffordable.
Under the insurance reforms in the Affordable Health Choices Act, no American can be denied health coverage because of a pre existing medical condition, or be denied coverage when they need it most. This bill also requires businesses which do not provide coverage for their workers to contribute to the cost of providing publicly sponsored coverage for those workers. It includes an exception for small businesses.
Military Spouse Residency Relief Act
The U S Senate approved the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act as an amendment to the 2009 Defense authorization Act on July 24. S 1390 Bill allows a military spouse who moves out of state with their service member, under military orders, to have the option to claim the same state of domicile as their active duty spouse, regardless of where they are stationed. This has been the right of the military person, but not the spouse.
Legislative Report
by Pat Berry
Now that the Dog Days of Summer have arrived, legislative issues in Virginia have been relegated to specific committees and commissions that continue to meet. However, if you have finished that last good book and are looking for something else to keep your wits sharp, you might try the following website: www.virginia.gov. There are links to information on online tax services, state and local expenditures and even a “Virginia’s 40 Off Travel Deals” site (choose tab #3) with specials on resorts, hotels, museums and restaurants that might be of interest.
On the national scene: Have you seen the item under the Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act passed by Congress last December that you don’t have to take the required minimum distribution from your IRA or 401(k) in 2009? The one-year moratorium on penalties has been waived and you can leave your money in your retirement account until 2010.
Under discussion at the state level: Though health care is currently making the major headlines, the question of how to allow seniors to continue driving without endangering themselves or others is being discussed. Ideas range from requiring drivers older than 85 to pass a vision and road test every five years to limiting older drivers to specific routes that they travel regularly. Because one-quarter of all drivers in the USA will be 65 or older by 2025, this is a question that will be receiving greater attention.
