President's Message
Labor Day is upon us and it has been a great summer. A little hot and dry in August, but I got wet in the Lake Youth Foundation’s Cardboard Boat Race. It was my pleasure to represent our chapter in the race. For those who don’t know, I came in second; Of course, there were only two boats that made it in the water. For those who did see it, you must admit that I made it fun. The boat went to the tip after the race. (Thank you, Hank Lewis, for building and removing it.) That was my first and last race. I had fun but will never be able to top my performance, so I won’t try. Someone else can do it next year. I did win the People’s Choice Award by collecting $78 for LYF. Thank you all.
It is now time to get ready for our major fund raiser, the Election Day Chicken BBQ, on November 3. We will start signing up helpers at the meeting. It takes over 100 people to put this event on, and we need some new blood. If you have never helped out, this is the time to do so. A lot of our regular volunteers are not going to be available this year, and we will need to fill their spots. BBQ cooks, baked bean cooks, servers, brownie bakers, and people to unload the chickens to the refrigerated van at 8 AM in the morning are just some of the jobs that go into making this a successful project. See Dwight’s article later in this newsletter for more information.
We had an excellent crowd at the last meeting, keep on coming. We are now up to 407 paid members. Way to go.
Carla Wascalus, President
It is now time to get ready for our major fund raiser, the Election Day Chicken BBQ, on November 3. We will start signing up helpers at the meeting. It takes over 100 people to put this event on, and we need some new blood. If you have never helped out, this is the time to do so. A lot of our regular volunteers are not going to be available this year, and we will need to fill their spots. BBQ cooks, baked bean cooks, servers, brownie bakers, and people to unload the chickens to the refrigerated van at 8 AM in the morning are just some of the jobs that go into making this a successful project. See Dwight’s article later in this newsletter for more information.
We had an excellent crowd at the last meeting, keep on coming. We are now up to 407 paid members. Way to go.
Carla Wascalus, President
Popular EMS Provider to Speak
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP, Chapter 5239
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP, Chapter 5239
The next monthly meeting of AARP Chapter 5239, will take place on Monday, September 21, at the LOW Clubhouse. The featured speaker will be Thomas Patrick Joyce, County of Orange Department of Fire and EMS.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Mr. Joyce attended St. Michael’s College in Dublin. While living in the US, he became a US Citizen and attended the UVA School of Medicine, Prehospital Program. Previously employed at the UVA Health Sciences Center, Mr. Joyce has been the Training Captain for the Orange Department of Fire and EMS from 2004 to present. He is also the Program Instructor for the Prehospital Program at the UVA Health Sciences Center. He is a member of the National Association of EMS Educators and has been active in other committees in past years.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by program at 10 AM. This should be a most interesting program as Mr. Joyce is an Orange County employee. Everyone is invited to come and join us for the meeting.
Election Day BBQ
by Dwight Mottet, Chief Chicken in Charge
Planning for the November 3 Election Day barbeque has begun. In early October you will be receiving a letter containing four $9 tickets for our Election Day barbeque. If you have not received your tickets by October 7, please call Jim Moore at 972-9355.
As you probably know, the barbeque is our major fundraiser. Your $7 annual dues pay for the Chapter's administrative expenses, while our annual fundraiser supports various local charities and community service projects. In addition to raising funds, the Election Day barbeque provides an added incentive for folks to get out and vote.
We intend to sell 800 dinners again this year. Please help by selling the tickets as soon as possible to assist in planning for the event.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHAYS
(Virgo and Libra)
Tina Aris, Ellen Bearden,
Ken Bentz, James Bloom,
Anne Brown, Stephen Capps,
Jean Cooke, Bea Cornell,
Susan Costanzo, Jack Curnow,
Carolyn Durphy, Nick Duy,
Ralph Gardner, Carolyn Gerndt,
John Paul Hanlin, Ruby Horvath,
John Hughes, Barbara Lacks,
Kathleen Martin, Nicoletta Maselli,
Mary E. Merrell, William Nowers,
Alan Patnode, Irene Payette,
Joy Poole, Jean Purificato,
Schrage Jerry, Elaine Shirkey,
Marcia Shorten, Carolyn Spero,
Joan Staab, Barbara Strain,
Dee Tillman, Doris Velona,
Rosemary Walker, George Webb,
and Ann Wood
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to the following new members:
Gloria Heath, Marilyn Lucero, and
Sally Lyddane
SUNSHINE REPORT
Get-well cards were sent to: Carolyn Lewis and Delma and Ed Roessler.
A sympathy card was sent to: Terri Kalbacher on the death of her husband Ray.If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Mr. Joyce attended St. Michael’s College in Dublin. While living in the US, he became a US Citizen and attended the UVA School of Medicine, Prehospital Program. Previously employed at the UVA Health Sciences Center, Mr. Joyce has been the Training Captain for the Orange Department of Fire and EMS from 2004 to present. He is also the Program Instructor for the Prehospital Program at the UVA Health Sciences Center. He is a member of the National Association of EMS Educators and has been active in other committees in past years.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by program at 10 AM. This should be a most interesting program as Mr. Joyce is an Orange County employee. Everyone is invited to come and join us for the meeting.
Election Day BBQ
by Dwight Mottet, Chief Chicken in Charge
Planning for the November 3 Election Day barbeque has begun. In early October you will be receiving a letter containing four $9 tickets for our Election Day barbeque. If you have not received your tickets by October 7, please call Jim Moore at 972-9355.
As you probably know, the barbeque is our major fundraiser. Your $7 annual dues pay for the Chapter's administrative expenses, while our annual fundraiser supports various local charities and community service projects. In addition to raising funds, the Election Day barbeque provides an added incentive for folks to get out and vote.
We intend to sell 800 dinners again this year. Please help by selling the tickets as soon as possible to assist in planning for the event.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHAYS
(Virgo and Libra)
Tina Aris, Ellen Bearden,
Ken Bentz, James Bloom,
Anne Brown, Stephen Capps,
Jean Cooke, Bea Cornell,
Susan Costanzo, Jack Curnow,
Carolyn Durphy, Nick Duy,
Ralph Gardner, Carolyn Gerndt,
John Paul Hanlin, Ruby Horvath,
John Hughes, Barbara Lacks,
Kathleen Martin, Nicoletta Maselli,
Mary E. Merrell, William Nowers,
Alan Patnode, Irene Payette,
Joy Poole, Jean Purificato,
Schrage Jerry, Elaine Shirkey,
Marcia Shorten, Carolyn Spero,
Joan Staab, Barbara Strain,
Dee Tillman, Doris Velona,
Rosemary Walker, George Webb,
and Ann Wood
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to the following new members:
Gloria Heath, Marilyn Lucero, and
Sally Lyddane
SUNSHINE REPORT
Get-well cards were sent to: Carolyn Lewis and Delma and Ed Roessler.
A sympathy card was sent to: Terri Kalbacher on the death of her husband Ray.If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
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. .
Monthly Silent Auction
We always need new and GENTLY used items for the auctions. Call Roxanne at 972-8364), Patti at 972-1370 or Carla at972-3436 for pickup. At the September meeting we're offering some very nice NEW items, several with a fall theme. And it's not too early to start thinking about Christmas.
School Supplies Needed
We will be collecting the following school supplies for needy children in Orange County at the next meeting or you can give a donation made out to Office on Youth (with school supplies in the memo). Hank Lewis will collect the supplies and cash/check donations at the meeting or you can mail your check or take supplies the Office on Youth in the Sedwick Building, 146 Madison Road. The following is a list of needed items: wide-ruled notebook paper, #2 pencils, pens, single subject spiral notebooks, pocket folders, colored pencils crayons, glue sticks, rulers, one-inch three ring binders, pencil boxes, red pencils, & erasers. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.
Pictures Needed
by Nola Davidson, Scrapbook Editor
In order to bring the Chapter Scrapbook up-to-date for 2008, pictures taken on the various AARP trips are needed. If you don't want to share, I will make copies. Just identify the event and the people featured. See me at the meeting, call 972-8403 or email
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. .
Monthly Silent Auction
We always need new and GENTLY used items for the auctions. Call Roxanne at 972-8364), Patti at 972-1370 or Carla at972-3436 for pickup. At the September meeting we're offering some very nice NEW items, several with a fall theme. And it's not too early to start thinking about Christmas.
School Supplies Needed
We will be collecting the following school supplies for needy children in Orange County at the next meeting or you can give a donation made out to Office on Youth (with school supplies in the memo). Hank Lewis will collect the supplies and cash/check donations at the meeting or you can mail your check or take supplies the Office on Youth in the Sedwick Building, 146 Madison Road. The following is a list of needed items: wide-ruled notebook paper, #2 pencils, pens, single subject spiral notebooks, pocket folders, colored pencils crayons, glue sticks, rulers, one-inch three ring binders, pencil boxes, red pencils, & erasers. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.
Pictures Needed
by Nola Davidson, Scrapbook Editor
In order to bring the Chapter Scrapbook up-to-date for 2008, pictures taken on the various AARP trips are needed. If you don't want to share, I will make copies. Just identify the event and the people featured. See me at the meeting, call 972-8403 or email
Health Care News
by Patti Batten
Our Nation has lost a forceful advocate for the healthcare industry. Since the 1970s Senator Kennedy’s name has been synonymous with healthcare. He was also a staunch advocate for education, support for homeless veterans, and for the improvement of educational benefits for generations of military members and veterans, most recently with the new post 9/11 G.I Bill.
Senator Kennedy will be missed. Our Prayers go out to his wife, family and friends.
Medicare
In an article in the AARP Bulletin Today, AARP states that their priority is narrowing the Medicare “donut hole” and creating transitional benefits to provide care and support for Medicare patients returning home from a hospital stay. The aim is to prevent re-admissions by providing coordinated follow up care
Veterans News
In September 2008, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs made Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) presumptively compensable illness for veterans with 90 days or more of active duty military service. As a result the Department of Veterans Affairs can now pay disability compensation to Veterans with ALS and their survivors are also eligible for VA benefits. (Information on ALS is direct quote from the US Dept Of Veterans Affairs News Letter.)
I am currently researching whether the proposed Health Care bill will affect retired military personnel. I will report any change that will affect our Veterans in future articles.
Legislative Report
by Pat Berry
In Virginia
The Virginia Legislature was called back for a Special Session on August 19 regarding the right of a criminal defendant to demand testimony of the preparer of a certificate of analysis of laboratory or breath tests. Currently such a certificate is accepted as sufficient as evidence in a criminal case without personal testimony or cross examination.
Nationally
Perhaps you’ve seen the television ad asking, “What’s in your wallet?” Well, under the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, signed on May 22 of this year, some of the rules are about to change. Credit-card issuers will be limited in how much they can raise rates and will be required to provide better disclosure of their rules and fees. Most of the provisions don’t take effect until February 22, 2010, however, and meanwhile some of the companies are trying to improve their position now. This makes it important to review any letters your card company sends to keep up with their changes, especially balance-transfer offers. Read these letters with a critical eye.
The first provisions took effect on August 20. After that date, card issuers are required to give 45 days’ notice before increasing your annual percentage rate or changing any significant terms of the credit agreement. They must also mail statements to you at least 21 days before the payment is due.
Lastly, recent headlines have told us to expect no increase in Social Security payments this year because inflation, the trigger for setting the payments, has been in negative territory in recent months. Now, in rides a white knight named Bernie Sanders (I-VT) who has announced he’ll introduce emergency legislation to provide a benefit hike for 2010. No numbers are available yet, but until the ink is dry on the next President’s Budget, there is hope.
The Lions Wilderness Food Bank is requesting donations of breakfast cereals this month, but any items will be appreciated. Food supplies are at an all-time low due to increasing need. Items for the Food Bank and Sheltering Arms may be brought to the meeting.
Rosemary Walker is collecting any size Western blue jean and shirts in any child sizes. She also needs used cards for place mats; coupons for education, such as Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, and Campbell's soup labels.
Betty Hughes needs the following items for the OC Animal Shelter: towels, blankets, canned cat and dog food and kitty litter. Betty is also collecting eyeglasses for the Lions eye glass-recycling program.
A special thank you goes to all those who save these items for charity.
