The major “blip” on the Chapter 5239 radarscope right now is the National AARP/Ruritan “Food Pantry Donation Day” on Saturday, September 11. We’ve been pointing toward this important event for the past several months.
Helping the Wilderness Food Pantry serve their Orange County clients is especially important these days of high unemployment within young families. Many fathers and mothers, who have always had jobs that enabled them to feed their growing families, have now been out of work for months. We must help them in this distressing time of their need.
Specifics on how you can help are detailed elsewhere in this issue of Perspectives. Or you can contact Food Committee Chair Kathi Martin at 972-5242 (Kak1066@Verizon.net) or Co-Chair Pat Berry at 972-3763 (berrypat@AOL.com) for delivery of donation food bags and checks made out to Wilderness Food Pantry.
In other news, Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Lee Frame told the August meeting of a recent example of how our “Woods Cares” operation can have meaningful impact throughout Orange County. It seems a Town of Orange resident had to get to Culpeper to get his driver’s license renewed, but no one in Orange could be bothered to help him.
When Lee heard of the problem, he contacted “Woods Cares”…and Frank Jacobeen responded. He picked up the man in Orange, stayed with him at DMV (!), and then took him back home. Lee told the August meeting attendees: “I’ll be sure to tell the Mayor of Orange about this, how Lake of the Woods is helping Town of Orange residents, too.”
Finally, many Chapter members say they are suffering from the dreaded disease of FAGO—Falling Apart Growing Old. And unfortunately, there seems to be only one cure for it!
Dick Martin, President
AARP to Discuss Identity Theft and Fraud
by Carolyn Wray, AARP Chapter 5339 Publicity
Representatives from StellarOne Bank will be on hand at the AARP Chapter 5239 meeting in the Clubhouse on Monday, September 20, to discuss identity theft and fraud. The program will cover what identity theft is, how it happens, how to protect yourself from becoming a victim, and how to respond if you have become a victim. Linda Caporali, Financial Center Manager for StellarOne Bank, will be the guest speaker. Linda, who has 24 years of Banking Management experience, is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania Finance and MIS and Virginia Bankers Association – School of Management. Accompanying Linda will be Serena Marks, Information Security Officer and Christi Marion, Compliance Coordinator.
We are very fortunate to have these speakers, who are all from our local StellarOne Bank. It should be a very informative program and of special interest to AARP members. We encourage everyone to attend. This is a very lively and friendly group.
The meeting will begin with sweets and coffee at 9:30 AM and program will begin at 10AM.
AARP/Ruritan Food Drive
by Pat Berry
The combined AARP/Ruritan Food Drive in support of the Wilderness Food Pantry will take place on Saturday, September 11, with just a few minor changes. The lower level of the Clubhouse will serve as the collection point for donations on that day. Anyone wishing to participate in the drive can drop off bags with AARP volunteers anytime between 9 AM and 1 PM. Food items can also be brought to the meeting on September 20 and be added to our grand total.
If you prefer to donate money, please make checks payable to “LOW Lions/Lioness Wilderness Food Pantry.” These will be collected and taken to a Lions representative. If you are unable to bring your donations on either September 11 or 20, please call Kathi Martin at 972-5242 or Pat Berry at 972-3763 to make other arrangements.
Plans Going Forward For Election Day BBQ
This year's Election Day BBQ Chicken Dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at the LOW Clubhouse from 11 AM to 6 PM. Our Chief Chicken in Charge, Dwight Mottet, reports that the ticket price will be $9/meal, which includes the usual 1/2 chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, & brownie. Iced tea and lemonade will be available for diners in the Lower Level Clubhouse.
The ticket letters will be mailed to members shortly. Jim Moore is in charge of distributing tickets and tracking sales, but our AARP members are asked to do their part by selling the tickets they have received. If you have not received your tickets by the meeting date, contact Jim at 972-9355.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY
(Virgo and Libra)
Tina Aris, Nancy Arnold, John Barnes,
Ellen Bearden, Ken Bentz, Gerda Binotto,
James Bloom, Anne Brown, Gil Churchill,
Jean Cooke, Bea Cornell, Susan Costanzo,
Jack Curnow, Carolyn Durphy, Nick Duy,
Ralph Gardner, Carolyn Gerndt, Ruby Horvath,
John Hughes, Barbara Lacks, Kathleen Martin,
Tina Aris, Nancy Arnold, John Barnes,
Ellen Bearden, Ken Bentz, Gerda Binotto,
James Bloom, Anne Brown, Gil Churchill,
Jean Cooke, Bea Cornell, Susan Costanzo,
Jack Curnow, Carolyn Durphy, Nick Duy,
Ralph Gardner, Carolyn Gerndt, Ruby Horvath,
John Hughes, Barbara Lacks, Kathleen Martin,
Nicoletta Maselli, Mary Merrell, William Nowers,
Alan Patnode, Irene Payette, Joy Poole,
Linda Reed, Jerry Schrage, Elaine Shirkey,
Marcia Shorten, Robert Silliman, Carolyn Spero,
Alan Patnode, Irene Payette, Joy Poole,
Linda Reed, Jerry Schrage, Elaine Shirkey,
Marcia Shorten, Robert Silliman, Carolyn Spero,
Joan Staab, Dee Tilliman, Doris Velona,
Rosemary Walker, George Webb, and
Ann Wood
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to new members:
Richard Dowd, Ralph Ericksen, and Gloria Kidwell.
SUNSHINE REPORT
Get-well cards were sent to Helen Markart, Theresa Danoy and Helen Bera. If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
Rosemary Walker, George Webb, and
Ann Wood
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to new members:
Richard Dowd, Ralph Ericksen, and Gloria Kidwell.
SUNSHINE REPORT
Get-well cards were sent to Helen Markart, Theresa Danoy and Helen Bera. If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
TRIAD News
· Free Shredding Event on Saturday, October 16, from 9 AM to 12 PM at StellarOne bank across Route 3. This is a great way to destroy sensitive papers that are no longer needed.
· The second RAD (Resisting Aggression with Defense) set of classes will start in October (date to come). This is a TRIAD and Sheriff's Office spon-sored program for seniors, male and female, to keep them safe while in their natural environment and away from home. The program runs for eight Thursday nights from 7 PM to 8:45 PM. Participants attend all eight sessions. Only five people are in the program at any given time. If we get five for the Oct/Dec program, it will be run right here at LOW. You will not be beating up the instructor or falling asleep from boring lectures. It is very informative and interesting. Call Dick/Kathleen Bradie at 540-308-5507 for more information and to sign up.
Monthly Silent Auction
We are accepting any donations that you may have for the auction in September.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. The August auction earned $162 toward our charity donations.
Legislative News
by Pat Berry
Where health and legislation intersect:
Haven’t you heard the old adage, “You are what you eat?” In recent years, more people have become convinced that putting organic foods in your refrigerator and on your shelves will have a positive effect on a person’s overall health. For example, last year, Americans spent nearly $25 billion on organic food—as much as the gross domestic product of the entire nation of Estonia.
And now, many meat and dairy producers must change the way they do business to earn the organic label. In February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) finalized a new set of rules, which took effect in June. Producers seeking organic certification must prove that their ruminant animals, like cows, spend at least 120 days per year, or the duration of the grass-growing season, grazing on pasture. Moreover, grass must account for at least 30 percent of their food.
Why the change? Because the public perception of what organic means and the reality aren't necessarily the same. Since 2000, any food labeled organic must be produced according to a set of rules called the National Organic Program. These standards ensure, for example, that organic blueberries haven’t been treated with any of the chemicals on a long list the USDA maintains. They also specify that organic livestock never be treated with hormones or antibiotics or eat any feed that wasn’t itself organic, too. However, there’s nothing in the USDA standards that says organic lettuce can’t be grown by industrial-scale producers in giant greenhouses. (Only small farmers - those who sell $5,000 or less worth of agricultural products a year - are permitted to label food “organic” without certification under the national law.) The rules also haven’t prevented organic livestock from living in dusty, grassless pens as long as they have access to pasture. And here’s another old adage: “buyer beware.” For example, an organic dairy cow could be kept in a dry feedlot eating grain, as long as the grain was organic.
So, the moral of this little story, for all AARP members, is that organic food is supposed to be pesticide and antibiotic-free. Keep reading labels and keep being healthy.
by Pat Berry
Where health and legislation intersect:
Haven’t you heard the old adage, “You are what you eat?” In recent years, more people have become convinced that putting organic foods in your refrigerator and on your shelves will have a positive effect on a person’s overall health. For example, last year, Americans spent nearly $25 billion on organic food—as much as the gross domestic product of the entire nation of Estonia.
And now, many meat and dairy producers must change the way they do business to earn the organic label. In February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) finalized a new set of rules, which took effect in June. Producers seeking organic certification must prove that their ruminant animals, like cows, spend at least 120 days per year, or the duration of the grass-growing season, grazing on pasture. Moreover, grass must account for at least 30 percent of their food.
Why the change? Because the public perception of what organic means and the reality aren't necessarily the same. Since 2000, any food labeled organic must be produced according to a set of rules called the National Organic Program. These standards ensure, for example, that organic blueberries haven’t been treated with any of the chemicals on a long list the USDA maintains. They also specify that organic livestock never be treated with hormones or antibiotics or eat any feed that wasn’t itself organic, too. However, there’s nothing in the USDA standards that says organic lettuce can’t be grown by industrial-scale producers in giant greenhouses. (Only small farmers - those who sell $5,000 or less worth of agricultural products a year - are permitted to label food “organic” without certification under the national law.) The rules also haven’t prevented organic livestock from living in dusty, grassless pens as long as they have access to pasture. And here’s another old adage: “buyer beware.” For example, an organic dairy cow could be kept in a dry feedlot eating grain, as long as the grain was organic.
So, the moral of this little story, for all AARP members, is that organic food is supposed to be pesticide and antibiotic-free. Keep reading labels and keep being healthy.
Medical News
by Sandie Frame
Last month we talked about foot flexibility; this month there are exercises from the Arthritis Foundation to boost hand flexibility.
Finger Os: Open your hand fingers apart. Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your index finger to make an O shape and repeat with each finger against your thumb, opening your hand wide after each O.
Finger Curls: Open your hand with your fingers straight. Bend each joint slowly to form a loose fist. Hold the fist for three seconds before straightening your fingers out again.
Thumb Bends: Open your hand fingers relaxed. Reach your thumb across your palm towards the base of your little finger and hold for three seconds before stretching your thumb out again.
Repeat each exercise with each hand five times.
Highlights of the August 16, 2010, Meeting
by Pam Nalls, Secretary
· Kathleen Bradie provided the month’s TRIAD report. Included was an announcement of the next scheduled shredder event on Saturday, October 16, from 9AM to 11 AM at the Stellar One Bank on Route 3. Here’s an opportunity to dispose of your old documents in a secure way.
· September 11 is the date for the AARP/Ruritan Wilderness Food Pantry event. Kathi Martin and Pat Berry are spearheading our efforts and advise a few more volunteers are needed for this worthy cause.
· We’re awfully proud! The Cardboard Boat Race on July 24 was a big success. Our very own Roberta “Bobbie” Prees was in charge of this year’s AARP boat entry which took first place. A CD of the boat race will be provided to Nola Davidson for the AARP’s scrapbook.
· Volunteers are needed for AARP’s annual November 2 Election Day BBQ chicken dinner. Dwight Mottet provided an update, advising there will be 800 tickets to sell and requesting members to please sign up to help make this another successful BBQ Chicken day.
· Lee Frame, Orange County District 5 Supervisor, gave an account of our Woods Cares providing assistance for an Orange County individual who needed transportation to VDOT. When no one else could assist, Lee Frame contacted Marion Jacobeen, Woods Cares Co-Chair, who volunteered her husband, Frank. Our thanks to Marion and Frank Jacobeen for their efforts.
· The next meeting is Monday, September 20, 2010.
by Sandie Frame
Last month we talked about foot flexibility; this month there are exercises from the Arthritis Foundation to boost hand flexibility.
Finger Os: Open your hand fingers apart. Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your index finger to make an O shape and repeat with each finger against your thumb, opening your hand wide after each O.
Finger Curls: Open your hand with your fingers straight. Bend each joint slowly to form a loose fist. Hold the fist for three seconds before straightening your fingers out again.
Thumb Bends: Open your hand fingers relaxed. Reach your thumb across your palm towards the base of your little finger and hold for three seconds before stretching your thumb out again.
Repeat each exercise with each hand five times.
Highlights of the August 16, 2010, Meeting
by Pam Nalls, Secretary
· Kathleen Bradie provided the month’s TRIAD report. Included was an announcement of the next scheduled shredder event on Saturday, October 16, from 9AM to 11 AM at the Stellar One Bank on Route 3. Here’s an opportunity to dispose of your old documents in a secure way.
· September 11 is the date for the AARP/Ruritan Wilderness Food Pantry event. Kathi Martin and Pat Berry are spearheading our efforts and advise a few more volunteers are needed for this worthy cause.
· We’re awfully proud! The Cardboard Boat Race on July 24 was a big success. Our very own Roberta “Bobbie” Prees was in charge of this year’s AARP boat entry which took first place. A CD of the boat race will be provided to Nola Davidson for the AARP’s scrapbook.
· Volunteers are needed for AARP’s annual November 2 Election Day BBQ chicken dinner. Dwight Mottet provided an update, advising there will be 800 tickets to sell and requesting members to please sign up to help make this another successful BBQ Chicken day.
· Lee Frame, Orange County District 5 Supervisor, gave an account of our Woods Cares providing assistance for an Orange County individual who needed transportation to VDOT. When no one else could assist, Lee Frame contacted Marion Jacobeen, Woods Cares Co-Chair, who volunteered her husband, Frank. Our thanks to Marion and Frank Jacobeen for their efforts.
· The next meeting is Monday, September 20, 2010.
