2010: Another Chapter-Winning Year
What a great Chapter Christmas Party, a fitting cap to another great Chapter year!
What a great Chapter Christmas Party, a fitting cap to another great Chapter year!
For the party, our sincere thanks to Lucy and Gil Churchill, our regular monthly meeting coffee prep crew, and Alice Grgas, the meeting food maven, who lined up the volunteers for party duties. Thanks to all who cooked and baked and contributed to the outstanding Pot Luck luncheon.
Thanks to Joe McEuen, who stepped forward to volunteer as “Setup/TakeDown” Crew Chief for the Party, and his crew of husky men who hoofed everything into place—and then put it all back into storage.
Thanks to Mary Kofron of Fredricksburg, the Virginia AARP Representative, who came with her husband Bob to handle the official Swearing In Ceremony of our new and returning chapter officials and directors.
For 2010, thanks to Dwight Mottet and Tom Hamilton, our “Chicken Chiefs” for the lucrative Election Day Chicken Dinner fund raiser…to Kathi Martin and Pat Berry, Co-Chairs of our award-winning September 11 National AARP Special Food Drive for Wilderness Food Pantry…and to Roxanne Kessler and now Pattie Batten, Chairs for the monthly “Silent Auction” and their volunteer helpers for adding so many hundreds of new dollars to our Chapter charity donation fund.
Thanks to our officers and directors for patiently guiding our Chapter through the sometimes perilous path of life in Lake of the Woods. Thanks to our hard-working Program Committee, led by Bonnie Boelke, for providing interesting and meaningful speakers every month. Thanks to the Travel/Tour Committee, headed by Ruby Horvath and now Roxanne Kessler, and their energetic and productive member-associates for putting together the many fun and informative trips for us to enjoy.
Special personal thanks to Carla Wascalus, our Immediate Past President (one of the best ever!) for sharing her experience and advice on chapter events and problems.
And finally, our sincerest thanks to YOU, our AARP Chapter 5239 members, for volunteering to help whenever the need arises…for sharing your life-experience talents, your time and your money, to help others less fortunate in LOW and our surrounding area.Thank you all…and now let’s work together to make 2011 an even more outstanding year of achievements for Chapter 5239.
Dick Martin, President
Trainer Promotes Active Lifestyle for Seniors
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP Chapter 5239
At the January 17 AARP Chapter 5239 meeting in the Clubhouse, Jennifer Zukowski, personal and group fitness trainer in Lake of the Woods, will show the benefits of an active lifestyle and examples of exercise to do at home. Her past experience includes being a personal trainer for several judges, including Justice Ginsburg and members of their staff. She is well known here and will be an excellent speaker to start off the New Year. Wear comfortable clothing—rumor has it that Jennifer has a little workout planned for us.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at 10 AM. Everyone is invited to come to this very interesting program that will benefit all of us
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.
At the January 17 AARP Chapter 5239 meeting in the Clubhouse, Jennifer Zukowski, personal and group fitness trainer in Lake of the Woods, will show the benefits of an active lifestyle and examples of exercise to do at home. Her past experience includes being a personal trainer for several judges, including Justice Ginsburg and members of their staff. She is well known here and will be an excellent speaker to start off the New Year. Wear comfortable clothing—rumor has it that Jennifer has a little workout planned for us.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at 10 AM. Everyone is invited to come to this very interesting program that will benefit all of us
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.
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
(Capricorn and Aquarius)
Joan Albertella, Billy J. Bearden,
Richard Bergmann, Ed Brown,
Chris Burr, Katherine Causby,
William Charest, Alberta Diamonstein,
Joan Duy, Rosalind Gantz,
Carol Hein, Marie Johnson,
Karen Kovarik, Angelo Laviano,
Leonard Maselli, Judith McCann,
Jim Moore, Toby Musatow,
Olga Patnode, Dick Phillipo,
Sandra Plummer, Raymond Poole,
Joseph Spero, Richard Stephens,
Bill Walker, Bill Wemmerus, and
Lucille Yery
(Capricorn and Aquarius)
Joan Albertella, Billy J. Bearden,
Richard Bergmann, Ed Brown,
Chris Burr, Katherine Causby,
William Charest, Alberta Diamonstein,
Joan Duy, Rosalind Gantz,
Carol Hein, Marie Johnson,
Karen Kovarik, Angelo Laviano,
Leonard Maselli, Judith McCann,
Jim Moore, Toby Musatow,
Olga Patnode, Dick Phillipo,
Sandra Plummer, Raymond Poole,
Joseph Spero, Richard Stephens,
Bill Walker, Bill Wemmerus, and
Lucille Yery
SUNSHINE REPORT
A get-well card was sent to and Thinking-of-You cards were sent to.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
DUES—DUES—DUES!!
It is that time of the year again to pay chapter dues of $7 per person. You may pay at the January meeting or mail a check to AARP Chapter 5239, P.O. Box 945, Locust Grove, VA 22508. Some of you are already paid for 2011. If you double paid last year or if you joined our chapter for the very first time in September or later, your dues are paid until Dec 31, 2011. If you are not sure, contact the Treasurer, Dick Durphy at 762-3306 or ask at the meeting.
Another Success for BBQ Dinner
by Dwight L. Mottet, Project ChairmanOn behalf of AARP Chapter 5239, I wish to acknowledge the contribution of the 120 volunteers from our AARP Chapter, and other LOWA participants, who greatly assisted in our very successful Election Day Chicken Barbeque dinner held for charity on November 2, 2010. Six hundred and eighty-two tickets were sold and six hundred sixty dinners were served. The volunteers cooked, baked brownies, sold tickets, and served the meals, both in the Clubhouse and for carry out orders. We are pleased to have collected over $2,900 net revenue, which has been distributed to needy LOW and local community organizations. (See specifics in December minutes on p. 5.)
I appreciate the AARP member support and look forward to 2011 and another successful Chicken Barbeque dinner.
by Dwight L. Mottet, Project ChairmanOn behalf of AARP Chapter 5239, I wish to acknowledge the contribution of the 120 volunteers from our AARP Chapter, and other LOWA participants, who greatly assisted in our very successful Election Day Chicken Barbeque dinner held for charity on November 2, 2010. Six hundred and eighty-two tickets were sold and six hundred sixty dinners were served. The volunteers cooked, baked brownies, sold tickets, and served the meals, both in the Clubhouse and for carry out orders. We are pleased to have collected over $2,900 net revenue, which has been distributed to needy LOW and local community organizations. (See specifics in December minutes on p. 5.)
I appreciate the AARP member support and look forward to 2011 and another successful Chicken Barbeque dinner.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Silent Auction
Be sure to come early and browse the tables at the Silent Auction in January, for “BARGAINS GALORE.” The committee will be busy after the New Year, marking down previously offered items.
Thanks to our Chairperson, Roxanne Kessler, and your generous donations, we gave $1,168.00 to our charities for 2010.
Remember, Valentines Day is coming up, we will need more new or gently used items. You may call Ann at 972-3326, Joyce at 972-4176, or Patti at 972-1370 for pick-up, or you can bring items to the meeting.
At the January meeting, we are featuring a GIFT CERTIFICATE from a local shop, which will make a nice Valentine or birthday gift for someone.
Watch for more great surprises in the months to come.
AARP Senior Driving Safety Course
by Bob Sherba, LOW Lions Club
The Low Lions are sponsoring AARP’s Driver Safety Program on January 13-14 in the Teen Room at the Community Center. The two-day course, held from 9 AM to 1 PM each day, provides tips on surviving in the difficult driving environment of today. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Make checks payable to AARP. Completion of the course may make you eligible for a discount on your auto liability insurance, which is good for three years. For reservations: Vic at 9782-1928 or Bob at 972-0783.
Medical News
by Sandy Frame
Don’t Ignore a “Minor” Stroke! The signs of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke are the same as for a major stroke. They require immediate attention. Even though someone may feel better in a few minutes they need to call 911 at the first sign. Signs of a TIA or Stroke are:
· Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
· Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, confusion.
· Visual disturbance, such as problems seeing with one or both eyes.
· Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
· Sudden, sever headache with no known cause. Not all signs occur in every stroke; even one sign is an emergency. Be prepared:
· Keep a list of emergency recue service and contact numbers, in addition to 911, by the phone and in your pocket, wallet or purse.
· Find out which area hospitals are primary stroke centers that have 24 hour emergency stroke care not just here but where you might be staying for long periods on extended travels.
· If you don’t already have a TRIAD Medical File of Life on your refrigerator and in your wallet or purse, get one and keep it updated.
by Sandy Frame
Don’t Ignore a “Minor” Stroke! The signs of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke are the same as for a major stroke. They require immediate attention. Even though someone may feel better in a few minutes they need to call 911 at the first sign. Signs of a TIA or Stroke are:
· Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
· Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, confusion.
· Visual disturbance, such as problems seeing with one or both eyes.
· Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
· Sudden, sever headache with no known cause. Not all signs occur in every stroke; even one sign is an emergency. Be prepared:
· Keep a list of emergency recue service and contact numbers, in addition to 911, by the phone and in your pocket, wallet or purse.
· Find out which area hospitals are primary stroke centers that have 24 hour emergency stroke care not just here but where you might be staying for long periods on extended travels.
· If you don’t already have a TRIAD Medical File of Life on your refrigerator and in your wallet or purse, get one and keep it updated.
Legislative News
by Pat Berry
Did Santa put a new computer under your tree? Or did you decide to start the New Year with a gift to yourself? Lastly, what are you going to do with the old, faithful computer that kept you in touch with friends and family all last year?
In the US, we scrap about 400 million units per year of consumer electronics, according to recycling industry experts. Rapid advances in technology mean that electronic products are becoming obsolete more quickly. This, coupled with explosive sales in consumer electronics, means that more products are being disposed, even if they still work. The problem is electronics are not designed for recycling. One major attribute for our concern: electronics contain many toxic materials.
Monitors and televisions made with tubes (not flat panels) have between 4 and 8 pounds of lead in them. Most of the flat panel monitors and TV's contain less lead, but more mercury, from their mercury lamps. About 40% of the heavy metals, including lead, mercury and cadmium, in landfills come from electronic equipment discards.
So far, 23 states have passed legislation mandating statewide e-waste recycling. In 2009 the General Assembly amended the Code of Virginia (Chapter 14 of Title 10.1) to include the Computer Recovery and Recycling Act which requires manufacturers to prepare a plan for the collection and recycling of used electronics.
Check out further details at http://www.deq.virginia.gov/ecycling/ on how and where to recycle your old equipment.
Highlights of December 20, 2010, Mtg
by Pam Nalls, Secretary
The AARP’s 2011 Officers/Directors swearing in ceremony was conducted by Mary Kofron, Virginia AARP Representative.
The final Charity Donation checks from our Chapter were awarded to the following organizations:
· LOW Fire & Rescue received $1,450. Larry Eiben, President Low Fire and Rescue received the donation.
· Lions Wilderness Food Bank received $1,250. Additionally the Food Bank received a special $200 award received by AARP Chapter 5239 from its September 11 food drive efforts, and three personal donations given at the luncheon. Betty Beck was on hand to receive the donation.
· Sheltering Arms - $1,250
· Orange County Free Clinic received $500, Executive Director Doreen Brown was on hand to receive the award.
· Orange Senior Nutrition Center - $500
· Orange County TRIAD received $300. Elaine Anderson, TRIAD Coordinator, was on hand to receive the award. In her expression of appreciation to AARP, Mrs. Anderson gave special mention to Dick and Kathleen Bradie for their work related to TRIAD. She mentioned they both have been actively involved with TRIAD since 2002.
· Culpeper Safe House - $250
· Orange County Animal Shelter - $250
· LOW Lake Youth Foundation - $150
· AARP Foundation received $100. Mary Kofron, Virginia AARP Representative, accepted this donation on behalf of AARP.
Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing; the winner of $74 was Judy Schrage.
Our next meeting will be January 17, 2011 at the Club House.
by Pat Berry
Did Santa put a new computer under your tree? Or did you decide to start the New Year with a gift to yourself? Lastly, what are you going to do with the old, faithful computer that kept you in touch with friends and family all last year?
In the US, we scrap about 400 million units per year of consumer electronics, according to recycling industry experts. Rapid advances in technology mean that electronic products are becoming obsolete more quickly. This, coupled with explosive sales in consumer electronics, means that more products are being disposed, even if they still work. The problem is electronics are not designed for recycling. One major attribute for our concern: electronics contain many toxic materials.
Monitors and televisions made with tubes (not flat panels) have between 4 and 8 pounds of lead in them. Most of the flat panel monitors and TV's contain less lead, but more mercury, from their mercury lamps. About 40% of the heavy metals, including lead, mercury and cadmium, in landfills come from electronic equipment discards.
So far, 23 states have passed legislation mandating statewide e-waste recycling. In 2009 the General Assembly amended the Code of Virginia (Chapter 14 of Title 10.1) to include the Computer Recovery and Recycling Act which requires manufacturers to prepare a plan for the collection and recycling of used electronics.
Check out further details at http://www.deq.virginia.gov/ecycling/ on how and where to recycle your old equipment.
Highlights of December 20, 2010, Mtg
by Pam Nalls, Secretary
The AARP’s 2011 Officers/Directors swearing in ceremony was conducted by Mary Kofron, Virginia AARP Representative.
The final Charity Donation checks from our Chapter were awarded to the following organizations:
· LOW Fire & Rescue received $1,450. Larry Eiben, President Low Fire and Rescue received the donation.
· Lions Wilderness Food Bank received $1,250. Additionally the Food Bank received a special $200 award received by AARP Chapter 5239 from its September 11 food drive efforts, and three personal donations given at the luncheon. Betty Beck was on hand to receive the donation.
· Sheltering Arms - $1,250
· Orange County Free Clinic received $500, Executive Director Doreen Brown was on hand to receive the award.
· Orange Senior Nutrition Center - $500
· Orange County TRIAD received $300. Elaine Anderson, TRIAD Coordinator, was on hand to receive the award. In her expression of appreciation to AARP, Mrs. Anderson gave special mention to Dick and Kathleen Bradie for their work related to TRIAD. She mentioned they both have been actively involved with TRIAD since 2002.
· Culpeper Safe House - $250
· Orange County Animal Shelter - $250
· LOW Lake Youth Foundation - $150
· AARP Foundation received $100. Mary Kofron, Virginia AARP Representative, accepted this donation on behalf of AARP.
Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing; the winner of $74 was Judy Schrage.
Our next meeting will be January 17, 2011 at the Club House.
