March Newsletter

March is the Cruelest Month As we enter the month of March, most people swing between feelings of elation and gladness that cold winter is on its way out and then despair as yet another blast of ice and snow proves that winter is still around. Some people actually like winter. Our neighbor says she loves winter because she can then stay indoors without feeling guilty. The changeable weather of March at least proves one important point: that weather forecasting is still a few hours behind arthritis. March has many significant events. First, Sunday, March 13 is when Daylight-Saving Time begins. For days ahead, the argument rages over what to do with your clock! Is it “Spring a leak, Fall down” or “Spring like a lion, Fall like an apple”” or “Spring ahead, Fall back”? Divorces have resulted from such confused debates. Some people don’t like daylight-savings. They say, for example, what does daylight-savings really mean to people living in Seattle? One extra hour of rain? Another March milestone is Thursday, March 17—St. Patrick’s Day. (We omitted March 15, “the Ides of March”, out of homage to poor Julius Caesar!) St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year by nearly everyone, with food (corned beef and cabbage), drink (green beer), and jokes. Like, two Irishmen were coming out of a bar. It could happen. Sunday, March 20, will be the first day of spring. We then discover that March’s “windy” reputation doesn’t actually mean that winter is really blown away—it’s “washed away” by spring rains. Is this what they mean by “March Madness”? Dick Martin, President Supervisor Frame to Speak to AARP by Carolyn Wray, Publicity The April meeting scheduled for Monday, March 21, will feature District 5 Supervisor Lee Frame. Lee is currently Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. He has a broad and varied background, which includes career military service, Federal civil service, and service in local and county government. Lee earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California, and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Fellows Program of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Locally, Lee has also served in numerous programs, including serving as a board member and president of Lake of the Woods Association, serving on the Orange County Planning Committee, and volunteering for the Rescue Squad. His main points of discussion will be the impact of the recent Walmart decision to discontinue pursuit of construction at the intersection of Routes 3 and 20, redistricting of the local election districts, and the Orange County budget. Join us at 9:30 AM for coffee and sweets. These are difficult times and you need to be informed. Everyone is invited to attend. March BIRTHDAYS (Pisces and Aries) Joan Bealby, Francis Buttimer, Joann Buttimer, Diane Capps, Arlene DeSimone, Jeanette Embrey, Norma Ervin, Kathy Fisher, Peggy Grella, Thomas Hamilton, Joyce Haring, Anne Hartzel, Gale Henderson, Lee Huminik, Phyllis Jones, John Lacey, Bill Lanier, Violet Liberti, Sally Lyddane, Philip McCann, Jean Molinari, Maurice Moody, Karen Mueller, Pam Nalls, Joe Nolan, Millie Nowers, Jim Ogletree, Doris Parmelee, Shirley Pfile, Phyllis Pulice, Elizabeth Scheuermann, Haag Scott, Robert Sherba, Sue Simmons, Nora Simpson, Stephanie Sloan, Janet Terry, Paul Tobin, and Ralph Watterworth SUNSHINE REPORT We were all pretty healthy in February. No cards were sent. If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306. NOTES, BITS AND PIECES New Members There were no new members in February. Silent Auction We need new or gently used items that are clean with no stains. Ask your friends and neighbors to donate their items while they are spring cleaning. Spring and Easter are just around the corner. Think of the items that you will not use, such as small hand tools for the garden or household use, kitchen items, and knick knacks. Call Jean at 972-8310 or Margaret at 972-5540 or Patti at 972-1370 for pick up or bring them to the meeting. At the March meeting we will have a $20 certificate to LOW Hair Studio. We welcomed two new volunteers to our committee: Karen Kovarik at 972-7866 and Ruth Wallace at 540-423-7374. Thank you for volunteering. Be sure to come early and browse the tables at the Silent Auction. The February meeting earned $78 toward our charity donations. Free Income Tax Filing Assistance by Donna Jackson, AARP Tax-Aide Program Free tax preparation and E-filing through the AARP Tax-Aide Program will be available at two Orange County locations through April 18. 2011. This service is open to everyone as there is no age restriction. Call for an appointment for one of the sites listed below. LOW Holcomb Building through April 16, 2011. Appointments for either Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM, or Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM may be made by calling 540-972-0350. Orange Extension Office, 146 Madison Road, Suite 102, Orange (Across from McDonald's), through April 14, 2011. Appointments for either Wednesday from 10 AM – 2 PM or Thursday from 1 to 5 PM may be made by calling 540-672-1361. Requirements include: Social Security card(s) or appropriate alternatives(s), an official ID with picture, ALL W-2s and 1099 Forms, Social Security, and any other 2010 tax-related material as well as a copy of your 2009 tax return. Help Needed for LOW Event Planning LOW’s Community and Youth Activities Committee is looking for volunteers to help promote more events within Lake of the Woods for all age groups. Committee Chair Karen O’Donnell says “We are currently working toward planning Poker Night, Battle of the Bands, Community Days, and a Turkey Trot. There is potential for many other events that will utilize the facilities and talent we already have in Lake of the Woods, but we need people and contacts to help us put it all together.” If you’d like to help make Lake of the Woods an even more vibrant community for all its members, join the Community and Youth Activities Committee. The Committee meets the 4th Wednesday each month at the Community Center at 7 PM. To volunteer or to get more information, contact Karen O’Donnell at 972-0572 or email mailto:Odonnellake@Comcast.net . “I Can Break Into Your Car in 20 Seconds!” Thieves are resorting to new technology to get into your “locked” car, to loot whatever’s of value inside (cell phone, laptop, GPS navigator, briefcase, etc.)—or to steal the car itself. There is a device that robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your car doors using your key-chain locking device. When you push the “lock” button as you walk away from the car, it sends a code through the airwaves—where it can be instantly stolen. The crooks sit with their decoding device a distance away, and watch you go into the store or restaurant. They now have your unlocking code and several minutes to get into your car to steal and run. The answer? Manually lock your car door by hitting the lock button inside the car as you leave. It sends no signal. Use the “Clear” Button at Gas Pump Scam guru Dick Bradie advises members to use the “Clear” button on the gas pump after receiving your credit card payment receipt. The button is located on the bottom left side of most pump key pads. If you don’t hit the “Clear” button, your credit information is available to anyone in the gas station office, and could be used for illegal purchases by them. Pressing the “Clear” button after your gasoline is paid for will wipe out your card information. Medical News by Sandie Frame Handbag Advice for the Ladies: While large handbags seem to be making a comeback for carrying all of our items, if they are too heavy they can put your back out. Try to choose from among the following carry-all big bags or travel bags. Shoulder bags: Choose one with a wide strap that you can adjust so that the bag does not hang below your waist. Stand straight without leaning to the side or hunching your shoulders. Messenger-style bags that sit across your chest, and ergonomic-style bags can be more comfortable. Changing the side the bag hangs on also helps reduce the strain. Backpacks: A backpack-styled bag distributes the weight more evenly if it fits properly and if you use both shoulder straps. Look for wide, padded straps and a padded back. Bigger backpacks should have a hip belt. The bottom of the backpack should not hang below the waist. Wheel it: If you have to carry a heavy load on a regular basis, consider a bag with wheels. Highlights of February Meeting by Pam Nalls, Secretary · Terri Miles, Orange County Project EXCEL Coordinator, is seeking more volunteers to tutor students. For more information, contact Miles at ctmcc_us@yahoo.com or 661-7055. · Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing. The winner of $47.50 was Jean Molinari; Jean donated her winnings to the AARP. · Our next meeting will be Monday, March 21, 2011.