Will Social Security/ Medicare Benefits be Cut?
If the current threats by Congress to cut Social Security and Medicare in order to trim the Federal deficit make your blood boil, then you can take action to make your voice heard through National AARP.
AARP has prepared petitions to our Virginia Federal representatives—Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb, and Congressman Eric Cantor—that says in part: “As one of your constituents and as a member of AARP, I urge you to oppose legislation that makes harmful cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits as a means of trimming the Federal deficit.
“There are many forms of ineffective government spending that can be cut, from tax loopholes to pork-barrel spending, but Social Security and Medicare are not among them.”
Barry Rand, AARP Chief Executive Officer, says, “This is undoubtedly one of the most important issues ever addressed by AARP. Return your petitions to AARP, and we will deliver them at the best opportunity.”
You can obtain the petitions by calling National AARP at 1-888-OUR-AARP. You then just sign them and return them to AARP.
In another option, you can call Congress directly to voice your opinion. You can call Congress directly toll-free at 1-888-722-8514. AARP says, “Make your voice heard. Let’s stop Congress from making harmful cuts to Social Security and Medicare as part of a deal to pay the nation’s bills. Call Congress today…”
Finally, an elderly man is stopped by Police at 1 AM and is asked where he’s going at this time of night. The man says, “I’m going to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body.”
The officer asks, “Really? Who is giving that lecture at this time of night?” The man replies, “That would be my wife.”
Dick Martin, President
Orange County Tourism is Topic
Orange County Tourism is Topic
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity
Leigh Mawyer, Orange County Services Coordinator, will be the speaker at the next AARP, Chapter 5239 meeting, which will take place on Monday, August 15, at the LOW Clubhouse. Leigh has worked in event planning and coordination for the past 10 years and as the Tourism Services Coordinator at the Orange County Visitors Bureau for over a year. She will bring you up-to-date on tourism in Orange County. If you would like to be a volunteer at the Visitors Bureau, she will let you know how to sign up.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at10 AM. Everyone is invited to come to another very interesting and informative program.
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
(Leo and Virgo)
Marie Barrett, Pat Berry, Al Bisset, Anne Boyd, Helen Brewer, Gerlinde Carmona, Kasee Charest, Philip DeSimone, Larry Ervin, Coralaine Ferguson, Lee Frame, Mary Hadley, Carroll Hamilton, Lynn Hein, Betty Hughes, Robert Johnson, Martha Keys, Gloria Kidwell, Connie LeMay, Ruth Lenwell, Virginia Lynch, Marilyn McKay, Vera Moody, Gerald Mueller, Margaret Ostlund, Joan Parnell, Larry Petersen, Mike Pulice, John Rueckert, Ralph Scheuermann, Darlene Seyler, James Shorten, Emily Slunt, Charles Taylor, Harold Thompson, Patricia Watterworth, and Beverly Zabka
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy
Get well cards were sent to Doris Velona, Marion Jacobeen, and June Romedy.
Thinking-of-you cards were sent to Delma & Ed Roessler.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
New ‘Screen Wrangler” Needed
George Webb, the Chapter’s Meeting Movie Screen Custodian, had an accident that broke his kneecap. This has forced George to give up bringing the screen to our monthly meetings for the foreseeable future. So we need a replacement.
What’s involved is simple enough: You store the screen in its box in your garage or some other handy place; the Program Committee will alert you to bring the screen to the meeting when it’s needed. And you take it back home after the meeting for storage.
If you can help out your fellow Chapter members by doing this, please call Dick Martin at 972-5242 or email him at Doodoo1066@Verizon.net to volunteer. We will appreciate your help.
Nominating Committee
by Pierre Payette, Director
The chapter nominating committee is seeking potential candidates to run for chapter office. Candidates are needed for Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors. If you are interested, or know of someone who is interested in running, please contact Pierre Payette at 972-9519, or 540-226-2871, or Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306, or Pam Nalls at 972-5253.
Donate School Supplies for Needy Kids
by Ruth Hood, Coordinator, School Supplies
Orange County schools will be opening September 6, so what could be a more perfect time to donate school supplies so all of our local students have everything they need to further their education? This is the time to shop—the stores are having “Back to School” sales right now, and many things are available at reduced prices. Guidance Counselors distribute donated items using the free-and-reduced lunch list to identify appropriate students.
Supplies needed in multiples across all grade levels 1 through 6 include: black “marble” notebooks (stitched); large glue sticks; 3x5 cards; colored pencils; handheld pencil sharpeners; yellow highlighters; solid color pocket folders with fasteners; 1” and 2” three-ring binders; packages of loose-leaf paper (wide ruled, three-hole punched); and hand sanitizer. The supply lists for OC Schools are available at http://www.ocss-va.org/, click on supply lists on right.
Supplies can be brought to the August 15 meeting and will be distributed to OC schools. If you need more information, contact Ruth Hood at 972-3249 or email rhhood@verizon.net.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECESLeigh Mawyer, Orange County Services Coordinator, will be the speaker at the next AARP, Chapter 5239 meeting, which will take place on Monday, August 15, at the LOW Clubhouse. Leigh has worked in event planning and coordination for the past 10 years and as the Tourism Services Coordinator at the Orange County Visitors Bureau for over a year. She will bring you up-to-date on tourism in Orange County. If you would like to be a volunteer at the Visitors Bureau, she will let you know how to sign up.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at10 AM. Everyone is invited to come to another very interesting and informative program.
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
(Leo and Virgo)
Marie Barrett, Pat Berry, Al Bisset, Anne Boyd, Helen Brewer, Gerlinde Carmona, Kasee Charest, Philip DeSimone, Larry Ervin, Coralaine Ferguson, Lee Frame, Mary Hadley, Carroll Hamilton, Lynn Hein, Betty Hughes, Robert Johnson, Martha Keys, Gloria Kidwell, Connie LeMay, Ruth Lenwell, Virginia Lynch, Marilyn McKay, Vera Moody, Gerald Mueller, Margaret Ostlund, Joan Parnell, Larry Petersen, Mike Pulice, John Rueckert, Ralph Scheuermann, Darlene Seyler, James Shorten, Emily Slunt, Charles Taylor, Harold Thompson, Patricia Watterworth, and Beverly Zabka
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy
Get well cards were sent to Doris Velona, Marion Jacobeen, and June Romedy.
Thinking-of-you cards were sent to Delma & Ed Roessler.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
New ‘Screen Wrangler” Needed
George Webb, the Chapter’s Meeting Movie Screen Custodian, had an accident that broke his kneecap. This has forced George to give up bringing the screen to our monthly meetings for the foreseeable future. So we need a replacement.
What’s involved is simple enough: You store the screen in its box in your garage or some other handy place; the Program Committee will alert you to bring the screen to the meeting when it’s needed. And you take it back home after the meeting for storage.
If you can help out your fellow Chapter members by doing this, please call Dick Martin at 972-5242 or email him at Doodoo1066@Verizon.net to volunteer. We will appreciate your help.
Nominating Committee
by Pierre Payette, Director
The chapter nominating committee is seeking potential candidates to run for chapter office. Candidates are needed for Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors. If you are interested, or know of someone who is interested in running, please contact Pierre Payette at 972-9519, or 540-226-2871, or Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306, or Pam Nalls at 972-5253.
Donate School Supplies for Needy Kids
by Ruth Hood, Coordinator, School Supplies
Orange County schools will be opening September 6, so what could be a more perfect time to donate school supplies so all of our local students have everything they need to further their education? This is the time to shop—the stores are having “Back to School” sales right now, and many things are available at reduced prices. Guidance Counselors distribute donated items using the free-and-reduced lunch list to identify appropriate students.
Supplies needed in multiples across all grade levels 1 through 6 include: black “marble” notebooks (stitched); large glue sticks; 3x5 cards; colored pencils; handheld pencil sharpeners; yellow highlighters; solid color pocket folders with fasteners; 1” and 2” three-ring binders; packages of loose-leaf paper (wide ruled, three-hole punched); and hand sanitizer. The supply lists for OC Schools are available at http://www.ocss-va.org/, click on supply lists on right.
Supplies can be brought to the August 15 meeting and will be distributed to OC schools. If you need more information, contact Ruth Hood at 972-3249 or email rhhood@verizon.net.
New Members
Welcome to new members: Barbara Davidson, Martha Keys, Tina Critzer, Betty Soedler, and Helen Jo Cates.
Silent Auction
by Patti Batten
The silent auction netted $112 last month for our charities.
We still need new or gently used items to sell. You may call me at 972-1370 if you need items picked up, or you can bring them to the meeting. The ENTIRE committee will meet at my house for pricing on Wednes-day, August 10, at 10 AM.
My special thanks to the following for their outstanding work on this committee: Jean Molanari, Sharon Webb, Margaret Thode, Karen Kovarik, Ruth Wallace, and Diane Weller. They are there early and arrange the items on the tables, etc., and to the gentlemen who set up the tables and take the items to and from my van. You all are very special, and much appreciated.
For those of you, for whatever reason, cannot come to the meetings, you miss out on a great opportunity to enjoy our great programs, the FUN SILENT AUCTION, and the opportunity to greet old friends and make new ones. Also, you missed my appeal for a NEW CHAIRPERSON, to take over the Auction. Roxanne Kessler and I have done this, in one form or another, for at least 7 years. I love this committee, but I must take the next year off.
The Refreshment committee needs bakers for the next several months. See Alice Grgas at the refreshment table to sign up. Thanks for all your past delicious goodies.
New Yorkers Club activities
9/11 T-shirts are on sale to benefit Sheltering Arms. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack, “In Remembrance” T-shirts are on sale for $15 each by the New York Picnic Committee. Contact John at 972-4883 or at JoJanT@verizon.net
Tickets for the September 10 NY Club Picnic can be obtained from the following: John at 972-4883, John at 972-6216, Tony at 972-2016, and Dick at 308-5507. The $15 ticket includes the meal, souvenir booklet, and all supplies. Proceeds will be donated to Sheltering Arms.
Medical News
by Sandy Frame
10 Ways to Boost Your Fruit and Vegetable Intake: With the abundance of summer fruits and vegetables available, now might be a good time to take advantage of the bounty.
Fruit:
1. Blend frozen berries and make your own sorbet. Frozen fruit is always available.
2. Add chopped apple or grapes to salads, or orange
slices to spinach salad. You get your vegetable and your fruit at the same time.
3. Mix peaches, blueberries, or apricots with hot cereal in the morning instead of buying the pre-sweetened varieties.
4. Add raisins or currants to rice dishes, couscous, or stir fries. Cranberries in couscous taste good too.
5. Freeze melon balls or grapes for a healthy snack
instead of potato chips.
Vegetables:
1. Add vegetables when making eggs. Great in omelets.
2. Chop up greens like kale and Swiss chard and add to pasta sauce or meatloaf.
3. Use Bibb lettuce as the “bread” for sandwiches to make a wrap. It’s also a great way to cut calories.
4. Hungry while making dinner? Munch on raw vegetables such as sugar snap peas, green beans or raw broccoli. Much better than crackers or other junk food.
5. Blend vegetable like spinach into smoothies. If you have enough fruit in there, you won’t notice the added green.
From suggestions by Lynn Goldstein, RD found in Food and Fitness Advisor reprinted in Women’s Health Reporter, Volume 12, Number 7, July 2001. eHHH
AARP DRIVE TO END HUNGER
by Kathi Martin and Pat Berry
On Saturday, September 24, LOW AARP, in conjunction with the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, Ruritan, and other organi-zations will hold a food collection, which will benefit the Wilderness Food Pantry.
Last year, LOW AARP donated over 700 pounds of food, and over $700 to the Food Pantry, and this year we have set a goal of 1000 pounds of food.
The need is great; there are more than 100 families using the Pantry, which means about 300 individuals. With summer con-struction jobs and other summer employ-ment winding down in the fall, more people will be needing assistance.
At the August and September meetings, we will be handing out specially marked grocery bags; we hope our members will take two bags each, and fill them up with canned goods and boxed grocery items.
Items needed include peanut butter, jelly, “helpers” and other meal makers, canned vegetables, soups (chicken noodle is a favorite), canned meats (such as tuna, Spam and hash), cereals, and sides (such as boxed potato and pasta dishes).
AARP members wishing to donate money should make checks out to Wilderness Food Pantry, but please turn them in to our committee, so they can be counted and donated all at once.
The actual collection will be at the Club-house lower level parking lot September 24, between the hours of 9 AM and 1 PM. VOLUNTEERS are needed at this location; we’ll work in 2 shifts – 9 -11 AM and 11 AM-1 PM. Volunteers may be needed for other jobs; we’ll let you know! If you have questions, or want to volunteer, please call Kathi (5242) or Pat (3763)
Highlights of the July Meeting by Pam Nalls
· Roberta “Bobbie” Prees will again be leading the AARP team for the July 23 Cardboard Boat Race. This event benefits the Lake Youth Foundation.
· Dick Bradie,TRIAD, advised that the next Neighborhood Watch meeting is scheduled for August 29.
· Kathi Martin spoke regarding this year’s Food Drive for the Wilderness Food Pantry. The event will be held on Saturday, September 24, and participants can also bring donations to the September AARP meeting. Check Perspectives and Lake Currents for more details.
· Ruth Hood is again coordinating the August School Kids Supplies drive. Check Perspectives for more details.
· Alice Grgas announced that volunteers are needed to provide refreshments for the September to November meetings. Sign-up sheets are available on the refreshment table at the monthly meetings.
· The Silent Auction results were announced by Patti Batten. Patti also advised that the Silent Auction Committee is looking for a new Chair person. If interested, please contact members of the Silent Auction Committee.
· Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing: Dave Kovarik was the winner of $53.50.
