November Opens Annual Holiday Time
AARP Chapter 5239 is entering the traditional year-end holiday time, considered by many as the most joyous, loving, and endearing time of each year.
We start with November 8 Election Day, which also features our Chapter’s Chicken Dinner Fundraiser. This is our main such event of the year and provides the bulk of funds for our charitable donations. It also gives more than 125 of our members a chance to donate their time and work in a satisfying communal volunteer effort. Then, following our November 21 monthly meeting, we have the November 24 Thanksgiving National Holiday. Public polls and surveys always name Thanksgiving as the most popular and beloved holiday on the American calendar. It is a time for families and friends to gather together, to reflect upon all the good things and blessings each of us have in our lives.
And December brings us to the Christmas and Hanukkah Holiday period that closes out the year. We’ll celebrate this season of good will at the Chapter’s Annual Christmas Luncheon on Monday, December 19, which takes the place of our monthly meeting. We’ll be holding this “potluck” get-together at the LOW Community Center instead of the Clubhouse. Feel free to invite your friends and neighbors to the luncheon, even if they aren’t AARP members.
Finally, a man is in the Recovery Room after surgery when the nurse comes up and asks him how he’s feeling. “Well, I’m okay,” he replies, “but I didn’t like the four-letter words the doctor used in surgery.”
“What did he say?”
“Oops!”
AARP Chapter 5239 is entering the traditional year-end holiday time, considered by many as the most joyous, loving, and endearing time of each year.
We start with November 8 Election Day, which also features our Chapter’s Chicken Dinner Fundraiser. This is our main such event of the year and provides the bulk of funds for our charitable donations. It also gives more than 125 of our members a chance to donate their time and work in a satisfying communal volunteer effort. Then, following our November 21 monthly meeting, we have the November 24 Thanksgiving National Holiday. Public polls and surveys always name Thanksgiving as the most popular and beloved holiday on the American calendar. It is a time for families and friends to gather together, to reflect upon all the good things and blessings each of us have in our lives.
And December brings us to the Christmas and Hanukkah Holiday period that closes out the year. We’ll celebrate this season of good will at the Chapter’s Annual Christmas Luncheon on Monday, December 19, which takes the place of our monthly meeting. We’ll be holding this “potluck” get-together at the LOW Community Center instead of the Clubhouse. Feel free to invite your friends and neighbors to the luncheon, even if they aren’t AARP members.
Finally, a man is in the Recovery Room after surgery when the nurse comes up and asks him how he’s feeling. “Well, I’m okay,” he replies, “but I didn’t like the four-letter words the doctor used in surgery.”
“What did he say?”
“Oops!”
by Dick Martin, President
Medicaid Fraud, Elder Abuse
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity
Randy Davis who serves as Community Outreach Coordinator for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, will be the speaker at the next AARP Chapter 5239 meeting on Monday, November 21, at the LOW Clubhouse. His topic will be Medicaid fraud control and how to recognize and report elder abuse and neglect.
Randy Davis is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. He worked for local radio and television stations for 28 years before becoming a Virginia State employee. He has been with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office since June of 1999 and has served in the Communica-tions Section for Attorneys General Mark Earley, Randolph Beales, and Jerry Kilgore. He was the Attorney General’s Director of TRIAD Partnerships and Director of Programs from 2003 to 2009. In the fall of 2009 he transferred to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, where he serves today as Community Outreach Coordinator for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. Mr. Davis and his wife Jane, live in Henrico County.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee, followed by the program at 10 AM. Everyone is invited to come.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
(Scorpio and Sagittarius)
Charlotte Banas, Ellie Baughman, Dante Binotto, Dick Bradie, Laurel Buongiovanni, Marilyn Buttimer,
Joe Davidson, Carol Dionne, Daniel Ferguson, William Grogan, Mary Hudak, Don Larsen, Jan Lemieux, Helen Markart, Richard Martin, Mary Nolan, Joe Sauro, Ken Tilliman, Ann Walker, Laurie Wares, Carla Wascalus, Karen Woods,
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy
Sympathy cards were sent to Carol and Ray Greeney on the passing of Carol’s mother, Virginia Bayer. Another card was sent to Frank & Marian Jacobeen on the passing of Frank’s sister.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome new or rejoined members Ronald and Jean Ann Daniels, Alan and Alice Clune, Stanley Lasover, Alex and Madeline Salustri, Mary Lou Roth, and Mary Hannon
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Nominating Committee
by Pierre Payette (Chair), Carolyn Durphy, and Pam Nalls
The chapter nominating committee is forwarding the following list of nominees for chapter officers for 2012. Nominees will be voted on at the November chapter meeting. Nominees will also be accepted
from the floor. New officers will be installed at the December meeting.
President - Dick Bradie
Vice President - Tony Aris
Secretary - Joan Albertella
Treasurer - Joe McEuen
Directors: Lucille Churchill (incumbent), Bob Johnson (incumbent), Roxanne Kessler (incumbent), Dick Durphy and Dwight Mottet
In addition, the nominating committee is also seeking volunteers for the following chairs: Silent Auction, and Scrapbook committees. If anyone is interested in running for office, or volunteering as a
chairperson, please contact Pierre Payette at 972-0519, Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306, or Pam Nalls at 972-5253.
Remember, an organization such as our AARP Chapter cannot continue to function unless it has members willing to step up and be leaders. We need your support and commitment.
Election Day Barbeque Nears
by Dwight Mottet, Chair, Chicken BBQ
There are only a very few days remaining to sell your tickets for AARP’s annual Election Day barbeque on November 8, which supports our local charities and community service projects. The BBQ will be served from 11 AM to 6 PM in the lower level of the Clubhouse. Dinners are also available as carry-out meals.
It takes more than 120 hardworking AARP members to make this project successful. Add your name to the sign-up lists on the table at the November meeting. Return money for ticket sales to Jim Moore at 972-9355, Bill Lanier at 972-3219, or Carla Wascalus at 972- 3436.
Woods Cares Urgently Needs Volunteer Drivers
Woods Cares is desperately in need of drivers to meet the needs of people who request AARP’s assistance in getting to doctor appointments, the grocery store, dialysis, physical therapy, etc. This is a service that we have offered to area residents for years. Without any public transportation in LOW, those who cannot drive need our assistance.
We are now down to about 6-10 drivers. If we have a sufficient number of drivers, the time commitment of any one driver will be minimal. Volunteers should contact Jeanette Embery at 972-0726 or Marion Jacobeen at 972-4085 to sign up.
Medicaid Fraud, Elder Abuse
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity
Randy Davis who serves as Community Outreach Coordinator for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, will be the speaker at the next AARP Chapter 5239 meeting on Monday, November 21, at the LOW Clubhouse. His topic will be Medicaid fraud control and how to recognize and report elder abuse and neglect.
Randy Davis is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. He worked for local radio and television stations for 28 years before becoming a Virginia State employee. He has been with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office since June of 1999 and has served in the Communica-tions Section for Attorneys General Mark Earley, Randolph Beales, and Jerry Kilgore. He was the Attorney General’s Director of TRIAD Partnerships and Director of Programs from 2003 to 2009. In the fall of 2009 he transferred to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, where he serves today as Community Outreach Coordinator for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. Mr. Davis and his wife Jane, live in Henrico County.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee, followed by the program at 10 AM. Everyone is invited to come.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
(Scorpio and Sagittarius)
Charlotte Banas, Ellie Baughman, Dante Binotto, Dick Bradie, Laurel Buongiovanni, Marilyn Buttimer,
Joe Davidson, Carol Dionne, Daniel Ferguson, William Grogan, Mary Hudak, Don Larsen, Jan Lemieux, Helen Markart, Richard Martin, Mary Nolan, Joe Sauro, Ken Tilliman, Ann Walker, Laurie Wares, Carla Wascalus, Karen Woods,
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy
Sympathy cards were sent to Carol and Ray Greeney on the passing of Carol’s mother, Virginia Bayer. Another card was sent to Frank & Marian Jacobeen on the passing of Frank’s sister.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome new or rejoined members Ronald and Jean Ann Daniels, Alan and Alice Clune, Stanley Lasover, Alex and Madeline Salustri, Mary Lou Roth, and Mary Hannon
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Nominating Committee
by Pierre Payette (Chair), Carolyn Durphy, and Pam Nalls
The chapter nominating committee is forwarding the following list of nominees for chapter officers for 2012. Nominees will be voted on at the November chapter meeting. Nominees will also be accepted
from the floor. New officers will be installed at the December meeting.
President - Dick Bradie
Vice President - Tony Aris
Secretary - Joan Albertella
Treasurer - Joe McEuen
Directors: Lucille Churchill (incumbent), Bob Johnson (incumbent), Roxanne Kessler (incumbent), Dick Durphy and Dwight Mottet
In addition, the nominating committee is also seeking volunteers for the following chairs: Silent Auction, and Scrapbook committees. If anyone is interested in running for office, or volunteering as a
chairperson, please contact Pierre Payette at 972-0519, Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306, or Pam Nalls at 972-5253.
Remember, an organization such as our AARP Chapter cannot continue to function unless it has members willing to step up and be leaders. We need your support and commitment.
Election Day Barbeque Nears
by Dwight Mottet, Chair, Chicken BBQ
There are only a very few days remaining to sell your tickets for AARP’s annual Election Day barbeque on November 8, which supports our local charities and community service projects. The BBQ will be served from 11 AM to 6 PM in the lower level of the Clubhouse. Dinners are also available as carry-out meals.
It takes more than 120 hardworking AARP members to make this project successful. Add your name to the sign-up lists on the table at the November meeting. Return money for ticket sales to Jim Moore at 972-9355, Bill Lanier at 972-3219, or Carla Wascalus at 972- 3436.
Woods Cares Urgently Needs Volunteer Drivers
Woods Cares is desperately in need of drivers to meet the needs of people who request AARP’s assistance in getting to doctor appointments, the grocery store, dialysis, physical therapy, etc. This is a service that we have offered to area residents for years. Without any public transportation in LOW, those who cannot drive need our assistance.
We are now down to about 6-10 drivers. If we have a sufficient number of drivers, the time commitment of any one driver will be minimal. Volunteers should contact Jeanette Embery at 972-0726 or Marion Jacobeen at 972-4085 to sign up.
Silent Auction
by Patti Batten, Chair
November will be the last Silent Auction, unless someone else comes forward to be the chairperson. We are planning to have a lot of holiday items that will make very nice “gifts” for the season. This will be your last chance to pass on some of those “Goodies” that you have been planning to do something with. Bring them to my home or call me at 972-1370, and I will arrange to have someone pick them up. You may also bring them to the meeting.
I thank the following committee members for all of their work, and being so dependable: Karen Kovarik, Jean Molinari, Margaret Thode, Ruth Wallace, Diane Weller, and Sharon Webb. Also, the Chruchills’ and Alice Grgas have been helping out, even though they had their own committee work, and John Trach, Joe McEuen, David Kovarik, and Otis for all of the help getting the “stuff” out of and into my van, and setting up the tables, etc.
Thank you ALL for your support, your donations, and buying. The money we received ($1,100 for 2011) will be a big help in giving more to our charities.
The money we received for October was $110.
Vetetrans Driving Course
by Bob Sherba
AARP has set November as a special month to have extra AARP Safe Driving Courses where Veterans and their spouses will not be charged any fee to attend. Non- veterans can attend for the normal fee of $12 for AARP Members and $14 for nonmembers. The two day course will be offered in Lake of the Woods on November 14 and 16 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Community Center. Attendees over 50 are eligible for a discount for three years on their car insurance. Some companies will also allow younger drivers to get a discount. Advance registration is required. Call Bob Sherba at 972-0783 or Vic Larson 972-1928 to register. Preference will be given to Veterans.
Four Simple Steps to Better Balance
by Sandy Frame, Medical News
We all need to have good balance. Keeping good balance is harder than we may realize. Older people often have poor balance due to loss of muscle strength and joint flexibility, as well as reduced vision and reaction time. Also, the risk of inner ear dysfunction, which can throw you off balance, increases with age. Lack of exercise, alcohol, obesity, neuropathy (nerve damage) in the lower legs and feet, certain drugs or medical conditions, even wearing the wrong eye glasses, can interfere with balance at any age.
Here are some balance exercises you can do at home that need no special training or equipment. Stand near something you can grab for support if needed, or better yet, do them with a partner.
· Test your balance by seeing how long you can stand on one foot with your eyes closed. Most people over 40 can’t go past 15 seconds. Even if you can, try to improve your time.
· Without holding onto anything, rise up on your toes 10 times. Repeat with eyes shut.
· Stand on one leg, bending the other knee slightly, for 10 to 15 seconds; switch legs; repeat 10 times. Then do again with your eyes closed.
· Practice walking a straight line, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot.
Excerpts from the “Balance Matters” article found in the Univ. of Cal., Berkeley Wellness Letter, Vol.28, Issue 2, November 2011
Tax Assessment
by Pat Berry, Legislative News
I hope you were sitting down when you opened your reassessment notice. Otherwise you might have hurt yourself when you fell on the floor. Even if you were expecting the worst, the final numbers were probably a surprise. The letter from the county has lots of information, but there are still obvious questions. For example:
· How can a property be assessed for more or less than its purchase price?
Real estate may be assessed for more or less than the purchase price because the assessment reflects “fair market value” and property values have been severely depressed over the past few years.
· Is there a law that prevents assessment from changing more than a certain amount?
The constitution of Virginia requires real estate assessments to represent fair market value. There is no provision to limit the amount of change from one reassessment cycle to the next.
· Will my taxes go up or down after this reassessment?
Real estate property taxes are determined by applying the tax rate against each $100 of assessed property value. To know if taxes will go up or down, both the assessed property value and the tax rate must be known. The Reassessment Office determines the real estate value which goes into effect January 1, 2012. Real estate taxes are not determined until the Board of Supervisors sets the annual tax rate. By law, the variance from the previous year’s taxes can only be a few percentage points different.
For more information, go to http://orangecountyva.gov and click where it says “more information about reassessment.”
Highlights of the October Meeting
by Pam Nalls, Secretary
-Mark December 19, 2011, on your calendars for the AARP annual Christmas luncheon. Alice Grgas will have sign-up sheets at the NOV meeting.
-Dwight Mottet gave an Election Day/NOV 8th BBQ Chicken fundraiser status report. To date, 340 tickets have been purchased. The goal is to sell 800 tickets so your support is needed. Proceeds from this event go to local charities and AARP’s goal is to raise $2,500 for this most worthy cause.
-Please contact Pierre Payette or Dick Bradie if interested in serving as either Chairperson for the Silent Auction Committee or as Scrapbook Editor.
- Patti Batten announced that the Silent Auction took in approximately $111 at the Oct. meeting.
-Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing; Mary Lou Roth was the winner of $52.50.
-The next meeting will be MON, November 21, 2011, Clubhouse, 9:30AM.
