President’s letter
Well, here we are at the beginning of a new year, and a new (mostly) panel of folks to run our wonderful and successful chapter. I know that the transitions will be seamless, and we will continue on our well-trod path to good deeds, care for our seniors, and continued general benefit for all. The holidays are over; we've all eaten too much, maybe tipped a few extra toddies or nogs, but generally enjoyed the season and our families. And now it's time to get back to work.
Chapter 5239 will flow along as it has during our many administrations since inception. One change, however, might have to be accommodated. The President's message here in Perspectives may not have a humorous tale each month. Unfortunately, most of my stories and jokes are not for mixed company, but if I can locate Dick Martin's source, we may get some laughs after all.
We have a number of new activities coming up this year in addition to our traditional efforts. We are going to need our steadfast volunteers to stay in place as much as possible, and we have to develop a cadre of new volunteers. Either our new Veep or one of our Directors will be seeking assistance with the performance of old and new endeavors, and we will be carrying on Dick Martin's open door policy. Any ideas for new things for the Chapter to be engaged in will always be given consider4ation.
Hope to see all of you at our January 16 meeting at the Clubhouse.
Dick Bradie, President
Chapter Focuses on Area
Watershed Issues
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity
Lee Sillitoe, Watershed Property Manager for the City of Fredericksburg will be the speaker at the AARP meeting on Monday, January 16. His main points of interest are environmental awareness, the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers (the source of our drinking water), the historic attributes of both rivers, the current use of both watersheds, and what lies ahead for them. Mr. Sillitoe has a degree in Geology from the University of Mary Washington. He served 20 years in the U. S. Marines, was a commercial fisherman for 10 years, and has been in his present position for four years.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee, and the program will begin at 10 AM. Everyone is invited to join us for the program—the first in 2012—and to become an active member of this friendly group of senior citizens.
2012 Dues Now Being Collected
January is the month to renew your yearly dues. Please send your check for $7 per person to AARP 5239, P.O. Box 945, Locust Grove, VA 22508. If you joined at the September, October, November or December meetings you dues are paid until December 31, 2013. Also several people have already paid their 2012 dues because they doubled paid early last year or already paid for 2012. If you are not sure call Carla at 972-3436 or Joe McEuen at 972-2054.
January BIRTHDAYS
(Capricorn and Aquarius)
Joan Albertella, Billy Bearden, Richard Bergmann, Chris Burr, Katherine Causby, William Charest, Alberta Diamonstein, Joan Duy, Rosalind Gantz, Mary Hannon, Carol Hein, Marie Johnson, Karen Kovarik, Angelo Laviano, Judith McCann, Jim Moore, Toby Musatow, Olga Patnode, Dick Phillipo, Sandra Plummer, Raymond Poole, Richard Stephens, Bill Walker, Bill Wemmerus, and Carolyn Wright
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy
Get-well cards were sent to Lee Frame, Carolyn Lewis, and George Webb
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to new member Doris Williams.
TRIPS AND TOURS
The Travel Committee needs volunteers willing to select, organize, and lead tours ranging from one day to several days. Volunteer now to be a part of this committee by calling Roxanne at 972-8364.
April 23 to April 27—Join us on a great trip to Savannah and Charleston! Four-night tour will include two nights in Charleston and two nights in Savannah. We'll see CSS Hunley, discovered in 1995 after being sunk in 1864, the first submarine! Also visit Magnolia Planta-tion for a tour and tram ride; we'll go to Ft. Sumter, visit the Mighty 8th Air force museum, shop in Charleston's historic district, and more, more, more!
Price of $595 per person double, $784 per person single, and includes bus, baggage handling, bus driver tip, four
breakfasts, three dinners, musical revue, tour of Mercer-WIlliams House and more.
A deposit of $25 per person will hold your reservation. For info, call Kathi Martin at 972-5242. Flyers will be available at the Christmas Luncheon.
NOTICE
The Post Office does not forward this newsletter. If you have an alternate address during the year, and you want to receive your copy of the Perspectives send your new/temporary address to Carla at cpw_low@yahoo .com or call 972-3436. Include the dates you will be away. If you move please let us know so we can remove your name from the mailing and
e-mail lists or give us new information if you want to remain a chapter member.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Resisting Aggression Through Defense (RAD)
by Dick Bradie, TRIAD
Imagine being out in a mall, shopping center, or just walking somewhere. What would you do if someone came up behind you and grabbed you for nefarious reasons? The RAD program (a series of eight 1.75-hour sessions will be held on Thursday evenings in the Teen Room at the LOW Community Center ) is designed for Vintage Virginians, male and female, to feel empowered and comfortable when moving around in an external environment. All situations are different and each one demands its own response. Learn how to cope in those situations and achieve a feeling of empowerment. Couples and singles are welcome.
If we continue to supply personnel for this program, then the excellent instructor (ask anyone who has participated in the program of its benefits) will continue to come to LOW. This keeps us off the roads at night. The next series of classes starts on January 19, 2012, and goes for seven additional Thursdays. Please call Dick/Kathleen Bradie at 308-5507 to get more info about this valuable and possible life saving program.
Silent Auction News for 2012
Please bring your goodies to the home of Mary Hudak, (our new Silent Auctioneer), the Saturday before the General Meeting each month. Mary lives at 201 Washington Street. She and her group will then place values on the items, and they will be ready for the meeting. If items cannot be brought on that Saturday, please get them to the Clubhouse early the morning of the meeting.
Soothing Aching Knees with Exercise and Other Non-Drug Options
Millions of Americans suffer from aching knees caused by osteoarthritis (OA). Knee OA starts when the cartilage that pads the bones of the knee begins to wear away causing the bones to rub against each other. Symptoms range from stiffness and intermittent mild pain to chronic pain that doesn’t stop even when you are resting. Fortunately, a number of non-drug treatments can help relieve the pain. These include:
Ice or heat: If your knees feel sore or are swollen use ice. If they feel stiff apply heat. Apply whichever is appro-priate for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day but no more than once per hour.
Knee Brace: If you decide to try a knee brace, wear it only during activities that are uncomfortable such as walking long distances, climbing stairs or dancing. Don’t wear the brace when resting or doing activities that do not stress the knees as this can result in weakening the muscles supporting your knees.
Massage: Massage can help relieve muscle tension associated with OA. It can also help boost circulation to the affected joint, which can decrease joint stiffness overall and promote cartilage repair. You can do your own massaging by simply rubbing the muscles around the knee – not the kneecap.
Next issue I will outline some simple exercises to promote flexible, strong knees.
Reprinted in part from Women’s Health Reporter, Volume 12, Number 12, December 2011
Highlights of the DEC Meeting
by Pam Nalls
· After a wonderful Christmas luncheon, the LOW AARP 2012 Officers/ Directors were sworn in by Mary Kofron, Virginia AARP Representative.
· LOW AARP’s 2011 Charity Donations totaled $7,330.73. The true highlight of our Christmas luncheon was the presentation by Dick Martin of the AARP’s 2011 charity donations.
· Dick Bradie advised the next TRIAD/Resisting Aggression Defense (RAD) class will begin January 19, 2012, and still has room for more participants.
· Kathleen Bradie conducted the 50/50 drawing; Lucille Churchill was the lucky winner of $81.
· The next Board of Directors Meeting will be held at the Wilderness Library on Monday, January 9, at 10AM.
· Our next General Meeting will be on Monday, January 16, at the Clubhouse beginning with refreshments at 9:30AM.
Thanks from the Wilderness Food Pantry for your checks and cash. This time of year there is a lot of call on the Pantry for not only money, but canned goods—meats, veggies, soups, sides. A basket will be available at the January meeting. (No personal items please.) Bring your used egg cartons as well as plastic grocery bags, also. Any items will be appreciated.
Both Rosemary Walker at 972-1375 and Marie Barrett at 972-5572 will be collecting Box Tops for Education and Campbell Soup Labels.
Betty Hughes needs the following items for the OC Animal Shelter: towels, blankets, canned cat and dog food and kitty litter. She is also seeking knitting yarn for a volunteer who is making cat beds. Betty also collects eyeglasses and hearing aids for the Lions recycling program. Items for the animal shelter should be given DIRECTLY to Betty Hughes and not placed in the Food Pantry box.
A special thank you goes to all those who save these items for charity.
