President’s Letter
Well, here we are with almost one-quarter of the year under our belts and lots of things happening and going to happen. The presentation and demo of Project Lifesaver at our February general meeting was very impressive and informative. Our March meeting will be graced by the wonderful singing voice of Jonathan Morey, who some of you may have heard at venues around LOW. He will perform and tell some tales of his Navy days. More info will be in the next Perspectives.
The Shredder Event is set for May 12, from 9 AM to Noon, in the StellarOne parking lot. Preparations for CARFIT are moving along nicely thanks to Kathi Martin. It will be take place on May 9 and 10. Separ-ate write-ups on each of these events are on the following pages. We will have more info on Vin Etching soon.
We still need volunteers for all of our ongoing programs and welcome all comers. The choice is yours as to which program(s) and to what extent you want to involve yourself. Remember our motto, “Our goal is not to be served but to serve others.”
You know, we have such an amicable and social group here that it’s a pleasure to get together at our meetings. I don’t know how my brother would like it because years ago he was diagnosed with antisocial behavior disorder and he joined a support group. They never meet.
Dick Bradie, President
Soloist Jonathan Morey to Entertain at AARP Meeting
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP
The March 19 meeting of AARP Chapter 5239 will feature guest speaker Jonathan Morey. Originally from Newburgh, N.Y. he now resides at Lake of the Woods. He enlisted in the Navy in April 1985. He was honorably discharged as a Petty Officer First Class, after 20 years of service. After retiring from the Navy in 2005, Jonathan moved to Lake of the Woods with his wife and their two children. He is now a federal employee working in Washington, D.C.
A talented soloist Jonathan Morey has performed in many military retirement and change of command ceremonies. He has also performed at special events in Lake of the Woods such as Veteran’s Day events and the 2011 New York picnic. Jonathan performs patriotic ballads along with original music he has written. Mixing stories of his military and personal experiences with original music makes for a unique and entertaining experience. It will be a most interesting and fun program with one of our own LOW residents performing.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at 10 AM. on Monday, March 19 at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse.
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.
March Birthdays (Pisces and Aries)
Francis Buttimer, Joann Buttimer, Diane Capps, Connie J. Connon, Ronald Daniels, Arlene DeSimone, Jeanette Embrey, Norma Ervin, Kathy Fisher, Peggy Grella, Thomas Hamilton, Joyce Haring, Anne Hartzel, Gale Henderson, Mary Hoffman, Lee Huminik, Phyllis Jones, John Lacey,
Bill Lanier, Violet Liberti, Philip McCann,
Jean M. Molinari, Maurice Moody, Karen Mueller, Pam Nalls, Joe Nolan, Millie Nowers, Jim Ogletree, Shirley Pfile, Phyllis Pulice, Elizabeth Scheuermann, Haag Scott, Robert Sherba, Nora Simpson, Stephanie Sloan, Janet Terry, Paul Tobin, Ralph Watterworth, Joe E. Wright and Gilbert Patterson.
SUNSHINE REPORT
Get well cards were sent to: Ed Kessler, Lee Frame, Ruby Horvath, and Delma Roessler.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
New Members
Welcome to our new members who joined in February: Mike and Patricia Arnold, Christina Holliday,
Gabriela McKallip, and Gilbert Patterson.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Assistance for Handicapped Members
For those members who wish to go chapter meetings but cannot get a parking place in the handicapped area, help is coming! From 9:30-9:45 AM the Irvins will organize transportation from the lower parking lot to the Clubhouse door for those who need assistance. Park your car near the Fitness Center, stand by your car, and look for Larry Ervin.
Free Shredder Event
Gather up your outdated important papers for the Shredder Event scheduled for 12 May 2012. This is a free effort sponsored by StellarOne Bank, AARP Chapter 5239 and the OC TRIAD. The location has been set for the front of StellarOne Bank parking lot from 9:00 AM to Noon.
The sponsoring organizations are concerned about keeping folks safe from Identity Theft. This free event will help immeasurably. All those old Tax forms, house sales info etc., etc., can be safely destroyed by Cintas, offering this service to help our community. A donation container will be available if you care to donate. The recipient of donations will be shared by AARP Chapter 5239 and the OC TRIAD for subsequent charitable support.
CARFIT
This is a two-day event that emphasizes fitting the car to the senior and the senior to the car. Volunteers are needed (10-12 folks) to participate in this program and to apply what they learn in a training session. The program is sponsored by Aging Together, AARP and the Occupational Therapists organization. The first day starts at 9:30 AM and is a classroom activity to learn what to do on the second day, the actual event with invited seniors. The training lasts until 4:30 PM and is a real eye opener to all. Text books are supplied by Aging Together and the instructor is well versed in all aspects of the program. Volunteers are asked to bring a bag lunch.
On the second day, the trained volunteers apply their knowledge to each invited senior in the senior’s vehicle. Items such as how to tilt the steering wheel, distance from the wheel, optimum outside mirror placement, etc., etc. will be explored.
Let’s sign up to be appliers of the training and keep our seniors safe on the road.
Senior Driver Safety Course Offered
by Bob Sherba, LOW Lions Club
The LOW Lions are again sponsoring AARP’s Driver Safety Program on March 29-30. This program is the first, highly-recognized, comprehensive, nationwide, driver refresher course designed for older drivers. It discusses rules of the road and handling emergency situations and provides a number of tips on how to survive in the difficult driving environment of today.
The course takes into consideration physical changes, such as diminished vision and hearing and slowing reaction times, which occur as we age, and points out ways to compensate for these changes.
The two-day course will be held in the Community Center Teen Room from 9 AM to 1 PM each day. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Checks should be made payable to AARP. Persons completing the course are eligible for a discount on their auto liability insurance, which is good for three years. Therefore, the course should be retaken at the end of that time in order for the discount to continue. For reservations, call Vic at 972-1928 or Bob at 972-0783.
FALLS PREVENTION SEMINAR
A seminar is being presented by Aging Together dealing with seniors falling and severe issues resulting from the accident. Falls are among the top ten causes of death and serious injury among “Vintage Virginians,” but they can be prevented. Aging Together, partnered with a number of local organizations will be presenting this program in Orange County on March 21at the Holiday Inn Express in Orange. The session is scheduled from 9 AM to 2:30 PM with lunch provided. Register by calling 540-829-6405 or by Email to, info@agingtogether.org. Register early, there should be heavy attendance.
Silent Auction News for 2012
Our Silent Auction is going strong. Let’s keep bringing in those goodies for our members to bid on. How’s about we get some real exciting bidding wars at the auction! Anticipation is a stimulating experience and when you are constantly raising bids, it makes the bidder feel good and it certainly keeps our Silent Auction volunteers active and feeling worthwhile. Keep up the good work!
Report Email Address Changes
AARP Chapter 5239 uses emails to alert members to upcoming events and happenings. To avoid being “out of touch,” please pass along your new email address whenever you change it. Send an e-mail to: aarp5239@gmail.com with a note giving your name and that it is a new address.
Medical News
by Sandy Frame
Preventing and Treating Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner or side of one of your toenails (usually on the big toe) grows into the surrounding skin of the toe, causing pain, swelling, and in some cases infection. To prevent ingrown toenails, cut your toenails straight across and even with the tips of your toes. Make sure your shoes fit properly and do not pinch or put excessive pressure on your toes.
In most cases, you can treat ingrown toenails at home by soaking your feet in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day and sliding a piece of dental floss or cotton that has been soaked in an antiseptic or water under the affected nail to help it grow above the skin edge (change floss or cotton each time). Take over the counter pain relievers to help with the pain, and use a topical antibiotic and bandage to cover the sore area. Wear open toed shoes or sandals until the problem resolves. See a doctor if the condition worsens or you notice pus or redness that appears to be expanding.
Ingrown toenails can be especially problematic if you have diabetes, so check your feet and toenails regularly, and see your doctor if you notice and problems.
This is a reprint from Men’s Health Advisor found in the Women’s Health Reporter, Volume 12, Number 12, December 2011.
From our treasurer
If you haven’t paid your dues, please send check to AARP5239, PO Box945, Locust Grove, VA 22508 or pay $7.00 at the March meeting.
Legislative News - Tax Deductions
by Pat Berry
Did you know that for taxable year 2011, taxpayers born on or before January 1, 1947, may qualify to claim an age deduction based on birth date, filing status and income.
If you, or your spouse, were born on or before January 1, 1947, you may qualify to claim an age deduction of up to $12,000 each for 2011. The age deduction you may claim will depend upon your birth date, filing status and income.
If your birth date is: On or before January 1, 1939, you may claim an age deduction of $12,000. On or between January 2, 1939, and January 1, 1947, your age deduction is based on your income.
Other deductions approved by the Virginia Department of Taxation that you might want to read about are:
#106 – Long-term health premiums;
#109 – Sales tax paid on certain energy efficient equipment or appliances;
#111 – Charitable mileage.
Complete information for these and other deductions can be found at www.tax.virginia.gov. You must go to “Search our site” on the home page, type in “Deductions” and click the first topic. The first item on that page is “Age Deduction under HB5018”. Scroll down the page for the other items.
Highlights of February Meeting
by Joan Albertella, Secretary
* Elaine Anderson, TRIAD coordinator, was guest speaker. She spoke on the Project Life Saver Program which helps track alzheimer and autistic clients who wander away from their caregivers. Contact Dick Bradie for more information and volunteer opportunities.
* A chapter meeting set-up chair is still needed and volunteers to help with set-up.
* Photos, articles, etc. are requested for the chapter scrap book. Contact Kathleen Bradie.
* The Irvins will organize transportation from the lower parking lots to the Clubhouse for those who need assistance and wish to attend the chapter meeting. It will start in March , 9:30-9:45 a.m.
* The New York Picnic will be held September 8. Contact John Trach for information and volunteer opportunities.
* CarFit Program – Kathi Martin is working on a late May date.
* Vin Etching – Bob Johnson has contacted the sheriff’s office and is waiting for confirmation information.
* Shredder Event will be held May 12, 9 to 12, at the Stellar One Bank Parking lot.
* Due to credit card scanning by thieves, it is recommended to keep one’s credit cards in a metal case or wrapped in tin foil.
* The 50/50 – Ralph Daehnke was the winner of $46.
* The next chapter meeting will be held on Monday, March 19, 2012 at the clubhouse, beginning with refreshments at 9:30 a.m.
Thanks for your contributions to the Wilderness Food Pantry! The Pantry is truly grateful to AARP for your donations. We will be collecting grocery items for the Food Pantry at the AARP March meeting. This month the Pantry needs cereals and sides (Hamburger Helper, pasta or potato side packets, etc.) Canned meats and sides are also a great choice. PLEASE no personal items.
The Food Bank also needs your used egg cartons as well as plastic grocery bags. Any and all items will be appreciated.
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 for the Lions eye glass-recycling program.
Rosemary Walker is collecting unused all-occasion cards with envelopes that are in good condition to sell at the Lion's Shed. A special thank you goes to all those who save these items for charity.
