President’s Letter
Life can be so good. Temporary setbacks, I think, make our everyday experiences a little more meaningful when we are done with the knee, hip, shoulder replacements, etc. There is some pain and travail, of course, but when we face a new day with most of our marbles in place, WOW, we’re happy to be here, as the alternative is not an option.
We have experienced some wonderful weather in the past two/three months. I thought, “Boy-oh-boy, what could be better than this weather?” Well, let me tell you that Jonathan Morey’s performance, at our last meeting, both singing and narrating, was the icing on the cake of pure pleasure and joy! Jonathan is a talented individual who has served his country in his Naval capacity AND he lives in LOW with so many neighbors of the same ilk - talented, interesting backgrounds and careers, and giving so much of themselves for their communities and Country. There is a Yiddish word, “Qvell” meaning swell with pride. Let’s all Qvell in the knowledge that we live in such a wonderful community with such terrific folks all around.
Speaking of feeling good and healthy, my brother was at the doctor’s office recently and the doctor said, “You are in great shape. You’re going to live to be seventy.” My brother said,
“But I am seventy.” “So,” says the doctor, “did I lie?”
Hope to see you all at our April meeting.
Dick Bradie, President
The Lakers to Entertain AARP
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP
The well-known singing group the Lakers will be performing at the April 16 AARP Meeting in the Great Hall of the Clubhouse. The group, which sings four-part harmony, was formed in 1999, primarily as a ministry to seniors and others who like to listen to the “oldies.” The Lakers sing a great variety of oldies including Southern Gospel, old hymns of the church, 40's to 70's pop and rock (including Elvis, Dean Martin and Fats Domino imitations), old show tunes from the early 1900’s to the 1940's, barbershop, patriotic, and country (including Statler Brothers and Oak Ridge Boys songs).
The fact that the group sings a large variety of musical styles allows them the opportunity to sing for a large variety of audiences. They have sung for conventions, fairs, churches, homecomings, gospel sings, retirement and assisted living homes, civic organizations, various charitable functions, festivals, and many other venues.
The Lakers love to intersperse a lot of comedy into their programs, much of it spontaneous. They have six male vocalists and a piano player. Having six singers gives them some flexibility in doing performances when one or two can't be there. They hope that you will enjoy listening to their renditions of some of the “oldies.”
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at 10 AM on Monday, April 16 at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse.
April Birthdays
(Aries and Taurus)
Krik Aamou, Bruce Boyd, Tom Collins,
Betty Danley, Bob Fahy, Richard Getman,
Alfred Grella, Joyce Hardman, Paula Hornaday, Marge Howard, Frank Jacobeen, Terri Kalbacher, Carolyn Lewis, Maynard Matthies, Joseph McEuen, Dwight Mottet, Sheri Petersen, Noah Rakes, Sue Silliman, Jane Tobin, Ruth Wallace, Doris Williams, David Witmer, and Jennifer Zukowski
Sunshine Report
Get well cards were sent to: Jennifer Zuowski, Caroyn Lewis, Stan Lasover and Jane Tobin; Ralph Scheuermann Card of Encouragement
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
New Members
Welcome to our new member who joined in March: Delores Wiberg
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Assistance for Handicapped Members
For those members who wish to go to chapter meetings but cannot get a parking place in the handicapped area, help is coming! From 9:30-9:45 AM the Ervins have organized transportation from the 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 May 12. This is a free effort sponsored by StellarOne Bank, AARP Chapter 5239 and the OC TRIAD. The location has been set for in front of the 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., can be safely destroyed by Cintas who is 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.
Missing Plaque-ALERT-ALERT
Can anyone help AARP Chapter 5239 locate its missing plaque? It was hung on the wall of the vestibule of the main level of the Clubhouse. The plaque has been missing for about three months, and it contains the names of our past Presidents. If you have any idea of what might have happened to it contact Dick Bradie at 308-5507.
Carfit
Additional volunteers are still needed to participate in this two-day event that emphasizes fitting the car to the senior and the senior to the car. 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 actual event, which is the second day, with invited seniors. 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., will be explored.
Let’s sign up to be appliers of the training and keep our seniors safe on the road.
Silent Auction News
Kudos to Mary Hudak and her staff of helpers for having a very profitable Silent Auction at our March meeting. Let’s keep the goodies coming in so others can buy useful items that may not fit everyone’s needs, but I’ll bet there is somebody out there who would like that platter, picture, appliance etc., that someone else never used.
NY Club Picnic Fundraisers Needed
by John Trach
Volunteers are needed to help raise funds for the upcoming NY Club Picnic on September 8. For information call John at 972-4883.
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 Sandie Frame
Processed Red Meat Linked to Diabetes
Eating processed red meats every day is associated with a 51 percent higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while eating unprocessed red meat every day is linked with a lesser, 19 percent increased risk, according to study findings published in the October 2011 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Servings sizes cited in the study were 50 grams of processed meat, equivalent to one hot dog or sausage or two slices of bacon and 100 grams of unprocessed red meat, the equivalent of 3.5 ounces. The researchers estimated that substituting a serving of nuts, whole grains, or low fat dairy foods for one serving of red meat per day would lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 16 to 35 percent.
Article from the Women’s Health Reporter, Volume 13, Number 3¸ March 2012.
From our treasurer
If you haven’t paid your $7.00 dues, please send check to AARP5239, PO Box 945, Locust Grove, VA 22508 or pay at the April meeting.
Highlights of March Meeting
by Joan Albertella, Secretary
* Volunteers are still needed to help with set-up and break down for the chapter meetings. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
* Photos, articles, etc., are requested for the chapter scrap book. Contact Kathleen Bradie.
* Transportation for those who need assistance to attend the chapter meetings will be available from the parking lot directly in front of the fitness center.
* The New York Picnic will be held September 8. The Mets ball game will take place June 7. Contact John Trach for further information.
* Dwight Mottet announced that John Trach and Gil Churchill will be the new chairs for the Election Day Chicken Barbecue.
* CarFit Program will take place May 10. Volunteers will receive training on May 9. Contact Tony Aris for further information.
* Vin Etching – Still waiting on a date.
* Shredder Event will be held May 12, 9 AM-12 PM, at the Stellar One Bank Parking lot.
* The Orange County Sheriff’s Golf Tournament will be held May 4 at Meadow Farms Golf course. $100 was donated by the chapter to support this event.
