President’s Letter
Even with the rain and cold, I think the annual picnic came off pretty well. The food was good: hamburgers and hot dogs cooked by our professional chefs (did I see Gordon Ramsay working the grill?); the salads, veggies and desserts made for perfect comp-lements to the meat. And as a test, we had no actual external entertainment this time. I think we had a good time just schmoozing with each other.
And now we are officially into summer. Six months have sped by for the new Chapter officers and not too much has changed - well the new president has a different hair style from the previous leader, but so what?
I would like to ask you all a favor. Please email me and let me know how you are enjoying the mix of topics/activities we have been blessed with this year. I think our program folks are doing a splendid job of keeping the chapter meetings exciting, informative, and entertaining.
Our July meeting features Archer Di Peppe, an Antiques dealer. And, speaking of antiques, my brother had serious hearing problems. He went to the doctor and was fitted with hearing aids that gave him 100% hearing. He went back a month later and the doc said, “Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be pleased.”My brother replied, “Oh I haven’t told my family yet. I just sit around and listen. I’ve changed my will three times already.”
See you all on July16.
Dick Bradie, President
Art Appraiser to Address AARP
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity
The July meeting of AARP Chapter 5239, scheduled for Monday, July 16, at the Clubhouse will feature guest speaker Archer Di Peppe, a Certified Art Appraiser. He owned and operated Neat Stuff Antiques in Fredericksburg for 15 years, and has been a member of the Certified Appraiser’s Guild of America since 1996.
DiPeppe has appraised historic paintings and historic medals of honor for the National Park Service; the church silver for the Aquia Episcopal, one of the oldest churches in America; the museum aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Harry Truman; the furniture collection at Brompton, the president’s home on the University of Mary Washington campus; donations to the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center; and other museums in the area. He writes a monthly collector’s column “What is it Worth” for Front Porch.
DiPeppe graduated from James Madison University in 1974 with a B.A. in English. He also earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Richmond in 1978.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee, followed by the program at 10 AM. Come and bring a friend with you.
SUNSHINE REPORT
Get well cards were sent to Harvey Miller, Janet Embry and Marilyn McKay and Carolyn Wray.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
July Birthdays
(Cancer and Leo)
Karen Anderson, Tony Aris, Bernie Arnold, Julia Barnes, Joann Batten, Bonnie Boelke, Sal Buccola, Alan Clune, Richard Costanzo, Sue Dickinson,Judy Eiben, Gayle Fargo, Sandra Frame, Bob Jenks, Rima Laviano, Jim LemieuxGabriela McKallip, Sandi McNeilly, Ursula Medwid, Bernie Palowitch, Ruth Pavlik, Delma Roessler,Patrick Rowland, Doris Schluter, Margaret Thode,Sharon Webb, Diane Weller, Verna Wescott, and Henry Wright.
New Members
There were no new members in June.
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.
TRIPS AND TOURS
Sept. 4-7, Seats are still available for the motor coach tour of the Hudson Valley, NY—4 days, 3 nights. $559 pp dbl, $699 single. Price includes lodging, transportation, 6 meals, and tours of USMA West Point, FDR home and library, Vanderbilt mansion, Culinary Institute with lunch, Hudson River Cruise & 911 memorial in NYC.
Non AARP 5239 members are welcome. Reservations and $25 deposit or full payment checks are needed ASAP. Call Roxanne at 972-8364 and join us!
August 22 - Day trip to Stratford Hall, birthplace of Robert E. Lee. $55 per person, includes bus, tips, tour, and lunch. Bus leaves the LLCH at 8 AM and returns about 5 PM. Sights at Stratford include conducted tour of the Great House, a stroll through beautiful gardens, lunch in the dining room, a visit the gift shop.
At Westmoreland Berry Farm we can pick up fresh produce and some fantastic blackberries and peaches (and maybe have one of their good ice cream cones). The trip is based on capacity of 40 persons; if we can get more, the cost may be reduced; if we can't make quota before August 5, we'll have to cancel. Info: Kathi Martin at 972-5242 or at kak1066@verizon.net to hold your place. Non-members of AARP are also welcome, so spread the word!
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 AARP5239@gmail.com or call Carla 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.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Volunteers Needed
We need help big-time. Our chapter cannot operate efficiently without member volunteers. The more volunteers there are for a job, the easier that job is to complete. Please consider volunteering where you can.
* Carolyn Wray, our wonderful Public Relations person has to leave her position due to poor health. We need a replacement, and we need one now. This is not a tough job, but it is very important for our Chapter.
* Also, we need someone to research Senior Legislative issues and write up a summary for our chapter newsletter.
More than one person can do either of these jobs to share the work. We can train any interested persons in what is required.
* Kathleen and Dick Bradie have retired from TRIAD, effective April 30. Volunteers are needed to take over as liaisons to TRIAD. A list of various duties is available and volunteers can choose one or more.
* Volunteers are still needed to help with set-up and break down for the chapter meetings. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Contact the Bradies at 308-5507 or aceboggs16@yahoo.com
EYE GLASS PROCESSING: Betty Hughes is looking for more volunteers to help on the 4th Wednesday of the month 9 AM to Noon. The work is not hard and the company is excellent. Even if you can’t come every month, you can still help; come when you can. If interested please call Betty at 972-3820
Medical News about Varicose Veins
by Sandie Frame
About 50% of older adults have varicose veins, enlarged veins with a purplish or bluish color that typically appear in the legs and feet. They develop because age weakens the valves that normally close to stop blood from flowing backward to the lower extremities, when it should be flowing toward the heart.
When the valves become weaker, blood can accumulate in the veins, causing them to bulge.
Varicose veins are often dismissed as a cosmetic problem. However, varicose veins can produce pain and discomfort, and blood clots may form in them. Minor pain or swelling can be relieved by wearing compression stockings, which help your veins move blood more efficiently. To prevent them from getting worse, avoid long periods of standing and/or sitting and get regular exercise.
If your symptoms are severe or you are bothered by the way your legs look, you may want to consider other treatment options. Endovenous treatments are performed via a catheter that is threaded into the vein and emits heat that collapses and seals the vein. Another common procedure is phlebectomy, in which a small incision is made over the vein and the vein is the removed. For smaller varicose veins, sclerotherapy may be used. Sclerotherapy involves having a solution (usually sodium chloride) injected into the veins causing the vein walls to swell and stick together and the blood to coagulate. The vein then collapses and is no longer visible.
MY NOTE: Medicare and other insurances have strict guidelines regarding coverage for varicose vein treatments. Most treatments are considered cosmetic and not covered by insurances. Be sure you discuss any procedure with the physician to determine if your meet guidelines for coverage.
Reprinted from Women’s Health Reporter, Volume 13, Number 3, March 2012
Highlights of the June 18, Meeting
by Joan Albertella, Secretary
The June Chapter Meeting was held at Sweetbriar Park. Despite the rain, those who attended enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs and the variety of wonderful dishes brought by the members. President Dick Bradie thanked all those who helped to make it a success.
* Raffle tickets to support the Humane Society were sold by Bob Cooke and Betty Hughes provided the table decorations which one could take home for a modest donation.
* Kathi Martin announced she needed deposits for those who signed up for the Hudson Valley Trip and the one-day trip to Stratford Hall.
* The 50/50 was won by Betty Hughes.
* The next chapter meeting will be held on Monday, July 16, 2012.
