President’s Letter
Well, by the time you read this several major, minor, and scary events will have taken place. Hopefully, Hurricane Sandy will be gone, and hopefully with little or no damage in her wake. The kids will have celebrated Halloween on the Clubhouse Point and gotten their fill of goodies. The political ads that have taken over the media will be gone and voting for various individuals and issues will be settled. We will all be stuffed with BBQ chicken and sides. The next big joyous event will be Thanksgiving, a time to rejoice with family and friends and be thankful for the wonderful community and country in which we live.
Our Program Committee came up with another winner with the October speaker, Doctor Samuel Umesegha, who educated us on Geriatric issues and how to recognize and handle these senior conditions when we see them within ourselves and around us.
As we head toward a new year, let us all rejoice in the holiday season, whether it be Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, or just enjoying the happy and congenial atmosphere.
Speaking of old things, preserving what we have and trying to get back what we don’t have, there’s my brother.
He went to his Doc last week and said “Doc, you’ve got to give me something to make me young again. I’ve got a date with a beautiful girl tonight.”
His Doc said,“Hold on, you’re over 80, there’s not a lot I can do for you.” My brother replied, “But Doc, my friend Tony is older than me and he says he makes love 3 times a week.” “Ok,” says the Doc, “so you say it too.”
Dick Bradie, President
Preservation Activist to Address AARP
by Tina Aris, Program Chair, AARP Chapter 5239
Robert Lee Hodge, filmmaker, writer, and activist will be the featured speaker at the November 19 meeting. He will discuss preservation challenges at the local battlefields: Spotsylvania, the Wilderness, Chancellors-ville, Fredericksburg, and Salem Church. After earning a BFA from Kent State with a minor in history, he interned with the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission. He has also produced many documentaries. His remarks will make good use of 21 years of experience in learning and understanding the challenges and economics of battlefield protection.
Come to the Great Hall in the Clubhouse at 9:30 AM on November 19 for coffee, sweets, and an opportunity to chat with old and new friends. The program begins at 10 AM.
SUNSHINE REPORT
Get-well cards were sent to Pat Berry, Kathleen Brady, and Mary Hoffman; a Thinking-of-you card was sent to the Rossler's; and a sympathy card was sent to Henry Bassford to acknowledge the death of his Mother.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
November Birthdays
(Scorpio and Sagittarius)
Charlotte Banas, Ellie Baughman, Dick Bradie, Laurel Buongiovanni, Marilyn Buttimer, Joe Davidson, Carolyn Dionne, William Grogan, Mary Hudak, Don Larsen, Jan Lemieux, Helen Markart, Richard Martin, Mary Nolan, Brenda Rugless, Joe Sauro, Ken Tilliman, Ann Walker, Carla Wascalus, and Karen Woods
New Members
Welcome to Sally Denton, a new member who joined the chapter in October:
Report Email Address Changes
AARP Chapter 5239 uses emails to alert members to upcoming events and happen- ings. To avoid being “out of touch,” please pass along your new email address whenever you change it. Send an email to: aarp5239@gmail.com with a note giving your name and that it is a new address.
TRIPS AND TOURS
Dec. 5, Ticket holders for The Producers, will be leaving from the lower level of the Clubhouse at 11:30 AM; and will return at approx. 5 PM. Names are being taken for a waiting list. Info: Pierre at 972-0519.
Do you have any interest in trips to: Pittsburg, PA; Cape May, NJ; St. Michaels, MD; Bethlehem, PA; and Christmas at the Greenbrier, WV? Info: Roxanne Kessler at 972-8364.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Nominating Committee
The slate of officers and directors for the November election are:
President-Dick Bradie; Vice-President-Tony Aris; Secretary Joan Albertella; and Treasurer Joe McEuen,
Directors: Lucille Churchill, Dick Durphy, Bob Johnson, Dwight Mottet, Past President Dick Martin, and Sandra McNeilly replacing Roxanne Kessler.
NOTICE
The Post Office does not forward bulk mail even if you have your mail forwarded to an alternate address. If 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 we will restart your Perspectives at the LOW address.We mail during the first two weeks of the month.
Volunteers Needed
We need your help. Our chapter cannot operate efficiently without member volunteers. The more volunteers there are for a job, the easier that job is to complete.
* A call is out for a couple or two to take on the responsibilities of refreshments for our monthly meetings and other gatherings starting January 1, 2013. Our monthly meetings are an excellent diversion for folks who either can’t get out much due to their busy schedules or who just enjoy the camaraderie of standing around nibbling goodies, drinking coffee/tea, and chatting with friends and neighbors. Lucy and Gil Churchill and Alice Grgas have been instrumental in sweetening our palates and making some of the best coffee (regular and decaf) for us to savor while kibitzing. The current Refreshment Committee members mentioned above have done yeoman’s work for more than three years. It’s time for them to relax, do other things for the Chapter, and take pride in their efforts.
We need volunteers to take this commitment on, albeit for only one year if desired, or more if enjoyed like the current volunteers. It’s not hard killer work; lots of other members help in that they bring in the goodies and assist in setting up tables. Please don’t make me be the president who couldn’t get a cookie/brownie/muffin on my watch.
Speaking of cookies, my brother is not a savvy baker. He recently made a batch of chocolate chip cookies - it took him three days because he had to crack the shells of 100 M&Ms.
Call Lucy/Gil Churchill and/or Alice Grgas for all the details.
* Volunteers are desperately needed for the TRIAD program. Elaine Anderson in Orange and Dick and Kathleen Bradie in Locust Grove have resigned from the program after long service. Without new blood the program will disappear. Please consider volunteering for part of the duties so that the program can continue. Volunteer where you can. Contact the Bradies at 308-5507 or aceboggs16@yahoo.com
Folks, step up to help our Chapter, which has been awarded “2012 Chapter of the Year” by the state AARP. Thanks from your president.
Medical News
by Sandie Frame
To prevent injuries when raking leaves: Pick up debris before starting; use a rake suitable for your height; vary your motions and switch sides frequently, but avoid twisting when you toss the leaves; bend at the knees, not at the waist; don’t overfill bags; wear gloves and nonskid shoes; rake often so leaves do not pile up. Drink plenty of fluids when working outdoors in cold weather. It’s easy to become dehydrated in cold weather because of the water you lose from breathing, sweating, and increased urine production. In addition the cold actually impairs the thirst mechanism, so people tend to drink less.
How do you know if you should see a doctor about backaches that occur when doing yard work? Most pain related to strained muscles clears up by itself after a short time. If your back pain lingers for more than a couple of days and/or if it is accom-panied by certain other symptoms you should see your doctor. Back pain can also be a symptom of other health problems, including disk problems, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, hernias and even cancer. Pain following a hard fall or blow to the back should be evaluated. The same is true if pain is accompanied by fever or changes in your bowel or bladder habits. If your back feels worse when you lie down, or is severe enough to wake you at night, or runs down the back of your legs to your knees, see you doctor. Tell your doctor how it started, what helps relieve the pain (pain drugs, lying down, etc.), what makes it worse, and describe what if feels like (sharp, shooting, dull ache).
Compiled from articles found in the University of California Wellness Letter November and December 2010 issues and from the Women’s Health Reporter, April 2012.
Legislative News
by Toni Quattromani
The election will be history by the time you read this – I hope everyone voted. No matter which party is in control, the country still faces a “Fiscal Cliff” and “Sequestration.” What do these terms mean?
Fiscal Cliff ~ This term refers to a slowdown in the economy if certain laws are allowed to be enacted and other laws expire. For example:
* For employed people who get a W-2 statement, after tax income will decrease as the payroll tax (that each employee pays) increases back to 6.2%. The payroll tax had been decreased for 2011 and 2012.
* Expiration of the Bush-era tax cuts. Taxpayers at most levels of income will pay a higher rate.
Sequestration ~ Congress passed a set of rules that will force automatic cuts across ALL parts of the federal expenditures. ALL budgets, from the Defense Department to school lunch programs will be automatically cut 7% - 10%. Most of the news these days is about the Defense budget, but keep in mind that ALL federal budgets will be involved.
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
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 next 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.
Bring your used (cardboard only) egg cartons as well as plastic grocery bags to the meeting. 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.
Marie Barrett will now be collecting the Betty Crocker labels & the box top coupons for education. A special thank you goes to all those who save these items for charity.
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.
Highlights of the October 15, 2012 Meeting
by Joan Albertella
* President Bradie announced that our chapter was selected as the “Chapter of the Year” in Virginia. This was the third time the Chapter received this award.
* President Bradie recognized Paul Tobin for his many years of service as 50/50 ticket leader; Joe and Nola Davidson for the work they did in setting up AV equipment for the chapter meetings; and Carolyn Durphy for her role as Chapter Sunshine Lady.
* Dwight Mottet showed the new Chapter Presidents’ Plaque which will be hung in the Clubhouse. He also reminded everyone to please sell or buy the chicken dinner tickets. All profits go to very worthy organizations.
* Carla Wascalus stated that the election of new officers is coming up. Sandy McNeilly has been nominated to replace Roxanne Kessler. Additional nominations may still be sent to the nominating committee. Carla stated that volunteers are needed for the Tax-Aid Program and the Protective Money Management Program.
* Pierre Payette stated there are a few seats left for the bus trip to see The Producers matinee on December 5. Cost is $65. Interest lists for future trips were provided for members to sign up on: Pittsburg, PA; Cape May, NJ; St Michaels, MD; Bethlehem, PA; Greenbrier Christmas, WV; Renfro Valley, KY; and Ride the Rails, WV.
* Woods Cares is still in need of volunteers. Contact Marion Jacobeen at 972-4085 if you can help.
* TRIAD – a substitute for Nell Meador is needed for when she is not available to do the TRIAD table at the chapter meetings. Contact Dick Bradie if you can help.
* Refreshments – new committee members will be needed, starting January 2013. Please contact Dick Bradie if you can help.
* AARP Driving Course starts in November. There is no charge for veterans.
* The 50/50 was won by Vi Liberti.
AARP to Match Contributions for Hurricane Relief
The AARP Foundation has set up a relief fund for the victims of Superstorm Sandy, which will match donations dollar for dollar up to $500,000. Our local chapter began collecting donations at the Chicken BBQ dinner, and will again have a donation jar at the November meeting. Please give whatever you can. You may also send a check made out to the AARP Foundation and it will be forwarded with a chapter check. Mail to AARP 5239, PO Box 945, Locust Grove, VA 22508
Collecting for Hurricane Sandy Victums,at the Chicken BBQ. We will also have donation box and next AARP meeting
We had another successful Election Day BBQ. We sold 650 chickens, but 50 of you forgot to pick them up. The leftover chickens were given to the people at Germanna Heights. These people really appreciate our chickens as they are on a very low fixed income.
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 here! Several members have volunteered to run a shuttle service for those who need it. Contact Larry Ervin at 972-0652 or Dick Bradie at 308-5507 if you need to use this service.
Treasurer’s Report for October 2012: Check book balance as of October 31 is $14,599.94.
