February 2013 Newsletter

President’s Letter
     Well, here we are, starting a new year, hopefully hale and hearty. We had pretty decent weather to end 2012, and we dodged a bullet on January 17when the predicted snow didn’t make it up to our area. Let’s hope the groundhog’s prediction of a short winter is accurate. I’m ready to go fishing already, but I’ll wait a few months.
     Our Christmas Luncheon was great thanks to Gil and Lucy Churchill and Alice Grgas. Also the decorations ladies, Joy Poole, Roxanne Kessler and Carolyn Durphy, deserve plaudits for their efforts.
     Yah no (New York tork), we have a terrific Chapter with terrific members, and you can see that at each monthly meeting and special event. Folks who haven’t volunteered yet for any activity, hopefully, will jump on the bandwagon and pitch in where we are getting shy. Our membership (even though we don’t look it) is aging, and after serving the Chapter for a number of years, the “always” volunteers deserve a break. Ok, that’s my sales pitch.
     Valentine’s Day is coming up and what better event to take your sweetie to than the Chapter meetings for socializing and listening to interesting and exciting speakers or hearing some wonderful music.
     Our January speaker, Liesa Rhodes, gave us some valuable information on the topics of rehab data and nursing facilities.
     Speaking of nursing facilities, my brother, who is aging, went to his doctor recently and asked, “How do you know when someone should be in a nursing facility?” The doc replied, “Well, we give somebody a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket and ask him how he would empty a filled bathtub.” My brother said, “Oh, that’s easy. The bucket. It’s the biggest thing.” The doc said, “Actually, the answer is to pull the plug. Do you want a bed near a window?”
Dick Bradie, President

Flag Expert to Address AARP Members
by Charlotte Baker, Publicity
     An interesting showing of historic flags, a discussion of the evolution of the US flag, as well as current flag etiquette await AARP members and their guests at the February meeting.
     Larry Fernandez, retired from service with the US Army and Coast Guard, has been the principal speaker for twelve years for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion on the subject of our nation’s flag. He will display some of the various flags used by our country since 1775 and discuss the people who had an impact on the flag we see today. His remarks are the result of his own extensive research and collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute, the National Park Service, and numerous historical organizations.
     Come to the Clubhouse at 9:30 AM for coffee and sweets and the opportunity to chat with old and new friends. The meeting begins at 10 AM.

SUNSHINE REPORT
Get-Well cards were sent to Frank Jacobeen, Sandra McNeilly, Katherine Causby, and Bernard Van der Vliet; Thinking-of-You cards were sent to Bonnie Boelke, Maynard Matthies, Jim & Theresa Danoy, Joe and Alberta Diamondstein
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.

February Birthdays (Aquarius and Pisces)
Roger Anderson, Kathleen Bradie, Neil Buttimer, Jack Doherty, Irving Grimes, Benjamin Jason, Ed Kessler, Norma Lanier, Jeanne Larsen, Frank Liberti, Patricia Lieb, Joan Litschert, Mike Musatow, Peter Rainey, Barbara Rakes, MaryLou Roth, Michael Rugless, Alton Smith, Micky Talbott, Clair Wescott, Russell Williams, Patricia Witmer, Jody Zogran, and Ray Zogran
New Members
Welcome to James Holliday a new member who joined in January.

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 email to: aarp5239@gmail.com with a note giving your name and that it is a new address.

TRIPS AND TOURS
September 29 to October 6, Cruise to Bermuda with the Bradies. Eleven days on the Norwegian Breakaway with one night pre-stay in Manhatten. Per-person prices range from $1,206 to $1,531.71 includes cruise, all port charges and taxes, pre-stay in NYC and $50 donation to AARP Chapter 5239. Bus transportation to and from NYC will be arranged, prices to follow. Payment Schedule $250/pp deposit due at booking; final payment due by July 2. Info: Pooles, 703-505-7593 or 540-842-4798

Keep in mind these trips in progress for the year:
October 7-9, Riding the Rails trip to WVA in the fall, and the
December 3-5. Greenbrier trip Keep these trips in mind. More info, sign-ups and deposits will be announced later. Brochures should be available in the next month or so. Also, we are looking for suggestions for a few day trips.
Info: Pierre at 972-0519 or Kathi Martin at 972-5242.

NOTES, BITS AND PIECES

DUES, DUES, DUES  If you have not yet paid your $7 dues for 2013, please see our Treasurer Joe McCuen at the February meeting or send a check to him at the address on the back of our newsletter.

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. We will forward if you want and restart your Perspectives at the LOW address when you return.
     We mail during the first two weeks of the month.

AARP Year-End Success
by Charlotte Baker, Publicity
     AARP members wrapped up 2012 with a fun potluck luncheon on December 17 that featured a mouth-watering array of dishes, a special guest to install new officers, Gil Churchill’s fun way of awarding door prizes, and as usual, good camaraderie.
     Everyone was especially pleased to hear President Dick Bradie announce that the success of our activities throughout the year made it possible to donate a total of $7500 to a number of benevolent organizations. Donations were sent to the LOW Fire and Rescue Company; Lions Wilderness Food Pantry; Lake Youth Foundation; LOW Fun Bunch; Orange County’s Citizens Police Academy, TRIAD, Nutrition Center, Free Clinic, Animal Shelter, OC Primary School Head Start; the AARP Foundation, and the Culpeper SAFE House.

AARP Needs Silent Auction Items
As you start your spring cleaning (you do still, don’t you?) remember AARP’s silent auction. It raised over $1000 in 2012, which was added to the kitty benefitting local beneficiaries including our Food Bank, and Fire and Rescue. But we are running out of goodies to auction. Can you help? Contact Mary Hudak (8042) or Karen Kovarik or (7866).

AARP Free Tax Service
The AARP Foundation sponsors a free tax preparation program open to anyone. There are some restrictions: we cannot help you if you own a business with inventory or expenses over $5,000, or if you own rental property.
     The service operates from February 2 through April 12 in the lower level Club-house by appointment only. Open Fridays 10 AM to 2 PM; Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM. Contact Joan Duy at 972-0350 for an appointment. Bring Social Security cards for all family members, 1099s, W2s, receipts for all items to be declared and a copy of your 2011 tax return,

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.

Medical News
by Sandie Frame
     If you have not had your shingles shot, don’t put off getting the vaccine. There seems to be an increased incidence of shingles recently so I think a reminder is appropriate right now. Also a new review by the Cochrane Collaboration has confirmed that the shot reduces the risk of shingles in people over 60 by about half and reduces the severity of an outbreak if one does occur. It did find that the vaccine is more effective in people in their sixties than in those over seventy, since older people have a weaker immune response to it.
     The CDC recommends the vaccine for people 60 and older because that was the age group in the original studies. But in 2011, the FDA expanded its approach to ages 50 to 59, based on research showing that the shot cuts the risk of shingles by nearly 70 percent in that age group. Regardless of age, if you are over 50, you should get the shot if you have not already done so.
     The vaccine, which costs about $200, is covered by most insurance carriers, except Medicare unless you have Medicare D. Even if Medicare is your primary and you do not have D, check with your secondary coverage to see if they will cover it. Check also with the Health Department to see if they have the vaccine, and if so, what would your cost be. Out of pocket expenses with insurances vary.
     Most information found in the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, Volume 29, Issue 5, January 2013

Legislative News
by Toni Quattromani
     The American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) was signed into law on January 2, 2013 by President Obama. ATRA addressed many of the tax issues of 2012, often referred to as the “fiscal cliff.” The following is a brief summary of information on ATRA taken from two primary sources, www.usa.gov and from the National Association of Realtors articles.
     ATRA permanently extended reduced tax rates on income and capital gains and dividends if you make less than $400,000 ($450,000 if you’re married and file jointly). If you make more than that, the marginal tax rate for income beyond the new levels rose from 35% to 39.6 % and capital gains will be taxed on 20%.
    ATRA permanently extended the estate tax laws as they currently exist, except for the top tax rate, which was increased from 35 percent to 40 percent. Now up to $5 million of an estate’s worth is exempt from taxes.
     Wage-earners who have taxes withheld from their paycheck will see an impact in their first full check in 2013. Under the Social Security tax holiday granted two years ago, the 6.2 percent payroll tax was cut to 4.2 percent. In 2013, the amount withheld will go back up to 6.2 percent.
     The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) was established by Congress in 1969 to preclude higher wage earners from taking many tax exemptions. Unfortunately Congress failed to provide for inflation in determining the AMT in succeeding years with the result that more taxpayers were confronted with higher taxes each year. ATRA has reportedly fixed the AMT to protect middle income taxpayers.

Highlights of January 21 Meeting
by Joan Albertella
* President Bradie awarded certificates to Silent Auction Members (Mary Hudak, Karen Kovarik, Margaret Thode, and Jean Molinari) for their work in raising additional funds for Chapter distribution, and Pierre Payette for his service on the Tours/Travel committee. He also thanked Joy Poole, Carolyn Durphy, and Roxanne Kessler for the beautiful decorations they provided at the Christmas luncheon.
* Pierre Payette stated the Tours/Travel committee is working on three trips: St Michaels, MD; December 3-5, Greenbrier Christmas, WV; and October 7-9, Ride the Rails, WV.
* Skip Poole reminded the members about the September 2013 cruise (7 nights) from New York to Bermuda. It is a fundraiser for the Chapter.
* President Bradie reminded everyone to look for a possible hole under the handle of their car. Thieves are able to get in and get your address through the registration form.
* President Bradie also mentioned the Civic Club’s farewell for Dr. Stubbe on February 20 at the Clubhous. A Genealogy seminar will be held at the Fredericksburg library. Info: Paul Gunther at 540-412-9206.
* Car Fit will be held April 23-24. Volunteers will be needed and training will be provided on April 23. Contact Tony Aris.
* Additional help is needed for the Refreshments and Programs committees and Eyeglass recycling.
* The 50/50 was won by Kathi Martin.
* The next chapter meeting will be Monday, February 18, 2013

     The Lions Wilderness Food Pantry sends thanks as usual to the Chapter for the great response made for those in need during this difficult time. We will collect your donations at the February meeting.
Members may also to give a monetary donation if they wish. Make checks out to “Lions Wilderness Food Pantry” and send them to Kathi Martin at 101 Windy Lane.
     This month the Pantry needs sides (Hamburger Helper, pasta or potato side packets, etc.), Canned meats, peanut butter and NON-condensed soups also a great choice. PLEASE no personal items.
     The Food Bank also needs your used plastic bags and (card-board only) egg cartons; please bring them to the meeting.
     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.