March 2013 Newsletter

President’s Letter
     Wow! The year is going fast. Larry Fernandez and his helper Ken (plus the other bald guy stepping in to help) did a great job of displaying and explaining the different U.S. flags throughout our history and flag etiquette. He said the flag is a piece of cloth, but one to be revered, honored, and respected.
     We have more exciting programs coming up for us this year. A shredder event is being set up as we speak with a local bank for some time in the spring. More information will follow. CarFit, a program we have been trying to get off the ground, will hopefully take place on April 23-24. On April 23 the volunteers will be trained and on April 24 they will put that training to use in the actual event. Let me stress again, and Tony Aris will be encouraging folks to volunteer, that without a minimum of 12 trained volunteers, CarFit will die on the vine. For the actual event, we need the trained folks plus 4 to 6 extra hands to help. Contact Tony Aris for more detailed information at 972-2016.
     A VIN etching event may also be in the offing.
     Our next speaker will give us really useful and important data to digest and maybe apply. Ret. Major General Mari Eder will inform folks about Legacy Communication, how to tell your story. We are looking forward to another of our Program Committee winners.
     Speaking of legacy, I have a story. After my grandfather came here from the Old Country, he went to a restaurant for dinner. After dinner as he was leaving, the manager asked, "How was your dinner, sir?" My grandfather said, "Dinner vas gut, but only two pieces brad." He came back another night. The manager had instructed the server to give him four pieces of bread. As my grandfather left, the Manager asked, "How was your dinner tonight, sir?" My grandfather replied, "Vas gut, but not enough brad." The next time my grandfather showed up for dinner, the Manager instructed the server to cut an entire loaf of bread in half and serve it. Again, as my grandfather was leaving, the Manager asked, "How was your dinner tonight, sir?" My grandfather replied, "Vas gut, but back to two pieces brad!"
     How's that for legacy? And by the way, it's my brother's grandfather also!
Dick Bradie, President

“Telling Your Story”
by Charlotte Baker, Publicity
     You’ve had a lifetime of experiences, work, learning, traveling, and living. How can you effectively organize and present this rich legacy to friends and family? Come join AARP members and their guests at the March 18 meeting to see how it’s done.
     Mari K. Eder, who retired as a U.S. Army Major General after 35 years of service, will draw on her wealth of experience in communications and public relations to talk about your own narrative. General Eder was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal at her retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 31, 2011.
     General Eder’s wide range of assignments has taken her to Germany, Sweden, Norway, as well as many stateside locales, and she has been an adjunct professor, lecturer, and author on leadership and strategic communications.
     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.
     Attendees who wish to use a handi-capped parking place at the Clubhouse and find they are all occupied may park near the Fitness Center and take advantage of a volunteer shuttle service to and from the Clubhouse front door. Contact Larry Ervin at 972-0652 or Dick Bradie at 308-5507 if you would like to use the service.

Sunshine Report
Thinking-of-You cards were sent to Jim and Theresa Danoy and Joe and Alberta Diamondstein.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.

March Birthdays
(Pisces and Aries)
Francis Buttimer, Joann Buttimer, Diane Capps, Connie J. Connon, Ronald Daniels, Arlene DeSimone, Jeanette Embrey, Norma Ervin, Betty Evans, Peggy Grella, James Holliday, Tom 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, Gilbert Patterson, Shirley Pfile, Phyllis Pulice, Anthony Quattromani, Betty Scheuermann, Haag Scott, Robert Sherba, Nora Simpson, Stephanie Sloan, Janet Terry, Paul Tobin, Ralph Watterworth, Joe E. Wright, and Gerald Young

New Members
Welcome to Betty J. Evans who rejoined our group in February.

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
April 10 or 11 - One day to Richmond to visit the Virginia War Memorial & Museum. Free time in Carytown where lunch will be on your own. $30/pp. Pierre 972-0519.
April 24, AARP Ball Game (Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals). Cost: $63pp. Bus pick up 10:30 AM in LLCH parking lot. Info: Harvey at 972-2147 or John at 972-4883
June 11– 3 -- Three days, two nights in Victorian Cape May, NJ. $399/pp (dbl). Includes trolley tour, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Pierre 972-0519
September 29 to October 6, Cruise to Bermuda with the Bradies. Eleven days on the Norwegian Breakaway with one night pre-stay in Manhattan. 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.
October 7-9, Riding the Rails trip to WVA in the fall, and the 3 days - 2 nights. $420 PP (dbl). Two train excursions, 2 nights at Canaan Valley Resort, (incl 5 meals).
December 3-5. Greenbrier trip Keep these trips in mind. More info, sign-ups and deposits will be announced later. $760/pp (dbl). Decorated inside and out for Christmas. Meals included at the Greenbrier.
     In addition, the Travel Committee could use another person who is willing to take on the responsibility of organizing and leading a trip. We are currently looking for an individual willing to take on a planned trip to St. Michaels on the eastern shore, and/or organizing and leading a day trip or two.
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 McEuen at the March meeting or send a check to him at the address on the back of our newsletter.

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: Fridays 10 AM to 1 PM; Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM. Contact Joan Duy at 972-0360 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.

CARFIT
     This is a two-day event (April 23 for training and April 24 for application) 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., will be explored.
     Let’s sign up to be appliers of the training and keep our seniors safe on the road.

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.

AARP Silent Auction: Good News/Bad News
     The good news is that our February meeting was record setting, both your donations and purchases. The bad news? We are running out of goodies to auction. Look around for those unmatched items you don’t use. Perhaps they are just what an-other member is seeking
     In 2012 we raised over $1000, which was added to the kitty benefitting local beneficiaries including our Food Bank, and Fire and Rescue. With your generous support we are on track to set a new record. Contact Mary Hudak at 972-8042 or Karen Kovarik at 972-7866 to arrange pick up. While we welcome contributions at the meeting, those given in advance help us with pricing.
Heart Attacks and Women
by Sandie Frame
     Heart attacks occur when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked by a buildup of plaque in coronary arteries. Women get used to doing too much and learning to ignore minor ailments or fatigue because that is what women are programmed to do. But because heart disease is the number 1 killer of women, it is imperative that women learn the warning signs and symptoms, see a doctor regularly, and learn their family history.
Symptoms:
* Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness of pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
* Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
* Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
* Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
What to do during a heart attack:
* If you experience any of these signs or symptoms:
* Do not wait to call for help. Dial 911, make sure to follow the operator’s instructions and get to a hospital right away.
* Do not drive yourself or have someone else drive you to the hospital unless you have no other choice.
* Unlock your door. If you are able, take one or two aspirins. Try to stay as calm as possible and take deep, slow breaths while you wait in a chair for the emergency responders. Do not lie down.
     Many of these symptoms do apply to men as well as women. A cardiologist also recommended drinking one glass of water before going to bed. Not only does it help prevent heart attack and stroke. It also helps prevent night time leg cramps and if you take baby aspirin, take it at night. Aspirin has a 24-hour “half-life,” therefore, if most heart attacks occur in the wee hours of the morning, the aspirin would be strongest in your system at that time.
     Information supplied by Go Red for Women from the American Heart Association, 2013 and the water and aspirin information from Dr. Virend Somers, Cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, 2012.

Legislative News
by Toni Quattromani
     The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers the Livable Home Tax Credit, as compensation for those who incorporate into homes, either during construction or through renovation, features that enhance usability for frail or disabled residents. Tax credits are available for up to $5,000 for the purchase/ construc-tion of a new accessible residence and up to 50 % for the cost of renovations. Any tax credit that exceeds the eligible individual’s tax liability may be carried forward for up to seven years.
     Ideally, homes would be built with these features, but most of us are in housing with steps at the entrance, narrower doors and hallways and small bathrooms on the first floor. This does not limit our eligibility for a tax credit. If you retrofit your home with grab bars in bathrooms, or lever door handles, no-step tubs, accessible light switches, accessible kitchen counters or many other changes, you can apply for the credit, though credits for retrofitting are only 50 percent of the cost of installation up to a maximum of $5,000.
     To learn more and take advantage of the Livable Home Tax Credit, visit the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s call Violet Peyton at (804) 371-7124 or www.dhcd.virginia.com/ housingprograms. You want to make certain that you are satisfying the eligibility requirements for the program.

Highlights of the February 18, 2013 Meeting by Joan Albertella


* President Bradie awarded certificates to Joe Diamondstein for his service as the Chapter email distributor for many years and to Marion and Frank Jacobeen for their work at Sheltering Arms, Woods Cares, and many other community activities.
* President Bradie reminded members they are invited to attend the Chapter Board Meetings held at the Wilderness Library. Contact him if you wish to attend.
* Car Fit will be held April 23-24. Volunteers will be needed and training will be provided on April 23. Contact Tony Aris if you can help.
* Additional help is needed for the Eyeglass recycling. Contact Betty Hughes at 972-3820.
* President Bradie asked members to visit the Chapter’s Blog at www.locustgroveaarp.blogspot.com to see if they would use the blog for viewing Perspectives instead of getting a hard copy in order to lower Chapter cost for printing and mailing of the Perspectives. This process is still in the exploratory stage and members’ input is needed.
* AARP Free Tax Service – Call 972-0350 to schedule an appointment.
* The 50/50 was won by Donna Stanford.
* The next chapter meeting will be Monday, March 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 March 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. If interested please call Betty at 972-3820.