President’s Letter
As my two-year term as your President nears its end, I find us going into the busiest time of the year. Election Day, Chicken BBQ, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas keep us hopping for the last two months of the year.
Our chapter has seen many accomplishments by our membership: Volunteer Day, Vin Etching, Shredder Event, Food Pantry collection success, awesome trips (train rides, cruise, day trips in the area, Greenbrier soon). Without the help and work of many of our members, these things do not happen. Our Program folks have treated us to humorous, exciting, and informational speakers. Tours and Travel are most likely the best T&T of any chapter in our state and beyond. To name everyone who has been so critical to our success as “Chapter of the Year” again would take pages and pages. Let me just say, “THANK YOU!,” to all.
This is not my final statement. I get one more chance to regale you with my wit (sometimes half-wit) writings and stories.
Well, I hope to see you all at the luncheon. Bring friends/neighbors and those who are not members of our wonderful Chapter. The Christmas Luncheon would be an excellent venue for potential new members to see the benefits of joining our group. Attendees do not have to be members, and all they need for entry is a dish of scrumptious food (which is another benefit of our Chapter ~ good food).
A little tale about my brother: He volunteers in Nursing Homes to entertain the patients. One time he took his portable keyboard along and sang some funny songs at the patients’ bedsides. As he finished and was leaving, he called out, "I hope you get better." One elderly man retorted "I hope you get better, too."
See you on the 18th of November.
Dick Bradie, President
Dogwood Village Featured in November
by Charlotte Baker, Publicity
We know Dogwood Village as one of Orange County’s premier resources for health care. Some Lake of the Woods residents have used their services, and some are volunteers there. Now is our chance to learn more about what it offers. Patty Talley, Amanda Settle and Rita Johnson will each discuss various aspects of the facility and its capabilities at the November 18 meeting at the Clubhouse.
Begun in 1970, Dogwood Village has recently expanded and now offers assisted living in addition to
inpatient health and rehabilitation and outpatient rehab services. Since it is owned by the County of Orange, operations of the non-profit facility are overseen by the Health Center Commission of Orange County, members of which are appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
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
A Thinking-of-You card was sent to Joe & Alberta Diamondstein.
Get-Well Cards were sent to Patti Batten, Margaret Thode, Tom Hamilton and Deo Hardman.
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, Mari Eder, Mary Hudak, Don Larsen, Jan Lemieux, Helen Markart, Richard Martin, Mary Nolan, Brenda Rugless, Joe Sauro, Ken Tilliman, Bernard Van derVliet, Ann Walker, Carla Wascalus, and
Karen Woods.
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to new member Carmela Fox, who joined in October
TRIPS AND TOURS
December 3-5, Greenbrier Resort trip. All schedules, luggage tags, and gifts will be available for pick up at our Chapter meeting at the LOW Clubhouse on Monday, November 18, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. If you can't be there, please call Pierre at 972-0519 to make other arrangements for pick up. Also, Pierre will need information on any autos you plan to leave at the Clubhouse parking lot during the trip. (Make, model, color, license tag #).
March 31 – April 2, Mark the date on your calendar! We are organizing a trip to the Amish Lands including the Sight and Sound presentation of MOSES. Three days, 2 nights. This trip will sell out, so get aboard early. More at the November meeting.
You asked for it and here it is!
Sunday, April 27, 2014, One of your most frequent requests is for the International Tattoo, so we've put together a great day trip at a cost of $122/person.
Just see what the trip will include!
*Bus transportation from LOW to Norfolk
*The Norfolk Botanical Gardens and Tram Tour
*Tattoo Hullabaloo Entertainment
*The Virginia International Tattoo
*Dinner (restaurant TBA)
*Taxes and gratuities for dinner AND Driver
This is a great outing, so call or email Kathi Martin at 972-5242 or kak1066@verizon.net and include your phone number and email address. Deposit of $25/person due by December 15.
Join the Travel Committee - we could use another person who is willing to take on the responsibility of organizing and leading a day trip or two.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Chapter Christmas Pot Luck Luncheon
We are close to that time again, folks. On December 16 our new slate of Officers and Directors will be sworn in by Millie Wieser, President of the Culpeper AARP Chapter. We will be saying “Hellos” and “Goodbyes” on that day and starting on a new Administration. As in the past, they will get our total support.
Of course, on that day we will enjoy “Grandma Food,” and maybe some “Grandpa Food,” as we celebrate the fellowship and camaraderie of the Christmas Holidays. Festivities at the Community Center will start at 11:30 AM. Everyone is asked to bring the food dishes between 11:00 and 11:15 AM for set-up.
There will be a call sent out informing folks when to come to help with set-up of tables, chairs, decorations etc..
See you all on the 160of December .
Day of Service Report
by Bob Johnson, Organizer
The week of September 16-20 was our “Day of Service” week. While participation was down this year, we had 22 members work for TRIAD, National Park Service-Wilderness Battlefield, Food Bank, and the Orange County Historical Society. They performed 102 hours of community service.
Many thanks for all who participated. Remember when you participate in community service; be sure to register your hours at the meetings. Each year our members provide hundreds more hours serving our community.
Email, Email, Email, Are You Receiving?
If you have not been receiving the Chapter emails, please send a note to: AARP5239@gmail.com include your full name.
Woods Cares
If you or someone you know is in need of a ride or if you are willing to help, please contact Jeanette Embery 972-0726, Gail Henderson at 972-7436, Judy Schrage at 972-4028 or Carla at 972-3436. We are always in need of drivers and light repair workers.
Silent Auction: Dust Off Those Christmas Tree Ornaments
by Karen Kovarik, Silent Auction
The time has come to clean out your closets of forgotten ornaments, and Christmas togs you have
out-grown. Perhaps another member can use them to brighten up their holidays?
In the past we have not encouraged the donation of clothing since we could not adequately display garments. But, thanks to Gil Churchill we now have a suitable rack. It would be helpful if you also bring a hanger when you donate a new or gently used garment so we can show it off.
For pick up, please phone Karen (7866), or Mary (8042).
AARP Safe Driving Course
The LOW Lions are sponsoring AARP’s Driver Safety Course Wednesday, December 4, and Thursday, December 5, from 9 AM – 1PM in the Community Center. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Make check payable to AARP and mail to instructor: Su Bielmeier, 1310 Eastover Pkwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508. Please include check, your name, address, telephone number, and email address. For questions, contact Lion Su at driversafetyclass@gmail.com or call Su at 540-208-1914 (cell). Persons completing the course are eligible for a discount on their auto liability insurance that is good for three years. Learn defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws, and rules of the road. Discover ways to handle highway traffic, right-of-ways, and blind spots. This course does not reduce points on license.
Exercises to improve postural awareness
by Sandie Frame
Shoulder retractions: This exercise engages postural muscles. Hold a resistance band (or a thick piece of elastic) in both hands, arms bent with hands toward the front, keeping your elbows against your sides. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you rotate your arms away from your body while keeping your elbows against your sides. Hold for one or two seconds, then return to the starting position. Do 15 repetitions three to five times daily.
Chest stretch: This exercise helps posture by stretching your chest muscles so you are less likely to be in a hunched-over position. Stand by a door frame with one foot in front of the other. Place your forearm against the door frame while keeping your elbow bent at 90 degrees. Gently rotate your upper body away from the arm until you feel a stretch in your chest muscles. Do not let your shoulder move forward as you rotate. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Reverse sides. Do the stretch three to five times daily.
Legislative News for November 2013
by Tony Quattromani
With all the news and talk about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it is easy to lose track of Medicare.
If you currently have a Medicare Plan, you have the opportunity to change your plan during the open enrollment, which lasts through December. Medicare Open enrollment is the time to compare your current Medicare plan with all of your Medicare options for 2014. Compare your options carefully, and you may find better coverage, higher quality or lower cost. Also, you should keep in mind that Medicare recipients are now eligible for a number of free preventative benefits (when you use qualified and Medicare participating physicians or providers).
Information, tools for comparing plans and more detailed information are available at www.medicare.gov. This website is not the same as the healthcare site in the news. If you do not have internet access, you may call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Highlights of the October 21, 2013 Meeting
by Joan Albertella, Secretary
· President Bradie reminded members about the November 11 Veterans’ Day ceremony at 11AM at the Clubhouse.
· Election Day Chicken Barbecue – Gil Churchill stated assistance is still needed with cooking and cleaning grills the next day. Selling tickets is critical at this time. Only 400 have been sold to-date. Phone calls will be done to remind members.
· Tours and Travel: Roxanne Kessler will be returning to this committee. There will be a dress code for those participating in the Greenbrier trip.
· Dick Martin, Nominating Committee Chair, announced the 2014 slate for new officers. They are: President, Tony Aris; Vice President, Carolyn Durphy; Secretary, Jerry Schrage; and Treasurer, Larry Ervin. Directors: Dick Durphy and Sandy McNeilly will be returning. New Directors nominated are: Pam Nalls, Sharon Webb, and Larry Eiben. The slate also will include Past President, Dick Bradie. Voting will take place at the Chapter’s November meeting.
· Skip Poole presented a check for $1400 (from the fundraising cruise) to President Bradie. Total funds donated are $2476. Another fundraising cruise is scheduled for November 2014.
· Carla Wascalus asked members to let her know if they are going away for several months so she can forward the Perspectives to them. Also, please make sure she has your correct email.
· The 50/50 was won by Bud Moody.
Chicken BBQ Quick Report
We had a successful day. We ordered 610 chickens and sold them all but some of you forgot to pick them up; so the extra Chicken dinners where taken over to the people at Germanna Heights. Thanks to all that helped.
