New Chapter Email
If you have not sent a note with your name to aarp5239@gmail.com, please do so. We are creating an email list just for our chapter. In the future if you change your email, send changes to aarp5239@gmail.com.
Let the Good Times Roll!
What a great get-together and fun time was had at the Chapter’s Annual June Picnic on the 20th. Because of the rain, the event was moved from the Sweetbriar Pavilion to the LOW Community Center…and despite the rain, a record crowd of members showed up to mix-and-mingle and share fellowship time and great food with each other.
Our thanks once again go to Gil and Lucy Churchill, our outstanding Refreshment Chairs…to the hamburger and hot dog chefs who braved the mist and rain to provide the mouth-watering hot meats…to Joe McEuen for smoothly handling the last-minute table-and-chair setup change from outside to inside…and to the many, many volunteer-helpers and dish-sharers for putting on such a relaxed, enjoyable, and tasty Chapter picnic. Great work, all, and well done!
Looking to upcoming events, the AARP Board Meeting will be held Monday, July 11, starting at 10 AM at the Wilderness Library. Chapter Officers and Directors and Committee Heads are encouraged to attend these Board Meetings. The meetings are also open for any members who may want to bring problems or service opportunities to the attention of the Board for possible action.
Then plan to come to Sailboat Beach by the Clubhouse on Saturday, July 23, to watch Bobbie Prees once again represent AARP Chapter 5239 in the Lake Youth Foundation’s annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. The fun starts at 11:30 AM. Bobbie won First Place for us last year in our race category, so she’s the early odds-on favorite to win again this year. Let’s all plan to show up to cheer Bobbie on to another watery victory.
Finally, our neighbor is a pretty blonde who can be quite dense about things. She complained the other day that her internet provider had rejected her password, even though she had followed the rules. What password did you use? we asked.
“MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonald GoofyRichmond.”
Why did you submit such a long, long password?
“They said it had to be eight characters long and include at least one capital.”
Dick Martin, President
McKees Discuss Conservation Program
by Carolyn Wray
The next meeting of AARP Chapter 5239 will take place on Monday, July 18, at the LOW Clubhouse. The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at 10 AM. The speakers will be Lynn and Dave McKee, volunteers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), a 3,200-acre facility located in Front Royal, Virginia.
They will be presenting an overview of the Institute, which supports the Smithsonian’s effort to conserve species and train future generations of conservationists. Staff at this location facilitate and promote research programs at Front Royal, at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, and at field-research and training sites around the world.
The SCBI houses about thirty endangered species of animals, and Lynn and Dave will be discussing the breeding programs and survival plans for Black Footed Ferrets, Clouded Leopards, Red-Crowned and White-Naped Cranes, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Przewalski’s Horses, and Cheetahs.
This should be a most interesting program and everyone is invited to come.
July Birthdays (Cancer and Leo)
Karen Anderson, Tony Aris, Bernie Arnold, Julia Barnes, Joann Batten, Bonnie Boelke, Richard Costanzo, Sue Dickinson, Barbara Drumheller, Gayle Fargo, Sandra Frame, Gene Jacobs, Janet Jacobs, Bob Jenks, Rima Laviano, Jim Lemieux, Sandi McNeilly, Ursula Medwid, Bernie Palowitch, Ruth Pavlik, Delma Roessler, Patrick Rowland, Doris Schluter, Margaret Thode, Sharon Webb, Diane Weller, and Verna Wescott
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy
Sympathy cards were sent to twins Sandy McNeilly & Sharon Webb on the loss of their mother.
Get well cards were sent to Virginia Bayer, Joe Noland, and Joyce Richter.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
A good time was had by all…
by Bob Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator, Day of Service
Wednesday May 18 and Thursday, May 19, 2011, were our “Volunteer Service Days.” First, thanks to all of you who volunteered and accomplished a huge service to our community. My count shows 70 people contributed 292 hours of service. This is slightly ahead of last year and well over our goal of 10% of the members and almost as many hours as last year.
I am including the contact information for the organizations. These organizations need help all year long—not just the two days we work as teams. If you are interested, call them directly and arrange a time to volunteer. Some of the reports I’ve received:
TRIAD: Dick and Kathleen Bradie (aceboggs@ comcast.net). Seven volunteers were able to complete all of the admin work (yellow dots), and a good time was had by all!
Dogwood Village/Orange County Nursing Home. (Patti Talley, Director, ptalley@dogwoodvillageocva. org). Barbara Ehlan, Skip and Joy Poole, Peggy Grella, and Joyce Breeden assisted residents in planting geraniums on the facility’s patio and terrace.
Orange County Animal Shelter (Betty Hughes hughesbj@comcast.net). Seven people (Ann Walker, Chris Grimley, Peggy Cooke, Bobbie Prees, John and Betty Hughes created 900 mailings for fundraising. This is the second year a vital task was completed. A “job well done.”
Wilderness Food Pantry (Betty Beck bbmarlpat@ aol.com).
Orange County Historical Society Paul Carter (pjlitterbox@peoplepc.com )
Sheltering Arms: Marian and Frank Jacobeen (jacobeen@juno.com). Eleven volunteers accomplished quite a bit: boarded up a broken window in the men's bedroom, organized the cabinet in the upper hall by contents, and reorganized and purged the freezers. Three of the men did outside work—grass cutting, trimming bushes and other needed work. It was a good day’s work! Frank Jacobeen shared that he still has carpenter work to do.
Wilderness Battlefield Shelter. Bob Johnson (bjohn913@comcast.net) The National Park Service spent quite a few dollars to paint the original Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) building (ca. 1930) and replace the roof. John Trach, Dorse Counts, Wade Aylor, Aggie Mucciacciano, and I cut weeds and raked leaves to make it safer (from brush fires) and more beautiful (can an old brown building be beautiful?).
Services to Abused Families (SAFE). Karen Brown (kbrown.safe@gmail.com) Pam Nalls, Dorse Counts, and Bob Johnson removed and painted 26 kitchen cabinet doors and drawers, installed new hardware, and reinstalled the fronts.
Photography: Thanks to Dick Durphy and Ralph Scheuermann for picking up and delivering lunches, and for taking pictures of the teams.
Lunches: Bonnie Boelke took charge of the lunch project. Bobby Prees, Vi Liberti, and Jane Tobin were done by 8:30—well before the deadline. As a consumer of one of the lunches, I can attest they were delicious, nutritious, and very welcome in the field.
Another note about the AARP picnic on June 20. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, and buns left over. Kathleen Bradie asked me if I could take them to the Germanna Heights Apartments (I help with a Sunday service there). Darlene Sayler added her pot of wonderful home-made beans. Due to your generosity, they had a wonderful cookout. Those who missed our picnic missed the best hamburgers made fresh by Lucy Churchill and her team of burger busters.
I’ve tried to get all volunteers and contacts names as best I can, but this task is like herding cats—you all are so busy and so talented, it is hard to get all the facts straight. If I’ve made a mistake or omission, please forgive me. Until next year.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
New Members
We welcome Florence Ramey and Lee Mintz who joined as new members in June.
Silent Auction
by Patti Batten
The Silent Auction Committee has benefited from two recent “LIVING ESTATE SALES.” We will meet shortly after July 4 to price and prepare for the July Silent Auction.
The tables are set up at 9:30 AM to give you time to select the items before the meeting starts. If you have any new or gently used, clean items you want to donate, you may bring them to the meeting or call Patti at 972-1370, Jean at 972-8310, Margaret at 972-5540, Diane at 972-2078 or Karen at 972-7866 for pick up
The Refreshment committee needs bakers for the next several months. See Alice Grgas at the refreshment table to sign up. Thanks for all your past delicious goodies.
New Yorkers Club activities
9/11 T-shirts are on sale to benefit Sheltering Arms. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack, “In Remembrance” T-shirts are on sale for $15 each by the New York Picnic Committee. Contact John at 972-4883 or at JoJanT@verizon.net
Tickets for the September 10 NY Club Picnic can be obtained from the following: John at 972-4883, John at 972-6216, Tony at 972-2016, and Dick at 308-5507. The $15 ticket includes the meal, souvenir booklet, and all supplies. Proceeds will be donated to Sheltering Arms.
Medical News
by Sandy Frame
Are you always tired? Not getting enough quality sleep can be one of the reasons. For most people seven or eight hours is ideal. If you have trouble getting enough sleep, these are some of the suggestions from Focus on Healthy Aging.
· Set a designated sleep and wake time and stick to that schedule every day of the week.
· Avoid stimulants such as caffeine especially after dinner.
· Create a quiet, peaceful sleep environ-ment. Do not watch television in the bedroom.
· Get regular exercise during the day (at least 30 minutes most days) but not heavy in the evening. You can find exercises to do in a chair if you are limited in mobility.
· If you take medication that makes you drowsy, take it in the evening if you can.
· Do not use alcohol as sleep medication.
From “Focus on Aging,” Women’s Health Reporter, Volume12, #6, June 2011.
Legislative News
by Pat Berry
Last month I wrote that the State of Virginia was preparing to launch an online registry for Advance Directives. Well, I guess you all know that the legislative process is slow and deliberative. I asked for status and found that the regs are waiting for approval from the Governor’s office. Once that is done they will need to be approved by the Registrar and be placed into a public comment period. That period is 30 days in duration. Can we all say maybe September?
Meanwhile, I’d like to mention a database sponsored by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that allows consumers for the first time to view safety complaints that other people have filed against specific products. After major recalls of children’s products and toys in 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 granted the CPSC authority to make the information it collects available to the public. The result was the creation of an online resource of comments from real people, not just company public relations departments. For example, if you type in "refrigerator," you will get a list of formal recalls and also specific complaints that previous buyers have filed concerning the appliances. To review a product, go to www.SaferProducts.gov. Consumers who visit the database can also file safety com-plaints of their own against a wide range of products. To register a complaint, you must provide your name, the name of the manu-facturer and model number, as well as other key information. Become an active partner in consumer affairs by sharing your comments with this national audience.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
June Newsletter
Picnic…Honors…Swimsuit Time
The relaxed, easy-going “Sweet Summer” is at long-last about to be with us. This means it’s time for enjoying the daily warmth and “slow-down” attitude of our daily grind.
Our Chapter’s Annual Picnic is scheduled for Monday, June 20, in the Lion George Lewis Pavilion at Sweetbriar Park. The Chapter will again provide the hamburgers and hot dogs, and lemon-ade. Members will provide the side-dishes, salads, and desserts to be shared by all. Food lines will open at 11:30 AM, so please arrange to have your foods at the Pavilion some time before then for setting out on the buffet tables.
June is also the time for submitting our nominations of Chapter members and groups to LOWA for their annual Honor Awards, “designed to recognize individuals and groups for volunteer contributions to the welfare of Lake of the Woods residents.” We did an informa-tional emailing on the Honor Awards recently to members.
Nominations close Thursday, June 30, and awards are presented at the annual LOWA meeting on Labor Day weekend. Nomination forms (fully filled out with reasons why the nominee should be honored) are available at the Holcomb Building or online at www.lowa.org . Or you can email your nominations to me Doodoo1066@Verizon.net to coordinate through the Chapter Nominations Committee, and we’ll handle submitting everything to LOWA for their consideration.
And June means “Swimsuit Time” at our pools and lakes. And that brings an unhappy “oh-oh” from many of us when we first put on our swim suits. If re-adjusting your eating habits is in order to better fit a swimsuit, log on to www.mypyramid.gov and then click on “MyPyramid Plan.” Fill in the requested details to find the best amount of each food group you should eat daily to be slim, trim, and svelte.
Finally, a guy was sitting at the Fareways Snack Bar, looking sad as he sipped his coffee. A friend saw him and asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you looking so gloomy today?”
“My wife and I got into a fight and she said she wouldn’t talk to me for a month.”
“What’s wrong with that?” the friend asked.
“The month is up tonight!”
Dick Martin, President
AARP Annual June Picnic
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP Chapter 5239
AARP Chapter 5239 will hold its annual picnic on Monday, June 20, rain or shine at the Lion George Lewis Pavilion in Sweetbriar Park. This popular event will start at 11:30 AM. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages, paper goods, and utensils will be provided by the AARP Club. Members are requested to bring their favorite potluck dishes, casseroles, salads, or desserts to share with everyone.
This is a very special social event for all to meet and greet old friends and meet new ones. It is fun to share stories and new jokes and good food. Please come and bring a friend.
JUNE BIRTHDAY--(Gemini and Cancer)
Sal Buccola, Connie Buttimer, Ida Cangelos, Philip Carmona, Lucy Churchill, Robert Cooke, Marva Culp, Ralph Daehnke, Richard Durphy, Nell Grimley, Marian Hamilton, Joanne Hewitson, Sibyle Jenks, Roxanne Kessler, Chuck King, Rina Lacey, William Mason, Nancy Miller, Jan Moore, Eugene Ostlund, June Pataky, Craig Rains, June Romedy, Bonnie Rowan, Judy Schrage, Sheila Souther, Donna Stanford, Marilyn Gramm Sunkel, Ginny Thoms, John Trach, Sandy Wemmerus, and Carolyn Wray
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome Martha Foote, Jane Wilde, Jim and Jan Lemieux, and Joe Wright who joined as new members in May.
SUNSHINE REPORT
A sympathy card was sent to Dick Berra on the loss of his wife Helen.
Get well cards were sent to Kathleen Brady and Kathleen Martin.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
AARP Day of Service
by Bob Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator
Wednesday and Thursday, May 18-19, were our Volunteer Service days. First, thanks to all of you who volunteered and accom-plished a huge service to our community.
While the final report and pictures are not tallied yet, I’m sure we met our goal of 10% participation by our members. Many were off to graduations of children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, which proved family comes first.
Just a reminder to leaders of the projects—please send me a report of your accomplish-ments and even your challenges for next year’s planning. Photographers—send me the pictures or give them to me on a CD.
From what I know already, we served TRIAD, the SAFE house in Culpeper, and the Wilderness Battlefield by doing tasks they either could not do or did not have the time or resources to do. Bonnie Boelke stepped up to the challenge to do lunches and had wonderful assistance from others. Speaking for myself, the lunches were absolutely the right thing at the right time!
I’ll get a report and some pictures out later, but until then, THANKS to all!
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Silent Auction by Patti Batten
Thanks to Ruth Wallace, Diane Weller & Jean Molinari for doing the Silent Auction for the month of May. I understand they made over $100.
We will not have a silent auction in June, due to the picnic. You may bring your new or gently used items for the July silent auction to the picnic, or call Patti at 972-1370 to have them picked up.
Email Guru Sought
Wanted – Email savvy member who would be willing to keep chapter email list up to date and to periodically send out notices of interest to members. AARP Chapter 5239 uses emails to alert members to upcoming events and happenings.
Joe Diamondstein, who has served our chapter as newsletter editor and as email contact for many years, has decided to step down. Out thanks to Joe for his dedication to keeping our chapter well informed.
What is Woods Cares?
by Janet Terry and Jeanette Embrey,
Co-Chairs of AARP's Woods Cares
Woods Cares is a group of AARP volunteers helping individuals within or near Lake of the Woods who are shut-ins, caregivers of shut-ins, or those in need for Some other reason. We have been serving our community members for the past 10 years. There are approximately 45 AARP members who have volunteered their time and/or talents. These individuals are all over the age of 50. Most of them are 60-, 70-, and 80-year-olds, who continue to be of service to their neighbors.
Services provided in the past have consisted of transporting people to doctor's appointments, dialysis or cancer treatments, the grocery store, or beauty appointments, and picking up prescriptions, or running other errands. Other helpful tasks have included simple plumbing repairs, small appliance repairs, raking leaves, and transporting trash to the compactor. We have also visited with shut-ins to give their caregivers a break. This list represents a sample of what you may need us to do for you. Remember, this is a free service.
If you would like to be a volunteer or know of someone who has need of our services, please contact one of our committee persons, and they will endeavor to find a person to help. Right now we are in urgent need of additional volunteers to drive several persons to dialysis weekly. With enough volunteers, each person would only need to drive once a month or less. For information and/or to volunteer, please call: Gail at 972-7436; Pat at 972-9223, Marion at 972-4085; Jeanette at 972-0726; or Janet at 972-1957.
Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Our AARP motto is, "The Power to Make it Better."
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
by Pat Berry
With all the other headlines shrieking at us about the world situation, it’s likely that you missed the passage of the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990. With that piece of legislation, Congress affirmed the right of every citizen to document his or her future healthcare wishes in writing with an “advance directive.” And now the Virginia Department of Health is preparing on online registry for advance directives that will offer secure storage of documents that protect your legal rights and ensure your medical wishes are honored if you are unable to manage your own care.
Such a registry would verify the type of care you want extended during an incapacitating condition, identify the person/people who can make decisions for you, communicate your wishes to those involved in your care and provide documentation for these personal health care decisions.
MORE ON THE SHINGLES VACCINE
by Sandie Frame
Sally Lyddane wrote to tell me that Medicare Part D coverage does pay a portion of the cost of the Zostavax. You have to have the prescription written by your M.D., as for any other drug, then send it in to your Part D provider. They send the vaccine to your physician, in your name, and then you get it from your physician.
I am not sure whether Part B will pay any part of the fee for the administration of the vaccine. Sally’s Part D provider had a co-pay of $40. Another source is the Health Depart-ment. Previously they were giving it free; however, this time they will be charging $200 for the vaccine. You can check to see if there will be any change in that policy. Their number is 672-1291.
Dick Brady found out that if you are being cared for under the VA umbrella you can get the vaccine from them. Walgreen’s has an ad on their window that they now provide the vaccine and will accept Medicare Part D. You can check with them to see what steps you have to take before receiving the vaccine through them. If anyone else knows of other sources, please let me know and we can let others know at the next meeting.
It’s Getting Closer
by Dick Bradie, New York Picnic Committee
What’s getting closer, you may ask? The New York Picnic, of course. Because of the 10-year Anniversary of the 911 tragedy, and since all Americans have been touched by the events of that dark day in 2001, we are inviting everyone to the NY Picnic. Ticket sales will commence soon (contacts for purchase of tickets will be announced in an upcoming Lake Currents) and will continue until we have reached the maximum for the Sweetbriar Park Pavilion. Remember the date—September 10, 2011, starting at Noon. Our caterer, Elmwood at Sparks, will be supplying the meal. The $15 ticket price includes the meal, a souvenir journal, and all supplies and decorations. The meal will be two salads, two entrées, breads with spread, and dessert. Coffee will be supplied; you are encouraged to bring any other drinks you would like to have.
Any profits realized will be donated to Sheltering Arms in Orange
Highlights of the May Meeting by Pam Nalls
- Roberta “Bobbie” Prees will again be leading the AARP team for the July Cardboard Boat Race, which benefits the Lake Youth Foundation. Volunteers are needed for construction. Please contact Bobbie at 972-4225.
-Dwight Mottet, Chair of the Chicken BBQ Committee, announced that Tom Hamilton will again serve as Co-Chair for the annual November Election Day BBQ. Dwight noted that this function requires approximately 120 member volunteers and has previously raised around $2,500 for charity. So, get ready to lend a hand for this important charity event.
-The Silent Auction took in $147.
-Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing; John Trach was the winner of $53.50.
-June 20 is the annual AARP picnic to be held at Sweetbriar Pavilion and commencing at 11:30AM.
The relaxed, easy-going “Sweet Summer” is at long-last about to be with us. This means it’s time for enjoying the daily warmth and “slow-down” attitude of our daily grind.
Our Chapter’s Annual Picnic is scheduled for Monday, June 20, in the Lion George Lewis Pavilion at Sweetbriar Park. The Chapter will again provide the hamburgers and hot dogs, and lemon-ade. Members will provide the side-dishes, salads, and desserts to be shared by all. Food lines will open at 11:30 AM, so please arrange to have your foods at the Pavilion some time before then for setting out on the buffet tables.
June is also the time for submitting our nominations of Chapter members and groups to LOWA for their annual Honor Awards, “designed to recognize individuals and groups for volunteer contributions to the welfare of Lake of the Woods residents.” We did an informa-tional emailing on the Honor Awards recently to members.
Nominations close Thursday, June 30, and awards are presented at the annual LOWA meeting on Labor Day weekend. Nomination forms (fully filled out with reasons why the nominee should be honored) are available at the Holcomb Building or online at www.lowa.org . Or you can email your nominations to me Doodoo1066@Verizon.net to coordinate through the Chapter Nominations Committee, and we’ll handle submitting everything to LOWA for their consideration.
And June means “Swimsuit Time” at our pools and lakes. And that brings an unhappy “oh-oh” from many of us when we first put on our swim suits. If re-adjusting your eating habits is in order to better fit a swimsuit, log on to www.mypyramid.gov and then click on “MyPyramid Plan.” Fill in the requested details to find the best amount of each food group you should eat daily to be slim, trim, and svelte.
Finally, a guy was sitting at the Fareways Snack Bar, looking sad as he sipped his coffee. A friend saw him and asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you looking so gloomy today?”
“My wife and I got into a fight and she said she wouldn’t talk to me for a month.”
“What’s wrong with that?” the friend asked.
“The month is up tonight!”
Dick Martin, President
AARP Annual June Picnic
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP Chapter 5239
AARP Chapter 5239 will hold its annual picnic on Monday, June 20, rain or shine at the Lion George Lewis Pavilion in Sweetbriar Park. This popular event will start at 11:30 AM. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages, paper goods, and utensils will be provided by the AARP Club. Members are requested to bring their favorite potluck dishes, casseroles, salads, or desserts to share with everyone.
This is a very special social event for all to meet and greet old friends and meet new ones. It is fun to share stories and new jokes and good food. Please come and bring a friend.
JUNE BIRTHDAY--(Gemini and Cancer)
Sal Buccola, Connie Buttimer, Ida Cangelos, Philip Carmona, Lucy Churchill, Robert Cooke, Marva Culp, Ralph Daehnke, Richard Durphy, Nell Grimley, Marian Hamilton, Joanne Hewitson, Sibyle Jenks, Roxanne Kessler, Chuck King, Rina Lacey, William Mason, Nancy Miller, Jan Moore, Eugene Ostlund, June Pataky, Craig Rains, June Romedy, Bonnie Rowan, Judy Schrage, Sheila Souther, Donna Stanford, Marilyn Gramm Sunkel, Ginny Thoms, John Trach, Sandy Wemmerus, and Carolyn Wray
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome Martha Foote, Jane Wilde, Jim and Jan Lemieux, and Joe Wright who joined as new members in May.
SUNSHINE REPORT
A sympathy card was sent to Dick Berra on the loss of his wife Helen.
Get well cards were sent to Kathleen Brady and Kathleen Martin.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
AARP Day of Service
by Bob Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator
Wednesday and Thursday, May 18-19, were our Volunteer Service days. First, thanks to all of you who volunteered and accom-plished a huge service to our community.
While the final report and pictures are not tallied yet, I’m sure we met our goal of 10% participation by our members. Many were off to graduations of children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, which proved family comes first.
Just a reminder to leaders of the projects—please send me a report of your accomplish-ments and even your challenges for next year’s planning. Photographers—send me the pictures or give them to me on a CD.
From what I know already, we served TRIAD, the SAFE house in Culpeper, and the Wilderness Battlefield by doing tasks they either could not do or did not have the time or resources to do. Bonnie Boelke stepped up to the challenge to do lunches and had wonderful assistance from others. Speaking for myself, the lunches were absolutely the right thing at the right time!
I’ll get a report and some pictures out later, but until then, THANKS to all!
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Silent Auction by Patti Batten
Thanks to Ruth Wallace, Diane Weller & Jean Molinari for doing the Silent Auction for the month of May. I understand they made over $100.
We will not have a silent auction in June, due to the picnic. You may bring your new or gently used items for the July silent auction to the picnic, or call Patti at 972-1370 to have them picked up.
Email Guru Sought
Wanted – Email savvy member who would be willing to keep chapter email list up to date and to periodically send out notices of interest to members. AARP Chapter 5239 uses emails to alert members to upcoming events and happenings.
Joe Diamondstein, who has served our chapter as newsletter editor and as email contact for many years, has decided to step down. Out thanks to Joe for his dedication to keeping our chapter well informed.
What is Woods Cares?
by Janet Terry and Jeanette Embrey,
Co-Chairs of AARP's Woods Cares
Woods Cares is a group of AARP volunteers helping individuals within or near Lake of the Woods who are shut-ins, caregivers of shut-ins, or those in need for Some other reason. We have been serving our community members for the past 10 years. There are approximately 45 AARP members who have volunteered their time and/or talents. These individuals are all over the age of 50. Most of them are 60-, 70-, and 80-year-olds, who continue to be of service to their neighbors.
Services provided in the past have consisted of transporting people to doctor's appointments, dialysis or cancer treatments, the grocery store, or beauty appointments, and picking up prescriptions, or running other errands. Other helpful tasks have included simple plumbing repairs, small appliance repairs, raking leaves, and transporting trash to the compactor. We have also visited with shut-ins to give their caregivers a break. This list represents a sample of what you may need us to do for you. Remember, this is a free service.
If you would like to be a volunteer or know of someone who has need of our services, please contact one of our committee persons, and they will endeavor to find a person to help. Right now we are in urgent need of additional volunteers to drive several persons to dialysis weekly. With enough volunteers, each person would only need to drive once a month or less. For information and/or to volunteer, please call: Gail at 972-7436; Pat at 972-9223, Marion at 972-4085; Jeanette at 972-0726; or Janet at 972-1957.
Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Our AARP motto is, "The Power to Make it Better."
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
by Pat Berry
With all the other headlines shrieking at us about the world situation, it’s likely that you missed the passage of the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990. With that piece of legislation, Congress affirmed the right of every citizen to document his or her future healthcare wishes in writing with an “advance directive.” And now the Virginia Department of Health is preparing on online registry for advance directives that will offer secure storage of documents that protect your legal rights and ensure your medical wishes are honored if you are unable to manage your own care.
Such a registry would verify the type of care you want extended during an incapacitating condition, identify the person/people who can make decisions for you, communicate your wishes to those involved in your care and provide documentation for these personal health care decisions.
MORE ON THE SHINGLES VACCINE
by Sandie Frame
Sally Lyddane wrote to tell me that Medicare Part D coverage does pay a portion of the cost of the Zostavax. You have to have the prescription written by your M.D., as for any other drug, then send it in to your Part D provider. They send the vaccine to your physician, in your name, and then you get it from your physician.
I am not sure whether Part B will pay any part of the fee for the administration of the vaccine. Sally’s Part D provider had a co-pay of $40. Another source is the Health Depart-ment. Previously they were giving it free; however, this time they will be charging $200 for the vaccine. You can check to see if there will be any change in that policy. Their number is 672-1291.
Dick Brady found out that if you are being cared for under the VA umbrella you can get the vaccine from them. Walgreen’s has an ad on their window that they now provide the vaccine and will accept Medicare Part D. You can check with them to see what steps you have to take before receiving the vaccine through them. If anyone else knows of other sources, please let me know and we can let others know at the next meeting.
It’s Getting Closer
by Dick Bradie, New York Picnic Committee
What’s getting closer, you may ask? The New York Picnic, of course. Because of the 10-year Anniversary of the 911 tragedy, and since all Americans have been touched by the events of that dark day in 2001, we are inviting everyone to the NY Picnic. Ticket sales will commence soon (contacts for purchase of tickets will be announced in an upcoming Lake Currents) and will continue until we have reached the maximum for the Sweetbriar Park Pavilion. Remember the date—September 10, 2011, starting at Noon. Our caterer, Elmwood at Sparks, will be supplying the meal. The $15 ticket price includes the meal, a souvenir journal, and all supplies and decorations. The meal will be two salads, two entrées, breads with spread, and dessert. Coffee will be supplied; you are encouraged to bring any other drinks you would like to have.
Any profits realized will be donated to Sheltering Arms in Orange
Highlights of the May Meeting by Pam Nalls
- Roberta “Bobbie” Prees will again be leading the AARP team for the July Cardboard Boat Race, which benefits the Lake Youth Foundation. Volunteers are needed for construction. Please contact Bobbie at 972-4225.
-Dwight Mottet, Chair of the Chicken BBQ Committee, announced that Tom Hamilton will again serve as Co-Chair for the annual November Election Day BBQ. Dwight noted that this function requires approximately 120 member volunteers and has previously raised around $2,500 for charity. So, get ready to lend a hand for this important charity event.
-The Silent Auction took in $147.
-Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing; John Trach was the winner of $53.50.
-June 20 is the annual AARP picnic to be held at Sweetbriar Pavilion and commencing at 11:30AM.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
May Newsletter
May Means Another Busy AARP Month
The beautiful, wqrm month of May will hold at least two important events for me:
First, I will miss the AARP monthly meeting on Monday, May 16. My wife, Kathi, is due for a knee replacement operation that day, so I’ll be at her side in Mary Washington Hospital instead of meeting and greeting you-all as usual at the LOW Clubhouse.
Award-winning Chapter Vice President Dick Bradie will again run the meeting in my place. As you heard at the April meeting where Dick served in my Shore-vacationing place, Dick and Kathleen Bradie received “Volunteers of the Year Awards” from Virginia AARP. Board Member Pierre Payette made the presentation. Congratula-tions, Dick and Kathleen! You both certainly deserve the recognition for all the time and effort you give in helping others.
And second, we have our Chapter’s Annual Day of Service on Thursday, May 19. This year’s volunteer effort is again in the very capable hands of Bob Johnson, who has been working hard to make our 2011 effort “bigger and better than ever.”
If you haven‘t volunteered yet to help our Chapter assist local and area charity groups for a few hours on May 19, please give Bob a call at 972-4358 or email bjohn913@ Comcast.net to have your name added to the lists. It will only take a few hours of your time…and you will be repaid with a feeling of deep satisfaction for helping others who are less fortunate.
Finally, Roxanne Kessler will replace the to-be-hospitalized Kathi Martin in leading the May 24-26 Chapter bus tour up to Amish-land in Pennsylvania. The last time our group did this trip, they spotted a hand-painted sign on the back of one of those Amish horse-drawn carriages. The sign read: “Energy efficient vehicle—Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust.
Dick Martin, President
Freedom Honor Team to Perform at May Meeting
Carolyn Wray, Publicity
The Enduring Freedom Honor Team from Faith Baptist School in Fredericksburg will be performing at our May l6 meeting. The select 12-member high school ensemble, clad in vintage WWII uniforms, together with Greg Reed, Music Director (who plays trumpet and six other instruments) will entertain us with an eclectic repertoire consisting of patriotic, classical and current melodies. The band’s instruments consist of clarinets, trumpets, drums, flute, tuba, saxophone, trombone, and euphonium. The group has played at the Pentagon, the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, McGuire Hospital in Richmond, and Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC.
Mr. Reed has a BA and MA in music education from Spring Arbor University and George Mason University respectively. He draws his musicians from Faith Baptist School’s concert band which has won five first-place awards and three seconds in national competitions over the past eight years.
The meeting will start at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at 10 AM. This will be a very special program with a talented group of students from Faith Baptist School.
MAY BIRTHDAYS
(Taurus and Gemini)
Patricia Batten, Pat Bisset, James Buongiovanni, Diana Calegari, Evadine Cooper, Joe Diamonstein, Larry Eiben, John Gamble, Alice Grgas, Gloria Hutt, Ramona Lamon, Arthur Lieb, Rani Manhard, Harvey Miller, Linda Ogletree, Zoila Ortega, Pierre Payette, Val Protiva, Edwin Roessler, Barbara Rueckert, Kathy Saladino, Doris Scoon, Michele Smith, Robert Spencer, Lillian Thompson, Lucille Tompkins , and Susan Wright.
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy
Get well cards were sent to Carolyn Lewis, Boyd Bowers and Vi Liberti.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Silent Auction
by Patti Batten
We need new or gently used items that are clean with no stains or tears. Some suggestions: Kitchen items, small hand tools for garden and household use, dishes, pottery, framed pictures, just to name a few. If you need the items picked up, you may call Jean at 972-7866, Ruth at 540-423-7274, Diane at 972-2078, Margaret at 972-5540, Karen at 972-7866, or Sharon at 972-1666, or you can bring them to the meeting.
The March meeting earned $109 toward our Charity donations.
Refreshment committee needs bakers for the May and July meetings. Since June is our annual picnic there will be no sign-up sheet available then. Thanks for all your past delicious goodies. See Lucy Churchill at the May meeting.
Help for Alzheimer Caregivers
If your family has a member in stages of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, Aging Together, serving the Orange County area, has an eight-week in-home training program that supports caregiving families.
Called “Connections,” the goal of the free program is to improve the quality of life for persons with Alzheimer’s and family care-givers. “Connections” teaches caregivers ways to get their family member involved in interesting activities in the home, lessens stress for the caregiver, and increases social opportunities for the person receiving care. Info: Aging Together at 825-3100.
Buy a 9/11 T-shirt
9/11 T-shirts are on sale to benefit Sheltering Arms. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack, “In Remembrance” T-shirts are on sale for $15 each by the New York Picnic Committee. Contact John at 972-4883 or at JoJanT@ verizon.net
Medical News
by Sandie Frame
The same virus that causes chicken pox stays in your body and can surface in later years as shingles. There is now a vaccine that may stop shingles from occurring. ZOSTAVAX is recommended for anyone over 60 who ever had chickenpox. While it does protect most people, it does not protect everyone from getting Shingles. There is a theory that it does make the shingles less severe and less painful. This vaccine is a one-time injection. You should not get this vaccine if you are allergic to gelatin, neomycin, have a compromised immune system or take high doses of steroids. Your doctor should be informed of all medications you are taking as other medications or conditions may prevent you from receiving the vaccine. Your doctor is the best person to advise if this vaccine is right for you. Possible side effects include: redness, warmth or bruising at the injection site, itching, a mild rash, or headache. Since this vaccine contains a weakened chickenpox virus, you should stay away from newborns, pregnant women who have not had chickenpox or those with compromised immune systems until the vaccine has taken effect. Now for the bad part: This vaccine is costly, over $200, and is not covered by Medicare at this time. If you have secondary insurance provider, check with them to see if they might cover it. For further information see web sites on shingles vaccine or Zostavax and the 2011 Medicare manual.
Legislative News
Various pieces of new federal legislation address both personal health care and related financial issues. One of interest to members of Chapter 5239 is a provision under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which will protect you against the denial of health insurance coverage. The Government Accounting Office reports that coverage may be denied due to billing errors, eligibility issues, or even a determination that a charge is not appropriate. In the case of a billing error, often the denial is issued because of duplicate claims or missing information. For example, in 2007 Maryland reported that 32 percent of denials occurred due to duplicate claim submissions.
There are several actions you can take to dispute a denial. First: you can file an appeal with your insurer. Second: if the appeal is denied, you can request that it be reviewed by the Virginia Bureau of Insurance (within 30 days after your initial appeal to the insurer is exhausted) acting as an external party. And finally, you can file a complaint with the Commonwealth of Virginia through the Bureau of Insurance. For information go to www.scc.virginia.gov and select the tab for “Insurance”.
If you need help in dealing with your private insurer, contact the nonprofit Patient Advocate Foundation (www.patientadvocate.org). The lesson for the day is that if you are denied coverage, don’t give up. File an appeal.
Attribution: Washington Post, March 24, “The Color of Money,” Michelle Singletary
Highlights of April Meeting
by Pam Nalls, Secretary
Dick & Kathleen Bradie have been awarded the AARP National Chapter Community Service Award for 2011. Pierre Payette presented the Bradies with an AARP certificate and pin in recognition of their exemplary volunteer work in our community.
Bob Johnson gave an update on the AARP’s Day of Service scheduled for 18/19 May. Sign-up sheets are available at the monthly meetings and more volunteers are needed.
Patti Batten provided the Silent Auction results and estimated that the intake from this month’s auction would be close to $100.
Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing; the winner of $56 was Boyd Bowers.
Also, Joe Wascalus had the winning ticket for a gift certificate from LOW Hair Studio.
You won’t want to miss the next meeting on Monday, May16, 2011, when our program will feature The Enduring Freedom Band.
The beautiful, wqrm month of May will hold at least two important events for me:
First, I will miss the AARP monthly meeting on Monday, May 16. My wife, Kathi, is due for a knee replacement operation that day, so I’ll be at her side in Mary Washington Hospital instead of meeting and greeting you-all as usual at the LOW Clubhouse.
Award-winning Chapter Vice President Dick Bradie will again run the meeting in my place. As you heard at the April meeting where Dick served in my Shore-vacationing place, Dick and Kathleen Bradie received “Volunteers of the Year Awards” from Virginia AARP. Board Member Pierre Payette made the presentation. Congratula-tions, Dick and Kathleen! You both certainly deserve the recognition for all the time and effort you give in helping others.
And second, we have our Chapter’s Annual Day of Service on Thursday, May 19. This year’s volunteer effort is again in the very capable hands of Bob Johnson, who has been working hard to make our 2011 effort “bigger and better than ever.”
If you haven‘t volunteered yet to help our Chapter assist local and area charity groups for a few hours on May 19, please give Bob a call at 972-4358 or email bjohn913@ Comcast.net to have your name added to the lists. It will only take a few hours of your time…and you will be repaid with a feeling of deep satisfaction for helping others who are less fortunate.
Finally, Roxanne Kessler will replace the to-be-hospitalized Kathi Martin in leading the May 24-26 Chapter bus tour up to Amish-land in Pennsylvania. The last time our group did this trip, they spotted a hand-painted sign on the back of one of those Amish horse-drawn carriages. The sign read: “Energy efficient vehicle—Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust.
Dick Martin, President
Freedom Honor Team to Perform at May Meeting
Carolyn Wray, Publicity
The Enduring Freedom Honor Team from Faith Baptist School in Fredericksburg will be performing at our May l6 meeting. The select 12-member high school ensemble, clad in vintage WWII uniforms, together with Greg Reed, Music Director (who plays trumpet and six other instruments) will entertain us with an eclectic repertoire consisting of patriotic, classical and current melodies. The band’s instruments consist of clarinets, trumpets, drums, flute, tuba, saxophone, trombone, and euphonium. The group has played at the Pentagon, the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, McGuire Hospital in Richmond, and Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC.
Mr. Reed has a BA and MA in music education from Spring Arbor University and George Mason University respectively. He draws his musicians from Faith Baptist School’s concert band which has won five first-place awards and three seconds in national competitions over the past eight years.
The meeting will start at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee followed by the program at 10 AM. This will be a very special program with a talented group of students from Faith Baptist School.
MAY BIRTHDAYS
(Taurus and Gemini)
Patricia Batten, Pat Bisset, James Buongiovanni, Diana Calegari, Evadine Cooper, Joe Diamonstein, Larry Eiben, John Gamble, Alice Grgas, Gloria Hutt, Ramona Lamon, Arthur Lieb, Rani Manhard, Harvey Miller, Linda Ogletree, Zoila Ortega, Pierre Payette, Val Protiva, Edwin Roessler, Barbara Rueckert, Kathy Saladino, Doris Scoon, Michele Smith, Robert Spencer, Lillian Thompson, Lucille Tompkins , and Susan Wright.
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy
Get well cards were sent to Carolyn Lewis, Boyd Bowers and Vi Liberti.
If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES
Silent Auction
by Patti Batten
We need new or gently used items that are clean with no stains or tears. Some suggestions: Kitchen items, small hand tools for garden and household use, dishes, pottery, framed pictures, just to name a few. If you need the items picked up, you may call Jean at 972-7866, Ruth at 540-423-7274, Diane at 972-2078, Margaret at 972-5540, Karen at 972-7866, or Sharon at 972-1666, or you can bring them to the meeting.
The March meeting earned $109 toward our Charity donations.
Refreshment committee needs bakers for the May and July meetings. Since June is our annual picnic there will be no sign-up sheet available then. Thanks for all your past delicious goodies. See Lucy Churchill at the May meeting.
Help for Alzheimer Caregivers
If your family has a member in stages of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, Aging Together, serving the Orange County area, has an eight-week in-home training program that supports caregiving families.
Called “Connections,” the goal of the free program is to improve the quality of life for persons with Alzheimer’s and family care-givers. “Connections” teaches caregivers ways to get their family member involved in interesting activities in the home, lessens stress for the caregiver, and increases social opportunities for the person receiving care. Info: Aging Together at 825-3100.
Buy a 9/11 T-shirt
9/11 T-shirts are on sale to benefit Sheltering Arms. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack, “In Remembrance” T-shirts are on sale for $15 each by the New York Picnic Committee. Contact John at 972-4883 or at JoJanT@ verizon.net
Medical News
by Sandie Frame
The same virus that causes chicken pox stays in your body and can surface in later years as shingles. There is now a vaccine that may stop shingles from occurring. ZOSTAVAX is recommended for anyone over 60 who ever had chickenpox. While it does protect most people, it does not protect everyone from getting Shingles. There is a theory that it does make the shingles less severe and less painful. This vaccine is a one-time injection. You should not get this vaccine if you are allergic to gelatin, neomycin, have a compromised immune system or take high doses of steroids. Your doctor should be informed of all medications you are taking as other medications or conditions may prevent you from receiving the vaccine. Your doctor is the best person to advise if this vaccine is right for you. Possible side effects include: redness, warmth or bruising at the injection site, itching, a mild rash, or headache. Since this vaccine contains a weakened chickenpox virus, you should stay away from newborns, pregnant women who have not had chickenpox or those with compromised immune systems until the vaccine has taken effect. Now for the bad part: This vaccine is costly, over $200, and is not covered by Medicare at this time. If you have secondary insurance provider, check with them to see if they might cover it. For further information see web sites on shingles vaccine or Zostavax and the 2011 Medicare manual.
Legislative News
Various pieces of new federal legislation address both personal health care and related financial issues. One of interest to members of Chapter 5239 is a provision under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which will protect you against the denial of health insurance coverage. The Government Accounting Office reports that coverage may be denied due to billing errors, eligibility issues, or even a determination that a charge is not appropriate. In the case of a billing error, often the denial is issued because of duplicate claims or missing information. For example, in 2007 Maryland reported that 32 percent of denials occurred due to duplicate claim submissions.
There are several actions you can take to dispute a denial. First: you can file an appeal with your insurer. Second: if the appeal is denied, you can request that it be reviewed by the Virginia Bureau of Insurance (within 30 days after your initial appeal to the insurer is exhausted) acting as an external party. And finally, you can file a complaint with the Commonwealth of Virginia through the Bureau of Insurance. For information go to www.scc.virginia.gov and select the tab for “Insurance”.
If you need help in dealing with your private insurer, contact the nonprofit Patient Advocate Foundation (www.patientadvocate.org). The lesson for the day is that if you are denied coverage, don’t give up. File an appeal.
Attribution: Washington Post, March 24, “The Color of Money,” Michelle Singletary
Highlights of April Meeting
by Pam Nalls, Secretary
Dick & Kathleen Bradie have been awarded the AARP National Chapter Community Service Award for 2011. Pierre Payette presented the Bradies with an AARP certificate and pin in recognition of their exemplary volunteer work in our community.
Bob Johnson gave an update on the AARP’s Day of Service scheduled for 18/19 May. Sign-up sheets are available at the monthly meetings and more volunteers are needed.
Patti Batten provided the Silent Auction results and estimated that the intake from this month’s auction would be close to $100.
Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing; the winner of $56 was Boyd Bowers.
Also, Joe Wascalus had the winning ticket for a gift certificate from LOW Hair Studio.
You won’t want to miss the next meeting on Monday, May16, 2011, when our program will feature The Enduring Freedom Band.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
April Newsletter
Thursday, May 19: Annual “Day of Service”
AARP Chapter 5239’s Annual “Day of Service” has been set for Thursday, May 19. This is in response to National AARP’s request that local chapters “create a day of service to organize members to work on local projects to assist organizations that provide services to the community or senior citizens.” Bob Johnson, who guided last year’s award-winning effort, will again lead our Chapter’s event this year. Bob’s outstanding 2010 report to Virginia AARP was so compre-hensive in detailing “Day of Service” advance planning and project execution, that they distrib-uted the report to area chapters and to National AARP as a guide on “what to do.” Last year, 69 volunteers worked at 11 locations in Orange, Fredericksburg, and Culpeper, racking up some 295 hours of service. More specific details for this year’s “Day of Service” are elsewhere in this issue of Perspectives. Please select a charity of your choice and then volunteer to spend a few hours on May 19 to help others in need. On a different front, several members asked recently if they could attend an upcoming Chapter Board Meeting. Yes, absolutely! All AARP Chapter 5239 Board Meetings are open to all members. Board Meetings are held at the Wilderness Library Meeting Room, starting at 10 AM. Meetings usually end before noon. Remaining meeting dates this year are Monday: May 2; July 11; September 12; and November 7. Chapter members who attend Board Meetings can express their views and comment on any subject under discussion, but only Chapter Officers and Directors can make motions for action and vote on motions. Finally, three Senior Citizen guys are out for a walk. First one says, “Windy, isn’t it?” Second one says, “No, it’s Thursday!” Third guy says, “So am I. Let’s go get a beer.”
Dick Martin, President
Obesity and Diabetes to Be April Topic
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP Chapter 5239
The next Chapter meeting will be held on Monday, April 18, at the LOW Clubhouse. The speaker will be Linda Weller, a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Diabetic Educator. She will discuss the fact that obesity and diabetes are enormous health problems and how to address them. Ms. Weller is currently employed by Culpeper Family Practice and Multispecialty Health Group at Spotsylvania Regional Hospital. She has earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree, and had to complete over 1000 hours of training to be able to take the diabetes educator examination. She has been a practicing registered Dietitian for 25 years. Working with Culpeper Family practice for past six years, she has provided one-on-one medical nutrition therapy and diabetes education. This practice has four physicians and four nurses who refer their patients to her for education. She has also worked in long-term care at the Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community since 1996 assessing the nutritional needs and planning menus. The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee, followed by the program at 10 AM. This should be another very interesting program that will address the health needs of our senior citizens.
March BIRTHDAYS (Aries and Taurus) Kris Aamou, Ginny Bayer, Betty Danley, Peggy Dowd, Judy Fahy, Richard Getman, Alfred Grella, Joyce Hardman, Paula Hornaday, Marge Howard, Frank Jacobeen, Terri Kalbacher, Adamou Kirk, David LeMay, Carolyn Lewis, Maynard Matthies, Joseph McEuen, Bob McFarland, Dwight Mottet, Sheri Petersen, Noah Rakes, Joyce Richter, Sue Silliman, Karl Staab, Jane Tobin, Ruth Wallace, David Witmer, and Jennifer Zukowski.
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy Sympathy card were sent to Donna Stanford on the loss of her father and to the family of Rose Bianco. Get well cards were sent to Grace McEuen and Sandie Frame. If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
AARP Plans Day of Service
by Bob Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator
Thursday, May 19, is “Volunteer Service Day.” First, thanks to all of you who volunteered over the past few years. You have made a big, positive impact on our community; not to mention awards for our President among other Virginia AARP clubs! Our goal is 10% of over 450 members in the chapter. Consider giving anywhere from two to six hours of your life to help with the project. For those projects that will span the lunch hour, the chapter will provide a sack lunch (just like good old Mom made when you were in school) and bottled water. The projects are designed so everyone can participate. Some are inside and provide much-needed assistance for those jobs that don’t seem to ever get done. Some require skills (painting, plumbing, minor carpenter work, etc.)
. Some require physical exercise such as yard work etc. Examples of the projects we intend to support are:
· Orange and Fredericksburg nursing homes (inside) to assist residents, to attend social activities, read to, write letters for, or just visit.
· Sheltering Arms inside—organize kitchen pantry, straighten out the linen closets, etc. Outside—touch-up painting, trim bushes, rake and pick up yard debris.
· Orange County Animal Shelter—dog walking or providing TLC.
. Orange County Historical Society—(outside) trimming and spruce up · TRIAD—(inside) assembling material for distribution.
· Wilderness Exhibition Shelter—(outside heavy) clearing debris and cutting vines. Some projects will be done on Wednesday 5/18 because it is better for all concerned. · Services to Abused Families (SAFE) – maintenance tasks.
· Wilderness Food Pantry: organize material for Thursday customer day. Some projects will be during the week because special approval is needed to volunteer Mary Washington Hospital We need volunteers to build lunches early on Thursday 5/19 at Bonnie Boelke’s house. We have “official” photographers, but feel free to bring a camera to help document our success. I will have sign-up sheets at the April 18 and May 16 meetings. If you know of other organizations we could help or if you can’t make a meeting to sign up, contact Bob Johnson at 972 4358 or e-mail bjohn913@comcast.net
DUES—DUES— DUES!!
If your address label is any color other than white your 2011 dues are overdue. If you think you have paid, then please contact Dick Durphy at 972-3306. Otherwise mail your check ($7/person) to AARP, PO Box 945, Locust Grove, VA 22508.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES New Members
We welcome Charles and Helen Brewer who joined as new members in February.
Silent Auction
by Patti Batten
We had a great sale in March and now we need more of the new or gently used items for our silent auction in April. Items must be clean, no spots or tears. Remember our auction proceeds go to local charities, through our local AARP chapter. My thanks to Jean Molinari, Sharon Webb, Diane Weller and Margaret Thode for their assistance in pricing, setting up, and arranging tables. The members of the committee for the month of April will be: Ruth Wallace at 540-423-7274; Karen Kovarik at 972-7866; and Margaret Thode at 972-5540. To donate items, please call these members, or Patti at 972-1370 if you need the items picked up, or you may bring them to the meeting. Please consider items that are suitable for Eastergifts to: grandchildren, mothers, grandmothers, etc. Easter is on April 24. We received a large donation of beautiful costume jewelry. We could use more, if you have jewelry that you no longer need or want. The pieces would make an interesting Sale Table for our “Spring Has Sprung” at the April meeting.I also want to thank all of our members for their suggestions, donations, and for their purchases from the auction. It is great fun, isn’t it?? The March meeting earned $109 toward our charity donations.
Refreshment committee needs bakers for the May and July meetings. Since June is our annual picnic there will be no sign-up sheet available then. Thanks for all your past delicious goodies. See Alice Grgas at the April meeting.
AARP Tax-Aide Program
by Donna Jackson
Tax time is quickly coming to a close. Free tax preparation and E-filing through the AARP Tax-Aide Program will be available at two Orange County locations through April 18, 2011. This service is open to everyone as there is no age restriction. Call for an appointment for one of the sites listed below. LOW Holcomb Building at 540-972-0350 or Orange Extension Office at 540-672-1361
TRIAD
by Dick Bradie
TRIAD announces its annual EXPO will be held at the Gordonsville Fire House on May 17. This year we will showcase some new exhibitors relating to seniors and their caregivers—come on down to check them all out. Lunch will be served (made in the FH kitchen by the Gordonsville FD Ladies Auxillary) and is free to all. We will have speakers on topics germane to our senior population. The Mayor of Gordonsville is the featured speaker, and others are being lined up as this is written. There will be lots of door prizes and give-aways. The event starts at 9 AM and ends around 2 PM. Let's get some car pools set up so more of our folks can come and learn and enjoy.
Help for Alzheimer Caregivers
If your family has a member in stages of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, Aging Together, serving the Orange County area, has an 8-week in-home training program that supports caregiving families. Called “Connections,” the goal of the free program is to improve the quality of life for persons with Alzheimer’s and family care-givers. “Connections” teaches caregivers ways to get their family member involved in interesting activities in the home, lessens stress for the caregiver, and increases social opportunities for the person receiving care. Info: Aging Together at 825-3100. Buy a 9/11 T-shirt 9/11 T-shirts are on sale to benefit Sheltering Arms. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack, “In Remembrance” T-shirts are on sale for $15 each by the New York Picnic Committee. Contact John at 972-4883 or at JoJanT@verizon.net
Medical News
by Sandie Frame
Pneumonia Vaccine: The latest statistics show that only about six out of every ten Americans over 65 have received the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine reduces death from the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia in older adults. Everyone 65 and older should be vaccinated, as should younger people with certain diseases, such as diabetes, lung or heart disease, or cancer, as well as smokers. You need the vaccine only once, unless you got it Medicare does pay for this vaccination. If you have not received this vaccination yet, please talk to your doctor to see if you should be receiving it.
AARP Chapter 5239’s Annual “Day of Service” has been set for Thursday, May 19. This is in response to National AARP’s request that local chapters “create a day of service to organize members to work on local projects to assist organizations that provide services to the community or senior citizens.” Bob Johnson, who guided last year’s award-winning effort, will again lead our Chapter’s event this year. Bob’s outstanding 2010 report to Virginia AARP was so compre-hensive in detailing “Day of Service” advance planning and project execution, that they distrib-uted the report to area chapters and to National AARP as a guide on “what to do.” Last year, 69 volunteers worked at 11 locations in Orange, Fredericksburg, and Culpeper, racking up some 295 hours of service. More specific details for this year’s “Day of Service” are elsewhere in this issue of Perspectives. Please select a charity of your choice and then volunteer to spend a few hours on May 19 to help others in need. On a different front, several members asked recently if they could attend an upcoming Chapter Board Meeting. Yes, absolutely! All AARP Chapter 5239 Board Meetings are open to all members. Board Meetings are held at the Wilderness Library Meeting Room, starting at 10 AM. Meetings usually end before noon. Remaining meeting dates this year are Monday: May 2; July 11; September 12; and November 7. Chapter members who attend Board Meetings can express their views and comment on any subject under discussion, but only Chapter Officers and Directors can make motions for action and vote on motions. Finally, three Senior Citizen guys are out for a walk. First one says, “Windy, isn’t it?” Second one says, “No, it’s Thursday!” Third guy says, “So am I. Let’s go get a beer.”
Dick Martin, President
Obesity and Diabetes to Be April Topic
by Carolyn Wray, Publicity, AARP Chapter 5239
The next Chapter meeting will be held on Monday, April 18, at the LOW Clubhouse. The speaker will be Linda Weller, a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Diabetic Educator. She will discuss the fact that obesity and diabetes are enormous health problems and how to address them. Ms. Weller is currently employed by Culpeper Family Practice and Multispecialty Health Group at Spotsylvania Regional Hospital. She has earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree, and had to complete over 1000 hours of training to be able to take the diabetes educator examination. She has been a practicing registered Dietitian for 25 years. Working with Culpeper Family practice for past six years, she has provided one-on-one medical nutrition therapy and diabetes education. This practice has four physicians and four nurses who refer their patients to her for education. She has also worked in long-term care at the Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community since 1996 assessing the nutritional needs and planning menus. The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM with sweets and coffee, followed by the program at 10 AM. This should be another very interesting program that will address the health needs of our senior citizens.
March BIRTHDAYS (Aries and Taurus) Kris Aamou, Ginny Bayer, Betty Danley, Peggy Dowd, Judy Fahy, Richard Getman, Alfred Grella, Joyce Hardman, Paula Hornaday, Marge Howard, Frank Jacobeen, Terri Kalbacher, Adamou Kirk, David LeMay, Carolyn Lewis, Maynard Matthies, Joseph McEuen, Bob McFarland, Dwight Mottet, Sheri Petersen, Noah Rakes, Joyce Richter, Sue Silliman, Karl Staab, Jane Tobin, Ruth Wallace, David Witmer, and Jennifer Zukowski.
SUNSHINE REPORT
by Carolyn Durphy Sympathy card were sent to Donna Stanford on the loss of her father and to the family of Rose Bianco. Get well cards were sent to Grace McEuen and Sandie Frame. If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306.
AARP Plans Day of Service
by Bob Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator
Thursday, May 19, is “Volunteer Service Day.” First, thanks to all of you who volunteered over the past few years. You have made a big, positive impact on our community; not to mention awards for our President among other Virginia AARP clubs! Our goal is 10% of over 450 members in the chapter. Consider giving anywhere from two to six hours of your life to help with the project. For those projects that will span the lunch hour, the chapter will provide a sack lunch (just like good old Mom made when you were in school) and bottled water. The projects are designed so everyone can participate. Some are inside and provide much-needed assistance for those jobs that don’t seem to ever get done. Some require skills (painting, plumbing, minor carpenter work, etc.)
. Some require physical exercise such as yard work etc. Examples of the projects we intend to support are:
· Orange and Fredericksburg nursing homes (inside) to assist residents, to attend social activities, read to, write letters for, or just visit.
· Sheltering Arms inside—organize kitchen pantry, straighten out the linen closets, etc. Outside—touch-up painting, trim bushes, rake and pick up yard debris.
· Orange County Animal Shelter—dog walking or providing TLC.
. Orange County Historical Society—(outside) trimming and spruce up · TRIAD—(inside) assembling material for distribution.
· Wilderness Exhibition Shelter—(outside heavy) clearing debris and cutting vines. Some projects will be done on Wednesday 5/18 because it is better for all concerned. · Services to Abused Families (SAFE) – maintenance tasks.
· Wilderness Food Pantry: organize material for Thursday customer day. Some projects will be during the week because special approval is needed to volunteer Mary Washington Hospital We need volunteers to build lunches early on Thursday 5/19 at Bonnie Boelke’s house. We have “official” photographers, but feel free to bring a camera to help document our success. I will have sign-up sheets at the April 18 and May 16 meetings. If you know of other organizations we could help or if you can’t make a meeting to sign up, contact Bob Johnson at 972 4358 or e-mail bjohn913@comcast.net
DUES—DUES— DUES!!
If your address label is any color other than white your 2011 dues are overdue. If you think you have paid, then please contact Dick Durphy at 972-3306. Otherwise mail your check ($7/person) to AARP, PO Box 945, Locust Grove, VA 22508.
NOTES, BITS AND PIECES New Members
We welcome Charles and Helen Brewer who joined as new members in February.
Silent Auction
by Patti Batten
We had a great sale in March and now we need more of the new or gently used items for our silent auction in April. Items must be clean, no spots or tears. Remember our auction proceeds go to local charities, through our local AARP chapter. My thanks to Jean Molinari, Sharon Webb, Diane Weller and Margaret Thode for their assistance in pricing, setting up, and arranging tables. The members of the committee for the month of April will be: Ruth Wallace at 540-423-7274; Karen Kovarik at 972-7866; and Margaret Thode at 972-5540. To donate items, please call these members, or Patti at 972-1370 if you need the items picked up, or you may bring them to the meeting. Please consider items that are suitable for Eastergifts to: grandchildren, mothers, grandmothers, etc. Easter is on April 24. We received a large donation of beautiful costume jewelry. We could use more, if you have jewelry that you no longer need or want. The pieces would make an interesting Sale Table for our “Spring Has Sprung” at the April meeting.I also want to thank all of our members for their suggestions, donations, and for their purchases from the auction. It is great fun, isn’t it?? The March meeting earned $109 toward our charity donations.
Refreshment committee needs bakers for the May and July meetings. Since June is our annual picnic there will be no sign-up sheet available then. Thanks for all your past delicious goodies. See Alice Grgas at the April meeting.
AARP Tax-Aide Program
by Donna Jackson
Tax time is quickly coming to a close. Free tax preparation and E-filing through the AARP Tax-Aide Program will be available at two Orange County locations through April 18, 2011. This service is open to everyone as there is no age restriction. Call for an appointment for one of the sites listed below. LOW Holcomb Building at 540-972-0350 or Orange Extension Office at 540-672-1361
TRIAD
by Dick Bradie
TRIAD announces its annual EXPO will be held at the Gordonsville Fire House on May 17. This year we will showcase some new exhibitors relating to seniors and their caregivers—come on down to check them all out. Lunch will be served (made in the FH kitchen by the Gordonsville FD Ladies Auxillary) and is free to all. We will have speakers on topics germane to our senior population. The Mayor of Gordonsville is the featured speaker, and others are being lined up as this is written. There will be lots of door prizes and give-aways. The event starts at 9 AM and ends around 2 PM. Let's get some car pools set up so more of our folks can come and learn and enjoy.
Help for Alzheimer Caregivers
If your family has a member in stages of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, Aging Together, serving the Orange County area, has an 8-week in-home training program that supports caregiving families. Called “Connections,” the goal of the free program is to improve the quality of life for persons with Alzheimer’s and family care-givers. “Connections” teaches caregivers ways to get their family member involved in interesting activities in the home, lessens stress for the caregiver, and increases social opportunities for the person receiving care. Info: Aging Together at 825-3100. Buy a 9/11 T-shirt 9/11 T-shirts are on sale to benefit Sheltering Arms. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack, “In Remembrance” T-shirts are on sale for $15 each by the New York Picnic Committee. Contact John at 972-4883 or at JoJanT@verizon.net
Medical News
by Sandie Frame
Pneumonia Vaccine: The latest statistics show that only about six out of every ten Americans over 65 have received the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine reduces death from the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia in older adults. Everyone 65 and older should be vaccinated, as should younger people with certain diseases, such as diabetes, lung or heart disease, or cancer, as well as smokers. You need the vaccine only once, unless you got it Medicare does pay for this vaccination. If you have not received this vaccination yet, please talk to your doctor to see if you should be receiving it.
March Newsletter
March is the Cruelest Month As we enter the month of March, most people swing between feelings of elation and gladness that cold winter is on its way out and then despair as yet another blast of ice and snow proves that winter is still around. Some people actually like winter. Our neighbor says she loves winter because she can then stay indoors without feeling guilty. The changeable weather of March at least proves one important point: that weather forecasting is still a few hours behind arthritis. March has many significant events. First, Sunday, March 13 is when Daylight-Saving Time begins. For days ahead, the argument rages over what to do with your clock! Is it “Spring a leak, Fall down” or “Spring like a lion, Fall like an apple”” or “Spring ahead, Fall back”? Divorces have resulted from such confused debates. Some people don’t like daylight-savings. They say, for example, what does daylight-savings really mean to people living in Seattle? One extra hour of rain? Another March milestone is Thursday, March 17—St. Patrick’s Day. (We omitted March 15, “the Ides of March”, out of homage to poor Julius Caesar!) St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year by nearly everyone, with food (corned beef and cabbage), drink (green beer), and jokes. Like, two Irishmen were coming out of a bar. It could happen. Sunday, March 20, will be the first day of spring. We then discover that March’s “windy” reputation doesn’t actually mean that winter is really blown away—it’s “washed away” by spring rains. Is this what they mean by “March Madness”? Dick Martin, President Supervisor Frame to Speak to AARP by Carolyn Wray, Publicity The April meeting scheduled for Monday, March 21, will feature District 5 Supervisor Lee Frame. Lee is currently Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. He has a broad and varied background, which includes career military service, Federal civil service, and service in local and county government. Lee earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California, and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Fellows Program of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Locally, Lee has also served in numerous programs, including serving as a board member and president of Lake of the Woods Association, serving on the Orange County Planning Committee, and volunteering for the Rescue Squad. His main points of discussion will be the impact of the recent Walmart decision to discontinue pursuit of construction at the intersection of Routes 3 and 20, redistricting of the local election districts, and the Orange County budget. Join us at 9:30 AM for coffee and sweets. These are difficult times and you need to be informed. Everyone is invited to attend. March BIRTHDAYS (Pisces and Aries) Joan Bealby, Francis Buttimer, Joann Buttimer, Diane Capps, Arlene DeSimone, Jeanette Embrey, Norma Ervin, Kathy Fisher, Peggy Grella, Thomas Hamilton, Joyce Haring, Anne Hartzel, Gale Henderson, Lee Huminik, Phyllis Jones, John Lacey, Bill Lanier, Violet Liberti, Sally Lyddane, Philip McCann, Jean Molinari, Maurice Moody, Karen Mueller, Pam Nalls, Joe Nolan, Millie Nowers, Jim Ogletree, Doris Parmelee, Shirley Pfile, Phyllis Pulice, Elizabeth Scheuermann, Haag Scott, Robert Sherba, Sue Simmons, Nora Simpson, Stephanie Sloan, Janet Terry, Paul Tobin, and Ralph Watterworth SUNSHINE REPORT We were all pretty healthy in February. No cards were sent. If you know of a member who needs cheering up, contact Carolyn Durphy at 972-3306. NOTES, BITS AND PIECES New Members There were no new members in February. Silent Auction We need new or gently used items that are clean with no stains. Ask your friends and neighbors to donate their items while they are spring cleaning. Spring and Easter are just around the corner. Think of the items that you will not use, such as small hand tools for the garden or household use, kitchen items, and knick knacks. Call Jean at 972-8310 or Margaret at 972-5540 or Patti at 972-1370 for pick up or bring them to the meeting. At the March meeting we will have a $20 certificate to LOW Hair Studio. We welcomed two new volunteers to our committee: Karen Kovarik at 972-7866 and Ruth Wallace at 540-423-7374. Thank you for volunteering. Be sure to come early and browse the tables at the Silent Auction. The February meeting earned $78 toward our charity donations. Free Income Tax Filing Assistance by Donna Jackson, AARP Tax-Aide Program Free tax preparation and E-filing through the AARP Tax-Aide Program will be available at two Orange County locations through April 18. 2011. This service is open to everyone as there is no age restriction. Call for an appointment for one of the sites listed below. LOW Holcomb Building through April 16, 2011. Appointments for either Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM, or Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM may be made by calling 540-972-0350. Orange Extension Office, 146 Madison Road, Suite 102, Orange (Across from McDonald's), through April 14, 2011. Appointments for either Wednesday from 10 AM – 2 PM or Thursday from 1 to 5 PM may be made by calling 540-672-1361. Requirements include: Social Security card(s) or appropriate alternatives(s), an official ID with picture, ALL W-2s and 1099 Forms, Social Security, and any other 2010 tax-related material as well as a copy of your 2009 tax return. Help Needed for LOW Event Planning LOW’s Community and Youth Activities Committee is looking for volunteers to help promote more events within Lake of the Woods for all age groups. Committee Chair Karen O’Donnell says “We are currently working toward planning Poker Night, Battle of the Bands, Community Days, and a Turkey Trot. There is potential for many other events that will utilize the facilities and talent we already have in Lake of the Woods, but we need people and contacts to help us put it all together.” If you’d like to help make Lake of the Woods an even more vibrant community for all its members, join the Community and Youth Activities Committee. The Committee meets the 4th Wednesday each month at the Community Center at 7 PM. To volunteer or to get more information, contact Karen O’Donnell at 972-0572 or email mailto:Odonnellake@Comcast.net . “I Can Break Into Your Car in 20 Seconds!” Thieves are resorting to new technology to get into your “locked” car, to loot whatever’s of value inside (cell phone, laptop, GPS navigator, briefcase, etc.)—or to steal the car itself. There is a device that robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your car doors using your key-chain locking device. When you push the “lock” button as you walk away from the car, it sends a code through the airwaves—where it can be instantly stolen. The crooks sit with their decoding device a distance away, and watch you go into the store or restaurant. They now have your unlocking code and several minutes to get into your car to steal and run. The answer? Manually lock your car door by hitting the lock button inside the car as you leave. It sends no signal. Use the “Clear” Button at Gas Pump Scam guru Dick Bradie advises members to use the “Clear” button on the gas pump after receiving your credit card payment receipt. The button is located on the bottom left side of most pump key pads. If you don’t hit the “Clear” button, your credit information is available to anyone in the gas station office, and could be used for illegal purchases by them. Pressing the “Clear” button after your gasoline is paid for will wipe out your card information. Medical News by Sandie Frame Handbag Advice for the Ladies: While large handbags seem to be making a comeback for carrying all of our items, if they are too heavy they can put your back out. Try to choose from among the following carry-all big bags or travel bags. Shoulder bags: Choose one with a wide strap that you can adjust so that the bag does not hang below your waist. Stand straight without leaning to the side or hunching your shoulders. Messenger-style bags that sit across your chest, and ergonomic-style bags can be more comfortable. Changing the side the bag hangs on also helps reduce the strain. Backpacks: A backpack-styled bag distributes the weight more evenly if it fits properly and if you use both shoulder straps. Look for wide, padded straps and a padded back. Bigger backpacks should have a hip belt. The bottom of the backpack should not hang below the waist. Wheel it: If you have to carry a heavy load on a regular basis, consider a bag with wheels. Highlights of February Meeting by Pam Nalls, Secretary · Terri Miles, Orange County Project EXCEL Coordinator, is seeking more volunteers to tutor students. For more information, contact Miles at ctmcc_us@yahoo.com or 661-7055. · Paul Tobin conducted the 50/50 drawing. The winner of $47.50 was Jean Molinari; Jean donated her winnings to the AARP. · Our next meeting will be Monday, March 21, 2011.
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