Hello, Everybody. Thank you all for renewing your membership. I hope you are well and behaving by sheltering in place. Just to let you know, I’ve received your checks, but If you have not seen your cancelled check appear yet on your bank statement, it is due to the fact that the bank we’ve been using for years, has been closed for a while because one of their staff has tested positive for the virus. They had to close the bank, sanitize it, and bring in new staff. Their hours are sporadic, but entering the bank at this time is not a good idea. Your membership for this year is up to date even though checks have not yet been deposited, but we’re working on it. Stay safe.
Harry Kiesler
Program … Paul Levine
The entertainer for the April 21 meeting was scheduled to be magician Phil Ackerly. Phil has created over 5,000 shows all over the country, including Off-Broadway in New York City and at Hollywood’s famous, Magic Castle.
In 2019, he won Best Stage Magician in two separate competitions by the Oakland Magic Circle and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. And every year he produces a fundraiser show for the South Bay Blue Star Moms, raising money to send care packages to the troops during the holiday season.
Phil Ackerly always presents a fun show, each one different and more amazing than the previous. Since we will not be able to see him on April 21st you can see his work at http://www.makephilappear.com.
A Doctor’s Coronavirus Advice … Ken Schieck
1) NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
2) Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc.. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.
3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.
4) Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts.
5) Wash your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.
6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home’s entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can’t immediately wash your hands.
7) If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!
What I have stocked in preparation for the pandemic spread to the US:
1) Latex or nitrile latex disposable gloves for use when going shopping, using the gasoline pump, and all other outside activity when you come in contact with contaminated areas.
Note: This virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you! BUT all the surfaces where these droplets land are infectious for about a week on average – everything that is associated with infected people will be contaminated and potentially infectious. The virus is on surfaces and you will not be infected unless your unprotected face is directly coughed or sneezed upon. This virus only has cell receptors for lung cells (it only infects your lungs) The only way for the virus to infect you is through your nose or mouth via your hands or an infected cough or sneeze onto or into your nose or mouth. 2) Stock up now with disposable surgical masks and use them to prevent you from touching your nose and/or mouth (We touch our nose/mouth 90X/day without knowing it!). This is the only way this virus can infect you – it is lung-specific. The mask will not prevent the virus in a direct sneeze from getting into your nose or mouth – it is only to keep you from touching your nose or mouth. 3) Stock up now with hand sanitizers and latex/nitrile gloves (get the appropriate sizes for your family). The hand sanitizers must be alcohol-based and greater than 60% alcohol to be effective. 4) Stock up now with zinc lozenges. These lozenges have been proven to be effective in blocking coronavirus (and most other viruses) from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx. Use as directed several times each day when you begin to feel ANY “cold-like” symptoms beginning. It is best to lie down and let the lozenge dissolve in the back of your throat and nasopharynx. Cold-Eeze lozenges is one brand available, but there are other brands available.
Program … Ken Schieck & Paul Levine
The speaker for our March 17 meeting will be Anne Karoly who will talk about the 2020 census and the need for a complete and accurate count for our community. The Census determines our representation in Congress and determines how 675 billion dollars in federal funds are distributed to the states. She will describe how we will be invited to participate in the Census, the ways we can each submit our own household’s questionnaire and will answer questions we may have.
Anne Karoly has worked for the U.S. Census Bureau since January 2019. As a Partnership Specialist, she works with local organizations to raise awareness and encourage participation in the 2020 Census. She is assigned to Santa Clara County to engage community organizations, networks and leaders on the importance of a complete and accurate population count.
A native Californian, she has returned after 23 years living on the East Coast. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in non-profits, senior programs, and faith-based organizations. When not working, Anne enjoys being out-of-doors, reading and quilting.
Troop Support … Angie Jaggars
Please bring these items for our Troop collection box: snacks, gum, trail mix, candy, handheld games. NO oral hygiene products, jerky or playing cards.
Legislative News … Daniel Nnorth and Claudia Schott
On the Federal level, HR 1230 POWADA (Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act) – passed the House. We need to thank our Federal Representatives for voting in favor of it. Our Representatives, Khanna and Lofgren, should be thanked for their leadership by co-sponsoring HR 1230 along with 90 other Representatives. We appreciate their support for all of our older workers. Now onto the Senate. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. We need to let our Senators know how we feel as soon as it comes out of the committee! Keep an eye on it. The committee has some good Senators on it, including Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT).
Our State Senators have also been busy, HOWEVER, SB 50 – Planning & Zoning – Housing Development (addressing affordable housing concerns, especially for older adults) failed on the Senate floor. We still need to thank our Senators, Beall & Monning, for their Aye vote and hard work in trying to get it passed and let them know we hope we can count on their continued support on this issue in the future.
With the latest criticism of President Trump’s policy on the coronavirus, all I can say is, stay healthy out there! (And Happy St Patrick’s Day!) We will have more news in April, now that the sessions are all under way and getting some steam up!
Community Service … Leona Fails
AARP FREE income-tax assistance at the Campbell Adult Center — Room E-46 — Tuesdays 1:00-4:00 and Fridays 9:00-12:00. Appointments are not necessary but can be made in person in Room E-46 during the Tuesday/Friday operating hours.
Lunch After Meeting … Miki Michlich
Britannia Arms, 5027 Almaden Expressway, 408-266-0550; wear green it’s St. Patrick’s Day