Harry Kiesler – Page 27 – Campbell Area AARP Chapter

Legislative News … Daniel North and Claudia Schott

February 6, 2019 by Harry Kiesler

Now that the government shutdown is at a “strategic pause,” we have work to do. AARP is urging us to continue asking our members of Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to protect SNAP and reject creating additional program barriers for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. Basically, don’t let us go hungry.

You can get more information about CalFresh, the state program that is part of SNAP, that provides fresh food to low-income households, including seniors. This is one of the programs that will be affected. For more information about CalFresh, either call 1-877-847-3663 or you can go online to http://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-nutrition/calfresh or http://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/CalFresh You can view a PDF of the CalFresh brochure at CalFresh_Senior_Bro_Eng.pdf or https://211sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/CalFresh_Senior_Bro_Eng.pdf sorry about all the webpages, everyone, but I can’t give you all a hardcopy of the brochures. You better hurry and give our Senators what for!

Of course, the “strategic pause” is only good until February 15th. If President Trump and Congress can’t come to a reasonable compromise, the shutdown will continue. As Trump’s approval rating continues to plummet, many Democrats are putting their names into the hat, including our very own Senator, Kamala Harris, and none other than Elizabeth Warren, an astute and incisive critic of the president.

“Harris believes that the time is now for us all to defend the American values of equality, decency, justice, and democracy — and her candidacy will be animated by her life’s work of fighting ‘for the people,’” according to a statement.

The list of possible Democratic candidates for the presidency is very long, senators from Hawaii to New Hampshire are adding their names. This looks to be a very interesting election. (But then, aren’t they all?)

Need Callers … Thelma Bridges

February 6, 2019February 6, 2019 by Harry Kiesler

We need two new callers for AARP; you can call Thelma Bridges, at the number listed in the Dispatch, if your are interested. It’s a very simple job each month which would only take about 30 minutes of your time. You get to know people and just remind them of the meeting each month.

President … Ken Schieck

February 6, 2019 by Harry Kiesler

AARP Associate State Director Antoine Cook left our January meeting with at least two positive impressions:

1) No other California chapter sponsors lunches after a general meeting;

2) He was impressed with the idea of “Glad Tidings” (thanks to Marilyn Clough for that phrase).

I know from other conversations with Antoine that he is also impressed with the scope of the Dispatch and the fact that it is published monthly.

These activities only come about because members of our chapter are willing to step up and use their talents to serve the larger community be that our AARP chapter or the neighborhoods and cities where we live (and sometimes work!). Furthermore, Mr. Cook also said that the Board positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer are absolutely necessary for a chapter to stay in existence. I bring this up to you because the position of Vice-President is currently vacant. If you appreciate the speakers that have informed our meetings over the years, you have an idea of what the Vice-President’s main responsibility is. Anyone with powers of persuasion and knowledge of the interests of seniors should consider volunteering in this position.

If you are interested, please see Jan Delucchi or myself; I served in this capacity recently for two years. Thank you for your interest.

Please read newly posted articles on our website and this issue of the Dispatch

County Communications Office, County of Santa Clara

February 6, 2019February 6, 2019 by Harry Kiesler

Dear Neighbors,

Santa Clara County is expecting extended rain beginning Sunday, January 13 through Friday, January 18. Rain and cold temperatures put people at risk for serious health conditions, including hypothermia, which is caused by dangerously low body temperature. Please share this information with those who may need it.

Daytime and overnight warming centers and expanded shelters services will be available starting Sunday, January 13 through Friday, January 18, 2019. For a printable PDF listing of facilities click here: http://bit.ly/WarmCenters1-2-2019.

For more information on shelter locations and warming centers around Santa Clara County, visit the County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing at https://www.sccgov.org/sites/osh/NeedAssistance/warmingcenters/Pages/home.as

Please check on family, friends, neighbors and others who might be at risk of cold-related health conditions:

• Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating.

• Babies or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions sleeping in cold rooms.

• People who remain outdoors for long periods — the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.

• People who drink alcohol or use drugs.

If someone experiences a body temperature below 95° F, please get immediate medical attention.

• Look for a warm room or shelter and remove any wet clothing.

• Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using warm blankets.

• Warm beverages can help increase body temperature, but DO NOT consume or give

alcoholic beverages or try to give beverages to an unconscious person.

Older adults can be more at risk because they often make less body heat due to a slower metabolism and less physical activity.

People 65 years of age and older should take cold weather precautions:

Cold Weather Tips for Older Adults (English): http://bit.ly/2GMIjTa

Consejos para gente de edad avanzada durante temporadas de frio (Spanish): http://bit.ly/2RrwFS4

年長者過好寒冬的秘訣 (Chinese): http://bit.ly/2s1jQj0

(Vietnamese): http://bit.ly/2Ajuiqq

FOUR CHAPLAINS INTERFAITH MEMORIAL SERVICE

January 17, 2019 by Harry Kiesler

FEBRUARY 2, 2019 10:00 AM, Saint Frances Cabrini Church, 15333 Woodard Road, Between Bascom Ave. and Union Ave.; southside of Camden, San Jose, 95124

Coordinated by Willow Glen Post 318 The American Legion

This service is open to veterans organization, patriotic and fraternal organizations, and individuals who want to share in a tribute to four chaplains of differing faiths who, in brotherhood, gave their life so others may have a second chance at living theirs.
Their act exemplified the meaning of duty to their God and Country, and love of their fellow man. They were truly men of God who, in brotherhood, conscientiously made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow troops.

The four chaplains, of the Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant faiths, were aboard the troop ship ATS Dorchester in the winter dark North Atlantic sailing toward England when a torpedo struck in the early morning hour of February 3, 1943. The ship sank within a very short period of time beneath the icy waters along with over 700 of the 900 aboard. Many of those who survived attributed their survival directly to the assistance and acts of compassion of the four chaplains aboard the ship that night.

Organizations are encouraged to bring their National Colors and unit banner for an opening ceremony procession and posting during the ceremony. Groups must bring their own flag stands for the posting of their colors. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Share in this remembrance and tribute to four men whose service to our men and women in uniform, in war and peace, is often forgotten.

Gene Fanucchi, Adjutant gbf22sj@aol.com

President…Ken Schieck

February 6, 2019January 2, 2019 by Harry Kiesler

First of all, I wish a very happy and prosperous 2019 to all of you;; some of us had a very prosperous 2018, others just want to forget about the past year and get on with the new one. To all the members who joined (or returned to) our chapter in 2018, I offer a big “thank you.” Please consider lending your talents to the activities that will be planned this year.

Below is a letter from our vice-president, Gene Lennon, who will be moving in a different direction for the time being. Perhaps you can fill his position.

Dear Campbell Area AARP Chapter 5151 members,

Many of you may be wondering why I have not been attending the monthly meetings and fulfilling my obligation as Vice President/Program Director. In the past few months, I have experienced some major lifestyle changes that have prevented me from completing my requirements of the position.

I am truly sorry for my inability to fully serve you as was expected of me, but hope you did appreciate what programs I was able to secure during my time as V.P.

You voted me into the position with expectations of my ability to provide educational, entertaining, and informative programs for a period of 2 years and I was going to extend for another, but things changed. Life is unpredictable and sometimes alters the course we choose.

I have enjoyed meeting all of you and helping to bring value to the Chapter and would not hesitate to volunteer once again if things should change. As of now, I am unable to attend the monthly meetings and participate in the Board of Director meetings which are to guide, direct, implement and administer policies that benefit the chapter.

Please give your support to the board and to Paddy Wray for helping me complete that which I cannot. Her contributions to this chapter are immeasurable and should not go unrecognized, respected and appreciated. With all my heart, I thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,
Gene Lennon V.P. Campbell Area AARP Chapter 5151