President … Ken Schieck

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank two people who stepped up to take the positions of Vice-President and Treasurer.  I have stressed over the last few months the importance of people leaving their comfort zone and it is gratifying to know that there are folks out there in our membership who are willing to take on a new responsibility.  So, a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Paul Levine, our new Vice-President, and Helen Soukoulis, our new Treasurer.

Best of luck to our last Treasurer, David More, as he and his family begin a new life in the state of Washington; we will miss his dedication and sense of humor.  Some of you may not know that David served as Treasurer back in 2011 or 2012 as well.

We have a treat (I think!) in store at the general meeting on Aug. 20; the Boomerang Barbershop Quartet, who entertained us last August, will perform once again.  There were many favorable remarks about their performance last year, and it makes sense to have them return.

As I mentioned at the July meeting, the yearly AARP Day of Service will take place on Wednesday Sept.11; volunteer activities for our chapter or members are available at the AARP-sponsored site: www.createthegood.org.  I was privy to this information from the quarterly state telephone call last week.  They also shared some information on Fraud Prevention.  For more information, go to aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.org.

Program … Paddy Wray, Paul Levine

The Boomerang Barbershop Quartet was formed originally in 2000 from four members of the Peninsulaires Barbershop Chorus:  Al Ward, Steve Wolf, Jim Gray, and lead singer Rob Sequera.  The name “Boomerang” was a play on their members:  they were baby-boomers and Silicon Valley boomers and their lead singer was Australian.  About 5 years ago, Rob and Jim moved on to other pursuits, and after a temporary period with another lead, they became the Boomerang of today; Lead Ramin Keyvan, Bass Steve Wolf, Baritone Dave Morley, and Tenor Al Ward.  They previously sang at an AARP meeting in 2018 and their performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Nominations … Jan DeLucchi

We have 2 positions that are still not filled.  They are Board Positions and are very important to our Chapter.  Social only has one event a year – the Annual Luncheon.  Assistant Treasurer is a backup to the Treasurer.  These are the positions that must be filled in order for our Chapter to continue.  NOW is the time for the membership to volunteer.  PLEASE VOLUNTEER TODAY!  Call Jan.

Legislative News … Daniel Nnorth and Claudia Schott

The State Budget was signed on June 27 and included the Caregiver Resource Centers budget ask of $30 million over 3 years, and funding for the $1 million Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Feasibility Study.  Thank you for your support of these priority budget asks!

Our next state legislative priority is AB 824 (Wood). This one is about the delaying tactics for getting generic drugs out on the market.  Most of us live in District 15 (Santa Clara County, etc). Since AB 824 is in the Senate now, we need to make sure that our State Senator Jim Beale is on the ball and supports this piece of legislature, too.  If you know anyone in San Mateo County (District 13), please have them call their State Senator Jerry Hill and urge him to support AB 824.  Don’t forget to call State Senator Bill Monning (District 17 – Monterey, etc) – please call his office to thank him for supporting AB 824.

When you call your State Senator, you can share these points with the staff person you speak to:

  • AARP in California has specific legislation to stop pay-to-delay practices – AB 824 (Wood).
  • Currently, brand-name manufacturers are paying generic drug manufacturers not to introduce generic versions of popular medications to the public.  By doing so, drug companies are engaging in anti-competitive behavior and can continue to charge outrageous prices for their brand-name drugs even after their patents have expired.
  • This practice is reprehensible, and AB 824 will put an end to it.
  • AB 824 will preserve access to affordable drugs by making it unlawful for generic and brand-name drug manufacturers to enter into these pay-for-delay agreements.

Community Service … Leona Fails

Cyber Safety: Thurs., Aug. 15, 10:00 – 11:00 am, Rm Q80, FREE

Older adults frequently encounter scams through emails, websites, and phone calls which are designed to mislead them into compromising their assets or personal information.  Cupertino High School student Venu Chillal will be partnering with the Campbell IT Department to provide information regarding such threats, how to differentiate between scams and genuine notices, how to avoid being targeted, and how to act in case of a scam.  To register, call the Adult Center Office at 408-866-2146.

*******************************************************************

Remember to bring backpacks (avoid red and blue) and school supplies to the next meeting for the Sacred Heart Community Service project.  Money is also welcome.  Let’s send the children off to a good start.  Sacred Heart continues to need these supplies throughout the school year for new incoming students, elementary level to high school.

*******************************************************************

Driver Safety Program, an 8-Hour Course (Two Half Days)  A review of safe-driving habits. Wednesday, 8/28; and Friday, 8/30, 9 AM – 1 PM, Campbell Community Center, Q80. $15 AARP Members, $20 Non-Members, Pre-registration is required. There are 3 options to register:

1. Sign up @ Campbell Communutiy Center office (contact Kimi)

2. Call Mr. Berube @ 408 926-9633

3. Sign up via email @aarpsdc@gmail.com 

Campbell Elementary School Volunteers … Nancy Tepperman

Do you have an hour most weeks to spend time reading with an elementary school child?  Some children are behind on their reading for a variety of reasons and would benefit from some one-on-one time with an adult.  At the July AARP meeting, Edgar Romero eromerojr@campbellusd.org, 408/364-4200 ext. 6284 presented this volunteer opportunity to our group.  Please contact him for more information.

In Fond Memory

One of our Chapter’s earliest members died on March 18 at the age of 99.  William Law and his wife were among the original members of this chapter, which began in 1995.  He was appointed AARP representative to the Campbell Community Center.

Bill was drafted into the Army and served in WW II in the European Theater from 1942-1945 and served for one year in Texas during the Korean conflict.  Please consider donating in memory to the Friends of the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, 1375 Emory St. San Jose, CA 95126.

Opportunity Drawing … Sharon and Paul Levine

Three Tickets for $1.00August 20, 2019

A Bellagio Restaurant

$50 Gift Card

In Campbell  (Thanks to Anonymous)

Pacific Catch Restaurant

$25 Gift Card

In Campbell  (Thanks to Anonymous)

Starbucks

$15 Gift Card

(Thanks to Anonymous)

Good Luck!

July Opportunity Drawing Winners:

Mod Pizza $25 gift card – Lynda Martinez

Blue Sky Restaurant $10 gift card – S. Flowerdew

Campbell Express – Leona Fails