2020-10 October

President’s Message … Ken Schieck

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National AARP continues to share current Covid-19 information every Thursday at 10:00 AM PDT; phone # is 855-274-9507.

Well, it’s that time of year again, when our chapter considers, nominates, and elects new officers for calendar years 2021 and 2022.  Our Zoom general meeting on October 20 is the first of three meetings relating to who will be on our board and committees for those two years.  We will nominate members at the October meeting, elect them in November; and city of Campbell board member — and AARP chapter member — Liz Gibbons will provide the installation in December.  Even though we cannot meet in person, the activities of the chapter will and must go on.  Please seriously consider attending these meetings.

I hope that many of you took advantage of the League of Women Voters (LWV) presentation on September 15.  I thought it was very informative and objective, and I was pleased that the LWV offered different times for their presentation.  Thanks again to Paul Levine for organizing this online event.

You may learn more about LWV’s voting information at < https://www.lwvsjsc.org/pros-and-cons > and < https://lwvc.org/vote/elections/ballot-measures >. Thanks to Lynda Martinez and Joy Walsh for their jokes in last month’s Dispatch and to all the people who have submitted other jokes and “observations.”  We will continue to publish more as space allows.

AARP October Meeting … Paul Levine and Sharon Levine

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Our scheduled speaker for the October 20, 2020, meeting via Zoom is Ken Toren, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Silicon Valley, who will talk to us about the mission of the Red Cross.  In the past, Ken has served in leadership positions for start-ups, private/public companies, and non-profits.  In the healthcare sector, Ken held important roles with REDmedic (Blue Cross), the Parkinson’s Institute, Cancer CAREpoint, and UCSF Global Health and Asthma Research.  In the for-profit sector, he was CEO and VP of several companies including LONMARK International (Adesto) and Onomy Labs (Xerox).  Ken’s non-profit experience includes executive staff roles at JCCs/Jewish Federations and Hope Services. Ken earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Pennsylvania State University and Temple University.  He lives in the Bay Area with his wife, children, and Rocky, the best Border Collie rescue dog ever.

We will email invitations on Monday, October 19, for members to Zoom or call-in on the 20th.

The opportunity prize will be a $25 gift card for Panera Bread – thanks to Linda Cumalat.

Membership … Shelly Schwartz

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As in past years, and to get a head start on next year, we are beginning to collect membership dues this month.  As you can see from the Membership Application included in this Dispatch on page 2, dues will remain the same.  Since we cannot meet face-to face at this time, checks should be mailed to me at the address listed on the Application.

For new members who join between now and December, 2020 fees are waived.  Only 2021 fees are payable.

I hope you are all doing well, staying safe and following what’s needed to keep you safe.

Legislative News … Daniel Nnorth and Claudia Schott

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The California Legislature is now on recess. However, AARP supported several California bills that the Governor signed into law before the recess:

  • AB 890 allows Nurse Practitioners to work without physician supervision.
  • SB 852 creates a government office to address shortages in the market for generic prescription drugs, to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and to increase patient access to affordable drugs.
  • SB 1196 prohibits contractors and business entities from price gouging in certain circumstances.
  • SB 1383 extends medical and family-leave protections to additional workers under the California Family Rights Act.

The focus now is on the U.S. Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).  AARP is asking members to write to Federal Representatives to let them know we are gravely concerned about the following issues:

USPS:

  • AARP has expressed growing concern that operational changes made at the Postal Service could compromise the health of older Americans as well as their ability to vote safely in the November elections.
  • The Postal Service needs to ensure timely delivery of all mail, including election-related mail, so voters who choose to vote by mail can do so safely and reliably.  Veterans, older adults, disabled Americans, and many rural residents rely on their mail to receive mail-order prescriptions, paper income checks, and other essential items, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Social Security:

Last month, the U.S. celebrated Social Security’s 85th birthday, and it deserves to be celebrated – and protected.

  • AARP is concerned about any suspensions of collecting payroll taxes, as it would impact Social Security and will not achieve its stated objective.
  • It is the only guaranteed source of lifetime income in retirement for most seniors.
  • AARP will never stop fighting to strengthen Social Security and make sure hard-working Americans get

the benefits they have earned.  Any attempt that puts Social Security in jeopardy will be met with fierce action from AARP and its 38 million members

Did You Know? … Shelly Schwartz

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Sacramento – The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is providing an automatic one-year extension to Californians age 70 and older with a noncommercial driver’s license with an expiration date between March 1 and December 31, 2020. This action delays the requirement for this population to visit a DMV office during the COVID-19 pandemic.  If you have a computer, type “DMV extension for 70+” in the search bar for more information.

Active Aging Week – All Month Long … Ken Schieck and Harry Kiesler

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Active Aging Week is a celebration of all the amazing things older adults can do!  All month long, local cities in Santa Clara County are partnering to provide FREE classes (virtually) that will help you focus on staying active — physically, emotionally and in your social life.

To see the list of classes and register, please sign up through Eventbrite and search for “Active Aging Month Bay Area” or click < https://www.eventbrite.com/e/active-aging-month-bay-area-tickets-119544511853 >.  For Questions, call 408-730-7360.