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.
Newsletter
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 $1.00 – August 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
President … Ken Schieck
I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe celebration of July 4. Find a big place (like a stadium) to watch all the fireworks. Don’t get cocky like my cousin about 60 years ago; he bought firecrackers in Chinatown and put some into my mother’s flower pot with dirt. When the pot exploded and sent pieces all over the yard, he wondered why!
If you would like information about what AARP state liaison officers are discussing with our reps in Sacramento, please let me know. The information I have received from Antoine Cook indicates that the major issues are prescription drug costs, internet and voice-over privacy, and long-term care support and services.
Information will be forthcoming about the yearly AARP Service Day, which usually occurs in August.
Other notable dates in July:
- July 1, 1863 — the beginning of the battle of Gettysburg;
- July 2, 1776 — the Continental Congress issues a proclamation declaring the colonies independent of Great Britain;
- July 4, 1863 — Vicksburg, the last Confederate stronghold, surrenders to the Union army;
- July 4, 1872 — Calvin Coolidge is born in Plymouth, Vermont;
- July 15, 1606 — Dutch painter Rembrandt is born in Leiden, Holland;
- July 16, 1969 — Apollo lunar landing mission begins;
- July 20, 1954 — a conference in Geneva, Switzerland, ends hostilities between the French forces in Vietnam and the People’s Army of Vietnam.
- July 31, 1790 — U.S.Patent Office opens its doors.
Program … Paddy Wray
Heart of the Valley, SERVICES FOR SENIORS, INC., is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization helping seniors 65 or older in West Santa Clara Valley by offering services and programs that help them maintain their independence. Come learn more about their offerings and find out why they are passionate about helping seniors in our community. Perhaps their programs will benefit you or someone you know, and/or possibly you’ll find them to be a worthy volunteer opportunity.
Their motto: “Friendly Neighbors Helping Seniors Stay Independent.”
Opportunity Drawing … Sharon and Paul Levine
MOD Pizza in Campbell $25 Gift Card
(Thanks to Angie Jaggars)
Blue Sky Restaurant in Campbell $10 Gift Card
(Thanks to Nancy Tepperman)
Campbell Express
(Thanks to Stephon Hansen)
Good Luck
June Opportunity Drawing Winners:
Armadillo Willy’s $40 gift card winner was Som Flowerdew
MOD Pizza’s $25 gift card winner was Jeanne Ulrich
Blue Sky Restaurant’s $10 gift card winner was Margaret Schiek
Legislative News … Daniel Nnorth and Claudia Schott
It looks as if President Trump wants to revamp or overthrow Obamacare again. He mentioned mid-June that he would unveil a new healthcare plan this month that would be “something terrific”. According to Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), “The American people already know exactly what the President’s health care plans mean in their lives: higher costs, worse coverage and the end of lifesaving protections for people with pre-existing conditions.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) mentioned that “we’re looking forward to seeing what he’s going to recommend.” We’re thinking a wait-and-see attitude is best……
On the State front: Since AB 824 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee sometime in early July, Chapter members should contact Senator Bill Monning the first week in July at the earliest and let him know what we want. AB 824 is a model bill and California is leading the nation to stop pay-to- delay practices that enable brand-name drug companies to maintain high prices by delaying the sale of lower-cost generics. Americans pay the highest drug prices in the world. In 2006, the annual cost of brand name drugs was $1,868; in 2017, it went up to $6,798 (an increase of over 360%). Drug prices continue to skyrocket while seniors struggle to afford Medicare and more than 2/3 of seniors have two or more concurrent chronic illnesses. The average beneficiary has a medium annual income of just $26,000; many older Californians must choose between prescriptions and buying groceries. Please ask our Senators to vote YES on AB 824.
AB 1366 – Please contact Senator Beall or Monning and ask them to OPPOSE this harmful bill. Internet companies that provide Voice-Over-Internet telephone service should be required to offer the SAME consumer protections that traditional landline telephone services must offer. VOIP companies are trying to AVOID oversight by the California Public Utilities Commission. That means that millions of Californians, many of them over 50, would have unregulated phone and internet service, which means higher rates for the people who can least afford it. Ask our Senators to please vote NO on AB 1366.
Please contact your state Assembly member (Pan, Kaira) to ask for their support of SB 512 (Long-Term Supports & Services). If you live in Assembly member Kalra’s district, call him to thank him for his leadership on this issue. AARP is a member of the California Aging & Disability Alliance, which is sponsoring SB 512. Research has shown that LTSS costs more than most Californians can afford. This bill will address this issue. Toward that end, AARP is hoping we can share a personal caregiving story – time, expenses, sacrifices, etc., with the Assembly members in hopes of garnering their support for this bill.
Troop Support … Angie Jaggars
Please bring lip balms, Q-tips, hard candies, gum, beef jerky, nuts & power bars. NO NEED for playing cards or oral hygiene items.
Community Service … Leona Fails
Sip, Sample & Serve: San Jose, CA
Learn about volunteer opportunities with AARP in the Bay Area!
When: Thursday, July 11, 2019 – 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: San Jose Fire Museum, 201 N. Market Street, San Jose, CA 95110
Are you interested in making a difference in your community? Join us for our Sip, Sample and Serve Happy Hour. Learn about the array of volunteer opportunities with AARP, while meeting new people and enjoying an afternoon of hors-d’oeuvres, wine, music, and more!
Volunteer opportunities with AARP include supporting events and office work, advocating on important issues that impact older adults, and leading educational community workshops (training is provided).
Registration is required. Please RSVP no later than Monday, July 8th. Web registration only at: https://local.aarp.org/aarp-event/sip-sample-serve-san-jose-ca-71119-tyn9q3wzlxl.html
Parking is not available on site, but will be validated at the San Pedro Market Street Garage located at 45 N. Market in downtown San Jose.
Pack-A-Back Drive … Marilyn Clough
It’s time once again to start collecting school supplies for Sacred Heart Community Service’s Pack-A-Back drive. These packs are distributed in August, so we have the next two meetings in which to collect our contributions. All general supplies are needed, from elementary school level up to high school, including backpacks themselves (avoid red and blue, so keep this in mind as you shop). Money is also welcome. Getting our local children off to a good start in the upcoming school year is a very worthy community service project for our chapter.