Newsletter

President … Ken Schieck

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Naturally, my first instinct this month is to wish all of you a happy St. Patrick’s Day; this day is so ingrained in the American consciousness that even if you aren’t Irish (I’m not), you can still be glad of “all the Irish in you.” Try to wear green to our general meeting on Tuesday, March 19. Just don’t bring any snakes!

Many thanks to Margaret Schieck, Paddy Wray, and Barbara Robinson, co-chairs of the Chapter’s yearly lunch, which we celebrated on Tuesday, February 19; over 40 people attended and, hopefully, everyone got to sit/chat with some members they got to know better.

In concert with our chapter’s goal of community service, I would like to make you aware of Santa Clara County’s need for 2020 U.S. census workers. If interested in applying for any of a variety of positions to assist with the 2020 Census count, apply now at < www.2020census.gov/jobs > or call 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020). Please note that there are paid positions (Census Field Supervisors, Recruiting Assistants, Enumerators, Office Operations Supervisors, Office Clerks) earning $21-$33 per hour.

Also remember, we are still seeking a Vice President.

Legislative News … Daniel nNorth and Claudia Schott

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With the February 22nd deadline for bringing new legislation to the table, we were not disappointed. California Senators and Representatives brought nearly 800 new bills out, almost half of them will have to wait for March 22 to be heard. Among the more interesting ones for us oldsters are
AB856 – Personal Income Tax Credit for Homecare Services – Qualifying individuals and couples would get a 25% credit of their homecare outlay, up to $5000 on their income taxes.
AB715 – Medical Program for Aged and Disabled – The new implementation would allow for an extra $230 in income for individuals and $310 for couples to qualify for the program. It would not be lower than their SSI/SSP payment.
AB836 – Bay Area Clean Air Incentive – This would allow for the retrofitting of the ventilation systems in schools, sports centers, senior centers, community centers and libraries to create a network of clean air centers, especially for wildfire season and bad air days.
SB611 – Housing: elderly and individuals with disabilities – Establishes a master plan that would ensure enough affordable housing is available in each city and county for the growing elderly population and disabled persons.

These are just a few interesting potential policies. AARP will have a few more to share throughout the year. In the meantime: AARP is launching a multi-year campaign to lower Rx (drug) prices for all Americans and is working to put a human face on the campaign by featuring videos and online stories about people who are having difficulties affording their prescriptions.

Looking to launch the campaign by the beginning of March, AARP is collecting these stories right now. The main criteria are for the person to have Rx costs they are struggling to afford and for them to feel comfortable sharing their story widely via video. If you are or know someone who fits the bill and would be willing to share his or her story, please let Antoine Cook (acook@aarp.org) and Mark Beach (mbeach@aarp.org) know ASAP. Mark and AARP’s Communications Team will coordinate directly with the individuals.

Community Service … Leona Fails

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Volunteer tax aides will provide Free preparation of your 2018 Federal and State Income Tax returns from February 5 through April 12. Appointments are not necessary but can be made in person at the Community Center in Room E-46 during Tuesday 1-4 / Friday 9-12 operating hours. Sponsored by IRS and AARP.

Opportunity Drawing … Sharon and Paul Levine

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Three Tickets for $1.00 – March 19, 2019

The Garret in Campbell, $14 Gift Card
(Thanks to Libby Harbour)

Blue Sky Restaurant in Campbell, $20 Gift Card
(Thanks to Nancy Tepperman)

Campbell Express, One FREE Subscription
(Thanks to Stephon Hansen)

Hope to see you all at the meeting

Membership…Shelly Schwartz

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Have you paid your dues for 2019?  If you have not, they are definitely past due.

Please complete the Application form in this Dispatch and send it along with your check to me at the address listed on the form.  As a reminder, dues are $17 with your Dispatch sent by regular mail; $14 with your Dispatch sent by e-mail.

I hope to hear from you very soon.

Community Service … Leona Fails

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Volunteer tax aides will provide Free preparation of your 2018 Federal and State Income Tax returns from February 5 through April 12. Appointments are not necessary but can be made in person in Room E-46 during Tuesday 1-4 / Friday 9-12 operating hours.    Sponsored by IRS and AARP.

Showtime … Paddy Wray

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Showtime… a boo/hiss melodrama with Olio performances will be offered at the Santa Clara Community Center, 969 Kiely Blvd across from the old Kaiser hospital.  It’s between Homestead and Benton. There will be refreshments: hot dogs, soft drinks, wine, popcorn & desserts available for purchase.

Friday 3/1 @ 7 pm Ticket Price $7.00

Saturday 3/2 @ 7 pm Ticket Price $10.00

Sunday 3/3 Matinee @ 2 pm Ticket Price $10.00

Ticket price for children is $5.00 at all performances. Doors open for ticket purchase and seating  2 hours prior to showtime. There will be a”silent auction” with various prizes. Come enjoy the fun!!

New Santa Clara City Facilities Use Policy Threatens Support for Senior Services

Curtains for Santa Clara Showtime? New City Facilities Use Policy Threatens Support for Senior Services

Campbell Elementary School Volunteers

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The Campbell elementary schools are looking for volunteers to work on reading with individual children at the school.  There may be other options such as yard duty or other subjects – i.e. math, history. Before you can volunteer, you need to get fingerprinted ($66) and also have a current TB clearance. If you are interested in getting more information, please contact:  Nancy_Tepperman@yahoo.com, or

call phone number listed in the Dispatch, for details.