President’s Message

President’s Message … Margaret Schieck

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Here we are in November and the days grow colder and the nights become darker!  It seems like it happened abruptly.  I hope you remembered to turn your clocks back on Sunday, November 5th, as Daylight Savings Time ended at 2 a.m. that day.  Personally, I turned ours back on Saturday night as I didn’t intend to be up at 2:00 a.m.

Veterans Day is on Saturday, November 11th.  Remember to thank the Veterans you know and to honor those whom you may not know.

Our Chapter’s annual anniversary luncheon will be held at Jack’s this year. See Lynda Martinez’s notice for details.  Guests are welcome to attend.  All payments must be made in advance as no money will be accepted at the door.  Checks can be brought to the November and December meetings or payment in cash also.  The cost is $36 per person.

I hope to have more detailed information regarding our participation in the Campbell Area Christmas Toy Drive and wrapping before the November meeting.  Also, please see Paul’s column regarding a switch in speakers for this meeting and the one in February.

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving.  I will be giving thanks for all of you and especially for Chapter 5151’s executive board, committee chairs, and all other volunteers.  You make my life much easier and enjoyable.

President’s Message … Margaret Schieck

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Welcome to September, although the weather still feels like August.  At least we have Labor Day as a three-day weekend and Grandparents’ Day on September 10th to anticipate.  Let’s also remember that school is back in session, so drive carefully and be extra alert.

We have many upcoming events to look forward to.  The next Senior Safari at Happy Hollow will be on Thursday, September 28th.  Arrive between 9:00 and 9:55 a.m., and Admission and Parking are free.  In August, Ken and I saw two other Chapter 5151 members at the Picnic Basket where we happened to stop for a coffee break.  It’s worth the trip just to see the Giant Anteaters and to hear the zookeepers’ informative talks.

Saturday, September 30th, will be the next Lions Club glasses-sorting event. This takes place at the VISTA Center at 101 Bascom Ave. in San Jose near San Carlos. It starts at 9:00 a.m. and goes until 2:00 p.m. with a free lunch included.  It’s an easy way to earn 5 hours of volunteer activity.

We have received a grant from National AARP to reprint and update the trifold recruitment brochures.  We are working with ENCORE Printing in Campbell to get this accomplished.  Ken was the primary grant proposal writer for this project.  Thank you, Ken.

We are working on establishing a fundraising event with the Starbird Chicken Restaurant in the Pruneyard.  We should have more information in October.

Occasionally, we should brag about our Chapter’s accomplishments, so here goes.  So far in 2023, we have added 10 new members to our Chapter.  Over the past 3 years, 4 of our Volunteers of the Year have received awards from National AARP:  Thelma Bridges, Jeanne Ulrich, Harry Kiesler, and Mike Rose.  We are known by both State and National AARP organizations as one of the Chapters that actively contributes to our community.  Last year, our members put in over 4,000 hours of volunteer service.  Remember that every hour of service counts toward our total. We are also apparently known for the variety of programs we present to our members.  There is something for everyone!  Our speaker for September has presented programs to us in the past and she is always an interesting speaker. 

President’s Message

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Welcome to the “dog days” of August and “Back to School” events!  Remember when school didn’t start until after Labor Day?  Not so, anymore.  See Marilyn’s note about contributing to Sacred Heart’s pack-a- backpack drive.

The July informative presentation on Home Safety and Fall Prevention was gratefully received by our Chapter members.  Also, in late July, our members participated in the Senior Safari Walk at Happy Hallow.  The next Senior Safari will be on Thursday, August 24th.  Simply arrive between 9:00 and 9:55 AM for free parking and admission.  Even in the heat, it’s good to get out for some moderate exercise in stimulating surroundings.

Late July also saw our members participate in the glasses sorting event at the VISTA center on Bascom Ave. near San Carlos.  The date for the next event has not yet been set, but I will let members know as soon as I know.

SCAM ALERT:  They’re at it again.  You may receive a letter in the mail purporting to be from the IRS, asking you to send them a copy of your Real ID or Driver’s License.  They will even send you a return envelope. That service already knows who you are and, if you do as directed, you have given the scammers everything they need to steal your identity.  Also, the grandparent callers are at it again.  I received two of these calls in the past month.  Don’t fall for it.

Our August speaker is Candace Roney who will be giving information on volunteer activities at the Humane Society as well as some other volunteer opportunities.  In addition, Gloria Hayes will give a brief presentation on Lawn Bowling for Seniors at a local venue.

In the meantime, try to stay cool and remember to drink before you feel thirsty.

President’s Message … Margaret Schieck

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Happy 247th Birthday to The United States of America as of July 4th, 2023. It is the longest continuing democracy in the world, quite an achievement!

July 26th marks the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.  It still amazes me that people with disabilities have only had basic Civil Rights, such as access to housing, education and public buildings, etc. for only 33 years.

On another note, on a recent National AARP zoom presentation call, physicians were mentioning that as we get older our internal thermostats don’t react as quickly as they once did, so on these hot days it is important that we stay hydrated.  Keep taking drinks before you actually feel thirsty.

Our July program will feature a speaker from the Santa Clara County Fire Department.  The Program is on Safety at Home for Seniors, especially on Fall Prevention.  Feel free to bring a friend. This is an important issue for all of us. Visitors are always welcome.

The next glasses sorting event with the Lions Club will be on Saturday, July 29th, at the VISTA Center at 101 North Bascom Ave., near San Carlos St.  The event lasts from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  Lunch is included.

Please remember that we have a Suggestion Box at each meeting.  If there is a particular topic that you would like us to explore, feel free to use the suggestion box.  If you have contact information for a particular speaker, include that with your suggestion.

Have a happy and safe Independence Day!  See you at the July 18th General Meeting. 

President’s Message … Margaret Schieck

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Here we are at the beginning of a month that supposedly comes “in like a lion,” but it feels more like a polar bear this year!  It is also Women’s History Month, so the best advice seems to be to stay warm and comfortable and watch some of the outstanding Women’s History Programs on PBS.

Speaking of Lions, our speakers for March will be talking about the Campbell-West San Jose Lions Club’s donated glasses program.  Some of our members will again participate in the glasses sorting event on Saturday, March 4th from 9:00-1:00 at the VISTA center on Bascom Ave.  Lunch is provided.

On March 12th, don’t forget to set your clocks AHEAD one hour for Daylight Savings Time.  After all, you wouldn’t want to be late for our Chapter meeting on the 21st, not to mention any other exciting events you may want to attend.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17th, several of Chapter 5151’s members will be singing in the annual fund-raising concert for Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence.  The concert will be held at the Campbell United Methodist Church on Winchester at 7:30 P.M.  Tickets are $25.00 at the door.  If you have never attended this concert before, you are in for a treat.  Several local choruses combine to put on a great show to support this organization.  There is always a wonderful “massed chorus” finale.

I hope you all have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and that we’ll see you on the 21st at our general meeting.

President’s Message … Margaret Schieck

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Welcome to February, the shortest month of the year, which can often seem like the longest.  At least we have Valentine’s Day and President’s Day to look forward to celebrating!

In January, thirty-two members of Chapter 5151 enjoyed our 28th anniversary luncheon at Casa Lupe.  At that time, we were pleased to announce that members of our local chapter had amassed 4,606.75 hours of volunteer service to the community in 2022.  That is impressive!  Many thanks to all of you who volunteered in any capacity in 2022.  Let’s keep it up in 2023.  Remember to keep reporting your volunteer activity hours to Leona Fails.

For those of you who like to plan in advance, the next opportunity to accrue volunteer hours at a “glasses sorting” day, in co-operation with the Lions Club, will be on Saturday, March 4th, starting at 9:00 a.m.  The event takes place at the Vista Center on Bascom Ave.  It is actually fun to work with new people and across many generations.

Ken and I had the pleasure of attending the 2nd anniversary celebration of the founding of The Campbell Press, which took place at the Pruneyard Doubletree Hotel on January 21st.  We got to meet and chat with other contributors to the newspaper as well as members of the Chamber of Commerce.  We may even pick up some speakers from these contacts.

Remember that AARP tax preparation assistance starts on February 3rd at the Campbell Community Center in room C-35 on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and on Fridays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Tune in to PBS Great Performances on February 17th at 9:00 PM to catch the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards.  You may get some good tips about films and performances that resonate well with older adults.

Hope to see you at the February 21st meeting.

Here we are at the beginning of a month that supposedly comes “in like a lion,” but it feels more like a polar bear this year!  It is also Women’s History Month, so the best advice seems to be to stay warm and comfortable and watch some of the outstanding Women’s History Programs on PBS.

Speaking of Lions, our speakers for March will be talking about the Campbell-West San Jose Lions Club’s donated glasses program.  Some of our members will again participate in the glasses sorting event on Saturday, March 4th from 9:00-1:00 at the VISTA center on Bascom Ave.  Lunch is provided.

On March 12th, don’t forget to set your clocks AHEAD one hour for Daylight Savings Time.  After all, you wouldn’t want to be late for our Chapter meeting on the 21st, not to mention any other exciting events you may want to attend.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17th, several of Chapter 5151’s members will be singing in the annual fund-raising concert for Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence.  The concert will be held at the Campbell United Methodist Church on Winchester at 7:30 P.M.  Tickets are $25.00 at the door.  If you have never attended this concert before, you are in for a treat.  Several local choruses combine to put on a great show to support this organization.  There is always a wonderful “massed chorus” finale.

I hope you all have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and that we’ll see you on the 21st at our general meeting.

President’s Message…Margaret Schieck

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Happy New Year and best wishes for a healthy 2023.  Also, have a reflective Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 16th.  By chance, we get two long weekends in January and get to celebrate Lunar New Year on January 22nd!

Please remember that there will be NO General Meeting at the Community Center this month. Instead, we will have our annual luncheon on January 17th at Casa Lupe in Campbell at 11:30 a.m.  Parking is somewhat limited, so informal (arranged on your own) carpools are encouraged.  Remember to get your reservations and payment in by January 9th.   Guests are welcome, but reservations MUST be made in advance.

If anyone will be donating an item for a door prize, please let Lynda Martinez know.  There will be a free drawing at the luncheon, but we need to know how many prizes we will have.

The next glasses-sorting/cleaning Lions Club event will be held on Saturday, January 7th at the VISTA Center from 9:00 a.m.to approximately 2:00 p.m. (lunch included).  The location is 101 No. Bascom Ave., just off San Carlos. You do not have to stay for the entire time.  Come and meet new friends while discovering what happens to your eyewear donations.

Many thanks to the Harpers’ Hall musicians for the wonderful Holiday program they presented at our December meeting.  The group has already set aside December 19th, 2023, to come and play for us at that meeting!

Don’t forget to join or renew your membership in AARP Chapter 5151 this month.  Have a great January and we hope to see you at the luncheon.

President’s Message … Margaret Schieck

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With a cold snap in the air, snow in the mountains and the promise of rain here, winter is making her presence known! 

December is also the month of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.  A lot of celebrations in one month!

Our December program will be an entertainment program for the first time in quite a while. Musicians from Harpers’ Hall will perform for us.  After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, we look forward to hearing them again.

Don’t forget to wear your most outrageous “Ugly Christmas” sweater or sweatshirt to our meeting on December 20th; there will be a prize for the most outlandish garment.

Don’t forget to see Lynda Martinez to make your reservation for the January Anniversary Luncheon at Casa Lupe on Winchester Blvd. in January.  There will be no general meeting on January 17th as the luncheon will take its place.  Remember to think about items to donate as door prizes for the luncheon.  You can bring them the day of the luncheon.  Just let Lynda or me know that you have a prize to donate so we will know how many we have to give away!

We will be celebrating the 28th anniversary of the founding of the Campbell Area Chapter 5151 of AARP.

Happy Holidays to all and hope to see you on December 20th.

President’s Message … Margaret Schieck

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Happy August to everyone.  August is a rather uneventful month with no national holidays, but at least August 7th is Friendship Day, so if there is someone you haven’t contacted in a while, pick up the phone or write a letter and let them know that you are thinking of them!  Otherwise, enjoy the summer.

On a more somber note, another Chapter of AARP has closed.  The San Bruno Chapter folded this past week.  This has happened due to not having members step up to take on leadership positions rather than due to lack of membership.  The San Bruno Chapter had no one willing to be President or Vice President or Treasurer.  If nobody takes on these roles, chapters must close.  In 2016, there were 200 active chapters in California.  Now there are only 14, according to the State Office.  We cannot function without leadership.  Please think more than twice about filling a vacant post.  Many thanks to Lynda Martinez for volunteering to be Social Chair.

For those of you who may be interested in a one-day opportunity for volunteering, the West San Jose/Campbell Lions club is asking for assistance on Saturday August 13th.  Remember all those old glasses we bring into meetings to be donated?  They need to be sorted, cleaned and packed for shipping.  This event will take place at the Vista Center for the Blind at 101 N. Bascom Ave., San Jose.  For more information send an e-mail to: bob@lionstewart.com

The next Senior Safari will take place on August 25th at Happy Hallow Park and Zoo.  This is a walking (or in my case, wheeling) event that is free for Seniors.  Arrive after 9:00, but before 10:00; parking and admission are free.  Ken and I are planning to attend on August 25th, as our pool exercise class is over for the summer.  We hope some of you will join us.

The Campbell Press article for August features some of the comments from David More regarding what he misses about AARP.  Try to pick up a copy.

President’s Message … Margaret Schieck

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HAPPY 246th BIRTHDAY to the United States of America!  I hope you enjoyed the holiday.

July is “BRING A FRIEND” month for the Campbell Area Chapter of AARP.  Please invite someone to come to our meeting along with you, or separately. A guest does not pay for membership dues until they have attended 3 free meetings.  Of course, guests may also join at any meeting.  One does not have to be a Campbell resident to come to our meetings. “Campbell Area” includes San Jose, Milpitas, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Cupertino and Santa Clara as well as Campbell.  Coffee time is at 9:15 am and the speaker starts at 10:00 a.m.  The July meeting will take place on July 19th in Room Q80 of the Campbell Community Center, 1 West Campbell Ave. in Campbell.  As you enter the Center’s driveway, there is a large parking lot on the left, very close to our meeting room, Q80.

Last month, I mentioned the Senior Safari walks at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo.  Parking and Admission are free if you arrive before 10:00 a.m.  The senior walks take place on the 4th Thursday of the month through October.  Also, for a senior discount rate of $10.00, there are docent-led walks through History San Jose from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. every Thursday for the summer months.  Both venues are located in Kelly Park in San Jose.

Many thanks to all of the AARP Chapter members who came to Angie Jaggars Memorial Service.  It was well attended.

Remember, BRING A FRIEND TO OUR MEETING.