President’s Message

President’s Message

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President…Ken Schieck
As I said at the general meeting in June, I would list the most common suggestions you have given, along with our suggested solutions. I plan to spend some time during the general meetings in July and August talking with membership about these.

SURVEY FEEDBACK FROM AARP MEMBERS

1) Extend social time prior to meeting
2) More entertainment specialists instead of speakers
3) More speakers who discuss positive aspects of aging 4) More ‘historical’ speakers (e.g. the lady from the Los Gatos Museum)
5) More information on various ways service animals help their owners
6) Keep members updated on services/talks provided by local libraries
7) Ensure that speakers have handouts 8) Ensure the progress of the website
9) Look for ways to recruit members
10) Rotate volunteers whenever possible

WAYS TO IMPLEMENT MEMBER IDEAS

1) Open social hour to 9 or 9:15 AM; we cannot extend after 11:30 because an exercise class starts around 11:45

2) Entertainment can be prohibitively expensive, but our vice-president will continue to look; suggestions gratefully accepted.

3,4,5) Programs and speakers are also your responsibility; if you want to hear information on a particular topic, maybe you know someone who would like to speak to the group; if so, please contact Gene Lennon

6) We will try to contact libraries in the Campbell Area and ask them to send information about their activities

7) Some speakers prefer using PowerPoint or other presentations

8) We have 3 members dedicated to the website

9) We need a public relations person to contact existing advertising sources and explore new ones10) All members are invited to attend monthly board meetings to find out what plans are being made for outreach and volunteer effort. We will also look for ways to rotate volunteers at the general meetings

I would like to add some rules of etiquette for the general meeting:
1) No opportunity tickets are to be sold after 10 AM; that confusion takes attention away from others like the speaker, jester, etc.

2) PLEASE turn off your cellphone before the meeting begins

3) PLEASE do not go up to the speaker’s table until the committee reports have been given.

President’s Message … Ken Schieck

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As I said at the general meeting in June, I would list the most common suggestions you have given, along with our suggested solutions. I plan to spend some time during the general meetings in July and August talking with membership about these.

SURVEY FEEDBACK FROM AARP MEMBERS

1) Extend social time prior to meeting
2) More entertainment specialists instead of speakers
3) More speakers who discuss positive aspects of aging
4) More ‘historical’ speakers (e.g. the lady from the Los Gatos Museum)
5) More information on various ways service animals help their owners
6) Keep members updated on services/talks provided by local libraries
7) Ensure that speakers have handouts 8) Ensure the progress of the website
9) Look for ways to recruit members
10) Rotate volunteers whenever possible

WAYS TO IMPLEMENT MEMBER IDEAS

1) Open social hour to 9 or 9:15 AM; we cannot extend after 11:30 because an exercise class starts around 11:45

2) Entertainment can be prohibitively expensive, but our vice-president will continue to look; suggestions gratefully accepted.

3,4,5) Programs and speakers are also your responsibility; if you want to hear information on a particular topic, maybe you know someone who would like to speak to the group; if so, please contact Gene Lennon.

6) We will try to contact libraries in the Campbell Area and ask them to send information about their activities

7) Some speakers prefer using PowerPoint or other presentations

8) We have 3 members dedicated to the website

9) We need a public relations person to contact existing advertising sources and explore new ones

10) All members are invited to attend monthly board meetings to find out what plans are being made for outreach and volunteer effort. We will also look for ways to rotate volunteers at the general meetings.

President – Ken Schieck

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Those of us who are of a certain age will always remember June 6, 1944-D Day. I wasn’t around, but I graduated high school on the 20th anniversary of the attack (1964).
Other memorable events in the month of June:
June 4, 1989-Chinese government kills at least 300 people in Tianamen Square;
June 5, 1968-Bobby Kennedy is assassinated in Los Angeles;
June 6, 1978-Ca.lifornia voters pass Prop. 13 which curbs property taxes;
June 13,1971-N.Y.Times starts to print THE PENTAGON PAPERS;
June 18,1978-Sally Ride becomes first female astronaut;
June 25, 1876-Sioux defeat General Custer at the Little Big Horn in Montana;
June 25,1950-Pres.Truman commits US troops to South Korea;
June 26,1945-United Nations charter is signed in San Francisco;
June 28,1919-Signing of Versailles Treaty officially ends World War I;

June 30,1971-25th amendment is passed, lowering the voting age to 18.

Last month, I spoke briefly about the issue of ‘AARP Livable Communities’; I will be communicating with the State office in San Jose to bring more of these updates to your attention. Also, National Service Day will be coming during the summer, providing opportunities for service in the community. A happy summer to all members and their families.

President…Ken Schieck

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Did you know that May is the last month of the year where each day is longer than the one before? May is also Older Americans’ Month. Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living, leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans’ Month. The 2018 theme, Engage at Every Age, emphasizes that you are never too old (or young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It also celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in our communities. Participating in activities that promote mental and physical wellness, offering your wisdom and experience to the next generation, seeking the mentorship of someone with more life experience than you—those are just a few examples of what being engaged can mean. No matter where you are in your life, there is no better time than now to start. We hope you will join in and Engage at Every Age!

Use the materials, activities, and resources on this site to promote and celebrate #OAM18! Go to oam.acl.gov.

As you know, our chapter was one of the sponsors of the local candidates’ forum at St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church; AARP members who participated: Kathy Mattingly (organizer and mistress of ceremonies), myself (moderator), Barbara Robinson and Margaret Schieck (AARP table reps). Two other members volunteered but got sick and couldn’t attend.

President…Ken Schieck

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This April we celebrate both Easter (Apr.1) and Passover (Mar. 29 to April 6). As I learned in grammar school “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” As an adult, I also learned T.S. Eliot’s phrase, “April is the cruelest month…” He probably was referring to the growth of plants after a long winter. By the way, what kind of gasoline does the Easter Bunny put in her car this month? April fuel. As I did last month, I am keeping this letter short so you can read about some important events taking place this month. ELECTION 2018 Mark your calendars: On Saturday, April 28, 1-3pm, our Campbell Area Chapter 5151 is co-sponsoring a Candidate Forum for a hotly contested seat on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Ken Yeager is termed out and seven candidates are seeking his seat representing the Fourth District which includes Campbell, Santa Clara and west San Jose. All seven candidates have agreed to attend this event at St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church, 1522 McCoy Avenue, Campbell/San Jose. Our President, Ken Schieck will pose questions submitted by sponsoring organizations and the audience will also be invited to ask questions.

The Leagues of Women Voters (LWV) of San Jose/ Santa Clara and Southwest Santa Clara Valley will team up to host voter registration table. There will be time to mingle with candidates and sponsors, request more information, sign up with a campaign, or learn more about other community organizations. Light refreshments will be served at this free event. Submit questions or RSVP to Kathy Mattingly, (408) 378-2355, kat@kajon.com, or Ken Schieck (408) 379-7820, k1141@sbcglobal.net. Candidates on the ballot for the Fourth District Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors election, June 5, 2018: Mike Alvarado, Worker; Jason Baker, Attorney/ Legislative Director; Dominic Caserta, Councilmember/Educator/Parent; Susan Ellenberg, Governing Board Member, San Jose Unified School District, Trustee Area 2; Maria Hernandez, Marketing Consultant; Pierluigi Oliverio, Field Application Engineer; Don Rocha, City Council Member.

President…Ken Schieck

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March brings St. Patrick’s Day (wear green to the general meeting!), daylight savings time, comes like a lion and goes out like a lamb (or so I was taught in grammar school). This letter is very short because I want to highlight three local AARP-sponsored events, all of which take place before the general meeting.

AARP TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP: ANDROID SMART PHONE Friday March 16

Intro to Android 10:00 AM 11:30 AM

Beyond the Basics 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Intro to Android 2:30 AM to 4;00 PM

Beyond the Basics 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Hilton San Jose – San Carlos Room, 300 S. Almaden Blvd, San Jose 95110

Register by Phone 1-800-213-4587

Register Online: aarp.cvent.com/teksanj

Paid Street and Lot Parking 401 S. Almaden Blvd.

Devices will be provided for practice and all participants will get a free touchscreen stylus pen. Sign up today— seating is limited.

(RE)ENERGIZE YOUR JOB SEARCH Join us and learn how to master the online job search, Effectively network, and ace the interview! Tuesday March 13

Job Search in the Digital Age 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Sharpen Your Networking & Interview Skills 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Almaden Community Center Classroom

6445 Camden Avenue, San Jose 95120 (This location does NOT take RSVPs)

Register by Phone: 1-866-237-7027

Register Online: aarp.cvent.com/jobssanj

Complimentary Onsite Parking

CAREVERSATIONS A FREE and fun event for family caregivers Join AARP for an engaging conversation about family caregiving. Connect with other family caregivers around your table, Enjoy complimentary light snacks, and learn more about How to build a support network, tips to care for yourself and Where to find local resources. Sunday, March 18 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Flames Eatery & Bar, Private Room

88 S. 4th Street, San Jose 95112 (This location does NOT take RSVPs)

Register by Phone: 1-855-380-2139 Register Online: aarp.cvent.com/caresanj

President…Ken Schieck

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February is the month of valentines and hearts, snowstorms in the East and Midwest (and maybe the South!). Given the severity of this year’s flu bug, there may be fewer hugs and kisses going around. During February we also commemorate Black History. And, of course, the Super Bowl with Bay Area native Tom Brady playing in his eighth!

Events and birthdays in February include:

Feb 01, 1838 – Underground railroad established

Feb 02, 1653 – New Amsterdam, now NYC, incorporated

Feb 04, 1861 – Confederated States of America formed

Feb 07, 1910 – Boy Scouts of America incorporated

Feb 09, 1945 – US troops invade Iwo Jima

Feb 14, 1929 – St. Valentine’s day Massacre in Chicago

Feb 17, 1968 – Nation’s first 911 system went into effect

Feb 21, 1972 – President Nixon visits China

Feb 26, 1846 – Buffalo Bill Cody born in Iowa

Feb 27, 1922 – US Supreme Court upholds 19th amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote.

Approximately forty chapter members and guests attended the January holiday brunch at the Hometown Buffet in Santa Clara January 16. Many thanks to Paddy Wray, her committee and volunteers who pulled it all together. This particular Hometown Buffet offers active duty military personnel and veterans a discount every Monday. Check it out.

During the months of February and March as we prepare our tax forms, the national office of AARP reminds us to be aware of scams; having a trusted tax advisor and financial consultant is like money in the bank!

President…Ken Schieck

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Happy New Year to all Campbell AARP members, and I hope you have put the confusion of the December holidays behind you (not that it wasn’t worth it!).

Not only is January the first month of the year, it is also the first month when each day is longer than the one before (maybe by only 30 minutes). It is a month of pro basketball, playoffs and pro football, and an inkling of spring training in the major leagues in February.

Significant events in January include:

01/01/1863 – Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation

01/02/1988 – US and Canada enter into a free trade agreement

01/07/1789 – first US presidential election held

01/11/1973 – major league baseball adapts ‘designated hitter’ rule

01/15/1967 – first Super Bowl is played in Los Angeles (Green Bay Packers over Kansas City Chiefs)

01/16/1944 – Eisenhower takes command of the allied invasion force in London

01/19/1955 – first televised presidential news conference

01/20/1981 – Iran releases 52 American hostages held since November, 1979

01/22/1973 – Supreme Court legalizes abortion

01/30/1968 – Vietnam war ‘TET’ offensive begins

I hope to see many of you at our holiday party on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at the Hometown Buffet in Santa Clara. If you haven’t signed up, please call Paddy Wray or Margaret Schieck before Jan. 9. Paddy’s number is on the back of the Dispatch; Margaret’s number is same as mine (also on the back).

At our December meeting, we had two special guests from the Bay Area Regional AARP office in San Jose. Of course, they are too young to join, but they were impressed by the services we are involved in and the enthusiasm of many of our members who attended the meeting. Keep up the good work.

President’s Message…Ken Schieck

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Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah to all the members of Campbell AARP Chapter 5151! May you all give and receive the blessings of this period. I hope that some of you were able to participate in the annual Christmas wrapping party which was held on Friday, Dec. 8.

We are privileged to have Campbell mayor and AARP member Liz Gibbons install our new slate of officers at our December meeting. I have enjoyed leading this group, and I look forward to working with the Board and you in 2018.

Every issue of the Campbell Reporter mentions the scams that unprincipled people make on seniors; please be careful of phone calls, e-mails and good old snail mail. If they look or sound suspicious, they probably are!

There are a lot of notable (and maybe not so notable) folks who have birthdays in December including: Woody Allen (1st), Brittany Spears (2nd), Walt Disney (5th), Mary Queen of Scots (8th), Kirk Douglas (9th), Frank Sinatra (12th), Beethoven (16th), Pope Francis (17th), Joseph Stalin, Brad Pitt and Steven Spielberg (18th), Cicely Tyson (18th), Mao Zedong (26th), and Woodrow Wilson (28th).

President…Ken Schieck

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During November, we will celebrate the feast of Thanksgiving, one of our earliest American holidays. While we give thanks for our many blessings, let us remember the plight of the poor, giving generously to our favorite charity, and remembering to be generous to the victims of the natural disasters in our country this year as well.

The Board is going to develop an evacuation plan to handle such events as the fire drill at our general meeting last month; the plan will be presented to the Campbell Senior Center administration for approval. I think the drill went smoothly but we need strong guidelines to handle another one.

Marilyn Clough is writing a history of our organization, which is over 20 years old. If you wish to assist in this endeavor, please call or e-mail her. The completed essay will be presented to local community newspapers for publication.

Wesley Manor, a senior’s retirement center, is seeking a part-time receptionist for weekends/ holidays from 9am to 5 pm; pay is $15/hr. up to a maximum of 36 hours/month. Need excellent judgment and communication skills and ability to respond effectively to resident and physical plant emergencies. For further information, email info@scmrf.org.

Birthdays in November include Marie Curie and Daniel Boone (Nov.2), Carl Sagan (Nov.9), Leonardo DeCaprio (Nov.11), Grace Kelly (Nov.12), Georgia O’Keeffe (Nov.15), Alan Shepard (Nov.18), Bill Nye (Nov.27), Jon Stewart (Nov.28), and Winston Churchill (Nov.30).

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!