May 2,2017 AARP Chapter #243 Minutes. The meeting was held at E. Syr., American Legion on West Manlius St.
Chapter President Mary Klekosky called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. with 60 people in attendance saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Marcia Dattler introduced our speaker Laura Ehrich, AARP's Associate State Director from our New York AARP affiliate in Albany, NY. Laura talked on a few different topics - Scams, Fraud and Affordable Health Coverage brought back for Eliminating, Restricting and Revising.
1. Why it is important to shred your documents. Our bills and credit card statements carry a lot of information and there are so many scammers willing to pick through your trash and retrieve vital information that can cause you headaches, time and money, if it falls into the wrong hands. This is why AARP NYS does offer a Shred Event approximately one to two times per year. Last year, they collected enough paper to shred that would fill 16 city blocks. It's two fold purpose is to protect its members from fraud and scammers and keep the documents out of landfills.
2. Laura asked how many people use checks to pay for their bills. She said that scammers can use string to fish your check out of your mail box, wash off the ink and re-issue the check to themselves. Laura suggested that one can always use indelible ink on checks and get the indelible pen from your bank, or office supplier. Laura said seniors should check the back of a cancelled check to see if the correct person endorsed it. She also suggested that people take their mail that contains checks to the post office and give it to the counter person. She stressed NOT TO put your check in a rural mail box with the red flag up.
3. Laura said not to use a landline phone. Scammers are just waiting to find a live body that picks up the phone. She said she only uses her cell phone and screens her phone calls. If one does have a landline phone, Laura suggests to purchase an answering machine and screen your calls. DO NOT ANSWER THE PHONE IF YOU DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE PHONE NUMBER. If you are getting nuisance ROBO phone calls. go to the DO NOT CALL LIST and list the name & area & phone number of who is calling you. One can call their carrier and have them help them list the nuisance calls and block them. The do not call register does not quite get rid of all nuisance calls.
4. Laura said to ignore anyone that calls you and says they are from the IRS and you owe $'s and to go to the drug store and buy a cash card and send it to them. The IRS will never call you and demand money upfront or immediately. They always notify you in writing. Just say to the scammers. I never do anything unless I wait 24 hours to check the information out, leave me your phone number and I will call you back tomorrow. Then call the FCC or the Attorney General and give them the information. Older people tend to get nervous, scared and/emotional and that is how they get scammed. The senior is embarrassed and doesn't want to tell anyone. Seniors are afraid to say anything as it looks like they can't handle their day-to-day business. The best thing is to report it. AARP has a national phone line to report scams & frauds. Dial 1-800-222-4444 and select option 2. You will talk with an AARP Elder Watch Specialist. You can also go online at www.aarpelderwatch.org.
5. Laura said another big scam is your grandchild is in jail and needs bail money to get out. Just take down the information and call a relative and check out if the grandchild is visiting that city. Then report to the FCC, the NYS Attorney General and your local police.
Laura announced AARP's stand on the Affordable Care Act and why it should be voted down. It opens the door to special interest groups like big insurance companies to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions and large pharmaceuticals to raise the drug prices up to 5X's for chronic conditions. Yet, the house and senate had no adjustments to their current health coverage for them and their families. They have the best health coverage in the nation for life.
Secretary's Report: Linda Hagger - Mary Klekosky asked the members if they read the Secretary's Report and if there are any corrections, additions or deletions. There were none. A motion was made by Kathy O'Connor to accept the secretary's report and Rosalie Ryding seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: Charlie Adams - Charlie stated that the balance in our checking account on March 31, 2017 was $938.22. The total Revenue for April was $385.75, and and our total Expenditures were $482.25 leaving a balance on April 30th of $841.72.
Finance Report: Charlie Adams - We sold an Ad and earned $60.00 for April and our Helping Hands fund is in good shape due to the generosity of our members.
Community Service - Sharon Haresky - Sharon thanked the members for bringing donations of food and paper supplies for Francis House.
Sharon stated our Community Service Day will be at the September meeting. We have chosen the Samaritan Center, and we will make 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The board members offered to donate the following items, white and wheat bread, peanut butter (smooth) and Jelly, grape and strawberry, & plastic gloves. Mary Klekosky said she will donate the plastic sandwich bags.
Sharon is asking the members to stay after the Chapter meeting in September to make the 200 sandwiches. We need approximately 12 people to help, and it should be completed in one hour. There is a sign-up sheet on each table or call the Chapter phone number and leave your name and someone will call you back.
Sharon - Eyeglasses collected 175. Lap robes made - 8. Pounds of food donated to the Food Bank 34 lbs. Total number of active members 176.
Programs: Marcia Dattler will be working over the summer to organize the programs for the fall.
ONCHAARP - Dona Clark - Dona was not present. Laura Ehrich stated that our ONCHAARP gets better and better each month. The membership stated they were very pleased with the newsletter. Kudos to Dona and her helpers for a job well done.
Outreach - Bob Fluck was absent due to a medical treatment - Mary Klekosky announced the following Outreach programs that are coming in the near future. AARP's Financial Workshop on Misconceptions on Nursing Home Medicaid: Planning for Long Term Care will be held on May 4, 2017 at the Comfort Inn and Suites from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
May 12th, OCRRA'S Shed-a-Rama on Saturday will be from 8-12 noon. Limit is 5 boxes or paper bags. Located at NBT Stadium, enter from Grant Blvd.
Elder Law Fair Friday, May 19th. 8:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. (Planning for life after 50) Free and Open to all. Sessions on legal issues of interest to older adults and their caregivers. A Morning Forum: How the Affordable Care Act Affects You. 8:30 a.m. Sharp. Educational Topics include: Paying for Long Term Care, Aging Safely at Home, Grandparents' rights, End of Life Care, Wills and Planning, Estate Administration, Protecting Your Assets and more. Plus free consultations with lawyers on-site. Directions to Onondaga Community College, Academic Bldg. 2, follow the sandwich boards to the SRC Arena's Parking lot. Take shuttle in front of SRC''s Bldg. to Academic #2. Free breakfast, suggested attendees park by 7:30 a.m. take shuttle, sign up at registeration table, get in line for breakfast, go to Forum and be in your seat by 8:25 a.m.
Register by calling 1-877-926-8300 or register online: http://aarp.cvent.com/ElderLaw2017 Bob O'Connor asked people to sign-up with Kathy O'Connor to help with registration and/or to be room monitors.
(Saturday May 20th Linda Hagger added this information on her own for us to see: Dave Valesky's and Spectrum and SunnKing co-sponsors. FREE Electronics Recycling, 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. DMV parking lot, 5801 E. Taft Rd. No. Syr., NY. Items accepted: computers, televisions and monitors (unbroken), CPU keyboards and mice, fax machines, scanners, printers, VCRS, digital music players, electronic or video game consoles, and cell phones are the only items that will be accepted.)
On Sunday, May 21 the performance of Motown will take place at the Landmark Theater at 6:30 p.m. Marva and Sam Hudson will "man" the AARP Table.
Wednesday, May 24th the Alzheimer Association is sponsoring a Workshop on DEMENTIA CARE17, PLACE: HOLIDAY INN, 441, Electronics Pkwy & 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088, TIME: 8:00 A.M.-4 P.M. cost $80.00 which includes breakfast and lunch. Register at 315-472-4201. Please register by May 17th or check with them if this information reached you after the 17th date.
Thursday, June 15, 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. the Elder Abuse Conference by Vera House held at the Double Tree Hotel, Rt. 298, E. Syr., NY 13057, Register with Jenny Ackley, Program Coordinator at 315-425-0815 or jackley@verahouse.org
May is Senior Month. This year the focus is on trends among seniors for Independence, Working Longer, Prevention, Scams, Elder Abuse and Community Activism.
Legislative Action - Bob O'Connor - Laura covered a number of items on the AARP National & NYS level in her program speech.
Bob said he and two members of his Legislative team had a good visit with Representative John Katko on April 10th. Bob said they discussed the proposals to cut Medicare and replace the ACA Affordable Care Act, plus the severe damage to eligible Americans Act (which funds Offices for the Aging; various Meal programs, Outreach for services, Transportation, Respite and many others to name a few. We learned congressman John Katko is AGAINST Vouchers and drastic cuts to Medicare. KATKO wants LETTERS and or e-mails from constitutents on health care proposals and your other concerns. Use AARP'S special phone number 1-844-866-1425. if YOU ARE NOT SURE OF WHAT TO SAY, SPEAK WITH BOB AND HE WILL INFORM YOU OF A POINT YOU MIGHT WANT TO MENTION.
State Level - Most AARP issues were not addressed in the State Budget that was passed. Efforts and issues that still need our support to pass: Senate - the SECURE CHOICE retirement plan for individuals not covered in their employment/businesses or non-profits. The ASSEMBLY - both the Secure Choice plan and the Financial Exploitation Bill (covers Financial Elder Abuse and reducing fraud(s) at banks through the training of bank staff).
Congress just returned to the Capital from Easter recess. It is important to keep in mind that our AARP staff and volunteers, at the National and State Levels are keeping on top of Washington bureaucrats as they enfold. There are times when they need our help. HOW, by making calls or sending e-mails or letters on key legislation. Robert will send Alerts as he receives them from our staff. BE ready to Act.
Publicity - Marty Ours and Stanley Kaye. They both did not speak.
Blood Pressure Readings - Pat Dumas did 3 blood pressure readings before the meeting started.
Fund Raising Basket - Michaele Wendell reported that we earned $43 .00 on chances for the basket Kathy O'Connor made and donated in April.
Website and exercise for the day - Carol Decker reported from April 1st-until April 26th we had 1,990 pages checked out and 778 unique visits on the website. Carol led us through stretches and bends and then briefly spoke about her travels to Dubai and Africa.
Refreshments - Gretchen Stappenbeck - Cora Reals spoke. Cora thanked everyone for all their help throughout the year for baking homemade cookies and treats, sandwich fillings and homemade soups and chili. Mary Klekosky and the membership thanked the refreshment committee for their efforts setting up, serving the food and the clean-up. - A Job Well Done!
Old Business: The Election of Officers and Board Members for 2017 - 2018 - Mary Klekosky read off the list of people running for officers positions and for board of directors positions. They are the following: President - Michaele Wendell, Vice President - Peter Sarver, Secretary - Marty Ours, and Treasurer - Charles Adams. Board of Directors - Stanley Kaye, John Driscoll, Marcia Dattler, Robert O'Connor, Mary Klekosky, Linda Hagger, Linley Willis and Rosalie Ryding, and Nominating Committee, Gracie Howe. Kathy O'Connor mad a motion to accept the slate of individuals running for office, the board positions and the nominating committee. Myrtie Wilkos seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Tablet Drawing - Tickets will be sold at the May 19th Elder Fair Law, and the winning ticket will be chosen that day.
June 6, 2017 Tuesday, Installation of Officers Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Justin's Tuscan Grill, E. Syr., NY off Rte. 298 and Carrier Circle. Menu is buffet style and includes Chicken Marsala and Roast Beef with green beans almandine, pasta primavera, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh fruits, artisan breads, coffee, tea and cookies. Cost is $20.00. Please call the Chapter office 315-454-0104 or mail your check to AARP CHAPTER OFFICE #243, Attn: Mary Klekosky, 6726 TOWNLINE RD., Mattydale, NY 13211. All payments must be received by May 30th.
June 15 and July 15, 2017 People needed to "man" the AARP table at the Chief's baseball game. If no one volunteers, Dona Clark and her husband have offered to cover for those two dates.
4th of July Parade - Gracie Howe, coordinator. Please sign up with Gracie if you want to walk or ride in the parade. Call the Chapter Office and leave your name and phone number & the size Tee Shirt you need if you do not have one, Mary will need to know ahead of time to order them. We will be wearing the red tee shirts and carry banners.
July 18th TUESDAY, IS THE DATE OF OUR AARP PICNIC. It will be held at the Lakeland Park on Alhan Parkway from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. Ernie's café will cater it. The menu includes hotdogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, coneys, sausage, peppers and onions, pulled pork, salt potatoes, antipasto and fruit salads, cookies, soda and water. Gracie Howe will bring the bingo game & prizes. Carol Decker will bring three word games and some prizes. The cost is $20.00. One can mail a check into the Chapter Office, Attn. Mary Klekosky and write Picnic on the check. All checks must be received no later than July 11th.
NEW BUSINESS: Livability Conference - Bob O'Connor attended a two day conference in Albany on this topic. He talked with us about curb cuts on streets, timing lights (enough time to cross a busy street before the light turns red being addressed), grab bars for seniors and lighting to see at night. He will providing us with more information in the future.
Dora Marino will send our Labels for Education to the Indian School in South Dakota. Charlie Adams will deliver the Box Tops for Education to Dr. King Elementary School in the Syracuse City School District.
NEEDED! NEW HOME FOR MEETINGS. May 2, is the last time we met at the E. Syr. American Legion on West Manlius Street. The Legion has raised the fees to $200.00 per meeting. We can not afford a $150.00 increase each month. A few individuals are checking out suitable sites please check the ONCHAARP for the September 5th meeting site. Also if you know of a place that is affordable, has room for 60 or more people, kitchen privileges, storage for two cabinets, please contact the Chapter Office. A small committee will check out the sites.
50 - 50 Raffle. Mary Ours won $22.00 and Chris Jamison won $22.00
Basket Raffle - The lovely basket made by Naomi Kaye was won by Sharon Haresky.
John Driscoll spoke on I.D. fraud. The FCC's new ruling on ISP. Carriers such as Time Warner/Spectrum, Verizon and others who have our personal information such as NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NO., SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, or ANY INFO ON OUR ACCOUNTS, ETC. are now allowed to sell our information. What they choose to sell or not, remains to be seen, if there is a buck to be made, these businesses now can do so. One may want to check with the different companies they deal with and see if their business is selling their customers personal information, and then the individual can choose to go with a private carrier that does not sell individual's information. They charge is a small fee for not selling their customers personal information.
Motion to adjourn: Ursula Waldron made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Marcia Dattler seconded it. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. at 2:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Linda Hagger, Secretary
Chapter President Mary Klekosky called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. with 60 people in attendance saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Marcia Dattler introduced our speaker Laura Ehrich, AARP's Associate State Director from our New York AARP affiliate in Albany, NY. Laura talked on a few different topics - Scams, Fraud and Affordable Health Coverage brought back for Eliminating, Restricting and Revising.
1. Why it is important to shred your documents. Our bills and credit card statements carry a lot of information and there are so many scammers willing to pick through your trash and retrieve vital information that can cause you headaches, time and money, if it falls into the wrong hands. This is why AARP NYS does offer a Shred Event approximately one to two times per year. Last year, they collected enough paper to shred that would fill 16 city blocks. It's two fold purpose is to protect its members from fraud and scammers and keep the documents out of landfills.
2. Laura asked how many people use checks to pay for their bills. She said that scammers can use string to fish your check out of your mail box, wash off the ink and re-issue the check to themselves. Laura suggested that one can always use indelible ink on checks and get the indelible pen from your bank, or office supplier. Laura said seniors should check the back of a cancelled check to see if the correct person endorsed it. She also suggested that people take their mail that contains checks to the post office and give it to the counter person. She stressed NOT TO put your check in a rural mail box with the red flag up.
3. Laura said not to use a landline phone. Scammers are just waiting to find a live body that picks up the phone. She said she only uses her cell phone and screens her phone calls. If one does have a landline phone, Laura suggests to purchase an answering machine and screen your calls. DO NOT ANSWER THE PHONE IF YOU DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE PHONE NUMBER. If you are getting nuisance ROBO phone calls. go to the DO NOT CALL LIST and list the name & area & phone number of who is calling you. One can call their carrier and have them help them list the nuisance calls and block them. The do not call register does not quite get rid of all nuisance calls.
4. Laura said to ignore anyone that calls you and says they are from the IRS and you owe $'s and to go to the drug store and buy a cash card and send it to them. The IRS will never call you and demand money upfront or immediately. They always notify you in writing. Just say to the scammers. I never do anything unless I wait 24 hours to check the information out, leave me your phone number and I will call you back tomorrow. Then call the FCC or the Attorney General and give them the information. Older people tend to get nervous, scared and/emotional and that is how they get scammed. The senior is embarrassed and doesn't want to tell anyone. Seniors are afraid to say anything as it looks like they can't handle their day-to-day business. The best thing is to report it. AARP has a national phone line to report scams & frauds. Dial 1-800-222-4444 and select option 2. You will talk with an AARP Elder Watch Specialist. You can also go online at www.aarpelderwatch.org.
5. Laura said another big scam is your grandchild is in jail and needs bail money to get out. Just take down the information and call a relative and check out if the grandchild is visiting that city. Then report to the FCC, the NYS Attorney General and your local police.
Laura announced AARP's stand on the Affordable Care Act and why it should be voted down. It opens the door to special interest groups like big insurance companies to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions and large pharmaceuticals to raise the drug prices up to 5X's for chronic conditions. Yet, the house and senate had no adjustments to their current health coverage for them and their families. They have the best health coverage in the nation for life.
Secretary's Report: Linda Hagger - Mary Klekosky asked the members if they read the Secretary's Report and if there are any corrections, additions or deletions. There were none. A motion was made by Kathy O'Connor to accept the secretary's report and Rosalie Ryding seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: Charlie Adams - Charlie stated that the balance in our checking account on March 31, 2017 was $938.22. The total Revenue for April was $385.75, and and our total Expenditures were $482.25 leaving a balance on April 30th of $841.72.
Finance Report: Charlie Adams - We sold an Ad and earned $60.00 for April and our Helping Hands fund is in good shape due to the generosity of our members.
Community Service - Sharon Haresky - Sharon thanked the members for bringing donations of food and paper supplies for Francis House.
Sharon stated our Community Service Day will be at the September meeting. We have chosen the Samaritan Center, and we will make 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The board members offered to donate the following items, white and wheat bread, peanut butter (smooth) and Jelly, grape and strawberry, & plastic gloves. Mary Klekosky said she will donate the plastic sandwich bags.
Sharon is asking the members to stay after the Chapter meeting in September to make the 200 sandwiches. We need approximately 12 people to help, and it should be completed in one hour. There is a sign-up sheet on each table or call the Chapter phone number and leave your name and someone will call you back.
Sharon - Eyeglasses collected 175. Lap robes made - 8. Pounds of food donated to the Food Bank 34 lbs. Total number of active members 176.
Programs: Marcia Dattler will be working over the summer to organize the programs for the fall.
ONCHAARP - Dona Clark - Dona was not present. Laura Ehrich stated that our ONCHAARP gets better and better each month. The membership stated they were very pleased with the newsletter. Kudos to Dona and her helpers for a job well done.
Outreach - Bob Fluck was absent due to a medical treatment - Mary Klekosky announced the following Outreach programs that are coming in the near future. AARP's Financial Workshop on Misconceptions on Nursing Home Medicaid: Planning for Long Term Care will be held on May 4, 2017 at the Comfort Inn and Suites from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
May 12th, OCRRA'S Shed-a-Rama on Saturday will be from 8-12 noon. Limit is 5 boxes or paper bags. Located at NBT Stadium, enter from Grant Blvd.
Elder Law Fair Friday, May 19th. 8:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. (Planning for life after 50) Free and Open to all. Sessions on legal issues of interest to older adults and their caregivers. A Morning Forum: How the Affordable Care Act Affects You. 8:30 a.m. Sharp. Educational Topics include: Paying for Long Term Care, Aging Safely at Home, Grandparents' rights, End of Life Care, Wills and Planning, Estate Administration, Protecting Your Assets and more. Plus free consultations with lawyers on-site. Directions to Onondaga Community College, Academic Bldg. 2, follow the sandwich boards to the SRC Arena's Parking lot. Take shuttle in front of SRC''s Bldg. to Academic #2. Free breakfast, suggested attendees park by 7:30 a.m. take shuttle, sign up at registeration table, get in line for breakfast, go to Forum and be in your seat by 8:25 a.m.
Register by calling 1-877-926-8300 or register online: http://aarp.cvent.com/ElderLaw2017 Bob O'Connor asked people to sign-up with Kathy O'Connor to help with registration and/or to be room monitors.
(Saturday May 20th Linda Hagger added this information on her own for us to see: Dave Valesky's and Spectrum and SunnKing co-sponsors. FREE Electronics Recycling, 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. DMV parking lot, 5801 E. Taft Rd. No. Syr., NY. Items accepted: computers, televisions and monitors (unbroken), CPU keyboards and mice, fax machines, scanners, printers, VCRS, digital music players, electronic or video game consoles, and cell phones are the only items that will be accepted.)
On Sunday, May 21 the performance of Motown will take place at the Landmark Theater at 6:30 p.m. Marva and Sam Hudson will "man" the AARP Table.
Wednesday, May 24th the Alzheimer Association is sponsoring a Workshop on DEMENTIA CARE17, PLACE: HOLIDAY INN, 441, Electronics Pkwy & 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088, TIME: 8:00 A.M.-4 P.M. cost $80.00 which includes breakfast and lunch. Register at 315-472-4201. Please register by May 17th or check with them if this information reached you after the 17th date.
Thursday, June 15, 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. the Elder Abuse Conference by Vera House held at the Double Tree Hotel, Rt. 298, E. Syr., NY 13057, Register with Jenny Ackley, Program Coordinator at 315-425-0815 or jackley@verahouse.org
May is Senior Month. This year the focus is on trends among seniors for Independence, Working Longer, Prevention, Scams, Elder Abuse and Community Activism.
Legislative Action - Bob O'Connor - Laura covered a number of items on the AARP National & NYS level in her program speech.
Bob said he and two members of his Legislative team had a good visit with Representative John Katko on April 10th. Bob said they discussed the proposals to cut Medicare and replace the ACA Affordable Care Act, plus the severe damage to eligible Americans Act (which funds Offices for the Aging; various Meal programs, Outreach for services, Transportation, Respite and many others to name a few. We learned congressman John Katko is AGAINST Vouchers and drastic cuts to Medicare. KATKO wants LETTERS and or e-mails from constitutents on health care proposals and your other concerns. Use AARP'S special phone number 1-844-866-1425. if YOU ARE NOT SURE OF WHAT TO SAY, SPEAK WITH BOB AND HE WILL INFORM YOU OF A POINT YOU MIGHT WANT TO MENTION.
State Level - Most AARP issues were not addressed in the State Budget that was passed. Efforts and issues that still need our support to pass: Senate - the SECURE CHOICE retirement plan for individuals not covered in their employment/businesses or non-profits. The ASSEMBLY - both the Secure Choice plan and the Financial Exploitation Bill (covers Financial Elder Abuse and reducing fraud(s) at banks through the training of bank staff).
Congress just returned to the Capital from Easter recess. It is important to keep in mind that our AARP staff and volunteers, at the National and State Levels are keeping on top of Washington bureaucrats as they enfold. There are times when they need our help. HOW, by making calls or sending e-mails or letters on key legislation. Robert will send Alerts as he receives them from our staff. BE ready to Act.
Publicity - Marty Ours and Stanley Kaye. They both did not speak.
Blood Pressure Readings - Pat Dumas did 3 blood pressure readings before the meeting started.
Fund Raising Basket - Michaele Wendell reported that we earned $43 .00 on chances for the basket Kathy O'Connor made and donated in April.
Website and exercise for the day - Carol Decker reported from April 1st-until April 26th we had 1,990 pages checked out and 778 unique visits on the website. Carol led us through stretches and bends and then briefly spoke about her travels to Dubai and Africa.
Refreshments - Gretchen Stappenbeck - Cora Reals spoke. Cora thanked everyone for all their help throughout the year for baking homemade cookies and treats, sandwich fillings and homemade soups and chili. Mary Klekosky and the membership thanked the refreshment committee for their efforts setting up, serving the food and the clean-up. - A Job Well Done!
Old Business: The Election of Officers and Board Members for 2017 - 2018 - Mary Klekosky read off the list of people running for officers positions and for board of directors positions. They are the following: President - Michaele Wendell, Vice President - Peter Sarver, Secretary - Marty Ours, and Treasurer - Charles Adams. Board of Directors - Stanley Kaye, John Driscoll, Marcia Dattler, Robert O'Connor, Mary Klekosky, Linda Hagger, Linley Willis and Rosalie Ryding, and Nominating Committee, Gracie Howe. Kathy O'Connor mad a motion to accept the slate of individuals running for office, the board positions and the nominating committee. Myrtie Wilkos seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Tablet Drawing - Tickets will be sold at the May 19th Elder Fair Law, and the winning ticket will be chosen that day.
June 6, 2017 Tuesday, Installation of Officers Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Justin's Tuscan Grill, E. Syr., NY off Rte. 298 and Carrier Circle. Menu is buffet style and includes Chicken Marsala and Roast Beef with green beans almandine, pasta primavera, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh fruits, artisan breads, coffee, tea and cookies. Cost is $20.00. Please call the Chapter office 315-454-0104 or mail your check to AARP CHAPTER OFFICE #243, Attn: Mary Klekosky, 6726 TOWNLINE RD., Mattydale, NY 13211. All payments must be received by May 30th.
June 15 and July 15, 2017 People needed to "man" the AARP table at the Chief's baseball game. If no one volunteers, Dona Clark and her husband have offered to cover for those two dates.
4th of July Parade - Gracie Howe, coordinator. Please sign up with Gracie if you want to walk or ride in the parade. Call the Chapter Office and leave your name and phone number & the size Tee Shirt you need if you do not have one, Mary will need to know ahead of time to order them. We will be wearing the red tee shirts and carry banners.
July 18th TUESDAY, IS THE DATE OF OUR AARP PICNIC. It will be held at the Lakeland Park on Alhan Parkway from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. Ernie's café will cater it. The menu includes hotdogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, coneys, sausage, peppers and onions, pulled pork, salt potatoes, antipasto and fruit salads, cookies, soda and water. Gracie Howe will bring the bingo game & prizes. Carol Decker will bring three word games and some prizes. The cost is $20.00. One can mail a check into the Chapter Office, Attn. Mary Klekosky and write Picnic on the check. All checks must be received no later than July 11th.
NEW BUSINESS: Livability Conference - Bob O'Connor attended a two day conference in Albany on this topic. He talked with us about curb cuts on streets, timing lights (enough time to cross a busy street before the light turns red being addressed), grab bars for seniors and lighting to see at night. He will providing us with more information in the future.
Dora Marino will send our Labels for Education to the Indian School in South Dakota. Charlie Adams will deliver the Box Tops for Education to Dr. King Elementary School in the Syracuse City School District.
NEEDED! NEW HOME FOR MEETINGS. May 2, is the last time we met at the E. Syr. American Legion on West Manlius Street. The Legion has raised the fees to $200.00 per meeting. We can not afford a $150.00 increase each month. A few individuals are checking out suitable sites please check the ONCHAARP for the September 5th meeting site. Also if you know of a place that is affordable, has room for 60 or more people, kitchen privileges, storage for two cabinets, please contact the Chapter Office. A small committee will check out the sites.
50 - 50 Raffle. Mary Ours won $22.00 and Chris Jamison won $22.00
Basket Raffle - The lovely basket made by Naomi Kaye was won by Sharon Haresky.
John Driscoll spoke on I.D. fraud. The FCC's new ruling on ISP. Carriers such as Time Warner/Spectrum, Verizon and others who have our personal information such as NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NO., SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, or ANY INFO ON OUR ACCOUNTS, ETC. are now allowed to sell our information. What they choose to sell or not, remains to be seen, if there is a buck to be made, these businesses now can do so. One may want to check with the different companies they deal with and see if their business is selling their customers personal information, and then the individual can choose to go with a private carrier that does not sell individual's information. They charge is a small fee for not selling their customers personal information.
Motion to adjourn: Ursula Waldron made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Marcia Dattler seconded it. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. at 2:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Linda Hagger, Secretary
