Chapter Activities

September Outing

   September was a busy month for Chapter 1100. The Chapter enjoyed one of the usual two annual "lunches out", this time at the at the Golden Corral in Colorado Springs. The official meeting was abbreviated and we did not have a featured speaker or program -- just a good meal and lots of socializing..
The annual award of Chapter Longevity Name Tags was the main feature of the business meeting. Chapter President, Candace Lehmann, recognized the award of Chapter 1100 Longevity Name tags for 10 Chapter members at the meeting. Distinctive Longevity Names Tags are awarded to members with uninterrupted 5 year membership increments. In three of the instances below the name tags should have been previously awarded, but weren’t due to the disruption of Chapter activities during the COVID pandemic.

List of 2023 Longevity Name Tags Awarded

MEMBER NAME YEAR JOINED YEARS MEMBER
ELECTA BECKNER              1998                     25 YRS.
STAN BECKNER                  2002 20 YRS. (Should have been awarded in 2022)
CAROLYN JAWORSKI 2003 20 YRS.
CHUCK KARLSTRKUM 2008 15 YRS.
SHIRLEY KARLSTRUM 2008 15 YRS.
RAY ROZAK 2008 15 YRS.
LINDA  ROZAK 2008 15 YRS
VIJAY VERMA 2017 5 YRS. (Should have been awarded in 2022)
BOBBIE WELTON 2017 5 YRS. (Should have been awarded in 2022)
MAX STUCKEY 2018 5 YRS.

BLACK FOREST FESTIVAL

Over cloudy and occasionally rainy skies, Chapter 1100 of AAARP in Black Forest participated in the 2023 Black Forest Festival on 11 August. The chapter provided an array of free literature applicable to today's living as well as free cold water. Pastries and other items were also available. Chapter members also participated in the breakfast prepared by the area Scouts and one chapter member hitched his tractor to a trailer with hay bales on it and provided free "Hay Rides" to many young participants at the Festival.

Several of the Chapter 1100 volunteers at the Chapter 1100 Black Forest table at the Black Forest Festival.

Chapter 1100 member, Ray Rozak, with tractor and load of young festival attendees ready to take a "hay ride" at the festival.

Chapter 1100 members talking to the public at the Black Forest Festival on 11 August in Black Forest.

Chapter Picnic 2023

Chapter 1100 of AARP held its annual picnic at the Black Forest Regional Park

Chapter members socialize before a brief business meeting.

July 12 was the day of Chapter 1100's annual picnic at the Black Forest Regional Park. There was good turn out on a hot but otherwise perfect day. After a short business meeting, the entree of delicious catered fried and baked chicken was increased by the many drinks, side dishes, and desserts furnished by the members, was served.. Afterwards members played bingo with the winner in each round selecting his/her own “prize” from a table of potted plants, "mystery envelopes”, and other interesting items. It was a time of good informal afternoon, good food, and fun.

Preparing the feast.

Dishing it up.

Enjpying the day.

Fight Fraud, Shred Instead – 2023

Volunteers unload personal documents to awaiting trucks for on-site professional shredding. About 7,000 pounds of paper was shredded and recycled.

For the first time since 2019 after which the COVID-19 shut everything down, Chapter 1100 of AARP in conjunction with AARP ElderWatch Colorado, held a free shredding event in Black Forest.
         Individuals came from 21 different ZIP Code areas of central Colorado to participate.  They dropped off their personal documents for safe and immediate shredding, yielding about 7,000 pounds paper which will be recycled.  They also donated 370 pounds of non-perishable food and $255 to the Black Forest Care and Share Food Bank.
         Shredding unneeded personal documents is recommended because that removes them from the possibility of nefarious individuals recovering them from trash bins or storage areas and using the personal information for fraudulent activities.
   Shredding unneeded personal documents is recommended because that removes them from the possibility of nefarious individuals recovering them from trash bins or storage areas and using the personal information for fraudulent activities.
         Chapter 1100 proudly plans to have another shredding event next year.  In the meantime, the chapter will participate in other community service activities.  The Chapter motto is “To Serve, not to be Served.”  Chapter membership is open. There is no age requirement for membership.  Interested individuals contact Candace, the Chapter President, at 314.330.0411.

Electa Beckner (L) from Chapter 1100 delivers some of the 370 pounds of donated food to Lydia Zelones, Black Forest Care and Share Food Bank supervisor.

The Chapter 1100 volunteers enjoy some well-earned pizza after a morning of hard work on the shredding line.

ElderWatch Reports Scam Trends

Ray Rozak (L), Chapter Programs Leader, thanks Mark Fetterhoff, Program Manager, AARP ElderWatch Colorado, after Mark’s discussion of current Scam Trends with the Chapter 1100 members. AARP ElderWatch Colorado has partnered with the Colorado Attorney General for 20 years to stop fraud in Colorado.

          The May meeting of Chapter 1100 featured Mark Fetterhoff, Program Manager, AARP ElderWatch, who stimulated an interactive discussion of the most often seen scams in 2022/2023 and how to avoid them.  These included high interest scams dealing with Identity Theft, Tech Support and Computer Virus, Romance/Blackmail, Automated Payment Methods, Text and Social Media scammers and the infamous Grandparents scams.  Mark also discussed the best way to avoid scams and how to “handle” scammers when they are encountered.
   The day also included the usual delicious pot luck lunch, introduction of guests and new members, and plans for the upcoming free shredding event on June 10 from 9 am to 12 pm in the Black Forest Lutheran Church parking lot.
   Chapter 1100 meets monthly.  All ages are invited to visit and join the organization.  For more information on Chapter 1100 activities, call Candace at 314.330,0411

Mark Fetterhoff leads the Chapter 1100 membership in an informational discussion of the virious scams which are prevelant in today's daily environment.

"To Serve, not to be Served"

A few of the Chapter 1100 members who serve the community

  “To Serve, not to be Served” is the motto of the Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100.  Getting ready for a summer of serving the community started with a the Chapter Board of Directors meeting on May 5 at a local restaurant. Attending were Chapter Officers, Board Members, several Committee and chapter members.
            Over individually ordered meals, plans were discussed, for the upcoming Chapter activities beginning with the Senior Life Expo on May 6,  progressing to the annual Chapter-sponsored FREE Shredding event on 10 June, and the Black Forest Festival on August 12.
            The Chapter 1100 Board of Directors meets the first Friday of odd numbered months.  All Chapter members are invited and encouraged to attend.
            It didn’t take long to get underway.  The Colorado Springs Senior Life Expo was the next day.  Eleven Chapter members took turns staffing a booth at the expo. Over 500 expo attendees stopped by the booth and picked up free literature on a variety of literature especially prepared by AARP for the lives and welfare of seniors in the community.  Many handy household items were also made available to those who wanted them.
            Next on the calendar of events will be the Free shredding event which will afford individuals a way to safely dispose of unneeded personal and financial documents.  The shredding event will be from 9 to noon on June 10 at 12455 Black Forest Road in Black Forest.   Reservations are not required to participate.   Watch for local advertising.

Chapter 1100 Officers, Board of Directors, and members meet at a IHOP Restaurant for the May meeting.

Chapter members assist attendees interested in a variety of free information at the Senior Expo on June 6 in Colorado Springs.

Chapter 1100 News

Ray Rozak, Chapter 1100 Programs Director, right, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Carolyn Wilson of Rocky Mountain PACE after her informative and interesting presentation of how PACE can make life happier, healthier, and better for local individuals who seek to live more independently.

  The April Meeting of Chapter 1100 of AARP was full of news and plans for this summer.  Carolyn Wilson from Rocky Mountain PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) also provided a complete and informative program.  Her program was very interactive and discussed such things as what is PACE, who is eligible, who pays, and what does PACE offer participants. Persons who have questions they would like to ask PACE should call 719.314.2327.
            The business meeting made detailed plans to participate in two very important upcoming Chapter projects.  The first is being an active  participant at the Gazette Senior Life Expo in Colorado Springs on May 6.   The Chapter on this occasion will staff a booth featuring information of interest to retired or older persons.  Call Stan at 719.596.6787 if you have questions.
            The second project is hosting a FREE shredding event from 9 am to 12 pm on June 10 at 12455 Black Forest Road in Black Forest.  This event provides an opportunity to drop off unneeded personal and financial documents for on-site professional shredding.  Three boxes or paper bags will be accepted per person, but please no plastic or metal 3-ring binders.  A donation to the Black Forest Cares Food Pantry would be appreciated.  Call Jim at 719.330.5923 for more information.
            Black Forest Chapter 1100 of AARP is dedicated to community service, but we have some fun also.  If you are interested in visiting a meeting call Chapter President, Candace Lehmann, at 314.330.0411.

FIGHT FRAUD - SHRED INSTEAD

FREE Shredding is coming to Black Forest on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at 12455 Black Forest Road. This will be an opportunity for individuals to drop off unneeded personal and financial documents for on-site professional shredding. No reservations required.
There will be a limit of 3 boxes or bags per person. No Plastic or metal binders will be accepted. Your donation of cash or a nonperishable food item for Black Forest Cares Food Pantry would be appreciated.

Getting Back to Normal

Chapter President Candace Lehmann presides while the Chapter 1100 members enjoy the buffet lunch on March 8 at the Golden Corral restaurant in Colorado Springs.

  Chapter 1100 of AARP reinstated a pre-pandemic activity on March 8 by starting the twice per year monthly chapter meeting at a local restaurant.  It was a great success.  The informal atmosphere included an abbreviated chapter meeting, no program, and a chance to really enjoy an informal meal in the private dining room of the Golden Corral restaurant.
            The Chapter will host a free shredding event from 9-12 AM on June 10 at the Black Forest Lutheran Church.  Individuals in the community will be able to safely shred personal paper documents at this time.  Food and cash donations to the Black Forest Care and Share food pantry will be accepted.
            Our next meeting will be, on April 12, at our usual location at 12445  Black Forest Road.   All are invited to visit or join.  There are no age requirements.  Annual dues for 2023 are $10 per person.

A Meeting Celebrating President's Day

AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest had an information-filled day at the February 8th monthly meeting. The Chapter President, Candace Lehmann, presided over the meeting which started with an invocation and pledge to the flag of the United States of America.

President Candace Lehmann presided at the February 8 meeting of Chapter 1100 in Black Forest.

The meeting agenda included a timely presentation of a program of tax strategies, the recognition of past Chapter Presidents and their years of service, and a highlight of several upcoming chapter activities and business items. The Chapter Treasurer, Jim Belk, discussed the current Chapter financial situation, then presented the 2023 Annual Budget to the membership for approved. When voted on, the budget was approved as presented.

The Chapter 1100 Presidents were each honored with a gift card at a local restaurant. Shown with their terms of service as Chapter President: L-R Charles Karlstrum (2011-2017); Electa Beckner (2002-2004); Candace Lehmann (2020 - Present); Stan Beckner (2005-2006); and Ray Rozak (2018-2019).

Tax program presented by , James Krueger.

The speaker, James Krueger, a local tax consultant, provided an interesting and very timely presentation which highlighted the tax aspects of various investments and income streams which fall under the Federal and State tax laws. His emphasis was on how individuals should study alternate ways to legally minimize the amount of taxes they owe. Upcoming Chapter activities included the status of planning for a free shredding event this summer, the status and schedule for updating the Chapter Handbook which is the primary governing document of the Chapter, the collection of can pull tabs for a local charity, and the plans for the Chapter to have lunch at a local buffet restaurant next month.
All expectations are for an interesting and fun summer serving our community. Individuals interested in visiting or joining Chapter 1100 can contact the Chapter President at 314.330.0411.

Rcent Activities

Our December meeting featured a Holiday theme complete with many fee items for the membership and the usual catered menu. A great time was had by all!

The January meeting featured the swearing in of the new chapter officers for the year 2023.

2022 Senior Life Expo

Photos: Black Forest AARP Volunteers staff the AARP Table at the 2022 Gazette Senior Life Expo on October 15, 2022.

AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest participated in the 2022 Gazette Senior Life Expo at the Broadmoor World Arena. A large contingency of local residents attended. The Chapter provided a large array of free literature aplicable to younger individuals as well as seniors. Topics included Family Caregiver Recourses, Fraud Prevention, a Guide to Stopping Robo-Scammers, Health tips for Men 50 and older, Practical Ideas and Products to Enhance Independent Living and Medicare Made Easy. Practical and useful household items for men and women were also given away to those who stopped by to chat. The Chapter also handed out information, to those interested, about joining the local Black Forest ÅÅRP Chater.

Lori Morgan, Trauma Outreach & Injury Prevention Specialist, UC Health

Lori Morgan, Outreach Specialist, UC Health, Colorado Springs

Lori Morgan presented a comprehensive and informative program especially appropriate to seniors at the Chapter 1100 meeting on October 12. Lori discussed and demonstrated home strengthing and balance exercises and discussed the correct, and safest walking methods on dry as well icy winter conditions. She also demonstrated various toe and heel exercises to increase a person being less likely to slip and fall during normal daily activities. She also answered questions from the attending Chapter members and guests and provided several printed handouts for people to take home.
Lori Morgan is a Paramedic and outreach and injury prevention specialist. She can be reached at uchealth.org or 719.365.2872.

Image Below: Lori Nelson presents a comprehensive and education program on Strenthening and Balance Exercises and Safety at the October meeting of AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest.

A View of the Festival

The photo is a view of the Black Forest Festival area NW of the Community Center. It  shows attendees enjoying the nice day and visiting the many vendor tents
The view of the Festival from the standpoint of the AARP Chapter 1100 booth, one of the white tents at the left of the photograph, was a large success.  Many attendees took literature and others gave generous donations for the cookies, house plants, chilled water, frozen pops, and other items that were made available to the festival’s attendees.  The money realized will be given to a charity in the local area.
Two Chapter members also contributed their day to support the Festival activities .  Lavonne Hidy demonstrated the art of Wool Rug Braiding and Ray Rozak provided hay rides all day to Festival attendees
    AARP Chapter 1100 meets monthly at the Black Forest Lutheran Church in Black Forest.  Call Candace at 314.330.0411 for details. Our motto is “To Serve Not to be Served”  All ages are welcome.

The Black Forest AARP Chapter location was open on two sides. Many fun and useful items, plus literature applicable to all, was featured. The money the booth collected from the items and donations will be given to a local charity.

Tractor driver and Chapter 1100 member, Ray Rozak, provided Community Club hay rides all day long for Festival attendees.

Four of the AARP Chapter helpers, Lori Belk, Electa Beckner, Sandra Van Wormer, and Candace Lehmann are shown surrounded by merchandise inside the Chapter 1100 booth. Not shown are the other AARP members and friends who contributed to the success of the day’s effort. These included Jan Solverson, Jim Belk, Durelle Pithey, Lin Rozak, Jim and Randy Hidy and Stan Beckner.

Special thanks to the Chapter 1100 members and friends who did the work of providing and setting up the AARP booth canopy and worked many hours staffing the booth. Thanks also to others who contributed the many items provided for the festival attendees. All contributed to the success of the effort!

A Time to Reminisce

August 10th was a time to Reminisce! It was a special occasion in several ways. It was the 50th Anniversary celebration of Chapter 1100 of AARP in Black Forest. Friends of the chapter and relatives of the original chapter members were invited attend, and several did.
Chapter President, Candace Lehmann, and event Director, Lavonne Hidy presided at the ceremonies. President Lehmann posted a handsome plaque from AARP Colorado recognizing the occasion and in appreciation and recognition of the Chapter’s 50 years of service to AARP, and the Chapter’s commitment to the motto “To Serve Not to be Served”. Jeremiah Mora, the Colorado AARP State and Community Engagement Manager, congratulated the Chapter on its long history of community service.

Candace Lehmann, President of AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest delivered the welcoming address and outlined the program and the theme, A Time for Reminisce.

Lavonne Hidy, Event Director for the AARP Chapter 1100 50th Anniversary Celebration on August 10 at the Black Forest Lutheran Church provided a review of the Chapter’s past history and accomplishments.

Candace Lehmann, President of AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest delivered the welcoming address and outlined the program and the theme, A Time for Reminisce.

Special awards were presented to all the octogenarian members of the chapter and a review of the history and accomplishments of Chapter 1100 was presented. Especially noteworthy was the recognition that Chapter 1100 had been selected as the best AARP Chapter in Colorado for Community Service, 14 times in the last 20 years and individual chapter members have been formally recognized, by AARP Colorado on 29 occasions during the same period for their unique community service activities.

The Forest Chorus, a Community Harmony Singing Group, led the everyone present in a program of patriotic sing-along selections, which everyone enjoyed.

HAPPY ANNAVERSARY!

  Attendees were encouraged to look through the extensive set of Chapter scrapbooks and to help themselves to the table with literature and items of common need that were provided by AARP and the Chapter.
            At the conclusion of the ceremonies everyone was invited to partake of the cake and ice cream, and to socialize before departing.
            Chapter 1100 has always been active in community outreach.  For eleven years the chapter conducted a free shredding of personal documents, being interrupted only by the current COVID pandemic.  During the eleven year span, about 3,500 individuals were served, well over a million pounds of paper was shredded, plus 5,635 pounds of food and $5,253 freely donated to the local food bank, Black Forest Cares.  The chapter has also actively participated in the Black Forest Festival, has supported the Colorado Veteran’s Home in Florence, has staffed information tables at many community fairs and exhibits, and was active in the outreach and assistance to individuals who suffered from the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest Fires.  The chapter has also partnered with church and several charitable organizations to raise donations for numerous charitable causes.
            The chapter publishes a monthly newsletter, maintains a web site, has an annual picnic,  potluck lunches, annual “lunches outs”, and has had numerous interesting and educational guest programs at chapter meetings.

Silver Key Silver Summit

AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest participated in the June 14 Silver Key Senior Summit at the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs. The Chapter table at the summit featured current AARP literature applicable to a wide range of ages and situations. Useful household items were also given away to the more than the 150 individuals who visited the AARP Table.. Black Forest Chapter Chapter President, Candace Lehmann, was joined by Linn and Ray Rozak and Electa and Stan Beckner at the Chapter 1100 table.

High Voltage Dangers Demonstrated

A Mountain View Electric Association Team, led by Jason Matzke, North Operations Superintendent, provided AARP Chapter 1100 with a series of demonstrations and a narrative discussion on the dangers and safety measures associated with downed electrical wires. The Mountain View Team used their especially rigged trailer to graphically show the devastating effects of High Voltages on tissues similar to those in the human body. The 8 June program at the Black Forest AARP meeting was especially appreciated since most of the Chapter members live in areas which have seen downed power lines due to storms. It was however, a good lesson for anyone who might come upon an accident or situation where downed power lines are a factor. The basic safety rule is that a power company must be called before approaching any power line that is down, whether it appears dangerous or not. The Mountain View program and demonstration is available to area youth and adult groups. Call 719.494.2622 and talk to Jason or Avery if you are interested in scheduling a demonstration

The Chapter business meeting focused on the upcoming activities including the Chapter’s 50th Anniversary celebration starting at 1 pm on August 10 in the Black Forest Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. All friends of the Chapter and current and past member families are invited to attend. Activities will include a presentation by AARP CO recognizing the occasion, a review of the chapter history, and a personal recognition of all octogenarian Chapter members present. Cake and ice cream will be served.
The Black Forest AARP Chapter meets the second Wednesday of each month at noon in the Fellowship Hall of the Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road. All ages are eligible for membership. Come visit us and enjoy our monthly programs. The next Chapter meeting will be the annual picnic at the Black Forest Regional Park on July 13. Call Candace at 314.330.0411 for more information.

Ray Rozak, Second from right, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to the Mountain View Electric Team who provided the High Voltage Demonstration to the Chapter members. L-R they are: Avery Cegielski, Jason Matzke, Cory Anderson, Ray Rozak, Wyatt Farnum.

Apprentice Lineman Wyatt Farnum, demonstrates what happens if a downed energized 7200v power line, which has fallen across a vehicle, is provided a path to ground by an unsuspecting rescue person who touches the car. Lesson: Always call the power company before approaching any downed power line.

The Mountain View Electric team including Cory Anderson, South Operations Superintendent, conducts a comprehensive demonstration for AARP Chapter 1100 members using their especially rigged High Voltage Demonstration Trailer equipment.

Stop the Bleed

Lori Morgan, a Trauma Outreach & Injury Prevention specialist, from UC Health, presents, an hands-on certifying class, Stop the Bleed for the Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 on 11 May.

  The Program for the 11 May AARP Chapter 1100 meeting was entitled Stop the Bleed.  The Stop the Bleed Education Program is a national initiative established because of many recent situations where injured individuals and children have bled to death after injury while awaiting arrival of trained medical personnel.  The program, with hands-on instructions, is designed to help mitigate this problem. The program was presented by three highly qualified and experienced paramedics led by Lori Morgan, Trauma Outreach & Injury Prevention specialist, from UC Health in Colorado Springs.
The Certifying Class of instruction focused on the following important steps.  Once personal safety is confirmed call, or text, 911 and report the location and need for medical help.  The next step is to stop the bleeding by using whatever is available to directly compress the bleeding or perhaps even to place a tourniquet above the injury site.
After a discussion of the techniques for stopping bleeding from injuries, Lori Morgan and her colleagues, Hannah Weydert and Cyndy Larsen, divided the Chapter members into three  groups and led everyone in a hands-on exercise to accomplish bleeding stoppage techniques on mannequins.
At the conclusion of the instruction each Chapter 1100 participant was presented a Certificate of Completion of the Stop The Bleed Course on behalf of the American College of Surgeons.

UC Health instructors pose with the Chapter 1100 members with their Certificates from of the American College of Surgeons for the completion of the Stop the Bleed course.

The day’s activities included the usual Chapter pot-luck lunch and a short business meeting. The Chapter program for June 8 will feature Mountain View Electric who will present a spectacular outdoor demonstration of the dangers of Hi Voltage Electricity. You don’t want to miss this! Other near term activities include the annual Chapter Picnic on July 13, and a Special August 10 meeting celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Chapter 1100 in Black Forest. The anniversary celebration will start at 11:30 in the Fellowship Hall of the Black Forest Lutheran Church. The celebration is open to all current and past friends of the Chapter. A review of the Chapter activities over the years is planned as are several awards and other activities.
Questions about any of the above activities should be directed to Candace at 314.330.0411.

Black Forest Fire Preparedness

Deputy Fire Chief, James Rebitski discusses the mitigation of local Wildland fires at the March 9 meeting of the Black Forest AARP Chapter in Black Forest.

Deputy Fire Chief, James Rebitski of the Black Forest Fire and Rescue, assisted by Administrative Officer Rachael Dunn, presented an outstanding program “Understanding Wildland Fire and Preparedness in Black Forest” at the March 9 AARP Chapter meeting in Black Forest. The presentation emphasized situation awareness on the part of the property owner. Key aspects of situation awareness, such as potential evacuation escape routes, personal medications, important papers such as insurance policies, and family notification lists were identified as basic items to be included in every disaster preparedness plan.

Chief Rebitski led a discussion of questions from the membership which covered many practical applications of situations encountered locally. He suggested individuals visit the Black Forest Fire and Rescue web site at https://www.bffire.org/ready-set-go to review the extensive list of emergency planning items which are available and should be considered. The Chief also noted the willingness of fire mitigation experts to visit properties and recommend ways which fire danger can be reduced on properties in Black Forest.

Rachel Dunn (L) and Deputy Chief Rebitski (R) receive Certificates of Appreciation from AARP Chapter Programs Manager, Ray Rozak for their presentation to Chapter 1100.

      The April 13 Chapter meeting program will be provided by Mountain View Electric.  Weather permitting, the program will include graphic outdoor demonstrations to illustrate the extreme danger that downed electrical wires are to people and animals.
         Driver Safety classes are scheduled to resume in mid-April.  Watch for specific details.
         Individuals of all ages are invited to attend Chapter 1100 meetings.  Annual dues for 2022 are $5. The Black Forest AARP Chapter meets at noon the second Wednesday of each month in the Fellowship Hall of the Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road. Visitors are welcome. Contact Chapter President, Candace Lehmann, at 314.330.0411 for more information.

Valentine’s Day Observance

Dan Hamilton leads the discussion of the internet services provided in the local area including those offered by Force Broadband of Monument.

The February meeting of Chapter 1100 was interesting and informative. The usual pot luck lunch provided a wide variety of delicious entrees, sided salads and vegetables plus an array of mouth-watering desserts - all in an atmosphere of Valentine’s Day decorations. The March 9 meeting of Chapter 1100 of AARP will feature a catered entrée with members bringing salads, side dishes and desserts.
An educational and highly informative presentation and discussion was provided by Dan Hamilton of Force Broadband. Force Broadband is a High Speed Internet service provider headquartered in Monument, Colorado, but serving the Black Forest area as well. It is locally and veteran owned, People looking for locally operated internet or phone service can contact Force Broadband at www.ForceBB.com or at 719.896.2120.

   Upcoming Chapter 1100 meetings will include a variety of interesting and informative programs.  For example, the Black Forest Fire and Rescue Chief will talk about home safety and disaster evacuation routes, and on another occasion, hands-on fire extinguisher training. (an outdoors weather permitting program).
Lori Morgan from UC Health will present a first aid program entitled “Stop the Bleed - Save a Life” and, on another occasion, a  program on how to prevent falls and improve balance.  Another very important program by representatives from Mountain View Electric will demonstrate the dangers of downed wires, what to do & what not to do.  You don’t want to miss these programs.
Chapter 1100 meets  at noon the second Wednesday of each month in the Fellowship Hall of the Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road.  Guests of any age are welcome.  Questions regarding the meeting or program should be directed to the Chapter President, Candace Lehmann at 314.330.0411.

GETTING STARTED

Chapter 1100 of AARP is getting started again after being inactive since March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Chapter Officer vacancies are being filled, activities planned such as a picnic in July, and informational programs are being scheduled. We are looking forward to bouncing back from the pandemic stronger than ever.
The January chapter meeting feathered two special presentations, after the traditional buffet lunch and a short business meeting. The first featured Martha Lovell who discussed The Honor Flights of Southern Colorado which honors the service of all military veterans. The Honor Flights to Washington D.C. are conducted as a way of saying thank you to all veterans, regardless of military branch or length of service, who have been Honorably Discharged. The three day all expenses paid trip is arranged through The Honor Fight of Southern Colorado, a local non-profit 501c3 charity. Veterans interested in participating in a Honor Flight and individuals who would like to volunteer to assist in this worthy cause can contact Martha Lovell at 719.232.9803 or visit their website https://honorflightsoco.net.

Ray Rozak provided a handout with a comprehensive list of Emergency kit items suggested for individuals to have in their car when they travel. He noted several recent situations where people were stranded for many hours on major roads due to weather or traffic conditions without even the basic survival items of food or water.

REMINDER Chapter 1100 meets the second Wednesday of eachk month at noon in the Fellowship Hall of the Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black forest Road. All ages are welcome. Come visit one of our meetings.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

   The December meeting of Chapter 1100 of AARP in Black Forest was joyous indeed.  There was a good turn out and a delicious catered chicken dinner was enjoyed along with the side dishes, drinks, and desserts provided by the members.
         President Candace Lehmann presided over a short business meeting which filled the gaps in the organization and activities which remained after our almost two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic.
The business meeting was culminated with the award of the 2020 and 2021 Chapter Longevity Badges.  These unique name tag badges are presented in 5 year increments to members with five or more years of uninterrupted membership in the chapter.  The badges, although earned by members, were not presented in 2020 because the chapter met only three times that year.
Santa’s sleigh laden with many wrapped packages was present at the meeting.  Ray and Lin Rozak, Santa’s helpers, distributed the presents to the membership. The many potted poinsettias which decorated the festive scene were also given away. Everyone present received at least two or more items.
The next Chapter meeting is scheduled for noon January 12 at the Black Forest Lutheran Church 12455 Black Forest Road.  All ages are welcome.

Longevity Badges were awarded L-R to Helen Von Gunden (15 years), Lori Belk (5 years), Anna Skinner (5 years), Jim Belk (5 years), Durelle Pithy (5 years) and Beverly Schaab (10 years). Not shown: Karen Buck (5 years), Sue Fletcher (10 years) and Waldo Pendleton (25 years).

Santa’s sleigh and some of the multitude of gifts that were given away.

November 2021 Meeting

WE ARE BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!

After nearly two years of not being able to meet due to the COVID pandemic, Chapter 1100 of AARP is meeting again. The first monthly meeting was on 10 November at the usual place, the Fellowship Hall of the Black Forest Lutheran Church. A good turnout was noted, especially after the long absence of getting together.

The occasion, marked by the usual potluck lunch and a short business meeting, featured honoring the United States veterans of all services and times of service. A separate table was set for the veterans who were lost while serving. The current veterans who are members of Chapter 1100 were also acknowledged.

The veterans present at the November meeting were L-R Ray Rozak, Electa Beckner, Stanley Beckner, Kenneth Fulton, and Jim Belk

The business meeting included the reduction of 2022 dues to $5 per person. Looking ahead, the Longevity Badges for 2020 and 2021 will be presented at the December 8 Chapter meeting. Nine members, in recognition of their extended consecutive years of membership in Chapter 1100, will be honored.

Stephen Blucher receives Award

Stephen Blucher, of Colorado Springs, has been recognized as an annual AARP Chapter & REA Unit Community Service Award recipient for 2020. The award, based on 2019 activities, consisted of a trophy and a Certificate signed by Jo Ann C. Jenkins, AARP Chief Executive Officer. The award presentation, delayed by the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic, was recently present to Stephen, virtually, by Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 President Candace Lehmann on behalf of the AARP CEO.

Chapter 1100 President, Candace Lehmann, expresses the virtual congratulations which the Chapter membership and the community conveyed to Stephen Blucher during this era of restricted personal contact because of the COVID-19. Stephen was recognized as an AARP Chapter & REA Unit Community Service Award recipient for 2020. Presentation of the award was delayed until recently due to the administrative delays incurred during the current virus pandemic.

The following are examples of how Stephen Blucher contributed significantly to the local community: Stephen has served in a superior manner as an AARP Driver Safety Instructor for over 22 consecutive years. During 2019 alone he instructed 303 students. Stephen has also served the local community through his extensive support to AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest. He assisted the Chapter at the Black Forest Festival by helping provide AARP information and literature to the many individuals who stopped by the Chapter 1100 booth. He also greeted and assisted the over 300 individuals in June who brought items to the Chapter 1100-sponsored free shredding event. The objective of the shredding event is to safely destroy personal documents and thus prevent them from being used by scammers, ID theft individuals and other nefarious persons. Another benefactor of his volunteer services was the SRC Holiday Dinner Dance in November of 2019, which hosted over 500 people at the Colorado Springs Civic Auditorium. His service included working several other charitable projects which had a positive impact on numerous citizens in the community.
Stephen is also a member of the elite AARP Chapter Advisory Team, a branch of the AARP National Office of Volunteer Engagement in Washington D.C. The Chapter Advisory Team is dedicated to working to make chapters throughout the United States more viable, effective, and responsive to local community needs. His contributions over many years have contributed significantly to the good reputation of AARP Chapter 1100, and to the general positive image of AARP as a whole.

Remembering Veterans

The 2020 coronavirus outbreak could not stop Chapter 1100 of AARP located in Black Forest from remembering the veterans at the Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center in Florence, Colorado.  As in past years the Chapter, in conjunction with AARP Colorado, teamed up recently to provide some useful items for the Center’s residents in appreciation for their service to the Nation.
At the suggestion of the Veterans Living Center Activity Director, Glen Tyler, the Chapter provided a variety of recreational items for the resident veteran’s use.  This included a variety of fishing equipment – six rods and reels with a variety of hooks, sinkers and containers of commercial bait; three sets of 3 gardening tools – hand held trowels, shovels, and rakes; three watering cans, and several pair of both men and women’s gardening gloves.  Also provided was four regular and two oversize folding camp style chairs which could be used in a variety of recreational situations.
The existing COVID-19 precautions for person-to-person contact prevented the Black Forest Chapter from presenting the items in person, as in past years, so the items were ordered on-line and delivered directly to the Florence facility.  Mr. Tyler provided photos of the items being received on behalf of the McCandless Community residents by “Jack”, the Resident Council President and “Bill”, the Resident Council Vice President.

While relaxing comfortably in one of the camp chairs provided by Chapter 1100 and AARP, “Jack”, the Bruce McCandless Veterans Living Center Resident Council President displays some of the fishing items donated to the Bruce McCandless Veterans Living Center in Florence, Colorado.

“Bill”, the Bruce McCandless Veterans Living Center Resident Council Vice President, displays some of the recreational fishing and gardening items provided to the Community residents by Chapter 1100 in Black Forest, and AARP Colorado.

The Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center at Florence is a Colorado State Department of Human Services facility. The Center provides long and short-term services and rehabilitation, special programs, and many amenities for veterans, veterans’ spouses, and Gold-Star Parents, including their children, and families with disabilities. Residents enjoy camaraderie with other veterans and respect from staff and volunteers who value the contributions these service men, women and their families have made to our country.

File Photo: Several Chapter 1100 members pose at the Bruce McCandless Veterans Home in 2018 when they presented 30 wheelchair pouches to the veterans for their use.

Over the years Chapter 1100 has actively supported many organizations and charities in central Colorado.  On two previous occasions this has included items for the Bruce McCandless Veterans.  In May of 2010 the Chapter provided 35 handmade quilts for the McCandless residents. The quilts were made during the previous three months as the chapter's annual Make A Difference Day project.  Each quilt was uniquely designed and included an embroidered square on it that thanked the veteran for his/her military service.
In 2018 the Chapter, in conjunction with AARP Colorado, provided 30 wheelchair pouches for McCandless residents use.  The pouches are uniquely designed to provide wheel chair occupants a means to easily carry books, literature, a smart phone, computer, or other items from place to place.
Chapter 1100 is the only AARP Chapter in the Colorado Springs area.  The Chapter currently consists of 43 members.  The motto of the Chapter is “To Serve not to be Served”.  Contact Candace, the Chapter President, at 314.330.0411 for information about Chapter 1100.  Chapter 1100 has been designated the best AARP Chapter in Colorado for Community Service for eleven consecutive years.

COVID-19 Warriors

This article is a shout out to a group of local ladies who, without urging from anyone, decided to step
up and do something that would help mitigate the COVID-19 problem in our community. AARP
Chapter 1100 was one of the beneficieries of their good work.

Photo by Elin Vaeth. Bee’s Book Club Warriors, maker of face masks, are assembled in this photo. A “husband helper” is also present. Notice that they are practicing safe practices by wearing yellow face masks with bee appliques. May 7, when the photo was taken, was the first time they have met as a group in several weeks. Shown are: Back row: Denise Coffey, Brenda Darnall, Jeanne Wilbur, Audrey Matheny, Lili Perez, Dani Lopour, Alex Lopour, Adria Lopour, Janette Haver. Front row: Kristi Hilligrass, Gary, Sue Hilligrass, Leslie Carroll, Elin Vaeth

   Bee’s Book Club has reinvented itself from a traditional book club into a dynamic producer of the widely-needed quality face masks designed to mitigate the spread of coronavirus – COVID-19.  Oh yes, they still have their traditional monthly book club meeting sessions, but since early April they have been efficiently manufacturing and distributing high quality face masks at a rate of 1,000 per week!  The beneficiaries of this effort to date, have been first responders, doctors, nurses, seniors, prison guards and members of veteran’s groups.  AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest is one of these recipients.  The masks are made of donated 100% cotton cloth and ¼ inch elastic.  Every mask is washable and reusable.  Each mask takes about 15 minutes of individual effort to produce.
         The team of volunteers practices social distancing during the manufacturing process by each working at home yet still functioning as a production line – some members cut the cloth to size, some sew, and others assemble.  As master coordinator, Adria coordinates the incremental making and distributing of mask elements by shuttling incomplete items from worker to worker.  She also obtains the materials and coordinates the delivery of finished masks.  The group currently has prepared numerous packets of ten masks which are available for a donation.
         The Book Club, led by their founder and President Adria Lopour, has a fifteen-year history of helping charitable organizations, especially around the Christmas Holidays.  Their activities include providing toys and other useful items to needy children.  The Book Club membership consists of 23 working, retired, and senior ladies.
         YOU CAN HELP.  Bee’s Book Club is a self-funded group, but will accept donations.  Their particular need at this time is for the materials to make additional masks.  Remnants of 100% cotton cloth are acceptable as they can be sewn together.

Chapter Dining Out

At that meeting, Ray, our past President, presented Candace, our 2020 President, with an official “President's Shirt”.

The Chapter 1100 March meeting was a Chapter “dining out” event at the Texas T-Bone Restaurant.
We had a good turn out of 31 members and guests. The food was delicious. So good that it was voted to do it again in September.

2020 Stroke and Heart Attak Update

Black Forest Fire and Rescue, Deputy Fire Chief James Rebitski, brings AARP Chapter 1100 members up to date on the latest stroke, heart attack detection and heart disease prevention technology, and home fire safety rules.

  Black Forest Fire and Rescue Deputy Fire Chief James Rebitski, presented a very interesting and provocative program at the February AARP Chapter 1100 meeting on 12 February.  Chief Rebitski discussed the latest data regarding the risk factors for heart disease, including heart attacks, diabetes, overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and activities such as smoking which can lead to heart failure.  He answered many questions from the membership regarding these topics.
            The Chief also presented a quick overview of basic considerations on how to prevent fires in the home.  This includes the need for maintaining fire and carbon monoxide detectors in good working order.  He emphasized that people who heat with wood or have wood fireplaces should have their chimney systems inspected annually to make sure they are in safe working order.  Every family, regardless of whether or not they have a fireplace, should have a home fire escape plan with at least two ways out.  The escape plan must be well understood by the family members and exercised occasionally.
            The Black Forest Fire and Rescue has established a web site, BFFire.org, which has additional information on fire safety, and instructions on how to gain assistance from the Fire Department to make your home and area fire-safe.
            Several visitors were welcomed at the Chapter 1100 February meeting.  Other interested individuals should contact Candace at 314.330.0411 for chapter schedule and meeting times All are welcome.
FIGHT FRAUD, SHRED INSTEAD.  Mark your calendar – June 20 will be the Chapter’s annual free shredding event at the Black Forest Lutheran Church.

Installation of 2020 Chapter Officers

Seated L-R. Raji Verma, Candace Lehmann, Beverly Schaab, Electa Beckner. Standing L-R. Jim Belk, Helen Von Gunden, Anita Wolfe, Patricia Dix, Lavonne Hidy, Charles Karlstrum, Lori Belk, Waldo Pendleton, Stanley Beckner.

The January meeting of Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 featured the installation of newly elected Chapter Officers and the reaffirmation of many appointed Committee Chairs. The Oath of Office was conducted by outgoing Chapter President, Ray Rozak. The new slate of officers included, Candace Lehmann, President; Raji Verma ,Vice-President; Patricia Dix, Secretary; and Anita Wolfe, Treasurer.
An excellent meeting program was presented by Cheryl Moyer, from H & R Block. Cheryl discussed the tax law changes for the 2020 tax year, including new tax items and issues relating to wills and inheritances. She also answered many questions from the floor.

Black Forest Chapter Potpourri

A potpourri of fall events has kept the Black Forest AARP Chapter members busy in the service to the community. The work has included some educational and enjoyable social moments as well.
The Black Forest AARP Chapter presented Jake Skifstad, Shield 616 founder, with a donation check for $1,500 to purchase an armor package designed to protect local peace officers and first responders from rifle threats. The package includes a Trauma Kit Ballistic Helmet, Plate Carrier Vest with Pouches, and Rifle Rated Armor. Shield 616 is a local 501(c)3) organization.

A drawing for a commemorative quilt especially designed and made by Shirley Karlstrum for a Chapter 1100 veteran was won by Anita Wolfe. Beverly Schaab won the quilted table runner especially made for a veteran’s widow.

  A highlight of another Chapter meeting was an excellent program on Dementia and Caregiving by Kent Mathews MSW, from the Colorado Spring Area Agency on Aging.  The program provided basic legal, financial, medical, and emotional insights a caregiver needs to consider in order to cope with brain and behavioral changes often the seen in a person being cared for.  Kent also provided a long list of caregiver support and education agencies in the Colorado Springs area.
            At the October chapter meeting several members came dressed in Halloween costumes.  A fun costume contest was conducted.  Ray Rozak, Beverly Schhaab, and Patricia Dix    were voted to have the “best” costumes.
            Chapter 1100 Member Longevity Badges were presented at the November meeting.  Gwen Burk was awarded a 25-year badge certifying she has been a member in good standing of Chapter 1100 in Black Forest for 25 consecutive years.  Five-year Chapter member longevity badges were presented to Stephen Blucher, Patricia Dix, Herb Guild, Pat Guild, Roberta Hagmaier and Linda Siebe.

  Chapter members also supported recent community service outreach activities by participating in the Gazette Senior Life Expo, co-hosting the monthly Senior Social gatherings, hosting an AARP Smart Driver Course, and staffing a reception table at a recent informational program discussing Caregiving for Caregivers.  Paula Blair also reminded everyone of the eligibility rules for receiving benefits from the Tri-Lakes branch of Care and Share.
            In addition to the activities above, there was a semi-annual chapter outing to a local restaurant.  The President of AARP Chapter 1302 in Riverside Rhode Island, Ken Gagner and his wife Karen, joined the group for this enjoyable meal and meeting.  The Chapter also had a good number of Chapter volunteers who helped in the preparation of, and who attended, the annual Senior Resource Council Holiday Dinner Dance at the Colorado Springs City Auditorium.
            The December meeting featured delicious catered meal with outstanding Christmas music provided by The Fermata’s Recorder group of Colorado Springs.

Left: Some of the Chapter 1100 attendees at the SRC Holiday Dinner Dance in Colorado Springs in November. Chapter 1100 members also volunteered in the making of the event a success for the approximately 500 people who attended. Right: Chapter 1100 Members socializing before the December Chapter meeting.

State Awards Dinner Recognitions

Chapter 1100 attendees at the AARP Colorado 2019 Volunteer Awards event, with the Chapter Cup which was awarded to the Chapter for Community Service for the 11th consecutive year.

  The biannual AARP State Awards Dinner was held at the Field House Restaurant in Denver on 15 October. Fifteen Black Forest AARP Chapter members attended the awards recognition dinner.  During the event and ceremonies Chapters and their members from throughout Colorado were recognized for their exceptional activities during 2018 and 2019.
For the 11th Consecutive year the Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 was designated the Platinum AARP Chapter and awarded the Chapter Cup as the most outstanding AARP Chapter in Colorado for Community Service.  The Chapter received the award for numerous community service projects such as the annual free shredding events, blood drives, hosting the monthly Senior Social gatherings, participating in local public expositions, presence at the annual Black Forest Festival, and making significant donations to veteran and community charities.  The award was accompanied by a $300 grant to the Chapter.
In Addition to the Chapter Cup, three Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 members were
individually recognized for their exceptional service.
            Jim and Lori Belk were presented the award for Community Service.  They were presented the AARP Community Service Award for the sustained support they have given to Chapter 1100 and the subsequent positive effect they have had on the community in general.  Specifically, Jim Belk excelled as the person in charge of the 2019 free shredding event that the Chapter undertook in partnership with ElderWatch Colorado.  Jim, a Chapter 1100 Board Member, supervised the project and ensured that every aspect of the planning was appropriately accomplished, resulting in event total success. Lori Belk is very active in Chapter activities.  She has served, in a superior manner, on the Chapter Community Services Committee for three years.  In addition, she has been the Chapter Luncheon & Catering Coordinator the past two years.  This responsibility incudes coordinating and ordering two annual catered meals for the Chapter and supervising the luncheon activities for each of the other Chapter meetings during the year.  She was also very active in the planning and supervising other chapter activities.
The AARP Colorado Program/Strategic Award for 2019 was presented to Stephen Blucher.  Stephen was recognized and congratulated for his 22 consecutive years of service as an instructor in the AARP Driver Safety program and his steady, consistent, volunteer service with AARP.  Stephen is also a member of Chapter 1100 in Colorado Springs since 2014.  During this time, he has been a steadfast and reliable member on numerous occasions.  He was cited for his exceptional record of achievement, service, and commitment and providing the extraordinary example of the difference that volunteerism can make in the lives of individuals and in the well-being and vitality of a community in general.  Stephen has recently been appointed one of the two AARP Western Region delegates to the Chapter Activities Team at AARP Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Chapter 1100 Award winners, L-R, Jim and Lori Belk, Community Service Award; Chapter 1100 President, Ray Rozak, with Chapter Cup; Stephen Blucher, Program Strategic Award.

Michelle Barrette (L), publisher The New Falcon Herald, accepts the AARP Business Award for Marylou Doherman Bride, the editor for The New Falcon Herald, from Kelli Fritts, AARP Colorado Associate Director-Advocacy

AARP Colorado took great pride in congratulating The New Falcon Herald Newspaper, and its editor Marylou Doeherman Bride, for the publicity, support, and visibility given to AARP and the Black Forest Chapter 1100, through the New Falcon Herald. The New Falcon Herald has published over 20 press releases from AARP Chapter 1100 over the past two years. Items published include pre-event and public service announcements as well as post-event news releases consisting of reports, articles, and photos. The publicity, support, and visibility given Chapter 1100 by the New Falcon Herald has increased the interest in AARP and Chapter 1100 activities throughout the central Colorado community. The Business Award was accepted by The New Falcon Herald Publisher, Michelle Barrette.
Chapter 1100 President, Ray Rozak, extends an open invitation to all who are interested in service in the local area community. Ray invites all who would like to join or even visit a chapter meeting. Contact Ray at 719.495.6767 for details. The Chapter 1100 motto is “To Serve, not to be Served”.

A good time was had by all at the AARP Colorado 2019 Volunteer Awards event and dinner in Denver on 15 October 2019.

Summer in Black Forest

Summer in Black Forest was a busy time for Chapter 1100 of AARP. First there was the Black Forest Festival, then our Chapter’s Blood Drive, and later in the month, the Senior Social.

Black Forest Chapter 1100 booth on the midway at the August 10 Black Forest Festival. Numerous Chapter volunteers furnished items for the booth and assisted in staffing the booth during the day.

The Black Forest Festival was bigger and better than ever before. There were many vendors and activities, and the AARP Chapter 1100 booth did well. The Chapter gave away free bottles of cold water, free potted plants, and had delicious homemade cookies and baked goods for sale at reasonable prices. Visitors at the booth were given the opportunity to donate money to a Shield 616, a local 501c3 charity, of they so desired.
A week later the Chapter hosted a blood drive at the Black Forest Fire and Rescue Station on Teachout Road. A local professional organization did all the work of interviewing volunteers and extracting the blood properly to preserve it for future use in area hospitals. Chapter 1100 members served to greet and help with the administrative activities of signing donors in, and helped set up the area in the firehouse for use during the day.

Chapter 110 Volunteers, L-R, Shirley Karlstrum, Chuck Karlstrum, Jim Belk, Patricia Dix, Electa Beckner and Lori Belk, help conduct the Blood Drive at the Black Forest Fire and Rescue Firehouse in Black Forest on August 17th.

The monthly Senior Social on August 28, featured the usual opportunity for individuals of all ages to participate in games crafts, puzzles, or just sit and talk in an informal atmosphere. Light snacks were provided. The Senior Socials, the fourth Wednesday of each month from 1-4 pm at the Black Forest Lutheran Church, is open to all without membership or financial obligations.
Contact the Chapter 1100 President, Ray Rozak, at 719.495.6767 if you are interested in visiting the September 11 Chapter meeting. All are welcome.

Shredding Success

Chapter members and volunteers in bright “Fight Fraud – Shred Instead” shirts and safety vests unload personal documents from individuals’ cars and feed them into the commercial shredding trucks during the free shredding event in Black Forest on June 15th.

The one-way, dual stream, shredding drop off line was developed by Chapter 1100 to facilitate safety and increase efficiency. Cars dropping off documents for shredding are directed to either side of the line of shredding trucks processed four at a time.

The rain held off until after lunch, so the free shredding event from 9 – noon on June 15, in Black Forest played out completely as planned! During the morning a total of 368 individuals, from 26 different Postal ZIP Codes, contributed to the shredding of approximately 14,850 pounds of personal paper documents that were no longer needed. Having these documents shredded and recycled by a professional shredding company safety prevented the chance that sensitive personal information could fall into the hands of a nefarious individual who might attempt to use them for identification theft or some scam.
This was the 11th year that Chapter 1100 of Black Forest has partnered with AARP ElderWatch in Denver to provide this community service. The chapter also provided free coffee, snacks, water and fruit to the participants. Free-will donations given to a local charity by the participants were also accepted.

Part of the overall community service process was the availability of free refreshments and an opportunity for individuals to donate to a charity after they dropped off their items for shredding. Chapter volunteers also asked questions about the process which could result in an enhanced free shredding service in future years.

The shredding volunteers assembled inside, since it was raining outside, for pizza and soda. It was a fine end to a fine day of community service.

AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest participates in several community service events each year. The Chapter motto is “To Serve Not to Be Served”. There is no age requirement for chapter membership. Individuals interested in visiting or joining Chapter 1100 should contact the Chapter President, Ray Rozak, at 719.495.6767.

Fighting Fraud

Chapter 1100 President, Ray Rozak (L), AARP ElderWatch Program Manager Mark Fetterhoff, (C), and Jim Belk (R), Chapter Shredding Project Leader, met to discuss plans for the June 15 Free shredding event at the Black Forest Lutheran Church.

  Fraud and ID Theft in Colorado were the subjects of the April Chapter 1100 meeting program. The program was presented by Mark Fetterhoff, AARP ElderWatch Program Manager, who discussed the ten most common scams in Colorado in 2018. He also fielded many questions from the membership about nefarious operators who attempt to prey on honest individuals.  Mark also described the recent changes within AARP which involved the Foundation and the publication of the Smart Tips and Scam Alerts by ElderWatch.  Currently Scam Alert bulletins and Smart Tips for consumers can be viewed on the Chapter 1100 web site, and on the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
ElderWatch, based in Denver, partners with Chapter 1100 to provide an annual FREE shredding event in Black Forest.  This year the shredding will be on June 15 from 9AM to Noon at the Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road.  This will be the eleventh year that this service has been made available to the public. The shredding is an ongoing effort to reduce the exposure of citizens to possible scams or identification theft by providing a safe means of destroying sensitive personal documents. The professional shredding service is provided free as a service to the community.  No reservations are needed to participate.  Simply bring your personal documents for shredding and afterwards pause for a free cup of coffee and a pastry.  A voluntary donation of cash or some non-perishable food items for charity would be appreciated.  Fight Fraud – Shred Instead!!
            After the usual outstanding pot luck lunch President Rozak discussed several upcoming Chapter activities including the Black Forest Festival in August.   He also obtained membership approval to donate some specific future funds to Shield 616, a local non-profit (501(c)3) charity formed to get local police department personnel armor packages to protect them from rifle threats.  The armor package includes a ballistic helmet, plate carrier vest, rifle rated armor, and a trauma kit.
            Recently Chapter 1100 members participated in a community service outreach project by  helping fabricate Easter baskets for underprivileged children locally and in the San Louis valley.
            The Black Forest Chapter meets the second Wednesday of the month.  Details can be found by contacting Ray at 495.6767 or Stan at 596.6787.  Upcoming Chapter activities will include a May 3 Board meeting at a local IHOP.  The usual Chapter membership meeting will be at noon on May 8, and the monthly Senior Social on May 22. The Chapter meeting and Senior Social will both be at the Black Forest Lutheran Church.  Come and visit our meetings.  All are welcome.

A Busy Start

Cheryl Moyer, from H&R Block, responds to questions about the new 2019 tax laws.

  Chapter 1100 in Black Forest is off and running in the new year.  The January meeting featured the election of Chapter Officers for 2019.  Mr. Roberto Rey, AARP Associate Director – Multicultural Outreach in Denver, performed the ceremony installing the new Chapter Officers.  Officers installed were Ray Rozak, President; Patricia Dix, Vice-president; Lin Rozak, Secretary; Lavonne Hidy, Assistant Secretary; Shirley Karlstrum, Treasurer; Jim Belk, Don Dinwoodie and Max Stucky Board Members, 2019-2010, and Waldo Pendleton, Beverly Schaab, and Stan Beckner Board Members, 2019-2021.
   A very interesting and informative program in January was provided by Cheryl Moyer detailing many of the aspects of the new income tax laws which were applicable to the membership.  She also provided helpful insight to the many questions from the floor about the new tax laws.
  The February meeting was proceeded by a very well attended two-hour instruction “Stop the Bleed – Save a Life” workshop. The first-aid techniques were provided by Lori Morgan, Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Specialist, and a team of paramedics from UC Health.  After an overview presentation by Lori, the 22 workshop attendees were divided up into small groups where they received hands-on instruction using mannequins.  They learned how to perform procedures designed to control traumatic accidental bleeding through the proper use of  a tourniquet, and several direct pressure techniques – procedures that potentially could save lives until professional assistance is obtained.  The techniques taught were developed by the American College of Surgeons after the Sandy Hook tragedy in which many of the victims blead to death.

UC Paramedic and Trauma Outreach Specialist, Lori Morgan, is shown assisting Linda Siebe (L) in adjusting a tourniquet on the forearm of Lin Rozak (R).

Several chapter members practice techniques for stopping traumatic bleeding under the instruction of paramedics Marlissa McLean and Elizabeth Spradlin.

Black Forest Chapter 1100 President, Ray Rozak, presents a UC Health Bleeding Control Kit to Black Forest Lutheran Church Pastor, Ken Hohag, for inclusion in the Church’s first aid cabinet.

After the workshop, UC Health presented Chapter 1100 with two Stop The Bleed trauma kits.
The Chapter presented one kit to Pastor Ken Hohag for the Black Forest Lutheran Church, and the other one will be included in the standard kit Chapter 1100 deploys at fairs, expo’s, shredding, and other community service events.

Bryan Jack, Fire Chief, Black Forest Fire and Rescue provided the February meeting program. He reminded everyone of the key aspects of fire and individual safety in the home. The reminders applied to everyone in every home situation. He cautioned everyone to be mindful of hazards this time of year and answered general questions from the floor regarding fire migration and safety in and around the home. Chief Jack also stated that his personnel are available, upon request, to access home hazards in the Black Forest Area.

The meeting pot-luck lunch was enjoyed by all. During the short business meeting which followed, the membership was reminded of the details of a few of the coming community service volunteering and attendance opportunities this summer. These included the annual Shredding and SRC Senior Expo events in June as well as the monthly Senior Social gatherings at the Black Forest Lutheran Church which are open to members and non-members the fourth Wednesday of each month. There will also be an AARP Smart Driver Course instruction given in Black Forest on 21 March. For more information on these activities, or to visit or become a Chapter 1100 member, call Ray at 719.495.6767, or Stan at 719.596.6787.. There are no age restrictions for chapter membership and all are welcome.

Celebrating the Holiday

Violinist Herman Susser (left) played a long program of of violin karaoke traditional Holiday music much to the delight of the Chapter 1100 members and guests at the December 12 meeting of the Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100. Each selection was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the holiday assemblage seated at tables decorated with poinsettias and other festive decorations.

The catered meal of traditional turkey, dressing, ham, and mashed potatoes was expanded by many delicious side dishes, salads and an extensive dessert bar of items brought by the membership.  A huge feast by any measure.
The short business meeting included the annual election of Chapter Officers for 2019.  The Officers will be installed at the January 9 Chapter meeting by Mr. Roberto Rey from the AARP Colorado office.
  Chapter President Ray Rozak reviewed the many Chapter community service accomplishments which the members participated in during the past year.  This included the annual free shredding, a blood drive, fire extinguisher and Driver Safety training, providing free transportation for those in need, free stroke and heart attack awareness instruction for the community, active participation in the Black Forest Festival, support of several Senior Resource Council events including the Holiday Dinner Dance, Silver Key outreach activities, providing wheel chair pouches to the Veterans residing at the Veterans Community Living Center in Florence, Colorado, filling Christmas stockings for The Salvation Army to distribute to children at Christmas time, and contents for Easter baskets for children of homeless individuals in the San Louis valley.  The Chapter also participated in caretaking in the community and in community outreach through numerous local area expo’s.
Several of the activities during 2018 were fund-raising events.  The Chapter donated  $1,655 earned from the fund-raising activities to historic charities such as the Black Forest Community Log School Park Foundation, the Original Log Community Church in Black Forest, Hope Restored the charity dedicated to assisting victims of events such as the Black Forest Fire, and a food pantry, Black Forest Cares.  The Chapter also donated 636 pounds of non-perishable food to Black Forest Cares during 2018.

Poinsettias for the table decorations were furnished by Home Depot. They were distributed to lucky attendees along with wrapped gifts brought by the members and placed by Santa’s sleigh. Every one of the persons present received at lease one wrapped item to take home at days end.
The motto of the Black Forest AARP Chapter is “To Serve, not to be Served”. Membership is open to all ages. Persons interested in serving in the community and enjoying friendly and educational social activities should contact Ray at 719.495.6767..

Celebrating our Veterans

The catered meal of turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes and gravy, complemented by exceptional salads, and many outstanding desserts, was enjoyed by 51 members and guests at the November 14 meeting of AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest. The food was only the beginning as the day went on to include a program of recognition and prizes for veterans and widows of veterans, senior injury prevention information, and Salvation Army stockings for needy children for the Holiday season.
The honored guest at the meeting was Mr. Jeremiah Mora, AARP Colorado Associate Director - Communications Outreach who also participated in the Chapter Board meeting earlier that morning.

Widows of Veterans present included Back Row L-R, Rosemary O’Connell, Gwen Burk, and Rita Fitzpatrick. Front Row L-R, Lavonne Hidy, Patricia Dix, Bev Schaab, Anna Skinner, and Carol Billiard.

Veterans present were Back Row L-R, Jim Belk, Lou Schwarzman, Denny Wilson, Ray Rozak and Carol Billiard. Front Row L-R, Waldo Pendleton, Herb Guild, Chuck Karlstrum, Electa Beckner, and Stan Beckner.

Shirley Karlstrum presented an impressive program honoring Veterans on this the 100th Anniversary of the end of WW I. Shirley made sure a separate honorary table was set for the many MIA’s of past conflicts. She donate two quilted wall hangings she made herself, which were given to a veteran and a widow of a veteran. The winners of these exceptional masterpieces were drawn at random. The lucky winner of the Veteran’s prize was Stanley Beckner and the winner of the widows’ prize was Lavonne Hidy. Shirley also prepared a bag of special items for each veteran present. Each bag was designed to coumarate the branch of service each person had served.

Lori Morgan, Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Specialist with UC Health in Colorado Springs presented an interesting and informative program on the prevention of falls in and around the home. Lori stated that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. As suspected, alcohol and medicine often result in falls, but other culprits can be vision problems as well as incorrect use of walkers, canes, loose rugs and various tripping hazards. Lori suggested that older or impaired individuals should always keep their cell phone on their person, even at home, in case of falls. She demonstrated how best to get up after a fall and several ways to strengthen muscles with simple exercises to help prevent falls. Contact Lori at 719.365.2872 to get more information or schedule attendance at one of the numerous Fall Prevention Workshops.

Chapter members who donated filled stockings to the Salvation Army for local needy children are L-R Herb Guild, Pat Guild, Rosemary O’Connell, Raji Verma, Ray Rozak, Chuck Karlstrum, Bev Schaab, Lori Belk, Sharon Fulton, Patricia Dix, Lavonne Hidy, and Waldo Pendleton

As a community service project, chapter members filled over a dozen Holiday gift stockings for the Salvation Army. Each stocking was filled with special items for children of specific ages. These stockings will be distributed by the Salvation Army to needy children in the Colorado Springs area during the Christmas Holidays.
Membership in the Black Forest AARP Chapter is open to all. There are no age restrictions. The chapter prides itself in doing community service projects. Those interested in visiting or joining should contact Ray at 719.495.6767.

October Celebration

The Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 October meeting on was a lot more than just “Spooks”. It was a celebration of good food, fellowship, community service, education, and the 47thAnniversary of Chapter 1100.
After a delicious lunch and large “birthday cake”, Chapter President, Ray Rozak, presented a donation check from the Chapter membership to Mr. Bryan Spinner, of Hope Restored, a faith-based 501(c)3 charity of volunteers based in Colorado Springs, whose mission is responding to, and training others, to clean up in the wake of disasters. The donation will be used for equipment maintenance and operation. Hope Restored, incorporated in 2011, operates entirely on donations and has responded to the needs of over 1,000 victims of fire, flood, tornado, and flood disasters across the nation as well in the Black Forest area and throughout Colorado.

Stephanie Bevan, Community Relations & Marketing Representative from the Rocky Mountain Health Care Services discusses the aspects of the PACE program in Colorado Springs

Stephanie Bevan, Community Relations & Marketing Representative from the Rocky Mountain Health Care Services presented a program outlining the Colorado Springs organization’s operation and how it folds into the national Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) model. She also answered numerous questions regarding eligibility and requirements for inclusion in the program and how the services are funded. This organization is the Presenting Sponsor at the Senior Resource Council’s November 17, Holiday Dinner Dance at the City Auditorium in Colorado Springs, which is open to all seniors who make reservations. AARP Chapter 1100 will also assist by providing some volunteer services in preparation for the event.

Chapter President, Ray Rozak presents a donation check to Mr. Bryan Spinney for use by the Hope Restored Charity in their service to individuals suffering from disasters such as fire, flood, earthquake and tornado.

Chapter 1100 Special Longevity Badges were presented to several chapter members by Lavonne Hidy the Awards Committee Chairperson. Electa Beckner was presented a badge for being a Chapter 1100 member for 20 years. Carolyn Jawarski received a badge for 15 years, and Ray and Lin Rozak, Chuck and Shirley Karlstrum, Lavonne Hidy, and Rosemary O’Connell each received badges for 10 years of continuous service. The recipients will wear their distinctive badges with pride.
The “spooks” and other worldly creatures were not to be denied, however. They were all called forward and judged by the membership. It was a close contest with several very “unique” and unusual attires shown. The winners were Herb Guild and Lavonne Hidy. They both received a certificate for a free pie for their winning costume.

Recipients of the special AARP Chapter 1100 Longevity Badges are L-R, Chuck Karlstrum, Shirley Karlstrum, Electa Beckner, Ray Rozak, Lin Rozak, Rosemary O’Connell, and Lavonne Hidy. Carolyn Jawarski, not shown.

Halloween Contestants. Pat Guild, Lin Rozak, Linda Siebe, Herb Guild, Ray Rozak, Anna Skinner, Lavonne Hidy, Rita Fitzpatrick, and Anita Wolfe. “Mr. Bones” sits front left.

Patriot Day Remembrance

Patriot Day, September 11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance or 9/11 Day is a federally recognized day of unity and charitable service, annually observed throughout the United States and in other countries around the world on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It has grown to become the largest annual day of charitable service in the United States.

Mr. Jeremiah Mora, AARP Associate State Director-Community Outreach presents one of the brightly-colored wheel chair pouches to Mr. Art Stucke, the Resident Council Vice-President at the Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center at Florence with Barbara Moore (L) of the Veteran’s Home and some of the members of AARP Chapter 1100 in Colorado Springs.

At a special ceremony, Mr. Jeremiah Mora, AARP Associate State Director-Community Outreach, with several members of Chapter 1100, presented 30 wheel chair pouches to the Center for distribution to residents. Mr. Mora expressed the sincere appreciation on behalf of AARP Colorado and AARP Chapter 1100 for the military service they had provided while on active duty, and cited the desire for AARP to recognize their service. Mr. Art Stucke, Resident Council Vice President at the Veteran’s Community Center, and a resident at the Home, accepted the presentation on behalf of the McCandless veteran residents. Mr. Stucke remarked that the items donated would be very useful and were very much appreciated.
After the ceremony the AARP guests spent time chatting with many of the veteran’s at the McCandless Center before departing.

Jeremiah Mora, talks with Mr. John Ferretti, a Naval Veteran at the McCandless Veteran’s Home near Florence after the Patriot’s Day presentation at the McCandless Veterans Community Living Center near Florence.

Anna Skinner and Stanley Beckner discuss the attributes of a wheel chair pouch with Army Veteran and AARP Member Leon Hanyie (R).

The Veterans Colorado Community Living Centers serve only veterans, veterans’ spouses, and Gold-Star Parents, creating a unique atmosphere among long-term care facilities. Residents enjoy camaraderie with other veterans and respect from staff and volunteers, who value the contributions these service men, women and their families have made to our country.
The Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center at Florence is a Colorado State Department of Human Services facility which provides Long-term and Short-term Services and Rehabilitation, Special Programs, and many Amenities for veterans their children and families, and people with disabilities.
The AARP Chapter in Colorado Springs consists of over 60 members. The motto of the Chapter is “To Serve not to be Served”. The Chapter has been designated the best Chapter in Colorado for Community Service for the past nine consecutive years. Individuals interested in community service, social interactions, and interesting speakers and programs, should contact Ray at 719.495.6767.

Giving the Gift of Life

Chapter President, Ray Rozak, sets the example by being the first to donate blood.

   The Penrose–St. Francis Hospital partnered with Chapter 1100 of AARP to provide an opportunity for citizens to donate blood on 18 August at Black Forest Fire and Rescue Station in Black Forest.  Fourteen Chapter 1100 members volunteered to assist the hospital in the registration and processing of donors.
         The hospital reports that the hospitals, including local area military facilities, have a need for about 10,000 units of blood per year just in the local area. That is 170-200 units per month, so the donation from several AARP Chapter members and Black Forest Firemen, who were among the 25 individuals who volunteered to donate blood, is needed and will be used as “whole blood” long before the storage expiration date.
         Giving the gift of life is definitely worthwhile and needed for the overall health and welfare of the community.  Those interested in donating blood can call the Penrose-St. Francis blood bank at 719.776.5822 for answers to questions concerning blood donation.
         Black Forest Chapter 1100 meets monthly.  All ages are welcome. Contact Ray at 495.6767 lfor information on past Chapter events and future activities. The Chapter 1100 motto is “To Serve not to be Served”.

Some of the fourteen Chapter 1100 volunteers pose for a photo at the Blood Drive.

Volunteers donate blood on 18 August at the Black Forest Fire and Rescue Station on Teachout Road in Black Forest.

A Picnic and More

Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 picnic at the Black Forest Regional Park was well attended by members, friends, and community partners.

The annual Black Forest AARP Chapter picnic was that and much more. In addition to the fried chicken, side dishes, watermelon, ice cream, lemonade, games, and good socializing, the Chapter took this occasion to contribute to three local charities and to recognize businesses and organizations that support the Chapter and its members.
Chapter President, Ray Rozak, presented a donation check to Rev. Marta Fioriti of the Black Forest Community Church, to help restore the Original Log Community Church in Black Forest. Lavonne Hidy accepted two donation checks, one on behalf of the Black Forest Cares Pantry and another for the Black Forest Community Log School Park Foundation Inc. The donations were the Chapter member’s way of contributing to make the community strong. The money for these donations came from various Chapter fund-raising activities over the past year.

AARP Chapter 1100 President, Ray Rozak, presents donation checks to local charities represented by Rev. Marta Fioriti (l) and Lavonne Hidy (R).

As a Thank You from the Chapter, each of the merchants who assisted in the publishing and distribution of he Chapter Newsletter was invited and recognized.  Several other organizations that partnered recently with the Chapter in meaningful ways were also invited to attend the picnic.
         Paula Blair, Case Manager Tri-Lakes Cares, reminded everyone about the many ways Tri-Lakes Cares supports the community through its pantry programs, seasonal programs for children, and on-going financial assistance, and medical referral programs.
         The Chapter will have a sales booth at the upcoming Black Forest Festival on August 11.  The proceeds from that activity will be donated to Hope Restored, a disaster relief organization, for the purchase of a new chain saw to be used for the free removal of burned and dead trees from the private property of fire victims of Black Forest.
         Contact Ray at 719.495.6767 to see how you can contribute to the local community and enjoy good food, fun, and socializing at the same time.  There are no age restrictions for membership in the Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100. All are welcome.

On 25 June, at the monthly Black Forest Senior Social, Mr. Leif Garrison, a Board Member for the Black Forest Community Club, was available and received the Chapter 1100 donation check which was presented by Lavonne Hidy.
Mr. Garrison graciously received of the donation from Chapter 1100. He thanked the Chapter and said our generosity was needed and greatly appreciated.

Serving the Community

   The Black Forest Chapter 1100 of AARP was very busy serving the community in June.  The annual free shredding took place the first Saturday, and the remaining four Saturdays in June the Chapter participated in the Senior Resource Council Golden Guidance Series of free events in Colorado Springs.  These events featured subjects of primary interest to area seniors.  Every June event was a successful outreach to citizens of the greater Colorado Springs area. In all, chapter members contributed almost 700 hours of volunteer services to the community in June.
         Chapter members were also key organizers of the monthly Senior Social event, an outreach to anyone who would like to spend an afternoon chatting, working on personal hobbies, or playing dominoes in an informal atmosphere.  Membership in the Black Forest AARP Chapter is not required to participate in the Senior Social activity.
         The July Chapter Board meeting featured planning for the annual Chapter Picnic of food, fun, and games, which will be held in a local park in July.  The August schedule for the Chapter includes partnering with St. Francis Hospital and the Black Forest Fire and Rescue for a community blood drive, plus the Chapter will participate in the annual Black Forest Festival.
         Anyone interested in participating in community service and informal social events are welcome to visit a chapter meeting.  All are welcome!  For more information, call Ray at 719.495.6767

Volunteers receive personal documents to be professionally shredded during the annual AARP Chapter free shredding event on 2 June.

A Chapter 1100 volunteer (center) discusses options for seniors with an attendee at a SRC Golden Guidance Series of event in Colorado Springs.

Some attendees at the monthly Senior Social in Black Forest prepare to play dominoes, work on personal hobbies, or chat over light refreshments.

Delivering Community Service

“To Serve Not to be Served” has been Chapter 1100’s motto for the 47 years it has existed in Black Forest. This is no better described than by what the AARP Chapter has done this spring and plans to do this summer, and how they are actively educating and improving themselves and their neighbors along the way.
In recent weeks the Chapter has organized several events, all free and open to the public. In February it was a Stroke and Heart Attack Awareness and Response training session. In March it was a visit to Silver Key to learn what and how that charity operates. The Chapter also hosted a Safe Driver class for the public that earned attendees an auto insurance discount and updated them on Colorado traffic laws.

    (Photo Above) Under the supervision of Chapter President Rozak, and Black Forest Fire and Rescue personnel, Chapter 1100 member, Anna Skinner, uses a fire extinguisher effectively to extinguish a fire.

     The program for the April meeting was a presentation by Angie Vehlewald of the Colorado Springs Better Business Bureau.  She spoke about the BBB’s Certified Age Friendly Business program in Southern Colorado - the first of its type in the nation. Business accreditation through this program helps protect residents from scammers and other nefarious individuals
that could potentially conspire to deliver less than satisfactory goods or services to residents in Southern Colorado.
   Black Forest Chapter 1100 of AARP has been designated the Best Chapter for Community Service in Colorado for the past nine consecutive years.

April started with the Chapter teaming again with the Black Forest Fire and Rescue to provide a hands-on class in fire extinguisher use, with real fires and extinguishers.
Rita Fitzpatrick, Chapter 1100 member and member of the Colorado Springs Commission on Aging, presented an interactive workshop addressing the challenges, stresses, and solutions an unexpected individual must be prepared to deal with if suddenly thrust into a position of personal caregiver for a spouse, friend, or relative.
(Photo Below) Mr. Rita Fitzpatrick, Colorado Springs Commission on Aging and Chapter 1100 member conducts the interactive workshop on caregiving with the assistance of Jeremaih Mora, AARP Colorado Associate Director-Community Outreach.

AARP Chapter 1100 President, Ray Rozak, presents the AARP Chapter and REA Unit Community Service Award to Patricia Dix on behalf of Joann Jenkins, AARP CEO, Washington DC.

   The April Chapter meeting honored Patricia Dix with the National AARP Chapter and REA Unit Community Service Award for her service as a Chapter 1100 Officer, and for her sustained active involvement in many projects and activities over an extended period of time. A letter of congratulations from JoAnn Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer, AARP, Washington DC, a framed certificate, and a distinctive lapel pin accompanied the award.
          The Chapter will participate in the four Senior Resource Council Golden Guidance Series expos in June at Kaiser Permanente in Colorado Springs.   In August the Chapter will have a presence at the Black Forest Festival and later partner with Penrose-St. Francis Hospital for a community blood drive.
         Two upcoming Chapter Meeting Programs will feature understanding the famous Navajo Code Talkers of WW II, and how Captioned Telephones can improve the life of a hearing challenged person.
         The chapter will have the annual Chapter Picnic in July. The picnic will feature fun and food at the Black Forest Regional Park.

Below are some of the Chapter volunteers you will meet when you bring your personal documents to be shredded from 9 am – Noon on June 2 at the Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road.

Stroke and Heart Attack Awareness

Black Forest Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief and Paramedic, Jim Rebitiski, leads a comprehensive and interesting discussion encompassing stroke and heart attack recognition and the emergency actions required to enhance the likelihood that the sufferer will receive quick and effective medical attention.

The members of the Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 and their guests experienced a comprehensive discussion about Stroke and Heart Attack emergency responses at the February 14 meeting. Black Forest Fire and Rescue Assistant Fire Chief, and Paramedic, Jim Rebitski, provided the comprehensive and interesting discussion that covered the physiological aspects of a heart attack and a stroke. He also discussed the physical, hereditary, life style, age, and dietary elements that can contribute to an individual being at a high risk for these distresses. He also answered many questions from the audience. His presentation was especially germane to these subjects since annually more people in the U.S. die of heart disease than cancer, and about one-third of the population currently exhibits some kind of cardio-vascular disease.
         The Chief stressed that immediate emergency action is required in every case of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke (ischemic stroke) - due to lack of blood flow or hemorrhagic due to bleeding - or even if a TIA (transient ischemic attack) commonly known as a mini-stroke, is detected or experienced. He also cited that most paramedics in El Paso County now have the capability to measure, record, and phone ahead a person’s vital parameters, such as blood pressure, EKG recording, medication history and observed trauma data, to both major hospital systems in El Paso County. The result is that the doctors and emergency technicians at the hospital can immediately take the patient to the optimum treatment facility in the hospital immediately upon arrival.
         The Chief also discussed the technical advances in Medical Alert Systems and recommended that senior individuals who live alone or are prone to falling should especially consider acquiring one.
         Chief Rebitski concluded the two-hour instruction by discussing the causes and symptoms of heart failure, the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and demonstrated CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) techniques on a mannequin.
         The Chapter’s potluck lunch featured the usual array of delicious and special dishes with a large predominance of special “Valentine” desserts.
The highlight of the business meeting that followed was the presentation of a special Past Presidents lapel pin to the outgoing Chapter President, Charles Karlstrum, by the 2018 President Ray Rozak. The membership was reminded and encouraged to sign up to participate to help at the many upcoming community service events scheduled this summer such as the annual free shredding event on 2 June, two Silver Key activities in March, and four Senior Resource Council Golden Guidance Series events also scheduled for June.
         Individuals interested in learning, socializing, and performing community service should contact Ray at 719.495-6767

Chapter 1100 President, Ray Rozak, presents an AARP Chapter Past Presidents pin to Charles Karlstrum in recognition for his long and distinguished tenure as a Chapter 1100 President.

A Yule to Remember

Chapter President, Charles Karlstrum addresses the attendees at the December 13 Christmas party at the Black Forest Lutheran Church.

The December meeting of the Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 was a Yule to Remember. There were
Christmas music provided by the Fermatas Recorder Group in Colorado Springs greeted attendees at the December meting. An extensive catered lunch of turkey, ham, dressing with all the trimmings plus a large array of salad and festive desserts, delighted the 60 plus members and guests who attended.
The highlight of the business meeting was the election of Chapter Officers for 2018. Mr. Jeremiah Mora, the AARP Colorado Associate State Director-Community Outreach is scheduled to install the newly elected Chapter Officers in a ceremony at the January 10 meeting.
In addition to the installation of officers, the program for the January Chapter meeting will introduce the topic of caregiving for family members and friends. Members were also reminded to consider attending the monthly Senior Social at the Black Forest Lutheran Church the afternoon of January 24. The Senior Social is open to everyone regardless of whether they are members of the Black Forest AARP Chapter or not.
Several Chapter volunteers were recognized for their community service supporting the Colorado Springs Senior Resource Council annual Holliday Dinner Dance this past week at the Civic Auditorium in Colorado Springs. It was noted that Chapter members volunteering for events such as this contribute to the welfare of the community, reflect well on Chapter 1100, and support the Chapter’s active role in the community.
Last, but certainly not least, a drawing was held for the numerous gaily wrapped Christmas presents which had been donated by the chapter members. Many pleasant surprises were unwrapped and taken home as happy reminders of the day.
Individuals interested in doing community service, while having some fun, social activities, and lots of great food, should consider joining Chapter 1100. The annual dues are only $10. All ages are welcome.

Photo: Santa and his sleigh bring Christmas gifts to distribute to the AARP Chapter 1100 members and guests at the December meeting.

The Fermatas, L-R Jeannine Bramwell, Phil Goulding, Dick Wood, Electa Beckner, Marsha Brower, Mary Jane Ray, and Faye Padgett pose with Santa.

The Fermatas Recorder Group entertains the attendees with a program of Christmas Carols.

Veterans Celebrated

The military veterans and widows were recognized at the November 8 meeting of the Black Forest AARP Chapter. Carl McDaniel of the El Paso County Veterans Service Office participated by providing an update on the issues surrounding the Camp Lejeune water contamination compensation for Marine veterans and the status of the work now starting at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery near Colorado Springs. He also answered questions from the many veterans and widows present.

Veterans present at the November 8 Black Forest AARP Chapter meeting were, Back Row L-R, Carl McDaniel, El Past Veterans Service, and Chapter members Willie McCurdy, Anita Wolfe, Ray Rozak, Stan Beckner, Don Dinwoodie and Ken Fulton. Front Row Sitting, Jim Belk, Chuck Karlstrum, Louis Schwarzman, Waldo Pendleton, Electa Beckner, Herb Guild, and Allen Campbell.

Military Widows Present. L-R. Gwen Burk, Rita Fitzpatrick, Anna Skinner, Pat Dix, Beverly Schaab, Helen Von Gunden and Lavonne Hidy.

In addition to a catered Thanksgiving meal, the Chapter 1100 members collected 17 Holiday Stockings for the Salvation Army. Sharon Fulton, a Volunteer with the Salvation Army Woman’s Auxillary, and Chapter 1100 member, received the stockings, some of the approximately 1200 that will be collected and distributed to needy children and teens across the area. Sharon also described the needs of the various ongoing Salvation Army charitable activities to benefit those of all ages.
The recent AARP Colorado Award Winners from the local area were also identified. These included the five Chapter 1100 AARP Community Service Award winners, Donald Dinwoodie, Ray and Linda Rozak, and Chuck and Shirley Karlstrum, the AARP 2017 Program Award recipient, Helen and Don Von Gunden, the AARP 2017 Community Partner Award to the Black Forest Lutheran Church, and the AARP 2017 Business Award to Cindy Richardson. The AARP 2017 Chapter Cup was awarded to the Chapter for the ninth consecutive year.

AARP Colorado Award winners in 2017. Helen Von Gunden, Ken Hohag Black Forest Lutheran Church, Ray Rozak, Lin Rozak, Livonne Hidy holding the Chapter Cup, Chuck Karlstrum, Shirley Karlstrum, and Don Dinwoodie. Not present, Cindy Richardson.

Navaho Code Talkers

October 11 was a busy day for the Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 members. During the monthly potluck lunch and meeting, Russ Miller, Assistant National Vice Commandant, Marine Corps League, Mountain Division, presented a very interesting in informative program about the history of the famous Navaho Code Talkers and their use of their native language to effectively communicate tactical military information in the WW II Pacific theatre. The enemy was never able to “decode” their language or understand the tactics they were discussing over the radio. The result was that the Navaho Code Talkers definitely put U.S. ground forces at an advantage in the Pacific Campaigns.
Photo: Russ Miller, USMC Retired, presented an interesting presentation on the history of the famous Navaho Code Talkers at the Black Forest Chapter meeting on October 11. He has been invited back to provide more information on this interesting and historically significant group.

Community Service Recognized

After the October 11 Chapter meeting 17 chapter members traveled up to the Denver Botanic Gardens for the 2017 AARP Colorado Awards Luncheon. Chapter 1100 was recognized as the Platinum Chapter for 2017 and presented the AARP Chapter Gold Cup. The cup is awarded annually to the best chapter in Colorado for Community Service. This is the 9th consecutive year Chapter 1100 has received this high honor. Members of Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 were awarded six individual awards plus the Chapter was presented with the AARP Colorado Chapter Cup for the ninth consecutive year. The cup is presented annually to a Colorado Chapter for service to the community.
Several individuals in Chapter 1100 also received awards for their outstanding service. Receiving trophies and recognition for their hard work and dedication were:
         Charles and Shirley Karlstrum – Community Service Award for organizing and participating in the many successful chapter community service projects over the span of several years.
         Ray and Linda Rozak – Community Service Award for each serving individually as project leaders on several occasions over the past years that benefited the community.
         Don Dinwoodie –Community Service Award for working tirelessly on Chapter projects as well as being very active in several local area community charitable organizations.
         Don and Helen Von Gunden – AARP Program/Strategic Priority Award.   For working with the Chapter directly and the public indirectly to ensure that the Chapter operates efficiently year after year.
         It should be noted that two other Black Forest organizations were cited for their support to AARP for their community service activities in the Colorado Springs area. These were:
         Cindy Richardson – Business Award for Chapter and AARP support while Editor of the Black Forest News & Palmer Divide Pioneer Newspaper.
         Black Forest Lutheran Church – Community Partner Award for co-hosting the monthly Senior Social with AARP Chapter 1100, plus many other valuable community initiatives during the past year.

Angela Cortez, AARP Associate State Director Communications Presents the AARP Colorado Gold Cup to Charles Karlstrum, President, AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest.

Megan Hookey, AARP VP, Volunteerism & Service from Washington DC, was the keynote speaker at the 2017 AARP Colorado Awards ceremony.

Chapter members attending the AARP Colorado Awards event at the Botanic Gardens in Denver, many holding their awards. Jeremiah Mora, AARP Associate State Director-Community Outreach, in the foreground, holds the AARP Cup.

Bob Murphy, AARP Colorado State Director, was the Master of Ceremonies for the October 11 Awards Event at the Botanic Gardens in Denver.

  Recently Chapter 1100 provided support to the AARP Colorado sponsored September Neighborhood Walks in downtown Colorado Springs. In this case Chapter 1100 volunteers provided administrative assistance to AARP Colorado for the three days the Walks were conducted. On another occasion, ten Chapter 1100 volunteers participated in the Gazette Senior Life Expo at the Antlers Hotel on October 7 by providing better living literature and information applicable to all ages.
         Historically the Black Forest AARP Chapter volunteers have assisted in many community service activities such as helping move nursing home residents from an old facility to a new facility, conducting food drives, providing Christmas and Easter baskets for unfortunate children, collecting Box Tops for Education, soda pop tops for McDonald House, volunteering at local schools, helping clean up and reforest after the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires – to include helping fire victims move into new residences - and hosting free personal document shredding events annually over the past nine years. The shredding objective is to “Fight Fraud, Shred Instead”. The 2017shredding event, held in June, served 371 individuals who came from 18 postal ZIPs. A total of 15,800 pounds of paper were shredded and recycled. The free-will donations by these individuals yielded 610 pounds of non-perishable food and $1,123 in cash – all of which was donated to a local food bank.
         Chapter 1100 is the only AARP chapter in the greater Colorado Springs area. It was established 45 years ago and meets at noon the second Wednesday of the month. Membership is open to all ages. The Chapter motto and goal is ”To Serve not to be Served”. Interested individuals should consider visiting the next Chapter meeting, November 8 at the Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road. The program topic will be “Healthy Eating over the Holidays”.

Local Volunteer Honored

Patricia Dix, AARP Chapter 1100 Vice-President, (L) presents the 2017 AARP Chapter and REA Unit Community Service Award to Linda Siebe at a recent Black Forest Chapter 1100 meeting. The award also included a letter of congratulations and a distinctive commemorative pin.

Linda Siebe was selected for the 2017 AARP Chapter & REA Unit Community Service Award. This national award was signed by the AARP Volunteer President, Eric J Schneidewind, and certified by the AARP Chief Executive Officer, Jo Ann Jenkins. The award recognizes how Linda Siebe has, through her service, enriched the lives of friends and neighbors and made her community a better place to live. The coveted award was accompanied by a letter of congratulations, a certificate announcing the award, and included a distinctive lapel pin.
            Linda Siebe has been a member of Chapter 1100 in Black Forest for a little over three years. During that short time, however, she has been very active as a Chapter member and throughout the community. Linda is currently a member of the Chapter Board of Directors. She has also served several times as a meeting host and greeter at Chapter 1100 meetings, and has recruited several new chapter members in the last year. Her exemplary efforts as a volunteer have had a positive impact on the 60-member chapter in many ways.
            Linda is very involved in Chapter community outreach activities. This includes staffing AARP information booths, chapter presentations throughout the local community, and at several area health fairs and Expos.
            She was one of the principal workers in the Chapter’s recent annual free shredding event in which over 12,300 lbs. of personal documents were shredded and recycled while at the same time collecting donations of 926 lbs. of food and $1,064 in cash for a local food bank.
            Linda Siebe has spent over ten years and many hours driving individuals with transportation needs. This has been a godsend to those who cannot drive or otherwise need transportation assistance throughout the Palmer Ridge area. This past year she was the primary force in establishing a committee of AARP Chapter 1100 drivers who now voluntarily help drive local needy individuals to medical and other appointments. She has also led an effort this year to get a funding grant to expand this needed community service.
            Always pleasant and helpful, Linda has had direct contact with several hundred non-AARP individuals during these community service outreach activities. Linda Siebe has always been a best example of a good neighbor and is well deserving of this high award and recognition.

Heart Month Celebration

Assistant Chief, Black Forest Fire and Rescue, Jim Rebitski, discusses the time-critical aspects of Stroke and Heart Attack recognition and response with members and guests at the Black Forest AARP Chapter meeting on 8 February.

The February 8 meeting of the Black Forest AARP Chapter # 1100 featured two exceptional guests. The first, Jeremiah Mora, Associate AARP State Director-Community Outreach, came down from Denver to preside at a celebration of the Chapter Officers elected for 2017. Jeremiah, representing the AARP Colorado State Office, administered the Oath of Office to the new 2017 Chapter Officers. He followed the Oath of Office Ceremony by chatting with Chapter members and personally congratulating the newly elected individuals.
The second special guest was Paramedic and Assistant Fire Chief of the Black Forest Fire and Rescue, Jim Rebitski, who presented an informative discussion of things individuals who come upon a traffic accident should do and not do while awaiting police and medical assistance arrival on the scene. Timely reporting the accident via 911 is always extremely important. Paramount throughout the entire process, however, is safety – from the time a person arrives on the scene to reporting the situation through any assistance provided the person(s) involved in the accident. Chief Rebitski discussed the safe procedures in these situations and the reasons they are critical to the safety of the person(s) in the accident and the person who may have stopped to assist.
Earlier in the day the chapter recognized February as “Heart Month”, by hosted a two hour long presentation by Assistant Chief Rebitski outlining the different behavioral signs that signal possible heart attack or stroke in men and women. Twenty-five persons attended he program that was free and open to the public. Of particular interest is the fact that women show different indicators of distress than men. The Chief stressed that if in doubt about the condition or wishes of the distressed person, immediate action is needed to get the person to a hospital where doctors can take action to accurately diagnose and combat the situation. Individuals were cautioned, not to delay taking action or to attempt to drive themselves or friends/family to the hospital. Calling 911 and getting an ambulance is the best way to get a person to a hospital quickly and safely plus the responding paramedics can save valuable time by starting the medical treatment on the distressed person en route to the hospital and even by expediting the hospital admission paperwork.

Ray's Valentines. Pretty to see and good to eat!

Jeremiah Mora prepares to cut a cake at the dessert table at the February 8 AARP Chapter 1100 meeting

Jeremiah Mora, Associate AARP State Director-Community Outreach, shares a light moment with some of the newly installed Black Forest Chapter Officers. The trophy, for best AARP Chapter in Colorado for Community Service, was recently awarded to the Black Forest AARP Chapter for the 8th consecutive year. The new Chapter Officers are: L-R Stan Beckner, Lavonne Hidy, Linda Siebe, Rita Fitzpatrick, Pat Dix and Waldo Pendleton. Jeremiah Mora is holding the trophy.

During both sessions Assistant Chief Rebitski fielded many questions from the audience on the subjects discussed during the day.
After the usual potluck lunch and program, the Chapter Vice-President, Patricia Dix, presided at a short Chapter business meeting. She covered several pending subjects on the chapter operation and reminded the membership that the March Chapter meeting will be at a buffet in downtown Colorado Springs. The chapter has outings such as this twice a year, as well as a picnic in July at a local park. Several Committees provided brief reports and updates on their activities during the month. Included was an update by Linda Siebe on the Chapter’s Volunteer Transportation Service and a report by Pat Guild on the Colorado State Forest Service program to provide seedling trees and small shrubbery for home landscaping. Two new members were also welcomed to the Chapter.
Individuals interested in visiting or joining the Black Forest Chapter can contact Pat at 418-5347 or Stan at 596-6787.

Tax Advice at Meeting

Sherri Wells, Senior Tax Consultant lead a comprehensive discussion on tax strategy for seniors and those considering legal measures for transferring their wealth to others. Ms. Wells can be reached at 719.570.9421 for consultation.

The January Black Forest AARP Chapter meeting featured Sherri Wells, a Senior Tax Consultant, who provided a great deal of good advice on tax-related questions. Included was strategy for transferring property and finances to siblings or other individuals in forms that will minimize subsequent taxes. Ms. Wells also answered many questions from the membership regarding the functions of estate lawyers, elder law specialists, wills, inheritance vs. gifting, and other related tax situations.

Howard Pease, long time member of Black Forest Chapter 1100 is shown with the cake presented to him on the occasion of his January 11 birthday.

Howard Pease’s birthday was recognized with a large chocolate cake and the singing of Happy Birthday to him on this occasion. Howard is a long time member of Chapter 1100, and has held several Chapter Offices. He is currently a member of the Chapter Board of Directors.
Howard Pease’s birthday was recognized with a large chocolate cake and the singing of Happy Birthday to him on this occasion. Howard is a long time member of Chapter 1100, and has held several Chapter Offices. He is currently a member of the Chapter Board of Directors.
The elected Chapter Officers for 2017 were installed in a brief ceremony. The Feb 8 Chapter meeting will include an additional ceremony to celebrate their installation.
The day also featured the usual potluck lunch and business meeting. Individuals interested in visiting or joining the Chapter are welcome. The chapter motto is “To Serve not to be Served”. Please call Pat at 418-5347 for details or if you have questions.

2016 Chapter Awards

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service was presented by Colorado AARP Director, Bob Murphy (L) and Jeremiah Mora, AARP Associate State Director-Community Outreach (R) to Stan and Electa Beckner at the September meeting of the Black Forest AARP Meeting in Colorado Springs.

The AARP State Director, Bob Murphy and Jeremiah Mora, AARP Associate State Director-Community Outreach, from Denver, as well as other guests, were present at the September meeting of the Black Forest AARP Chapter #1100.
Each year, AARP honors an exceptional volunteer who is sharing his or her experience, talent and skills, to enrich the lives of his or her community members with the Andrus Award for Community Service. Colorado Springs residents and members of the Black Forest AARP Chapter # 1100, Stan and Electa Beckner, were presented this award by Director Bob Murphy and Jeremiah Mora at the meeting.
The Andrus Award for Community Service is AARP’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award. It recognizes individuals who are sharing their experience, talent and skills to enrich their communities in ways that are consistent with AARP’s mission, vision, and commitment to volunteer service, and that inspire others to volunteer. Only one Colorado volunteer (or couple performing service together) can receive the Award each year.
The award honors AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus, whose motto “to serve, not to be served” continues to shape AARP work 58 years after she founded this association to help older Americans age with dignity and purpose.

Five other individuals were recognized at the meeting for their superior service to the Black Forest AARP Chapter. Certificates were presented by Chapter Awards Chairman, Ted Lunacek to Alberta Davis, Ray and Lin Rozak, and Don and Helen VonGunden, for “Sustained dedicated outstanding service to the Back Forest AARP Chapter 1100 over several years”.

Don and Helen Von Gunden also received a Certificate for Sustained dedicated outstanding service to the Back Forest AARP Chapter 1100 over several years from Ted Lunacek, the Black Forest AARP Chapter Awards Chairman. Alberta Davis, not shown, also received a certificate of outstanding service.

A Certificate for Sustained dedicated outstanding service to the Back Forest AARP Chapter 1100 over several years were presented to Ray and Lin Rozak by Chapter Awards Chairman, Ted Lunacek (C).

Additionally, membership longevity name tags were presented to Waldo Pendleton for being a Black Forest Chapter member for 20 years. Alberta Davis, Carol Billiard, Ted Lunacek and Beverly Schaab also were each presented 5 year longevity name tags.

Ted Lunacek presented a Chapter Membership Longevity Name Tag to Waldo Pendleton for his 20 years as a member of Chapter 1100 in Black Forest

Five year membership name tags were also presented to Carol Billiard (L), Ted Lunacek, (C) and Beverly Schaab (R). Alberta Davis, not shown, also received a 5-Year badge.

Colorado AARP Director, Bob Murphy (Third from Left) has lunch with Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 members on 14 September at the Chapter meeting, annual awards ceremony, and 44th Anniversary.

This day of celebration also noted that this month marks the 44th Anniversary of Black Forest AARP Chapter # 1100. The day included a catered meal of BBQ beef with multiple sauces and trimmings as well as cake and ice cream which was enjoyed by the 62 members and guests present. The day concluded with a short business meeting.

Lessons for the Wise

Officer Bob Harris of the Colorado Springs Police Department captured full audience attention with his presentation on 7 June at the Black Forest AARP # 1100 Chapter meeting. The focus of Officer Harris presentation was an open discussion with the membership on recent mail, email, and telephone scams and identification theft ploys that are currently making the rounds. These include the recently popular bogus callers who claim to be from the Internal Revenue Service, those pretending from a child or relative stranded or in trouble in a foreign country, and the ubiquitous “you have just won a foreign lottery” scam. He also explained the difficulty in tracking down these perpetrators is due to they way the telephone system can be manipulated to mask the callers location and the fact that many of the calls come from foreign countries that are outside the jurisdiction of U.S. law enforcement agencies. He pointed out that these people scam thousands of dollars each day if they simply can dupe one or two of the hundred or more people they call.
Chapter members were surprised to find that the largest number of auto break in instances occur in church parking lots because the watchful thieves understand that once the services begin, the cars in the parking lot will likely remain unguarded for plenty of time for them to do their dirty work. He also noted that individuals often do not lock their cars at churches. Less surprising, he added that the #2 and #3 best locations for auto break in occurrences are at public open spaces and at shopping malls.
After the usual potluck lunch, the business meeting focused on plans for the upcoming community service activities of the chapter. Noteworthy is the June 18 free shredding event in Black Forest, the monthly Senior Social on June 22, and participation in the August 13 Black Forest Festival.

Photo: Colorado Springs Police Officer Bob Harris presents an interesting and very informative discussion of many of the illegal activities which citizens may encountered in their daily activities.

Doing Community Service in an Age-Friendly Community

Roberto Rey, AARP Colorado Associate State Director – Multicultural Outreach (L) poses with Chuck Karlstrum, Black Forest AARP Chapter #1100 President.

Mayor John Suthers and the City Council officially accepted the designation of Colorado Springs as an AARP Age-Friendly Community on March 8, 2016 in a brief ceremony at the City Hall. Roberto Rey, Colorado AARP Associate Director – Multicultural Outreach, at the May 11 meeting of the Black Forest AARP Chapter, discussed the implication of this designation. Mr. Rey identified the Innovations in Aging Collaborative as the local organization to create a strategic plan for our community to become an age friendly city that is welcoming and open to citizens of all ages and encourages a maximum quality of life. According to Mr. Rey, AARP’s participation in the program is focused on efforts to help people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age. He stated that AARP’s presence encourages older adults to take a more active role in their communities and have their voices heard. Mr. Rey concluded by saying that he hoped the Black Forest Chapter members would be able to participate in this program at the local level.
Earlier this month the Chapter Board met and discussed important upcoming community service projects such as support to the Salvation Army Senior Services Fair as well as the upcoming June 4 SRC Successful Aging Expo, the June 18 shredding event in Black Forest and the Chapter booth at the August 13 Black Forest Festival.

GET DISCOUNT AND DRIVE SAFER

Stephen Blucher, AARP Foundation Driver Safety Instructor, conducts an official Driver Safety Class at the Black Forest Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall on March 17th.

Stephen Blucher, AARP Foundation Driver Safety Instructor, recently presented a Driver safety class to 17 people at the Black Forest Lutheran Church. The class and was sponsored by The AARP Foundation and hosted by AARP Chapter 1100 in Black Forest.   The class was open to the public and the cost was reasonable - $15 for AARP members and $20 for all others. At the end of the class the attendees each received a certificate to present their insurance company who, according to Colorado State law, must give some percentage off on the person’s automobile insurance if they take the Driver Safety Class at least every three years. The amount of discount varies with different insurance companies.
         The class instruction wasn’t just for the senior generation, all could learn from it   For instance, getting eye exams yearly is recommended because eyes change slowly and most individuals do not realize that is happening. Keeping a list of medications in your car or on your phone in case of an accident is also important. Know what the side effects are from your medications. Always be alert to what is happening outside your car because the other person may not be looking out for you. Always scan around your vehicle to see where every else is.   All vehicles have blind spots. Don't just relay on your mirrors. If your vehicle did not come with blind spot mirrors they are available at most stores. You can apply them yourself.
         Winter is tricky, slippery roads, snow drifts in the road, sloppy wet streets and the fact that is it’s just pretty darn cold. Keep your windows clear! A tiny clear spot in the windshield may not give you an all around view of traffic. The rear window needs to be swept clean. Parts stores carry a windshield deicer in a spray can. They work great. They melt the snow and ice in just few seconds. Remember though, keep it by your winter coat or boots, it won't do any good if it's in the car and the doors are frozen.
         If you've had any type of head injury it may have slowed down you reaction time. Stay vigilant and expect the unexpected; a split second is enough time to have or avoid an accident. Don't assume that a car with a turn signal on is really turning, or just because it says turn lane only that the car will turn. Pay attention, wait a second to be sure what the other car is doing. Here's an important fact, going the speed limit is great, but if everyone around you is going faster, you end up with a line of cars behind you cussing' and waving with one finger, (they want you to know their I.Q.). This can get you a ticket.
         The next Driver Safety class hosted by the Black Forest AARP Chapter will be on October 17, 2016. Call 1-800-687-2277 or go on-line at AARP.org/driver if you want to attend a class in your area sooner.
         The Black Forest AARP Chapter meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Black Forest Lutheran Church 12455 Black Forest Road. The Chapter motto is “To Serve not to be Served”. Dues are $10 per year. The chapter will co-host a free personal document shredding event in Black Forest on June 18. (See FREE SHREDDING PAGE) or contact Chuck at 719.749.9227

No Fees, No Dues, No Obligations!

It is a monthly informal occasion for seniors. They meet in the Black Forest Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall at 12455 Black Forest Road in Black Forest.
This informal group gathers from 1-4 PM the fourth Wednesday of each month to have fun, socialize, play games, work on hobbies, or to simply sit and talk about “whatever”. Light refreshments are always available.
This is not a new item. The Black Forest AARP Chapter and the Black Forest Lutheran Church have sponsored this community service for the past four years. All are invited to come and participate with the group. For more information contact Lavonne at 494-1276.

Photo:
Young and old socializing at the January 27 Senior Social activity in Black Forest. The activity is offered as an opportunity for seniors to get out and socialize in a non-structured, informal, setting.

A Salute to Veterans

Shirley Karlstrum, designer and maker of the D-Day Commemorative Quilt, presents it to Junior Vice Commander VFW Post 101, Michael Vagle, while Chuck Karlstrum, President of the Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100 (L) and Electa Beckner (R) assist. A photo of Lt. Marion L. Willis, a Colorado Springs resident and firefighter before WW I, hangs on the wall in the background.

The D-Day Commemorative quilt made and donated by Shirley Karlstrum, was presented in a brief ceremony on 15 October to the Lt. Marion L. Willis Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 101 in Colorado Springs. Receiving the quilt on behalf of Post 101 was Michael Vagle, the Post Junior Vice Commander. The quilt will be included in the museum at Post 101 honoring military members who have served from WW I to the present.
The quilt was commissioned by the Black Forest AARP Chapter # 1100 to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the June 6, 1944 WWII D-Day landing in Europe. The wall hanging quilt, 42 inches wide and 48 inches long, is of historical significance. The quilt features ten invasion photographs as well as a photo of the letter that Gen. Eisenhower wrote to the Allied Forces prior to the invasion. Also included is a photo of the handwritten statement the General had prepared in case the invasion failed. The photos have been expertly transferred to quilt fabric.

Several current VFW Post 101 members pose with the D-Day Commemorative Quilt after the presentation ceremony. Black Forest AARP Chapter members Shirley Karlstrum and Electa Beckner (blue shirts) are shown with the group.

VFW Post 101 was established over 95 years ago in April 1920. Current membership includes over 500 Veterans from all the United States Military Services plus many Auxiliary members. The Post is active locally by hosting and supporting veterans assistance programs, attending memorial services, providing service member and family support during deployments, welcoming home troops and providing activities that inspire patriotism in the community. The post also actively supports veterans’ advocacy activities and annually contributes to Boy Scout and Girl Scout scholarship programs. Veterans interested in becoming VFW Post 101 members should call 719.632.2776 or visit VFWPost101.org.

The next Black Forest AARP Chapter meeting will be on Nov 11, Veteran’s Day. The Veteran’s Day program will include a presentation by Mr. Phillip K. Heacock, Lead Docent at the National Museum of WW II Aviation in Colorado Springs. Mr. Heacock will speak on how aircraft are obtained and restored at the museum. Mr. Heacock reflects a distinguished military and civilian career in the aerospace industry.
Membership in the Black Forest Chapter is open to all.

September highlights in Black Forest

The highlight of the September 9th AARP Chapter 1100 meeting was the guest speaker, Jon Karroll, Anchorman at KRDO News/Channel 13 TV, and the long awaited drawing for the D-Day Commemorative Quilt.

         Jon arrived before our potluck luncheon and partook of all the good food and desserts the Chapter members brought. In addition to pie and cookies we also shared an Anniversary Cake to celebrate the Chapter's 43rd year serving the good people of the Black Forest and Colorado Springs.

         After lunch Jon, a proud card carrying AARP member, shared the details of his growing up in California, heading to Alaska for work and adventure, then how he moved within, and up, in the radio and television business and his arrival in Colorado Springs. As a long-time resident he feels Colorado Springs is an ideal place to work, raise a family and enjoy all the outdoor activities the area has to offer.

         Jon related how gathering news has changed. When he first started it was videotapes, huge cameras and recorders, so keeping up with the latest news was almost impossible. Now with social media, websites, Twitter, Facebook, and cell phones the news comes to the reporter. As a result the multi-media journalist can do it all now; events come to them, they put it together then give a comprehensive report to us.

         Jon also spends a lot of his time hosting/MCing various events to help many causes within our area. His program was an enjoyable conversation/presentation and chapter members learned a lot about him and about the radio and television business.

         The Chapter business meeting followed with the first order of business being the presentation of new longevity badges to Nick Kneebone, Catherine Arnold and Don and Helen Von Gunden. The next item of business was the long awaited drawing for the winner of the D-Day Commemorative Quilt - a Chapter fund raising project. Shirley Karlstrum, an experienced quilter with help from her friends, created the quilt. The chapter thanks Shirley and all those who assisted in making the quilt and, of course, thanks to all who took a chance and bought one or more tickets – the chapter members, attendees at the Boomers & Beyond Expo, and many TREA and VFW Post #101 members.

         Jon Karroll drew the winning ticket from a large bowl and the winner was quite a surprise - to her and all attendees. The winner was Shirley Karlstrum, the creator of the quilt. Shirley was stunned and after a moment told everyone she would be donating it to the VFW Post #101 for their museum. A great moment and a fitting home for a quilt commemorating the D-Day invasion, General Eisenhower, and all the men who participated in the invasion.

TV and radio anchorman, Jon Karroll presented a very enjoyable and interesting account of his life in the radio and television business at the September AARP meeting.

Jon Karroll, draws the winning D-Day Commemorative Quilt ticket from the bowl held by Shirley Karlstrum, creator of the quilt while Black Forest AARP Chapter President, Chuck Karlstrum look on.