« August 2024

Welcome to the August Newsletter for Androscoggin Retired Educators Association - AREA .

There's lots and lots of information in this newsletter. We tried to put most of it directly in the newsletter, but some people prefer to see all the available information - so....

Here's a link to the Download folder

President's Message

I hope you all had a restful, peaceful and enjoyable summer. I want to thank the Board of Directors personally for their hard work to ensure that we have a solid schedule for next year of places to meet and presenters or speakers at each one. Also we will start off the year with a celebration to remind us of the longevity of the Androscoggin Retired Educators Association.

Thank you to many of you for sending me get well cards as I had my right
hip replaced – seems to be coming along very well.

I look forward to seeing you all in the fall.
David Wing
President AREA

September Registration Form

Click this link to view and print the September registration form.

September Registration Form

Print the form and mail it by September 8, 2024 to -

Gina Fuller

36 Elliott Ave

Lewiston, ME  04240

Time to Celebrate!

Treasurer's Information

from Gina Fuller

Gina has provided us with lots of information.. here are links to the most important.

Treasurers Report Overview - July 31, 2024

Four Year Comparison Treasurers Report

End of Year Budget Report - 2023-2024

Proposed Budget - 2024-2025

Day of Caring

Hello AREA,  We are continuing MEA Retired  Day of Caring Program with our  The Store Next Door Project for 2024.

Below is the list of needed student supplies.

You can also get a gift card from any grocery store,  No larger amount than $25.00.  

Please bring to our November Meeting.  We are moving the event to November.

Or drop off at 171 Montello St, Lewiston

Or call Crystal at 207-786-7084

LISTS From The Store Next Door

Senior College

From Crystal Ward

We can all go back to school!  Isn't that why we became teachers? 

To register for membership and classes at the LA Senior College, go to this link

LA Senior College

Scam Alert

from Mona Ervin

• Write more convincing and natural-sounding phishing emails and text messages.
• Create deepfakes of celebrities to trick victims into thinking they're investing in a good company or project.
• Impersonate the victim's friend or relative and ask for money as part of a grandparent scam.
• Impersonate an employer and ask for personal information.

• Robocalls: Robocalls have people's phones ringing nonstop with increasingly natural-sounding recorded voices. They may offer everything from auto warranties to vacations, or issue a threat to try and get your attention. Some robocalls can even respond to your questions.
• Impersonators: Scammers impersonate IRS personnel, police, survey takers, relatives, delivery people and well-known companies to threaten you or gain your trust. They use scare tactics related to your Social Security number, criminal record or account before asking for your personal, account or credit card information.
• Apps: Scammers may try to get you to install a malicious app to steal your information. Or, they might create a nearly identical copy of an existing app and then make money from in-app purchases.
• QR codes:  These convenient codes have gained popularity as a touchless option to do things like read a restaurant menu or make a payment. However, scammers place their QR codes in inconspicuous spots, and scanning the code could prompt you to make a small purchase or enter your credentials on a look-alike website.

• Be skeptical when someone contacts you. Scammers can spoof calls and emails to make it look like they are coming from different sources, including government agencies, charities, banks and large companies. Don't share personal information, usernames, passwords or one-time codes that others can use to access your accounts or steal your identity.
• Don't click unknown links. Whether the link arrives in your email, a text or a direct message, never click on it unless you're certain the sender has good intentions. If the message says it's from a company or government agency, call the company using a number that you look up on your own to confirm its legitimacy.
• Be careful with your phone. Similarly, if you suspect a spam call, don't respond or press a button. The safest option is to hang up or ignore the call entirely. You can always look up the organization and initiate a call yourself if you're worried there may actually be an issue.
• Enable multifactor authentication. Add this feature to any accounts that offer it as an option, and try to use a non-SMS version to protect yourself from SIM swapping.
• Research companies before taking any actions. Before you make a purchase or donation, take a few minutes to review the company. Do a web search for its name plus "scam" or "reviews" and research charities on Charity Navigator and CharityWatch.
• Don't refund or forward overpayments. Be careful whenever a company or person asks you to refund or forward part of a payment. Often, the original payment will be fraudulent and taken back later.
• Look for suspicious payment requirements. Scammers often ask for payments via wire transfer, money order, cryptocurrency or gift cards. These payments can be harder to track and cancel than other forms of payment, which can leave you stuck without recourse.

Legislative Report

From Crystal Ward

Monthly Quiz

1. After being missing for over 70 years the wreck of a famous ship is discovered in September 1985.  Name the ship.
2. A massive fire occurred in this major city in 1666.  Over 13,000 homes were destroyed but fortunately only six people died.  Name this major city.
3. On September 5, 1972 eleven athletes were murdered while preparing for an international competition.  What is the name of this event? 
4. In September of 1940 the Germans launched an attack against its enemy. The attacks went on  for 57 consecutive nights. What was the event called and against what city? 
5. One of the world's longest reigning monarchs died in September 2022.  Who was this person?
6. The deadliest terrorist attack against the United States occurred this month.  Over 3,000 people died and many continue to die from long lasting effects of the attack.  Name this important event.
7. This ship set sail for America in 1620.  Name the ship.
8. Responding to financial concerns, this new department was created in 1789. Name the department.
9. The oldest continuously occupied settlement of Europeans  in the contiguous United States was founded in 1565. Name this city.
10. In 1692 individuals also known as 'hags' were brought to trial.  What were these trials called?
11. This religious leader was visited by the Angel Moroni. Who was this leader?
12. Scottish biologist Alexander Fleming discovered this important medicine.  What is the medicine?
13. Hitler's armies invaded this nation starting WW 2. What was this  nation?
14. This American city in the south was captured by armies under General T. Sherman. Name the city.
15. This American President survived two assassination attempts in 1975.  Who was this man?

1. The Titanic.
2. London, England.
3. The Munich Massacre - carried out by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September at the Munich Olympics.
4. The Blitz was against London, England.
5. Queen Elizabeth the Second.
6. Known simply as 9-11.
7. The Mayflower.
8. Department of the Treasury.
9. St. Augustine , Florida.
10. The Salem Witch Trials.
11. Joseph Smith was led by the angel to the "Golden Plates" that became the basis of the Book of Mormon.
12. Penicillin.
13. Poland.
14. Atlanta, Georgia.
15. President Gerald Ford.

EZEE KWEEZEEN

I found this recipe while exploring this site.

All Recipes

https://apple.news/AaNDYnc7XSdyb05BY9n0W_g

This looks wicked easy and wicked good, and no one gets better than that.

Slow Cooker Bread

Indredients

1 cup lukewarm water
1½ teaspoons active dry yeast
2½ cups bread flour
1½ teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon lukewarm water, or more as needed

parchment paper
¼ cup sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1 - Stir 1 cup water and yeast together in a small bowl until yeast is dissolved. Let sit until frothy or foamy, about 10 minutes.
Step 2 - Mix flour and salt together in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Add yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until evenly combined and no traces of flour remain. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water and stir again; dough should be tacky but not wet.
Step 3 - Cover container with the lid. Let dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
Step 4 - Set slow cooker to High. Cut a piece of parchment paper to line the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 5 - Dust a clean work surface with flour. Fold dough briefly with floured hands to get rid of any air pockets. Shape into a round or oval loaf depending on the shape of your slow cooker.
Step 6 - Sprinkle some of the sesame seeds on the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle remaining seeds generously all around the loaf. Place dough in the slow cooker and cover with the lid.
Step 7 - Cook on High for 2 hours. Lift the lid a couple of times during cooking to release the steam. An instant-read thermometer inserted deep into the loaf should read between 200 and 210 degrees F (93 to 99 degrees C). The surface of the bread should be dry and no longer spongy. Remove the loaf and tap the bottom; it should sound hollow.
Step 8 - Remove loaf from the slow cooker.  Allow it to cool for a bit.

The End