« August 2022

Here's the newsletter for AREA for August 2022


Welcome to the AREA NEWSLETTER - August 2022


Androscoggin Retired Educators Association - Many thanks to Crystal Ward, Mona Ervin, Rosita Friel, and Gina Fuller for the contributions this month. Lots of news this month.


New this month - You can download all the materials from this link - AUGUST DOWNLOADS


NEXT MEETING - September 14, 2022


September 14, 2022.

Sixth St. Congregational Church, Auburn, ME

Hostess: Gina Fuller

10:30 Speaker. LHS - store front speaker Jamie Caouette

11:00. Business meeting
12:00 Lunch


Download this form to reserve a spot - September 14, 2022 - AREA

THE COST IS $12.00 AND WILL BE CHEF'S CHOICE - MOST LIKELY CHICKEN.

October 12, 2022

Sixth St. Congregtational Church, Auburn, ME
Host: David Wing 

Greeter- Crystal Ward

10:30 Business meeting

11:00. Scholarship Auction

12:00. Lunch

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE


Dear AREA members,


Welcome to a new and hopefully less hectic new year. We look forward to thankfully participating and supporting the efforts of our local association and our state leaders in their effort to protect our retirement benefits.


We have five meetings coming up with three this fall and two in the spring and usually an exciting finale at our state convention in May. There will be a variety of interesting speakers and a return to our scholarship auction in October.


I hope you had a pleasant and restful summer. Please join us at our first meeting on September 14 at 10:30 at the Sixth St. Congregational church in New Auburn.


Our first speaker is part of a special program helping high school youth by providing items at a “ store front store “made just for them. Jamie Caouette will tell us all about the work they do. To help this store for teens you are invited to bring an item such as shampoo or toothpaste etc to donate to this group.


Treasurer's Report

by Gina Fuller


I am including 2 reports this time:
   
The first one is the July 31, 2022 treasurer's Report.   July 31 ends our year.  It is therefore also called our End of the 2021-2022 year report. 

The secord report is a 4-year comparison of our expenses and incomes.   I think we all need to reflect on how well we have been doing to overcome a year of not meeting.   If you look closely at this report our final totals are about the same.  Final membership is also about the same with the exception that we now have more honorary members and spouses.




Over the summer the executive board met and agreed on a proposed budget.   Most categories will stay the same as the last 4 years.   The exceptions will be that the luncheon category will increase from $ 400 to $ 800  and the gifts category will increase from $ 80 to $ 150.    A final vote on this will need to be taken at our first meeting in September.

If you know of any retirees that might want to join us, please share our newsletter with them and be sure to invite them to our meetings this coming year.

Please feel free to call me if you have any concerns 207-783-9091
            (I get plenty of spam calls and they do not mind calling me)

In September, I might be babysitting for a new grandson so if you try to reach me for any reason, it will be better to call me on my cell  818-438-8663

Respectfully submitted
       Gina Luchini Fuller, Treasurer

Newsletter Notes!

Please feel free to contribute to your newsletter.  You can send contributions to me by emailing them to - rfuller@mainenet.org


Please note - MEA Retired now has a Facebook page - You can follow us there. 


MEA Retired - Facebook


AND, AREA has a group page... feel free to join this group.


AREA - Facebook GROUP


NOTE - The PAGE is viewable by everyone (everyone in the world). The GROUP is private - only AREA Members are pemitted to join.



Legislative Update

by

Crystal Ward - John Kosinski



VOTE    VOTE    VOTE   IN  NOVEMBER 2022 !!!

AREA ----ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!!! 


This often used statement has been clearly shown to be very true!   We have been trying to get the terrible, harmful cuts, freezes, capping the COLA and lifting the retirement age made in the MainePers pension system by Paul LePage and Bruce Poliquin in 2011 corrected. Trying for 8 years with LePage got us nothing! 


Finally, with Governor Mills and democrat majorities we got the COLA cap changed from 3% to 4%, the total COLA of 5.4% paid for 2022 and the total amount added to the base used to figure future pension amounts.  The amount of the State income tax exemption increases from $10,000 gradually until it is $35,000 the same as the Social Security amount.  The State’s share of qualifying Health Care plans rose from 45% to 55%. These needed improvements were made by the democrat lead State government. 


There is more left to do and we need our friends in office.  As John Kosinski often says “we have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies” just friends who will help the Retired!!  Vote for the friends who helped us in the November 2022 Elections.  The November Election will have CONSEQUENCES ON EACH AND EVERYONE RETIRED . 


If you want to see the voting record for yourself, the MEA voting scorecards showing how these people voted on our bills , for the 8 years of Paul LePage and 4 years of Janet Mills as Governor contact:  jvendil@maineea.org or John Kosinski at jkosinski@maineea.org. This is really eye opening , no one can hide from their voting records.


“MEA has endorsed Governor Mills for a second term because she is the one who has clearly shown she supports public education, educators, retired and students. We encourage members to help support candidates who support us by donating to the MEA Fund in Support of Public Education here: https://maineea.org/mea-fund/  “    MEA President Grace Leavitt


You can help by volunteering to help a candidate, allowing for lawn signs , by making sure you know you are voting for a FRIEND of retired and beware--- last election I had a members contact me about the “very nice man who came to her door and told her they had voted to help retired “  but it was not true he voted against every retired bill ! 


You can sign up to vote by mail , which many did the last election .....  Contact your local town/city office for information.


NEW LAW FROM AUGUSTA !!!!!  

PROPERTY TAX STABILIZATION FOR SENOIR CITIZENS , this could help you !!!


 You have to fill out an application form ( pretty easy one) and file by December 1, 2022. 

The application is available on the Maine Revenue Service website at   www.maine.gov/revenue/tax-return-forms/property-tax .

Or by calling the Maine Revenue Service  207-624-5600 .


 I also sent an e-mail with an attachment of the application .   


The state of Maine has passed a property tax stabilization act.  This allows seniors to fix, or set, their property taxes. The program requires an application.  This is not a scam. This is good for you.  To download the application, click this link



Property Tax Stabilization Application


by

Mona Ervin



Healthy Eating for Maine Seniors:


It is always a good idea to remind ourselves of some common sense things to do or not do to protect ourselves.

  1. Never, ever give out your social security number.
  2. Destroy private records and statements that are no longer needed  -  invest in a shredder.
  3. Never ever give out your credit card number(s) or debit pin
  4. Always know who you are dealing with – do not let phone callers or door to door solicitor’s pressure you into purchases
  5. Do not discuss finances with strangers on social media
  6. Keep your mail safe.
  7. Create difficult log ins and passwords
  8. Check the free credit reports
  9. Do not use public WiFi’s
  10. Do not share information over social media – particularly if you plan to be away from home
  11. Invest in security software for your devices.



Message from the Ritter Committee


COVID was first identified in the United States in 2019. Not long after that many companies began the practice of employees working from their homes.  Many organizations ceased in-person meetings.  Schools went to a Zoom format or some form of hybrid learning model.


AREA was one organization that ceased in-person meetings. Members who paid their dues for the 2020-2021 meeting year were told that dues would not be required for the 2021-2022 season.  In 2022 AREA in-person meeting resumed.  Many chose to mask up at the meetings and others did not. While meetings continued to be in person many members did not return and did not pay their dues.  In fact many had not paid dues since 2019.


The Ritter Committee decided to send out a questionnaire asking those individuals who had not paid dues for at least 2 years to respond to our query. Our goal was to determine why attendance was low and what we could do enhance meetings to increase attendance.


Below is the questionnaire that we sent out:


Dear former AREA member, we have missed you. Last year the pandemic kept us apart. Friends and colleagues missed connecting with one another at meetings. This year vaccines and boosters are now available. Many of us have received all the shots, have been “boosted” and feel comfortable gathering in person for meetings. While some of us do feel comfortable gathering in person, we recognize that others do not.

The goal of the Ritter Committee is to reach out to our members who are the most valuable and vulnerable. Since you have not attended meetings in a while we would like to know why.

Please take the time to complete this brief survey and mail it back to:  Mona Ervin, 177 Cook Street, Auburn, ME 04210.   You may also call me at 207-784-2086 or e-mail me at:  mjervin1@outlook.com.  We have provided you with a stamp to mail this back and two others as a gift to use as you see fit in recognition of your past membership and support of AREA.


I no longer attend AREA meetings because – circle all that apply

I cannot venture out due to health issues

I lack transportation

The meetings are too long

The meeting programs are not of interest to me

The meals are too expensive

Meals are too heavy for a lunch meeting

I do not like the locations chosen for the meetings

I am concerned about contracting Covid-19

Membership dues are too expensive

Other – please explain

Below are the responses that were received:

# of questionnaires mailed out ---------------------- 46

# of questionnaires returned ------------------------- 14

# of conversations ---------------------------------------   3

Given the number of questionnaires that were not returned  (32) I infer that those retirees are not interested in AREA.


The questionnaire had 10 check-off options asking why attendance at meetings had ceased. Most responders checked off more that one option and added some in the “other” category.

  1. I cannot venture out due to personal health issues  - 2 *
  2. I cannot venture out due to family member health issues     - 3 **
  3. Lack of transportation  - 0         
  4. Meetings are  too long   - 1
  5. Meetings begin too early -2 ***
  6. Meeting programs are of no interest to me  -3  ( My assumption is that the 32 who did not respond feel this way)
  7. Meals are too expensive – 0
  8. Meals are too heavy, not to my liking -1   ****
  9. Gluten free options need to be offered due to an illness -1 *****
  10. Do no like the locations -1
  11. I am concerned about contracting COVID – 4
  12. Membership dues are too expensive – 0
  13. Other – most added that meetings end up conflicting with other appointments/commitments – 6


*/**question asked about health issues – respondees added personal health and family member issues as reasons

*** suggestion to begin at 11:00  and meal at 12:15

**** responder added that meals should be light sandwiches preceded by crackers and cheese  

***** speaks for itself at the first meeting of AREA.


I will be happy to discuss this/answer any questions at the first meeting of the season.

Mona    


 THE QUIZ - KNOW THAT TUNE?


Music Qui

  1. This famous swivel hipper was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.
  2. Famed crooner paired with a comedian in the “road’ movies.
  3. This blue eyed crooner was one of America’s first teen idols.
  4. This jazz singer was  known as the “Velvet Fog”.  He was a favorite of Judge Stone on Night Court.
  5. This Tennessee Waltz singer was the top selling female vocalist of the 1950’s.
  6. France’s national chanteuse and a well known international star.
  7. This   “Father of Country and Western Music”  won the Pulitzer Prize posthumously in 2010.
  8. He was the male partner of “America’s Singing Sweethearts”.  They made 8 movies together.
  9. She was the female partner of “America’s Singing Sweethearts.”
  10. Known as the “Fab Four.”
  11. Nicknamed the “King of the High C’S” he was a part of the Three Tenors.  He is the most acclaimed tenor of all time.
  12. This American born Greek soprano was the most influential opera singer of the 20thCentury.  She had a 10 year affair with Aristotle Onassis.
  13. Early American rapper, song writer, producer, and current actor on a popular TV program.
  14. Famous female rapper, singer, and actress.  She received an Oscar nomination for her performance in a popular 1920’s era musical.
  15. Known to some as the world’s oldest, still preforming, rock and roller.  He has had a well known feud with Paul McCartney.



Answers

  1. Elvis Presley
  2. Bing Crosby
  3. Frank Sinatra
  4. Mel Torme
  5. Patti Page
  6. Edith Piaf
  7. Hank Williams
  8. Nelson Eddy
  9. Jeannette MacDonald
  10. The Beatles
  11. Luciano Pavarotti
  12. Maria Callas
  13. James Todd Smith – LLCool J- (Ladies Love James)
  14. Dana Elaine Owens – Queen Latifah
  15. Mick Jagger


Recipe -  EZ-CUISINE  - EEEEEE-Z  KWEEEZEEN

cartoon images cooking group - Clip Art Library


It's time for the garden and lawn and all things outside. This month is easy, easy cuisine. 

 

This recipe is easy.  I like easy.  I made this. 

 

Here's the link - Zuchini Lasagna - from Taste of Home. 

 



Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean) - use ground pork also
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil - use more if you wish
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup 2% cottage cheese
  • 4 medium zucchini (about 1-3/4 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour - not really needed
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese - or/and use Ricotta Cheese
  • Additional shredded mozzarella cheese, optional
    

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°. In large skillet, cook and crumble beef with onion over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Stir in seasonings and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. In a bowl, mix egg and cottage cheese.
  2. Trim ends of zucchini; cut lengthwise into 1/4-in.-thick slices. Toss zucchini with the flour. Layer half the slices in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with cottage cheese mixture and half the meat sauce. Add remaining zucchini; sprinkle with any remaining flour. Spread with remaining meat sauce; sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  3. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, about 40 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with additional cheese. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Roger's Work Around - Everyone likes a recipe, but sometimes they are needlessly complex. 


1. Make a tomatoe sauce. You can use ground pork, ground beef, and sausage. I added quite a bit of basil.

2. Make a cheese.  Ricotta and two eggs, mixed together.

3. Slice the zucchini diagonally into thin slices. Salt lightly with seasoned salt.

4. Layer the zuchini, sauce and cheese in a baking pan. Top with Mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.

5. Bake till lit looks done.


Mr. Garden Gopher got almost all my zucchini this year.  This recipe was almost a special heirloom.







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