SRA EMAIL NEWSLETTER*
Issue # 41
Ron Violette-Editor
April 2006
I want to thank Len Wines for publishing the last two issues of the Eletter. I have been out attending to some serious medical issues and am now well into the convalescing stage. I had an operation four weeks ago today and all is going well. I want to thank all of you who prayed for me, were concerned about me, checked on how things were going, sent cards and showed concern in other ways. It all meant a lot to me.
FROM THE PRESIDENT - CAROLE GUSTIN
1. The SRA is participating in a new kind of Transitions program for pre-retirees. The new format is a 1 1/2 hour question and answer forum for those interested in getting information about how to prepare for retirement—what benefits one can keep; how to do the necessary paperwork, etc. As of 4/5/06 we have held one on the Health Science Campus and one at the Emeriti Center. Both were well attended and attendees seemed to find it helpful. We will offer several more this semester and participate in the 1 1/2 day programs held in conjunction with the USC Benefits Office (April 17 & 18 and April 26 & 27).
2. Betty Redmon's granddaughter is working on a project to send school kits to Iraqi children. Materials they need for each kit are:
If you prefer, a $10 contribution will buy one kit. Checks should be payable to: School Daze. In the memo line, write: Operation Education—SRGA.
If you are interested, materials and/or donations can be sent to:
SAVE THE DATE
June 5 is the date for the next General Meeting and Luncheon. The program for that meeting will be “Jazz: A to Z,” by Prof. Thom Mason of the Thornton School of Music. You will soon be receiving more information on this event.
HOPEFULLY HELPFUL TIPS
CARING FOR VALUABLE PAPERS — AARP has available a short, easy-to-use form "Planning for the Future: Valuable Documents at Your Fingertips" Store a copy in a safe, safety-deposit-box or/and leave a copy with a trusted friend or relative. You can find a copy at http://www.aarp.org/families/caring, then click on Caring for Partners, and scroll down to Valuable documents at your fingertips. (AARP the Magazine, March&April 2006, page 78.)
DIGITAL PHOTO ALBUMS — Most everyone has a digital camera these days. (I even have one.) If you are like me, the pictures are on the camera or the computer but not where Grandma can look through albums, "like it is supposed to be." There are several web sites to help you in this. You can even get albums with linen or leather covers. In the article I read, the favorite site is Hewlett-Packard's Snapfish, http://www.snapfish.com. Other possibilities are: http://www.dotphoto.com, http://www.kodakgallery.com, or even http://www.walmart.com. (Kiplinger's Retirement Report, March 2006, page 16.)
ANOTHER GUIDE TO PHARMACY BENEFITS — There are several of these. This one is from the National Consumers League. It is a step-by-step guide to help consumers figure out which prescription drugs are covered under different plans. http://www.yourpharmacybenefit.org.
BUYING A USED CAR — According to the Kiplinger's Retirement Report, March 2006, this is a great time to negotiate a deal on a used car, as dealers empty their lots to prepare for the spring sell-a-thon. Check out http://www.AutoTrader.com or http://www.cars.com.
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE
A very elderly gentleman, (mid nineties) very well dressed, hair well groomed, great looking suit, flower in his lapel smelling slightly of a good after shave, presenting a well looked-after image, walks into an upscale cocktail lounge. Seated at the bar is an elderly looking lady, (mid eighties). The gentleman walks over, sits alongside of her, orders a drink, takes a sip, turns to her and says, "So tell me, do I come here often?"
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*The content of this Email Newsletter is for the information of the members of the USC SRA. It is not a University of Southern California official publication. There is no intent to promote any particular product or point of view. Personal decisions regarding health, finance, exercise, or other matters should be made after consulting with the reader's own professional advisors.