News from AARP Chapter 3455

MILFORD - The members of AARP Chapter 3455 were born before “spell check” and recently proved that they were paying attention in school. The chapter had its fifth annual Senior Spelling Bee at the February meeting at St. Patrick’s on High Street. Dick Siss was the Pronunciator. The judges were Joe Caramanica, Principal, of Dingman Delaware Middle School and Nancy Schoenleber, Administrator, of Delaware Valley School District. Our own President Martyn Freed was the score keeper. The participating members went through over 60 words until we had a winner who was Katherine Ruzanski and her last word was “luminary”. Katherine received a plaque for her efforts. The meeting was very busy with 99 members and one guest present. Of the members, 12 were new and we welcome: Geraldine Dayko, Charles and Denise Smithson, Patricia Powers, Joseph Tromarino, John and Patricia Ferri, Louis and Dolores Avenatti, Robert Krason, Carol La Frada and Joan Irwin. Their guest speaker for the February meeting was Elizabeth Cotton of the Pike County Developmental Center on West Ann Street. She explained the many programs they offer their clients. They teach job skills such as doing a mailing for other local agencies and said that they will do this for others in the community in order to both teach and to give something back. Other skills which they teach are food shopping, house cleaning, personal hygiene and other job related activities. Lana Romeo from the Senior Center in Blooming Grove urged members to come to the luncheons there and stressed that you have to make a reservation in order for them to have enough food available. Their next big event planned is a Mardi Gras starting at noon on February 28. The cost for this is $2.50. If you have not made your reservation yet for the trip to Foxwoods Casino call Rose Eckelmann at 570-491-5785. The dates are May 9 and 10 and the cost is $125 per person for a double and a single is $155. The next meeting will be held at St. Patrick’s Church on Friday, March 17th. Come on down and wear your green. The guest speaker for this meeting will be Barry Heim from the Pike County Humane Society. For information on joining the AARP Chapter, call Beth Stickle at 570-828-7984.