I hope everyone had a trouble free and pleasant winter.  Spring is finally arrived and we are looking forward to a wonderful summer.  Talking about summer, this year we have to change the Grandparents/Grandkids Day because the 4th of July falls on Retiree Day.  So please mark this date on your calendar. Tuesday July 2nd is the date set for Grandparents/Grandchildren’s Day in the Park.  There is nothing that makes me happier than watching our grandchildren having fun outside doing great things we did when were kids.  It makes me feel young again.  There will be pony rides, bouncy rides, face painting, snow cones, carriage rides and lots of food to eat; so please, bring your grandchildren to this event and experience the feeling of youth again.
   
    Now, let us get down to business.  At the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans meeting, one of our guest speakers was Tim Burga, President of Ohio AFL-CIO.  He reported that in last November Congress tried to stop Health Care and alter our voting rights.  This November ARA is doing everything possible to keep our Health Care solvent and to stop Gerrymandering by keeping politics out of it.  Redistricting our voting boundaries needs to be designated independently, that is why we need your signatures on this petition. 

    Another speaker was Jennifer Miller, Executive Director of Ohio League of Women Voters.  She covered the history from Women’s Rights to Vote, to the present.  Her number one priority is Women’s Rights, the Public Education Programs and Democracy.
    
    Last but not least was Norm Wernet, Ohio ARA President.  He spoke about Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.  Did you know that not one penny adds to the national deficit?  Social Security can't borrow money or lend money to the Government but that does not stop them from borrowing our money.  Social Security is an entitlement, not to be messed with.  If you or someone you know is on Medicaid, they have to lose all their assets before they are qualified.  This includes property and money. 

    At closing, I would like to thank you for sending Bill Thomas, Dennis Harr and myself to this conference and we will continue to post this important information to you. Until next time, be safe and stay healthy.

In solidarity,