A reader asked me if I was with the Aging Resource Center. I am as a volunteer only. Brad Beckman is the executive officer and has frequent articles in this newspaper explaining aspects of the many good works they do.
One of the generous benefits of volunteering is attending their annual volunteer luncheon. This is served at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Rothwell Student Center, Hiawatha Room (a truly great meal and scrumptious desserts). That dessert table is a sight to behold and for gluttons like yours truly, it makes choosing a delectable a truly major, momentous, head-scratching decision.
This year, the luncheon was held on May 14, and several dignitaries attended and spoke briefly with music by the Singing Slovenians to follow; they are good and enthusiastic.
Probably the greatest benefit of volunteering is the self-respect and self-worth you feel personally for lending a helping hand to someone who genuinely needs a helping hand and is sincerely appreciative for receiving one. It always brightens my day, immeasurably as I am sure it does for the many volunteers who work for the Aging Resource Center and/or other community opportunities for such services.
And selfishly, we benefit as a number of sources already discussed in these aging articles and as George Livermore (we old geezers remember) used to say, "It will be just your rotten luck to have them revised and repeated again."
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I happened to sit by Marjorie Bunce, who works for U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl out of his Eau Claire office. She spoke and also passed out a few free copies of the 2007 Consumer Action Handbook. I was pleased to get a personal copy and am amazed at the succinct presentation of a volume of useful consumer tips. They present addresses of many offices: consumer protection, state regulatory, licensing agencies, better business bureaus, trade associations, national consumer organizations and media programs. They give specific suggestions for a number of emerging situations that cause concern for average citizens, like me and you, who face these only rarely:
- Should you buy extended warranties of service contracts?
- How to protect your privacy and avoid unauthorized use of your personal information.
- Why payday and tax refund loans are best to avoid if you can.
- Why home improvement and auto repairs are subject of frequent complaints.
- If you can't afford a lawyer, it shows where free legal aid and small claims court may do the trick. I could go on and on, but you've read enough.
This is a free book that you may wish to have at home and readily available. If you wish to look over a copy, try the Aging Resource Center or library. If you decide you'd like one, contact the Kohl Eau Claire office, 402 Graham Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701, call (715) 832-8424, visit www:http//kohl.senate.gov, e-mail senator-kohl@kohl.senate.gov .
Kohl says that he wants to hear from you. Problem? Opinion? Question? And he must really mean it. He has a six-year term left to serve; he isn't campaigning for reelection.
Bernie Hughes, Ed.D., is a retired educator who resides in Superior. He can be reached at Bernie1@cpinternet.com .
