BRANT SENIOR CITIZENS’ ORGANIZATION

Wednesday, December 1, 2021 Minutes

Call to Order: President McSkimming called the meeting to order at 12:30pm.

Prayers were said for: Joyce Cureo, Jeanette Mirusso

Celebrating birthdays this month: Sharon Catalano, Paul Cesana, Kathy Vespa

50/50 Winners: Dolly Huffnagle, George Cordia, Faith DeLong, Janice Ross. The Free Lunch went to Joyce DeCarlo.

Roll Call was taken, 27 members were present.

Secretary’s Report: Secretary Ostrowski read the November Minutes. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Dennis Rubeck and seconded by Marlene McSkimming. Approved.

Treasurers: Marie Lalka reported that we have in our Travel Account: $6,000 and in our Operating Account: $688.85

Christmas Lunch: Our Christmas Lunch will be held at the Colony House on Sunday, December 12 starting at 12:30pm. Our choices for dinner are: stuffed chicken breast, stuffed pork chop or lasagna. We will also be having Wedding Soup, Hors’ d overs and Ice Cream for dessert. Reservations must be made today. Just a reminder that if you sign up but don’t show up. you are required to pay for your dinner.

Nominating Committee: Marge Pero and Sharon Catalano reported that Faith DeLong will run for President and Joe Ostrowski & Diane Czyz are running for Treasurer. Sharon Catalano will stay as Vice President and Lynda Ostrowski will stay as Secretary. A written ballot will be taken for the Treasurers position.

President McSkimming said that the Secretary will cast 1 vote for President: Faith DeLong, Vice President: Sharon Catalano and Secretary: Lynda Ostrowski. Joe Ostrowski motioned to have the Secretary cast one vote and seconded by Dolly Huffnagle. Carried.  The written ballots were tallied and Diane Czyz will be Treasurer.

Audit Committee: Marlene McSkimming and Rosemary Hauser reported that on November 9, 2021, they did an audit of the books and all was to be found in order. A motion to accept the report was made by Bob Wargula and seconded by George Cordia. Carried.

Marge Pero stated that Native Pride is doing COVID testing. No appointments necessary.

Our guest speaker, Chief Hepkins was here to talk about scams that are directed to seniors. He said if you feel like you’ve been scammed, don’t be proud, report it.

He talked about how to plan for emergencies and making sure someone you can trust, knows about your accounts, passwords etc.

Social Security: He said you will automatically get what you are entitled to. The health insurances won’t hold back.

Grandparents scam: don’t fall for this one. They will ask for gift cards. Never pay someone to receive something with a gift card.

Government municipalities: These municipalities will never send an email or over do anything over the phone.

Banks: You have to be in person to make changes. Never do anything over the phone. Lottery scams: These are the same thing, someone will say you won the lottery, even though you never played it, and they want you to send gift cards or money and they will send you lots of money.

Police: They will never call about donations.

Check out charities to be sure they are real.

Debt collection scams: These people will threaten you. You have a right to take care of your debt yourself. Have them send the info in the mail. Senior Medical Control will help you with problems.

Homeowner scams These and door-to-door sellers can be scams.  

Veteran scams, They will prey on Veterans

Identity theft: watch where you keep your passwords etc.

Phone scams: if they call you and hang up and doesn’t leave a voice mail, do not call back the number. The people on the other side can then access your phone.

Credit cards: Do not sign the back of your cards, write on the back – ASK FOR ID

Yellow dot program: DO NOT put the yellow dot on windows because it shows everyone that you have personal info in your glove compartment or in your house. Put the dot on the fridge or somewhere slightly hidden in your car.

E-Z pass: Watch your e-zpass bills and all bills to make sure you aren’t being charged incorrectly.

Chief Hepkins finished by saying “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.”

Adjournment: A motion was made by Geri Depovelo and seconded by everyone to adjourn the meeting. Carried.

Respectfully Submitted

Lynda Ostrowski

Secretary