For Life After 50

Fraud and ID Theft in Colorado were the subjects of the April Chapter 1100 meeting program.

The program was presented by Mark Fetterhoff, AARP ElderWatch Program Manager, who discussed the 10 most common scams in Colorado in 2018. He also fielded many questions from the membership about nefarious operators who attempt to prey on honest individuals.

Mark also described the recent changes within AARP which involved the Foundation and the publication of the Smart Tips and Scam Alerts by ElderWatch. Currently Scam Alert bulletins and Smart Tips for consumers can be viewed on the Chapter 1100 web site, and on the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

ElderWatch, based in Denver, partners with Chapter 1100 to provide an annual FREE shredding event in Black Forest. This year the shredding will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on June 15 at the Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road. This will be the 11th year that this service has been made available to the public. The shredding is an ongoing effort to reduce the exposure of citizens to possible scams or identification theft by providing a safe means of destroying sensitive personal documents.

The professional shredding service is provided free as a service to the community. No reservations are needed to participate. Simply bring your personal documents for shredding and afterwards pause for a free cup of coffee and a pastry. A voluntary donation of cash or some non-perishable food items for charity would be appreciated. Fight fraud – shred instead!

After the usual outstanding pot luck lunch President Rozak discussed several upcoming Chapter activities including the Black Forest Festival in August.  He also obtained membership approval to donate some specific future funds to Shield 616, a local nonprofit 501(c)3 charity formed to get local police department personnel armor packages to protect them from rifle threats. The armor package includes a ballistic helmet, plate carrier vest, rifle rated armor and a trauma kit.

Recently Chapter 1100 members participated in a community service outreach project by helping fabricate Easter baskets for underprivileged children locally and in the San Louis valley.

The Black Forest Chapter meets the second Wednesday of the month. Details can be found on the chapter website: https://aarpchapter1100blackforest.weebly.com/index.html or by contacting Ray at 719-495-6767 or Stan at 719-596-6787.

Upcoming chapter activities will include a May 3 board meeting at a local IHOP. The usual chapter membership meeting will be at noon on May 8, and the monthly Senior Social on May 22. The chapter meeting and Senior Social will both be at the Black Forest Lutheran Church. Come and visit our meetings. All are welcome.