CORG April meeting to focus on preserving life and lifestyle

Preserving one's life is obviously everyone's top concern but the quality of life and lifestyle is also of major import.

“Preserving Life and Lifestyle” is the theme of the next forum sponsored by the Committee for an Open and Responsive Government (CORG) on Tuesday, April 17, from 2 to 4 pm. in Gateway's Fireside Room.

CORG has invited speakers who are especially qualified to offer residents practical suggestions for coping with the problems arising from the aftermath of a disaster such as a fire or earthquake and also lesser mishaps.

Many people have found that they did not make adequate provisions for restoring their day-to-day living, compounding the problems they have to face.

The speakers will be Alan Gardner, Rossmoor's CEO; Shannon Walpole, Rossmoor's in-house counsel; and John Johansing and Maribeth LaBarbera, executives from Cass & Johansing, insurance brokers.

Johansing (president of Cass & Johansing) and LaBarbera (personal lines manager for Laguna Hills, Seal Beach and Contra Costa) will discuss, “What Kind of Insurance Do I Need as a Resident of Rossmoor.”

They will talk about their claims experience within the community; water damage, fire, liability and theft.

They will define and give examples of: personal property, loss of use, liability, medical payment to others, building additions and alterations, schedule personal property, workers comp (caregivers) and golf carts.

Also, types of coverage one should consider: loss assessment, umbrella, earthquake and, possibly, flood insurance. Over the years, inflation and remodeling have affected replacement costs so that insured residents may find themselves underinsured or uninsured for items they believed were covered.

Johansing started his insurance career at Reliance Insurance Company, Pacific Department, in 1967, where he was trained as an underwriter in all personal and commercial departments. Two years later, he joined Cass & Johansing, founded by his family.

During the past 36 years he has worked in the personal insurance, marine, commercial property and casualty, life and health and sales departments. He is a certified insurance councilor and has served on agency council boards for various insurance companies.

LaBarbera started her insurance career at Cass & Johansing in 1989. In 2005, she became the personal lines manager and is an expert in the residential retirement communities of Laguna Woods Village, Laguna Hills, Leisure World, Seal Beach and Rossmoor.

She has been a speaker at the Community Civic Association, Saddleback Kiwanis Club, Men's Nine Hole Golf Club and the Golden Rain Golf Trails and Signs Committee.

Rossmoor's attorney, Walpole, will discuss emergency preparedness and the role of the Golden Rain Foundation and the Mutuals. She will explain the limits of the Mutuals' property policy as it pertains to residents in the event of a fire.

Gardner, Rossmoor's new CEO, will introduce himself to CORG members and guests attending the meeting. Gardner will describe his role and goals for Rossmoor and how he plans to communicate with the residents.

An open forum will follow the speakers. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and express opinions.

Directly after the meeting, there will be another chance for an informal discussion with the guest speakers over hors d'oeuvres and refreshments.

All residents are urged to attend this meeting since not only is it important for each individual's personal welfare but because it allows CORG to be a representative of the residents in communicating with the administration.

The standing-room only attendance at the last meeting was an impressive message that residents expected to be heard, and were there because they wanted direct, correct and useful information.

This meeting will be held on a Tuesday rather than the usual Friday so that people will have additional parking space. However, it's suggested that residents carpool with neighbors or friends (or take the bus), as a large turnout is expected for this informational meeting.

For information, contact Florence Kleinfeld at 287-9530.

Insurance, brush control, evacuation plans and kitchen safety are some of the topics from the fire seminar

Know what your homeowner's insurance covers and upgrade as necessary. Know what to do if your stove catches on fire. Store important personal papers and copies in an accessible - preferably fireproof - place. Have an evacuation plan.

Aquatics Advisory Committee to discuss issues related to new covered pool

The Aquatics Advisory Committee will discuss resident identification and guest access to the covered pool at its meeting on Thursday, April 12, at 1:30 p.m. in the Board Room at Gateway. Any resident who wishes to speak on that topic is invited to attend the meeting.

Board Actions

GRF Board March actions

Channel 28 begins airing PSAs on fire safety and emergency preparedness

In an effort to provide more information on fire safety and prevention and emergency preparedness, Channel 28 will be running public service announcements (PSA) created by the state of California and provided by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

Community Club to hear from drama critic Pat Craig

The Community Club's guest speaker will be Pat Craig, drama critic for the Contra Costa Times, at the meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 10, at 3 p.m. in Peacock Hall at Gateway.

CORG April meeting to focus on preserving life and lifestyle

Preserving one's life is obviously everyone's top concern but the quality of life and lifestyle is also of major import.

Democrats enjoy pasta at the April 26 meeting

The Democrats of Rossmoor will have a pasta supper on Thursday, April 26, at 6 p.m. in the Sierra Room at Del Valle Clubhouse. The evening will begin in the Delta Room at 5 p.m. with an open bar, featuring wine and soft drinks.

Four wireless hot spots are set up in Rossmoor, laptop users can go wireless to hook to Internet

The Golden Rain Foundation has installed four Wi-Fi “hot spots” in Rossmoor for resident use. The hot spots are located in the Mutual Operations building at 800 Rockview Drive; in the Board Room at Gateway; in Peacock Hall at Gateway; and Del Valle Clubhouse.

Free income tax service ends next Wednesday

There are only two days left for free income tax service by trained AARP Tax-Aide Counselors.

Free transportation available for disabled and seniors

Persons with disabilities and low income people 65 and older may be eligible for free transportation service in Contra Costa County, under the Mobility for Independence Program.

Friday Lunch is a happening place

Residents who are looking for a little lunchtime socializing while getting a good value should try Friday Lunch.

GRF Board gives OK to keep Stair-Trac program going, but conditions will be set for use

After pleas from residents during the Residents Forum at the March 29 GRF Board meeting, the Board voted to authorize contracting with Securitas for the continuation of the Stair-Trac wheelchair-assistance program.

GRF Board to consider Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy for directors

The following is the GRF Policy Committee's proposed “Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy” that was discussed at the GRF Board meeting on March 29 and will be up for a vote at the April meeting.

Learn how to protect yourself and neighbors from West Nile virus

Rossmoor residents will get the lowdown on West Nile virus prevention tactics at a special presentation here on Wednesday, April 25. The county's Mosquito Abatement District is the sponsor of the program, which will feature various presentations and the distribution of free mosquito repellent.

Lions Club to hold fund-raising luau in May

Enjoy the experience of paradise in Rossmoor at the Lions Club Luau fund-raiser, which will be held indoors this year at Del Valle Clubhouse on Saturday, May 12, at 5 p.m.

Lions seek mail-in White Cane donations

Inserted in this issue of the News is a goldenrod flyer that is stapled to a self-addressed envelope with a miniature white cane inside. The flyer is put out by the Rossmoor Lions Club as an appeal for community support of its annual White Cane Days fund-raiser for the benefit of the blind and visually impaired.

Meetings

All Golden Rain Foundation, Mutual and committee meetings listed here are open to Rossmoor residents. Meeting times and locations are subject to change. For information in GRF Board meetings, call Executive Secretary Paulette Jones at 988-7711; for information on Third Mutual meetings, call Sue Kotchou at 988-7718; and for information on all other Mutual meetings, call Dyann Paradise at 988-7775.

Monthly Report

February resales up andemergency preparedness update

Mutual 8 seeks candidates for election

Mutual Eight will hold an election for two directors to serve on the board of directors, each to serve a three-year term. Those positions are currently held by Barbara McCauley and Bob Viator.

Resident asked to complete survey on Evac Pac inserted in this week's News

Rossmoor residents are being asked to take a few minutes and answer a survey on the Evac Pac and whether they feel it helps with their emergency preparedness. The Evac Pac survey is inserted in today's Rossmoor News along with the other inserts such as Longs and Rite-Aid.

Securitas Report

The following incidents were reported to Securitas, Rossmoor's security service provider. They appear here as they were initially reported to Securitas. After investigation, details of a case may indicate a lesser or different incident description.

Sign up for travel training to learn to ride the county buses

Learn more about how to get around on the County Connection. The Rossmoor Transportation Department offers Travel Training on Friday, April 6.

Take a “Roman Holiday” with Kiwanis Club's Alzheimer's-Parkinson's fund-raiser

It will be a “Roman Holiday” when the 22nd annual Rossmoor Kiwanis Club's Alzheimer's-Parkinson's dinner takes place on Saturday, May 5, in the Fireside Room at Gateway.

Treasurer's Report

The following is the GRF Treasurer's Report presented at the March 29 GRF Board meeting by Treasurer Ron Moschel.

TWCM has openings for directors in six districts

Third Walnut Creek Mutual Secretary Gene J. Wilson announces that nominating petition forms are now available for candidates for the office of director in TWCM districts I, V, VI, IX, XI and XV.