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Information: Call Walter Ernst (see back page)Go to our Web Site: - none -

April 26, 2018

Big SIR

Walter ErnstIts Ladies Day!

Welcome to all our Spouses and Significant Others. Thank you for attending. We hope you will enjoy ourspeaker. This month’s guest speaker invited by Richard Beers is Stan Malanca. He has been in the retail farmequipment business for over 34 years. His experience in farm equipment sales has been in western Fresno,Merced and Madera counties. He currently works for West Valley Almond Hulling located in Firebaugh. He’sthe third generation of the Malanca family raised in the small Ag community of Firebaugh.May I remind you of our monthly BEC meetings at 10:45am before the luncheons. If anyone has an idea, aremark or a willingness to participate and get things done – by all means attend the BEC meetings. Not justonce but repeatedly. They are open to any member to attend.It is well that you should attend and be offering to help to keep us alive. We need to keep participating andbringing in new members. It is CPR for our group.

April Guest Speaker

Steve MalancaInvited by Richard Beers

Steve Malanca has been in the retail farm equipment business for over 34 years.His experience in farm equipment sales has been in western Fresno, Merced andMadera counties. He currently works for West Valley Almond Hulling located inFirebaugh. He’s the third generation of the Malanca family raised in the smallAgricultural community of Firebaugh.In the fall of 2013, he along with the help of the Westland’s Water District and theCalifornia Water Coalitions created a video to show the importance of water andthe number of jobs, and people affected by the disappearance of surface waterdeliveries in Central California. The “My Job Depends On Ag” decal was createdin May 2015. In the first two and a half years, there has been sold over 60,000California decals. All proceeds from the decal sales are donated back to high schoolkids moving on to college majoring in Agriculture in the form of scholarships. Todate over $60,000 have been set aside for distribution.When not up to his elbows in dirt and almonds, he enjoys playing golf, supportingFresno State football. It’s been said that he can grill a pretty darn good rack of ribs!

He currently lives in Fresno with his wife, LuAnn. There are four grandchildren all living in the Seattle area.

Walter

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April Birthdays Happy Birthday to You!

Badge Name Birth Date Age 83 Robert Baker 4/4/1924 94 125 Charles Preston 4/12/1931 86 34 Willis ‘Woody’ Wilk 4/8/1943 74

20 Frederick Ketcham 4/8/1947 70

Membership

April 26th is Ladies Day! Howard Jones, Membership

Please attend. SIR Fred and his talented wife Ann have a great table prize. We always urge you to attend evenif you are missing a female companion. The program committee has put together a program that will be interestingto all.Just always remember we could use more members due to attrition. Bring a friend, a relative or any one youthink could be a possible member. We pay for new members by reimbursing the sponsors with a lunch whenthey join.My wife and I just got back from a cold trip toNew York, Niagara Falls, Toronto andMontreal Canada. We unfortunately picked theweeks when the latest winter storm hit. Thefamous Niagara Falls was almost completelyfrozen over! What a sight. I’ll take the WestCoast over the East Coast anytime.I am looking forward toseeing you and your ladieson April 26th.

SIR 175 Activities Directors

Activities for You …The following is a partial list of the activities availableto you through SIR. Join them or start a new one foryour interests. Many are open to couples.

GolfBridgeBowlingCarousingDining OutTravelWoodworking

FishingAnd many others.

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Branch 175

Secretary’s CornerPaul Dehn, Secretary

Big SIR Walter Ernst welcomed everyone to the March22nd BEC meeting. March's luncheon attendance was48 members. February minutes. were approved.The Treasurer reported that our current checking balance is $3,855.44 plus $400.00 in the luncheon cash box.The treasury report was approved.Walter, reported that he was attending a meeting of Big SIRs on March 26th in Walnut Creek.● Walter also reconfirmed that today's speaker will be Stacy Nolan, a spokesperson for Cal Fire.● Mr. Steve Malanca, an agriculture spokesperson will speak at the ladies day luncheon, April 26th, on Ag

issues specifically on the impact of the water situation still facing the industry.● May is still open so Jerry Stoltenberg is working on a possible speaker from Hospice Care. The consensus

was that at this stage in our lives it's a subject worth learning about.● June's speaker slot is still open.● Howard Jones is approaching a local tax expert speak on the changes to the 2019 tax code, perhaps for July.

An email from Dwight Sales, the State SIR data base manager, stated that our Branch 175 website needs updating.In particular, he wants our listing of Officers and "senior" and "super senior" SIRs updated. Anyone interestedin helping us keep up our web site? Does anyone know of or look at our web site? Anyone?Also, Dwight was surprised to see that we don't track "passed away" and "resigned" dates on former members.After much discussion, the Board agreed to begin recording this data going forward. We try to put sick anddeceased in the newsletter, but we don’t feel it is for public consumption such as on the web site.Richard Beers, explained that he's having problems getting enough signatures for the upcoming Fresno Countywinery tour. Richard said that he intended to make a final announcement to the membership today (March 26)and if he fails to receive the required minimum 15 couples, he will be forced to cancel the event.Fred Ketcham and his wife, Ann, will prepare centerpieces for next month's Ladies Day event.The woodworkers group (SWIG) will be making Christmas tree center pieces for the December luncheon.Non-woodworkers are invited to help decorate them.A suggestion to return to the old start time for BEC meetings of 10:45 was presented. This would allow enoughtime for the officers to circulate among our members prior to the luncheon. It was agreed.The BEC meeting adjourned at 11:15. NO BEC meeting will occur in April because it's Lady's day. The nextBEC meeting will occur May 24th at the new start time of 10:45 am.

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Facts are FactsIt doesn’t matter what party you follow.

A History Lesson on Your Social Security

Social Security Cards up until the 1980s expressly stated the number and card were not to be used for identificationpurposes. Since nearly everyone in the United States now has a number, it became convenient to use it anywayand the message, NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION, was removed.Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social Security (FICA) Program. He promised:● That participation in the program would be completely voluntary – No longer voluntary.● That the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1400 of their annual income into the program.

– Now 7.65% on the first $90000.● That the money the participants elected to put into the program would be deductible from their income for

tax purposes each year – No longer tax deductible.● That the money the participants put into the independent “Trust Fund” rather than into the general operating

fund and therefore would only be used to fund the Social Security Retirement Program and no othergovernment program – under President Johnson the money was moved to the General Fund and spent.

● That the annuity payments to the retirees would never be taxed as income – under President Clinton up to85% of your Social Security can be taxed.

--------------------Question: Which political party initiated the Social Security Program?Answer: The Democratic Party under President Franklin Roosevelt in his ‘New Deal.’

Q.: Which political party took Social Security from the independent ‘Trust Fund’ and put it into the generalfund so that Congress could spend it?

A.: Democrat under Lyndon Johnson and Democratically controlled House and Senate.

Q.: Which political party started taxing Social Security annuities?A.: Democrat with Vice President Al Gore casting the ‘tie-breaking’ deciding vote as President of the Senate.

Q.: Which political party decided to start giving annuity payments to nonparticipating immigrants?A.: The Democratic Party under President

Jimmy Carter.

Immigrants moved into this country and at age65 began receiving Social Security payments!The Democratic Party gave these payments tothem, even though they never paid a dime intoit!Then after violating the original contract(FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell youthat the Republicans want to take your SocialSecurity away! And the worst part about this isthat uninformed citizens believe it!

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OfficersSIR BRANCH # 175 – 2018 OFFICERSBig SIR: Walter Ernst, Jr. (626)-675-5696Big SIR: vacantTreasurer: Bob Amato 271-0525Asst. Treas.: Robert Bakman 434-1975Secretary: Merle Knapp 439-3658Asst. Secty: Paul Dehn 292-2225

DirectorsFred Ketchem -2019 – 255-4041Richard Beers -2020 – 431-3728Gerald Stoltenberg -2020 – 439-8540Don Laine -2021 – 439-6990

Barn Yard ServicesAttendance & Membership: Howard Jones 299-5410Bulletin-ECHO: George Pisching 275-0199Chaplain: Jerry Long 287-4023Database: Mike Lebda 298-7993Hardware: Jerry Stoltenberg 289-9287Historian: Merle Knapp 439-3658Special Events: Fred Ketcham 225-4041Sunshine: Keith Herzog 439-0896Telephone: Bob Cleveland 435-5773

ActivitiesBowling: Merle Knapp 439-3658Bridge: Bob Cleveland 435-5773Golf: Stan Nappe 435-6703Travel: Richard Beers 431-3728

SIR Branch 1753564 W. Fedora Ave.Fresno, CA 93722

Return Service Requested

Sons In Retirement, Inc.2016 State OfficersDonald Dill — PresidentJerry Strain — Vice-PresidentDerek Southern — SecretaryKarl Ryden — Treasurer

“Sir Happenings” is the State Bulletin:Go to: www.sirinc.org

Happy National Social Security Month!Posted on April 2, 2018 by the TheSeniorCenter.com

April is a month chockfull of holidays. This year, it’s an important time for those celebrating Easter and Passover,it’s the official home of everyone’s LEAST favorite “holiday,” Tax Day, and throughout this month we will becelebrating Arbor Day, Earth Day, Record Store Day (for all you music fans), and the sometimes funny, butalways irritating April Fool’s Day. April also marks a national celebration of Social Security.Despite the fiscal dilemma facing our Trust Fund, it is undeniable the Social Security Trust Funds have been acrucial lifeline for retirees for over 80 years. ith its track record as such, it seems only fit and proper we don’tstop at just one day. In the United States, the entire month of April is National Social Security Month.And how should we celebrate? According to the Social Security Administration, the best way to pay homage toone of our nation’s greatest programs is by taking some time out to learn more about our benefits and takeadvantage of the many services and programs offered by the SSA to retirees. (See page 3)This might also include setting up a my Social Security account if you haven’t already. With your online account,you can check your earnings history, view benefit estimates, and manage your Social Security payments if you’realready receiving them.However you choose to celebrate, we’d like to give a big National Social Security Month shout-out to everyAmerican senior and retiree–as well as all future retirees currently working hard and contributing to our TrustFunds.And let’s not forget all of our Social Security Administration employees and administrators who work hard tohelp seniors manage and receive their benefits all year long. We appreciate you!

Happy National Social Security Month, everybody!

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Brace yourself:

A popular health scam promises free medicalequipment and fraudulently bills yourMedicarePosted on March 23, 2018

Brace yourself: popular health scam promises free medical equipment and fraudulently bills your MedicareIt can happen a few different ways: you might be contacted via a phone call, you might receive a notice or postcardin the mail, or you may choose to contact the individual yourself after seeing an ad in your local circular ornewspaper.And the person you end up speaking to won’t always have the exact same story. Sometimes he’ll be a Medicarerepresentative. Sometimes he’ll say he’s an employee of a medical device manufacturer or supplier. He mighteven tell you he was referred to you directly by your personal physician.But though the contact method and back story is variable, what’s definitely going to happen when you start goingback and forth with this scammer is he’s going to recommend you take him up on an excellent medical equipmentoffer.Has your back troubled you recently? Do you have aches in your knees at all? Well, a brand new back or kneebrace might be just the thing to improve your stability and ease your pain in these areas.And since this equipment is 100% covered by Medicare, you won’t have to come out-of-pocket at all if you’rea Medicare beneficiary.

…So are you currently receiving Medicare? Can I have your card number?

The problem with this scam isn’t that your Medicare won’t cover your new back brace–it’s that the “Medicarerepresentative” on the other end of phone isn’t intending on sending it to you.That’s because once the scammer has the number on your Medicare card and whatever other personal informationhe might need, he can bill Medicare for your equipment–whether he sends it to you or not.Often, back brace scammers don’t stop at just billing for a device they never sent.Not only do they bill Medicare far more than the device’s actual value, but they’ll go on to repeatedly bill Medicareover time for treatments and equipment you never asked for or received.Medicare scammers can run up tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent Medicare claims in your name beforethey’re discovered.The bottom line is this: when it comes to your medical treatments and therapies, put your trust in your caregiversalone. Only your doctor knows your history and what your needs are as a patient. All of your medicaldecision-making, including what therapeutic braces or equipment you might need, can and should be done througha trusted medical professional face-to-face.Keep your Medicare and personal information private at all times. And never respond to ads, calls, mailings, oremails making medical offers or asking for your personal medical information. Direct all concerns and questionsyou have about your healthcare to your doctor alone.Source: The Seniors Center Blog

Sons in Retirement, Sierra Branch 175

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What Happened ToThe Money In OurSocial Security TrustFund?Posted on April 9, 2018; The SeniorsCenter

People ask this question over and over.  They word itdifferent ways.  But the same question comes through.Whether it is on here on TheSeniors.Center, over atThe Seniors Center Facebook page, on Dan Perrin’sQuora site, through email, or on Google, people keepasking.

Congress has spent over $2,850,000,000,000($2.85 Trillion) from the Social Security Trust Fund!It’s hard to believe and impossible to justify. But it istrue.  While the American people diligently paid intothe Social Security Trust Fund, Congress system-atically took the money and spent it on just aboutevery government program out there.  Republicanslike to blame the Democrats and point out that SocialSecurity money was spent on Obamacare.  That’s true,it was.  And the Democrats, blame the Republicans,saying that Social Security money was spent on thewars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  That’s also true, it was.Money from our Social Security Trust Fund hashelped justify tax cuts and spending plans.Congress has spent every last dime.  Today, so-calledleaders of both political parties say they are worriedabout the “future” of “entitlements.” They call for“reform.” And they refuse to accept responsibility.Those very people who made the decisions to raid ourSocial Security Trust Fund are now asking retirees tosacrifice while taking no blame themselves.They criticize and they even deny the raid saying theyalways planned to pay the Social Security Trust Fundback.  They’re outraged that we expose their lies.  Andthey rightly point out that repaying the Social SecurityTrust Fund won’t fix everything. And they’re right,but it’s the right thing to do.Through neglect, ignorance, and financial mal-feasance, Congress has sent the Social Security TrustFund on a path towards bankruptcy. It’s time forCongress to start the painful process of repairing thedamage they’ve done.

Your Sierra Comics …