Scene Around

Such sad news...

Our vice president has endured many tragedies in his life and yet he goes on. I'm referring to the loss of his first wife and daughter in an accident and now the crushing loss of his eldest son, Beau, to cancer.

Years ago, I had the pleasure of singing with the legendary Jimmy Dorsey orchestra at the University of Delaware at Lewes. Beau may have been a student at that time... not sure... but what I am sure of is that he was a wonderful guy, a war hero, devoted son, husband and father and attorney general of Delaware, with plans to run for governor. He would have surely won the election! What a terrible loss to the Bidens, Delaware and to our entire country.

This happened recently...

Certainly before the tragic news of Beau Biden's passing, his father, Vice President JOE BIDEN, was written about in the World Jewish Congress (WJC) digest. I pass it along to you:

"Speaking at a special reception of the WJC annual Executive Committee meeting in Washington, D.C., Vice President Joe Biden commended WJC President Ambassador RONALD S. LAUDER and praised the organization for its tireless efforts to combat anti-Semitism in Europe and worldwide.

'I spent a lot of time in Austria, Munich, and France talking about anti-Semitism in Europe and other places around the world, and let me tell you that your work really matters,' the vice president told the group of WJC leaders. 'If you don't constantly speak out every time it raises its ugly head, if you let it sit for a minute, it's like a boil that festers. I want to thank you all for your constant, unrelenting oversight and for making sure that wherever it rears its head, you speak.'

The WJC was in the nation's capital to discuss the growing threats to Jewish communities and the surge in anti-Semitism.

Among those participating in the WJC event were ROGER CUKIERMAN, president of the representative council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF) and DAN ROSENBERG ASMUSSEN, president of the Danish Jewish community, both WJC affiliates.

(Anti-semitism is once again rearing its ugly head right here in the United States. We must speak out!)

Flag Day is approaching...

Hey! June 14th is officially Flag Day, a national holiday. It is also my birthday! When I was a little girl I asked my mom why everyone was flying the American flag on my birthday? She said it was to celebrate me... and I believed her! (Don't ask my age!)

A joyous occasion...

Not my birthday! Rather a REAL joyous occasion!

I recently received this email from two wonderful people in our town, JIM and RACHEL SHIPLEY:

"It's never too late! The youngest of the children of RACHEL and JIM SHIPLEY, ADAM, is 51. AND he is getting married next week for the first time!! "

(Remember, I write in advance. Today is actually the wedding day!)

The email continues:

"The ceremony will take place in New Orleans (pronounced N'awlans by Adam, who has lived there over 15 years.)

Family will be gathering from New Jersey, Jerusalem, Chicago, D.C., Houston and L.A. to make sure it takes place.

Then the next day there will be a celebratory birthday brunch for Rachel Shipley, who will be... forever young.

(Me too! Since my birthday is the day after hers!)

Rachel's present from her four children? A SAFARI IN AFRICA!

Husband, Jim Shipley has been invited to go along.

A great weekend... and as Rachel says 'A great fabringin.'"

(Hey wait a minute. Rachel gets to go on an African safari. For my birthday, flags waved in Brooklyn! )

Kidding aside, this sounds like a wonderful happening! Mazel tov to all!

Beware SCAMS...

An upstanding member of our community as well as an expert on SCAMS is speaking out, warning us not to be taken in. His name is BILL KAHN.

Bill is a wonderful guy who wants to "watch out" for us, so here goes:

"Scams, frauds and cons have become epidemic. The website www.stopthescam.org will show you how to navigate many of the problems as it covers over 20 major subject areas showing you numerous characteristics to look for. For instance:

Legal scams impact everyday life, and the public is not even aware of most. These are perpetrated by individuals, companies' and our own government. Are those you're supposed to trust telling you the truth? Are products you buy safe? Are advertisers misleading you? We will identify the clues to look for from the written, spoken and physical actions and identify avoidance techniques. An e-book "Legal Scams," by Bill Kahn ($2.99) ISBN 9781311996466. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/543765 (also available from other sites.) No e-book reader, just download the "Online Reader" version, and it will load onto your word processor.

Also, you may think because you don't have lots of money your immune from scams, frauds and cons, well you would be wrong. There are two types of scams: one that goes after your money directly and the other your identity. In identity theft, a crook uses your name and social security number to open an account in your name. It might be to buy a TV, get a credit card or any item where credit is involved. You are then left with the arduous task of getting bill collectors off your back. Just saying it's not your bill is not enough; it takes many hours of frustrating work to fix the problem. There is a free solution for those types of problems. Place a freeze on the three-credit bureaus: Experian 888-397-3742, Equifax 888-298-0045, TransUnion 888-909-8872 (You can also do it on your computer.) If you are over 65 years it cost zero, otherwise $10 to take the freeze off and replace it. It should also be done for your spouse, children and even babies if they have a social security number.

The laws favor a credit card. If someone uses your credit card number, you're only liable for $50, usually waived by the credit bureau. When purchasing items via a debit card, the funds are electronically removed from the holder's checking account. As a result, the purchasing power of a debit card is directly linked to the amount of money in the holder's bank account. As a result, balances can be overdrawn; when this occurs, the user will fall victim to overdraft fees.

With a debit card, your liability is $0 if you report the loss or theft of the card immediately, and the card has not been used; up to $50 if you notify the bank within two business days after you realize the card is missing; up to $500 if you fail to notify the bank within two business days after you realize the card is missing, or 60 days after your bank statement is mailed to you listing; or unlimited after 60 days.

If some contacts you "Out of the blue," by mail, phone, email, social media, fax, even smoke signals and want information, money, call to resolve a legal issue your safest move is to ignore them or find the organization numbers yourself (never use their contact information.) The federal government always contacts you by mail, and other type contacts are bogus."

Again, Bill Kahn is watching out for us. BEWARE SCAMS!

Shout out...

There is a gal working at the Publix Deli on SR436 in Casselberry, Ste221, who is absolutely the best... sweetest... funniest... most welcoming... (there aren't enough good words to describe her).

I want her manager, JEFF NARDELLI, and the world to know she will brighten your day while giving good service. Her name is KIM FABER. (Thank you for being you, Kim.)

One for the road...

Max was talking to Louie. "Did you know that I'm one of 18 children?" 

Louie said, "No, I didn't. Why do you think your parents had so many children?" 

Max replies, "The problem was that my mom was hard of hearing.

When mom and dad went to bed each night, dad would ask, "Do you want to go to sleep, or what?" 

And mom would say, "What?"

(WHAT!)