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Salute to all who are willing to sacrifice for our country...

I am writing this column in advance. It is Veteran's Day and I am the proud mother of a Lt. Commander Navy, former Army vet who served in Iraq, and former sailor who served on a minesweeper in the Persian Gulf.

I am also the widow of a Korean War Army veteran.

(I never served, but wow, how I worried!)

Speaking of Veteran's...

I received this letter from AARP Fraud Watch Network. It began, "They protected us. Now it's time to protect them."

It continues, "We're thrilled to officially launch Operation Protect Veterans, in partnership with the United States Postal Service, to protect American's military veterans and their families from identity theft and fraud."

Vigilance against scammers is our number one weapon in the fight against fraud. And now, we've got the proven tools and resources to help veterans and their families to be on guard for common scams. Check out , to find a report on the top trends targeting veterans and their family, along with tips and resources to prevent becoming a target. You'll be able to learn more about common scams like:

The update your military file scam: A caller claims to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs and asks to "update" your information to be used to steal your credit.

The cash for benefits scam: Scammers target veterans in need of money by offering cash in exchange for their future disability or pension payments. These buyouts are typically a fraction of the value of the benefit.

Charity scams: A caller claims to be raising money for disabled veterans or veterans with cancer or a similar sounding name. But often, the so-called charity is not registered with the government and/or uses most of the money to raise more funds and pay their salaries.

VA loan modification: The scammers contact military families offering to help refinance their VA loans and then ask for upfront fees. They never provide the promised loan.

Please feel free to reach out to the AARP Fraud Watch Network directly at ProtectVeterans@aarp.org or call the Fraud Watch Network helpline at 1-800-908-3360 if you have any questions about scams targeting veterans.

(Be wise! Beware!)

JCC 39ers...

On Cinema Sunday, Nov. 26th, the movie "Murphy's War" staring Peter O'Toole will be featured in the Senior Lounge at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be available.

The next day, Monday, Nov. 27th, "Meet & Mingle Mondays" will feature "Safety on the JCC campus by campus police. Refreshments follow.

A reminder...

On Sunday, Nov. 26th, the Altamonte Chapel Jazz Jam, emceed by ALAN ROCK, will present STEVEN SMITH and his group, featuring Steve on Trombone. The super- talented group consists of Steve, MARK McKEE on piano, GERALD STOCKTON on bass and WALT HUBBARD on drums.

The Altamonte Chapel is located at 825 East SR 436, Altamonte Springs. The phone number is 407-339-5208. The music starts at 12:30 p.m.

And speaking of good music...

On Sunday, Dec. 3rd at 2 pm, SCOTT BERRY, singer, pianist, will be the featured performer at the Congregation Ohev Shalom Seniors Day. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The cost is $5 for COS Senior members; $8 all others. Refreshments follow. (Yeah! My favorite cookies!)

Shout-out...

Ok, I'm NOT a cougar, but I come off sounding like one when I tell you that, not only was FOSTER NOBLE STRONG's service sublime, but the waiter himself was sublime. (Movie star looks!) In fact the entire wait staff at the Outback Restaurant on Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, is sublime.

(I repeat... I AM NOT A COUGAR!)

One for the road...

Freda and her friend Ruth were having a chat about their sons. "So Ruth," asks Freda, "I hear that your Paul has just been made a director of Shmultz PLC. Is he a good businessman, then?" 

"Is he a good businessman?" replies Ruth. "Oy! He's a brilliant businessman, Freda. In fact mine Paul is so dedicated to his company that every night he takes his secretary to bed with him-just in case he comes up with a brilliant idea."