PITTSBURGH NORTH HILLS AARP CHAPTER #595

WEBSITE:  aarp-595.mailchimpsites.com

Hampton Presbyterian Church; 2942 E Hardies Road, Gibsonia, PA  15044

General Meeting:  Tuesday, December 2, 2025 @ 12:30 p.m.  

DOORS WILL OPEN AT 11:00 A.M.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – JANET RUSHMORE

The enthusiasm and support we received for our recent food drive and upcoming basket raffle has been impressive. We had two carloads of canned goods and boxes of food for the North Hills Community Outreach food bank. They were extremely grateful. Donations for our annual fundraiser have enabled the Basket Committee to present more than 35 big prizes for our Christmas raffle. This team has been working hard all year to create an exciting event next month. I’m so pleased and proud of all our members. It’s been a privilege to be part of the leadership group who are so supportive and dedicated to our chapter. No wonder we’ve been around all these years with one of the highest memberships. Let’s celebrate this milestone with pride as we mark the 55th anniversary date of December 31, 2025!

MEMBERSHIP/WEBMASTER – BILL RUSHMORE

We already have one-third of our membership renewed for 2026. There are currently 309 members, including our November guests. Please continue to sign in so we can track our attendance. I recently discovered a company called Computer Reach. They make technology available to people through refurbished equipment, computer literacy, training, and support. Please check with me if you’re interested in purchasing reasonably-priced computers or would like to know more about their educational programs. Link to their website is on the Community events page.

SPECIAL EVENTS – CAROL SCHREIBER AND BEVERLY KLINEFELTER

Our Christmas luncheon will be held on December 2, 2025.  Reservation form and menu are included in the newsletter and on our website.  Reservation cut-off date is November 25, 2025.  The last cancellation date is November 25, 2025. Call Carol at 412-486-6879 and leave a phone number as part of the message if you should need to cancel.  Cancellations after November 25, 2025 may be done as a take-out. Take-out meals are prepared after the members have been served.  When you sign in your name will be placed on a take-out container with your meal choice.  Please do not approach the catering staff for your meal.

ENTERTAINMENT – DIANE RATAY

December 2 - The Basket Raffle is our most interactive entertainment of the year. Purchase your tickets upon arrival and choose the baskets that you want to win! The more you buy, the better your chances. Lots of great collections for all ages plus gift cards, lottery tickets, and cash prizes that fit all sizes!  January 6 - This will be our 55th Anniversary celebration with a “blast from the past” episode of “The Lone Ranger” by our very own W-A-A-R-P Radio Production Players. “Hi Ho Silver! Away!”

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE – MARILYN RITZ

Contact Marilyn Ritz at 412-487-8698 if you know a member who is ill, suffered a loss or is home bound.  We were sad to learn of the sudden passing of a newer member, Raymond Heller. He had helped with our set-up committee and played trombone with Pastor Ted’s Jazz Band. Please keep Alexa and family in your thoughts and prayers. Cards can be sent to 4853 Shamrogue Court, Allison Park, PA 15101. Ginny Yeager is recovering from a broken hip and wrist as well as recent major surgery. Thinking of you card sent to Eileen Curran. Please let Marilyn know of anyone who needs a little sunshine, especially during the holidays. Christmas cards will be sent to our shut-ins and recovering patients if you would please contact Marilyn by phone or email ritzmarilyn16@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS BASKET RAFFLE

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS! As we begin to think about the upcoming holiday season, our AARP Christmas Basket Raffle is planned for Tuesday, December 2 as part of our Christmas luncheon celebration. Our “basket team” is hard at work preparing for a fun and exciting raffle with more than 35 baskets which will be awarded to our lucky winning ticket holders. Ticket sales will begin at 11:15 a.m. and continue until 12:30 p.m. when our luncheon begins. “Last call” ticket sales will follow the luncheon with your last chance to purchase raffle tickets. Here is the important information: Ticket Prices: $1 for1 ticket; $5 for 10 tickets; $10 for 25 tickets. As you can see, the more tickets you purchase the luckier you will be. Thank you so much to everyone who has made a contribution to help defray the cost of the supplies for the baskets. This is our only fundraiser, so we are hoping for a successful raffle.

TRAVEL – HERMAN & ELAINE BOEHMIG

“ALL HANDS-ON DECK” AT LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, MIDLAND, PA.  Sunday, March 22, 2026

This trip is full.  We are taking 2 buses. Wait list is available. Call us if interested 724-586-9638.

The year 2026 marks America’s 250^th Anniversary and this is the perfect show to wish her a happy birthday! Patterned after USO Big Band Road shows, this musical and dance experience features over 40 American classics – a spectacular, high-energy, patriotic tribute!  Flyer and registration form are attached and available on the AARP website.  Call us if interested (724) 586-9638 to make sure space is available.

Cost:  $180.00 which includes transportation, admission to theater, dinner, gratuities, and taxes.  Theater ticket is non-refundable.

NEW TRIP: FRENCH LICK RESORT (May 12 – 15, 2026)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Three nights lodging at the French Lick Resort/Gaming at French Lick Springs Resort/Complimentary shuttle service from Resort/French Lick Hotel walking tour/Lake Patoka Boat Cruise with catered lunch/French Lick railway ride/French Lick Winery tour and tasting/Free time at the casino and resort/Three breakfasts at the Resort, one lunch and 2 dinners

Cost: $1,279 ppdo Deposit of $250 pp with registration form. Final payment due March 6, 2026. 35 people are required for this trip to go. We will hold your deposit until enough travelers have signed up.

See attached flyer, registration form and cancellation waiver.

SAVE THE DATE: JOSHUA (AUGUST 12-14, 2026)

An original, brand-new live performance of Joshua! Includes 2 nights lodging and 2 breakfasts at the Hampton Inn – Mt. Joy/2 dinners including a smorgasbord dinner and meal at an Amish home/Performance of Joshua at the Sight & Sound Theatre/Performance at Magic & Wonder Theater (Imaginarium – tentative)/Guided horse and buggy ride in Amish country/Luggage handling/taxes and meal gratuities/motorcoach transportation. (More information at the December meeting).

HOSPITALITY – DARLENE BRYLKA

Anna and Mark Seifert have volunteered to help with the hosting responsibilities.  Sharing these duties will make the job easier for everyone and secure the famous cookie tables for our regular meetings. We still expect everyone to take a turn bringing cookies and to help set up/clean up once or twice a year. If you haven’t participated, please step up in 2026. The January meeting will feature an anniversary cake to recognize our 55^th year as Chapter 595. Thanks to all who have participated in the past and thanks very much to Darlene Brylka for continuing this important tradition!

MEETING CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather on a scheduled AARP meeting date, if the Hampton Township School District is closed, the AARP meeting is cancelled.  The notification will be on KDKA.

BOARD MEMBERS – 2025/2026

President:  Janet Rushmore 412-486-7465                                          Membership: Bill Rushmore 412-486-7465

Vice President:  Jack Myers 724-444-5635                                          Reservations: Carol Schreiber 412-486-6879

Treasurer:  Beverly Klinefelter 724-316-3628                                              Travel: Herman & Elaine Boehmig 724-586-9638

Secretary:  Linda Erjavac 814-590-3300                                                     Newsletter Editor:  Nancy Jackson 724-443-7526

COMMITTEES

Entertainment:  Diane Ratay 412-370-1503                                          Hospitality: Darlene Brylka 412-215-2121

Sunshine: Marilyn Ritz 412-487-8698                                                        Community Service/Greeter: Leslie Molyneaux

Special Events:  Carol Shreiber 412-486-6879                                                                                           412-610-2257

Beverly Klinefelter 724-316-3628                                                        Nominating: Mary Lee Steinmetz 412-487-5654

Auditor:  Jim Smith 412-486-5953                                                      Assistant Treasurer: Ray Murawski 412-487-4265

Give & Take Table: Sharon Smarto 412-335-0041                            Webmaster: Bill Rushmore 412-486-7465