Hello Neighbors Network Friends,
The cooler temps in the mornings are a welcomed change for many of us, yet for some it means donning a couple more layers to warm their bones. At Neighbors Network, we do our best to be a welcomed layer of warmth through caring for our Members as they deal with the challenges life throws at them.
What’s New
Scams are not new, but their frequency and convincing nature focused on duping older adults has proliferated. Sadly, a Neighbors Network Member fell for a scam. She wants others to know what happened to her so that it won’t happen to them.
“Millie” received a text telling her to call about a payment she owed. Not wanting to owe anyone anything, she called. A nice man answered, listened to why she was calling, then said he wanted her to talk with his supervisor. Another pleasant man got on the line, assurred her that he was with the U.S. Treasury Department and confirmed information he had about her. He said he wanted to help her resolve the problem. She believed him because he had accurate information about her and because she always views people as honest, until they do something to make her think otherwise. He repeated that he would help her by staying on the line the entire time telling her exactly what he wanted her to do.
He asked her to go to the bank and withdraw $1,500. He even told her what to say if the banker asked why she was taking out more than usual. She did what she was told, and it worked. He then told her to go to Walmart and buy two gift cards, then to Target to buy another one. When she got home, still on the line with him, he asked for the gift card numbers. Once she gave them to him, he thanked her and hung up.
When she called her daughter to tell her what she’d done, she learned that this is a well-known scam, and she lost $1,500 she could not afford to lose.
Neighbors Network is concerned for all Members because scammers are slick, smooth talkers, and approach the potential victim, often by phone, with enough info to make them sound legitimate. We have planned a meeting for Members to attend on November 12 to learn about scams, how to avoid them, and what to do if they or a loved one are scammed. You are welcome to attend. See Upcoming for details.
Yard Cleanup
A group of eight high schoolers and two adult chaperones spent a Saturday morning cutting, pulling, tearing out vines and weeds and carrying piles to the curb for this Member (center). This church group volunteered for 2.5 hours as part of a retreat weekend, wanting to do something for someone who needed help. We were glad they called Neighbors Network. And so is this Member. She enjoyed their strength and energy dedicated to making a real difference, and she is thrilled with the outcome. Her yard looks much better now and the garden is weeded and mulched. The teens were pleased that what they did together made such a difference for this Member.
Upcoming
What to know about scams! As a result of “Millie’s” experience, we have arranged for Lieutenant Steve Lorengo with the Maitland Police Department to talk with NN Members. It’s open to the public, and you are invited. Please tell your friends and neighbors they are welcome, too.
What: A scam prevention presentation
When: Wednesday, November 12 from 1:30 – 3 pm
Where: Maitland Public Library
Who: This event is open to Neighbors Network Members and the public. The more we know as a community, the safer we all are. Lieutenant Lorengo will talk about scams and what to be aware of to avoid it happening to you or a loved one. There will be Q&A. We hope you’ll come.
RSVP: Please call AL at 407-457-7378
Spotlight on Members
Sigrid heard about Neighbors Network in 2016 when Annette Kelly was at a table in the Winter Park Library sharing information about NN. “I needed to get out and do something,” Sigrid said. “After my husband died, I stayed at home for three years with no interest in going anywhere or doing anything. Joining Neighbors Network was what I needed. Everyone I met was friendly and welcoming.” She drove herself to Member gatherings and enjoyed the new friends she made. Now at 85, she treasures those friendships.
“I still have a lot I want to do in the next 15 years.” (She plans to live to 100.) No longer driving, she’s going to turn her garage into a woodwork shop. She has already made wood shelves for her pantry and handrails for her hallways. The handrails provide stability and she uses them for exercises to counteract osteoarthritis in all her joints. She’s had one hip, two knees and an ankle replaced. She drives a 4-wheel scooter on sidewalks to go to the Altamonte Springs and Maitland public libraries, and to Publix and one of her doctors.
Sigrid and her husband raised 5 children in their combined family. They met in the engineering department at Disney. She went on to start her own Safety Engineer business and saved at least one life because of a seminar she gave at one of many companies. She was a Girl Scout leader for 8 years, quit when her husband became legally blind. She’s a “voracious reader of nonfiction” and enjoys difficult jigsaw puzzles.
Sigrid is glad to be part of Neighbors Network and grateful for all the support and friendship she has received from Members and Volunteers. “I love Neighbors Network, I don’t know what I’d do without it. They’re all friendly, interesting people,” she says.
We’re glad you’ve been a Member since 2016, Sigrid!
Thank You
We hope you know how grateful we are that you share our interest in helping adults 55+ who want to continue living independently, confidently and safely in the homes they love. If you have friends, family members or neighbors you think may be interested in becoming members, volunteering, donating or just learning about Neighbors Network by signing up to receive this monthly NN News, please pass this newsletter on to them. Thank you!
From our hearts to yours, we wish you a heartwarming Thanksgiving season.