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Sertoma "Tid Bits" --- June 2011 |
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The Sertoma Mile High Soap Box Derby |
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| The Sertoma Mile High Soap Box Derby - Meeting on 2nd Wednesdays: 6:30 PM at Jerry Stander's Collision Works: 3900 Norwood Dr, Littleton 80125. There is a map on their website at www.Standers.com. Everyone is welcome who is interested in helping out with the Soap Box Derby. | |||||||||||||||||
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FROM SERTOMA HQ |
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HEARING LOSS INFORMATION To hear about Hearing Loops, click on Dr David Myers website at: www.hearingloop.org For Hearing Aid Problem Solutions, contact Linda Van Dyke of Arapahoe Hearing Associates, Inc 303-770-4327 |
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SERTOMA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS INDIVIDUAL AND CLUB AWARDS |
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Gem Award Recognize new members for club involvement during the first year of Sertoma membership. Mentor Award Recognize members upon completion of assisting new member through the first year of membership and obtaining the GEM award. The new member must achieve GEM. Service Award Recognize members for continued service to the organization. Recognition levels are 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 hours of Sertoma service. Service hours must be in support of the Sertoma club’s approved sponsorships and/or fundraising activities. Form must be submitted by end of quarter following completion of recognized level of club service. Leadership Award Recognize Sertomans for exemplary club leadership during the fiscal year just completed. Tenure Award Recognize members for continued support of the organization. Recognition levels are 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years of continuous Sertoma membership. Form must be submitted by end of quarter following achievement of a recognition level. Mission Club Award Encourage clubs to promote the Sertoma Mission to the community through communication of thoughts, ideas and concepts which accelerate human progress in health, education, freedom and democracy. Member Services Club Award Encourage clubs to provide value in Sertoma Membership. Market Development Club Award Encourage Clubs to promote and publicize Sertoma contributions to the community. Circle of Excellence Club Award Acknowledge clubs that achieve Sertoma Member Services, Sertoma Mission and Sertoma Market Development Awards. Club Service to Mankind Award Recognize an outstanding non-Sertoman for exceptional community service, where work is performed on a volunteer basis. Must have award entry to District Governor by December 1st for District judging. Club Sertoman of the Year Award Recognize outstanding Sertoman for exceptional contributions to the club and in the spirit of service to mankind. Must have award to District Governor by December 1st for District judging. |
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Sertoma Inc's Web Site: |
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How to login to www.Sertoma.org In the top right hand corner of the front page it will say “Login”. Click on Login. It will ask you for a Login name and password. For most individuals that will be Last name, first initial – and the system is case sensitive, so that would mean your login should look like the following: SmithJ Your password is your ID number that comes on the dues billing (and on your Sertoma magazine). If you have any question about these two pieces, please call Headquarters to get the information, 1-800-593-5646. |
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| Denver Regional Council of Governments' Senior Resource link: www.drcog.networkofcare.org | |||||||||||||||||
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ARAPAHOE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ALERT: GYPSY SCAMS April, 2011 Spring and summer are very active times for Gypsy-related criminal activities. Three major crimes committed by Gypsies are:
Gypsies (individuals of Gypsy culture who have elected to live a criminal lifestyle) who commit these types of crimes are usually career criminals, and specialize in this kind of criminal activity. Note that it is the “style,” and not the “con” that identifies the crime as Gypsies. Traditionally, these types of Gypsy crimes are generally non-violent.
The appearance of a Gypsy can be generally described as medium to dark complexioned Caucasian, who are often mistaken as Hispanic. Dark hair and eyes are common characteristics. The number of suspects involved can be between two and six. At times, American Gypsy women and children will accompany a male suspect, or two women will work as a team. A look-out is often used and usually sits in the vehicle and may sound the car horn if the police are spotted. You should note that Gypsies are experts at false identification and will use a variation of family names and birth dates.
Gypsies who commit these crimes are career criminals specializing in home repair fraud and ruse entries. They primarily target the elderly, who are ideal suspects for their crimes. Gypsies are experts with profiling senior citizen’s homes. They will target a home by the style of drapes, poorly maintained lawns, single garbage cans, and four- door sedans.
Home repair fraud: Gypsies cruise residential neighborhoods searching for elderly persons outside their homes. Once located, they approach the elderly person and offer to do some sort of home repair work (driveway seal coating, tree trimming, roof repairs, etc.) The price might be very low, or very high, depending on the mental state of the victim. If the price quoted is low, generally when the work is completed, the money asked is much higher. Any work done is usually substandard in nature. If given the opportunity, the suspects may commit a residential burglary to the home by distracting (occupying) the home owner while another crew member searches the home.
Ruse Entry (burglary): Again, after selecting a home by profiling it, a Gypsy will claim to be a utility worker, city employee, or a contractor. They then will enter the home using the ruse of checking something (water pressure, fuses, pipes, etc.). While one Gypsy keeps the victim occupied (running water, checking lights, or even directing the home owner to the rear of the house to view out the back window), one or more additional gypsies enter the home (undetected) and commit a burglary.
How to protect yourself: · Never allow someone to perform driveway sealing, or home repairs on the spot. Ask for a business card to check on the reputation of the business, and end the conversation. If possible, get a vehicle plate number and inform the police department of the activity. Do not deliberate or debate work that needs to be done. Gypsies will press a sense of urgency. · Never let anyone into your home - if someone claims they need assistance, tell them you will contact the police to assist them. If they indicate they are with a utility company, call the utility company to verify the work. · If you are approached while you are out side, do not let anyone roam your property. This usually gives them an opportunity to check for open doors while you are being distracted.
Note: This information about Gypsies only deals with those individual self-proclaimed Gypsies who have elected to live the criminal lifestyle.
There are other transient criminals, who do similar types of cons. All of the above advisories should be followed, regardless. CALL THE ARAPAHOE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE at 303-795-4711.
If you have further questions on Gypsy crimes please contact the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office and ask for a patrol car to come by and speak with you. |
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BEFORE YOU TURN OVER YOUR RECORDS, ASK!
February 7, 2011
A call to the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Line highlighted an issue that anyone using a tax preparer should consider. The caller had used the same tax preparer for several years, but that preparer died recently. No one could tell them how they could obtain their old tax records or what was being done to protect them. A visit to the former tax preparer’s office found the office locked and numerous records and files visible through the windows.
Unsecured personal and business records are an identity thief’s gold mine. Businesses that collect and keep customers’ personal identifying information have a responsibility to take every precaution to protect those records; but consumers also have a responsibility to safeguard their information. If someone is going to prepare your tax return for you, you still have the responsibility and the right to ascertain what happens to those records once they leave your hands. Here are some questions you should be asking anyone to whom you give your personal identifying information:
1. How do you store my information? 2. Are files locked in a secure filing cabinet? 3. If kept on a computer, what kind of protection do you have on that computer? (passwords, data encryption, firewall, malware and virus protection, etc.)? 4. Who has access to that information? 5. Have you done criminal background checks on anyone who has access to my information, and do you do regular updates on the background check? 6. Are my records ever stored on a laptop and do they ever leave this office? 7. If your business closes, what plan has been created to insure that my records are either returned to me immediately or properly destroyed?
You may think of other questions, but the important thing is not to assume that your records are safe and will be well cared for. Be sure that when you share your personal records, the recipient is as concerned about their welfare as you are. If they aren’t or haven’t taken every precaution, find another provider.
Need help? Call the Consumer Protection Line 720-874-8547 |
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