Clubs will be starting their interesting programs and inviting new members to join. If we each invite a friend, we could double our membership in our clubs.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who helped with the convention and made it such a success. Joyce and Beverly, you both did a great job in keeping things running smoothly. A very special thanks from everyone who attended the convention. Another success story for the USCO. We are looking for your ideas for our 50th Convention next August. Please send and ideas you may have.

In case you aren’t on the internet, I’m going to repeat part of my August message. The City of Oshawa Council passed a motion to give seniors who own property and collect the Guaranteed Income Supplement and also the disabled under the Ontario Disability support program a $250 property tax grant effective in 2008. We should all work on our cities, towns and villages to do the same and give a grant to low income families.

If you are renting a car out of province or overseas, be sure to tell them your age. Some agencies charge more per day if you are over a certain age. You will have the opportunity to shop around in Ontario for an agency that doesn’t charge you extra because of your age.

We will be taking all the resolutions that were passed at our convention and making them into a brief to be sent to various departments of the Ontario government. In the fall mailing you will receive the reply from the government on last years’ resolutions.

The federal resolutions will be forwarded to the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Federation where they will be voted on at their convention in Saskatoon on October 24th – 27th. Thank you to all clubs who submitted resolutions. We need your input so we know what is happening in each area of our beautiful province. You are the backbone of this organization and without you there would be no USCO to go to bat with the government for seniors’ rights. Every club and each member is very important to the USCO.

I’m looking forward to another busy, productive year speaking on your behalf. Each day there is always something new and exciting happening. Being your president is fun and enjoyable, especially visiting with clubs and zones. I learned a lot this last year and want to share it with you.

The government in July announced a new number for anyone requiring help with their diet: 1.877.510.5102. If you are a diabetic, a young, nursing mother or have any dietary problems, call the above toll free number for information and help. A Registered Dietitian is on duty 9am – 5pm, five days of the week. The website is www.ontario.ca/eatright

Did you know the government is also expanding medicare by launching a brand new service called MedsCheck for all Ontarians who take three or more medications? MedsCheck is a free service that provides people with an opportunity to consult with their pharmacist for up to 30 minutes once per year to review the medications they are taking. It is to ensure that people are getting the most from their medications by taking them properly and safely. For further information, the general public can call 1.866.532.3161.

Have a happy, healthy fall.