I've been getting a lot of messages from various PACs regarding the current debate about taxes, relief, and the economy. Someone's been left out, and it's a shame. I thought I might forward you my thoughts that I've been sending out. Economic stimulus needs to be effective and compassionate.

I sent this to AARP and, written somewhat differently, to my rep. and senators. Thought you all might like to see it.

On analysis, I think granting a lump-sum payment to us disabled and senior persons will have a more immediate effect on the economy than giving a Soc. Sec. payroll tax break to workers (especially rich ones). We will spend, therefore enriching business (often small ones!), therefore encouraging more or better employment.

I just sent an email to my New York senators and representative expressing dismay and concern about the tax compromise bill. There doesn't seem to be any relief in the bill for seniors and the disabled.

As you well know, there has been no COLA increase for Soc. Sec. recipients for the last two years. Congress and the President may be ignoring a significant population of this country who, although guaranteed part of their income, are nonetheless seeing less disposable income because of decreased retirement-plan benefits and still-rising prices in many areas. (In spite of what Washington may say, rents and prices in New York City are still climbing; my rent alone has increased about six percent in the last two years.)

We are spending less money. We are therefore an unwitting drag on the recovery.

The "what-used-to-be-just-tax-relief" bill being considered needs to include seniors and the disabled by granting us either an increase in Social Security benefits or a lump-sum payment. It could be payed for by reducing or eliminating the Social Security payroll tax rollback. Does it matter who spends the money? Yes - those who need it most are those less able to work. Spent this way, it will benefit the economy as a whole, helping to employ more of those more able to work and making life for us more comfortable. It is the right thing to do.

Please spread the word - we want this bill to include seniors and disabled. We don't want to be a drag.

Contact your representative and senators. Let's include everyone in economic recovery. And tell them to stop posturing and start working!!

Random Observations of Slight Note — Housecleaning Edition

• Funny how valuable items appear in plain sight when you lift up a pair of used socks or underwear.
• Never thought that I'd find so many clean socks while straightening up the house!
• WOW!! Found gloves that actually match. Pity that's not happening with the socks I'm picking up...
• Found my flop. I now have a complete pair of flip-flops. (Or... was it flip that I found??)
• My sister will be glad to know that I found "Mr. Banana" under a pile of papers. Her cat, Coco, used to play with it all the time, and all will be glad to know that it has been passed on to the next feline generation.
• It's so much fun sucking things into my antique Hoover upright vacuum cleaner and listening to the resulting sound. That's trash clanging against real metal — not against plastic!
  

A Potpourri of Song — Concert in May

I've been doing these concerts for a while now, usually at the churches where I've played and directed. This is the second of what I hope will be an ongoing series at St. David's. Two years ago, I was choir director/organist at St. David's for less than a year before I got sick. Because my illness was so severe and of uncertain term, it was decided that St. David's should look for another musician.

However, they didn't leave me hanging. They took up a collection for me to defray some of my medical costs and give me the money to make life more comfortable, assisting me in my recovery. I approached them last summer about starting up my Potpourri of Song series again by doing a couple of programs for them. They've been happy to host the concert last fall and the one displayed above.

Pastor David Meyers has been a great help to me both spiritually and mentally. St. David's is certainly very fortunate to have such a person tending to their spiritual needs.

St. David's is developing their outreach programs to the community and is gradually building greater participation from individual members. It's not easy to do these things; too many times church members sit on their haunches and only attend services, sometimes only occasionally. Only a small group of people take on all of the responsibility of running the church and developing outreach programs, education programs, and worship/prayer services. I am glad to say that the people of St. David's are starting to become active as a whole community, and I support their efforts by giving them something by which they can reach out to the greater community with music.

Building a church (or for that matter, any institution) with effective outreach programs also results in more people wanting to join the church resulting in more people to build up the church and its programs through their gifts of time, talent and treasure. Hopefully my efforts will result in increased membership and continued well-being for St. David's.

Come and hear a great program of music and meet each other and the people of St. David's and of Massapequa Park!