AARP says thank you to governor

By: centraljersey.com
AARP commends Gov. Christie for supporting a budget for the state’s two pharmaceutical assistance programs, PAAD and Senior Gold.
Because of health care reform, the state is able to increase efficiency through coordinating PAAD and Senior Gold with Medicare Part D. The resulting savings allow New Jersey to continue full funding for both programs without any reduction in eligibility or benefits. In other words, the state saves money while vulnerable disabled and older adults who rely on pharmaceutical assistance are not hurt in the process.
Efficiencies include increased enrollment of PAAD beneficiaries into Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy, which covers almost all of their prescription costs. In addition, drug manufacturers will cover half the cost of many drugs; this reduces the doughnut hole that pharmaceutical assistance programs must pay.
On behalf of our almost 1.3 million members in New Jersey, we thank Gov. Christie for setting the standard for other states. While he could have reduced funding or cut the two programs altogether, as some states are considering, he chose a plan which would balance the state’s need to close the budget deficit with its desire to protect its most vulnerable citizens. Thank you, governor! Marilyn Askin AARP chief legislative advocate Plainsboro
Thanks to Samaritan on Nassau Street
To the Editor:
On Wednesday, Feb. 23, I had an unfortunate accident on Nassau Street in front of the University Store. I was just getting up from a bench, looking at my cell phone to check the time of day, when I tripped over a bicycle lying on the ground. I fell forward and the primary impact was my left forehead, left eye, and right hand. I wear glasses and they were pushed into my face. I was a bit stunned, hurting, lying on the sidewalk, motionless for a bit.
The purpose of this note is to thank the wonderful caring and thoughtful lady and her companion who came to my aid. They stayed by my side, calmed me and helped me contact family. At this point we all agreed that I should go to the emergency room at the UMCP on Witherspoon Street. She drove me to my car and followed me right into the parking garage of the hospital. She would not let me out of her sight. This is a true Samaritan and I thank her again from the bottom of my heart.
The second phase: at the hospital emergency room. I was there less than 10 minutes, when my son caught up with me. The open, friendly and receptive staff at the hospital was outstanding. They took immediate charge and processed me highly efficiently and effectively. I got the feeling that they knew what they were doing and that I was in good hands.
To make a long story short, they treated me for a head injury with a CT scan, X-ray of my hand for any breaks and contusions, gave me a tetanus shot and I was on my way. My adrenaline must have been in good supply. I did not feel the seriousness and impact of this potentially severe accident until the following day. But I think the lady that saved me did.
I am healing and doing well at this time but still in a bit of aftershock.
Again, please allow me to thank this wonderful, caring and thoughtful lady and the very professionalism of the UMCP emergency staff in helping me to get back on my feet. Thank you, thank you and thank you.
Paul Eland West Windsor
Class mother left special memories
To the Editor:
It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I learned of the death of Alessandra Mazzacuto. She was my class mother for five years when her youngest two children, Marianna and Jacopo, were in my classes at Riverside School.
Alessandra was more than a class mother. She was an indispensable equal partner as we planned class trips, international festivities, overnight camping trips and other projects that enriched the lives of my students. Alessandra worked with passion, dedication and love as she assisted the students and me in planning and following through our trips and activities.
Her creativity, culinary talent, embroidery skills and original ideas were gifts. She was especially generous with her time when students from foreign countries joined our classes. Her warm welcome and outreach made for immediate inclusion and participation even though the children spoke not a word of English.
When we planned our Italian festival, Alessandra insisted it be authentic so she invited an Italian gentleman who spoke no English but was an outstanding accordion player. He entertained by playing several Italian folksongs and then taught us, a song in Italian. To top off this festivity, Alessandra delighted us with her outstanding culinary talent with authentic Italian dishes. There were no leftovers.
Alessandra kept two secrets from me. One was when she asked each student to write his/her name on a quilt patch, which she then embroidered and assembled into a lap quilt. That gift to me became so endearing since my four grandchildren snuggled in it when it became their crib quilt. The second secret was when, once again she asked the students to sign a patch. This time the signed patches became a floor length apron, one more cherished gift.
There are so many recollections and heartwarming memories I have, too numerous to mention, but I must conclude with the time her son handed me a hurried note requesting my permission to allow him to go home for just a few minutes so that he could feed a bird that fell out of its nest. I have kept and cherished that note forever.
Alessandra, the children and I enjoyed a stimulating, learning and very happy world together those years. May her example remain in our hearts forever.
Eleanore Yuchmow Rocky Hill