The highlight of the Sept. 9 AARP Chapter 1100 meeting was the guest speaker, Jon Karroll, anchorman at KRDO News/Channel 13, and the long awaited drawing for the D-Day Commemorative Quilt. Jon joined in the potluck luncheon and partook of all the good food and desserts brought in by chapter members. In addition to pie and cookies, there was an anniversary cake to celebrate the chapter’s 43rd year serving the good people of the Black Forest and Colorado Springs. After lunch, Jon, a proud card-carrying AARP member, shared the details of growing up in California, then heading to Alaska for work and adventure. He also talked about how he moved up in the radio and television business and his arrival in Colorado Springs. As a long-time resident, Jon feels Colorado Springs is an ideal place to work, raise a family and enjoy all the outdoor activities the area has to offer. Jon related how gathering news has changed. When he first started, it was videotapes, huge cameras and recorders, so keeping up with the latest news was almost impossible. Now, with social media, websites, Twitter, Facebook and cell phones the news comes to the reporter. Jon also spends time hosting and being the emcee of various events that raise awareness of the causes within the area. Chapter members enjoyed his program and learned plenty about Jon and the radio and television business. The chapter business meeting followed, and new longevity badges were presented to Nick Kneebone, Catherine Arnold and Don and Helen Von Gunden. Next was the long awaited drawing for the winner of the D-Day Commemorative Quilt ó a chapter fundraising project. Shirley Karlstrum, an experienced quilter, with help from her friends, created the quilt. The chapter thanks Shirley and all those who assisted and thanks to all who took a chance and bought one or more tickets, including the chapter members, attendees at the Boomers & Beyond Expo, and many TREA and VFW Post #101 members. Jon Karroll drew for the winning ticket, which surprised everyone, including the winner: Shirley Karlstrum, the creator of the quilt. A stunned Shirley said she would be donating the quilt to the VFW Post #101 for their museum ó a fitting home for a quilt commemorating the D-Day invasion, Gen. Eisenhower and all the men who participated in the invasion. The Black Forest AARP Chapter motto is “To Serve Not to Be Served.î Anyone interested in participating in community service is invited to visit http://aarpchapter1100blackforest.weebly.com/ or call Chuck at 719-749-9227 for more information on becoming a member. All are welcome, and there are no age restrictions.
