News of interest to ARCRA members

Log into the ARCRA website with your email address and password.  If you have never logged into the website before or cannot remember your password, click on "forgot password."  Follow the prompts and reset your password.  If you run into any issues, send and email to admin@arcretireeassoc.org and we will help you out.

After you log in, go to the Forum page and click on "Pensions and Annuities Forum".  To ask a question or add a post with information or resources for fellow retirees click on "create a topic".  Type your question or information in the Body and create a title to go in the subject line.  When you are finished click on "Create".  If you run into difficulty send an email to admin@arcretireeassoc.org.

During the month of June, you can stop in to your local Build-a-Bear Workshop to support the American Red Cross through their "Stuffed with Love" promotion. Limited edition Red Cross t-shirts are available in-store and online benefiting the Red Cross

Every second counts in cardiac arrest and people can save lives by knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED.

If someone goes into sudden cardiac arrest, their heart suddenly stops beating, stopping blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.  More than 1,600 people suffer cardiac arrest every day in the U.S.  So if you see someone collapse without warning, know your "Cardiac Arrest 1-2-3" .

1. Call 911
2. Start CPR
3. Use an AED

You'll find additional information and can enter your zip code to find training in your area by going to the CPR and AED training section of the Red Cross website.

The free Red Cross First Aid App provides users with instant access to information on sudden cardiac arrest, performing CPR and other emergencies. 

2019 marks the 100^th anniversary of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) – which serves as the convener of the 191 national societies around the globe. 

Swiss businessman, Henri Dunant, sought to transform the devastation of the battlefield of Solferino into something positive and innovative – a global humanitarian network with the goal of helping those in need during times of conflict.  He organized the women he met in Solferino and Castigione delle Stievere to provide first aid and care to the many wounded left lying on the battlefield.  They paid no attention to soldier’s nationality, and thus laid the foundation for neutral and impartial humanitarian action.  Click here for a historical timeline of the IFRC

For a free digital download of Memory of Solferino, the book written by Henry Dunant after he witnessed the Battle of Solferino click on https://www.icrc.org/en/publication/0361-memory-solferino.

We all remember critical Summer blood shortages.  But in mid-May the Red Cross has a critical shortage for Type O, with just six units of type blood available for every 100,000 people, but more than double that amount is needed every day.

We all know that Type O is the most needed blood group by hospitals but is often in short supply.  Type 0 negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there’s not enough time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.

Click here to find a blood donation site near you.  Or, schedule a blood donation appointment today using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.  Or say “Alexa, schedule a blood donation appointment.”

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to "Sound the Alarm"

April 27 - May 12, 2019

This spring, Red Cross volunteers and partners will install 100,000 free smoke alarms in high risk neighborhoods nationwide. Sound the Alarm installation and fire safety events will take place in more than 100 communities across the country, providing a lifesaving service to reduce death and injury from home fires

Click here and enter your zip code to find events in your area and register to volunteer.

Hang up if someone calls you claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are concerned it may be a legitimate call dial the main SSA number (1-800-772-1213) rather than the number the caller provides you.

A new scam involves receiving an email allegedly from the SSA, which contains a link to register for a program to "protect yourself from Social Security fraud."   Do not take the bait, it's a scam, and the website, which may look real, will gather and steal your information.

Instead of buying a plaque, pen set or other dust collector, how about giving a Lifetime or annual membership in ARCRA!  You gift will help make the transition from work to retirement a breeze.

To purchase a membership, just send the person’s contact information (name, address, phone, and email) along with a check ($30 for annual membership and $275 for lifetime membership) to:

ARCRA
PO Box 1581
Vienna VA  22180

We will notify the new member of your gift.  Your thoughtful gift will be very appreciated.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free, individualized tax preparation for low-to moderate-income taxpayers - especially those 50 and older - at nearly 5,000 locations nationwide. Find a Tax-Aide location near you.

Before visiting a Tax-Aide site, please note:

1. You will need to bring your important documents to the site. Access the    complete list.
2.  Federal Tax assistance is available at all locations.
3.  State tax assistance is available at all locations in your state for in-state residents, and may be available to out-of-state residents in select neighboring states.
4.  Please contact sites in your neighboring state to confirm availability.
5.  Site hours are subject to change on a weekly basis. Therefore, please check again the day before you plan to go to the site.