A temporary reprieve

As it turns out, it wasn't my time to become a member of AARP and its administrators knew it. The organization did, however, accept my $12.50 and grant me associate member status.

A few weeks ago I wrote a column in which I described my surprise at receiving an invitation to join AARP, which describes itself on its Internet Web site as "a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives."

Since I'm not quite at the age of entry yet, I did not think that I would be accepted for full membership, but I took a chance and sent in my $12.50 to see what would happen. I figured that if I had the right membership card I could scam a few senior discounts a year or two early.

Last week I received a letter from AARP which notified me that, as I had expected, I am not an official member of this organization, but I am an associate member.

AARP Chief Executive Officer William D. Novelli informed me in his letter that "As an associate member, you are entitled to receive 'AARP The Magazine,' the 'AARP Bulletin' and free publications on health, housing, planning your finances and more. … We appreciate your continuing confidence in AARP and look forward to welcoming you to regular membership when you turn 50."

To be honest, I'm not too upset by the news that I am not a full member of this exclusive organization just yet. I never figured that I would get the nod from the AARPsters before it was my time.

I did receive feedback on the column from one reader. A resident of Jackson dropped me an e-mail and advised me to forego membership in AARP and to use discounts that are available from the automobile club. He advised me to just say "senior" when I want to get a discount at the movies or a restaurant. I'll remember that the next time I'm having dinner at 4 p.m.

Some residents of Freehold Township found out on Jan. 24 that the 2009 campaign season is under way.

State Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-Monmouth and Mercer), who is serving the second year of her first term, announced in a press release on Jan. 23 that she would be starting her re-election doorto door efforts the next day. She was accompanied by Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce. Freehold Township, which has an all-Republican Township Committee and whose residents vote in favor of Republican candidates in every election, was likely a friendly place for Casagrande to launch her re-election bid.

Mark Rosman is the managing editor of the News Transcript.