After a lifetime of believing I could make a difference by being involved in the political world from the time of FDR to JFK and then some, I "finally gave up the ghost." No more fighting losing battles. Although I did win a few from time to time.

This "activist" retired, until it came to my attention that a group of senior citizens were traveling to Albany to participate in Legislative Lobby Day.

I had recently met an elderly lady who lost her home because she needed a new roof that only cost $5,000. What followed to me, was unconscionable.

An unscrupulous home-repair contractor offered to get her a loan at, in her opinion, a reasonable rate. The high interest rate and the fees could not be justified by the credit risk. Her home was free and clear, but her Social Security check could not cover her expenses (often a double last payment, so high that it could not be paid) and as you obviously guessed, the lender foreclosed, taking her home. I became incensed to discover that there exists a "non-bank lending market" that targets inexperienced, vulnerable seniors.

I was at a loss to know exactly what to do when I discovered that the AARP and over 100 organizations including "community development credit unions" have united in a statewide coalition to advocate for legislation to protect individuals from these predators.

Joining the AARP group from Massapequa was the beginning. We were among almost a thousand concerned "red-capped" members of AARP from throughout New York state who participated in the 2001 AARP Legislative Lobby Day on March 21. The 20-bus caravan carried members who were to lobby their senators and legislators on various issues.

True, my introduction to the adventure was precipitated by the above chance meeting, however, the other issues on the AARP agenda; quality of nursing home care, uniform standards for all assisted living facilities and needless to say their contention that the Energy Service Companies should provide the same consumer rights guaranteed under the old regulated utilities, all made me realize that there is much to be done.

After meeting with Assemblyman Labriola, I feel confident that at least the issues will be considered and common sense will prevail.

Now is the time for our legislators to act, and to act quickly, not just for the elderly of today.

I also want to commend the members who took the time to go to Albany, and to thank them for bringing me "back to the fold."

Lorraine Newman-Brooks