2016 in York

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Throughout 2016, AARP Pennsylvania - with our local volunteers and community partners - has helped people right here in York turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthened communities and fought for the issues that matter most to families. By working together we've done some amazing things that are making a real difference forYork's 50+ community.

With the help of our local volunteers in York, AARP Pennsylvania has:

• Conducted our second Shred Fest event to help prevent fraud and identity theft. AARP Pennsylvania shredded over 37,300 pounds of paper containing personal and sensitive information for free at the event. In addition, we collected 2,155 pounds of donated food for the York County Food Bank. We invited people to sign up for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, which provides information and resources so you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. Coming Up! Watch for another Shred Fest event in April at Continental Paper Grading in East York.  Additional details will follow in our quarterly newsletter, on social media, and our blog.

• Provided a workshop at the Zion United Methodist Church on care partnering techniques that changed the way that more than 100 family caregiver participants think about dementia care for their loved one at home. The session discussed common brain changes, common unmet needs that lead to distress or challenging behaviors, and assistive techniques for various levels of cognitive impairment, emphasizing the use of preserved abilities in the person with dementia and providing caregivers with supportive responses that match.

• Offered eight Movies for Grownups film screenings over the course of the year, including Me Before You, The Intern, and Inferno. These fun and engaging social events were offered free of charge for members and member guests to learn more about AARP and how we show up in their community.

• Helped pack over 300 senior food boxes for the York County Food Bank. The boxes packed amounted to 10,500 pounds of food being distributed to homebound individuals throughout York County.

• Provided hands-on renovations at the William C. Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum. This site was an active stop along the Underground Railroad and currently offers museum visitors a glimpse into York’s contributions to history.

• Sponsored a Spirit of Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award in conjunction with the York County Economic Alliance in September. For over 30 years, the Spirit of York County Awards have been presented to individuals and organizations who work to improve the quality of life in York County, who are committed to their profession and the community. More than 100 individuals and companies have been honored during that time. State President Jim Palmquist presented the award to Claire Forbush.

• Hosted a Life Reimagined workshop in conjunction with the York NAACP and Crispus Attucks, to help people find meaning and purpose in leading their best, inspired and fulfilled life.  

• Participated in a roundtable discussion with the Black Minister’s Association (BMA) of York and the York NAACP. We learned about some of the top priorities for the community, including identity theft protection, family caregiver skill development sessions, Life Reimagined check-ups, and becoming more educated about utilities. We discussed opportunities for AARP Pennsylvania to collaborate with partner organizations and serve as a resource for the community on issues that are most important to them.

In 2017, we look forward to continuing our work fighting fraud, as well as keeping a clear focus on caregiving and the challenges faced by family caregivers.  We will also continue to educate our members on how to best select utility providers and services that meet their needs and their budgets. We will continue to bring select Movies for Grownups to the York region that showcase timely subjects of interest to people age 50 and older.

Are you looking to volunteer? Join the York Volunteer Team. We meet every other month, with the next set of meetings scheduled for January 24 and March 30.  We meet from 10:30 – 12 noon at the Martin Library, 159 East Market Street,

on the 3 ^rd Floor (Bill Simpson Room).  If you would like to be invited to our next meeting and come check us out, contact David Kalinoski at dkalinoski@aarp.org.

I want to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Best Wishes,

David Kalinoski

Associate State Director

Community Outreach

AARP Pennsylvania