Bruce Bottorff

AARP volunteers and staff met with Hawaii’s Congressional delegates this week urging them to oppose legislation that would change the way cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to Social Security and veterans’ benefits are calculated.

As budget negotiations continue in Washington, AARP has released an analysis showing the negative impact one proposal – the so-called “chained CPI” – would have on Hawaii’s veterans’ compensation and pensions.

As weight-lifters and models for fitness, Arnold Pereza, 70, and his wife, Leona, 67, are impressive advocates for “aging in place” homecare and a healthy, active lifestyle.

Hundreds of residents stopped by the AARP Hawaii table this weekend at the BIA Home Building & Remodeling Show at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Among the most popular items is The AARP Home Fit Guide, which offers tips for making your home a safe and comfortable place for the entire family.

Tax season is right around the corner and many Hawaii seniors will soon be looking for filing assistance. The good news is more than 250 Tax-Aide volunteers across the state are standing by to help. Beginning February 1 through April 15, AARP-trained and IRS-certified volunteers will be available at 43 locations across the state (including 20 sites on Oahu) to help prepare federal and state tax forms.

Thirty volunteers representing each of Hawaii’s counties visited the state Capitol in Honolulu last Thursday to share with legislators AARP’s state-level advocacy priorities for 2013.

Honolulu-based volunteer leaders met at the AARP state office today to discuss priorities and plan activities for the year ahead.

Maui-born Kaneohe resident Gerry Silva has been appointed state president of AARP Hawaii, the Association’s top volunteer position. He succeeds retired businessman and community leader Stuart Ho, who is stepping down after six years as state president and chair of AARP Hawaii’s Executive Council, the organization’s volunteer advisory board.

Volunteers took center stage Friday, as AARP Hawaii hosted its annual recognition luncheon, honoring those who served their community in 2012 through a diverse range of activities.

Maui resident Peggy Sanches has been selected the Hawaii recipient of the 2012 Andrus Award for Community Service – AARP’s most prestigious volunteer recognition. She accepted the award from AARP Hawaii State President Stuart Ho today at a recognition luncheon in Honolulu. The Andrus Award is an annual award for exemplary volunteer leadership named after AARP’s founder Ethel Percy Andrus (1884-1967) who exemplified AARP’s motto: “To serve, not to be served.”