Brenda Siler

AARP DC is again preparing for the upcoming tax season by providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 46 th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

Aboard the Spirit Cruise of Washington along the Potomac with spectacular views of the Washington Monument and other landmarks, AARP launched its celebration of the 2014 Andrus Award for Community Service Recognition Luncheon on October 16, 2014. Romaine Thomas, longtime District of Columbia resident and educator was this year’s recipient. The award, which was presented to her by AARP DC State President Joe Williams, honors a volunteer who provides outstanding service, leadership and advocacy for those who are 50 plus. Ms. Thomas served six years as the first AARP DC State President and is currently Volunteer Chair of the D.C. Commission on Aging. She also is active on many community boards and lobbies Congress for seniors.

On Sunday, September 14th, more than 225 people from the Washington, DC Hispanic community took in sports, wellness and community information during the DC Continental Soccer League quarter-final soccer games held at the Cardozo Education Campus athletic field. The full-day event kicked off a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration for AARP members and their families. This was the second time AARP DC sponsored an event with Fossalex, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support focused on financial security, health and wellness for Latino families in the District. Fossalex and the DC Continental Soccer League organize several sports events in DC to bring together Latino families throughout the year.

Before you go to the polls for the 2014 Washington, DC Mayoral election, take a look at videos where the candidates respond to issues of importance to older residents. On October 9th, AARP DC and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) David A. Clarke School of Law partnered to present a Mayoral Candidate Forum. Muriel Bowser, David Catania and Carol Schwartz, the top three candidates running for Mayor of Washington, DC, responded to five issue topics that included: 1) elder physical abuse and financial fraud, 2) aging in place, 3) the Age-Friendly City Initiative, 4) economic security, and 5) their accomplishments on behalf of DC’s older residents. AARP DC State President Rev. Joseph Williams, Sr. opens the Candidate Forum. Rev. Williams is CEO of Emmaus Services for the Aging and Emmaus Rehabilitation, LLC.

Martin Kohn, our 2008 Andrus Award recipient, passed away on September 30 th at age 84.

Join AARP DC for the 6th Annual Food Drive on October 3 & 4, 2014 where you can donate non-perishable foods or volunteer at a Safeway or Giant Food store near you in DC. Times at donation sites will vary at each store location. This annual food collection program is a part of Drive to End Hunger, the AARP and AARP Foundation’s multi-pronged approach to end hunger among older adults in America. AARP is taking steps to feed those who are hungry now. while We also are developing long-term, sustainable solutions to the root causes of hunger among those 50 years and older.

Like snowflakes, no two women are alike. But we do tend to hold one thing in common: we take care of others before we take care of ourselves. As we enter the fall season, how about focusing on your own wellbeing?

Recently for AARP DC there was a volunteer reversal. Youth volunteers from Mentor Up taught older adults the basics on how to use and navigate the Internet using desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Older District residents also learned how to use Microsoft Office applications, establish an email account, use search engines, take pictures using a smartphone and send email with attachments. A few even dabbled with social media and how to find their favorite radio or TV station online.

Rev. Joseph K. Williams Named AARP DC President

Washington, DC soccer fans cheer local teams! Come out on Sunday, September 14th to the Continental Soccer League’s day of games at the Cardozo Education Campus athletic field.