Hilarie Grey

Guest blog by Harvey Lee, AARP Nevada volunteer

In a victory for consumers across the state, AARP Nevada and hundreds of volunteers helped stop a recent proposal to bring a new surcharge to Southwest Gas customers. The Southwest Gas proposal for Gas Infrastructure Replacement - an accelerated replacement of aging gas lines - required extra payments from residential customers before the work was completed, or even started - the equivalent of ratepayers giving a loan to the utility company to complete its work.

Las Vegas is among the most dangerous communities in the nation for pedestrians, ranking 13th most dangerous out of the 51 largest metro areas, a new report released by the National Complete Streets Coalition, a program of Smart Growth America, said.

They're in the community every day - volunteering, making a difference, lending their time and talent to help others in need. They work in food banks and animal shelters, in schools and in hospitals. They are often unsung heroes, working and giving without recognition or thanks - just because it's the right thing to do. If you know an extraordinary volunteer age 50 or older, show your appreciation by nominating him or her for the 2014 AARP Nevada Andrus Award for Community Service!

Older Nevadans overwhelmingly support bipartisan legislation to combat age discrimination in the workplace, a new AARP survey shows.

Still need to get covered? March 31 is the deadline to enroll in health insurance plans offered through Nevada HealthLink, the state's marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Federally-approved navigators and assistors can help you compare plans and sign up for the one that's right for you. If you live in the metro Las Vegas area, you can get free in-person assistance at libraries and Nevada JobConnect sites before the March 31 deadline:

Are you a movie lover? Do you enjoy comparing notes with fellow theatergoers? Do you share reviews or even write your own?

Need a little help preparing and filing your taxes? You're in luck! This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 45th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention those 60 and older. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this free service.

Las Vegas resident Simeon Holloway was among the groundbreaking musicians who served our country during World War II as part of the U.S. Navy B-1 Band. Holloway, who at 93 is an active member of AARP Chapter 4395, shared memories and unveiled a collection of historic photographs at the annual Black History Month Festival held recently at Las Vegas Springs Preserve.

Even though 2013 has come and gone, you can still get a tax break when you file your income tax return. How? By contributing to a Traditional IRA. If you’re self-employed, the same applies to your SEP-IRA or Keogh plan.