JoAnn Rose

The Missouri Public Services Commission (PSC) is holding public hearings this month on a nearly 10% rate hike requested by Ameren Missouri. Ameren, the largest electric utility in the state, has already been allowed to raise rates on customers by over $600 million – or 43% - through Fuel Adjustment Clause Surcharges.

More than 160 individuals participated in an interactive brain game room, nutrition and exercise classes, and other activities during the Brain Health “Memory Clinic” that was held on November 8, 2014 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The clinic, free and open to those 18 and older, was held at the Mary L. Kelly Community Center in Kansas City.

Jay Hardenbrook has joined the AARP Missouri team as the new Associate State Director for Advocacy. Jay has worked in public policy for the last fourteen years and last worked for the Missouri Budget Project as their policy director. Jay possesses an extensive knowledge of Missouri’s budget process and has a depth of knowledge in health care, consumer and utility issues. He has spent years building relationships with House and Senate leadership, members of the Ways and Means Committees and with like-minded advocates in the Capitol.

Dr. Kathleen “Kathy” Bond, AARP Missouri volunteer state president for the past three years, has relocated to California and had to sadly submit her resignation as lead state volunteer and member of the Executive Council. When announced, AARP Missouri State Director Craig Eichelman alerted the Council members and volunteers across the state with this missive. “It takes a special person to give of themselves as a true leader - the kind of leader who is available to other volunteers and who offers mentoring guidance to me in my role as State Director. Dr. Kathleen (Kathy) Bond is just that kind of leader. Knowing this, it is with mixed emotion that I accepted her resignation as volunteer State President effective immediately.

This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax filing assistance for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 46th 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.

Delegates to the Missouri Institute on Minority Aging statewide conference found plenty of helpful materials at an AARP exhibit there, thanks to a collaborative effort between the AARP Missouri state office and the Jefferson City AARP Chapter #4401. Volunteers for the Capital City's chapter staffed the exhibit for two days in Columbia and distributed scores of AARP booklets, fact sheets, and other useful give aways provided by the AARP Missouri state office.

Judy Sherry of Kansas City was the recipient of the 2014 AARP Missouri Andrus Award for Community Service – the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service. She was honored in a celebration was held at the Community Christian Church on September 17 in Kansas City.

Twenty-nine year employee Norma Collins hung up her legislative hat as Associate State Director for Advocacy in September and offered parting thoughts to share:

AARP Missouri: Thank you for the opportunity to hear your thoughts about Medicaid reform. Recently, AARP conducted an interview with Sen. Ryan Silvey (R-17) and disseminated his comments on this subject. AARP is not endorsing any particular plan, but AARP is interested in hearing your views and thoughts from the other side of the aisle.

If you’re in need of information about depression and/or anxiety in children and adolescents, there is a resource for you!