Juanita Jiménez-Soto

By Charlene Hunter James

Every year, Sept. 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. For 30 days, the nation comes alive with the sounds of Latin music, cultural murals, and events that celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic people throughout history. When the observance began in 1968, it only lasted for one week. It wasn’t until 1988 that the celebration expanded to 30 days.

For generations, Social Security has provided much needed earned benefits to the people who have paid into the system. While many are able to rely on these funds today, this vital social safety net may not be there for future generations. Social Security needs to be updated for the 21st century. If our leaders don’t act, future retirees could lose up $10,000 a year.

For 100 years, Houston’s historic Franklin Beauty School has helped students learn new job skills and launch careers and dreams. This family-owned, workforce development institute has not only graduated a legion of entrepreneurs and leaders, but it has also been a beacon of pride for the state of Texas.

The holidays are upon us, which means it’s a time for family, food, joy and shopping. It’s also occasion to be aware of fraudulent acts like fake charities and credit card scams, many of which target older persons.

By Lawrence Randle

Attention is focused on the western Gulf of Mexico as a significant storm threatens to bring high winds, coastal damage and inland flooding to large parts of Texas. The National Hurricane Center believes the storm off the Texas Gulf Coast has a 90-percent chance of becoming a tropical storm. That decision will be determined Monday evening or Tuesday. If it gains strength the storm will be upgraded to a tropical storm named Bill.

Mother Nature’s soggy wrath, a monumental first-of-its-kind celebration, and an airshow could not keep more than 600 drivers from recycling their private documents and electronics in Corpus Christi. The AARP Shred Day event was held at KIII-TV (an ABC affiliate) Saturday, April 18 and it set a new record.

Featuring our knowledgeable volunteers is something AARP does well and this month Dr. Ricardo Chapa, a long-time AARP volunteer, represented AARP Texas well on the small screen.

By: Charlene Hunter James