Melanie Henry

This year you have not one, not two, not three, but four volunteer opportunities for AARP’s Day of Service on Monday, September 11, 2017. Join us in McAlester, Oklahoma City, Shawnee or Tulsa as we roll up our sleeves to participate in local community service projects. AARP staff and volunteers will be volunteering at the local food banks in Oklahoma City, Shawnee and Tulsa. In McAlester, volunteers will assemble backpacks with food for children needing nutritional snacks on the weekends.

Congressional leaders' new budget is full of harmful cuts that would hurt older Americans. Medicaid would be slashed and seniors could lose access to food assistance programs. Perhaps worst of all, it would cut almost $500 billion from Medicare and open the door to turning it into a voucher program.

Empire District electric is asking the Corporation Commission to increase customer utility rates by $42 per month in the next four years! How will they do that? By phasing in higher rates, a bit at a time. The trick is, Empire will charge you for the full rate amount they didn't get in the first two years and make you pay it in year four, plus interest. This amounts to $42 more per month on the average customer's bill. That's $500 more in a year!

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking to expand its team of volunteers for the upcoming tax season. Approaching its 50 th year, Tax-Aide offers free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’t afford a tax preparation service. Tax-Aide volunteers make a difference in their communities by assisting many older, lower-income taxpayers who might otherwise miss out on the credits and deductions they’ve earned.

Collect Social Security? A new scam is targeting YOU.

The federal government grant scam has been around for years. But now, scammers are finding targets through social media.

Join AARP Oklahoma, LIFE Senior Services, and Tulsa Police Department’s Senior Services Unit for the Life Senior Services Senior Safety and Lifestyle Fair on Tuesday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Senior Safety and Lifestyle Fair will feature 100+ exhibitors, as well as informational sessions, fitness demonstrations and health screenings. The free event will be held at Central Park Hall at Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St., Tulsa.

IRS imposters are at their old game – but with a new twist. The IRS reports that this current scam is being reported across the country.

The summer months unleash door-to-door sales agents in communities across the country. We’ve received reports of a scam run by con artists claiming to be from home security companies. While many home security companies conduct legitimate business using door-to-door sales agents, be wary of anyone using high pressure tactics or creating a false sense of urgency – common traits of a scam!

524,000 Oklahomans are family caregivers and we know they can use more support. AARP is here to help. Anyone can take advantage of our free caregiving resources, not just AARP members. Now, we're hosting a weeklong celebration of caregivers at Tulsa's Guthrie Green with resources and help for caregivers as well as opportunities to relax.