Michael E. Festa

Imagine you’ve just moved to Massachusetts. Ten years ago, after sending your children off to college, you took on the responsibility of being the legal guardian of your ailing aunt, and moved her to a facility close to your home. You’ve now relocated to Massachusetts for a job opportunity, but once settled in the Commonwealth, you realize that your rights as your aunt’s legal guardian do not transfer to the Bay State. What do you do?

It’s wintertime in New England. For some that means skiing, hot chocolate, sledding, and cozy evenings spent sitting by a fire. For others, including many Massachusetts seniors, it means shoveling heavy wet snow, being wary when walking outdoors for fear of slipping on ice, and struggling to pay for increased fuel costs to stay warm.

There’s been a lot of talk about Social Security, but one thing that hasn’t come up in the conversation is the vital role it plays as an engine of the U.S. economy.

I see the power of the volunteer firsthand. AARP volunteers work every day to help people 50+ turn dreams into real possibilities, to strengthen communities and to fight for issues that matter to families.

We New Englanders love our bleeding heart perennials that reliably bloom in the late spring each year. But have you ever seen a tropical bleeding heart vine? I keep mine in the sunroom from about October 15 through May 15, and then move it outside in the warmer months. It’s a very showy vine, with flowers that begin as you see here, white with small interior red flowers:

We were back at the State House this afternoon, delivering testimony in support of annual adjustment to the personal needs allowance for Medicaid-eligible nursing home residents. A personal needs allowance helps cover basic expenses such as personal hygiene supplies and phone calls. Read the AARP Testimony 6-18-13

The following testimony was delivered today in opposition to adding a photo identification requirement on SNAP cards:

The early days of June are always a wonderfully vibrant time in Boston. It’s when we celebrate PRIDE week. AARP staff and volunteers proudly participate in the annual festival, providing resources and information to older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) residents.

For any garden enthusiasts who couldn't wait to plant those frost-tender veggies like tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, cukes... Run out and throw a light plastic sheet, or even a regular cloth sheet over those plants, or they might get frost killed.

It's been dry but beautiful weather this week, and a great time to plant snow peas, lettuce, broccoli, spinach and other cool weather crops.