Serena Garcia

Despite news coverage of extreme weather, most Americans aren’t prepared for disasters.

Each March, Macon becomes a pink, cotton-spun paradise as over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in all their glory. For 10 days, festival-lovers are treated to one of the most extravagant displays of springtime color in the nation as they visit the town referred to by Congressional Records as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.

Last week AARP Upson County and Macon-Bibb Chapter members along with AARP Georgia Executive Council Member Myrtle S. Habersham and AARP Georgia Program Specialist Hillary Thomas met to discuss strategies serving Middle Georgia with support from the Georgia State Office.

On March 28, AARP Georgia and the City of Atlanta, Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services offered an opportunity for Atlantans to voice what they want to see in their community as we work together to create Age-Friendly Atlanta strategies.

This week AARP Georgia and several financial agencies met at the State Capitol to proclaim April as Financial Literacy Month, signed by Governor Deal. AARP and the Georgia Consortium for Personal Financial Literacy were listed as contributing partners to educate Georgians on financial literacy topics.

The AARP Foundation 50+ Job Fair will take place Thursday, March 19 from 10am-2pm in collaboration with The Lou Walker Senior Center. The following are presenters and topics: Financial Resources-Andrew Chamblin, Ameriprise Financial; Résumé Writing/Interviewing – GA Dept. Labor; Social Media – Jerry Myers, Legacy Harvest Foundation. The Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia, GA 30058.

Junior A. Pavik has been volunteering to help his Gwinnett community for over two decades. His personal Tax-Aide greeter and wife of over 60 years is Marilee. Together they have been assisting low to moderate income families file their annual taxes at no cost at Gwinnett Technical College, a strong community collaboration. Tax-Aide volunteers in Georgia average 7-10 years of service and it is not uncommon to see couples and close friends serve together as they assist other community members.

AARP Georgia hopes to grow relevance by giving voice to Atlantans about what they want to see in their community. Many of us want to age where we live so AARP is hosting a public discussion which will take place on Saturday, March 28, 11:30am - 1:00pm, Wieuca Road Baptist Church, 3626 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta. Lunch will be provided as a part of your reservation for the event.

On March 2, AARP Georgia mobilized volunteer advocates at the state Capitol on behalf of nearly 1 million members across Georgia. Coordinated by Melissa Sinden, AARP Georgia, Associate State Director-Advocacy, Lobby Day provided an opportunity for volunteers to learn about our legislative priorities and convene with elected officials ensuring full optimization of our grassroots strategies.

Today, Georgia Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, Josh McKoon (R-29) introduced the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA) which would make it easier for family caregivers to provide care across state lines.