George Bridges

AARP Wisconsin conveyed a message to legislators at budget hearings this spring: The state could save money and help more older people live at home by investing moderate amounts in services for the aging and support for family caregivers. The idea is to reduce reliance on more expensive programs, such as Medicaid-funded nursing home care.

Through a recently launched campaign called Enough is Enough, AARP Illinois is encouraging state residents to demand that their elected officials come up with a plan to balance the state budget.

Michigan has about 100,000 job openings that employers have been unable to fill. At the same time, many older Michiganders are interested in part-time or full-time work and have skills and expertise that these employers may find attractive.

“Free” vacations, home improvement cons, grandkids asking for cash to get them out of a jam—old scams and new ones will be in the spotlight at an upcoming Scam Jam hosted by AARP Idaho.

Basic motoring skills don’t change much, but the technology in cars is evolving. With increasing numbers of older adults behind the wheel, AARP Arizona is offering free workshops to keep motorists up to date, independent, safe and confident on the road.

AARP Tennessee has teamed up with AARP Kentucky to cosponsor the third annual Welcome Home festival for veterans Sept. 13-16 in Clarksville. The Volunteer State is home to more than 500,000 veterans, and Clarksville is home to Fort Campbell, one of the largest Army bases in the nation.

AARP Ohio is cosponsoring the 2017 Midwest Black Family Reunion, Aug. 18-20, in Cincinnati. The annual event celebrates the historic strengths and values of the black family.

AARP Kentucky has teamed up with AARP Tennessee to cosponsor the third annual Welcome Home festival for veterans Sept. 13-16 in Clarksville, Tenn. The Volunteer State is home to more than 500,000 veterans, and Clarksville is home to Fort Campbell, one of the largest Army bases in the nation.

For the second year, AARP Colorado will have a boat in the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, July 29-30, at Sloan’s Lake in Denver. As a presenting sponsor, AARP also will host a Block Party at the festival, which honors Denver’s Asian community and attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually.

Local rock musicians, Broadway singers and an American Idol finalist will join the Helena Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, July 15, to “play that funky music” of the ’70s and ’80s. The 14th annual Symphony Under the Stars begins at 8:30 p.m. at Carroll College in Helena and will end with a fireworks display. The Rock On concert will feature rock, pop and disco hits popularized by Michael Jackson, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, Queen and the Eagles.