Tom Lacock

Editor's note: This is the first of what will be several videos AARP Wyoming will post this year displaying programming for those ages 50+ which can be replicated by other communities in Wyoming.

By Sam Shumway

AARP welcomes this week’s passage in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives of the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act. The legislation requires the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a strategy to support the nation’s 40 million family caregivers. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.

After strong attendance at its Dec. 2017 Movies For Grown Ups events in Casper and Cheyenne, AARP Wyoming will host another free movie for members in Casper on Jan. 9 at Studio City in Casper. The Movies for Grown Ups series screens free movies for AARP members and even buys a popcorn and soda for those attending.

AARP Wyoming has released its 2017 Winter Newsletter with features on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Cheyenne; as well as CenturyLink's efforts to deregulate phone service in parts of Wyoming; and a column on the phases of hunting by Wyoming outdoor writer Ty Stockton. To read the Winter 2017 edition, click below.

CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Revenue Committee met ahead of February’s budget session Dec. 4-5 in Cheyenne, to look for cash to fill the state’s empty coffers.

A group of goodniks will change light bulbs, smoke detectors, smoke detector batteries, and carbon monoxide sensors for Natrona County seniors, November 4 in Casper. The Natrona Fall and Fire Prevention Coalition has been doing this work since 2014 and since that time has replaced smoke alarms in 143 homes around Natrona County.

Pat Sherwood of Glenrock was honored last Tuesday in Casper for her work with AARP’s Smart Driver Course, during the organization’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

An afternoon of dementia conversation and research, highlighted by author Niki Kapsambelis is set for Nov. 7 in Casper and open to the public.

With an agenda featuring a discussion on changes to Medicare and helpful tips on how to avoid identity theft, it was no surprise nearly 3,400 Wyoming AARP members joined an AARP Wyoming’s TeleTown Hall Oct. 16. The event was moderated by Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck.