AARP Colorado

It is hard to believe that just a few weeks ago we were facing the worst flooding this state has ever seen. The state office reacted quickly, establishing contact with FEMA to see what we could do to support their efforts and inform our membership of relief services to those impacted and volunteer opportunities for those who want to assist. AARP also made a generous donation of $25,000.00 to the Red Cross to help with flood relief efforts. Although time has passed, clean up activities from an event like this takes a great deal of time, and the uncertainty can cause physical and emotional duress. There are some resources still at your disposal about which we wanted to make sure you were aware: Here are some groups highlighted by the Denver Post which are assisting flood victims:

Blog by Jane Barton

Colorado recovery is being accomplished by the energy and work of businesses, voluntary, faith-based, and community-based organizations along with government agencies and committed citizens.

Have you ever had a great idea for a business but lacked the knowledge of how to write the business plan, the mentorship to get you going, or the money to actually LAUNCH a business? Or, do have a business currently which would really benefit from a small additional financial commitment and a strategy to give you a springboard to that next level of success? If you have faced either of these situations you deserve congratulations on two fronts! First, you are a budding entrepreneur, and second, there is an organization that might be able to fulfill your burgeoning dreams, the Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute. The Denver-based Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute, RMMFI, offers a Business Launch Boot Camps for prospective business owners on a sliding fee scale. In 12 weeks you’ll receive the information, the support, and the access to resources you need to propel your business to greater success. Entrepreneurs in the Boot Camp may be eligible for a loan up to $2,500 to start or enhance their businesses. RMMFI has graduated 7 classes of the Boot Camp, helped to launch 55 businesses, and disbursed over $65,000 in loans to individuals who otherwise would go without access to the necessary business capital.

This fall, Community-Minded Dance is bringing the best of social dancing to Denver with Lindy Diversion 2013. The event will offer lindy hop, tap, jazz and blues dancing classes to every level of dancer, including those with two left feet, with award-winning international dance instructors. The weekend of October 18-20 will also feature live music and spectacular performances, celebrating the spirit and the history of American social dance.

In collaboration with AARP, the Denver Center Theatre Company is offering specially priced tickets to a variety of select shows at just $31.50. The wide-ranging and diverse selections include a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Karen Zacarías’ adaptation of Helen Thorpe’s book Just Like Us, Marcus Gardley’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, black odyssey, Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece and an adaptation of a Marx Brother’s script. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.denvercenter.org/aarp, by phone at 303.446.4829or at Denver Center Ticket Services in the lobby of the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex, Mon – Sat from 10am to 6pm.

One of the most enjoyable parts of our day is getting outside and taking Coral for her at least daily walk. No matter how stressful our day has been, we can’t help but smile as we watch Coral’s joy at being able to stalk and point birds and bunnies, sniff who-knows-what appealing smells on every bush and pole, get her feet and belly wet in the shallow irrigation canal along our walking path, and roll on her back in the newly mowed grass in the park.

Many scams could be avoided if consumers took two simple steps before acting: to ask and check. Questions are empowering, and many scammers will shut down once you start asking them. However, it’s a good idea to not only ask questions, but to do your homework on their answers. Here are three examples of how to ask and check to help prevent financial exploitation:

Second Act–lifelong learning for older adults

Blog by Jane Barton