The AARP Bulletin

It’s time to make your voice heard.

In a state familiar with drought, extreme heat, wildfires and earthquakes, preparing for natural disasters is critical. An upcoming AARP Idaho telephone town hall will provide information on how to do so.

A favorite summer-night pastime is returning to Boise, with Idaho Botanical Garden’s weekly Great Garden Escape concert series, set for June through August.

AARP Idaho is hosting U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo for a telephone town hall on financial reform, prescription drug costs and other issues important to Americans 50-plus. The Tuesday, May 24, event will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Mountain time and be moderated by AARP Idaho State Director Lupe Wissel. Crapo, a Republican, has served in the Senate since 1999. He is the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee and serves on banking, budget and tax committees.

Members of AARP Idaho can participate in its annual lobby week, advocating for older residents and learning the legislative process. This year’s event is virtual, with activities from Monday, Jan. 31, through Friday, Feb. 4.

The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the lure of a cozy movie night at home, safe with household members and vaccinated friends.

Now in its sixth year, New Knowledge Adventures (NKA) offers virtual continuing education classes for adults 50 and older. Lifelong learning is an important part of healthy aging, and the NKA program makes it accessible and free to all Idahoans.

Are you tech savvy and interested in volunteering? AARP Idaho is seeking virtual volunteers who are able to engage with other Idahoans via smartphones, computers and tablets.

As the pandemic has spawned new ways for con artists to trick people out of money, AARP Idaho is holding a telephone town hall with state Attorney General Lawrence Wasden (R) about how consumers can avoid becoming victims.

The New Knowledge Adventures program underscores what the pandemic proved: Learning opportunities providing depth and enrichment can occur virtually.