Community

AARP is now accepting applications for the 2019 Community Challenge grant program to fund “quick-action” projects that spark change in local communities. The grant program, which is now in its third year, is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which aims to make communities great places to live for everyone.

Only 22 percent of Des Moines streets are rated in “good condition” by national standards, and the vast majority of city streets are on the verge of requiring major maintenance. This is one of the many data points that city residents will learn about over the next three weeks through an AARP Iowa postcard campaign, set to hit mailboxes today, which highlights how Public Measure “A,” the local option sales tax, will improve the city’s infrastructure.

In recent years, gift cards have taken off in popularity. Unfortunately, scammers have a keen interest in gift cards, too – only for them, they are being used to pry money from you as a form of payment in their latest con.

AARP Iowa is sponsoring two upcoming theatrical productions in the Des Moines area – The Lion in Winter, Feb. 22 – March 3, at Kum and Go Theater, and Catch Me If You Can, March 22 – April 14, at the Des Moines Playhouse. AARP is offering discounted tickets for the run of both shows, as well as to other performances at each location for the 2018/2019 season. In addition, a limited amount of free tickets will be available to a private screening/preview event of The Lion in Winter on Thursday, Feb. 21, and Catch Me If You Can on Thursday, March 21.

Scammers have come up with tactics that specifically target Veterans. AARP wants to make sure you and the loved ones in your life have the resources to protect yourselves from the following scams.

On Monday evening, the Des Moines City Council unanimously approved MoveDSM, the first citywide comprehensive transportation planning effort, establishing a multi-modal vision for transportation in Des Moines over the next 25 years. AARP Iowa, the American Heart Association (AHA), and Des Moines Public Schools—who have worked together in recent months to urge passage of Move DSM—applaud the City Council for passing the plan, which identifies how transportation supports the City’s goals for safety, quality of life, and economic development.

Few things can be more annoying than answering the phone when you’re in the middle of something and then having the “person” on the line be another robot telemarketer telling you that someone has "stolen your credit card information." Unfortunately, these illegal telemarketing calls have our phones ringing more than ever and they’re costing victims of scammers millions of dollars each year.

Barbara McClintock of Des Moines was named the 2018 winner of the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service which is AARP’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award. The award was presented to McClintock at AARP Iowa’s annual volunteer recognition event in Des Moines on Nov. 8. In addition to the award, McClintock received a check for $1,000 to donate to her charity of choice, Aging Resources of Central Iowa.

Just AARP for these fun holiday festivals in the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids areas.

This summer four Iowa communities received AARP Community Challenge grants to jump-start beautification and accessibility projects. The Iowa grants, which totaled more than $17,000, will help the Avoca Public Library build a musical park for concerts and a green space for gatherings, enable the Keokuk Parks Foundation to convert tennis courts into dedicated pickleball courts, fund decorative lighting on Main Street in Manning, and share the Woodbine community’s history by mounting signs on buildings and in pocket parks along Main Street.