AARP Kansas

There was a packed house at the Botanica Gardens in Wichita in August as area residents gathered to hear about volunteer opportunities that are available through AARP Kansas. While many of those who attended know AARP for its discounts and insurance product endorsements, many didn't realize that AARP recruits volunteers to do a variety of work in communities across the state such as advocacy, community outreach, helping prepare tax returns, and teaching safer driving, as well as serving on the AARP Executive Council and Diversity Council.

Visitors to the Kansas State Fair can learn why it’s important for presidential and congressional candidates to lay out their plans to keep Social Security strong for current and future generations.

Photo by Stephen Smith

With more than 43.5 million family caregivers in the United States, support for this silent army continues to grow. From books to support groups, training classes and apps – the challenge has become connecting caregivers to available resources. That’s why AARP has its I Heart Caregivers initiative.

Celebrity Chef Rock Harper will be in Wichita on Saturday, August 13, 2016 to share his cooking skills with a group of African American men and women who want to learn more about preparing healthy meals.

Congratulations to Andrea "Ande" Bozarth, AARP Kansas Associate State Director for Community Outreach, who is the first recipient of the Sherrie Gordon Award for Excellence in Multicultural Leadership. Ande was nominated for the national award by AARP Kansas Director Maren Turner for her work with the American Indian/Native American Community in Kansas.

Topeka area-residents who want to learn more about starting a business, especially those who are 50 and older, are invited to attend a free workshop in Topeka on July 29th at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library. Encore entrepreneurs over the age of 50 are one of the fastest growing groups of business owners. If you are an individual who is looking to start a new adventure, entrepreneurship can offer an opportunity for you to use your knowledge, passion, life and professional experience toward creating a small business.

Kansas City area residents who want to sharpen their computer skills can enroll in free classes at the Microsoft store at Oak Park Mall in Overland Park.

Mark your calendar and join us for a free movie night! The recently released movie, Hello, My Name is Doris, is back in Wichita on Thursday, June 23 for one night only. AARP members and their guests are invited to attend a free AARP Movies for Grownups screening of this 2016 film starring Sally Field. Hello, My Name is Doris is a witty and compassionate late-life coming-of-age-story. After a lifetime of being overlooked and ignored, a woman of a certain age named Doris Miller (Sally Field), finds her world turned upside down by a handsome new co-worker and a self-help seminar that inspires her to take a chance on love. When Doris Miller meets John Fremont (Max Greenfield), her company’s hip new art director, sparks fly—at least for Doris. Learn more about the movie and read the reviews here. The 7 p.m. showing will be held June 23 at: Warren Theatres West, 9150 W 21st St - Wichita, KS 67205. There is no cost to attend but registration is required for you and your guests. RSVP for tickets today by calling 1-844-418-2281 or register online. We hope to see you at the show! For more information, call our state office at 1-866-215-3402.

Introducing AARP’s Pop Up! Family Caregiver Game. The game that helps you learn about valuable caregiving resources and lets you enter for the chance to win prizes. Just like a game show, you play with everyone else and score points for each question you answer correctly. Instant prizes will be given away daily at random! And, at the end of the game, one lucky sweepstakes winner will receive a gift card! You’ll earn an entry into the sweepstakes every time you answer a question. Learn how to join the game in three easy steps.