Celebrate Veterans and Family Caregivers with Events, Resources, and Community Support

This fall, join AARP Long Island (New York) in recognizing National Family Caregivers Month and National Veterans & Military Families Month with free events across November through December.

Whether you’re a family caregiver, veteran, or someone supporting these communities, these events are designed to connect you with essential resources, promote mental well-being, socialization and provide meaningful experiences.

Being a caregiver—especially for a veteran—can be one of the most important and challenging roles you'll ever take on. AARP is here to support you with educational workshops, financial planning tools, health resources, and fun events. Explore the list below to find events tailored to your needs, whether you prefer in-person gatherings or virtual programs.

Plus, learn about AARP’s HomeFit at participating Costello’s ACE Hardware stores, across Nassau and Suffolk this November. The AARP HomeFit Guide is there to help and guide individuals to modify their homes for safety and accessibility.

Click here to visit our blog to see more details!

Event Highlights

1. Shed-The-Meds and Shred-The-Paper Event, sponsored by AARP Long Island

Please register in advance using the links below:

• In-Person: Saturday, November 1 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET Huntington YMCA
  
  • https://events.aarp.org/hunty111 Huntington YMCA, 60 Main St, Huntington, NY 11743
• In-Person: Saturday, November 1 | 1 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET Patchogue YMCA
  
  • https://events.aarp.org/patchy111 Patchogue YMCA, 255 W Main St, Patchogue, NY 11772

Dispose of expired medications and shred personal documents at this free event aimed at preventing identity theft and ensuring safe medication disposal.

2. Making Cents of Caregiving

Virtual: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

This workshop offers insights into managing the financial responsibilities of caregiving, including budgeting for care expenses, creating a care plan, integrating financial tips, and accessing support resources.
Register: https://events.aarp.org/MMcaregiving

3. Free Movie Event, TOMMY the movie musical – Movies Turning 50, in collaboration with Islip Arts Council and AARP Long Island.

In-Person: Thursday, November 6 at 7 p.m. ET

The 1970s were a landmark decade in filmmaking, making it the perfect backdrop for a film series celebrating 50 years of impact by the Islip Arts Council. Join us for a free movie night

AARP Long Island volunteers will be on site with information about local events and efforts to protect Social Security. Advanced registration is required for each screening. Attendees will receive a free movie ticket, small popcorn, and small soda with registration. Everyone is welcome to attend, no AARP membership required. Sayville Movie Theater, 103 Railroad Ave, Sayville, NY 11782

TOMMY. Based on The Who’s rock opera, this 1975 British film follows Tommy, a boy rendered blind, deaf, and mute after trauma. Featuring stars like Roger Daltrey, Tina Turner, and Elton John, Tommy is a psychedelic journey through fame and self-discovery.

Register here: https://events.aarp.org/event/50thTOMMY116

4. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Conference, presented by the Alzheimer’s Chapter of Long Island

In-Person: Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 | 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

AARP Long Island sponsored. Connect with local caregiving resources with the Alzheimer’s Chapter of Long Island. This event is free and open to anyone seeking support or information about caring for loved ones with alzheimers and dementia.

Location: Hilton Long Island, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, New York

For more information, please contact: Lori Maldavir, Director of Program Outreach, lkmaldavir@alz.org

5. Family Caregivers Retreat Day – PBMC Northwell Health at Hotel Indigo East End

In-Person: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

AARP Long Island sponsored event. Join us for this free in-person retreat, hosted by PBMC Northwell Health. This morning and afternoon event offers caregivers a day of relaxation, education, and support. Enjoy a series of conversations focused on caregiver self-care and community connections.

Location: Hotel Indigo East End, 1830 West Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901

For more information please contact: Megan Stettinger | (631) 548-6259 | pbmccaregiverscenter@northwell.edu

6. Estate Planning Essentials: Protecting Your Future with Key Documents

Virtual: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Estate planning is more than just preparing a will—it's about ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. In this workshop, we’ll provide an overview of the key elements involved in an estate plan, including health care proxies, living wills, powers of attorney, and other essential documents.
Register: https://events.aarp.org/MMestate

7. 3^rd Annual Caregivers Summit and Film at Hofstra University

In-Person: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

AARP Sponsored event. Spend the morning and afternoon with us! Join policymakers, educators, and caregivers for a roundtable discussion on family caregiving. Together, we’ll reflect on past initiatives and explore new ways to support caregivers in the future. Watch Bradley Cooper’s ‘Caregiving’ Documentary. Enjoy a free breakfast and lunch while connecting with others in the community. For more information, please contact Andrea A. Ault-Brutus, Senior Assistant Dean of Communication and Advancement at Hofstra. 516-463-5330 Andrea.A.Ault-Brutus@hofstra.edu

Location: Hofstra University, Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, 900 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550.

8. No Surprises: Navigating Wills, Trusts & Probate with Confidence

Virtual: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this engaging workshop, we’ll take a deeper dive into wills and the probate process, demystifying the complexities and debunking common misconceptions. You’ll also gain valuable insight into trusts, with a special focus on how revocable living trusts can help streamline the process and avoid probate altogether.
Register: https://events.aarp.org/MMwills

9. Walk With A Doc – presented by LI Health Collaborative - Nassau and Suffolk

In-Person: November and December | Various Dates and Times

AARP sponsored events. Are you over the age of 50 and ready for some self-care? AARP Long Island presents: Walk with a Doc this fall and winter - in collaboration with the Long Island Walk With A Doc chapters and the Long Island Health Collaborative. During these walks, we aim to provide tips on health, lifestyles, and more. It will help spreads awareness of the things people can do to prevent and improve physical activity that will benefit both your physical and mental well-being!

Please be sure to reserve your spot, below for the event(s) you are interested in attending.

SUFFOLK! Join the Long Island / Hauppauge Walk With A Doc Chapter!

Dates/Times/Registration:

November 6, 6 p.m. – https://events.aarp.org/WalkwithDocNov6H

December 4, 6 p.m. – https://events.aarp.org/WalkwithDocDec4H

SUFFOLK! Join the Stony Brook NY Walk With A Doc Chapter!

Dates/Times/Registration:

November 16, 11 a.m. – https://events.aarp.org/WalkwithDocNov16SB

December 21, 11 a.m. – https://events.aarp.org/WalkwithDocDec21SB

NASSAU! Join the Valley Stream NY Walk With A Doc Chapter!

Dates/Times/Registration:

November 9, 9:30 a.m. – https://events.aarp.org/WalkwithDocNov9VS

December 7, 9:30 a.m. - https://events.aarp.org/WalkwithDocDec7VS

NASSAU! Join the Glen Cove NY Walk With A Doc Chapter!

Dates/Times/Registration:

November 13, 9:00 a.m. – https://events.aarp.org/WalkwithDocNov13GC

December 18, 9:00 a.m. – https://events.aarp.org/WalkwithDocDec18GC

10. Talks With A Doc, presented by Catholic Health and AARP Long Island

Online: Wednesday, November 19 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

Online: Wednesday, December 17 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

AARP Long Island sponsored events. This virtual health and wellness series is designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These series will help address a wide range of topics, from nutrition and fitness to stress management and overall health.

November: National GERD Awareness Month

Register Now: https://events.aarp.org/GERDAwarenessMonth

December: Stay Active in the Winter!

Register Now: https://events.aarp.org/SafelyStayActiveDuringWinter

11. Free Laser Light Shows, presented by the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Reichert Planetarium and AARP Long Island.

In-Person: Friday, November 21, 2025 | 9:30pm – 10:30pm Led Zeppelin

In-Person: Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9:30pm – 10:30pm Pink Floyd

Music lovers can enjoy these immersive visual shows that are projected overhead on a 60-foot dome. Want FREE tickets for opening night laser light shows this year? Please register now. Space is limited. All shows begin at 9:30pm and are about one-hour long. Please arrive early to check-in.

Led Zeppelin: Fridays (November 21 – December 26). Led Zeppelin is proclaimed by many critics to be the progenitors of heavy metal and hard rock, and their individualistic style reset the standards for many musical genres in the 1960s and ‘70s. Indeed, they have been hailed as one of the most successful, innovative, and influential bands, alongside Pink Floyd, U2, and the Beatles. Now you can relive the magical sounds of Led Zeppelin while enjoying a visual treat of custom laser imagery. Songs include Over the Hills and Far Away, Kashmir, Song Remains the Same, Black Dog, Whole Lotta Love, and many more.

Free tickets to opening night! Register here: https://events.aarp.org/LedZep1121

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon: Saturdays (November 22 – December 27). Dark Side of the Moon is one of the most startling and bizarre laser light shows of all time! Its sonic backdrops and atmospheric soundscapes, combined with a unique assortment of sound effects, yield an emotional resonance. When accompanied by a diverse and unusual display of laser art, the overall feel is a dramatic and haunting atmosphere. Songs include Breathe, On the Run, Money, Brain Damage, Eclipse, and many more.

Free tickets to opening night! Register here: https://events.aarp.org/PinkFloydNov22

12. Long Term Care Planning: It’s Never Too Early, But It Can Be Too Late
Virtual: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
A discussion of planning for the potential risk of long-term care and how to pay for it: Medicaid eligibility in NYS, both for acute care and community Medicaid, a discussion of LTCI and planning techniques and documents to have in place to provide your loved ones with the resources they need to manage your care.
Register: https://events.aarp.org/MMlongtermcare

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