Community

ASHEVILLE -- The irony was perfect: outside the front door of Asheville’s NC Stage Company, teenagers were skateboarding down Walnut Street, an elder’s classic stereotype of adolescence if there ever was one. Inside, a different group of teens (and elders) were creating and putting on a performance––“Mind the Gap”––about breaking down such stereotypes.

In support of that work, AARP is excited to be able to provide funding to organizations through the AARP Community Challenge to help them jumpstart progress on ongoing work. These “quick action” grants are being distributed to 129 organizations, with at least one in every state, Washington D.C, and Puerto Rico, including right here in North Carolina. The Community Challenge grants provide communities with the chance to fund innovative projects that can inspire change in areas such as transportation, open spaces, housing, and other innovative projects to improve the community and make North Carolina’s counties, cities, towns and rural areas better places to live for all residents.

GREENSBORO, NC – With nearly a quarter of the state’s residents expected to be age 60 or older by the year 2030, Guilford County took an important step to become a better place for people of all ages. The County recently applied for the World Health Organization’s status of “age-friendly” by joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.

Nearly 2.5 million North Carolinians live in areas that have joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.

RALEIGH -- Former AARP North Carolina volunteer leaders Richard "Dick" and Diana "Dee" Hatch received recognition for their long-time contributions to improving the lives of older adults in North Carolina.

RALEIGH -- To help make North Carolina communities more livable for people of all ages, AARP NC awarded three “Community Challenge” grants to organizations working to expand opportunities and engagement for all residents.

Facing the most dangerous hurricane on record, NC Governor Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency for North Carolina. While the exact path is uncertain, meteorologists predict Irma will move into the Carolinas between Sept 12-15. It will likely hit with a strong wind field and heavy rainfall, which could have devastating effects. AARP North Carolina advises its members to heed these five items to act on as soon as possible:

By Sue Price Johnson

Join us at a Celebration of Our Freedom in Wilmington on November 10, 11, 12 and 13 and enjoy some great live music, dancing, classic film, helpful information, discount tour admission for the USS North Carolina* with AARP membership card, food, friendship and fun!

AARP is hosting a Celebration of Freedom on Veterans Day weekend to honor North Carolinians who served in the armed forces. The free event will be Saturday, Nov. 12, from noon to 8 p.m., at the Battleship North Carolina Park in Wilmington.