We invite you to join us for these upcoming online programs and events. Check back often for updates. And scroll down to see past events that you can still watch on demand on our YouTube channel.
Let’s Get Engaged! Sweepstakes
By registering for an event from Sept. 1 through Dec. 15, you'll be entered in AARP North Dakota’s Let’s Get Engaged! sweepstakes drawing for one of three gift cards ($500, $300, and $200). Official rules can be found here: https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/aarp-north-dakota-sweepstakes-rules
November 9, 2021 - 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
LGBT "Music on Our Minds: The Rich Potential of Music to Promote Brain Health and Mental Well-Being" Lounge and Learn
Explore ways to keep your mind fit and live your best life as you age. Hear from Sarah Lock and David Parkes from the Global Council on Brain Health and learn how music can promote brain health and mental well-being. You will receive the Zoom link the day before the event so that you can participate in the live event or watch it later on-demand. Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/PowerOfMusic11-9-21.
November 10, 2021 - 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
"Are You Really Ready to Retire?" Virtual Lounge & Learn
You may have studied the financial side of retirement, but have you taken the time to think about what your life will look like after retiring? How will you occupy your time, stay active and be socially engaged? Hear from a panel of recent retirees about their retirement experiences and the advice they have for others. Register today! You will receive the Zoom link the day before the event so that you can participate in the live event or watch it later on-demand. Register here.
November 17, 2021 - 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Streaming and Smart TVs - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
Get an introduction to streaming and smart TVs and find out how to access the wide variety of content available. Learn about your smart TV features and how to watch your favorite shows and movies. Register today! You will receive the Zoom link the day before the event so that you can participate in the live event or watch it later on-demand. Register here.
November 19-20
Rock the Holidays
Rock the holidays with the Aaron Meyer Band and the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra! With holiday favorites and an even newer twist to the Nutcracker ballet, this concert is sure to get your holidays off to an exciting start! AARP members and their guests receive a 15% discount on tickets! Use discount code ROCK to get your tickets at https://bismarckmandansymphony.org/events/RocktheHolidays/.
December 15, 2021 - 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Winter Mental Wellness - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
Winters in North Dakota can be long leading to feelings of loneliness, isolation, low energy and even depression. And making matters worse, the COVID pandemic continues to impact our daily lives. Learn how to beat the “winter blues” during this program with Dr. Paul Nussbaum. Register today! You will receive the Zoom link the day before the event so you can participate in the live event or watch it later on-demand.
December 18, 2021, - January 2, 2022
Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra “Holiday Pops and Brass: Make the Season Bright”
The Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra brings back the family-favorite Holiday Pops in combination with the traditional Holiday Brass for a joyful blend of yuletide music. Register to receive the link to the event to watch free on-demand during the Christmas season.
WATCH RECORDINGS OF THESE EARLIER EVENTS
October 20, 2021 - Decluttering, Downsizing & Organizing Your Stuff - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
Are you surrounded by stuff in your house you don’t know what to do with, or where to find it when you need it? Maybe it’s time to downsize and declutter! Whether you’re cleaning out your own stuff or helping a loved one, learn how to get your clutter under control. Watch a recording on the AARP North Dakota YouTube channel.
October 12, 2021 - "Inside the Mind of the Dark Web Godfather" Virtual Lunch & Learn
If you missed this dynamic program, you'll want to watch the recording. Hear from a former dark web mastermind and learn how scammers convince you to hand over your hard-earned money. After serving seven years in prison, Brett Johnson became a consultant for the Secret Service and the cybersecurity industry and educates people on how to protect themselves and their loved ones from scams. Watch a recording of the program on YouTube.
October 7, 2021 - Andrus Award for Community Service Volunteer Recognition Event
We announced the recipient of the 2021 Andrus Award for Community Service and recognized the other nominees during this online event. The Andrus Award is the most prestigious AARP volunteer award, and recognizes individuals who share their experience, talent and skills to enrich their communities. It's given to just one person in the state each year. Watch a recording of the program on YouTube.
September 23, 2021 - Healthy Mind & Body Virtual Lunch & Learn
Explore ways to stay sharp and live your best life as you age. Hear from NDSU’s Dr. Linda Langley and Sarah Lock from the Global Council on Brain Health and learn about tips and tools for a healthy mind and body. Watch a recording of the program on YouTube.
Make Your House A Home for Life - 4-Part Series to Watch On-Demand
The series provides you with steps you can take to ensure you can live safely and thrive in your own home no matter your age or life stage. The series covers technology upgrades and in-home services; home improvements or additions; and new construction techniques that allow you to age in place.
If you missed the series of four programs - Staying Independent at Home, Accessory Dwelling Units, HomeFit, and Universal Design - you can view them on our YouTube channel. Staying Independent at Home covers how assistive technology and in-home services can keep people safe and independent in their homes as long as possible. Accessory Dwelling Units is about small houses or apartments that exist on the same property as a single-family residence – and how they can benefit families. HomeFit is about simple modifications that can make a home safe and comfortable for older adults for years to come. Universal Design is about home design modifications to ensure all people, regardless of age, disability or other factors can safely access a home. Whether it is new construction or retrofitting existing spaces, learn about options for aging-in-place and home accessibility that can make your house a home for life. Watch the recordings on our YouTube channel.
September 27, 2021 - Telephone Town Hall on Fraud and Scams
Scammers are relentless and always finding new tricks to steal your money. Learn how you can protect yourself and your family from fraud and scams. Hear from Parrell Grossman with the Consumer Protection Division at the N.D. Attorney General's Office, and Kathy Stokes, the director of the AARP Fraud Prevention Program. You can listen to a recording here. You can also listen to it on our Facebook page here:
September 16, 2021 - LGBT "Solo Seniors" Lounge and Learn
The number of people aging alone and without a partner or close relative to lean on continues to grow. Learn how to create a lifestyle that builds connection and purpose so you can thrive as you grow older. Watch a recording of the program on YouTube.
August 18, 2021 - Healthy Choices When Dining Out - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
We’re all eager to dine out more again, and there’s no reason it can’t be healthy eating. Get tips from a registered dietician on what to look for and what to order when you can’t find nutritional information. Take control and prepare yourself with the right tactics to enjoy your favorite restaurants. You can watch a recording of the program on YouTube.
August 5, 2021 - Prescription Drug Costs Telephone Town Hall
The N.D. Legislature took a first step to lower prescription drug prices here in North Dakota by passing a prescription drug cost transparency law during the 2021 N.D. legislative session. The law went into effect August 1. Learn what it means to consumers. State Senator Howard Anderson from District 8, and James McSpadden, Senior Policy Advisor, AARP Public Policy Institute, joined State Director Josh Askvig for this one-hour call. You can listen to a recording here: https://vekeo.com/event/aarpnorthdakota-68866/ You can also listen to it on our Facebook page here:
July 21, 2021 - Smartphone Photography - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
Learn about smartphone camera features and tips for capturing memorable photos. Get tips on basic photo editing skills and unleash your creativity with smartphone photography that you’ll want to share and frame. You can watch a recording of the program on YouTube.
June 16, 2021 - Outdoor Grilling Tips and Techniques - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
Get ideas for healthy grilling recipes and learn more about best types and cuts of meat for outdoor grilling. You’ll also learn seasoning techniques and safe handling of food to help you enjoy grilling this summer. You can watch a recording of the program on YouTube.
May 19, 2021 - Biking Refresher and E-Bikes - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
Brush up on your biking skills and learn about safety techniques, what to wear, and rules of the road. Local bicycle enthusiasts will share their love of e-bikes (electric assist bikes) and tell us more about how e-bikes can make biking more enjoyable for people of all ages. You can watch a recording of the program on YouTube.
May 13, 2021 - Fraud & Scam Lunch and Learn
Learn about the latest scams in North Dakota from representatives of the N.D. Attorney General’s Office and the N.D. Securities Dept. Fraud losses nationwide are up dramatically during the pandemic, and you’ll learn more about keeping you and your loved ones safe from con artists. You can watch a recording of the presentation on YouTube.
April 21, 2021 - Shape Up Your Lawn, Trees, and Shrubs - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
Get spring tips to ensure healthy lawns, trees and shrubs from Cass County Extension Agent Don Kinzler, who shares information on how to shape up your lawn, trees, and shrubs this spring in this 55-minute presentation. You can watch a recording of his presentation on YouTube.
Get Ready for Retirement - Social Security and Medicare
For those approaching retirement, learn more about Social Security and Medicare. This two-part online education session is intended to help people nearing retirement make informed decisions about both programs. Speakers from the Bismarck office of the Social Security Administration and the N.D. Insurance Department focused on how to get the most out of Social Security in retirement and the basics of Medicare. Once you register, you'll receive a link to watch the recordings at your convenience. And you will also be able to download handouts.
Please register for each event separately.
Social Security Presentation
Medicare Presentation
March 24, 2021 - Telephone Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccination Scams
If you missed the telephone town hall on COVID-19 vaccination scams with Amy Nofziger, director of the AARP Fraud Hotline, you can still listen to the 58-minute recording. Learn how scammers are taking advantage of the pandemic and the vaccination process. Listen to a recording of the call here: https://vekeo.com/aarpnorthdakota/
March 17, 2021 - Green Healthy Cooking - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
St. Patrick’s Day is a perfect time to explore some healthy green cooking ideas with the folks from Family Wellness. This was a "sold-out" program, but you can still watch a 30-minute recording here on the AARP North Dakota YouTube channel. And you can download the three recipes featured during the program right here.
February 17, 2021 - Spring Planting 101 - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
Learn more about starting flower and vegetable seedlings indoors and when to plant outdoors from Cass County Extension Agent Don Kinzler. You can watch a recording of his presentation on YouTube.
January 20, 2021 - Healthy Living for the Second Half of Life - A Passport to Healthy Living Event
Find out more about the importance of staying active and involved and other positive aging and life skills needed in later years. Presenters are Shaundra Ziemann-Bolinske, Family and Community Wellness Agent with NDSU Extension - Burleigh County; and Katie Johnke, Nutrition Services Coordinator with Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health. You can watch a recording on our YouTube channel.
Telephone Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccines in North Dakota
AARP North Dakota hosted this January 14 telephone town hall to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines and when you and your loved ones will have access. Molly Howell, Immunization Program Manager at the North Dakota Department of Health, was our guest for the one-hour event. Listen to a recording of the call here: https://vekeo.com/event/aarpnorthdakota-63880/
Telephone Town Hall on High Cost of Prescription Drugs
AARP North Dakota hosted this December 7 telephone town hall to discuss legislation intended to help make prescription drugs more affordable. Rep. George Keiser, chair of the N.D. Legislature’s Interim Health Care Committee, and Elaine Ryan, Vice President with AARP, talked about efforts at both the state and federal level to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Listen to a recording of the call here: https://vekeo.com/event/aarpnorthdakota-60786/
AARP North Dakota Volunteer Recognition Event
In late November, we conducted our annual Andrus Award for Community Service recognition event as a virtual event because of the pandemic. You can still watch the full 30-minute program by clicking on the registration link here. The Andrus Award is AARP's most prestigious volunteer award given to just one person in each state annually. You can watch a video recognizing the recipient, Evelyn Hildebrand, and the other 10 nominees on our YouTube channel.
Voting Safely in North Dakota Telephone Town Hall
If you missed the Sept. 29 telephone town hall on how to safely vote absentee or in-person in the Nov. 3 general election, you can still listen to the recording. Donnell Preskey Hushka, executive director of the N.D. County Auditors Assn., and Erica Johnsrud, McKenzie County auditor, joined AARP State Director Josh Askvig for this one-hour discussion on your voting options and what steps counties are taking so you can vote safely in person. https://vekeo.com/event/aarpnorthdakota-60785/
2020 PASSPORT TO HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAMS
Dec. 16 - Passport to Healthy Living - Winter Wellness
Listen to Dr. Paul Nussbaum as he discusses mental health and ways to stay positive as we approach winter and the holidays - and how we deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He discussed ways to regain control, build resilience, and establish coping mechanisms to help you be psychologically healthier during difficult times. Dr. Nussbaum is board-certified in clinical psychology and an adjunct professor in neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. You can watch a recording on our YouTube channel.
Passport Immune Support Cooking
Karen and Duane Ehrens led this 30-minute "Immune Support Cooking" class. Karen is a registered dietitian, and Duane is a chef, bringing you the best of nutrition and cooking! They shared ideas and recipes for preparing foods that will help you strengthen your immune system. You can watch a recording on our YouTube channel.
Passport Healthy Harvest Cooking
Family Wellness in Fargo shares ideas and recipes for preparing some delicious dishes from your fall garden harvest and pantry. The nutritionists provided demonstrations and healthy meal ideas during this 30-minute session. You can watch a recording on our YouTube channel.
Passport Historic Capital City Tour
Local history tour guide Paulette Bullinger took us on a trip along the historic streets of North Dakota’s Capital City, then and now. Meet the interesting pioneers who formed our community, from outlaws to progressives. Learn why Bismarck was once considered the wickedest city in the West! You can watch a recording on our YouTube Channel.
Passport Hiking Around North Dakota
If you missed our Passport to Healthy Living Hiking Around North Dakota event on August 19, you can still watch it on our YouTube Channel. Guests from the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department shared some great information on hiking trails around the state and in your communities. Check it out!
Passport Pickleball!
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports for older Americans. Zach Zitur from the Fargo Parks and Rec Department provides information on pickleball rules, equipment needed, and where to play the game. You can watch a recording here on YouTube.
Passport Fitness Apps and Trackers
Our online Passport to Healthy Living Kickoff event focused on health apps and fitness trackers that can help you stay engaged and motivated. You will learn how you can use these tools to help measure fitness goals and manage your nutrition. You can watch a recording here on YouTube.
Social Security Minutes –
Check out our new series called "Social Security Minute" featuring Patty Hoffman from the Social Security Administration. These short videos will cover a number of different Social Security topics of interest and to help answer your questions about Social Security. And a new video will be posted each month. Watch the videos on YouTube:
· How Much Can You Earn while Receiving Benefits
· When to Apply for Benefits
· Direct Deposit
· Social Security Benefits Calculator
· Benefit Verification Letter
· Your Social Security Online Earnings Statements
· Social Security Scams
· How to Obtain a Replacement Card
· Benefits for a Spouse
· What's New in 2021?
· How Monthly Benefits are Calculated
· Benefits for Divorced Spouses
· How to Correct Your Earnings Statement
· Designating a Representative Payee
· Who Do I Contact? Social Security or Medicare?
· Survivor Benefits
· Enrolling in Medicare
Who do I contact? Social Security or Medicare? This chart can help you quickly figure out where to go.
Spot A Scam, Stop A Scam Webinar
On August 19 we were joined by Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs who leads AARP’s efforts to inform consumers on how to spot and avoid scams; and Amy Nofziger, Director of Victim Support who leads AARP’s victim support helpline assisting tens of thousands of fraud victims each year. They shared valuable information on what scammers are doing what they always do – using headlines as opportunities to steal money or sensitive personal information. The coronavirus and the economic stimulus payments have created a perfect storm for scammers. Hear from these experts about how to protect yourself from scams and fraud and the steps you should take if you think you or someone you love has been targeted. Watch a recording of the webinar here.
Coping During Covid
On August 13, AARP North Dakota and the Red River Rainbow Seniors hosted a presentation on the psychological aspects of COVID-19 and how it's affecting us all. We are experiencing the loss of control, plus isolation and distress. Watch the video recording of the program with Dr. Paul Nussbaum to learn how to regain control and build resilience, as well as coping mechanisms to help you be psychologically healthier during these trying times. Dr. Nussbaum is board-certified in clinical psychology and an adjunct professor in neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is also the founder of the Brain Health Center. You can watch a recording of his presentation here on YouTube.
Hot Scams with Amy Nofziger – AARP’s Fraud Expert
Learn more about hot scams happening now, and how you can avoid becoming a victim. Amy Nofziger, director of AARP’s Fraud Victim Support unit, shares advice on avoiding pandemic-related scams and frauds. You may be familiar with Amy from her appearances on various national morning news programs. She’s in-the-know and provides information on the hottest scams out there. You can watch a recording here on YouTube.
Think Differently: Adapting and Thriving in Changing Times
Our minds take shortcuts to get through the day. The way to the office? Stopping at a stop sign? Usually they are helpful, learned series of tasks that we’ve shortened into one step. But what happens when we over rely on these shortcuts? This webinar presentation uses real-world examples to identify some cognitive biases that frequently lead us to make the same decisions again and again. You'll learn some methods to prevent your blind spots from holding you back. And you'll learn ways to think differently to adapt and thrive in changing times. Click here to register and watch a recording of the program.
COVID-19 Testing and Contact Tracing: What You Need to Know
Contracting the coronavirus and becoming ill was a top concern of older adults who responded to an AARP North Dakota questionnaire. Join us for a live interview with Desi Fleming, the Director of Fargo Cass Public Health, and Renae Moch, Director of Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, to learn about local testing efforts, how contact tracing works and its importance to slow the spread of COVID-19, and steps you can take to make healthy decisions to best protect yourself. You can watch a recording here on YouTube.
Protecting Yourself from COVID-19
If you missed the July 1 telephone town hall on steps you can take to make healthy decisions to best protect yourself from COVID-19, you can still listen to the recording. Molly Howell, assistant director of the Division of Disease Control, N.D. Department of Health, provided information on how to stay healthy during the pandemic. She also explained how contact tracing works and its importance to slow the spread of COVID-19. Go here to listen to the recording: https://vekeo.com/aarpnorthdakota/
Cybersecurity Webinar: Learn to Stay Safe Online
Learn how to keep you and your family safe online during this cybersecurity webinar featuring Tony Aukland from the N.D. Information Technology Department. Cybersecurity is in the news every day – data breaches, identity theft, and social media scams. You’ll learn how to be more online savvy and how to keep personal information on your smartphone, tablet and computer safe. You can register to receive the link to the webinar recording here.
N.D. Medicaid Fraud Control Program –
The 2019 N.D. Legislature passed legislation allowing the Attorney General's Office to apply for federal certification of a Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with North Dakota becoming the final state to do so. Medicaid Fraud Control Units investigate and prosecute Medicaid provider fraud and resident/patient abuse and neglect in assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare facilities. Marina Spahr, an Assistant Attorney General and the Director of the North Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, joined Janelle Moos, AARP ND Advocacy Director, to provide an overview of the work of North Dakota's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. You can watch a recording here on YouTube.
Gov. Burgum Telephone Town Hall on Coronavirus –
AARP North Dakota held this telephone town hall with Governor Doug Burgum and Executive Director of Human Services, Chris Jones, to discuss the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Participants had questions about topics such as how to lower personal risk and prevent the spread of the virus in public, the number of North Dakota nursing home deaths, behavioral and mental health services currently available, and the availability of testing for residents. You can listen to a recording here.