A Big Finish for 2022

Congratulations Mike Matteson! 2022 Andrus Award Recipient
AARP’s highest honor, the Andrus Award, was given to Mike Matteson of Garrison. Mike doesn’t just come up with creative ideas that keep the community of Garrison vibrant, he gets them done! A firefighter for 31 years, Mike established the ND Firefighter's Museum. He serves on the Wilderness Park Improvement Committee, Friends of Fort Stevenson State Park, introduced a yearly memorial event to remember lost children, built a bandstand for Main Street Park, and is a mainstay of the annual Dickens Village Festival. In all of these activities, Mike works to draw out older residents and inspire young volunteers.  Read more here.

After the Midterms: What’s on Tap Now?
You watched the AARP-sponsored debates, took part in the town halls and got to the polls. Now, join us to talk to legislators in Minot, Bismarck, Grand Forks and Fargo to share your priorities and learn their thoughts on the upcoming ND Legislative session.

• Minot: Souris River Brewing, Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 5:30-7 p.m. Register here.
• Bismarck: Laughing Sun Brewing, Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 5:30-7 p.m. Register here.
• Grand Forks: Half Brothers Brewing, Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 5:30-7 p.m. Register here.
• Fargo: Fargo Brewing Company, Wednesday., Dec. 14 from 5:30-7 p.m. Register here.
  

AARP ND Legislative priorities for 2023
When North Dakota’s Legislature convenes in January, AARP ND will be focused on three major goals: 1) Lowering Rx drug costs by passing an international reference pricing bill that allows ND to import more affordable drug payment rates from Canada; 2) Creating greater protections and a wider safety net for victims of consumer fraud; and 3) Making sure older North Dakotans can live independently as they age in the setting of their choice. Throughout the session we’ll provide weekly updates and opportunities for you to weigh in and ask questions. Learn more at aarp.org/AdvocacyND.

From taxes to talking: Volunteer opportunities for you

• Driver Safety: Focused on lowering insurance rates and refreshing the driving skills of those 50+, our ND team is recruiting instructors. Once trained, most instructors teach the 5-hour course 3-4 times per year. We especially need instructors in the Wahpeton, Jamestown, Devils Lake. Minot, Williston and Dickinson. Contact Pete Kuhn at kuhn.nd@juno.com to learn more!
• AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: The nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation program for low to moderate-income taxpayers is looking for compassionate and friendly individuals to volunteer in various roles (i.e. greeters, tax return preparers, technology support, administrative support) for the upcoming season. You’ll receive training and ongoing support. Contact Sue Solseth at nd1ssolseth@gmail.com.
• Speakers Bureau: Volunteers for our ND Speakers Bureau have access to a portfolio of in-demand topics and presentation materials to do small group presentations in your community. Contact Doreen Riedman, Associate State Director, Community Outreach at driedman@aarp.org or 701-355-3643 to learn more.

Stay informed in 2023!
We did a lot of great things together this past year – we hiked and cooked, learned about retirement planning, how to take better photos and we returned to in-person events like shredding. Our 2023 programs include programming and insights that keep you thriving. For the most up-to-date event information go to aarp.org/NDevents .

Stay connected!
We love connecting with you! So be sure to update your contact information and preferences. Visit aarp.org and find the login at the upper right corner, then go into Preferences. Need help? Go to help.aarp.org or call 1-888-687-2277.