Community

AARP Oregon is hosting several Vital Aging conferences, including Saturday, Nov. 10, at the United Unitarian Church, 1685 W. 13th Ave., Eugene. The event, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is designed specifically for veterans, the military and their families, but all members are welcome.

Two residents died this week. Hey! Wait! That’s exactly how I began a blog in January.

In the film version of L. Frank Baum children’s novel , The Wizard of Oz, each of Dorothy’s imagined friends has a burning desire, a craving: they all yearn for some thing (“If I Only Had A….) “The Scarecrow” wants a brain. The “Tin Man” wants a heart. The “Lion” deviates from the anatomical wish list – he wants something amorphous: courage.

The AARP Foundation Experience Corps tutoring program shows that when older adults help kids, the interaction improves everyone’s well-being.

See you in a bit, he always says, as he leaves my room, after helping me in one of the “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs) which, because of my disabilities, I can’t perform myself.

Shakespeare said it – as he always has:

Caregiving crises can erupt with a phone call. For me it happened on a glorious sunny morning in the summer of 2008 with a ring from my sister. Within hours of hearing that Mom’s caregiver needed to be fired, panic and fear rained down on me because we realized Mom would soon have to leave home.

CLACKAMAS —AARP awarded more than $25,000 to three Oregon community projects with Community Challenge Grants. “These are ‘quick-action’ projects that spark change in local communities,” said state director Jerry Cohen. The grant program, now in its second year, is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which aims to make communities great places to live for everyone.

There are many reasons for walking - for health and wellness, to get to places and save gas, and of course, to connect with community! Join AARP Oregon and Rogue Valley Transportation District this year for some great NeighborWalks in the Rogue Valley. Get your steps in, meet new people, and explore Ashland, Medford and Grantspass on foot.

Join AARP Oregon for a great day of soccer action when the Portland Thorns FC host the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, August 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Providence Park! Cheer on our hometown team and the 2017 National Women’s Soccer League champions while enjoying time with family and friends. AARP members and guests will have reserved seats in Section 209. Visit the AARP Oregon information table in the main concourse outside Section 216 to learn about the work we are doing locally and to enter to win a signed Portland Thorns FC jersey. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and socialize with fellow AARP members, volunteers and staff.