Volunteering

Shimeji (Shim) Ryusaki Kanazawa, recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgements for her efforts to help young and old citizens, is still serving the community at age 98 and due for yet another honor.

As the newest member of AARP’s California Executive Council, Patricia Pérez is quick to answer why she joined this team of leadership volunteers that shapes and executes the organization's statewide priorities: “Everything from employment opportunities, to encouraging outdoor activities, to philanthropy and volunteerism; so many things that have a personal value to me, is available through AARP.”

Rising senior Andrew Behm, a communication studies major, is honing his college coursework by practicing public relations with North Carolina’s largest consumer organization AARP.

There’s still time to nominate an outstanding volunteer for the 2013 Mississippi Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors age 50+ Mississippians who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. “AARP Mississippi is excited to shine a light on 50+ Mississippians who are using what they’ve learned in life to make a difference in the lives around them,” said AARP Mississippi State President Bruce W. Brice, Sr.

By Hayley Hervieux

Members of the West End Community and Upper South Providence are invited to attend a new series of community suppers for the purpose of getting more people involved in activities and services at St. Martin de Porres Community Center. The event takes place the second Wednesday of the month through October. Suppers are served at 5 p.m. followed by an informational talk and live entertainment that goes until 7 p.m. A $3 donation is requested to cover the cost of food, provided by Meals on Wheels.

Summer means another opportunity to help get Rhode Island school children of to a great start of the school year. The annual Back to School Celebration -- now in its 15th year -- provides new backpacks filled with school supplies and nutritional information to some 15,000 students. The effort not only encourages learning, but helps families that struggle with back-to-school purchases.

By Hayley Hervieux

Opa-Locka, Fla. - Opa Locka’s AARP Chapter 4005 is Florida’s AARP Chapter of the Year, AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson announced. Doug Heinlen, AARP State President presented a plaque and a Chapter of the Year Table Cover at the event, which took place at the Mount Zion AME church, 15250 NW 22 nd Avenue in Miami Gardens today, Tuesday, May 28th, at 11:00 a.m.

By Jan Kirk Wright