Volunteering

Maui-born Kaneohe resident Gerry Silva has been appointed state president of AARP Hawaii, the Association’s top volunteer position. He succeeds retired businessman and community leader Stuart Ho, who is stepping down after six years as state president and chair of AARP Hawaii’s Executive Council, the organization’s volunteer advisory board.

Carlos Brandenburg of Reno, Nevada, has been appointed as the new West Regional Volunteer Director. Brandenburg has served as the State President for AARP in Nevada since 2009 and on AARP’s Volunteer Engagement Advisory Committee and National Policy Council beginning in 2012. His experience in volunteerism includes extensive work with education, substance abuse, mental health, and other economic related issues including extensive work within the Hispanic communities. Brandenburg practiced as a social worker and clinical psychologist for several decades in Nevada having earned BA, MA, and PhD degrees in Psychology. In January of 1995, he was appointed by the Governor of Nevada as the Administrator for the Nevada Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services where he served until 2008. He succeeds Helen Russ of Sacramento, California effective January 1, 2013.

Newly appointed member of the AARP National Board of Directors Joan Ruff of Mission Woods, KS was formally introduced to AARP Missouri and AARP Kansas’s volunteers and opinion leaders at three separate events in mid-December.

AARP Maryland announced on Friday, January 4, that it formally intervened in Public Service Commission (PSC) Case No. 9311--where Pepco is asking the PSC to approve a rate increase as well as a surcharge. AARP Maryland is focused on preventing additional surcharges.

The year was 1996. AARP members from Chapters 310 and 3146 in Cheyenne, Wyo. decided they wanted a fun way to challenge their peers to keep their minds sharp as they age. The result? The AARP National Spelling Bee was born.

By Bob Benenson, AARP Bulletin

It's Good Work

The nation’s baby boomers have already begun turning 65 setting off an unprecedented growth in the state's older population. By 2025, nearly 20 percent of New York's population will be over age 65. Just 13 years from now 8,000 baby boomers will be turning 80 years old every day in the U.S. AARP now has 65,000 members over the age of 100 across the US. 850 live in Suffolk County. As our nation – and state and county– undergoes this population shift, we are also experiencing a change in the paradigm of retirement. More and more older adults today are staying in their homes and communities with the goal of remaining independent and living active, vital lives.

Looking for a new New Year’s resolution? How about resolving to improve a critical skill – your driving?

Do you make New Year's resolutions? Whether your list is short or long (or nonexistent!), consider adding some community service to your busy schedule. You don’t need to have a specific skill, or even a lot of time. AARP Massachusetts has a wide range of volunteer opportunities – and they all have one thing in common: making a difference. Find ways to give back – to your loved ones, to your community, and to society at large.