AARP Vermont

Editor’s note: This commentary is by Beth Stern, of Marshfield, who is executive director of Central Vermont Council on Aging

AARP Vermont is collaborating with Team Better Block to implement a Community Demonstration Project in one Vermont community in 2016. The $15,000 initiative is an approach to revitalization that begins with temporarily transforming a single block into a vibrant destination that illustrates the potential for new business, safer streets and improved livability. Typically, cities have used their Better Blocks to set up farmers’ markets, beer gardens, bookstores and fruit stands. They’ve built swings and climbing areas, set up trampolines and presented school plays, local dance troupes and open-mike musicians. They often lead to more permanent neighborhood improvements.

Four AARP state offices in northern New England are partnering this month to co-sponsor the online program Living Histories: New England LGBTQ+ Voices from the Outwords Archive, hosted by the Outwords Archive (OUTWORDS) via Zoom on Friday, October 28 at noon Eastern. The event is free but registration is required.

Bethel Better Block Final Report

About 40,000 taxpayers who rely on Social Security will no longer pay state taxes on those benefits, thanks to the advocacy of AARP and its volunteers.

Linda Bowden of Burlington has been has been appointed State President of AARP Vermont, a volunteer position working closely with both staff and volunteers throughout the state to help AARP achieve its mission in Vermont. Her responsibilities include serving as a volunteer spokesperson, chairing the AARP Vermont Advisory Council, building networks and community partnerships, and recruiting volunteers.

The Vermont Retired Educators Association is seeking retired teachers and other school staff as new members.

A Sept. 22 walking tour of Burlington's South End will spotlight "Missing Middle Housing" examples and explore ways to encourage this form of residential development.

In 2020 AARP purchased and installed an outdoor fitness park in Burlington's New North End, and we are finally able to gather there to use it! Join us for an intro of the FitLot to show you how to use each station. Refreshments will be served!

Older Vermonters will now get a break on the skyrocketing costs of Rx drugs -- thanks in part to extensive AARP campaigns pressing Congress to address the issue. Read a letter from our CEO outlining the success.