Home & Family

Most drivers know drowsy driving is risky, yet too many still do it. Of course we cannot always get enough sleep as easily as we can avoid alcohol and drugs, but we must try, because drowsiness can be every bit as dangerous. It causes 100,000+ crashes nationally every year, killing over 1,500 of us and injuring at least 40,000 more. And those are conservative estimates, because drowsiness is so difficult to quantify and track. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research, 28% of motorists reported struggling to keep their eyes open while driving in the previous month, more than a third have fallen asleep behind the wheel at least once, and more than one in ten has done so in the past year.

Across Vermont unsung heroes care for parents, spouses, aunts, uncles, friends, and other loved ones – helping them stay at home, with dignity, as they age. This silent army helps with bathing and dressing, transportation, meal preparation, and even complicated medical tasks like wound care and medication management. They are family caregivers.

AARP VT and the City of Burlington want to hear your ideas and dreams

One of the Biggest Events of the Year...Vermont's First Ciclovia!

The AARP Smart Driver Safety Course has a new look! Available in all areas of the state, this program features newly produced text and audio-visual materials with an emphasis on data-based research and Vermont motor vehicle law. While we focus on the needs of older drivers, the program is appropriate for any age. Classes are four hours in length and address how changes in roads, vehicles, and ourselves affect our driving and safety.

Fight Fraud -- Shred Instead!

If you live in or around Burlington, chances are you have driven North Avenue. This important street is the backbone of the New North End as well as a key connection between the New North End and the Waterfront and Downtown. What is less likely is that you have biked North Avenue, or walked along it for any distance.

If you’re making a career change—by choice or out of necessity—you can take steps to help ensure a smooth transition. AARP is here to help with a variety of resources at www.aarp.org/WorkResources. Help includes tips on networking, learning about job openings, researching employers and applying for positions.

AARP knows that fraud will never be eliminated entirely, but there is a lot more that can be done to arm consumers with tools to detect and avoid fraud. That’s why AARP launched its Fraud Watch Network because of the serious fraud threats here in Utah, where it’s a multi-billion dollar industry, as it is all across the country. Fraud isn’t just limited to “too good to be true” offers. According to recent report by Javelin Strategy and Research, more than $20 billion was stolen from approximately 13 million identity theft victims in 2012. Whether it’s over the phone, through the mail, online or even at your door, scam artists are out there and they are looking for new ways to get you and your loved ones to open your wallets.

Let’s talk about housing needs in Burlington! The Mayor’s office recently released a comprehensive housing strategy report outlining a number of recommendations to improve and grow the housing stock in downtown Burlington, addressing issues of affordability and availability. Appropriate and affordable housing is a key component to the development of a livable community. The first opportunity for the public to weigh in on the report is June 12 at 7 p.m. in Contois Auditorium at City Hall.