When AARP Vermont volunteer David Cawley retired five years ago, he suddenly had a lot more time to walk his neighborhood in Burlington. These strolls—along with time spent researching local history—led Cawley to cofound the Old East End Neighborhood Coalition, a community improvement group.
AARP Vermont is teaming up with the Vermont Garden Network, a nonprofit focused on improving food security and expanding gardening resources, to host two free virtual gardening classes this spring.
Women's History Month is underway, and we're excited to celebrate the ground-breaking contributions of amazing women to communities nationwide. Originating as Women's History Week in 1981, March was officially dedicated to honoring women's achievements in 1987. And AARP joins in the nation in celebrating women for their leadership, mentoring, and dedication to their communities in ways that have changed the course of history.
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.
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.