Community

View the latest information and articles from AARP Vermont.

We’re writing with an important message to let you know that we have canceled our external events until further notice. While convening events is a core part of our mission, we have changed our approach in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

AARP Vermont and partners developed the Better Places: Place-Based Crowdgranting Program to explore more collaborative funding for community projects.

An AARP-led campaign is expected to bring faster internet service to rural communities stuck with slow or no connections.

Newport and Bennington Selected for Community Challenge Grants

At Greater Northshire Access Television’s (GNAT) annual Volunteer Appreciation event, the 2018 “GNATTY” Award for exceptional service was awarded to Elliott Greenblott. Elliott, the Vermont Fraud Watch Network state coordinator for AARP Vermont is a natural host for his regular series Mr. Scammer. GNAT-TV and Elliott have produced 15 shows and 17 special scam alerts, which provide specific information about the latest financial and identity scams. Viewers hear from experts on a variety of topics such as, identity theft, investment fraud and internet fraud.

Following is a list of community presentations scheduled for May and June around Vermont. These sessions are conducted by trained expert and are designed to give attendees the information and resources to protect themselves and their families from scams and fraud. They are free and open to the public.

For more than 70 years, the annual Town Officer Education Conferences have provided an opportunity for municipal officials and citizen volunteers to receive updates on tax laws; learn about new technology, procedures and programs; and discuss other job-related matters. The conferences, sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension in collaboration with several partner organizations, will be held on April 4, 2019 at Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee, and on April 11, 2019 at the Holiday Inn, Rutland.

A recent AARP placemaking workshop in White River Jct. attracted some 80 town and city planners, community organizers, grassroots groups and local citizens to learn more about creating public spaces that are vibrant, welcoming, safe and accessible for everyone. These projects employ temporary changes with the goal of leading to permanent change that supports healthy active lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities. The workshop featured a number of presentations on actual projects that have been launched in VT towns as well as a some exciting hands-on workshop sessions. A highlight for attendees was the announcement by AARP Vermont that up to three mini-grants of $3,000 each will be made to eligible organizations, local towns and cities embarking on such initiatives.

AARP Vermont held a Placemaking workshop in White River Junction on March 13. In addition to several excellent presentations, and announcement was made about funding opportunities for local projects around the state. (See links to presentations below.)