AARP Washington DC

For Immediate Release

AARP Foundation has established the AARP Foundation Oklahoma Tornado Relief Fund [ www.aarp.org/disasterrelief] to support victims affected by the recent “monster” tornadoes in Oklahoma.

(Photo courtesy of The Avalon Theatre)

On Wednesday, May 22, the DC Council took its first and only vote on the FY 2014 Budget. For weeks prior, Councilmembers had been determining priorities, holding hearings to examine individual Agency budgets, and talking with constituents about the programs that matter most to them. During this process, AARP DC reiterated the need for an Age-Friendly budget, shared its legislative priorities for the year (built on the needs shared with us by members), and worked with members to make sure older adults benefitted from the budget.

The AARP District of Columbia State Office is reaching out to residents of all ages to get their ideas about how to make their neighborhoods more livable and accessible. Mercy Morganfield, AARP Volunteer State President, says “Making the District more livable for those age 60+ will also make it more livable and accessible for young mothers, for DC property owners and for people of all ages who may live with mobility or other challenges.” Mayor Vincent Gray and city officials are looking for ideas from DC residents as a plan to make the city more age-friendly is developed. The city’s final, written plan for age-friendly improvements in these areas is scheduled to be announced by October 2014.

AARP invites DC residents to join the fun of D.C. Capital Pride on Saturday and Sunday, June 8- 9, 2013. Displaying an AARP banner reading, “Celebrating Pride for All Generations,” the AARP team will build upon AARP’s inclusive brand in this diverse community through participation in both the Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8th, and the Pride Festival on Sunday, June 9th.

We are pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2013 AARP District of Columbia Andrus Award for Community Service -- AARP’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

The District of Columbia has a very important opportunity to become what is called an Age-Friendly City.

Trailer: http://www.theavalon.org/filmspecific/?ttl=havanagila

AARP members braved the rain on April 29th and turned out at the Wilson Building in their red shirts to urge DC councilmembers to support funds for senior services. The Washington Post reported that 300 people showed up for a rally and many stayed for a budget hearing which followed the rally.