Advocacy

Anne Gardetto has reminded Wyoming of its responsibility to all its citizens during her career, especially in an underserved community. Now she is doing the same in retirement. AARP Wyoming honored her for her efforts with the Eddie Wadda Community Service Award during the organization’s State Volunteer Recognition Awards Dinner Tuesday night in Casper.

If there is an AARP-sponsored event or effort in Park County, there is a strong chance Cody resident Jackie Martin is behind the effort. Tuesday night in Casper, Martin was recognized for her work with AARP Wyoming as the organization presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award during its Volunteer Recognition Awards Dinner.

Jackson’s Becky Zaist was awarded the Eddie Wadda Community Service Award by AARP Wyoming at the organization’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner in Casper, Tuesday.

Ethel Percy Andrus, the founder of AARP, was a teacher, and an educational administrator. For that reason, the mission of keeping educators health, both financial and physical, in retirement is one close to the hearts of those at AARP. This year, we honor Barb Garrison as the Retired Educator of the Year for 2017. The Casper resident was instrumental in organizing the Natrona County Retired Education Personnel, using her contacts with retired teachers, principals and other school personnel to develop a group that meets monthly.

Cheyenne's Julie Tucker was first bit by the advocacy bug when she was elected vice president of her unit in Laramie County School District 1. Her time in that role lasted just six months until a resignation led her to take over the presidency of the unit. A member of the Wyoming Education Association Board of Directors, she has spent 25 years advocating for educators. This year Tucker became a strong member of the AARP advocacy team as she updated the retired teachers of Cheyenne on AARP legislation. She also developed a working relationship with those in the Legislative Service Office to gain a better understanding of AARP legislation, and taught others new to the process more about the legislative process.

Wyoming AARP State Director Sam Shumway will participate in a panel discussion called, “Healthcare in Wyoming: What is Next for Us,” on Sept. 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne. The event is sponsored by the Wyoming Chapter of the League of Women Voters.

Sometimes legislation in Congress has unintended consequences. This is one of those times. The proposed Senate health care bill would increase costs and risks for individuals in Wyoming including: seniors, children and adults with disabilities, people with pre-existing conditions, and those ages 50-64.

Welcome to the Spring 2017 AARP Wyoming News with information and news relevant to Wyoming AARP members on issues such as advocacy, health, finances and events from around the state. Click on the newsletter to make it full-screen and flippable.

An elder and vulnerable adults taskforce that included AARP Wyoming staff among its membership has finalized its work and has taken steps to advocate for changes that directly impact the state’s vulnerable and aging population.

Proposed ‘Voucher’ Plan Threatens Benefits of Wyoming Residents