Kentucky Kernels
Volunteer Newsletter September-October 2018
From the Desk of Charlotte Whittaker
Charlotte Whittaker
As a Kentucky citizen, do you feel our government is broken? I plan to encourage our politicians to put voters first, and get to work! Our key issues for 2018; Medicare, Social Security, Caregiving and our financial security are all on the line. We encourage you to VOTE and hold our politicians accountable. 50+ voters actually have the most powerful voting records, and politicians need to listen to our needs. Social Security turned 83 on August 14th. Millions of Americans count on receiving their earned Social Security benefits in retirement. We must ensure that Social Security can pay its promised benefits for both current and future retirees. If our leaders in Washington don’t take steps to update and strengthen Social Security, it could cost future retirees thousands in benefits. Our vote in November will certainly show Washington how many Americans are willing to fight for Social Security. Critical issues like Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug costs, are all on the line. That’s why your voice matters. Hundreds of our “Be the Difference Vote!” pledges have already been signed all across the Commonwealth. If you haven’t yet, please sign the pledge at aarp.org/vote. Many thanks to our staff and volunteers that are presenting Fraud Watch Programs across Kentucky. Our goal is to make our membership aware of the many scams that might target them. We encourage our members to just say “NO” to these con artists that want to take your hard earned money! Thanks also to our chapters. I hope to visit all of our chapters in the near future. Keep up the great work; we do appreciate your work!
Brush with Greatness
Charles Williams
On Saturday, July 7th, the Louisville Community Team presented "Brush with Greatness" at Uptown Art. Art instructor and AARP volunteer Executive Council member, Charles Williams taught 45 fellow AARP members how to create a painting titled: "Moonlight Over the Louisville Skyline." Most participant painting experiences ranged from "never painted before" to "have attended one or two similar types [’Paint & Sip’] of art classes." The final results were amazing, and everyone seemed pleased with their results. There were lots of smiles and positive comments, and many asked when we would hold the event again.
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Kentucky Kernels
Jenny Wiley Chapter
Sep/Oct 2018 John Rosenberg
On July 17th, after its regularly scheduled meeting, the Jenny Wiley Chapter of AARP in Prestonsburg bade a very fond farewell to long time chapter member Charlotte Goble with a special reception. Charlotte's participation has been invaluable to the operation of the Chapter and its activities. She has been a Tax Aide participant for twenty years, which must be close to a record in our state; and she has participated in virtually every day of service and major chapter activity over the years. Charlotte has moved to Lexington and we hope that our loss will be the Lexington chapter’s gain. The photograph shows Charlotte (second from right) holding a card signed by the members, with the Chapter officers John Rosenberg, Chair; Rayanna Spradlin, Secretary/Treasurer; and Bertha Daniels, Vice-Chair (far right).
Mt. Washington Chapter
Bill Harned
Carl and Pam Rogers operate Bullitt County Room In The Inn, a ministry to homeless people in Bullitt County. RITI provides food, shelter, and assistance in finding employment. Carl calls it a "home run" when one of those they helped becomes self sufficient. During its July meeting, Mt. Washington AARP donated $300 to help with fuel expenses.
The Louisville Team – An Exciting Part of the Community
Deborah Turner
As we go through the daily cycle of family concerns, news, and other would-be distractions, it is good to remember that there are many wonderful people who devote considerable time and expertise to the larger community. Such are the members of the Louisville Community Team. The LCT has been in operation for about four years and, during that time, the group of 20+ citizens has been very busy. These individuals meet monthly to discuss how best to help the Louisville Community achieve its full potential ,while making use of the considerable informational offerings of AARP. Individually and in smaller sub-teams the LCT has led or arranged over 100 community presentations on Fraud and Scams, Preparing to Care, and Finance and Retirement. The group organized a successful event for 600 around the appearance of Frank Abagnale, the subject of the movie “Catch Me If You Can”. Additionally, the LCT has led events to provide recognition to members of the faith community (The Real Possibilities Faith Awards), to offer support and revitalization to the family caregiver (The Caring for The Caregiver Day), and to show appreciation for female veterans. The team is represented on various groups such as the Regional Mobility Council and has taken an ever-increasing role in supporting the attainment of Livable Communities goals for the city. The LCT provides opportunities for personal renewal and just plain old FUN by supporting and arranging Movies for Grownups, ice cream socials, a writing seminar, and a tech usage session. New activities for upcoming months include a coffee and muffin convo on hearing and loss, and a bourbon tasting experience. All the activities of the Louisville Team are open to AARP members and guests. Check out Louisville activities at www.aarp.org/Louisville to learn more.
Sep/Oct 2018
Kentucky Kernels
Lexington Week of Valor
Page 3 Phyllis Abbott
Lady Veterans Connect and Veterans Resources United of Central/Southeastern Kentucky will be hosting a Week of Valor with the following events scheduled: November 2 – November 3 –
Mayor’s proclamation Military Appreciation Day at the Kentucky vs. Georgia game
November 4 –
5-K Run at the VA hospital Leestown campus to raise funds for the Fisher House that will be built on the campus
November 5 –
Military Missions will have an event to prepare packages for Christmas for our military serving overseas Benchmark Mortgage will be hosting an event, details still being confirmed Coven Haven Cemetery Service Women Veterans Appreciation Dinner Veterans Day parade followed by Resource Fair and Festival at the Robert Stevens Courthouse plaza an event at Veterans Park – details still being confirmed
November 8 – November 9 – November 9 – November 10 – November 11 –
Additionally, Camp Nelson will have their memorial service on November 11th at 11:00 a.m. AARP Kentucky volunteers in Lexington are again supporting the Veterans Resources United of Central/ Southeastern Kentucky (VRUCK) Week of Valor in November. In addition, Lady Veterans Connect Executing Director Phyllis Abbot will be a special AARP Kentucky guest at the September Welcome Home Veterans Celebration in Clarksville, TN. AARP Kentucky will provide VRUCK with fraud and scam prevention resources (Operation Protect Veterans) for veterans and their families, as well as active members of the United States Armed Services, National Guard, and their families. To find out more information about Lady Veterans Connect, or the planned Week of Valor events, visit their website at http://ladyveteransconnect.org/ or email info@ladyveteransconnect.org.
Lexington Smooth Jazz Festival
Scott Wegenast
Even in the rain, AARP volunteers shined at the Annual Lexington Smooth Jazz Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park. AARP Members received a deep discount on tickets at one of the largest Jazz Festival’s in the region from the State Office’s second year of sponsorship. Lexington’s Smooth Jazz Festival was a success due to the leadership and countless hours of organizing by volunteer leaders. Executive Council Member (KY-06) Dr. Merrylyn Moran Smith coordinated the volunteer team members and was supported (in the rain) at the Festival by State Director Ron Bridges. Dr. Smith strategically selected local community influencers and leaders as KYSO’s special guests at the AARP table. AARP members saw the best of local volunteers in action and enjoyed some of the nation’s finest smooth jazz performers – up close and personal.
Seeking Volunteers Statewide AARP Kentucky 10401 Linn Station Road, Suite 121 Louisville, KY 40223 1-866-295-7275 Staff: Ron Bridges — State Director Tihisha Rawlins — ASD Grassroots Initiatives Scott Wegenast — ASD Advocacy & Outreach Eric Evans — ASD Advocacy & Outreach TBD — ASD Communications Rachel Fautz — Sr. Operations Associate Aneshia Gray — Sr. Program Assistant
The AARP Tax Aide team for Kentucky needs volunteers interested in helping prepare tax returns for low to middle income and senior taxpayers this coming tax season. All training and materials are provided. Positions available include tax preparers, office volunteers, client facilitators, technical coordinators, leaders/managers/supervisors. Our tax preparation service is available to everyone of all ages. AARP membership is not required. If you or anyone you know, friends, neighbors, relatives, etc. may be interested please have them go the following link and complete the interest application. A Tax Aide volunteer will contact you with additional information about the program to help you decide if you would like to give us a hand and be part of the team this season. https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/ aarp_taxaide/.
Essential Tax Dates www.youtube.com/AARPKY @aarpky
facebook.com/aarpkentucky
Becky Klusch
Dick Trowbridge
Three important events are coming in September and October. First, if you make estimated payments, your third estimate is due on September 15. Second, if you took an extension for your 2017
return, it is due on October 15. The third are the Tax-Aide information/orientation sessions planned for this fall. These sessions are for those interested in learning more and possibly helping with this vital service to the community at large in Louisville. More volunteers are needed to continue providing this expanding service to the community. A major advantage is the short span of service involved; about 10-11 weeks with one or more four hour shifts each week February – mid-April. Five options are available in Louisville; each will last about an hour: Fri., Sep. 28 @ 10:00 AM; Mon., Oct. 15 @ 1:30 PM and @ 5:30 PM; Fri., Oct. 26 @ 1:00 PM, and Mon., Nov 5 @ 1:30 PM. All will be held at the AARP Kentucky office on Linn Station Road. Similar events are held throughout the commonwealth. Complete training is provided for volunteer counselor/ preparers starting in November with an introduction to using the TaxSlayer software, provided via the IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. Detailed face -to-face classes will meet in January for both counselors and greeters. All tests are “open book”. Much of the training is available online. Those interested in volunteering in Louisville can find general information at www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org, via phone 502-394-3443 or via email to LouTaxAide@gmail.com.
AARP Volunteers Receive Special Recognition
Aneshia Gray
Congratulations to Rob Schmitt (Louisville Community Team), Phyllis Abbott (Lexington Community Team), Carol Grange (Lexington Chapter), and Bertha Daniels (Jenny Wiley Chapter) for their nominations for the 2018 Andrus Award for Community Service. All were nominated for the outstanding work they do outside of and with AARP. Thank you for all you do to better the lives of Kentuckians! The Andrus Award is AARP’s most prestigious volunteer award given to one volunteer in states across the nation. All Kentucky nominees received a certificate mailed to their home. Our 2018 award recipient and runner-up will be recognized in October. Look for an announcement of the winners in the next newsletter.