AARP Fully Involved in Fancy Farm Picnic

Source: AARP.org | September 22, 2003

AARP Fully Involved in Fancy Farm Picnic

The day started with bells from St. Jerome Catholic Church pealing 10 times and the voice of a bingo caller saying: "under the B 29." Thousands of Kentuckians poured into the small town of Fancy Farm for the 123rd annual Fancy Farm Picnic. This unofficial start to the Fall election campaigns is held every year on the first Saturday in August. A heavier than usual crowd came this year because this year we elect a new governor and other people who will run the state for the next four years.

In the middle of the activity AARP Kentucky volunteers and staff worked hard to ensure that the concerns of the state's aging and disabled community are high on the political agenda. We asked for:

• A Person-Centered Funding waiver under Medicaid that will let persons remain in their homes with the assisted care services they require
• Restoration and protection of services available to older adults such as Senior Center Programs, Adult Day Centers, Home Delivered Meals and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program
• Expanded prescription drug coverage under Medicaid to cover more Kentuckians until the federal government passes a prescription program under Medicare

Adding to the fun of the day—in the middle of the barbecue, bingo and games—were the barbs tossed between the Democrats and Republicans. Each praised their own stand while faulting the other's ability to run the state government. But there was agreement on our issues by gubernatorial hopefuls, Democrat Ben Chandler and Republican Ernie Fletcher. Chandler promised to "bring down the cost of healthcare" and Fletcher vowed to "take care of Kentucky's senior citizens." Both candidates responded to our 2003 AARP Voters Guide and gave support to the three proposals listed above. Find more information on the upcoming elections and the voters guides.

AARP Kentucky volunteers will stay active through the rest of the campaign as the AARP Voter Express travels to fairs, festivals and meetings throughout the Commonwealth until Election Day, Nov. 4. We will also be registering voters, providing information on absentee ballots and urging people to "Get Out The Vote!"