Message from State President
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2003-08-18 16:18:47
In Wyoming we take seriously the challenge of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, "To make retirement successful, you need only to remember to retire not from, but to service."
Consequently, we like to boast about the network of volunteers who serve their communities and less fortunate seniors, and support programs throughout the state.
You will find a trained cadre of volunteers is prepared to in-service seniors on the choices which they will need to make on the Medicare Part D program. Enrollment began on Nov. 15 and runs through May 16, 2006. These same volunteers are prepared to explain the benefits of achieving long-term solvency within the Social Security program.
AARP remains active in the political arena within our state, acting as the voice of seniors and consumers. Consumer fraud continues to be monitored along with the regulation of utilities. Volunteers play key roles in the successes we have experienced.
Communities around Wyoming host their own local organizations known as AARP Chapters. Members within these local organizations enjoy new friendships and meaningfully work together to serve their communities. Find a chapter near you.
In 2006, AARP Wyoming plans to continue work started two years ago to look at the rapidly increasing number of state residents age 50 and older.
Through the Ahead of the Curve project, AARP and Gov. Dave Freudenthal have gathered the state's leaders to discuss how to ensure that Wyoming's Baby Boomers, who want or need to continue working, can do so in a meaningful way. Plus, we will continue a project started by a dedicated AARP volunteer last year to educate fellow members on how to protect their identities, including which documents to shred and when to shred them. If you would like to hold something similar in your community or if you have an idea for a project, please let us know.
AARP also takes time to look at the light side of life. Each year we gather to celebrate with our annual "AARP Day at the Rodeo" during Cheyenne Frontier Days. Our state has hosted the National Senior Spelling Bee since its inception 11 years ago. The annual Wyoming Senior Olympics, to be held during the summer of 2006 in Gillette, has been supported by AARP to emphasize the importance of promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles.
Does any of the above look appealing to you?
Please call the AARP Wyoming office at 1-866-663-3290 to learn how you might be of service to your state and its communities.
Les Engelter
AARP Wyoming State President
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