AARP Online Community: AARPGA - My Journals & Blogs

March 22 Career Fair in Atlanta for Older Workers

In an effort to step up its drive to assist workers 50+ struggling during this time of high unemployment around the country, AARP is sponsoring a major career fair in Atlanta on March 22. The event will be held at the Fox Theater from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is one of 48 career fairs in 19 states that AARP is holding around the country this year.

In Atlanta, the Career Fair will feature:

Workshops to help job seekers present themselves at their best.
Career and resume counselors to provide one-on-one suggestions
Counselors to provide prospective entrepreneurs with crucial tips
Winning Wardrobe show to highlight proper interview attire
Access to an online jobs database
Interviewing employers

AARP is hosting the career fairs in collaboration with The Employment Guide, a leading national marketing services company that hosts job fairs nationwide. Job seekers may register at www.aarp.org/realrelief or call toll-free 1-888-321-5349.

Added: March 16, 2010
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AARP Offers Webinar Series to Help Job Seekers

AARP is offering webinars throughout 2010 to help you succeed in your job search. At www.aarp.org/jobwebinars, you can register for upcoming webinars, learn about upcoming events and view a recorded version of a past webinar.

Upcoming webinars include:

March 24, 2 to 3 p.m. Networking 2010: Make Connections to Find a Job.

Most job seekers know that networking is important, but many are unsure of where to start or how to do it effectively. Successful networkers use a combination of in-person and online approaches to build relationships and find a job. At this webinar, you’ll learn:

· Practical tips to expand your personal network, make new contacts and reactivate old ones;

· Step-by-step guidance on how to use major online social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook as part of your job search.

June 17, 2 to 3 p.m. Refresh Your Resume for Today’s Job Market

If your resume isn’t getting the attention you want, perhaps it is time to update it. This webinar shows you how to sharpen your resume so that it stands out, which is difficult to do in today’s job market. Learn how to:

· Choose the right resume for the job;

· Focus on accomplishments rather than job duties;

· Deal with age, dates and employment gaps.

Sept. 14, 2 to 3 p.m. Promote Yourself with a Personal Brand

What makes you unique among your peers? What have you achieved that makes you a valuable asset to an employer? A personal brand will help define the product that is you. This webinar explains how to apply commercial branding techniques to find a job or build your business. You’ll learn how to:

· Identify your unique strengths and skills;

· Increase your visibility in a competitive market;

· Show your value to potential employers.

Dec. 9, 2 to 3 p.m. Hot Jobs: Where They Are and How to Find Them

At this AARP members-only webinar, employment experts will help you find out which industries, occupations and types of employers have the most job openings – and which don’t. Learn how to use your job hunting skills to latch onto more possibilities for getting hired. You’ll learn:

· Tips for using job boards and mistakes to avoid;

· How to use social networks to find job prospects;

· How to match your skills to available jobs.

For more information, go to www.aarp.org/jobwebinars.

Added: March 12, 2010
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Lois Ricci, executive council member

Lois J. Ricci is an executive council member with a mission.

A long-time AARP volunteer, Lois was a facilitator /instructor for AARP’s Wise Use of Medicines Program, The Caregiver Support Program, and the 50+ worker Project. Each of these programs provided a valuable tool for the aging population and older adults.

“I was disappointed to see programs like medicine use and care giving removed from AARP’s state agenda, and I would like to see these and other quality programs return,” Lois said. “As a new member of the executive council, I hope to contribute to creating an agenda that will address health and wellness in aging and revisit some of the excellent education programs developed by AARP.”

Lois's interest in caregiving and healthy, quality aging is a natural outgrowth of her l ong-time professional involvement in aging issues. She is a geriatric nurse practitioner and holds masters degrees in gerontology and nursing education, and a doctorate in adult education. She has spent more than 35 years working in hospitals and academia in the field of aging.

Lois now is an education coordinator for the Institute of Gerontology at the University of Georgia, where she develops and teaches education and wellness programs for older adults and for people who work with older adults. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Kennesaw State University where she teaches the Professional Development in Gerontology Certificate class.

Lois was the interventionist on a Tai Chi/Education study at Emory University, which was funded by a federal grant aimed at reducing falls in the frail elderly population. She was the education coordinator for the Emory University Center for Health in Aging until its closing in February 2007.

Are you interested in tapping into Lois’s store of information on aging issues? She’s planning to write a series of articles on current gerontology issues, which will soon be posted on www.aarp.org/ga.

Added: March 10, 2010
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Miss Dee, Executive Council Member

Delores J. Anderson

For Delores (Miss Dee) Anderson, service work has been a way of life. So, when an AARP member asked her to volunteer, she saw it as a “way to find out what you do.”

The founder of Abba House Outreach Ministries, Inc. (AHOM) in Lithonia, Miss Dee brings a host of skills to AARP’s executive board, including team-building expertise, management of non-profits, staff development guidance and a strong work ethic.

AHOM sees its mission as serving, strengthening and support Georgia’s families and youth in crisis situations. It “advocates providing families with skills and services that will strengthen relationships and a sense of community.”

Miss Dee’s faith-inspired outreach led her to her first in-depth encounter with AARP’s own community involvement.

Her interest began with a simple trip to a health mobile unit, which provided basic health service measures like blood pressure checks. The Walgreen’s mobile unit was sponsored by AARP.

“Everyone treated us so well,” said Miss Dee, adding that she also received information on AARP’s other services.

Miss Dee initially was recruited to help with AARP’s continuing outreach into the African American community, and because of her volunteer work there, she was encouraged to apply for a position on the executive council by AARP staff.

As a member of the executive council, Miss Dee will be looking for opportunities to reach diverse audiences. “It’s another opportunity to see what input the people can have into shaping the policies of the state, including health care reform, and policies that affect all AARP member services”

While she believes that her participation on the Executive Council will enable her to develop her skills in new ways, she is also convinced that AARP will benefit as well. In particular, she thinks that her experience in team-building and as a trainer of culturally diverse audiences and her ability to connect with others will be important as AARP continues its outreach into all aging groups throughout Georgia.

For Miss Dee, AARP is what a service organization should be. “It’s got the community outreach in Create the Good, the advocacy, the services and it’s been around a long time.” “Seize the moment and grow wherever you are planted.”

Click here to watch Miss Dee share her views about the benefits of AARP.

Added: March 8, 2010
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Rep. Houston talks to 2,700 Georgia members about caregiving

State Rep. Penny Houston of Nashville, GA, spoke March 4 to approximately 2,700 AARP members in Georgia in a tele-town hall, discussing the current state budget crunch and funding for caregiver support.

Rep. Houston spoke briefly to the listeners before taking a series of calls and hearing the stories of caregivers who benefited from state-funded caregiver assistance.

Home and Community Based Services help individuals in need of long term care remain at home or in the community rather than being admitted to a nursing home. Often, a person needs just a little help to stay independent as they age. Examples of Home and Community Based Services include meals on wheels, caregiver support services such as respite care, in-home personal care and adult day care.

AARP supports funding these services because its members say they would prefer to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. State funded services that help an individual stay at home cost a fraction of what it would take to care for that same individual in a nursing home.

The state budget proposed by Gov. Sonny Perdue cuts some of these important home and community based services. Rep. Houston is the chairman of the House legislative subcommittee that deals with the funding of aging services and has been very open to discussing these issues with AARP and its members.

AARP has established a toll-free number, 800-511-6259, for the public to express its views on the issue of care-giver assistance.

Added: March 5, 2010
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AARP Georgia state president outlines 2010 priorities

Rick D’Arezzo, state president of AARP Georgia, talks about the top state issues in 2010 top state issues in 2010 and describes how members can become more involved in volunteering. Throughout the year, Rick will be outlining AARP Georgia’s key issues and opportunities in a series of videos.

To receive notifications whenever Rick adds a new video, become a friend of AARP Georgia.

Added: February 23, 2010
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AARP Georgia state president outlines 2010 priorities

Rick D’Arezzo, state president of AARP Georgia, talks about the top state issues in 2010 top state issues in 2010 and describes how members can become more involved in volunteering. Throughout the year, Rick will be outlining AARP Georgia’s key issues and opportunities in a series of videos.

To receive notifications whenever Rick adds a new video, become a friend of AARP Georgia.

Added: February 23, 2010
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AARP Georgia Announces New Volunteer Leadership

AARP Georgia has four new Executive Council members, including:

Delores (Miss Dee) Anderson , the founder of Abba House Outreach Ministries in Lithonia. Miss Dee brings a host of skills to AARP’s executive board, including team-building expertise, management of non-profits, staff development guidance and a strong work ethic.

Norman L. Michaels Jr. currently serves as the executive director of the Augusta Land Bank Authority, tasked with revitalizing the inner city by turning non-taxing-producing properties into revenue sources. Unassuming and quiet, he brings a wealth of experience to AARP’s Executive Council, including board experience with the JayCees, the Urban League and in “organizations large and small,” said Norman.

Barry W. Reid is the former administrator of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs, serving under four governors will overseeing numerous consumer protection programs mandated by law. He also provided leadership in the continuing legislative development of state policy for consumer protection.

Lois J. Ricci is a long-time AARP volunteer with a strong interest in caregiving issues. Her interest in caregiving is a natural outgrowth of her lifelong involvement in aging issues. She is a geriatric nurse practitioner and holds masters degrees in gerontology and nursing eduction, and a doctorate in adult education. She has spent more than 30 years working in hospitals and academia in the field of aging.

The four join continuing board members President Rick D’Arezzo, Robert Willis and Charlie Mendoza.

Now on Twitter, Facebook

Follow AARP Georgia on Facebook or Twitter.

In addition to its online communities, AARP Georgia will be posting information about its activities, plus real-time updates from the Georgia Legislature. Please consider following us and posting your own comments.

Added: February 10, 2010
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Update on Creating Livable Communities

Officials of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) gave an update on key lifelong housing initiatives to about 40 members of The Atlanta 50 + Housing Council on Feb. 4. AARP sponsored the meeting.

The talks first outlined the issue: The over-50 population is continuing to grow rapidly. While current over-50 residents in the Atlanta metro area numbered about 1 in 10 in 2000, that ratio is expected to change to 1 in 5 by 2030.

As the population ages, housing needs are expected to change, too. More seniors will want to downsize, while some will need to upgrade their current residence to meet their reduced physical abilities. Ancillary issues include the need to provide adequate transportation for aging drivers and easy access to stores, medical facilities and religious organizations.

Last year, ARC hosted a charrette, a planning session that considered how to make redevelopments more suitable for an aging population. Redesign plans for six sites was drafted, and they can be reviewed at www.atlantaregional.com/lifelong. The sites all make use of livable communities principles, known for walkable neighborhoods, ready access to stores and services, and a variety of housing options.

On Feb. 4, ARC officials gave an update on one of the projects, in Mableton in Cobb County, which is on a fast track to completion. Laura Keyes, ARC’s manager in charge of their Lifelong Communities Program, also outlined efforts being made in DeKalb County to incorporate lifelong communities principles into the planning and zoning process.

To assess the walkability of neighborhoods, Keyes suggested that walkscore.com will provide basic data on the availability of goods and services for any address.

For more information on the housing council, contact Betsy L. Sheppard at www.bsheppardconsulting.com.

Added: February 4, 2010
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PSC Approves Backdoor Rate Increase for AGL Customers

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) on Jan. 19, 2010 approved an extension of a natural gas surcharge that, all told, will cost Atlanta Gas Light customers nearly half a billion dollars over a 15-year period. After approving the initial STRIDE proposal in late 2009, the Commission by a 4 to 1 vote approved a joint proposal by SCANA and AGL called i-CGP, or the Integrated Customer Growth Program.

AARP, which opposed both surcharges, argued that the newest surcharge would unduly harm existing AGL customers and that the Commission already had rules in place to help the company expand its pipeline infrastructure and attract new customers. AARP also asserted that the existing rules could accomplish this expansion in a way that better balanced the economic interests of existing and new customers.

"Plain and simple, this new proposal forces existing customers to subsidize new customers and developers," said Will Phillips, associate state director for AARP. "It shifts more costs to AGL customers at a time when most can least afford it. In a tough economy - not to mention an expensive heating season - this new surcharge is a bad idea," Phillips concluded.

AARP is challenging the initial decision in Fulton Co. Superior Court because the PSC denied its 1 million Georgia members the right to examine fully Atlanta Gas Light’s proposal. AARP is also contending that the original proposal itself is a backdoor attempt to avoid the rigorous review process generally required for rate increases.

Added: January 20, 2010
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