My Journals (8)
AARP Coffees
Learn more about I-155 Montana Healthy Kids Initiative
May 2 Kalispell 1 pm Library
May 8 Missoula 4 pm Library
May 12 Browning 10 am Eagle Shield Community Center
May 13 Great Falls 1 PM
MSU Great Falls College of Technology
2100 16 Ave South
Room B139
Library
May 14 Billings 1:30 pm Library
May 15 Bozeman 10 am Library
Questions call Claudia 457-4705 or The Mitchell Group 449-7303
Added: May 9, 2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2008
CONTACT
Al Ward
(406)457-4703
AARP’s Andrus Legacy Award Presentation to Broadwater High School in Townsend, Montana.
Townsend — As part of AARP’s celebration of it’s 50th Anniversary, it will be giving the Andrus Legacy Award for Innovation to Broadwater High School in Townsend, Montana. This award is named after AARP’s Founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus who founded the National Retired Teacher’s Association in 1947 and AARP in 1958. The award includes a $10,000 honorarium to the school.
Broadwater High School was chosen from 18 schools in Montana that applied. It was a very difficult decision as there were some very innovative programs. The selection committee was made up of representatives from AARP, the Montana Retired Educator’s Association, the Office of Public Instruction, Montana Educator’s Association/Montana Federation of Teachers, and the Montana Indian Educator’s Association.
Broadwater High School won the award as a result of the creation of KDGZ (K-Dogs), 98.3 FM radio that is licensed to, and operated by, the Townsend School District. As a school project and educational tool, the students and staff bring you music, lunch menus, community events, original student writings/reading and sporting events. The station is also used by the local Department of Emergency Services as a direct and immediate link to the public in the event of an emergency.
KDGZ went on the air October 6, 2005. The school radio station was conceived and created as an educational tool and communication center for the rural community of Broadwater County. Prior to the radio station, there was no way to directly communicate with the majority of the population within the county, especially in the event of an emergency. The radio station, through the effort of students, teachers and staff is keeping the community informed, involved and connected to one another.
As an educational tool the high school uses the station to provide students with hands on, real-life experience in radio broadcasting. At the same time students learn and gain valuable job, business and communication skills. Students, taking a semester long radio class, learn the art and business of broadcasting as they record school and community messages, design programming, learn about the technology and programs involved in radio and the business aspects of running a station. The students, teachers and staff record ALL the radio messages that play on KDGZ 98.3 and keep and maintain all the files and business records related to the station. Teachers also use the radio as a venue to promote their class lessons and their students.
The radio station is used to promote events (including live sports broadcasts) and to pass on information to students, parents and the community. Community groups are using the station as a venue to communicate with each other on events, election information, project recognition and city/county government notifications. The station conception and creation was a collaborative effort between the high school and the local Disaster & Emergency Services (DES) and the station is the primary means of communicating with the public in the event of an emergency.
AARP will be providing a social hour with Birthday Cake for the 50th Anniversary of AARP served at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8 at the Broadwater School Community Library, 201 N. Spruce Street in Townsend. The presentation will take place at the School Board Meeting which is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the same location
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Added: April 24, 2008
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Views: 78 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
AARP Coffees
Learn more about I-155 Montana Healthy Kids Initiative
May 2 Kalispell 1 pm Library
May 8 Missoula 4 pm Library
May 12 Browning 10 am Eagle Shield Community Center
May 13 Great Falls 1 pm Library
May 14 Billings 1:30 pm Library
May 15 Bozeman 10 am Library
Questions call Claudia 457-4705 or The Mitchell Group 449-7303
Added: April 24, 2008
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Views: 53 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
The health care system is a top domestic concern in America. So what is the future of care for our elders?
You are invited to join AARP and the Governor’s Conference on Aging for a free forum on:
Future Choices and Trends
in Long Term Care:
National and Montana PerspectivesBonnie Cramer, AARP National Board Member, will provide a glimpse at the possible future of long term care in America. Ms. Cramer will be joined by Rose Hughes, Executive Director of the Montana Health Care Association and Mike Hanshew, Director of Policy for Consumer Direct Personal Care. The presentation will provide a Montana perspective on the future of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, homecare and community based services. This forum will we part of the annual Governor’s Conference on Aging that is celebrating it’s 40th year in providing education to Montana senior advocates and providers of care to senior citizens.
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
Location: Red Lion Colonial Hotel, 2301 Colonial Dr., Helena
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - PLEASE JOIN US
AARP’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Governor’s Conference on Aging
Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus lived her life by the motto, “To serve, not to be served,” which remains the AARP motto. She founded the organization on the principles of collective purpose, collective voice, and collective purchasing power.
Please join us in celebrating
50 years of championing these principles.
(Cake and coffee will be served immediately following the free presentation at 10 a.m.)
Added: April 24, 2008
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Views: 63 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
Update on State Individual Income Tax
By the Montana Department of Revenue
Highlights for the 2007 Tax Year
Here are a few new items for tax year 2007 that may interest you.
• Toll Free Number: This year, the Montana Department of Revenue is offering a toll free number. You may call us for assistance at 1-866-859-2254 during business hours. If you are calling from the Helena area, please dial 444-6900.
• Direct Internet Filing: Three of our forms—Form 2EC, Form 2EZ and Form 2M—may be electronically filed on our website at no cost to you. Please log onto mt.gov/revenue for more information regarding this simple, secure and convenient way to file your state income tax return.
• Homeowner Income Tax Credit for Property Taxes: A refundable income tax credit of $140 is available for property taxes paid in 2007 for your principal residence, if you meet certain qualifications. If you are not required to file a Montana tax return, you may file Form PTC on its own.
Although there are similarities, this state income tax credit should not be confused with the $400 property tax refund issued to eligible homeowners for property taxes paid in 2006 (or earlier years, in some cases).
Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit
We encourage you to see if you qualify for the popular Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit. This program, in existence since 1981, assists elderly property owners and renters by providing a tax credit if certain requirements are met.
You may be eligible for a refundable tax credit of up to $1,000 if:
· You are age 62 or older;
· You have resided in Montana for at least 9 months during the year;
· You occupied a Montana residence for at least 6 months during the year; and
· Your gross income is less than $45,000.
You will need to use Form 2EC to claim the credit. The form should be filed with your Montana tax return (Form 2 or Form 2M). If you are not required to file a Montana tax return, you can file Form 2EC on its own.
Beginning this year, you may file Form 2EC electronically on the Montana Department of Revenue’s website…at no cost to you. We encourage you to try electronic filing. It’s simple, convenient and secure.
If you have questions on your state income taxes, please visit our website at mt.gov/revenue. Under “FAQs about Individual Income Tax”, click on Senior Citizens for additional information regarding age-related tax issues as well as available tax breaks. Or call us toll-free at 1-866-859-2254 (in Helena 444-6900).
Added: March 4, 2008
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Views: 262 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
Stay Fit To Drive
Wayne Vandeberg
We’ve had a month to incorporate our New Year’s resolutions into our daily regimen. Many of us resolved to improve our health, lose a little weight or get regular exercise-in short to enhance our quality of life. For many a quality life includes driving an automobile for maintaining our independence and social activities and going where we want when we want. Statistics indicate that many older drivers will outlive their ability to drive. In order to continue to drive safely, it’s a good idea to resolve to make driving fitness a goal and a priority.
Driving is a demanding and complex activity. The physical and mental changes associated with aging will affect our ability to see and analyze traffic conditions, react appropriately, and have the physical ability to maintain control of our vehicle.
Most of the information we need for driving comes though our eyes and there are many vision changes that might come with age: less resistance to glare, decreased depth perception and peripheral vision, and not seeing as well in low light conditions. Continued driving fitness requires regular eye exams, and prevention or control of conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration . Proper mirror adjustment, glancing over the shoulder when changing lanes, and avoiding night driving are some of the ways to adapt to vision changes.
Reacting quickly and staying mentally sharp are critical to driving fitness and safety. Reaction time decreases with age so it becomes more important to keep a safe distance from vehicles around us and scan the whole traffic scene to anticipate the unexpected. Proper rest, knowing the affects of our medications, and avoiding alcohol help us stay sharp behind the wheel. We can keep our brains fit and flexible with puzzles, classes, volunteering, dancing or any number of fun and productive activities.
Driving is a physical activity requiring strength and flexibility to turn, shift, accelerate, brake, glance over the shoulder and handle switches, dials and turn signals. Regular medical check-ups, exercise and stretching can help us maintain or increase our strength and flexibility, prevent or postpone disabling conditions and increase our endurance.
So let’s make a belated New Year’s resolution to get and stay fit for safe driving in order to maintain our independence and quality of life. AARP Driver Safety classes cover these topics and many safe driving strategies. For local class information call 1-888-AARP NOW (888-227-7669) or visit www.aarp.org/states/mt and click on Driver Safety Course. The 8 hour class has a fee of $10.00 and auto insurance companies in Montana provide a multiyear discount for course graduates.
Added: February 10, 2008
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Views: 307 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
WINTER DRIVING
Wayne Vandeberg
The days are beginning to get longer but we still have nearly twelve weeks before the arrival of spring. Icy, snow covered roads and adverse weather conditions are not exclusive to winter in Montana and storms over the past month have already tested our driving skills. The following common sense precautions are always worth a review.
Your automobile owner’s manual is a good source of information about your vehicle’s driving characteristics. Front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, full or part-time all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, and traction control are some of the possible features that affect your car’s handling. The owner’s manual should have tips and advice on the proper operation of your automobile in adverse conditions.
Having your vehicle in good repair is especially important in cold weather. A breakdown in extreme cold weather could not only be uncomfortable but life threatening. A full tank of gas can provide a warm, idling car if you get stuck or stranded. In this situation keep the tailpipe clear of accumulating snow and crack a window to eliminate carbon monoxide from accumulating in case of an exhaust leak.
Make sure your battery, belts and charging system are working properly. A weak battery won’t have sufficient cranking power on the days the temperature drops below zero. Wiper blades should be replaced if old or worn. Winter blades are available and have a rubber covering that is supposed to keep snow and ice from accumulating on the blade. A full reservoir of all-season windshield wiper fluid is important in keeping a clear view on sloppy, dirty winter roads. Emergency supplies for winter travel might include extra coats, hats and gloves, blankets, drinking water, energy or snack bars. a small shovel and traction sand
Accelerate, turn and brake slowly and gently. Bridges and shaded areas may be icy when the rest of the road is clear. Don’t use cruise control when the roads are wet or where there may be the possibility of slippery conditions or glare ice. Slow down and increase the distance between you and the car you are following. Keep as much space as possible from the cars around you. Even if you are driving in complete control, other drivers are not always driving with the same caution.
Even as we continue to enjoy our winter wonderland and begin to think spring, monthly AARP Driver Safety classes address pertinent driving concerns and provide practical tips to refresh and maintain our driving skills. For local class information call 1-888-AARP NOW (888-227-7669) or visit www.aarp.org/states/mt and click on Driver Safety Course. The 8 hour class has a fee of $10.00 and auto insurance companies in Montana provide a multiyear discount for course graduates.
Added: February 10, 2008
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Views: 288 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2008
CONTACT
Bob Bartholomew
(406) 457-4701
AARP Welcomes Senate’s Inclusion of Older Americans in Economic Stimulus Package
Bipartisan package includes older Americans in rebate program
AARP
ATTENTION NEWS DESKS: AARP is recording House and Senate roll call votes on key issues throughout the 110th Congress, and informing its 39 million members of the results of these key votes.
SUMMARY: By an overwhelming majority, the U.S. Senate yesterday passed an amendment to the economic stimulus package that will provide stimulus support to approximately 20 million older Americans who depend primarily on Social Security. This vote was a critical step toward passing a fair and targeted stimulus package that would put money into the hands of people who will quickly put it into the economy and provide support to those who need it most.
The amended stimulus package would provide a $300 rebate check to any American with $3000 of qualifying income – including Social Security income – in 2007, and up to $600 for individuals who pay income taxes. Rebates would be doubled for married couples filing jointly, and families would receive an additional $300 per child under age 17. It would also count veterans’ disability payments as qualified income, extending rebate eligibility for up to 250,000 disabled veterans.
|
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VOTED YES TO GIVE REBATES TO OLDER AMERICANS |
VOTED NO |
|
Baucus, Max |
Yes |
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Tester, Jon |
Yes |
|
*Did not vote
** How a legislator votes on issues is only one factor in evaluating his or her legislative performance, which should also include such things as constituency services and committee work.
“AARP applauds Senators Baucus and Senator Tester for voting to include older Americans in the stimulus package,” said Bob Bartholomew, State Director, AARP Montana. “They understand that Americans of all ages are feeling financial pressure and can play a role in stimulating the economy. This bipartisan package is timely and targeted – putting money in the hands of people who will spend it quickly and providing support to those who need it most. We look forward to the President’s signature on the final package.”
AARP has supported a stimulus package that includes older Americans with an aggressive campaign on Capitol Hill and through grassroots volunteers, who have contacted the Senate with more than 220,000 emails and phone calls.
AARP notified the 110th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its 39 million members and reporting the outcomes of these votes back to its members. “We believe people make the right choices when they understand the issues and position taken by their elected officials. AARP intends to ensure that its members get that information,” Bob Bartholomew concluded.
Added: February 10, 2008
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Views: 328 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
